| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07658870B2 |
Polymer matrix composites with nano-scale reinforcements
Embodiments of the present invention provide polymer matrix nanocomposites reinforced with nano-scale materials such as nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes and methods of fabricating. The nanomaterials are provided within relatively low weight fractions, for example in the range of approximately 0.01 to about 0.4% by weight and distributed within the matrix by a magnetic mixing procedure to provide substantially uniform reinforcement of the nanocomposites. Advantageously, these nanocomposites provide significantly enhanced tensile strength, strain to failure, and fracture toughness over corresponding neat matrices. |
| US07658865B2 |
Conducting liquid crystal polymer matrix comprising carbon nanotubes, use thereof and method of fabrication
Conducting liquid crystal polymer matrix comprising carbon nanotubes aligned in the matrix is provided, along with use thereof and method of fabrication. |
| US07658861B2 |
Corrosion-inhibiting deicer composition
A deicing composition comprises a mixture of a deicing agent and a corrosion inhibitor. The corrosion inhibitor comprises an effective amount of a polyhydroxy carboxylic acid, preferably an aldaric or aldonic acid. The salts of aldaric and aldonic acids are much more potent corrosion inhibitors for deicing than agricultural by-products or refined sugars that are today commonly used as corrosion inhibitors, and therefore can be used at lower concentrations to obtain the same effect as a higher concentration of a simple sugar. The deicing composition can be used as a deicer, anti-icer, or a pre-wetting agent. The deicing agent can include a deicing salt such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, and/or calcium chloride. Further, a method of making a deicing composition includes mixing a deicing agent and a corrosion inhibitor. The corrosion inhibitor can be dissolved in a liquid, such as brine, which can be sprayed on a solid deicing salt. |
| US07658840B2 |
Locking filter assembly
A locking liquid filter assembly is disclosed that prevents an unauthorized user from removing the filter media cartridge after installation. The locking filter assembly includes a head unit for coupling with an inlet conduit for delivering unfiltered process liquid into the filter assembly and an outlet conduit for delivering filtered process liquid from the filter, a head portion that includes a manifold for communicating with the inlet conduit and with the outlet conduit, and a locking assembly coupled to the head portion configured such that when the filter media cartridge is fully engaged with the head portion, the locking assembly engages with the filter media cartridge to prevent filter media removal. |
| US07658832B2 |
Stabilisation of liquid metal electrolyte systems
A method of stabilizing an electrolysis cell with a boundary, a liquid metal layer and an electrolyte layer having specific operational and geometric parameters, and comprises the steps of determining amplitude and frequency values for a desired external, time-varying and/or alternating magnetic field through wave reflection analysis on a theoretical wall whose parameters are representative of the cell wall's parameters; and imposing on said cell an external, time-varying and/or alternating magnetic field having substantially the same amplitude and frequency values determined in the wave reflection analysis so that the resultant magnetic field imposed on the cell tends to parametrically and dynamically desynchronize the occurrence of resonance instability near the cell's walls. |
| US07658830B2 |
Capillary array and electrophoresis apparatus, and methods
A capillary array capable of being easily mounted on an electrophoresis apparatus without damaging the capillaries. The capillary array can include a plurality of capillaries that can be fixed via hollow electrodes on a load header in a matrix arrangement. The load header can be disposed on the electrophoresis apparatus. The capillary array can include a capillary frame onto which a capillary head and a detection portion can be detachably mounted. The structure allows the load header, the capillary head, the detection unit and other portions of the capillary array to be handled as a unit, thereby making it easier to mount the capillary array on the electrophoresis apparatus. |
| US07658821B2 |
Patterned press fabric
A press fabric having a plurality of surface pressing plates on a sheet side of the fabric imparts an impression onto a sheet of paper web during a pressing process. The surface pressing plates are preferably resin pressing plates, and form at least one of a random pattern of dots, a predetermined pattern of dots, a grid pattern of dots, a regular grid pattern of lines, an irregular grid pattern of lines a plurality of squiggly lines, a plurality of wavy lines, a plurality of straight lines, words and pictures. |
| US07658816B2 |
Focus ring and plasma processing apparatus
A focus ring and a plasma processing apparatus capable of improving an in-surface uniformity of a surface and reducing occurrences of deposition on a backside surface of a peripheral portion of a semiconductor wafer compared to a conventional case are provided. Installed in a vacuum chamber is a susceptor for mounting the semiconductor wafer thereon and a focus ring is installed to surround the semiconductor wafer mounted on the susceptor. The focus ring includes an annular lower member made of a dielectric, and an annular upper member made of a conductive material and mounted on the lower member. The upper member includes a flat portion which is an outer peripheral portion having a top surface positioned higher than a surface to be processed of the semiconductor wafer W, and an inclined portion which is an inner peripheral portion inclined inwardly. |
| US07658814B2 |
Irrigation pipe splice sleeve and method
An irrigation pipe splice is formed from two sub-assemblies, each sub-assembly including a sleeve mated to a pipe section. Each sleeve has an inner wall and an outer wall connected by a rim, the outer wall surrounding at least a portion of the inner wall and forming a gap therewith. In the pipe splice, the inner and outer walls sandwich a pipe wall within the gap. |
| US07658791B2 |
Anticorrosive coating compositions
It is an object of the present invention to provide an anticorrosive coating composition which uses a pollution-free (heavy metal-free) rust preventive pigment and exhibits anticorrosive performances equal or superior to those of lead compounds or chromic acid compounds even if the pigment is blended in various binder resins and also to provide an anticorrosive coating composition having excellent storage stability. The present invention relates to an anticorrosive coating composition comprising a binder resin and a pollution-free (heavy metal-free) rust preventive pigment containing a condensed calcium phosphate produced by baking a single substance or mixture of a calcium component and a phosphorous component in the following atomic ratio (Ca/P=m): 0.50 |
| US07658786B2 |
Method for improving the air quality in the limited space and the equipment using thereof
