US07749338B2
The present invention provides high burring, high strength steel sheet excellent in softening resistance of the weld heat affected zone and a method of production of the same, that is, high burring, high strength steel sheet excellent in softening resistance of the weld heat affected zone containing, by wt %, C: 0.01 to 0.1%, Si: 0.01 to 2%, Mn: 0.05 to 3%, P≦0.1%, S≦0.03%, Al: 0.005 to 1%, N: 0.0005 to 0.005%, and Ti: 0.05 to 0.5% and further containing C, S, N, Ti, Cr, and Mo in ranges satisfying 0%
US07749335B2
A drawer-type dishwasher includes a tub having front, rear, bottom and opposing side walls that collectively define a washing chamber and a lid shiftably mounted relative to the tub for selectively closing the washing chamber. A dispenser is mounted to one of the front, rear and opposing side walls and includes a detergent storage portion that is selectively exposed to release detergent into the washing chamber. The lid includes a dispenser rinse system having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, with the outlet portion guiding a flow of water from the lid onto the dispenser to wash out the detergent storage portion and fill the washing chamber. The outlet portion is preferably provided with a shaped contour and a wall that ensures that the all detergent is washed out from the dispenser.
US07749330B2
A method and apparatus provide for automatically cleaning and decontaminating medical instruments. The method comprising the steps of: a) placing the medical instruments into a container after their use in a medical procedure; b) closing the container to seal the instruments inside whereby to prevent personnel contact with the instruments and any contaminants which might be thereon; c) inserting the sealed container into a washer/decontaminator and sealing the washer/decontaminator; d) the washer/decontaminator automatically opening the container and applying a washing fluid thereto to wash the instruments within the container; and e) the washer/decontaminator automatically applying a disinfectant to the container to disinfect the instruments whereby to allow safe handling thereof by personnel.
US07749326B2
Provided is a chemical vapor deposition apparatus including a reaction chamber; a susceptor that is provided in the reaction chamber and has a plurality of wafers mounted thereon; a rotation driving unit that rotates the susceptor; a gas inlet that is provided in the reaction chamber and introduces reaction gas into the reaction chamber from the outside of the reaction chamber; a gas outlet that is provided in the reaction chamber and discharges the reaction gas, of which the reaction is finished, from the inside of the reaction chamber along the rotation-axis direction of the susceptor; and a variable gas-flow adjusting unit that is provided between the gas inlet and the gas outlet and is formed by superimposing a plurality of gas jetting plates having a plurality of holes.
US07749316B2
The present invention relates to a water dispersion for ink-jet printing, including a colorant, particles (A) (except for pigments) having a refractive index of 1.0 to 2.2, and a nonionic organic compound containing a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, and exhibiting a solubility of 1 g or less in 100 g of water as measured at 25° C., as well as a water based ink containing the water dispersion. There are provided a water-based ink for ink-jet printing which can exhibit a high optical density upon one-pass printing on plain papers and, therefore, is suitable for high-speed printing, as well as a water dispersion used in the water-based ink.
US07749315B2
Disclosed is a phase change ink composition comprising a phase change ink carrier and a compound of the formula and dimers thereof, wherein R, R2, X and Z are as described herein.
US07749306B2
A method of restarting a TSA apparatus includes, in the case where the TSA apparatus was stopped when or after when a temperature of a purge gas which flows out from a first adsorption column (5a) during a regeneration process became a peak temperature, in the first adsorption column (5a), closing an entrance valve, an exit valve, and an atmosphere-releasing valve; in a second adsorption column (5b) during an adsorption process, closing an entrance valve and an exit valve and opening an atmosphere-releasing valve so as to release a gas in the opposite direction to feed air flow, followed by closing the atmosphere-releasing valve; pressurizing, just before a restart, the second adsorption column (5b) with feed air to a pressure necessary for the adsorption process; and performing, after the restart, the regeneration process and the adsorption process continuously from the time point of stopping the TSA apparatus.
US07749303B2
A method is provided for indicating the useful service life of a gas filtration and purification system comprising steps of embedding two or more mass-responsive electronic sensors (e.g., surface acoustic wave devices) in a sorbent bed of a filtration cartridge, wherein the mass-responsive electronic sensors are coated with a non-conductive absorptive organic polymer; passing a gas containing a volatile chemical of interest through the filtration cartridge and in contact with the two mass-responsive electronic sensors; and measuring a difference in an electronic property between the two mass-responsive electronic sensors. In such a manner, the two mass-responsive electronic sensors act as internal references with respect to each other, thereby eliminating variations in temperature, interferents, pressure, and the like. When the volatile compound is no longer retained by the sorbent bed, a difference electronic properties of the mass-responsive sensors indicates that the filtration cartridge should be replaced.
US07749301B2
The process for converting a copper sulphide matte to blister copper, is achieved by adding the copper sulphide matte and flux to a suitable agitated slag phase; and injecting, from a discharge tip at the lower end of a top-submerged lance, an oxidizing gas suitable for reacting with the matte to produce blister copper which forms or adds to a continuous blister copper phase below the slag phase. The lance tip is located within the slag phase at a depth enabling the injected gas to agitate the slag phase, and to react with copper sulphide matte dispersed therein, while precluding a substantial proportion of the gas from contacting the continuous blister copper phase.
US07749293B2
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a dirt inlet, a handle, at least a first cleaning stage comprising a plurality of cyclones in parallel and a plurality of dirt collection chambers that are emptied concurrently wherein the plurality of cyclones and the plurality of dirt collection chambers are removable as a unit from the surface cleaning apparatus, and an air flow motor.
US07749286B2
A composition for dyeing keratin fibers that contains 0.1 to 30 percent of at least one substantially pure plant dye material obtained using solvent or supercritical CO2 extraction, combined with 0.01 to 5 percent of active metal in a metal or mineral salt capable of acting as a mordant as a two-part hair color system.
US07749285B2
A process for coloring and permanently shaping keratin fibers especially human hair comprising applying to the human hair: (a) an aqueous coloring composition based on at least one oxidative dye precursor and optionally at least one coupling substance but not comprising any direct dye is mixed with a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent and applied onto hair and rinsed off from hair with water after processing 5 to 45 min at a temperature of 20 to 45° C. and towel dried, (b) placing the towel dried hair on curlers, (c) applying an aqueous composition comprising at least one reducing agent and rinsed off from hair with water after a processing time of 2 to 30 min at ambient temperature and towel dried, (d) applying a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent and processed for 2 to 15 min and optionally rinsed off from hair with water and optionally towel dried, and (e) applying an aqueous oxidative coloring composition based on at least one oxidative dye precursor and optionally at least one coupling substance is mixed with a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent and rinsed off from hair with water after processing 5 to 45 min at a temperature of 20 to 45° C., towel dried and dried with a dryer or left to dry in the air.
US07749280B2
A urethral prosthesis with prostatic and bulbar segments connected by two types of ties allows the prosthesis to assume at least two configurations different with inter-segmental distances adapted to situations where the patient either has or does not have normal control of the external sphincter. This is particularly useful for a patient undergoing an anesthetic procedure that affects the external sphincter muscles. When the muscles are anesthetized, the prosthesis may provide constant urine voiding, and when the anesthetic effects wear off, the prosthesis may assume a different configuration to allow the sphincter to reassert control over urinary voiding.
US07749276B2
A surgical kit includes an orthopaedic implant, an orthropaedic trial and a bone protector. All three components have bone-contacting surfaces sized and shaped to be placed against a resected bone surface. The orthopaedic implant and trial are thicker than the bone protector. The bone protector has a flat bearing surface while the implant and trial have curved articulating surfaces. In use, the bone protector is temporarily mounted on the resected bone surface to cover and protect the resected bone surface while other bones of the joint are resected. A retractor can be placed against the bone protector and used as a lever to move other bones of the joint for greater access during surgery. The bone protector serves as the fulcrum of the lever and protects the resected bone from damage. The kit, bone protector and method should be useful in minimally invasive total joint arthroplasty.
US07749269B2
Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for implanting a vertebral body spacer. A lateral surgical approach is contemplated with some disclosed procedures. Instruments of some embodiments are insertable into a disc space to achieve distraction, to determine a desired disc space height, and to select a corresponding implant.
US07749264B2
Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, an endoprosthesis includes a first portion having a first width, and a second portion having a second width different than the first width, wherein the first and second portions have different grain sizes.
US07749262B2
An intraluminal stent, an intraluminal stent delivery system, and a method of treating a vascular condition. The stent includes a framework with a plurality of flap portions projecting substantially beyond a central core region. The flap portions are movable from a compressed position and an extended position when the stent is deployed. The system includes a catheter and the intraluminal stent. The method includes positioning an intraluminal stent within a vessel. A plurality of flap portions of the stent is extended from a compressed position into contact with the vessel.
US07749260B2
Devices and methods for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is a compact hand held device that can be safely used by those suffering from skin conditions, such as acne, warts, cold blisters, blemished skin, or fine wrinkles. The devices described herein employ the application of heat for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions. Typically, the peak temperatures employed are about 70° C. to about 400° C. by the devices, are achieved in less than about 1 second, and maintained for less than about 1 second. In some embodiments, the skin surface is heated with heat pulses. Thermal conduction transfers heat from the device to the skin and causes a biological response that accelerates acne clearing, treats blemished skin, itching, or fine wrinkles. The total heat transferred is low enough to prevent burns.
US07749258B2
A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for receiving a rod, the receiving part has a first bore coaxial with a longitudinal axis and a second bore, and an anchoring element having a first end for insertion into the bone and a second end positionable within a second bore, the anchoring element being movable relative to the receiving part in limited angular range about the longitudinal axis, the angles lying in a single plane. The bone anchoring device further includes a fixation element cooperating with the receiving part to lock the anchoring element relative to the receiving part. The anchoring element is pivotable relative to the receiving part around one rotational axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.
US07749254B2
A slit valve (10) for use with an inflatable medical device having a flange surface (12) with an opening therein. The slit valve (10) has a valve body (14) connected to the flange surface (12) and a chamber formed in the valve body (14) for accepting an inflation tube (34) inserted through the opening in the flange surface (12). The slit valve (10) has a concave section at one or both ends, which are connected by a slit (24) formed in the valve body (14).
US07749253B2
A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.
US07749247B2
A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in a tissue with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament or other mechanism connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide for automatic tamping and/or cinching of the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic tamping and/or cinching is facilitated by a coil transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping and/or cinching force.
US07749233B2
The present invention is a one or two-part sleeve assembly for use during minimally invasive spinal stabilization surgery. An outer sleeve is designed to slide over the coupling between a polyaxial screw and an inner sleeve so as to prevent the screw from becoming disengaged from the inner sleeve during surgery. The outer sleeve includes a lower generally cylindrical wall having a slot, and an upper extension having an outwardly protruding manipulation handle attached to it. The slot in the lower section extends the entire length of the cylindrical wall, giving it a generally “C” shaped cross section. This slot corresponds with a similar slot on the inner sleeve for receiving a stabilizing rod to be attached to the polyaxial screw during surgery. The interior diameter of the lower section is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the inner sleeve, so that the outer sleeve may slide snugly over the inner sleeve and the screw coupling. In addition, the edges of the cylindrical wall adjacent to the longitudinal slot are flattened so as to conform to the shape of the inner sleeve and the head portion of the polyaxial screw where it couples with the inner sleeve.
US07749231B2
Instruments and techniques separate or spread adjacent bony structures by inserting a distal spreader assembly into the space between the adjacent bony structures and actuating the spreading members with a proximal actuator assembly.
US07749229B1
A method is provided for performing total knee arthroplasty. The method includes making a primary incision near the knee joint of a leg of a patient and cutting medial and lateral condyles of the femur of the leg to create at least one femoral cut surface. The method also includes moving a femoral component of a total knee implant through the primary incision and positioning the femoral component with respect to the at least one femoral cut surface. The primary incision has a length of less than thirteen (13) centimeters.
US07749224B2
An external fixation system for a joint having a first and second bone and defining an anatomical axis of rotation is provided. The fixation system can include a proximal frame couplable to the first bone and a distal frame couplable to the second bone. A first connector can include a first member pivotally coupled to a second member at a first pivot axis. A second connector can include a third member pivotally coupled to a fourth member at a second pivot axis. The first and second connectors are mountable between the proximal and distal frames at a location such that the first and second pivot axes are coaxial with the anatomical axis of rotation.
US07749215B1
A method for delivering a cell to a heart of a patient comprises the steps of providing an apparatus for intracardiac drug administration comprising a catheter wherein the catheter has at least one position sensor which generates signals responsive to the position of a catheter and a drug delivery device for delivering the cell. The catheter is inserted into a chamber of the heart at a site and the cell is delivered to the site with the drug delivery device in response to the signals from the position sensor. Typical cells useful for delivery are either myoblasts or myocytes. These cells may be utilized as either an expression vector for promoting angiogenesis or for cell transplantation and fusion through myogenesis.
US07749211B2
An absorbent garment includes a chassis having first and second layers and an elastic core sandwiched therebetween. The chassis defines front and rear body panels each having elastic regions exhibiting a substantially permanent deformation of at least about 10% when elongated 80% for a period of 30 minutes at 37° C. and 60% relative humidity and then allowed to relax under a zero applied force. An absorbent composite is coupled to the chassis.
US07749205B2
A wearer wears a urine receptacle in which a urine absorbent material 3 is housed in a substantially rectangular, non-breathable, liquid-impermeable outer sheet having a U-shaped cross-section, and the surface of the urine absorbent material is covered with a hard-breathable, liquid permeable top sheet. Urine is discharged from a urine drainage port formed on the bottom surface of the outer sheet to a sealed urine tank by a vacuum pump through urine drainage tubes.
US07749202B2
A plunger tip for being located on a distal end of a syringe plunger and for sliding sealed engagement with an interior surface of a syringe barrel includes a core constructed of a generally rigid material. The core has a first end for being secured to the plunger, a second end and an endless sidewall between the first and second ends. An elastomeric sleeve at least partially surrounds the endless sidewall of the core.
US07749197B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods and devices for providing percutaneous access to a tissue. In one exemplary embodiment, a PEG tube is provided having an elongate member with a proximal end adapted to be positioned adjacent to a tissue surface, a distal end adapted to be inserted through tissue, and an inner lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends and adapted to allow fluid flow there through. The PEG tube can also include an electrically actuatable element coupled to the distal end of the elongate member and configured to change dimensionally upon delivery of electrical energy thereto. In use, the electrically actuatable element can be adapted to expand to engage tissue and secure the distal end of the PEG tube to the tissue.
US07749194B2
Certain exemplary embodiments comprise can comprise an auto-injector, which can comprise: a vial configured to store and/or contain an injectable medicament, the vial defining a vial longitudinal axis, and a housing comprising the vial. In various embodiments, the injectable medicament can be a medicine, medication, drug, pharmaceutical, prescriptive, agent, antidote, anti-venom, hormone, stimulant, vasodilator, anesthetic, and/or nutritional supplement that is substantially ready for injection.
US07749193B2
A venous port for withdrawal of fluid in which one or more extensions are provided which can selectively extend to remove impediments from an aperture of the port.
US07749190B2
An automatic medicament injector having a compartment for a dry medicament component and a compartment for a wet medicament component. The two compartments are separated by a seal structure that converts from a sealing condition to a mixing condition when the device is activated. The seal structure includes a wiper that scrapes the interior walls in the dry component compartment to prevent the dry component from accumulating at the seal/glass interface. A tapered insert funnels the mixed medicament components to an attached needle assembly, but can be removed when the device is filled. A filter is provided between the medicament compartments and the needle assembly. A chamber between the filter and the needle allows for better flow through the filter. An actuation assembly drives the seal structure into the mixing condition and forces the mixed medicament through the needle and into the user.
US07749183B2
A patella protector assembly for use with an orthopedic device, wherein the patella protector assembly has a central shell, an upper shell slidably connected to the central shell, and a lower shell slidably connected to the central shell. The central shell includes a main shell and a flexible perimeter edge portion surrounding at least a section of the perimeter of the main shell. The perimeter edge portion has greater flexibility than the main shell. The upper and lower shells are arranged pivotally and telescopically relative to the central shell such that the central, upper and lower shells together form a continuous shell without gaps therebetween.
US07749182B2
One embodiment of an orthopedic support for supporting a joint of a wearer includes a sheet of flexible material having a proximal edge and a distal edge configured to extend at least partially around a portion of a wearer's anatomy and a pair of opposing lateral edges configured to at least partially enclose the portion of the wearer's anatomy. The support also includes a plurality of stays each secured to the sheet of material and configured to be positioned adjacent to a portion of the wearer's anatomy. In addition, the support includes at least one slotted connector interconnecting at least a pair of the stays, wherein each of the stays is configured to pivot and slide within the slotted connector.
US07749181B2
A patellofemoral brace including a buttress for supporting a wearer's patella is provided. The patellofemoral brace includes an elastic sleeve that is easy to apply to the wearer's leg and easy to remove from the wearer's leg. The sleeve includes distinct bands of material so that end bands are substantially rotationally independent of a central band. The end bands resist translation along and rotation about the wearer's leg. The brace further includes a tensioning strap that lies across the buttress to further support the buttress and the wearer's patella. A portion of the tensioning strap is constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer, so that the strap provides firmer support to the buttress than a fabric strap, but is more comfortable and more evenly supports the buttress than a hard, inelastic strap.
US07749179B2
The invention provides, in various embodiments, devices and methods for supporting an injured arm. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to adjustable sling assemblies.
US07749168B2
Medical examination and/or treatment system having a catheter (1) with a sensor (3, 4) connected to an image recording system, said sensor being connected to an image processing unit (24, 25) for evaluating the sensor signals recorded in an examination area, a display unit (26) for displaying the images (12) of the image processing unit (24, 25) and a means for detecting the position and/or orientation of the catheter tip, whereby the system can generate three-dimensional images from the two-dimensional images (12) of the image recording system based on the detected position and/or direction of the catheter tip.