The present invention provides a method for improving the air quality in the limited space and the equipment using thereof. The said method is that the air suctioned from the limited space is transferred to the outside of the limited space and acts as an air source for making oxygen. The oxygen is extracted from the said air source and the waste gas generated thereby is directly discharged to the outside of the limited space. The oxygen extracted is transferred into the limited space and offered the said space by means of the oxygen-supply controller. In addition, the atmosphere is supplemented into the limited space when the air inside is suctioned out. The equipment for the said method includes an indoor machine positioned in the limited space, an outdoor machine and an atmosphere supplement equipment. The present invention can supplement the atmosphere into the limited space while suctioning the air from the space, and can circulate, cool (heat), dehumidify and disinfect the air in the limited space at the same time. Consequently the quality of the said air in the limited space is improved effectively and the oxygen concentration in the limited space is ensured at a prescribed range. |
| US07658782B2 |
Lime-based additive for steel smelting and the preparation method thereof
This invention belongs to ferrous metallurgy field, and in particular relates to a lime-based additive for steel smelting which is used in the electric furnace refining and steel casting process for carbureting and deoxidation and the preparation method thereof. The lime-based additive for steel smelting comprises lime-based material and carbonaceous material, wherein the content of the lime-based material is 40-80 wt % relative to the total amount of the additive, and the remaining is the carbonaceous material; the lime-based material is a passivated CaO powder with a low flowability, or the mixture of the passivated CaO powder and CaCO3 powder, and the carbonaceous material is at least one of the coke, graphite, semi-coke powder and coal with carbon content not less than 85 wt %. When the additive has a shape of pellet, and it further comprises 1-5 wt % of agglomerant which has a microstructure of strip, streak or dendritic, and is at least one of MgO, Al2O3, and CaCO3. |
| US07658771B2 |
Coloring agents for keratin fibers
The present invention relates to agents for coloring keratin fibers which comprise at least one cationic azodye of the general formula (I). |
| US07658753B2 |
Device and method for correcting a spinal deformity
A device and method for correcting a spinal deformity are provided. A spinal implant for correcting a spinal deformity includes a multipoint connector that connects to at least one vertebra of a spine at a plurality of locations and a force directing device that applies a force to the vertebra through the multipoint connector. The force directing device may include a rod which extends generally along an axis of the spine and a force directing member which is adjustably coupled to both the rod and the multipoint connector and which applies a corrective force to the at least one vertebra. |
| US07658751B2 |
Method for implanting soft tissue
A suture construction and method for forming a suture construction is disclosed. The construction utilizes a suture having an enlarged central body portion defining a longitudinal passage. First and second ends of the suture are passed through first and second apertures associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes constriction of the longitudinal passage, thus preventing relative motions of the captured portions of the suture. |
| US07658749B2 |
Method for creating a temporary hypobaric wound space in an intentionally left open surgical wound to diagnose substrate losses and prevent exogenous contamination with microorganisms
A hypobaric wound space is provided for prophylactic and diagnostic purposes in surgical wounds of the abdomen deliberately left open. The hypobaric wound space provided is established by a combination of an impermeable folio sheet or thin flexible membrane, tissue fluid absorbing gauze or sponge, a drain tube, and a suction device to create hypobaric conditions and prevent wound contamination and infection, and to collect wound fluid to diagnose protein, fluid and other substrate losses on a quantity and quality basis. More specifically the invention provided relates to postoperatively applying negative pressure to the wound space of any surgical wound that was deliberately left open by filling the wound space with medical gauze or any material that is capable of absorbing tissue fluid, sealing the wound space with an impermeable folio or flexible membrane by engaging the folio to the skin of surrounding wound edges, and evacuating air and tissue fluid from the wound space by continuous suction through a drain tube to protect the wound from contamination and infection, and to diagnose fluid and losses substrate losses on a quantity and quality basis. |
| US07658746B2 |
Vacuum ring with linear bearings for an automated corneal shaper
A medical device that can be used to cut a cornea. The device may include a blade that is coupled to a head by a blade holder. The device may also have a retention spring that exerts a force on the blade and blade holder. The head and blade can be moved across a ring by a drive assembly that contains a lead screw. The ring may contain one or more openings which have a length that is greater than a width. The openings may be coupled to a vacuum source by a tube. The vacuum pressure of the tube can be displayed by a console. The console may also have switches that allow different operating parameters to be entered through a single knob. |
| US07658744B2 |
Multiple balloon catheter
A balloon catheter may be provided with multiple balloons. At least one of the balloons may include at least one blade. The multiple balloons may be inflated by a common inflation lumen, or by separate inflation lumens. In some embodiments, a predilation balloon may be provided to predilate a lesion prior to placement of a bladed balloon within the lesion. |
| US07658738B2 |
Medical devices for use with endoscope
A medical device is provided for use with an endoscope. The medical device can include a tissue resection device comprising an RF cutting wire. The tissue resection device can be supported for proximal and distal movement relative to the endoscope. |
| US07658732B2 |
Dual-layered disposable garment
The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer. |
| US07658730B2 |
Adult male disposable incontinence system for disposable underwear
An external male urine collection device is inserted into a front opening of a disposable nonwoven diaper or brief. The device comprises a resilient ring for receiving and restraining the penis in a funnel-shaped collection assembly bag extending from the diaper or brief. A distal funnel-like end of the collection bag is attached to a one-way valve and tube assembly to direct the urine from the bag. The tube is attached to a bedside urine storage bag or leg bag. |
| US07658723B2 |
Catheter having plurality of stiffening members
The invention includes a catheter having an elongate main body having a proximal section and a distal section. The elongate main body further includes a plurality of stiffening members disposed along the length of the elongate main body. The plurality of stiffening members includes a first stiffening member and a second stiffening member. The catheter can also include a balloon formed from a tubular member having a recess defined in a portion of its surface. A tapered or thinned balloon is formed from a process by which material is removed from a tubular member prior to formation of the balloon. |
| US07658719B2 |
Bandage bag
A bandage bag provides the dual functions of holding a medical apparatus to a patient for daily wear and of serving as a waterproof bandage, especially for a catheter and its insertion site. The bandage bag comprises a bag and two adhesive layers. The bag opens along a first edge. One adhesive layer is placed along the other three edges on the anterior side of the bag. The second adhesive layer is placed along the first edge on the posterior side of the bag. The bag is attached to a patient's arm near the insertion site using the second adhesive layer. The catheter tubing and port is placed in the bag. The bag is then folded over so the first adhesive layer on the anterior side faces the arm and covers the insertion site, forming a waterproof bandage for the insertion site and the medical apparatus. |
| US07658713B2 |
Synthetic elevation aperture for ultrasound systems and methods
Multiple scanning modes are provided. In a survey mode, imaging is provided without synthetic elevation aperture processing. For greater detailed imaging, imaging is responsive to synthetic elevation aperture processes with different elevation focusing and scanning. |
| US07658711B2 |
Endoscope, in particular for tracheotomy
An endoscope, comprising an elongated tubular shaft for introducing into a body of a patient, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, and further having an opening the distal end. A light guide is arranged along the shaft and has a light-emitting distal end, the light-emitting distal end being arranged in the area of the opening of the shaft in order to radiate light from the opening. |
| US07658710B2 |
Endoscope system using normal light and fluorescence
An endoscope system includes a light source for supplying three narrow wavelength bands including one wavelength band for exciting fluorescence, an excitation light cut filter for transmitting light having a wavelength greater than either 470 nm or 490 nm, and an image capturing unit for capturing the light transmitted by the excitation light cut filter and outputting three wavelength band signals corresponding to the three narrow wavelength bands of the light source. Also included are first, second and third frame memories for inputting and storing the three wavelength band signals, respectively, and first, second and third output ends for outputting first, second and third color signals, respectively, to a monitor for displaying an image. An image processor receives signals from the first, second and third frame memories respectively and selects among the first output end, the second output end and third output end for outputting the received signals to the monitor. |
| US07658709B2 |
Shape memory alloy actuators
A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes a groove formed in a surface of a shape memory alloy (SMA) substrate establishing a trace pattern for a layer of conductive material formed over an electrically insulative layer. The trace pattern includes a first end, a second end, and a heating element disposed between the first and second ends. The SMA substrate is trained to deform at a transition temperature achieved when electricity is conducted through the conductive material via first and second interconnect pads terminating the first and second ends of the trace pattern. |
| US07658708B2 |
Endotracheal intubation device
An endotracheal intubation device having a curvable portion and internal optics or a viewing device which facilitate the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient. The device has a handle and a trigger. When the trigger is squeezed the curvable portion curves in a controlled manner from a fully straight configuration. |
| US07658706B2 |
Vascular graft sterilization and decellularization
The present technology is related to the field of sterilization and decellularization of allografts or xenografts, specifically to processes that achieve effective removal of the cells contained within a vascular tissue matrix and an effective reduction in potential harmful organisms to create grafts suitable for human implantation. In some embodiments, vascular grafts, vascular tissue and/or blood vessels are contacted with cleaning solution under conditions suitable conditions to reduce immune reaction in patients. More specifically, the present technology is directed to sterilization and decellularization of vascular grafts. |
| US07658699B1 |
Punching bag assembly
A punching bag assembly includes a support stand having a pair of spaced-apart leg assemblies and a support frame carried by the leg assemblies, a body punching bag assembly carried by the support frame and having a body punching bag and a speed bag assembly having a speed bag carried by the support frame generally adjacent to the body punching bag assembly. The body punching bag assembly and the speed bag assembly are selectively positional with respect to each other along the support frame. |
| US07658693B2 |
Method for the operation of a drivetrain
A method for the operation of a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, having an automatic transmission and a drive motor, to improve the shift speed. Successive upshifts or successive downshifts are carried out with overlap during a first upshift or downshift. At least one shift element required for a subsequent second upshift or downshift is prepared during the first upshift or downshift, in progress, when a synchronization point is reached. The subsequent second upshift or downshift are carried out immediately. Two successive upshifts or two successive downshifts are carried out by actuation of four shift elements of the automatic transmission. |
| US07658689B2 |
Ultimate defender
A training assistance device capable of significant height adjustment has at least one adjustable, and preferably, two adjustable arms to allow it to simulate a defender in a variety of sports including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and volleyball. Structure facilitating transport of the device from place to place is included. |
| US07658684B2 |
Golf club grip
A golf club grip for attachment to a golf club shaft formed of an upper section having a first outer diameter, an intermediate tapered transitional area and a lower section having a second outer diameter larger than the upper section outer diameter. The upper section accommodates the ring finger and pinky finger of the upper hand. The intermediate tapered transitional section accommodates the middle and index fingers and the thumb of the upper hand. The lower section accommodates the fingers of the lower hand. The structure of the golf club grip promotes better feel and allows a golfer's non-dominant upper hand to obtain a firmer and stronger grip while allowing the dominant lower hand to impart more force to the ball with the golf club. |
| US07658681B1 |
Golf swing aid apparatus