US07749165B2
An apparatus and methods to quantify the volume of urine in a human bladder with a limited number of acoustic beams is disclosed. In a first version a plurality of narrow ultrasound beams is transmitted in different directions towards the bladder. Returning echoes are converted to digital form and stored in memory. A volume display on the apparatus allows to define the optimal apposition of the transducer assembly. Signal processing software automatically determines the bladder Depth D and Height H and computes the volume of urine. In a second version, a single wide angle ultrasound beam transducer transmits ultrasounds signals at a fundamental frequency to quantify the urine volume. Return signals originating from a depth beyond the usual position of the posterior wall depth of a filled bladder are analyzed for presence of higher harmonic signals, which in turn are related to the presence or absence of urine.
US07749161B2
A seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures includes a seal cap having an iris seal positioned within a housing. The housing includes a lower seal ring having a track which supports an upper seal ring for relative rotational motion, wherein the iris seal is supported between the upper seal ring and the lower seal ring for rotation between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The seal assembly also includes a retractor extending from the seal cap.
US07749160B2
An endoscope device includes an objective lens group that is provided at a distal end of an insertion portion that is inserted into a lumen of a subject and is used to observe or photograph the subject, and an illumination device that is provided at a distal end of the insertion portion and illuminates the subject using LED. The illumination device is provided with LED chips and an LED chip supporting block that supports these LED chips, and at least a portion of the objective lens group is mounted on the LED supporting block.
US07749158B2
An electronic endoscope has a video-scope with an image sensor and a video-processor. The electronic endoscope has a first memory, a second memory, and a program data transmitter. The first memory is provided in the video-scope, and is capable of storing program data associated with an operation of the video-processor. The second memory is provided in the video-processor, and is capable of storing the program data. The program data transmitter according to the present invention is capable of transmitting the program data from the first memory to the second memory in a situation where the video-scope is connected to the video-processor.
US07749156B2
A retractable treatment instrument for an endoscope is provided. The retractable treatment instrument includes a flexible sheath configured such that at least a tip portion thereof is formed of a flexible tube, an operation wire inserted in the flexible sheath so as to be movable along an axial direction of the operation wire in the flexible sheath, and a front-end treatment member attached to a tip of the operation wire. In this structure, the front-end treatment member is movable back and forth along the axial direction with respect to a tip of the flexible sheath. The front-end treatment member has a wide part elongated in a radial direction of the flexible tube to press and broaden the flexible tube from an inside of the flexible tube.
US07749149B2
A miniaturized x-ray apparatus for delivering x-rays to a selected site within a body cavity includes a catheter having at least one lumen and an x-ray transparent window at a distal end thereof; an x-ray source in the lumen adjacent said x-ray transparent window; a movable x-ray shield positioned to direct x-rays from the source through the x-ray transparent window to the selected site.
US07749142B2
A physical therapy apparatus includes a pole, a weighted base, and one or more types of grips. Weights are attached to the pole near the grips to counterbalance gravitational forces on the user and to thereby provide evenly proportioned tension throughout the full range of motion of the apparatus as it is moved. The apparatus may be moved in virtually any direction, providing constant tension for working and stretching muscles to aid in recovery from muscle injuries.
US07749138B2
An integrated folding mechanism of a treadmill having a slide pusher supported by a pneumatic cylinder at the bottom of a platform frame thereof. In this way, the rear support may be pushed upward to bring the platform frame in a vertical stable folding position or in a flat ground-touching position when the platform frame is moved upward and downward. Meanwhile, the rear support is provided with a push rod opposing to the handrail assembly. The push rod is adapted to push a coupling cross shaft having a rotation disc at both sides thereof, respectively. In this way, the handrail assembly fixed coaxially to the rotation discs can be synchronically moved in a flat position or in an upright position.
US07749133B2
A driving device of the invention has a clutch 40 and a continuously variable transmission 50. The clutch 40 couples and decouples a rotating shaft 24 or an output shaft of a motor 30 with and from a driveshaft 22. The continuously variable transmission 50 has an input shaft connected to the rotating shaft 24 and an output shaft connected to the driveshaft 22 via a gear mechanism 52. A spring 36 is attached to a rotor 31 of the motor 30 to apply a pressing force and cause the clutch 40 to couple the rotating shaft 24 with the driveshaft 22 in response to a relatively small output torque of the motor 30. With an increase in output torque of the motor 30, a thrust force produced in the motor 30 moves the rotating shaft 24 against the pressing force of the spring 36 to cause the clutch 40 to decouple the rotating shaft 24 from the driveshaft 22. The output torque of the motor 30 is then transmitted to the driveshaft 22 with a gear change of the continuously variable transmission 50.
US07749131B2
A vehicular drive system includes a standby control apparatus which controls a switch to standby control based on a switching line graph that has a standby region that places a differential state switching device in a state just before it starts to apply. This standby region is located between a differential region and a locked region on the switching line graph. Accordingly, when the differential state switching device enters the standby region from the differential region, it is placed in a state just before it starts to apply. As a result, the differential state switching device is quickly able to have the necessary torque capacity when the engine torque is increased, which suppresses a decrease in the durability of the differential state switching device.
US07749130B2
At the time of a change of a gearshift position SP from a neutral (N) position to a drive (D) position (step S220), when a vehicle speed V is not lower than a preset reference speed Vref1 (step S230: yes), the control procedure of the invention connects a power shaft with a driveshaft and attains an actual gear change of a transmission to a first speed (step S240). The reference speed Vref1 may be set to a slightly higher vehicle speed than an upper limit of a specific vehicle speed range having a potential for over rotation of a first motor by the gear change of the transmission to the first speed. When the vehicle speed V is lower than the preset reference speed Vref1 (step S230: no), on the other hand, the control procedure prohibits the connection of the power shaft with the driveshaft and the actual gear change of the transmission to the first speed. This arrangement desirably prevents the over rotation of the first motor caused by the gear change of the transmission to the first speed in the state that the vehicle speed V is lower than the preset reference speed Vref1.
US07749127B2
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, three fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and with a stationary member, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US07749122B2
An automatic transmission includes a planetary gear arrangement, and a plurality of engaging elements each arranged to vary an engagement state among the rotating elements of the planetary gear arrangement in such a manner to establish a normal gear ratio set and an emergency gear ratio set excluded from the normal gear ratio set. A control section performs the following: selecting a gear from the normal gear ratio set in accordance with a running state of a vehicle under normal operating conditions; controlling the engagement state of each of the engaging elements in such a manner to shift into the selected gear; establishing, when an interlock state is detected, an escape gear by releasing one of the engaging elements needed to be applied to establish the selected gear; and identifying an incorrectly-applied engaging element in accordance with the running state of the vehicle resulting from establishing the escape gear.
US07749120B2
A power transmission belt. The power transmission belt includes the following: a backing layer; a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface joined with the backing layer, the top surface including a plurality of teeth, and the body including a plurality of reinforcing cords positioned between the top and bottom surfaces; and a fabric material having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface at least partially embedded in the top surface of the body, the fabric material being a weft knitted structure having N×N ribs, wherein N is at least 2, and the top surface of the fabric material being at least partially exposed at surfaces of the plurality of teeth.
US07749116B2
The present invention provides a panel of the ball for ball game, said panel has the folding portion and the opposite folding portion on its periphery, which are opposite to each other and made of the same continuous material. The folding portion and the opposite folding portion of said leather panels have the good engaging property and difficult to separate with each other during usage because they are made of the same material. The panel has simple manufacturing process and low production cost, making the ball for ball game comprising above panels have good using properties, simple manufacturing process and low production cost.
US07749113B2
A lacrosse head that is constructed of multiple different materials or components having different strength characteristics with the stronger materials or components located in predetermined locations to provide increased resistance to flex and/or breakage in those areas while allowing desired flex in some areas. The lacrosse head is co-formed of the multiple different materials by such processes as injection molding, gas assist injection molding, compression molding, thermal forming and extrusion such that the multiple different materials are coupled to form a single integrated structure.
US07749112B2
The present invention provides a lacrosse stick (220) comprising a unibody head and shaft construction that increases lacrosse throwing accuracy and power.
US07749111B1
A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, such as a silicone adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from about 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap.
US07749084B2
The present invention is direct to a Live Network Explorer (LNE) which allows users to graphically navigate through a web of interconnected friends on a gaming console. The LNE provides a real-time graphical representation of friend-of-friend relationships, with the currently-viewed user as a visual node in the screen center. The center node is surrounded by nodes representing that user's friends. Real-time animation is used to represent transitions as the user navigates from person to person. The LNE also represents groups as a visual node in this graphically interconnected web so that the user can travel to a group that a person belongs to, and can see all the people inside the group by connections. The user can navigate to any of these people in the group. The user can click on a person to bring up their digital identity details.
US07749075B2
A system for enabling a player to use residual credits on a gaming machine to provide the player with a chance to win a prize. the system includes means for determining a range of values as a function of a jackpot pool to generate randomly an outcome in the range of values, random number generation means for generating the random outcome, means for determining a range of outcome values of the player that provides a chance of the player winning the jackpot pool, and means for determining whether the generated random outcome matches any outcome value of the player.
US07749057B2
In a video game or simulator, suggested speed indicators are computed along a suggested driving line on a path (e.g., a race track) and displayed in a simple, progressive, and user-friendly format. The displayed speed indicators are based on a racer's current speed and target speeds attributed to individual locations along the suggested driving line on the path. The speed indicators provide a dynamic indication of where and how the player should slow down or speed up relative to their current speed as their racer travels along the path. The speed indicators are displayed (e.g., using color to represent different magnitudes of suggested acceleration and deceleration) along the suggested driving line in front of the racer so that the player can anticipate braking and acceleration actions as the path and the racer's speed change.
US07749052B2
One embodiment provides a retaining ring assembly. The retaining ring assembly comprises a retaining ring configured to circumferentially surround and retain the substrate within an inner surface of the retaining ring, and a flexure coupled to the retaining ring. The flexure is configured to maintain a gap between an inner surface of a carrier ring and an outer surface of the retaining ring, and the carrier ring is circumferentially surrounding the retaining ring.
US07749051B2
In the case of a method and an apparatus for manually aligning ophthalmic spectacle lenses (5), in particular semifinished products of progressive lenses, the spectacle lens is held for the purpose of machining the free side of the spectacle lens by a first holder via a connecting material situated therebetween. The holder is inserted into a cutout of a retaining device, the free side being machined. After machining of the free side of the spectacle lens, the first holder is inserted into a cutout of an adapter part that is provided with markings. Thereafter, the spectacle lens is aligned with the aid of the markings of the adapter part, the spectacle lens being held in a second holder via a further connecting material situated therebetween. The second holder is subsequently inserted in the retaining device. Finally, the first holder is removed from the spectacle lens together with the adapter part and the connecting material.
US07749049B2
Fluid jet polishing (FJP) is a method of contouring and polishing a surface of a component by aiming a jet of a slurry of working fluid from a nozzle at the component and eroding the surface to create a desired shape. During erosion, the end of the nozzle and the component are submerged within the working fluid, whereby air is not introduced into the closed loop of working fluid slurry. Any bubbles that are present in the system simply bubble to an air pocket at the top of the erosion chamber and are not re-circulated, thereby producing surfaces with very smooth surface finishes.
US07749045B1
A system and method of conditioning acceleration signals and/or preventing “glitch” actions due to spurious signals, and/or causing termination a competition, and/or disabling a specific contestant in a competition involving remote controlled miniature race vehicles.
US07749034B2
An ergonomic pedaling apparatus for travel in water, enabling a user to practice swimming skills, comprising: an ergonomic supporting body for supporting the upper part of the user's body when frontally mounted over the body, where the body includes a curved triangular structure having three vertices constructed by three connected chassis members; three floatation units each connected to a separate vertex of the body; and a pedaling assembly comprising two scooped pedals enabling the user to progress in water by hand pedaling the pedals. The floatation units include: a first and a second back floatation units each comprising a float, where the floatability of the back floatation units is substantially equal and a third front floatation unit comprising two float parts vertically positioned one on top of the other. The floatability of the combined floats of the third floatation unit may be substantially equal to the floatability of each of the back floatation units.
US07749026B1
This invention relates to an isolator. Primarily, an insulation cover is inserted by a connector being disposed with a plug-in unit. At least one iron core is disposed around a tube at the other end of a connector. A front cover is connected with a fixing seat having a first space and a second space in which first and second ring capacitors are respectively received. An insulation sleeve is arranged between the first and second ring capacitors. One end of each ring capacitor is disposed with a circular spring correspondingly. The other end of the fixing seat is connected to an outer tube, the outer end of which is arranged with a terminal portion with a plug-in unit mounted therein. Thereby the simplified structure of the isolator with an isolated ground effect improves the impedance matching and has properties of better bandwidth flatness, lower insertion loss, and better return loss.
US07749016B2
A lever insertion hole (6) for inserting a lever (5) is provided in a female housing (2). A rib (10) and a flexible lever-holding lock (11) are arranged on the inner wall (6A) of the lever insertion hole (6). The rib (10) enables the lever (5) to be inserted, through a key groove (54) axially provided in the outer peripheral surface of the lever (5), into the female housing (2) only when the lever (5) is at a predetermined rotational position. The rib (10) and the lever-holding lock (11) are together in contact with a wall section (57) of a coming-out prevention groove (56), provided in the lever (5), to hold the lever (5) from coming out.
US07749015B2
An upper panel section includes an inserting hole into which a tip of a longitudinal-type equipment-side connector that is mounted on a PCB of an equipment at right angle and includes a spring section formed on its lateral surface is inserted. A foot section supports the upper panel section on the PCB. An inner circumference of the inserting hole has a shape surrounding substantially an entire circumference of the tip of the equipment-side connector. The foot section is provided at a position that opens up the lateral surface of the longitudinal-type equipment-side connector on which the spring section of the equipment-side connector is formed.
US07749011B2
A floating connector adapted for use with microwave surgical instruments is presented. The disclosure provides for the use of cost-effective and readily available non-floating connectors in a floating housing which can compensate for dimensional variations and misalignments between the connectors. Multiple connectors of varying types can therefore be used within a single support housing without requiring the costly precision manufacturing processes normally associated with such multiple connector assemblies. The floating connector is suitable for use with electrical connections as well as fluidic connections.
US07749005B2
Breaker switch includes connector, socket, and surrounding housings. The connector housing has contacts and a blocking lever. The socket housing has sockets and a gear rack. An operating lever has a gear mounted to the connector housing and engaged to the gear rack to mount the connector and socket housings such that the connector housing is movable relative to the socket housing between starting and final positions. In the starting position the connector and socket housings disengage such that the contacts and sockets disengage. In the final position the connector and socket housings engage such that the contacts and sockets engage. In the starting and final positions the blocking lever engages the gear to maintain the position of the connector housing. The surrounding housing is connected to the socket housing and has a control edge that releases the blocking lever from the gear to enable the connector housing to move.
US07749004B2
An electrical connector assembly includes a plug assembly for mating with a header. The plug assembly includes a plug housing and a lever, where the lever includes gear teeth which cooperate with a tooth on the header in a rack and pinion fashion. The lever is locked to the plug housing when the lever is poised for the plug housing to be inserted into the header. A release member on the header releases the lever from the locked position allowing the lever to be rotated to the position where the lever gear teeth mesh with the header tooth, to draw the plug assembly into the header.
US07748997B2
A receptacle assembly for an electrical connector is provided. The assembly includes a housing, a plurality of electrical contacts and a shield. The housing includes a mating end and a mounting end that are orthogonal to each other. The mating end of the housing is elongated along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The electrical contacts are held by the housing and extend between a mating end presented at the mating end of the housing and a mounting end configured to be mounted to a circuit board. The shield has a mating interface elongated along a longitudinal axis. The shield is configured to receive the electrical connector. The housing and the contacts are located within the shield. The longitudinal axes of the housing and the mating interface are orthogonal to the circuit board.
US07748989B2
A conductive-contact holder base accommodates at least a signal conductive-contact that is a conductive contact for performing input and output of a signal for a predetermined circuit configuration and a ground conductive-contact that is a conductive contact for supplying a ground potential to the predetermined circuit configuration. A holder base is formed of a conductive material, including a first opening for accommodating the signal conductive-contact; and a second opening for accommodating the ground conductive-contact while maintaining an electrical connection with the ground conductive-contact. An insulating member covers an inner surface of the first opening.
US07748982B2
A dental attachment includes a magnet element delivering a magnetic attraction force, a yoke made of a soft magnetic material and having a recess for housing the magnet element, and a disc consisting of the soft magnetic material and joined to the yoke so as to close the opening of the recess with the magnet element housed in the recess. The yoke has an almost disc shape and has collars protruding radially outwardly from the outer peripheral surface thereof. The collars are formed to be separated in at least two locations in a substantially peripheral direction, and non-protruding portions having radially outward projection amounts of zero or up to 50% of the maximum projection amount at the collars are provided between respective collars.
US07748980B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing specifically metered doses of at least two flowable dental materials in desired ratios to one another. In particular, the present invention allows for controlled metering and dispensing of two or more flowable dental substances which when subsequently mixed form a dental bonding composition, dental adhesive, dental cement, or other dental restorative or preparative materials. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention utilizes a multi-rack system as well as a drive spring action to provide a substantial mechanical advantage to the user such that a relatively long throw of the dispensing button creates a relatively short, metered distance of movement of the multiple racks and corresponding pistons in the each lumen of a cartridge containing the component of the desired dental composition, allowing for small, metered doses of each flowable dental component to be dispensed from the apparatus in the proper proportions.