A golf swing aid apparatus includes a first plate and a second plate. Each of the first and second plates has a top side, a first end edge, a second end edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The top sides of each of the first and second plates are concavely arcuate. A hinging assembly hingedly couples the first end edge of the first plate to the second end edge of the second plate to substantially align the top sides of the first and second plates when the first and second plates are in an unbent orientation with respect to each other. The hinging assembly allows the first and second plates to bend with respect to each other after a predetermined amount of force is exerted on the hinging assembly. A strap assembly releasably secures the first and second plates to a golfer's arm. |
| US07658679B2 |
Series-parallel multistage torque converter damper
A method and apparatus for damping torque output from a torque converter turbine to input to a transmission. The damper includes: (a) an input device for connection to an engine; (b) a first spring set having drive springs; (c) a second spring set having secondary springs; (d) a third spring set having parallel springs; (e) a floating apparatus; and (f) an output device. Springs of the first spring set are compressible in a forward direction toward the output device as a result of torque applied to the input device and compressible in a reverse direction toward the input device as a result of torque applied by the output device. The first and second spring sets are in series between the input device and output device during a first forward compression of the first spring set, and the series is in parallel with the third spring set between the input apparatus and output device during a second compression of the first spring set. The first spring set is in parallel with the third spring set between the input apparatus and output device without the second spring set during a third compression of the first spring set. The floating apparatus is between the input apparatus and the output device and between springs of said first and second spring sets during the first forward compression of the first spring set. The method includes the steps of: (a) operating a spring set one and a spring set two in series between torque input and torque output; (b) placing a spring set three in parallel with spring sets one and two allowing more torque per degree of wind-up than in step (a); and (c) removing spring set two from series with spring set one resulting more torque per degree of wind-up than in step (b). |
| US07658671B2 |
Air distribution assembly for vehicles
An air distribution assembly for vehicles, comprising a first flap, able to rotate around a first axis, a second distribution flap, able to rotate around a second axis, and a geared transmission device that connects the first and the second flap to each other. The transmission device comprises at least one gear wheel including a first and a second element able to rotate relative to each other and an elastic element positioned between the first and the second element to allow a relative rotation motion between the first and the second element. |
| US07658670B1 |
Combined window screen and ventilation system for vehicles
A combined window-screen and ventilation system includes first and second non-corrosive conduits that are conjoined to the vehicle's existing air circulating system. The conduits are in fluid communication with the air circulating system such that air can flow therethrough. The conduits terminate rearward of a vehicle's front window and are provided with spaced apertures so that air is discharged towards side door window openings and a sunroof opening. Window screens are interfitted within the door window and the sunroof openings. A mechanism is included for circulating stagnant air within the vehicle. The air circulating mechanism is seated within the vehicle interior, is conjoined to the sunroof, is independently and contemporaneously operable with the vehicle air-circulating system, and is remotely operable up to 50 feet away, for example. |
| US07658658B2 |
Electrical connector with depressible contact stably retained
An electrical connector (1) comprises a dielectric housing (2) and a plurality of conductive contacts (3). The dielectric housing (2) comprises a plurality of contact passages (20) having retaining means (206) therein. Each conductive contact (3) comprises a retaining portion (30) engaging corresponding the contact passage (20) and a resiliently depressible contacting portion (34). When inserting, the conductive contact (3) is respectively inserted in the contact passages (20) along an inserting direction while the retaining portion (30) along a first path, the contacting portion (34) along a second path, but the retaining means (206) is not on the first path and second path and engages the inserted conductive contact (2). |
| US07658657B1 |
Single-pole electrical connector having a steel retaining spring
A male plug of a single-pole electrical connector assembly includes a non-conductive housing and a conductive contact having first and second ends disposed in the housing. The first end is adapted to receive an electrical cable and the second end is adapted to engage a corresponding female contact. An axially extending slot is formed in the contact and extends toward the first end of the contact from the second end. The slot forms first and second slotted portions of the contact. A spring disposed proximal the second end of the contact substantially prevents yielding of the first and second slotted portions of the contact and biases the first and second slotted portions radially outwardly. |
| US07658652B2 |
Device and method for reducing crosstalk
A device and method for reducing crosstalk between wires is provided. The method includes spatially separating first and second sets of wires. A device is disposed relative to the first and second sets of wires to maintain the spatial separation. The method also comprises coupling pins to the first and second sets of wires. Additionally, the method includes covering the device with a connector housing. |
| US07658651B2 |
Electrical connectors and circuit boards having non-ohmic plates
An electrical connector includes a housing and a plurality of contacts within the housing that are configured to engage with mating contacts of a mating connector. The contacts form at least a first differential pair and a second differential pair. The electrical connector also includes a circuit board housed within the housing. The circuit board has a substrate body formed from a dielectric material and includes a first trace electrically coupled to a contact of the first differential pair and a second trace electrically coupled to a contact of the second differential pair. At least one of the first and second traces is an open-ended trace. The circuit board also has a non-ohmic plate that is positioned adjacent to the traces. The plate is positioned to electromagnetically couple the first and second traces to each other and the non-ohmic plate and traces are configured for a desired electrical performance. |
| US07658650B2 |
Jack assembly arrangement with staggered jack bores
The present disclosure relates to a jack assembly including a jack mount having a front side and a rear side. A jack of the assembly is adapted to be slidably mounted in a jack receiving region of the jack mount. The jack assembly also includes a plurality of cross-connect contacts, and a rear interface assembly. The rear interface assembly includes a dielectric cover piece and a plurality of rear connectors that project outward from the dielectric cover piece. |
| US07658646B2 |
High-speed electrical connector with raised supporting wall
An electrical connector assembly includes an insulative housing (10) having a forward mating port (100) in a suspension manner, a plurality of recesses (112), arranged in a matrix manner, formed in the housing (10) under the mating port (100) so as to form a plurality of corresponding partitions (111) among the recesses (112) for support of the mating port (10). The matrix array of recesses (112) is arranged to strengthen the rigid of the housing (10) under the mating port (100) so as to prevent the deformation of the mating port (100), which is influenced from the insert force under a condition when the electrical connector mates with a complementary connector. |
| US07658642B2 |
Molded plastic pass through article with flexible transverse lock arms
An electrical connector has a connector body in the form of a molded plastic pass through article that has a cylindrical portion that is inserted into a panel hole. The article has a flange at one end of the cylindrical portion engaging an insertion side of the panel, and a plurality of supports extending from an opposite end of the cylindrical portion in an axial direction away from the cylindrical portion. A plurality of flexible transverse lock arms are attached to the plurality of supports and extend therefrom in cantilever fashion. The plurality of flexible transverse lock arms are spaced from the cylindrical portion in the axial direction and terminate in lock feet that engage the back side of the panel. |
| US07658641B1 |
Compressive collet electrical clamp and contact and method
The present invention provides a barrel clamp apparatus integrated with an electrical contact, which, with the application of a mating compression nut provides a method of clamping the contact to an electrical cable. In some embodiments the electrical contact is configured to mate with a tapered battery post and in others the electrical contact is a pin or socket arrangement whose wire receiving end has been configured with a barrel clamp configuration. In one embodiment the barrel clamp has been integrated into a band clamp battery connector assembly. In all embodiments this device provides a positive means of securing an electrical cable to an electrical contact, maximizing the conductive potential and clamping force to ensure the best electrical and physical connection is made. |
| US07658637B2 |
Connector having coupling guides for establishing connection with memory connector at right position
A connector installed in a casing containing an electronic device such as a car navigation device is coupled to another connector installed in a memory device such as a hard disc. The connector includes a support member composed of a back plate and side plates connected to the back plate. The connector is disposed on the back plate, and coupling guides to be coupled to guiding grooves formed on the memory device are formed integrally with the side plates. The coupling guides are slid into the guiding grooves to correctly position the connector relative to the memory-side connector when the memory device is coupled to the casing containing the connector. Thus, the connector is surely coupled to the memory-side connector at a right position to establish electrical connection between two connectors. |
| US07658631B2 |
Four wire elastomeric seal and fuel injector using same
A fuel injector includes first and second electrical actuators positioned within an injector body. First and second pairs of electrical conductors extend from a socket connector outside of the injector body to the first and second electrical actuators, respectively. The electrical conductors extend through an elastomeric sealing member that seals against fuel leakage from the fuel injector. The elastomeric sealing member provides annular sealing ridges in sealing contact with an access passage of the injector body and includes individual conductor seal passages that form seals around the outer surface of the individual electrical conductors. The elastomeric sealing member includes features that facilitate assembly of the fuel injector in a manner that reduces risk of damage to the sealing strategy. |
| US07658630B2 |
System and method for connecting electronic components
A system and method for connecting electrical components. More specifically, a method includes positioning a first set of electrical contacts of a first device opposite from a second set of electrical contacts of a second device, and activating a mechanism configured to rotate the first set of electrical contacts between an engaged position against the second set of electrical contacts and a disengaged position offset from the second set of electrical contacts. |
| US07658629B2 |
Cable connection assembly
A cable connection assembly for coupling a cable to an apparatus. The cable connection assembly may include a main body defining an inner cavity adapted to receive a pressurized fluid and receive at least a portion of the cable. The cable connection assembly may also include an attachment mechanism adapted to couple the main body to the cable and a seal assembly adapted to sealingly couple the main body to the apparatus. The cable connection assembly may also include an inlet port passing through the main body for permitting the pressurized fluid to be injected into the inner cavity. |
| US07658626B2 |
Connector system
A portable computer is disclosed. The portable computer comprises a chassis and a connection system. The connection system has a plurality of different connector receptacles. The connection system is configured to swing relative to the chassis between an open position where the connector receptacles are exposed for use and, closed position where the connector receptacles are hidden and stored within the chassis. |
| US07658614B2 |
Method and apparatus for fabricating and connecting a semiconductor power switching device
Fabrication processes for manufacturing and connecting a semiconductor switching device are disclosed, including an embodiment for dicing a wafer into individual circuit die by sawing the interface between adjacent die with a saw blade that has an angled configuration across its width, preferably in a generally V-shape so that the adjacent die are severed from one another while simultaneously providing a beveled surface on the sides of each separated die. Another embodiment relates to the manner in which damage to a beveled side surface of the individual die can be smoothed by a chemical etching process. Another embodiment relates to the manner in which the device can be easily mounted on a printed circuit board by providing conductive lands on the printed circuit board that are coextensive with metallized electrodes on the device and which can be placed on the printed circuit board and soldered in place and a unique lead frame which can be soldered to another electrode metallization on the opposite side of the chip and the printed circuit board in a manner which substantially reduces if not eliminates harmful thermal stress and which assures secure bonding notwithstanding elevation differences between the electrode metallization and the printed circuit board the lead frame is attached to. Another embodiment relates to an output connector for interconnecting an exciter circuit product with a spark producing device wherein the output connector utilizes a configuration that includes a sealing structure that is reliable and easily installed. |