US07748976B2
A burner-based exhaust gas generation system, for producing exhaust gas, typically for use in testing exhaust system devices. Post-burner exhaust gas is recirculated back to a main exhaust line, and used for purposes such as cooling or enhancing the burner output.
US07748975B2
The present invention relates to a molding die for molding a hollow molding article, including: a pin plate having an inflow port for molding material, a tubular bushing forming a molding path continued from the inflow port, an outlet of the die positioned in the extending direction of the molding path, a conical pin provided perpendicularly to the pin plate and disposed inside the molding path, a gap, that is continuous in the longitudinal direction, being provided between an inner wall surface of the molding path and an outer surface of the conical pin, an adjusting device for adjusting a width of a standard annular gap when a gap formed between a specified position in the longitudinal direction of the molding path and the outer surface of the conical pin opposing to the position.
US07748968B2
In a two-cylinder rotary compressor, two compressing sections accommodated in a compressor body and an accumulator are connected to each other by two suction pipes each formed with an L-shaped bend part in the intermediate pipe part thereof. To reduce a pressure loss caused by the flow resistance of a refrigerant sucked from the accumulator into the compressor, the L-shaped bend parts of the two suction pipes are arranged on different imaginary planes including the center axis line of the compressor body.
US07748964B2
A blood pump apparatus comprises a housing, a centrifugal pump section including an impeller and rotating inside the housing to feed a fluid by a centrifugal force, an impeller rotational torque generation section for attracting thereto said impeller and rotating said impeller; and a plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing provided on an inner surface of said housing at a side of said impeller rotational torque generation section, each of the grooves for hydrodynamic bearing having a first side and a second side both extending from a periphery of said portion in which a groove for hydrodynamic bearing is formed toward a central side thereof and opposed to each other, a third side connecting one end of said first side and one end of said second side to each other, and a fourth side connecting said other end of said first side and said other end of said second side to each other; said first side and said second side are formed as a circular arc respectively in such a way that centers of said circular arcs are different from each other.
US07748962B2
A fluid handling apparatus includes a body, which comprises a fluid handling structure, and a flexible membrane attached to the body and formed to interact with a fluid in the fluid handling structure, wherein the membrane comprises a first actuation component. A second actuation component is provided, wherein the first and the second actuation component are formed such that the same attract or repel each other in a first positional relationship, in order to actuate the flexible membrane. A driving means is provided to move the body relative to the second actuation component, in order to bring the first and the second actuation component into the first and out of the first positional relationship.
US07748959B1
A turbine disc used in a turbo-pump that is exposed to a large thermal gradient across the sides of the rotor disc. The warm side of the turbine disc is covered by a cover plate that forms a sealed space between the turbine disc and the cover plate, and this space is evacuated or insulated to form a complete vacuum or as near as a complete vacuum as possible. The surfaces of the turbine disc and cover plate that form the vacuum space are also coated with a reflective coating such as with a highly polished surface of low emissivity in order to minimize the radiation heat loss through the vacuum space. The turbine disc can have a cover plate forming a vacuum space or insulated cavity on both sides of the turbine disc. Ribs are also used within the vacuum space as supports for the cover plate due to the difference in pressure from the ambient side and the vacuum.
US07748955B2
A vibration-isolating fixing mechanism for a fan frame. The mechanism, configured to couple the fan frame to first fastening portions of a casing, includes: coupling portions protrudingly disposed on two installation surfaces of the fan frame; positioning brackets each having second fastening portions and through-holes; resilient elements each circumferentially disposed between each coupling portion and each through-hole and extending to two through-hole-corresponding sides of each positioning bracket; and coupling elements coupled to the coupling portions respectively, positioned on one side of each resilient element facing away from the fan frame, and configured to position the positioning brackets and the fan frame relative to one another. Axial vibration isolation is achieved by insertion of the coupling portions into the through-holes circumferentially disposed with the resilient elements and by resilient contact between each resilient element and each coupling element.
US07748954B2
A centrifugal fan includes a space in which the dimension between a shroud-facing wall and a shroud, from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side of the shroud, is substantially uniform, wherein the shroud-facing wall includes a recess extending in the circumferential direction, the recess being disposed at the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral end of the shroud-facing wall forming the space having the uniform dimension so that the recess forms a space larger than the other part.
US07748949B2
A pump unit 12 includes a pump housing 14, a pump cover 16, and an impeller 18 between the pump housing and pump cover. The pump housing and pump cover define a first channel 32 and a second channel 34 each having an inlet and an outlet. The impeller has first vanes 36 cooperating with the first channel and second vanes 38 cooperating with the second channel. The outlet of the second channel is constructed and arranged to provide fuel to an engine upon rotation of the impeller. A jet pump 38 is fluidly connected with the outlet of the first channel such that as the impeller rotates, the jet pump causes fuel to be drawn into the reservoir 37. Connecting structure 44 fluidly connects the first and second channels such that upon rotation of the impeller, fuel in the second channel flows into the first channel to prime the first channel.
US07748948B2
A vortex-flow blower device includes an impeller having a plurality of fins, a blower housing that has a vortex flow chamber for accommodating the impeller and extends from a start point on a side of a the fluid inlet port to an end point on a side of a fluid discharge port along the plurality of fins, a partitioning portion that blocks a communication between the end point and the start point in the vortex flow chamber, and a thermal fuse that is provided in the blower housing. The thermal fuse can be fused by a temperature rise so as to discharge the fluid on the side of the fluid discharge port to an outside, or communicate with the side of the fluid discharge port to the side of the fluid inlet port in the vortex flow chamber when the thermal fuse is fused.
US07748945B2
An apparatus for sealing a turbine against leakage of a working fluid comprising at least one radially displaceable sealing ring, coaxially disposed about a rotating member of the turbine from a stationary member of the turbine, which sealing ring undergoes radial displacements that are coupled to radial displacements of the rotating member, such that a design radial clearance is substantially maintained without damage to the apparatus.
US07748944B2
A method and apparatus for semiconductor processing is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of transporting a wafer within a cluster tool, comprises placing the wafer into a first segment of a vacuum enclosure, the vacuum enclosure being attached to a processing chamber and a factory interface. The wafer is transported to a second segment of the vacuum enclosure using a vertical transport mechanism, wherein the second segment is above or below the first segment.
US07748942B2
In a load port apparatus, a slit is formed between an inner circumferential surface of an opening on a wall of the chamber of the apparatus and an outer circumferential surface of a door. In a predetermined section of the slit, the slit width at the chamber side opening of the slit is made larger than the slit width at other positions with respect to the depth direction of the slit. By this feature, gas flow from the interior of the load port apparatus to the exterior through a clearance formed between the inner surface of the opening that allows to bring wafers out of/into a pod and the door that substantially closes the opening can be made stable.
US07748940B2
An apparatus for perfect binding of unbound print products to form bound print products comprises at least one processing station arranged along a circulating path between a feed station for the unbound print products and a delivery station for the bound print products, and a plurality of clamping devices arranged successively along the circulating path and driven jointly. Each of the clamping devices is adapted to hold at least two of the unbound print products such that the unbound print products face the processing station with overhangs that freely project from the clamping device and form spines of the unbound print products.
US07748932B2
This invention relates to a system and method for use in stabilizing different types of soils and/or creating anchorage and more particularly, to a system and method for injecting various types of solidifying material into a subsurface through a drilling apparatus during the drilling operation. The drilling apparatus may be removable and reusable used to create a micro or mini pile for soil stabilization, or alternatively it can be left in place to be used in conjunction with grout and similar materials for forming an anchor or load carry pier. A solidifying material swivel, a drive connector and a drilling apparatus, in combination are attached to a power drive unit. In one preferred embodiment, the drilling apparatus remains within the soil subsurface, encased in solidifying material. In another preferred embodiment, the drilling apparatus is removed leaving a homogenous pile of solidifying material behind.
US07748929B2
The present invention is directed toward various valving arrangements to control the flow of granular material. In one embodiment, a valve is provided which facilitates flow of the material in one direction, but resists flow in another direction. In another embodiment, a retaining wall is provided with a plurality of generally horizontal passageways, which, under normal circumstances, resist passage of the flowable granular material positioned therebehind and, under modified circumstances, can serve as relief valves to avoid pressure on the wall which might cause the wall to move in an undesirable manner. In a third embodiment, a plurality of valving units is provided for beach retention of sand through efficient separation of sand from incoming waves.
US07748927B2
A watertight manhole insert and tether locking apparatus and method of use designed to prevent unauthorized entry into a sanitary sewer or other closed drainage system through a manhole closed by a manhole cover. The manhole insert is located beneath the manhole cover and is connected to the manhole by a tether apparatus in the manhole to prevent water entry into the manhole, theft of the manhole insert and to deny access to the manhole. The manhole insert includes a pan-shaped insert body having pressure-relief valve and a lift strap and a side wall fitted with a top rim for engaging a shoulder shaped in the manhole, to support the manhole insert in the manhole. In a preferred embodiment one end of a flexible stainless steel tether is connected to the bottom side of the manhole insert and the opposite end extends through a pair of oppositely-disposed anchor rings fixed to the manhole wall beneath the manhole insert and then through an opening in the manhole insert and a locking device on the top of the manhole insert. When the manhole insert is placed in the manhole, the tether is tightened in the anchor rings as it is pulled upwardly through the locking device and is locked at the locking device.
US07748922B2
A ring binder mechanism that retains loose-leaf pages and has ring members that are easy to open and close and that readily lock together when closed. The mechanism comprises a housing that supports two hinge plates for loose pivoting motion. The hinge plate motion moves the ring members between an open position for loading pages and a closed position for retaining pages. A control structure is movable by a lever, which is pivotally mounted on the housing, between a first and second position. In the first position, pivoting motion of the hinge plates is blocked, and in the second position, the hinge plates can freely pivot. In one aspect of the invention, a spring is engageable with the lever for urging the lever to move the control structure toward the first position.
US07748917B2
A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.
US07748916B2
A lens barrel for holding a lens group therein has a body with a peripheral on which an external thread is formed. The external thread has a plurality of turns which are partially interrupted by at least one threadless segment such that the external thread has at least one of the turns completely extending around the periphery of the body. As a result of the threadless segment, the friction which is generated upon screwingly engaging the lens barrel into a coupling socket can be reduced.
US07748913B2
The present invention is a splicing structure of optical fibers for fusing a double clad fiber and a single clad fiber, the splicing structure is provided with a block covering a fusion splicing point of the double clad fiber and the single clad fiber, and which is made of a highly thermal conductive material.
US07748912B2
An optoelectronic device comprises a light source, a generally coplanarly disposed detector, the detector receiving light from the light source, a light conductive inner encapsulate molded around the light source and the detector, an opaque light reflective outer encapsulate molded around and interfaced with a surface of the light conductive inner encapsulate, and a lens disposed above, and in a light path between, the light source and the detector.
US07748905B2
A linear motion rolling guide unit with underside seals not falling away from a slider even when mounting the slider on a track rail. An engaging member comprises a protrusion having two faces extending parallel to the sliding direction of the slider, one facing the track rail and the other facing away the track rail. The protrusion comprises an inner hook protruding toward the track rail and an outer hook protruding in the opposite direction and being out of phase with the inner hook in the sliding direction of the slider, and moves through the fitting hole while being elastically deformed in the process of pressing the engaging member into the fitting hole after the inner hook has been engaged with the fitting hole, and returns to its original shape when the outer hook passes through the fitting hole, whereby the inner and outer hooks hold the underside seal.
US07748893B2
An enclosed magnetic stirring bar arrangement includes a housing formed by front and rear walls interconnected by a peripheral wall, so as to define a substantially hollow interior chamber within said housing. An operational opening is formed within the front wall and at least one discharging aperture is provided in the peripheral wall. A magnetic stirring member is movably positioned within the substantially hollow interior chamber, whereby rotational motion of the magnetic stirring member facilitates entering a liquid into the substantially hollow interior chamber and discharging the liquid from the interior chamber through the at least one discharging aperture.
US07748890B2
A gas processing device for mixing a first gas (H2) and a second gas (air) comprises a flow passage (110) through which the second gas (air) passes, an inflow port (104) for introducing the first gas (H2) in a non-parallel direction to the flow direction of the second gas (air) within the flow passage (110), and a housing (101) for sealing a part of the flow passage (110). The flow passage (110) comprises hole structures (111), through which the second gas (air) and first gas (H2) pass in and out, in at least a part of the region sealed by the housing (101). According to this constitution, the hole structures generate turbulence, and hence the degree of mixing between the first gas (H2) and second gas (air) can be improved, enabling a uniform reduction in the gas concentration.
US07748888B2
A process for stabilizing plaster includes: a) providing a heated HH-plaster; b) feeding the hot plaster in a moistening device having walls heated to at least 100° C.; c) injecting water and/or steam into the moistening device in conditions that such not yet moistened surfaces of the plaster are exposed to the injected water and/or steam; d) maintaining an atmosphere in the moistening device at a level of the dew point in the range of 75 to 99° C.; e) feeding the moistened blend into a curing device; f) maintaining an atmosphere in the curing device above 75° C. for at least 3 minutes; g) feeding the moistened and cured blend into a drying device; and h) drying the moistened and cured blend.Also an apparatus for moistening β-hemihydrate plaster includes a rotating drum with lifting blades inside where all walls in contact with the product are externally heated at a temperature above 100° C.
US07748873B2
The present invention relates to a side illumination lens and a luminescent device using the same, and provides a body, a total reflection surface with a total reflection slope with respect to a central axis of the body, and a linear and/or curved refractive surface(s) formed to extend from a periphery of the total reflection surface; and a luminescent device including the lens. According to the present invention, a lens with total internal reflection surfaces with different slopes, and a linear and/or curved refractive surface(s) allows light emitted forward from a luminescent chip to be guided to a side of the lens. Further, a linear surface(s) formed in a direction perpendicular or parallel to a central axis of a lens and a curved surface are formed on an edge of the lens so that a process of fabricating the lens is facilitated, thereby reducing a defective rate and fabrication costs of the lens.
US07748869B2
A recessed lighting fixture includes a trim member and a light projector accessory having one or more lenses, one or more gobos including an image to be projected, a suitable attachment for the accessory to be attached to the recessed light fixture, and a focusing mechanism for focusing the image projected from the gobo.
US07748867B2
A deflection component for a luminaire is hollow and consists of two sections, of which a first section is parallel to the axis and a second section in contrast runs obliquely outwards.
US07748865B2
A triangular red LED warning device comprises a compact box. A pair of oblique side red LED flashing boards, a base side red LED flashing board and a pair of supporting leg plates. The pair of oblique side red LED flashing boards are connected frictionally by a frictional tightening means at each one end to both ends of the base side red LED flashing board, and their each other ends are also connected detachably by means of an elastic connecting pin at neighborhood of the vertical angle, which is formed by the both oblique side boards. Thus, the triangular red LED flashing board can make various signal forms by frictional rotation and stoppage of the each oblique side board for a suitable degree against gravity, and can be freely folded to be received into a compact box after using.
US07748861B2
A light fixture (10) is provided having a housing (11), a light diffusor (12), a light source (13), and a heating source (14). The housing includes a mounting plate (17) adapted to be mounted to the ceiling of a structure in conventional fashion. The mounting plate includes a radial array of mounting arms (18) which form air intake openings (19) therebetween. The mounting plate is coupled to a tubular flow channel (21) having a central passage (22) extending therethrough. The bottommost portion of the flow channel includes threaded neck (24). A threaded locking plate (28) rotatably mates with the threaded neck. The locking plate includes a radial array of exhaust openings (32) extending therethrough. The heat source includes a heating element (38) and a motorized fan (39).
US07748860B2
The identification device comprises at least one electroluminescent wire that extends along the cable or duct to be identified. The electroluminescent wire is designed to be electrically supplied in a temporary manner, so as to display the path of the cable or duct. This device is applicable to the identification of electrical cables, or pneumatic and hydraulic ducts, or fibre-optic cables or cords.
US07748859B2
A backlight module (1) includes a light source (121), a light guide plate (122) and a grating plate (123). The light guide plate includes a light incident surface (1221), a bottom surface (1223) adjacent the light incident surface. The light source is provided adjacent to the light incident surface of the light guide plate. The grating plate is provided adjacent to the bottom surface of the light guide plate. The grating plate is configured for reflecting light beams and polarizing the light beams.
US07748847B2
Devices, systems, and methods measure, diagnose, and/or treat one or both eyes of a patient. Adaptive optics systems (such as those having a deformable mirror) may be configured to an aspherical or multi-spherical presbyopia-mitigating prescriptive shape to allow objective and/or subjective measurements of a candidate prescription. A plurality of viewing distances allow subjective and/or objective evaluations of performance using a light spot or a test viewing image. Measurements of aberrations at selected viewing conditions (including distances and/or brightness) with correlating pupil sizes may also be provided.
US07748841B1
A side-view mirror attachment for a pair of spectacles constructed of a pair of mirrors each having a hemispherical shape, a center frame that has two opposite ends each fixedly connected to one of the pair of mirrors, and a mounting device for either detachably or permanently mount the attachment to a pair of spectacles.
US07748829B2
A method of printing includes associating a pixel area of a recording medium with a nozzle and a time interval during which a fluid drop ejected from the nozzle can impinge the pixel area of the recording medium. The time interval is divided into a plurality of subintervals. Some of the plurality of subintervals are grouped into blocks. One of two labels is associated with each block. The first label defines a printing drop and the second label defines non-printing drops. No drop forming pulse is associated between subintervals of each block having the first label. A drop forming pulse is associated between each subinterval of each block having the second label. A drop forming pulse is associated between other subintervals between each pair of consecutive blocks. Drops are caused to be ejected from the nozzle based on the associated drop forming pulses.