| US07658606B2 |
Edge gated injection molding apparatus
An injection molding apparatus includes an injection manifold having an inlet and a melt channel. The manifold melt channel branches to a plurality of melt channel outlets. A hot runner injection nozzle includes an axial melt channel extending along a central axis and communicating with one of the manifold melt channel outlets. The nozzle further includes at least two angled melt channels disposed at an angle to the central axis. At least two nozzle tips are provided, and each includes a nozzle tip melt channel in communication with one of the angled melt channels. A valve pin is disposed at least partially within the axial melt channel coaxially with the central axis and movable within the axial melt channel. Lateral valve pins movable within the nozzle tip melt channels are disposed at an angle to the valve pin. Linkage elements continuously connect the lateral valve pins to the valve pin. Axial movement of the valve pin is transmitted through the linkage elements to the lateral valve pins to open and close communication between the nozzle tip melt channels and the lateral mold gates. |
| US07658604B1 |
Specific-light-cured and pressure-differential embossing apparatus
A specific-light-cured and pressure-differential embossing apparatus for embossing a specific-light-cured layer on a substrate includes a housing assembly, a mold, an elastic driving module, a pressure-difference generating module, and a specific light providing module. The substrate and the mold are disposed in a chamber of the housing assembly. The mold faces the specific-light-cured layer on the substrate. The elastic driving module is disposed in the chamber to divide the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The pressure-difference generating module, connected to the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber, generates a pressure difference between the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber, and drives the elastic driving module to move and thus to drive the mold to move and press the specific-light-cured layer. The specific light providing module provides specific light to the specific-light-cured layer to cure the specific-light-cured layer. |
| US07658597B2 |
Pump body with plunger pistons
Pump with plunger pistons comprising a head (1) in which are formed the intake and delivery ducts (2, 3) and the respective intake and delivery valves, a pump body (4) associated with said head (1) in which drive means (8) of at least one piston (6), and attachment and support means (5) of said pump body (4) at a body of the drive motor are situated, where said pump body (4) has, on the bottom wall (40), the seats (41) for the sliding of the pistons (6) and directly carries said attachment and support means (5) of the body of the drive motor and it is completely open on the edge facing towards the motor. |
| US07658591B2 |
Cooling layout for a turbine blade, turbine blade included therein, turbine and aircraft engine equipped therewith
A layout for cooling a blade having a cavity surrounded by an internal wall including cooling fins which are spaced apart from each other by a pitch (p) and each have a thickness (e). The blade has, inside the cavity, a jacket passed through by emission holes each having a diameter (d). When the jacket is in place in the cavity of the blade, and in respect of the critical operating point of the turbine engine, each emission hole of the jacket is opposite a place on the internal wall of the blade which is located between cooling fins. |
| US07658590B1 |
Turbine airfoil with micro-tubes embedded with a TBC
A turbine airfoil with a thermal barrier coating applied to the surface for protection from a hot gas flow, where the TBC includes a plurality of micro-tubes extending from a cooling hole in the airfoil substrate and passing through the TBC to provide both reinforcement to and cooling of the TBC. The micro-tubes extend out from a separate hole and open onto the surface of the TBC, or a plurality of micro-tubes extends from a common hole and spread out from the hole. The micro-tubes are formed from nickel or another high temperature resistant material and have a diameter of about 0.009 inches. |
| US07658586B2 |
Advanced low cost high throughput processing platform
A wafer processing system and method in which a wafer, having a diameter, is movable between a loadlock and a processing chamber. A transfer chamber is arranged for selective pressure communication with the loadlock and the processing chamber. The transfer chamber having a configuration of lateral extents such that the wafer is movable through the transfer chamber between the loadlock and processing chamber along a wafer transfer path and the configuration of lateral extents causes the wafer, having the wafer diameter and moving along the wafer transfer path, to interfere with at least one of the loadlock and the processing chamber for any position along the wafer transfer path. The wafer includes a center and the wafer transfer path cab be defined by movement of the center through the transfer chamber. Swing arms are described that can independently move by different angles in opposing directions from a home position. |
| US07658585B2 |
Binding-in and pressing machine
A binding-in and pressing machine (1) with a plurality of pressing stations (60) and heated joint forming rails situated on a reciprocating carriage (50). An alignment station (20) is provided for aligning the book case joints (2a) at the height of the joint forming rails (49a, b), including a height-adjustable alignment table (21) with rails (22, 23) for supporting the book (2) on the outer edges of its spine and guide elements (28, 6) for centering the book on the alignment table. A separate pre-forming station (40) is also provided that comprises the forming rail (51), clamping plates (41a, b), and joint rails (48a, b) that engage into the book case joints (2a) and counteract a downward movement of at least the book case joints (2a). The books (2) aligned in the alignment station (20) are transferred into the pre-forming station (40) while being clamped in lateral regions near the joints. The effective times available for realizing a functionally safe alignment and a permanent pre-forming of the books are extended due to the assignment of the alignment and pre-forming functions to two separate stations. |
| US07658583B2 |
Connection arrangement for superimposed layers of material
In aircraft construction, connection elements for connecting layers of insulating material onto walls are subject to special requirements for ease of installation, weight considerations, and resistance to heat. The invention provides a connection arrangement, in particular for superimposed layers of material, whose function is not impaired under extreme heat. The connection arrangement is comprised by a pin with a head or head arrangement, engaging positions, and a retaining element. The pin, the head or the head arrangement, and retaining element are made up of a skeleton and an outer material where the skeleton is made of a material more resistant to heat than the outer material. Following destruction or removal of the outer material by heat, the remaining skeleton parts of the pin, head part, and retaining element maintain their connections and structure keeping the layers of material in place. |