US07748826B2
A printing head, having symmetrically-arranged ejection openings, can suppress deterioration in image quality as caused by manufacturing errors or problems in mounting accuracy thereof. Specifically, in the case the printing head inclines, for example, by 0.5 degrees at a line connecting corresponding ejection openings of ejection opening arrays relative to the scanning direction, deviations occur in the dots formed through one of the ejection opening arrays with reference to the dots formed through another ejection opening array. However, the deviations can be minimized by arranging adjacently small-ejection opening arrays for cyan and magenta with a spacing reduced between those ejection opening arrays.
US07748822B2
The ink jet printer comprises a printhead (22) movable in front of a printing medium (30) and provided with an ink cartridge (25) integral with it; the cartridge is filled with ink from a main, high capacity tank (35), which is connected at intervals to the cartridge (25) by means of a capillary element. During each connection, the capillary element (101) is brought into contact with the sponge (41) inside the cartridge, while a peristaltic pump (134) mounted integral upon the main tank provides a pressure suitable for generating a sufficient flow of ink to refill the cartridge (25) in a short time frame. To perform the refilling, the cartridge is brought at the end of its stroke into a service station (5) mounted on the body of the main tank (35), which is moved against the cartridge by means of a motor-driven linkage, controlled by a refilling management programme, in response to the signals of a cartridge ink level sensor.
US07748820B2
An image recording apparatus including: an ink-jet head having a plurality of nozzles which are open in a surface thereof so as to provide a nozzle opening surface and through which ink is ejected; and a cap which is operable to cover the nozzle opening surface of the ink-jet head so as to surround the plurality of nozzles and which includes (a) a peripheral portion that comes into close contact with the nozzle opening surface at an end thereof when the cap covers the nozzle opening surface and (b) an outlet formed at a part of the peripheral portion, the part being located at a lower position when the image recording apparatus is kept in a posture for transportation thereof.
US07748814B2
An ink-jet recording apparatus of the present invention records an image on a recording medium by having ink landed on the recording medium. The apparatus includes ink-jet heads, a dot position memory unit, an image data memory unit, a print data generating unit and a head controller. The dot position memory unit stores therein dot positions which include: black dot positions where only ink droplets of black ink are landed and chromatic color dot positions where only ink droplets of chromatic color ink are landed. The head controller causes the ink-jet heads to eject the ink droplets to the dot positions, so that: only the ink droplets of the black ink lands in the black dot positions stored in the dot position memory unit; and only the ink droplets of the chromatic color ink lands in the chromatic color dot positions stored in the dot position memory unit.
US07748809B2
In the ink-jet printing apparatus, the influence of displacements of printing positions caused by the excessive conveyance of a printing medium to the resultant image when the rear end of the printing medium exits from a nip portion between the roller pair in a conveying mechanism. More specifically, in the printing operation for the rear end portion of the printing medium in which the printing medium exits from the roller pair, the guide shaft for supporting the carriage is lifted at a position wherein a head-medium distance is changed to widen a distance between the printing had and the printing medium (S402). Thereby, the displacement of the landing position caused by the excessive conveyance of the printing medium is inconspicuous because of the variations of the landing positions due to the widening of the head-medium distance.
US07748805B2
A support element for use with a refrigerator, the support element having a support surface with a rear edge, at least two support arms located on the support element and being laterally spaced from one another, with the support arms extending rearwardly of the rear edge and being laterally biased.
US07748790B2
A spoked wheel for a bicycle includes a rim, a hub, a plurality of spokes tensioned between the rim and the hub, each provided with a spoke attachment element for attachment to the rim, a plurality of seats, such seats being openings formed in the rim, each for housing one of said spoke attachment elements. The shape and size of the spoke attachment elements and of the seats of the rim are such that: the spoke attachment element is suitable for taking up a first configuration in which its insertion through the seat is possible; and the spoke attachment element once inserted in the seat assumes a second configuration in which it is not possible to remove the spoke attachment element through the seat.
US07748787B2
A seat system for a vehicle and method of manufacturing the same including a seat foam pad having a headrest portion and a backrest portion. A structural support member is included that is formed of a foam material that is at least partially enclosed by the headrest portion and the backrest portion. The seat system also includes a seat frame having the seat foam pad and the structural support member adjacent thereto, wherein the seat foam pad and the structural support member enable the seat system to meet a predetermined structural requirement.
US07748783B2
In order to secure a shape retaining property of a support face of a backrest 1 of a chair, the backrest 1 for chairs comprises frame elements 21 and 22 arranged in pairs at right and left sides, a flexible support member 3 that bridges the frame elements 21 and 22 to support a load of a body of a seated person and an adjust mechanism that can change a bent degree of the support member 3 in multiple states and that can maintain the state against the load of the seated person.
US07748782B2
In accordance with one embodiment, tilt adjustment mechanism mounted on a child safety seat is provided, the tilt adjustment mechanism including: a seat portion having a recess; and a support block pivotally connected to the seat portion having a first protruding portion, the support block being rotated relative to the seat portion between a first position at which the recess of the seat portion is engaged with the first protruding portion of the support block and a second position at which the recess of the seat portion is disengaged from the first protruding portion of the support block for varying an angle between the seat portion and the support block.
US07748781B2
A head and body protection assembly which includes a safety seat shell and a plurality of chambers secured to the shell. A belt which includes a plurality of chambers is placed across the lap or mid section of an individual in the seat. The chambers are inflated to a pre-selected pressure which provides protection of the occupant of the seat from side, rear and frontal impacts. The chambers or pads are inflated or deflated to permit the chambers or pads to be adjusted to the size of the occupant of the seat. The assembly includes a device to indicate the correct inflation pressure. The chambers are fluidly interconnected to distribute fluid throughout the assembly to help absorb the impact of the head of the occupant. The chambers can be filled with an energy absorbing foam.
US07748774B2
Provided is an automotive vehicle body structure which is light weight but demonstrates improved mechanical strength during a frontal or side collision. A pair of front side frames extend in a fore-and-aft direction in a mutually spaced relationship in a front part of a vehicle body, and a pair of floor frames having forward ends joined to rear ends of the corresponding front side frames, respectively, extend in the fore-and-aft direction. A first middle cross member is joined to intermediate parts of the floor frames and to lateral ends of side sills. A front cross member is joined to a front side of the first middle cross member, has a pair of lateral ends that are joined to inboard sides of the corresponding front side frames, and is arch shaped such that a fore-and-aft dimension of the front cross member diminishes from each side end toward a middle part.
US07748767B2
A tonneau cover is mounted to the cargo area of a pickup truck by a hinge mechanism positioned at the forward end of the pickup truck cargo area. The hinge assembly has two major components. The first component is a mounting plate that is affixed to each sidewall of the cargo area near the forward extent of the cargo area. The mounting plate includes an alignment mechanism and a mechanism for clamping the second component onto the mounting plate. The base plate also includes slots for engagement by the clamping mechanism of the mounting plate. The articulating mechanism is configured to open the tonneau cover in a nearly vertical direction initially, prior to rotation of the tonneau cover to an open position. An installer can reach in from the side of the truck cargo area and engage the clamps to secure the removable component to the mounting plate.
US07748763B2
A sliding arrangement (31) for supporting a slide out body member of a slide out on a vehicle body in a way that permits the slide out body member to slide relative to the vehicle body between an expanded and a retracted position. The sliding arrangement (31) includes at least one female member (32) mounted on one of the slide out body member and the vehicle body, the female member (32) having an internal surface defining a passage open at one end. The sliding arrangement (31) further includes a male member (30) slidably received within the open end and passage of the female member (32).
US07748762B2
A console and armrest assembly for a vehicle includes a console base defining a first storage area and a first storage opening for providing access to the first storage area. A first intermediate member is configured to selectively close the first storage area opening. The first intermediate member defines a second storage area in a second storage area opening for providing access to the second storage area. A second intermediate member is configured to selectively close the second storage area opening. The second intermediate member defines a third storage area and a third storage area opening for providing access to the third storage area. An armrest cover is configured to selectively close the third storage area opening.
US07748760B2
A work holding mechanism for horizontally holding a flat work is incorporated in work transport equipment. The holding mechanism includes a base member for supporting the work and a plurality of guide members provided at the base member. Each guide member includes a shaft, a contact portion and a limit portion. The shaft is pivotally supported by the base member. The contact portion comes into contact with part of the lower surface of the perimeter of the work and is pushed down, with the shaft as a fulcrum, when the work is placed on the base member. The limit portion is raised, with the shaft as a fulcrum, to face part of the side surface of the perimeter of the work when the contact portion is lowered.
US07748758B2
A cylinder lock includes a latch retractor housing having inner and outer cover plates, inner and outer drive spindles extending respectively through the inner and outer cover plates, a sleeve surrounding the outer drive spindle and having a flange contacting the outer cover plate, an outer shell surrounding the inner drive spindle and the latch retractor housing, and at least one rigid coupling member or tube disposed within the outer shell and engaging and coupling together the inner and outer cover plates and the flange, thereby reinforcing the outer drive spindle and the latch retractor housing and increasing torsional and compression strengths thereof. A reinforcing ring is further provided to couple the outer drive spindle to the outer handle for reinforcement.
US07748749B2
For connection of pipelines which are subject to vibration, for example pipelines in vehicle exhaust systems, a liquid-tight decoupling element is used which includes a, e.g. multi-layer wound, metal hose and a tube accommodated in coaxial relationship inside or outside of the metal hose. A first axial fitting firmly secures one end of the tube. The tube is sized to protrude into a second axial fitting, regardless whether the metal hose is completely compressed or completely stretched, to allow movement of the tube in axial and torsional directions in relation to the second axial fitting.
US07748747B2
The invention concerns an individualized security document (1) and a method of individualizing a security document. The individualized security document (1) has a number of pages (12 to 15) which are connected together by means of stitching or adhesive. In addition integrated into the security document by means of stitching and adhesive is a single-layer or multi-layer film body (2) which is provided with an individualized optical security element and which is folded in the region of the stitching or adhesive. The fold divides the film body (2) into a first part (21) on which the individualized optical security element is arranged and a second, preferably flap-shaped part (22) which is permanently connected to a plastic body having at least one machine-readable security element, wherein the at least one machine-readable security element has an electronic circuit for RF identification.
US07748744B2
A seat belt apparatus including a seat belt through anchor including a hanging shaft that a seat belt withdrawn from a retractor is hung on. The seat belt anchor also includes an anchor base that supports both ends of the hanging shaft. The anchor base includes a shaft non-rotatably supported by the anchor base at both ends and a tube body rotatably attached outside the shaft. The seat belt through anchor additionally includes a stopping mechanism for preventing rotation of the hanging shaft when a pressing force of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied to the tube body from the seat belt.
US07748743B2
In a method of making a structural or chassis component for a motor vehicle, a blank is provided with at least one material supply in an outer region at a distance to the outer edge to serve as material reserve. The blank is placed in a press tool for shaping the blank into a structural or chassis component by displacing the material supply in a direction of the outer edge and pressing the outer region of the blank against a buttress of the press tool to thereby form the outer region in a recess of the press tool to produce bead.
US07748740B2
A volume-filling mechanical structure includes an air bag cushion, an inflator configured to inflate the air bag cushion, and a celled material expandable from a dormant state to a deployed state. The celled material is operably coupled to the air bag cushion and a vehicle structure, wherein deployment of the air bag cushion causes deployment of the celled material from the dormant state to the deployed state.
US07748738B2
An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a diffuser tethered to the membrane of the cushion. The airbag cushion partially expands when an obstruction is encountered and fully expands when no obstruction is encountered. The tethered diffuser is controlled by expansion of the cushion. This permits the cushion to vary the amount of gas vented from the cushion to adjust for out-of-position conditions and normal restraint conditions.
US07748731B2
In an airbag device, a decorative member is prevented from being scattered with a simple structure at the time of expansion of an airbag. That is, a concave part of the airbag cover (50) on which the decorative member is mounted is connected to an unmoved connection member while freely separable from other portions at the time of expansion of an airbag. To that end, there are formed, on the inner faces of the airbag cover (50), a circular tear line Lc for partitioning the concave part (52) and a plurality of tear lines L1˜4 extending outward from the tear line Lc in the radial direction thereof for forming each of opening pieces (50a). Further, attachment pieces (50b) of respective opening pieces (50a) are fastened to plastic deformable attachment parts of a base plate by screws. With this structure, the concave part of the airbag cover can be immovably held at the time of spread of the airbag.
US07748722B2
A footboard for play, exercise and practice of aerial maneuvers and recreational moves on a jumping device. The footboard is preferably flexible in a variety of directions, but has sufficient firmness so as to allow the board to retain a desired shape. The footboard is attached to the user's feet by a strap system, which holds the user's feet within recesses in the board itself. The footboard is preferably waterproof or water resistant for use on water trampolines, in lakes and swimming pools. Handgrips may be provided at one or more locations of the footboard, which, combined with the flexibility of the board, enhance the moves and style of the practicing foot boarder.
US07748721B2
A supplemental torsion suspension system for a vehicle having primary suspension system is provided along with a method of use thereof. The supplemental system has a rotateable torsion bar and a lever arm extending from the torsion bar for engagement with a control member of the primary suspension system. An actuator is coupled to the torsion bar and is operative to impart selective rotational movement to the torsion bar and the lever arm. A corresponding application of an applied adjustment force is imparted on the member of the primary suspension system through the lever arm of the supplemental suspension system to move and/or maintain the vehicle at a desired ride height.
US07748718B2
An expandable mandrel for holding a part has a shank with inclined radial slots slidably engaged by keys. The keys are coordinated by a collar which engages an extension on each key. A platen affixes to the shank of the mandrel to provide a stop that will index the position of a part mounted onto the mandrel. The platen has radial key passages to allow longitudinal movement of the keys in the slots. The platen preferably has resilient indexing nubs to engage the part. Preferably, the position of the platen on the mandrel can be adjusted by a set screw engaging one of several indexing holes or engaging a longitudinal guide track. For machining in a wet environment, the slots can be provided with longitudinal rails and the keys provided with transverse channels to remove liquid from between the keys and the slots.
US07748711B2
An image forming apparatus includes a first sheet conveying passage that conveys a sheet through an image forming section. A sheet-discharging roller is on an outlet side of the first sheet conveying passage and can rotate in opposite directions. A second sheet conveying passage has an inlet connected to the first sheet conveying passage downstream from the image forming section and an outlet connected to the first sheet conveying passage upstream from the image forming section. A controller controls double-sided printing by causing the sheet-discharging roller to rotate forward to advance the sheet outside the sheet-discharging roller, and then to rotate in reverse to execute a switchback for transporting the sheet to the inlet side of the second sheet conveying passage and then to return the sheet to the upstream of the image forming section. An assisting mechanism adjusts a posture of the sheet to assist the switchback.
US07748701B2
A method and an arrangement for feeding out end sheets from a stack of sheets comprises that a driver acting against the end sheet of the stack (1) first displaces the end sheet in the plane thereof toward a support for elastic bulging of the end sheet, and then displaces the buckled end sheet away from the support, to a separating arrangement for the separation of sheets that unintentionally are accompanying the end sheet (21) fed out. The driver being carried by a spring arrangement, which offers an increasing support force to the driver upon the advancement of the stack by means of a pusher acting against the rear end of the stack. A sensor detects the displacement position of the driver, and activates the driver for a sheet-outfeed operation when the distance sensor detects a displacement position of the driver corresponding to a predetermined abutment force of the driver against the end sheet. Between the sheet-outfeed operations, the pusher is unloaded.
US07748687B2
A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.
US07748684B2
The invention has been made to provide a flow control valve capable of preventing adhesion between a fixed core and a movable core and increasing an attractive force, so that flow control can be performed with high accuracy. In a flow control valve 10, a first fixed core 23a is fixed in an upper part of a coil bobbin 21, a second fixed core 23b is fixed in a lower part of the coil bobbin 21, and the movable core 24 is formed at its lower end with a flange 24a having a diameter larger than an inner diameter of the coil bobbin 21. The movable core 24 is placed inside a cylindrical part 28a of the flared pipe 28 so that a distance D1 between the first fixed core 23a and the movable core 24 is larger than a distance D2 between the flange 24a and a disc part 28b of the flared pipe 28.
US07748678B2
A beverage container is provided for mounting to vehicles such as power boats, sailboats and recreational vehicles. The beverage container holder is adapted for mounting to support platforms on the vehicle which may be any suitable vehicle structure such as the armrest of a chair. The beverage container holder comprises a mounting ring which is first rigidly affixed to the support platform, and further comprises a cylindrical can having an upper circumferential rim which fits over the mounting ring and includes detents that positively lock the rim onto the mounting ring.
US07748669B2
An adjustable holding frame mainly includes a first bar, a second bar and an adjusting means. The second bar has one end fastened to a lump element which is pivotally located in the adjusting means. The adjusting means is mounted onto the first bar and has a helical structure to adjust the position of a seat in the adjusting means. Thereby releasing or fastening of the lump element of the second bar can be controlled to adjust the posture condition of the holding frame.
US07748668B2
An electronic device with an elevating mechanism includes a body and the elevating mechanism connected with the body. The elevating mechanism includes a support base, an elevating element, and a fastening element. The elevating element capable of moving between a first position and a second position relative to the support base is connected with both the support base and the body. The elevating element includes a first wedging component. The fastening element disposed around the second position relative to the support base is rotatable between a third position and a fourth position. The fastening element includes a second wedging component. When the fastening element is rotated to the fourth position, the second wedging component is wedged on the first wedging component for fastening the elevating element at the second position.
US07748667B1
A folding portable laptop computer stand mounts to the bottom of a laptop computer. In folded position, its sides and base parallel the bottom of the computer. The base is flat and sits on the lap of a user, or a desktop. When the sides are unfolded they extend from the base, lift the computer above a user's lap, tilt the keyboard for ease of use and provide space under the computer for a full size mouse pad or stylus drawing pad.
US07748666B2
The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Thus, the arm may be positioned as desired, as such force adjustment stabilizes the arm.
US07748659B2
A wire tensioning arrangement is provided for applying tension in a wire supplied to a wire feeder. The wire tensioning arrangement includes first and second tensioning members positioned on a first axis to receive the wire therebetween. The first and second tensioning members are adapted to engage opposite sides of the wire at a location on the first axis to apply a tensioning force to the wire when the wire is pulled by the wire feeder in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
US07748658B2
A device is provided on a spinning preparation machine for receiving a sliver from a discharge device of the spinning preparation machine and transporting the sliver to a downstream machine, the spinning preparation machine having a depositing region. The device has a support for receiving the sliver deposited from the discharge device in the depositing region, and a moving device for moving the deposited sliver relative to the discharge device in the depositing region for forming a free standing sliver bundle, and for moving the free standing sliver bundle out of the depositing region for transport to a downstream machine.
US07748656B1
A paper shredder blade includes a pair of cylindrical hobs, and each hob includes a polygonal shaft sheathed with many differential blades, allowing the differential blades to be assembled alternately. Each differential blade has two secondary blades, and an inner side of each secondary blade contains many bumps surrounding an inner rim of the secondary blade to increase a thickness and an intensity of the blade. Two abutted secondary blades are formed into one set of differential blade by abutting the bumps with the bumps, to save more than a half of materials of the differential blade, and to reduce a weight correspondingly. A cut-off edge of each secondary blade contains a reinforcing rib, allowing the edge to be thicker than the cut-off edge of an ordinary paper shredder. Therefore, when cutting off paper, the paper will not be jammed easily and can be cut off easily.
US07748655B2
The invention provides a crusher block assembly for a particulate size reduction system including a crusher block having an inboard face configured and adapted to cooperate with a swing hammer in a crusher chamber of a particulate size reduction system to crush particulate, and an outboard face for receiving an adjustment mechanism. The crusher block assembly also includes an adjustment mechanism joined to the outboard face on the crusher block. The adjustment mechanism is configured and adapted to adjust the position of the crusher block along a direction between an inboard location and an outboard location within the crusher chamber. The invention also provides a method of adjusting clearance between a swing hammer and a crusher block in a particulate size reduction system.
US07748652B2
A material spreading drive system for a hopper spreader having a conveyor and a spreader separately driven by two electric motors that are powered directly from the electrical system of the vehicle. The conveyor drive system includes a speed reducing gearbox that can very efficiently transmit power received from the conveyor motor to the conveyor, thus reducing the demand on the electrical system. As a result, the electrical system is capable of also powering a second electric motor that drives the spreader. Due to the improved efficiency of the conveyor belt system, increased conveying and spreading speed are possible as well as independent control over the operating speeds of the conveyor and spreader.
US07748649B2
It is an object to provide a novel water discharging apparatus capable of rapidly enhancing an outer appearance and a cleaning property and enjoying a plurality of water discharging configurations.In order to achieve the object, the water discharging apparatus comprises a hot and cold water mixing portion including a housing to which a cold water supply tube and a hot water supply tube are connected respectively, and a hot and cold water generating portion provided in the housing and serving to mix cold water and hot water which are supplied from the cold water supply tube and the hot water supply tube, thereby generating hot and cold water, and a water discharging portion coupled to the hot and cold water mixing portion and serving to discharge the generated hot and cold water from at least one water discharging nozzle, wherein the housing of the hot and cold water mixing portion is formed longitudinally in a vertical direction and the water discharging portion is coupled to an upper part and/or a lower part of the housing.
US07748644B2
A fuel injector for an internal-combustion engine houses, in a hollow injector body of its own, an injection-control valve, the valve body of which delimits, together with the injector body, an annular chamber designed to receive a fuel under pressure, and insulated in a fluid-tight way by a seal member carried by the valve body and made of plastic material.
US07748642B1
A machine for constructing modular water spray configurations with one or more flexible modules containing one or more conduits, communication between one or more modules and of one or more other modules, structure to interconnect modules, and communication between at least one module and a water source.
US07748641B2
A linking device has a connecting member for connecting a first rotation member and a second rotation member. The connecting member is connected to the first rotation member at a first connecting point and to the second rotation member at a second connecting point. The connecting member includes a thermal deformation absorbing part between the first connecting point and the second connecting point, and is adapted to absorb a change of distance between the first connecting point and the second connecting point due to thermal deformation.
US07748628B2
A system, method and corresponding apparatus are provided for storing, retrieving and delivering unit dose blisters in their natural, raw state (i.e., without over-wrapping or repackaging). In particular, a plurality of unit dose blister mounts are configured to position a corresponding plurality of different types of unit dose blisters in a predetermined, repeatable orientation, so that they can be retrieved and delivered using, for example, an automated retrieval system. The storage apparatus (or unit dose blister mount) may include a cavity that is configured to receive a unit dose medication or medication cavity of the unit dose blister in such a way that the unit dose blister lies substantially flat in the horizontal plane, enabling any identification information displayed on the underside of the unit dose blister (i.e., the side opposite the unit dose medication, or medication cavity) to be viewed.
US07748627B2
A card-sized electronic data storage device including an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The card-sized electronic data storage device includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data. The integrated circuit structure also includes a programmed processor in communication with the storage element. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from an activation module, using the antenna structure. The card-sized electronic data storage device displays the determined graphical indicia on the addressable display assembly. The graphical indicia can represent information relating to many possible objects, including, for example, a financial account, a points-based account, a monetary account, a membership, a promotion service, a travel-related service account, a charge account, a credit account, a debit account, a bonus account, or an identification card.
US07748622B2
To improve upon existing ERP and other business logic handling system implementations, the claimed system and method provides direct customer access to functionality and data available in a merchant's business logic handling system. The claimed method and system includes installing functions of the business logic handling system at a portable computing device provided by the merchant or owned by a customer, and downloading data corresponding to functions installed at the portable computing device. The customer inputs requests to perform functions of the business logic handling system, and the functions are performed at the portable computing device and/or a system server, and the output of the function is displayed to the custom at the device.
US07748617B2
An electronic identification system comprising a system server and a plurality of mobile devices, the system server and the mobile devices being electronically connectable, where the system server contains references to a plurality of subscribers to the system. The system server receives an electronic request message from a remote location to verify an identity, where the request message contains a reference to the requesting remote location and a reference to an identity to be verified. The system server identified the received referenced identity with one of the plurality of mobile devices (the identified mobile platform), and the system server transmits a confirmation message to the identified mobile device, where the confirmation message contains a reference to the requesting remote location and the identity to be verified. The system server receives a verification message from the identified mobile device in response to the confirmation message, where the verification message contains an authorization to confirm/not confirm identification.
US07748616B2
A method for implementing an anonymous face to face or Mail Order Telephone Order credit card transaction by a user who has established a user account associated with a fictitious name. The user generates a valid personal charge number by executing an algorithm in a computer affixed to the electronic credit card that uses a user key and a card number as input variables. A merchant is provided with the valid personal charge number and the fictitious name that is submitted for approval to a credit approval center. The electronic credit card is sized such that a standard magnetic stripe reader can read it.
US07748612B2
A cash dispensing automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user.
US07748611B2
A cash dispensing automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user.
US07748606B2
An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges. The interfitting elements of the hinge extrusions also permit the doors to be installed on their surrounding door frames quickly and easily, and permit one or both of the master loading doors to be quickly and easily removed for service or replacement when necessary.
US07748600B2
The invention provides a process for soldering in the vapor phase in which after the solder has melted onto the item to be soldered a vacuum is generated around the item to be soldered in the vapor phase. Also provided is a device for soldering in the vapor phase comprising a first chamber containing the vapor phase and, inside the first chamber within the vapor phase, a second chamber in which a vacuum can be generated and into which the item to be soldered can be introduced. A third chamber communicates with the first chamber to allow the item to be soldered to be transferred into the first chamber by means of a transporting system. The process and device according to the invention are advantageous in that they ensure soldered joints having a higher quality than those of the prior art.
US07748599B2
The invention provides a wire bonding method which enables formation of a low loop having a height not exceeding two times the wire diameter and secures sufficient pull strength of the wire even with the low loop shape. After having formed a contact-bonded ball at a first bonding point, a capillary moves upward and then toward a second bonding point to press a side surface of an upper portion of the contact-bonded ball, so that a protruded portion is formed on a top portion of the contact-bonded ball on the side of the second bonding point. After having formed the protruded portion of the contact-bonded ball, the capillary moves upward, and then downward while moving toward the second bonding point to press the protruded portion, so that a wire drawing portion for drawing the wire from the top portion of the contact-bonded ball horizontally is formed.
US07748598B2
A method for joining clad metal plates having a protective layer (27), e.g. titanium, and a substrate layer (28), e.g. carbon steel, includes firstly removing margins (29) of protective layer along edges of the clad metal plates to be joined. The substrate layers are then welded together to form an exposed substrate weld (31). Covering material (38) of the same type as the protective layer (27) is then located along the exposed substrate weld (31) to a level substantially flush with an outer surface of the protective layer (27). The substrate layer (28) is heated prior to welding the covering material so that the covering material is pre-stressed when cooled. The method may be used to fabricate reaction vessels having seams that do not stand proud of the remainder of the interior surface of the vessel. The low profile seams are less susceptible to erosion than has been the case in the past so that longer-life vessels can be produced. The invention encompasses vessels such as autoclaves, crucibles and reaction vessels formed of clad plate joined by the method.
US07748596B2
A welding method for manufacturing welded structures having excellent properties to prevent the propagation of brittle fracture occurring in welded joints, characterized by the step of forming a repair weld having a greater toughness than that of a butt weld and an outer edge whose angle φ with respect to the longitudinal direction of the butt weld is not less than 10 degrees and not more than 60 degrees, by applying repair welding to a region to arrest a brittle crack in a butt-welded joint where a brittle crack is likely to propagate after removing part of the butt-welded joint, in said region, by gouging or machining.
US07748583B1
Apparatus 10 for an article holder 26 having opposing pliable arms forming means 32 for attaching the holder to an article of clothing or mounting to a structure using the fastener mounting aperture 36. Depending from the closed distal end of the pliable arms is a cantilevered ring serving as the article holder 26 having a divergent tongue 28 extending therefrom adjacent to the pliable arms with one of the arms having a protrusion forming a support element 42 for the tongue terminus. Once an article, such as a handheld blow dryer 12, is placed therein, the tongue 28 directs the nozzle of the blower away from the user 14.
US07748579B1
A dispensing apparatus (10) includes a container unit (100) and a measuring unit (200) coupled to be angularly displaceable one relative to the other between at least open and closed positions. The container unit (100) includes a base (110) and a first partition (122) substantially enclosing a storage compartment (1100). The first partition (122) is formed with an access opening (1220) communicating with the storage compartment (1100). The measuring unit (200) includes a capsule (210) and a second partition (220) substantially enclosing a metering compartment (2100). The second partition (220) is formed with an access opening (2220) at least partially aligning with the access opening (1220) of the first partition (122) in the open position, whereby a predetermined quantity of material may be displaced into the metering compartment (2100) for subsequent dispensation.
US07748578B2
A pressure control device for maintaining a constant predetermined pressure in a container which is arranged for dispensing a fluid contained in the container from the container at said pressure, the pressure control device comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, as well as at least one closing member movable relative to the second chamber for releasing and closing a fluid connection between the first chamber and the container depending on the position of the closing member relative to the second chamber. The first chamber is filled with a gas which, in use, has a higher pressure than the pressure in the container. The second chamber is located outside the first chamber.
US07748573B2
A coupling mechanism for coupling a nozzle shield to a dispenser housing using interacting hook members and axle members. One of the hook members and axle members is carried by the housing. The member which is carried by the housing is preferably movable between a forward and a rear position as by being slidable relative to the housing and spring biased as to a rear position. In moving the cover from a closed position to a forward position, the hook member and axle member are in engagement with the member which is movable relative to the housing, preferably moved against the spring bias. For removal of the cover, with the cover approximate the closed position, the member which is carried by the housing is moved relative the housing against the spring bias to a forward position in which the hook member may be disengaged from the axle member.
US07748565B2
Described is an automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing toothpaste. The dispensing apparatus comprises a housing having a front portion with a hole therethrough. The housing is capable of holding a tube of toothpaste. A sensor is attached with the housing. A spring is connectable with the housing for compressing the container of the viscous substance. A dispenser head is attached with the housing for attaching with the container of the viscous substance. Additionally, a motor is connected with the sensor and the dispenser head. Thus, a user can activate the sensor by placing an object proximate the sensor to activate the motor so that the motor rotates the dispenser head. In operation, the spring compresses the tube of toothpaste such that the toothpaste is pressed out of the container and through the dispenser head and the hole in the front portion of the housing to be dispensed upon a toothbrush.
US07748564B2
A transfer tool has a transfer tool main body including a case and a transfer head for applying tape. It also may include a cover housing a rotating shaft configured to engage the case and enable the cover to rotate about the rotating shaft such that the transfer head is exposed when the cover is in an open position and the transfer head is covered by the cover in a closed position. The transfer tool also may includes a latching structure for latching the cover and the transfer tool main body. The latching structure may be located proximate to the rotating shaft and may include complementary concave and convex portions housed on the transfer tool main body and the cover. The cover may be latched to the transfer tool main body in the open, closed and other predetermined positions.
US07748544B1
A wall organization rack with detachable, convertible hooks that may be used in garages, utility rooms, shops, retail establishments, residential basements, sheds, etc. The system comprises a horizontal crossbar support rack member and a plurality of different support hooks that engage a variety of objects. The support hooks comprise a specialized attachment end that allows the user to attach and remove the support hook from the crossbar by hand quickly and efficiently without the use of special tools. When attached, the support hook can withstand a substantial downward force. The user can change the support hooks as desired in order to space the hooks to efficiently accommodate each particular tool or group of tools, such as when new tools are purchased or replaced or stored during different seasons.
US07748542B2
Aspects of the invention include methods and apparatus for processing a batch of substrates. In one embodiment, a compressed substrate boat is configured to reduce pumping volume in a batch processing chamber. The compressed substrate boat comprises a stationary substrate boat and a movable substrate boat, each may be loaded/unloaded independently. The movable substrate boat and the stationary substrate boat may be interleaving with one another such that the distance between the substrates is reduced. In another embodiment, a substrate boat having removable substrate holder is configured to provide susceptors without dramatically increasing pumping volume. The removable substrate holder may be loaded/unloaded away from the substrate boat with susceptors. The removable substrate holder is engaged with the substrate boat such that substrates thereon are interleaving with the susceptors. Embodiments of the present invention reduces pumping volume and increases throughput, hence reduces cost of ownership during batch processing.
US07748540B2
A packing tool for packing large articles such as image forming apparatuses has a pallet to place the article, and an article-fixing member to secure the article to the pallet. The article-fixing member is accommodated in an accommodating section in the pallet. When securing the article to the pallet, the article-fixing member is pulled out and wound around the article.
US07748534B2
A package comprises an outer package (2) having two members (20, 21) connected to one another via a flexible web portion (22). Each member (20, 21) comprises a base panel (200, 210) and two opposite side wall panels (201, 202, 211, 212). One of the side wall panels (201, 211) has an attachment (204, 214) portion extending towards the opposite side wall panel (202, 212). An inner package comprises blister pack members (3) comprising an edge portion (304, 314) attached to the attachment portion (204,214) of the outer package member (20, 21) such, that in a closed state the goods carried by the blister pack member are facing towards the base panel (200,210). The members (20,21) are folded towards each other via the flexible web portion (22). In an open state the outer package members (20, 21) are unfolded and the members (3) can be accessed by folding the blister pack member (30, 31) away from the opposite side (202, 212) wall panel.
US07748528B2
A shipping system comprises an article of furniture and a packaging assembly. The packaging assembly includes a container and a protective insert. The container houses the article of furniture. The protective insert is disposed within the container and is positioned to help protect the article of furniture from damage. The protective insert has at least one convertible portion that is adapted to be removed from a surrounding portion of the protective insert, transition between a first configuration and a second configuration, and form at least a portion of an accessory product for the article of furniture when the convertible portion is in the second configuration.
US07748519B2
A vertical conveyor (1) is provided in a commissioning system for vertically conveying piece good-type conveying materials of a commissioning order from an upper transfer point (2) to a lower transfer point (3) of the commissioning system. The conveyor includes a vertically oriented receiving device which supports the conveying materials and is open towards the bottom. The receiving device is provided through which conveying material that has been accommodated in the open state falls down into a closest bottom vertically oriented receiving device and/or onto the lower transfer point (3). The receiving device is embodied in the form of a tray or shell between the transfer points (2, 3). The shell can be opened on the bottom side and encompasses two vertical tilting walls (9, 9′) that face each other and can be opened on the bottom side or two horizontal slides (25, 25′) which face each other and can be opened on the bottom side as an opening mouth. The two pivotable vertical tilting walls (9, 9′), whose swivel pins can be vertically adjusted in vertical guide rails (12, 13), or the two horizontal slides (25, 25′) are laterally guided in horizontal guide rails (11 or 26) in the area of the opening mouth of the tray (4, 4′) located on the bottom side.
US07748509B2
The inventive power supply system (1) comprises a ground placed power supply device (2) provided with at least one linear supply wire (7) connected to a voltage supply, a rail (6) comprising at least one zero reset conductor strip (8) and at least one protective profile in a flat L-shaped position profile masking the conductor wire. The system also comprises an on-board current sensing device (3) comprising at least one movable sensing subassembly (38) comprising a power sliding contactor (41) and a zero volts sliding contactor (42) which are electrically connected to the vehicle load circuits and used for slidingly contacting the supply wire and the zero reset conductor strip. The invention is useful for manufacturers of public transport vehicles and the lines therefor.