| US07658581B2 |
Joining assembly including a plastic support member and a plastic threaded element
A threaded element of plastic material for a joining assembly has a uniquely formed thread profile of a small profile angle between 30° and 50° and a rounded crest of a relatively large radius of curvature. The gap between the revolutions of the thread is of a volume which exceeds that of the thread. In order to provide for a specific cutting geometry of the thread profile the threaded element comprises a plurality of angular segments which are radially offset with respect to each other such that adjacent angular segments provide cutting edges. Furthermore, a tool and a method for making such a joining assembly are disclosed. |
| US07658575B2 |
Machine reamer
A machine reamer has a plurality of slender blades erected on the outer peripheral part of a reamer head body. Each blade of a pair of blades facing each other in a radial direction are different in material kind from each other. One of the blades treated as a pair is made of super-hard alloy and the other blade is made of one kind of material selected from the group of sintered ceramic, cermet, and microcrystalline diamond sintered material. |
| US07658573B2 |
Trench shoring extraction device
A hydraulic lifting device including a main beam, two or more connection plates fixedly connected to the main beam, at least two legs, each leg pivotably attached to two of the plates, at least two hydraulic cylinders, each cylinder disposed between the beam and one of the legs, and two or more load connectors. |
| US07658571B2 |
Barreling wave generating apparatus and method
A wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water, the channel having an inlet end connected to a water supply for supplying a flowing stream of water, a base, and spaced side walls, and at least one oblique foil member in the channel. The oblique foil member has a leading face extending at an oblique angle to the water stream in the channel, and a trailing, venturi face with a leading portion facing one of the side walls to form a venturi or constricted pass between the side wall and leading portion of the venturi face. The leading face, venturi face, and venturi pass together are adapted to form a standing barreling wave at the venturi pass. |
| US07658569B2 |
Extensible bar with a simplified locking system
An extensible bar comprises a bar and a sleeve that slide over each other and are kept together by a pin. The extensible bar includes a locking system made up of a latch connected by a wire spring to the sleeve, the latch preventing sliding movement between the sleeve and the bar when the latch is positioned within respective recesses formed in the bar and in the sleeve when the recesses are aligned. The wire spring urges the latch into the recesses. Unlocking of the assembly entails pulling the latch out of the recesses by grasping and pulling a handle attached to the latch. The locking system can be blocked by turning the latch about the wire spring into an orientation that prevents the latch from entering the recesses. The locking, unlocking, and blocking functions are performed by an assembly of only three parts; the latch, the wire spring, and the handle. |
| US07658568B1 |
Interior protectant applicator
An applicator for applying a liquid composition to a work surface. The applicator includes a bottle, a cap detachably mounted on a neck projecting from the bottle and a cover that extends over the cap and an upper portion of the bottle. The cap has and inclined surface with a multi-layer polishing pad mounted thereon. The pad has a cloth outer layer overlying a compressible, preferably foam, under layer. The pad has a central aperture exposing the end of a valve stem. Pressing the pad against the work surface opens a normally closed valve dispensing the liquid in the bottle onto work surface. The valve stem moves reciprocally along a path generally perpendicular an inclined surface on the cap on which the pad is mounted. |
| US07658562B2 |
Modified-QWERTY letter layout for rapid data entry
Data entry arrangements that include twenty-six letters of the Roman alphabet arranged in matrices including six rows of three to six letters per row and in five column matrices. The transposition of the letters of the Roman alphabet on a standard three-row QWERTY keyboard into six row matrices and five column matrices utilizes spacing between the letters wherein a vertical distance between adjacent letters is at least the same. |
| US07658560B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
An interface transport mechanism uses an upper hand when transporting a substrate from a substrate platform to an exposure device before exposure processing by an exposure device, and uses a lower hand when transporting the substrate from the exposure device to the substrate platform after the exposure processing by the exposure device. That is, the lower hand is used to transport a substrate to which a liquid is attached after exposure processing, and the upper hand is used to transport a substrate to which no liquid is attached before exposure processing. |
| US07658554B2 |
Camera installation device
A camera installation device has a camera installation base (12) and a camera support section (14). A coupling direction (X) between the camera support section (14) and the camera installation base (12) is inclined relative to the direction vertical to a camera installation surface (16). Further, in the camera installation device, the angle of the camera support section (14) relative to the camera installation base (12) on a coupling reference surface (Y) crossing a coupling direction (X) is variable depending on the angle of the installation surface (16). Preferably, an inclination angle in the coupling direction (X) is 45°, and the camera support section (14) is reversible on the coupling reference surface (Y). Further, the camera support section (14) can be installed on an upper side and a lower side of a camera (18). The camera installation device can be used in different installation places such as a wall surface and a ceiling. |
| US07658551B1 |
Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector has a rear housing, a reinforcing sleeve and a front housing. The rear housing has a front end, a rear end, a top, a bottom, two opposite sides and two slits longitudinally defined respectively through the top and the bottom at the front end. The reinforcing sleeve is mounted in the rear housing. The front housing is mounted around and the rear housing from the front end of the rear housing and completely covers the slits of the rear housing. The optical fiber connector with the slits has high resistance to the external transverse pulling force and is excellently durable. |
| US07658544B2 |
Linear motion guide apparatus having changeable wiper
A linear motion guide device includes a slider slidably attached onto a guide rail, an end cap and a wiper attached to the slider, the wiper includes one or more pegs engaged with the end cap for anchoring the wiper to the end cap, and includes one or more latches for resiliently engaging with the end cap and for detachably anchoring the wiper to the end cap and for allowing the wiper to be easily and readily attached to the end cap or disengaged from the end cap without additional tools, the end cap includes a shoulder formed in the outer peripheral portion, and the wiper includes an outer peripheral fence for engaging with the peripheral shoulder of the end cap and for anchoring the wiper to the end cap. |