US07748507B2
A mechanical device including an elongated structural element provided for absorbing, at least in part, certain shocks by deformation. The structural element or piece has a selected right sectional profile, the profile being provided with localized alterations, shapes, and with selected respective positions for approximately satisfying a given law of deformation under the combined effort of compression in an axis of the piece and of the moment of the axis perpendicular to a plane passing through the axis. The law includes an energy absorption phase followed by a retraction of the piece.
US07748505B2
A brake pad with markings for different types of brakes is described. A passage or a recess is provided in the brake pad carrier of the brake pad, wherein a badge is inserted. The badge is made of a material which is less firm than the brake pad carrier, such that information can be placed thereon using a stamping method.
US07748496B2
An aerial work platform assembly is provided, comprising a platform shaft retaining assembly; a mounting bracket connected to the platform shaft retaining assembly; and a platform connected to the mounting bracket; wherein the platform shaft retaining assembly, mounting bracket, and platform are constructed from the same or differing composite materials comprising a fabric-reinforced resin. Optionally, the fabric-reinforced resin includes a preform fabric having a conformable three-dimensional weave, and the resin is a dielectric resin selected from either epoxy, epoxy vinyl ester, vinyl ester, polyester, or phenolic.
US07748494B2
An acoustic chamber as part of adapter for an appliance. The acoustic chamber is substantially enclosed except at the exterior surface, and is configured to interchangeably receive a plurality of different consumer electronic devices.
US07748488B2
The invention relates to a steering system for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle, especially for a tractor. An electric drive (22, 24) is provided for each half of an axle, preferably a front axle (20), of the utility vehicle (10). Said electric drive can be driven by at least one wheel (26) associated with the each axle half. The electric drive (22, 24) can be controlled in such a manner that predetermined torque can be transmitted from the electric drive (22, 24) to the wheel (26) which is being driven. Preferably, the wheels (14) associated with a mechanical drive axle, particularly a rear axle (12) of the utility vehicle (10), can be driven by a mechanical drive (16, 18) of the utility vehicle (10). The invention also relates to a method for operating a steering system. The aim of the invention is to enable traction forces to be transmitted by wheels (26) driven by the electric drives (22, 24), even when the utility vehicle (10) negotiates bends, whereby particular braking torque should be prevented on said wheels (26) in specific steering angles. The torque which is to be transmitted to the wheel on the outside of the bend is greater that the torque which is to be transmitted to the wheel on the inside of the wheel in order to support or effect the steering of the utility vehicle.
US07748464B2
The current subject matter relates to compliant variable tension risers to connect deep-water subsea wellheads to a single floating platform in wet tree or dry try systems. The variable tension risers allow several subsea wellheads, in water depths from 1220 to 3050 meters, at lateral offsets from one-tenth to twice the depth or more, to tie back to a single floating platform. Also, the current subject matter relates to methods to counter buoyancy and install variable tension risers using a weighted chain ballast line.
US07748459B2
A pressure or flow responsive valve is provided in a hydraulic fracturing assembly so that if the formation sands out during proppant pumping and pressure in the bypass to the annulus around the work string rises, the bypass is closed by the valve to prevent overpressure of lower pressure rated components further uphole from the formation being treated. These components could be large casing or the blowout preventer assembly.
US07748456B2
Many methods and compositions are provided. One of the methods provided comprises the steps of: providing an aqueous treatment fluid that comprises a polysaccharide and a dual functional component, the aqueous treatment fluid having a first viscosity; allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide such that the viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid increases to a second viscosity, the second viscosity being greater than the first viscosity; placing the aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide so as to reduce the second viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid to a third viscosity, the third viscosity being less than the second viscosity. An example of a composition is a viscosified treatment fluid for treating subterranean formations comprising: an aqueous base fluid and an apparent cross linked reaction product of a polysaccharide and a dual functional component.
US07748450B2
A method and apparatus for automating control, remotely monitoring, and controlling a gas extraction assembly, coupled to a gas pipeline section. The gas extraction assembly may be used to increase gas volume, and/or overall gas flow from productive low or high pressure wells, as well as “wake-up” or recover lowered production from depleting wells. Two features of the gas extraction assembly of the present invention is the capability of creating substantial differential pressure, along with the ability to create substantial vacuum pressure on the suction inlet.
US07748449B2
A method of producing a well utilizes a submersible pump run on a line, such as braided wire rope, that includes power conductors. The operator sets a packer in the casing, the packer having a check valve and a tieback receptacle. The operator pressure tests the integrity of the casing above the packer, and if it passes, then runs the pump assembly on the line. The pump assembly has a shroud with a downward extending extension that seals to the passage of the packer. If the pressure test of the casing fails, the operator runs a liner into the well and engages the tieback receptacle. A smaller diameter pump is then lowered on a line into the liner and into engagement with the packer.
US07748441B2
A heating or air conditioning system is used for a motor vehicle. The heating or air conditioning system may have a housing which is composed of several housing segments. At least one housing segment may be embodied as an insertion part which is inserted into the remaining housing after the remaining housing is mounted in the motor vehicle. The insertion part may have at least one functional module.
US07748440B2
The present invention provides a thermal interface with a first and a second face that are in contact to each other by a thermal conducting material. A first face includes grooves that are at least partly filled with the thermal conducting material, wherein at least two types of grooves are arranged, namely first grooves having a larger width than second grooves. The first face comprises an array with protrusions that are confined by the second grooves, the array being divided by the first grooves into sub-arrays.
US07748439B2
A heat extractor to transfer heat generated by the coil of a magnetic read head to a substrate, when there is at least one thermally insulating layer between the coil and the substrate, is disclosed, together with a method for its manufacture.
US07748437B2
A heat exchanger including at least a first manifold and a second manifold connected by a bundle of horizontal tubes. An air flow circulates to be cooled by a cooling air flow. The bundle includes at least: a first portion including a first series of tubes with turbulators of passage section corresponding to the section; a second portion including a first series of tubes with no turbulators of passage section and a second series of tubes with turbulators of passage section corresponding to the section; and a distribution box of internal air flow to be cooled including a connection mechanism between the first portion and the second portion.
US07748434B2
A method and apparatus for casting metals in a DC mold to form an ingot or product having at least two layers formed by sequential solidification. The apparatus has at least one cooled divider wall at the entry end portion of the mold to divide the entry end portion into at least two feed chambers. Metal is fed to the chambers to form an inner layer and at least one outer layer. The divider wall has a metal-contacting surface for contacting the metal for the at least one outer layer, the surface being arranged at an angle to the vertical sloping away from the metal for the outer layer in a downward direction. The angle increases at positions on the divider wall spaced from a central section of the wall approaching each longitudinal end thereof. The apparatus is suitable for casting a metal having a high coefficient of contraction as an inner layer or core ingot, e.g. a high-Mg or high-Zn aluminum alloy, or metal combinations having a large difference in their coefficients of contraction.
US07748431B2
A vertically operating door and its drive system can be configured to push a door panel along a track to various overhead storage configurations including vertical, horizontal, inclined and coiled. Semi-flexible drive strips extend continuously along lateral edges of the curtain. The system includes a drive gear that engages a series of projections on at least one drive strip so that the gear can push the door between its open and closed positions. To protect the door from being damaged by collisions, the track can include a breakaway feature that allows at least a portion of the panel with its drive strip to separate from the track without permanent distortion. The drive strip and panel remain together as they break away from the track. The threshold of the breakaway force can be changed by selecting a retention strip from a plurality of interchangeable strips having different degrees of flexibility.
US07748430B1
A window covering includes a headrail, a retractable shading member having an upper end mounted on the headrail, a bottom rail having an upper end mounted on a lower end of the shading member, and a pull bar having an upper end removably mounted on a lower end of the bottom rail. Thus, the pull bar is combined with the bottom rail to drive the bottom rail to push the shading member upward or pull the shading member downward to fold or expand the shading member so that the window covering needs not to provide a lift cord to push or pull the shading member so as to provide a safety function. In addition, the pull bar can be detached from the bottom rail when not in use, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the window covering.
US07748428B2
A device for placing suspended labels including a multiple-page information section onto a bottleneck. The device includes a bottle conveying device for conveying bottles into a work area, and an application device having a pair of essentially parallel cantilevers which define a horizontal distance therebetween and end in the work area. Each cantilever includes a supply unit for grasping one side of the suspended label and for supplying the suspended label, wherein the cantilevers define an open intermediate space therebetween and are arranged such that a bottle reaching the work area extends with its neck into the intermediate space. A stop is provided in the area of the supply units for straightening the information portion of the suspended label.
US07748420B2
A dadoing system that can be set up to cut multiple dados in a workpiece. The dadoing system uses a sliding channel clamp to keep the workpiece from moving in a transverse direction, while the dados are being cut into the workpiece. The sliding guide rails are used to put downward pressure on a workpiece while guiding a router across the workpiece during the dadoing process. Once the system is set up to cut the dados in the desired locations on the workpiece, the sliding guide rail stops can be secured into place. The stops will insure that the sliding guide rails are set up in the same place thus allowing multiple workpieces to have matching dados that line up properly during assembly.
US07748418B2
A wheeled, fuel hose lift tool adapted to lift successive sections of a fuel hose to drain residual fuel from the hose as a user moves along the extended direction of the fuel hose. The tool includes a hose support wheel, an elongate, adjustable tube and a handle.
US07748411B2
The present invention is a plug system having a plug for insertion into a pipeline, wherein the plug system is insertable via a fitting attached to the pipeline. A pre-drilled aperture of the pipeline positioned normal to the cylindrically-shaped pipeline may interfere with a pig traveling through the pipeline. In one embodiment, the plug includes two coaxial cylindrical portions. A first cylindrical portion has a diameter greater than the aperture diameter, while the second cylindrical portion has a diameter less than the aperture diameter. Additionally the plug defines a hole that is oriented perpendicular to an axis of the cylindrical portions, wherein the diameter of the hole is approximately the size of inside diameter of the pipe. The plug has a retaining member to stabilize the plug system. When the plug is installed in the pipe it permit a pig to flow freely, thereby eliminating pigging hazards.
US07748407B2
A compressed gas regulator of a piston type is disclosed in which a regulator is configured with an input valve situated entirely inside a compressed air canister, which regulator is then attached to a paintball gun, marker or other device for providing discrete charges of gas at a predetermined pressure to the attached device. The overall size and weight of the regulator are minimized, which allows increased capabilities to the user. A regulator overpressurization port vents behind a conventional safety gauge for safety purposes. Fill, gage, and canister overpressurization rupture ports are interconnected with a fill channel that extends from the canister to the ports without intersecting or interfering with the regulating components within the regulator. The input valve seat face is surrounded by a shallow generally conical surface within an input plenum. The shallow generally conical surface extends at approximately 5 to 15 degrees.
US07748405B2
A valve system including a number of shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated valves for controlling the flow of fluids is disclosed as is a variety of types of SMA-actuated valves and methods of operation. In one embodiment, a valve system includes a housing having a substantially closed cavity as well as a second port for communicating a fluid. Further, the valve system includes a first SMA actuator configured to control the position of the first seal to vary fluid flow through the firs port, and a first temperature compensator for adjusting the position of the seal by an amount proportional to temperature. A second SMA-actuated valve, driven by either a unidirectional or a bidirectional SMA actuator, controls the position of the second seal to vary fluid flow through the second port, and a second temperature compensator for adjusting the position of the second seal by another amount proportional to temperature.
US07748401B2
A gas pressure regulator comprises a main body having a first, gas inlet pipe and a second, gas outlet pipe, a calibrated gas passage through which gas flows from the first pipe to the second pipe, a shutter housed at least partially in the main body and mobile lengthwise along a first defined line to adjust the opening of the calibrated passage, a device for actuating the shutter and a regulator spring unit opposing the movement of the shutter.
US07748400B2
Embodiments are related to ampoule assemblies containing bypass lines and valves. In one embodiment, ampoule assembly is provided which includes inlet and outlet lines coupled with and in fluid communication to an ampoule body, a bypass line connected between the inlet and outlet lines and containing a bypass valve disposed therein. The ampoule assembly further contains a shut-off valve disposed in the inlet line between the ampoule body and a connection point of the bypass line and the inlet line, a shut-off valve disposed in the outlet line between the ampoule body and a connection point of the bypass line and the outlet line, another shut-off valve disposed in the inlet line between the ampoule body and a disconnect fitting disposed on the inlet line, and another shut-off valve disposed in the outlet line between the ampoule body and a disconnect fitting disposed on the outlet line.
US07748397B2
An assembly of two components configured to be in contact with hydrocarbons, and a fuel tank including the assembly. The assembly includes a casing or a retaining member fastened to the casing, each of the two components including at least one fastening part configured to interact, and at least one of the components being made from a material configured to swell through action of the hydrocarbons, thus reinforcing retention of the components on one another. A method for manufacturing such a tank includes assembling the two components in the absence of fuel, and then bringing the two components into contact with the fuel.
US07748391B2
A comb is described having two sets of opposing tines that are connected together by way a biasing hinge. The comb is utilized in styling hair and, in particular, to lift short hair vertically upwardly.
US07748386B2
In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes a body, a threaded member, a hook, and a receiver. The body comprises a front stop, a rear stop, and a guide extending between the stops. The threaded member couples between the stops and rotates relative to the body. The hook couples to the guide, comprises a threaded passage and an arm that engages a lower arch, and travels in a forward direction along the guide to adjust the position of the lower arch. The receiver couples to the lower arch and comprises a shelf that engages the arm of the hook. The apparatus may include an extender coupled to the receiver and providing a shelf that is more rearward than the shelf of the receiver. The apparatus may include a post that couples the apparatus to another device. In certain embodiments, a removable receiver, which may be one of a plurality of removable receivers with different dimensions, is removably positioned within a recess in a posterior surface of a lower arch and is engaged by a connector of an upper arch to define the relative positions of the arches.
US07748378B2
The present invention relates to a novel design for a metering valve that provides improved consistency of formulation delivery. Generally, the metering valve includes (a) a valve stem that generally defines a longitudinal axis and includes a body portion having a metering surface, wherein the longitudinal axis and a plane tangential to at least a portion of the metering surface define an angle from about 2° to about 90°; and (b) a valve body having an internal chamber defined at least in part by the body wall and includes a metering portion configured to substantially conform to the metering surface of the valve stem.
US07748373B2
An apparatus for machining an article (L) in the form of a slab or the like comprises—in addition to a rotary tool (24) associated with a spindle (22)—a nozzle (26) ejecting water at very high pressure. Both the rotary tool and the nozzle are supported by a carriage (20) sliding along a beam (18) in turn sliding along two shoulders (14) in a perpendicular direction. In the working area (12) and above a tank (30) normally filled with water, the article (L) is supported in a horizontal position not only by an interchangeable grid (32; 52), but preferably also by a disposable support (34) which prevent the rotary tool (24) from coming into contact with the grid. The disposable support is periodically replaced.
US07748368B2
A launcher for a flying cylinder has a elongated guide member to which a base is slidably coupled. In preferred aspects, a pair of resilient elements is coupled at respective first portions to one end of the guide member while respective second portions are coupled to the base. Most preferably, coupling is performed via cutouts in the guide element and the base to permit simple replacement of the resilient elements.
US07748363B2
Internal combustion engine with variable actuation of the valves providing electronic control means which, when the engine is subject to an operating variation request from a first operating condition to a second operating condition, are adapted to select a cylinder to which to assign said second operating condition based on a determined programming delay only as a function of the engine speed.
US07748348B2
A collapsible animal litter pan has polymeric surfaces that are immune to urine soaking. A plurality of hinges collapse and expand the litter pan. The litter pan has sidewalls that locate, receive and stabilize a urine absorption sheet. The urine absorption sheet has a liquid impervious bottom layer, a urine absorption layer composed of cotton, cellulose fluff pulp, commuted pulp, soft wood fine chips, or hydrophilic paper and combinations thereof, together with superabsorbent polymers and a top, liquid permeable, layer. The top and bottom layers are bonded to constrain the urine absorbent layer. An adhesive coating is applied to the bottom layer of the urine absorption sheet for temporarily adhering the sheet to the foldable litter pan for enhanced stability of the urine absorption sheet. Animal urine is substantially completely absorbed by the urine absorbent sheet, and the soiled sheet replaced with a fresh sheet without soiling the litter pan.
US07748347B2
A hummingbird feeder includes a solar panel power source for illuminating a reservoir of liquid hummingbird food so that the hummingbird can find it at night. The solar panel itself preferably hangs below the feeder in a flexible manner so that it can collect the maximum amount of sunlight and swing in the breeze. An LED attached to the solar power source is positioned to illuminate the liquid reservoir from within the reservoir. The parts that comprise the feeder are easily disassembled for washing and cleaning.
US07748341B2
An apparatus for coating the surface of a lens includes a carousel having a central hub and a plurality of arms. A drive shaft is mounted to each arm, with a magnetic clutch and a lens holder being operatively attached to the drive shaft. The carousel is configured to be raised, rotated, and lowered into a series of workstations for processing the lens in a predetermined sequence. A workstation has associated therewith a spin drive attached to a reciprocating arm assembly. The spin drive includes a magnetic clutch which may be coupled to the magnetic clutch of any one of the arms on the carousel, such that a rotation generated by the spin drive is transferred to the drive shaft, and the lens holder. The arm assembly is capable of being extended and retracted to selectively engage and disengage the carousel.
US07748338B2
A method for intercepting and yawing an errant sailing vessel is disclosed, wherein the vessel might have been hijacked or malfunctioned and in danger of colliding with an object. The method comprises dispatching a pair of watercraft to approach said sailing vessel, providing a tow rope to be secured at one end to first watercraft and the other end to second watercraft. The tow rope is brought to extend between the first and second watercrafts over the hull of said sailing vessel. The first watercraft is then secured to one side of said sailing vessel's hull, while second watercraft pulls the tow rope away from the direction of sailing on the other side of said vessel's hull. In an alternative embodiment, the tow rope end held by the first watercraft may be secured directly to the vessel's hull, thus freeing the first watercraft to evacuate crew from the vessel to a safer distance.
US07748321B2
The invention concerns a process for producing a high-resolution surface pattern on a substrate and a multi-layer body produced by means of that process and an apparatus for carrying out the process. A printing substance is applied in pattern form to the substrate by means of a printing process. For fine structuring of the surface pattern, prior to application of the printing substance, a microscopic surface structure with a plurality of grooves is replicated into the surface of the substrate. The fine structuring of the surface pattern is determined by the respective locally applied application amount of printing substance and the respective local relief parameters of the microscopic surface structure in particular orientation direction and profile shape.
US07748319B2
This printing plate (6) for a rotary press includes a head (22) for fastening to an impression cylinder, and a tail (24) for fastening to the impression cylinder.The fastening head (22) includes a holding projection (28) suitable for mating with an element (34) for holding the impression cylinder.
US07748310B2
Apparatus and method for securing a cylinder liner to a pumping module. A first part of an assembly housing pistons is fastened to a pumping module and a second part of the assembly is brought against the first so that the pistons act on tensioning plates which each have a stud rod extending therefrom through the assembly at an end distal to the pumping module. Each rod has a first portion substantially surrounded in an elastomeric member and a second portion threaded to receive a nut. The rods are passed through a clamping ring on the cylinder liner and the nut is attached to the rod. Actuating the pistons causes initial compression of the elastomeric member by the tension plate and allows tightening of the nut toward the pumping module. Release of the pistons then causes expansion of the elastomeric member to forcibly compel the cylinder liner towards the pumping module.
US07748305B2
The present invention is a handheld apparatus which slices the white portion of a boiled egg in a manner allowing the egg to then be processed into and used as a deviled egg. Specifically, the apparatus slices the egg white by mating two cutting edges, each having a mating concave portion, slidably engaged to move in a vertical direction toward each other thereby slicing the egg white lengthwise into two equal halves while the egg yolk remains stationary in the concave portion and is not sliced.
US07748301B2
A machine-tool turret-type unit includes a turret disk that is free to rotate about a rotational axis, and a housing on which to mount the turret disk is provided. The housing includes at least one securing device to be secured to the securing section of the machine tool. The securing device includes at least one securing surface to rest against the securing section of the machine tool. The rotational axis lies within a first plane defined by the securing surface(s).
US07748292B2
A bearing system can reduce the relative velocity between a bearing member and a rotation shaft and a rotating member to decrease a load on the bearing member although the rotation shaft and the rotating member rotate in opposite directions with the bearing member therebetween. The bearing system includes a case and a rotation shaft supported by the case. A rotating member is disposed coaxially outside the rotation shaft and rotates in the direction opposite to that of the rotation shaft. A housing is interposed between the rotation shaft and the rotating member and is fixed to the case. A bearing member that rotatably supports the rotating member is interposed between the housing and the rotating member.
US07748291B2
The lever (11) is fitted with two rollers (20A, 20B) which are supported by a core (21) provided with a mounting bore (21B) on an articulated shaft, wherein the rollers (20A, 20B) are both mounted between two webs of a pair of webs which are added to the core (21). The webs (22A, 23B) are on the whole planar. A first web (22A) of each pair of webs is partially engaged in a hollow housing (21C) created on the lateral surface (21D) of the core (21). The second web (23B) of the same pair is maintained at a distance from the first web. The hollow housings (21C) are created on the two opposite lateral surfaces (21D) of the core (21) of the lever (11).
US07748286B2
A multiple speed power transmission comprises: an input; an output; first and second input shafts releasably coupled to the input by first and second friction clutches, respectively; a countershaft disposed parallel to the first and second input shafts; an output pinion fixed to the countershaft; an output ring gear fixed to the output and meshing with the output pinion; an intermediate shaft disposed coaxially with the countershaft; a first input pinion fixed to the first input shaft and meshing with a first gear fixed to the intermediate shaft; a second input pinion fixed to the second input shaft; a second gear disposed coaxially with the intermediate shaft; an idler gear meshing with the second input pinion and the second gear; a first coupler for releasably coupling the first countershaft to the intermediate shaft; and a second coupler for releasably coupling the intermediate shaft to the second gear.
US07748283B2
The field of the present invention pertains to a controlled transfer biological collection device using a dry solid storage and transfer medium and a method for the collection of biological material of interest (genetic or proteinaceous material) in a form suitable for storage and/or subsequent analysis. Specifically, the present invention provides for a sampling device that controls the transfer of the biological sample to the storage medium by holding the storage medium and a moveable sample collection member having an analyte collection surface. The invention further provides for a method not only for storing a biological analyte on this collection device but also for analyzing the stored biological analyte using methods that are suited for automated analyzing systems.
US07748279B2
A method of allocating hydraulic fluid between actuators in a machine accepts a first command to provide a first requested fluid flow to a first actuator, wherein the first actuator is a bounded actuator such as a steering actuator, and a second command to provide a second requested fluid flow to a second actuator. The system adjusts the first and second commands to produce adjusted first and second commands corresponding to adjusted first and second fluid flows, such that the sum of the adjusted first and second fluid flows is less than or equal to a maximum available flow and the adjusted first fluid flow meets or exceeds the lesser of the first requested fluid flow and a threshold curve that is a function of engine speed or other variable.
US07748277B2
An exemplary pressure cavity is disclosed that is durable, stable, and biocompatible and configured in such a way that it constitutes pico to nanoliter-scale volume. The exemplary pressure cavity is hermetically sealed from the exterior environment while maintaining the ability to communicate with other devices. Micromachined, hermetically-sealed sensors are configured to receive power and return information through direct electrical contact with external electronics. The pressure cavity and sensor components disposed therein are hermetically sealed from ambient pressure in order to reduce drift and instability within the sensor. The sensor is designed for harsh and biological environments, e.g., intracorporeal implantation and in vivo use. Additionally, novel manufacturing methods are employed to construct the sensors.
US07748268B2
A thermal mass flow controller or mass flow meter having a novel sensor housing that reduces heat conduction from the housing mounting plate or base to the sensor itself. The housing also greatly minimizes the thermal gradient that can result from the uneven application of heat to the housing base. This reduction is accomplished in part by the use of one or more thermal isolation slots to isolate the upper portion of the housing (which holds the sensor) from the lower portion of the housing. Heat transfer to the sensor housing is also minimized by raising the middle portion of the bottom of the housing so that thermal contact is made between the base and the housing only at the two ends of the housing.
US07748254B2
To test the integrity of packages—cups (11)—a package conveyor (14) is provided, on whose conveying run (17) the cups (11) are positioned at a distance from one another, specifically in a correct formation forming transverse rows (23). In order to form a sealed testing chamber (13) for a group of cups (11) to be tested, a covering hood (19) can be lowered from above onto the package conveyor (14). Together with the covering hood (19), the latter forms a sealed testing chamber (13). A vacuum is produced in the latter, with the consequence that the packages experience deformation, specifically the cups (11) experience deformation of a closure film. Non-sealed cups (11) are identified and separated out.
US07748250B2
A three-axial acceleration sensor inspection device is provided for inspecting a three-axial acceleration sensor that detects acceleration components in three axes crossing perpendicularly with each other and outputs acceleration component signals. The three-axial acceleration sensor inspection device includes a test plate for mounting the three-axial acceleration sensor thereon; a supporting plate for supporting and rotating the test plate; a main rotational shaft for rotating the supporting plate. The supporting plate is arranged radially around the main rotational shaft along a radius direction of the main rotational shaft, and is disposed at each of at least four locations with an equal angular interval along a circumferential direction of the main rotational shaft.
US07748247B2
A method regulating flatness of a metal strip at a roll housing output including at least one dynamic flatness actuator. A rolling process characterizes flatness of the strip by measuring a quantity D in n points distributed across the strip width, from n measurements of the quantity D. Then, using an action model of flatness regulation and an optimizing method, an overall setpoint including at least one elementary setpoint is determined for the dynamic actuator, such that a calculated flatness residual defect criterion is minimal, and executing the overall setpoint. The action model on the flatness used for determining the overall setpoint includes, for the dynamic actuator, as many submodels as there are points for measuring the quantity D characteristic of flatness, each submodel enabling the effect of the dynamic actuator on the quantity D to be calculated at the corresponding point when a setpoint is applied thereto.
US07748245B2
A latch assembly for releasably securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member is disclosed. The latch assembly includes a frame, a rotary pawl, a locking member, a handle, and a lock plug. The frame is adapted for attachment to the first member. The handle is pivotally attached to the frame and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The locking member retains the pawl in the latched position when the locking member is in an undeflected configuration. The handle causes the locking member to deflect and release the pawl from a latched position when the locking member is in an unlocked position and the handle is moved to the open position. The lock barrel is supported by the frame and can selectively move the locking member to a locked position where the locking member cannot be actuated by the handle.
US07748244B2
A lock assembly for use with a bolt movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The lock assembly includes an exterior assembly and an interior assembly having an interior actuator manually operable to move the bolt between the retracted position and the extended position. The exterior assembly includes an exterior actuator manually operable to cause the bolt to move from the retracted position to the extended position and inoperable to move the bolt from the extended position to the retracted position.
US07748241B2
A tubular knit fabric is disclosed that is manufactured with a pile extending from the outer side thereof and in an extended length, small diameter configuration, the tubular knit pile fabric subsequently being separable into shorter tubular segments that may be secured to paint roller cover cores to produce seamless paint rollers. The knit paint roller cover fabric of the present invention is manufactured in a tubular segment with cut pile segments extending from the outside of the tubular knit paint roller cover fabric. The tubular knit paint roller cover fabric of the present invention is also manufactured in a size that makes it appropriate for installation onto paint roller cover cores.
US07748224B2
A temperature sensing assembly for monitoring a temperature of a pipe in a system. The temperature sensing assembly includes an insulator body having a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The outer and inner surfaces extend between the first and second ends. The inner surface is configured to receive a portion of the pipe. A temperature sensor is disposed adjacent the inner surface and is configured to directly contact the pipe when the pipe is received by the inner surface.
US07748221B2
A combustor heat shield has a body with heat exchange promoting protuberances extending from a back face thereof. The density of protuberances is less in hot spot regions than in other heat shield regions which require less cooling.
US07748213B2
An exhaust gas passageway of an internal combustion engine is basically provided with a main exhaust passageway, a bypass exhaust passageway, a bypass catalytic converter provided in the bypass exhaust passageway, a bypass control valve, an upstream air-fuel ratio sensor and a downstream air-fuel ratio sensor. The bypass exhaust passageway bypasses a portion of the main exhaust passageway between an upstream junction and a downstream junction. The bypass control valve opens or closes a portion of the main exhaust passageway. The upstream air-fuel ratio sensor is disposed upstream of the bypass catalytic converter to sense air-fuel ratio of an exhaust gas flowing into the bypass catalytic converter. The downstream air-fuel ratio sensor is disposed downstream of the bypass catalytic converter to sense air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing out of the bypass catalytic converter.
US07748211B2
An engine cooling system includes a combustion chamber assembly configured to generate detonation waves and a first vapor cooling assembly. The combustion chamber assembly defines a flowpath between an inner liner and an outer liner. The first vapor cooling assembly includes a vaporization section located adjacent to the flowpath and a condenser section spaced from the flowpath, and is configured to transport thermal energy from the vaporization section to the condenser section through cyclical evaporation and condensation of a working medium sealed within the first vapor cooling assembly.
US07748207B2
Yarn draw-off device for a textile machine producing cross-wound bobbins with a yarn draw-off roller that can be driven by a single motor and an associated pressure roller which is driven via frictional engagement, characterised in that the yarn draw-off roller (10) has a rotationally symmetrical basic member (15) with devices (33), which, during the rotation of the yarn draw-off roller (10) produce an air flow which cools the yarn draw-off roller drive (13).
US07748201B2
A form-and-seal unit for producing aseptic sealed packages from a tube of packaging material filled with a pourable food product. The unit comprises a fixed structure and two forming assemblies which interact alternately and cyclically with the tube of packaging material, and have respective pairs of jaws movable between an open position and a closed position in which they grip the packaging material tube between respective sealing means, and respective forming flaps selectable from different types of forming flaps for producing different types of packages, and having respective half shell forming portions which surround the tube of packaging material to determine the volume and shape of the packages. The approach movement of the forming flaps towards the packaging material tube is controlled by a fixed cam mechanism having different work profiles selectively engaged by cam-follower rollers of the forming flaps depending on the type of forming flaps used.
US07748197B2
A method and/or system is provided that compensates for the flow of air through fiberglass insulation. In certain example embodiments, a dynamic heat flow meter or the like is provided for measuring and/or determining any detrimental effects of air flow through insulation such as fiberglass insulation. Once the possible detrimental effects are recognized, an insulation system is adapted (e.g., by providing a foam based insulation in a wall cavity in addition to the fiberglass insulation) to compensate, or substantially compensate, for the effects of air flow through the fiberglass. For instance, a sufficient amount of foam insulation may be provided in a cavity adjacent fiberglass, where the foam blocks or substantially blocks air from flowing through the cavity, thereby compensating for the effects of air flow through fiberglass and permitting the intended R-value to be maintained or substantially maintained.
US07748186B2
A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.
US07748179B2
The invention includes an end cover (32) for disposition over an end of a mantel (20). The end cover (32) presents a front corner (38) extending between an upper wall (34) and a lower wall (36) and is symmetrical rearwardly to a pair of side edges (42) from the front corner (38) whereby the end cover (32) may be disposed over either end of the mantel (20). The upper wall (34) of the end cover (32) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42) and the lower wall (36) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42). The upper wall (34) and the lower wall (36) each has the shape of a square with equal sides. The front walls (44) define interior surfaces complementary to the irregular pattern of the decorative face (24) of the mantel (20) and the end cover (32) overlies the mantel (20) the thickness of each front wall (44).
US07748176B2
A flooring system comprising a plurality of elongate members (1) secured together along adjacent longitudinal side edges by means of co-operating male and female formations (2, 3). The female formation (3) is a channel with relatively convergent sidewalls and the male formation comprises a hollow rail of complementary shape. An outer sidewall of the channel is resilient to allow the rail to be snapped into the channel in a direction transverse to the length of the members (1) and to return to its original shape to resist removal of the rail. The formations (2, 3) are arranged so that upper surfaces of adjacent members (1) form a panel having a planar support surface (21) and relative rotation of the members (1) about an axis parallel to the longitudinal side edges is resisted. Two panels may be joined together to provide upper and lower planar support surfaces (21, 22).
US07748159B1
A device for trapping flies which comprises an elongated housing. A mechanism is for mounting the housing horizontally on an inside lower portion of a window pane adjacent to a window sill. Another mechanism for holding flies is carried within said housing. The flies, when attracted to light coming through the window pane, will hit the window pane and drop down to stick to the holding mechanism. A cover on the housing is to conceal the flies stuck to the holding mechanism.
US07748157B1
A fishing jig has a first teardrop-shaped body portion with a generally flat bottom that is curved upwardly toward its peripheral edges. A second semi-hourglass-shaped rudder portion is attached to one end of the body portion by a necked-down region. A hook extends from an eyelet positioned at the center of gravity of the body portion out through the tail and curls over the centerline of the rudder portion. The jig has shown remarkable capacity to imitate the movement of a minnow in both the retrieval and settling directions.
US07748150B2
A bicycle is provided with an identification device. The identification device includes a base, an identity plate and two fasteners. The base is formed on the bicycle. The fasteners are used to attach the identity plate to the base so that the identity plate cannot be removed from the base.
US07748139B2
A laundry dryer includes a dry drum in which laundry is loaded, a lower housing coupled to a rear wall of the dry drum by a rivet, an upper housing seated on the upper housing, and a journal bearing including a bearing inserted between the upper and lower housings and a shaft coupled to the bearing.
US07748138B2
A substrate transfer mechanism for transferring a substrate includes a mounting table on which the substrate is mounted; an arm member connected to the mounting table and moving it. The substrate transfer mechanism further includes a temperature control unit for controlling temperature of the mounting table, wherein the temperature control unit forms a temperature gradient in the mounting table. The temperature control unit includes a detector for detecting temperature in an environment or a chamber in which the substrate transfer mechanism is installed a heater for heating the mounting table and a controller for controlling an operation of the heater based on the temperature in the environment or the chamber detected by the detector.
US07748130B2
A tool for qualitatively measuring a feature of a skate blade.
US07748126B2
The utility model relates to a kind of laser straight liner, including a foundation and a base, wherein said foundation is provided with batteries and said base is provided with at least one laser projection module. Said base and said foundation are connected in the way that is 360 degrees rotatable. One side of said foundation that faces said base is provided with the anode and cathode conduction rings that can connect batteries, and one side of said base that faces said foundation is provided with two contact pieces that can connect various laser projection modules and also can touch the anode and cathode conduction rings, thus realizing the conduction-wire-free connection between said laser projection modules and said batteries. This utility model makes said laser projection modules freely rotatable on said foundation, and thus the rotated angle during marking can be accurately controlled, ingenious and reasonable in design and convenient in operation. The lower-end transparent shell of cavity is provided with a cross scale, and the crossing point of said cross scale can be superposed with the intersection projection of the counter-extension lines of the laser beams emitted by various said laser projection modules, thus ensuring a accurate positioning.
US07748121B2
A razor blade and support assembly is provided which flexes in response to shaving forces near slots in the blade support. A razor cartridge includes one or more of the aforementioned razor blade and support assemblies positioned in a housing. The razor cartridge may be permanently or removably coupled to a handle to provide a shaving razor.
US07748120B2
A method for fabricating a door having a window, the door having a first door skin and a second door skin, the method including the following steps in the order named: forming a first door light opening perimeter having a first plurality of tabs arranged about the first door light opening perimeter, wherein the first door light opening perimeter defines a first door light portion; forming a second door light opening perimeter having a second plurality of tabs arranged about the second door light opening perimeter, wherein the second door light opening perimeter defines a second door light portion; positioning the first door skin on a first press; positioning an insert in aligned registration with the first plurality of tabs; positioning the second door skin over the insert, wherein the second plurality of tabs are in aligned registration with the insert, and the first door light opening perimeter is aligned with the second door light opening perimeter; applying pressure with the first press to secure the first and second door skins with the insert; injecting a foam into a first cavity formed between the first skin outside the first door light portion, the second door skin outside the second door light portion and the insert; and, removing the first and second door light portions.
US07748116B2
A method of creating an electrical contact involves locating a barrier material at a location for an electrical connection, providing an electrically conductive bonding metal on the barrier material, the electrically conductive bonding metal having a diffusive mobile component, the volume of barrier material and volume of diffusive mobile component being selected such that the barrier material volume is at least 20% of the volume of the combination of the barrier material volume and diffusive mobile component volume. An electrical connection has an electrically conductive bonding metal between two contacts, a barrier material to at least one side of the electrically conductive bonding metal, and an alloy, located at an interface between the barrier material and the electrically conductive bonding metal. The alloy includes at least some of the barrier material, at least some of the bonding metal, and a mobile material.
US07748115B2
A method of forming a circuit board, the method comprising mounting at least one passive component on a first surface of a first laminate material; interconnecting the passive component to contact traces and vias of the first laminate material; and attaching a second laminate material to the first surface of the first laminate material utilizing a lamination process, the second laminate material sheet having at least one of a recess, a through-hole or both formed therein for accommodating the passive component in the second laminate.
US07748107B2
A tool mount assembly includes drop down connections to aid in mounting of a tool to a moving base and a fail-safe tool mounting system for preventing installation of a tool in an undesired or incorrect manner. A plurality of tool mount rails are received within mounts and are uniquely tailored to assure proper placement of tools such as grippers or vacuum cups at desired locations specific to the application requirements.
US07748098B2
The present invention is for a method of testing a seal on a collapsible tube dispensing orifice during the manufacturing process in an assembly line. Air pressure is applied within the tube wall, at a station in the line, on one side of the seal, and the pressure is monitored on the other side of the seal within a reciprocating cover, for any increase in pressure which would indicate a leak in the seal.
US07748087B2
Clasp with unfolding buckle for wristlet, having: an inside blade (3), two outside blades (1) forming an articulated shank with the inside blade, two push-pieces (7) capable of being actuated transversely against the action of an elastic element (9) for unlocking the clasp, at least one stopping (11) connected removably to said push-piece (7) for limiting the amplitude of displacement of said push-piece along at least one axis.
US07748081B2
The invention has as its object an adjustable hinge, comprising at least one pivotable hinge plate provided with at least one through-opening, and comprising at least one alignment washer provided with at least one through-opening, which through-openings are provided for penetration by assembly means for mounting the hinge, wherein the alignment washer and hinge plate are adjustable relative to each other in the plane of the hinge plate, and wherein the alignment washer and/or hinge plate is provided with at least one protruding sharp-edged annular collar and/or a multitude of pointed raised areas having a higher degree of hardness than the mating surfaces contacting it of the other component cooperating with it, namely the alignment washer or the hinge plate. The advantage is that the alignment washer can be adjusted as desired, i.e., also rotated, relative to the hinge plate, and fixed in form-fitting engagement.
US07748079B2
A cyclone separator assembly comprises a cyclone separator that removes large particles of dirt from a working airstream as it flows through the cyclone separator, and the separated large particles of dirt are deposited into a dirt cup. The cyclone separator assembly further includes a fine particle separation member comprising a plurality of apertures for separating fine particles of dirt from air in the cyclone separator or the dirt cup.
US07748076B2
The invention starts with a wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle, which includes a wiper arm (10a-10j), which features a wiper rod (12a-12j) and a fastening part (14a-14j) connected in a non-articulated manner with the wiper rod (12a-12j).It is proposed that the wiper device have at least one spoiler element (16a-16j) to generate a flow-induced bearing force.
US07748074B2
A window squeegee (1) for cleaning surfaces, such as skyscraper windows, comprises a handle (2) associated to a head (11) provided with a first connection element (12) and a second connection element (18) for connecting a spatula (46) to the handle (2). In a condition of normal use of the window squeegee, the spatula (46) is held between the first element (12) and the second element (18) and in a condition of replacement of the spatula, the second element (18) is rotated by the first element (12) to allow the replacement of the spatula (46) which is held associated to the head (11) of the window squeegee and is not free to remove, to ensure a safe replacement.
US07748070B2
An electric toothbrush having a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head is disclosed. The handle has a hollow interior region having a motor and an electrical power source. The head includes an ultrasonic transducer and a bristle field. The ultrasonic transducer is in electrical communication with the electrical power source, and a shaft is operatively connected to the motor for moving the bristle field.
US07748069B2
Disclosed is an electric toothbrush for use with wireless devices. A pressure sensor coupled to a wireless transmitting device determines whether the electric toothbrush is being utilized correctly. When the toothbrush is utilized correctly, the wireless transmitter sends a signal to a receiving device which displays an appropriate output. When the toothbrush is not utilized correctly, the transmitter ceases transmitting a signal and the output from the receiver ceases to be displayed.
US07748064B2
The present invention relates to a resting support (10) for supporting portions of a resting person (1) in a forwards leaning seated position, and to a method of using such a support. The resting support (10) comprises at least one supporting section (9, 35) including a main supporting section (9) for supporting directly said seated resting person's upper torso (3) and head (9), and means for positioning and supporting said section(s) (9, 35) above the lap (6) of said person (1) including at least two legs (21, 22) that extend downwardly from one or more of said sections (9, 35), wherein: —the main supporting section (9) in use extends at an upwards sloping angle (27) from a lower region (28) for supporting said person's upper torso (3) towards an upper region for supporting said person's head (2); —said at least two legs include at least one rear leg (22) proximate said lower region (28) and at least one forwards leg (21) proximate said upper region, the rear leg(s) (22) being adapted for engaging with a seat (25) on which said person (1) is seated and the front leg(s) (21) being adapted for engaging with a floor (24) beneath said seat (25), said at least two legs (21, 22) being movable relative to said sections (9, 35) to enable the section(s) to fold flat with said legs when not in use.
US07748056B2
A garment which resists sliding of protective pads during use includes a fabric with high-friction areas. The high-friction areas include numerous gripping members made of a second material with high-friction and adapted to exert a frictional force on, for example, a protective pad.
US07748054B2
A protective over-garment is disclosed that can be manufactured entirely by making cuts in a single sheet of plastic or other flexible material. In preferred embodiments it is disposable. The sheet has a neck hole in the center and covers the user's shoulders, upper arms, back, and chest. A cut radiating from the hole allows insertion of the user's head. The rim of the hole is held against the wearer's neck by tying together two strips of material formed by cuts that partially separate them from the sheet. Similar strips can hold the first cut and/or the sides of the garment closed. In preferred embodiments the sheet can be rectangular, hourglass, or double-hourglass in shape, and/or the sheet can be folded to fit in a standard home hair coloring kit. Cuts can be perforated, and the garments can be manufactured as a continuous length of sheets joined at perforated intersections.
US07748053B1
A bullet-resistant back extender includes an armor carrier having an inner pocket with a bullet-resistant ballistic panel disposed within the inner pocket and an upper portion of the armor carrier having a fastener to attach the bullet-resistant back extender to a fastener in a bullet-resistant vest.
US07752664B1
An anti-spyware manager uses domain name service resolution queries to combat spyware. The anti-spyware manager maintains a list of domain names associated with spyware, monitors domain name service queries, and detects queries on domain names on the list. Responsive to detecting a domain name service query on a domain name associated with spyware, the anti-spyware manager forces the domain name service query to resolve to an address not associated with the domain name. Because attempts by spyware to communicate with its home server are now routed to the forced address, the spyware is unable to communicate with its homer server, and thus can neither steal information nor download updates of itself. Additionally, the anti-spyware manager can identify computers that are infected with spyware and clean or quarantine them.
US07752657B2
The present invention relates to a data processing system comprising a computer for receiving data that is uploaded from a data source via a public network through a first firewall a database for receiving the data from the computer through a second firewall, and a data sink for receiving the data from the database via a private network through a third firewall.
US07752652B2
A system for integrating security and access for facilities and information systems is provided including a computer server, information systems, and facility protection systems. The information systems and facility protection systems are coupled for communication to the computer server via a network. Facility protection systems represent an access control system for controlling entry/exit to areas of buildings, such as with badges or other ID Credentials and other systems, such as intrusion detection and fire systems, to provide protection in facility environments. Information systems each represent a computer system requiring user authorization, via computers or terminals capable of connecting thereto, to access information resources or network environments protected by the computer system. Information systems may also include information protection systems requiring user authorization for external access to other information systems. The computer server has a central database which stores at least information defining users and their access privileges to the information systems and to areas of facilities controlled by access control system. Each of the information systems and facility protection systems sends event data to the computer server when an event occurs on its respective system, and an event transaction processor in the computer server determines action(s), if any, to take in response to one or more received events and accordingly sends action data to other information systems and facility protection systems to instruct such systems to automatically respond to security risks representing by such events in real-time. Central management of users and their access privileges, and monitoring of events is further provided.
US07752643B2
An information search system is provided. The information search system is capable of searching a target content based on meta information provided by a broadcast station, in which a reception device makes an inquiry toward a directory service server based on a meta information reference ID accompanying meta information coming from the broadcast station so that a meta information group is derived for reference by the meta information reference ID. Also, another inquiry is made toward a content service server based on address information or a keyword of the content included in sub meta information in the meta information group so as to perform a search for any desired content.
US07752639B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for accessing enterprise information system (EIS) resources in a service component architecture (SCA) for an integration server by selectively binding a service import to a low-level EIS resource adapter (RA) resource of an EIS service provider in response to a declarative binding definition, selectively binding a service import to an EIS service of the EIS service provider in response to a declarative binding definition, and selectively binding a service import to one or more EIS resources through an EIS service mapping configured to transform a service request from the service component client to satisfy an interface pattern of the EIS service provider. By allowing access to resources at different levels and allowing mappings of resources, the requirements of service clients can be met.
US07752636B1
In a computer-implemented method for transferring data, data is received from an external source, the data comprising a plurality of units. Each unit of the data is formatted into a formatted data unit having a first format. A full buffer is formed by storing the formatted data units in a data buffer. Contents of the full buffer is provided to an internal data sink, wherein the internal data sink is configured to provide the data units of the full buffer to a data converter, the data converter providing the data units to one or more external data sinks in an associated external data sink compatible format.
US07752635B2
A system includes an interface device that executes a driver and a processing device that executes instructions to implement a virtual machine, and to implement a virtual network interface card that is configurable to enable communication between the driver and the virtual machine. The processor executes instructions to configure the virtual network interface card.
US07752632B2
Methods and systems are provided for exposing nested data in computer-generated documents in a transparent manner. A mechanism is provided for a client application to query a server application for a list of available file formats after an object is requested from a server application document for embedding into a client application document. Another mechanism is provided for the client application to request a particular format associated with the embedded object from the server application document. Once the client application obtains file format information available to the server application or associated with the particular object, the client application may utilize the obtained file formats for utilizing or operating on the embedded object according to the native file formats associated with the embedded object.
US07752631B2
To enable the adaptation of display units, e.g. of a medical device, to different color display capabilities, an individual library of individual user interface components is used. The individual library of individual user interface components is derived from a generically wrapped library of universal user interface components. It is consequently readily possible to modify the graphical user interface.
US07752627B2
A leaky-bucket style thread scheduler for scheduling concurrent execution of multiple threads in a microprocessor is provided. The execution pipeline notifies the scheduler when it has completed instructions. The scheduler maintains a virtual water level for each thread and decreases it each time the execution pipeline executes an instruction of the thread. The scheduler includes an instruction execution rate for each thread. The scheduler increases the virtual water level based on the requested rate per a predetermined number of clock cycles. The scheduler includes virtual water pressure parameters that define a set of virtual water pressure ranges over the height of the virtual water bucket. When a thread's virtual water level moves from one virtual water pressure range to the next higher range, the scheduler increases the instruction issue priority for the thread; conversely, when the level moves down, the scheduler decreases the instruction issue priority for the thread.
US07752626B1
System and method for client-side RMI-IIOP request load balancing. Embodiments provide a vendor-independent mechanism for load balancing RMI-IIOP requests using standards-based JNDI (Java Naming and Directory Interface) SPIs. One embodiment may use an implementation of a Context Factory class such as the JNDI ContextFactory SPI (Service Provider Interface) for RMI-IIOP request load balancing. Using embodiments, a client may load-balance RMI-IIOP requests to application server instances in an application server cluster. A plurality of client-side Object Request Brokers (ORBs) may be created “up front” on a client system. After the client-side ORBs are initially created, the client-side ORBs may be selected according to a load balancing scheme in response to requests to access the application server. Note that embodiments may be adapted for use in client-side load balancing for other types of client-server systems.
US07752625B2
Provided are a method, system, and program for caching resources requested by applications. Resources requested by applications are cached, wherein the applications use the resources to access services. A capability set of at least one capability is associated with each resource group. A resource group includes at least one resource for accessing one service and the capability set associated with one resource group includes at least one capability for the resources in the resource group. A request for cached resources having a requested at least one capability is received from one of the applications. A determination is made of the one resource group associated with one capability set satisfying the requested at least one capability.
US07752624B2
In one embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of computing containers having processing resources for executing software workloads, a plurality of management processes for controlling access to the processing resources according to workload policy definitions, a data container for storing a plurality of workload policy definitions and associations between the plurality of workload policy definitions and the plurality of computing containers, and a configuration process for communicating workload policy definitions from the data container to the plurality of management processes.
US07752615B1
According to an embodiment of the invention, a storage server management application (SSMA) includes scripting ability. The scripting ability allows functionality to be added to the SSMA by deploying scripting packages onto the SSMA. The packages may be written by a user having access to the SSMA, and deployed onto the SSMA without affecting the core functionality of the SSMA, and may be easily removed. One package allows a system administrator to monitor the configuration of storage servers monitored by the SSMA by comparing the current configuration of the filers to a standard configuration. Another package monitors best practices for redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) systems. Other packages may be added to the SSMA.
US07752614B2
The dynamic workflow documentation system creates an instance of a workflow program, extracts metadata properties from the workflow programs, records the metadata properties, notifies the workflow manager that a new instance of the workflow program has been created. Security and auditing functions of the dynamic workflow documentation system ensure that workflow programs execute according to the workflow requirements.
US07752612B2
A method, apparatus and program storage device for determining an optimal number of tasks during reorganization of a database system with memory and processor constraints. The reorganization system identifies memory constraints, identifies processing capabilities and determines a number of reorganization processes and a combination of reorganization processes that provides a minimum reorganization time based upon the identified memory and processing constraints. The identified memory and processing capabilities identify a domain representing a set of rules applicable to the identified memory and processing capabilities. The set of rules of the identified domain are applied to determine an optimal number and combination of reorganization processes that minimizes a reorganization time.
US07752592B2
A reusable hardware control structure is provided for a hardware acceleration engine that can be configured for implementation within an electronic integrated circuit design according to any one of a plurality of configuration alternatives. The reusable hardware control structure comprises a digital logic circuit design developed to receive configuration data from the hardware acceleration engine describing a selected configuration alternative. The selected configuration alternative is any one of the plurality of configuration alternatives. The digital logic circuit design is developed to process the configuration data to provide an evaluation of an input-to-output latency and an input blocking pattern of the hardware acceleration engine configured according to the selected configuration alternative. The evaluation is capable of being leveraged by control logic within the electronic integrated circuit design to increase utilization of the hardware acceleration engine.
US07752581B2
A system and method is disclosed for assessing a probability of failure of operation of a semiconductor wafer. The method includes inputting risk factor data into a memory and inputting a plurality of wafers into a semiconductor fabrication manufacturing process. A subset of wafers is select to obtain a sample population and at least one region of each wafer of the sample population is inspected. Circuit design data associated with each wafer of the sample population is obtained and one or more defects that present an increased risk to the operation of a particular wafer are identified. The identification is a function of the risk factor data, the inspecting step and the circuit design data. A probability of semiconductor wafer failure is calculated.
US07752577B1
Systems and methods for creating and implementing two-dimensional (2D), image-based design rules (IBDRs) are disclosed. Techniques for creating 2D IBDR can include identifying a search pattern that is representative of a 2D pattern of interest of a design, creating a pattern representation based on the search pattern, defining an anchor point for the pattern representation, and assigning weights to elements of the pattern representation. The 2D IBDR can be used in systems and method for searching a design by comparing the 2D IBDR to the design. A number of 2D IBDRs can be merged into a subset of similar 2D IBDRs by characterizing desired rule geometries, sorting the 2D IBDRs into groups according to the desired rule geometries, merging the groups of 2D IBDRs into a single representative search pattern. Additionally, standard design rules can be created from the disclosed 2D IBDRs. The standard design rule can be created from a 2D pattern of interest by defining an origin of a shape within the 2D pattern of interest, identifying features within the 2D pattern of interest, deriving parameters relative to the origin for each of the identified features, and writing the standard design rule script using the derived parameters.
US07752573B2
Disclosed is a display controller having: time line display means that includes at least two or more units of time on, of a first display area and a second display area that are formed on display means, the first display area, and that displays a time line manipulable to specify a desired unit of time from the two or more units of time; and related information display means that reads out, from a plurality of pieces of information stored respectively including time information added, information to which are added time information related to a unit of time specified by manipulation of the time line displayed on the first display area through operating means, and that displays the read out information on the second display area of the display means.