| US07658541B2 |
Apparatus for universal electromagnetic navigation target for fluoroscopic systems
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for an electromagnetic shield assembly for use with C-arms. In an embodiment, the system may include a ring shield configured to encompass an x-ray detector. The ring shield may have a first window opening to receive x-rays. The system may also include a window shield configured to shield the first window opening of the ring shield. Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a system for a universal navigation target. In an embodiment, the system may include a radiolucent calibration target and an electromagnetic shield. The electromagnetic shield may include a ring shield having a first window opening to receive x-rays and a window shield configured to shield the first window opening of the ring shield. |
| US07658531B2 |
Backlight unit having improved chromatic dispersion
Provided is a backlight device that includes: a light guide panel having a diffraction pattern for emitting light through an emission surface of the light guide panel by diffracting light entering the light guide panel; and a chromatic dispersion compensation member that is an optical transmitting member located on a light emission side of the light guide panel and has a lattice pattern having a depth in a direction vertical to the emission surface of the light guide panel. |
| US07658528B2 |
Illumination system
An illumination system has a plurality of light emitters (R5G5B), a first light-collimator (1) for collimating light emitted by the light emitters, and at least a second light-collimator (2) for collimating light emitted by the light emitters. The first light-collimator is arranged around a longitudinal axis (25) of the illumination system, and second light-collimator is being arranged around the first light-collimator along the longitudinal axis. Light propagation in the first light-collimator on total internal reflection. Light propagation in the second light-collimator is based on total internal reflection or on reflection at an outer surface of the second light-collimator facing away from the longitudinal axis. The cavity (3) is provided between the first and the second light-collimator. The cavity is provided with a switchable element based on electrowetting, wherein the switchable optical element is switchable in a mode of operation reducing the effect of the second light-collimator. |
| US07658526B2 |
Illumination system using a plurality of light sources
An illumination system includes a plurality of radiation generating sources, such as LED dies. A corresponding plurality of optical waveguides is also provided, with each waveguide having a first and a second end, with each first end being in optical communication with the corresponding LED die. An array of corresponding passive optical elements is interposed between the plurality of LED dies and the corresponding first ends of the plurality of optical waveguides. The illumination system provides for substantially high light coupling efficiency and an incoherent light output that can appear to the human observer as arising from a single point of light. In addition, the light can be output remotely at one or more locations and in one or more directions. |
| US07658520B2 |
Vehicle flashlight with charger
The invention relates to a torch (1) having rechargeable batteries and contacts (3) on the housing outer surface (4), via which a closed circuit with a battery charging device (2) can be produced, said device being provided with an adapter plug for connection to a passenger vehicle or goods vehicle outlet, in particular a cigarette lighter socket (8). According to the invention, the battery charging device has a pot-shaped or sleeve-shaped housing (6), into which the torch (1) can be plugged such that contacts (7) on the inner surface of the housing (6) bear against the contacts (3) of the housing outer wall (4) of the torch (1). |
| US07658517B2 |
Hinged doors for recessed light fixture
A recessed light fixture having a rotation ring allowing rotation of a lamp mounted over the fixture frame aperture, the rotation ring easily rotatable on the frame and held in place by a ring clamp. The recessed light fixture rotation ring has a mechanical brake for locking the ring in place after positioning of the lamp. The ring also has a slip disc positioned between the surface of the frame and the ring to allow easy rotation. The housing of the fixture has junction boxes mounted on side walls which are hinged to the sidewalls of the housing and which swivel into the interior of the housing for ready access after installation through the aperture of the frame. The lamp of the fixture movable about a horizontal adjustment and vertical adjustment axis while also maintaining position with respect to the reflector. |
| US07658514B2 |
Light guide, method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, and illuminating system having the same
The present invention is directed to a light guide whose one or both sides are structured, a method and an apparatus for manufacturing the same. The present invention is also directed to an illuminating system using the light guide whose one or both sides are structured. The illuminating system comprises a light source part including a light source generating a light and an optical guide optically connected with the light source part for emitting a light inputted from the light source part to outside. The optical guide comprises a hollow outer pipe and a hollow inserted body inserted into the outer pipe, wherein its one side is extended in a substantially same direction as a longitudinal direction to the optical guide, and it is structured with a plurality of linear structures arranged side by side. |
| US07658512B2 |
Lighting unit
The invention relates to a lighting unit (1) having a concave reflector (2) with an axis of symmetry (3) and a light emission window (21) bounded by a circumferential edge (20) transverse to the axis, an elongate light source (30) extending substantially along the axis of symmetry (3), which light source (30) is accommodated in a holder (4) opposite the light emission window (21), and a cup-shaped axially positioned cap (5), which cap partly surrounds the light source and forms an optical screening means to intercept unreflected light rays. According to the invention, the cap (5) is surrounded at a distance d by a screening ring (50), which extends over a height h in the direction of the light emission window (21). |
| US07658501B2 |
Cutoff/milling device
A cutoff/milling device with a motor-driven cutoff/milling element, a work support surface or a guide surface, and a light projection device, the light projection device projecting a light beam onto a workpiece which is located on the work support surface or under the guide surface such that the light beam marks the cutting/milling position or cutting/milling path on the workpiece. The light projection device has a switch for activation of the light projection in response to mechanical vibration produced either by operating of the device or manual knocking on the cutoff/milling device. |
| US07658499B2 |
Projector with a linearly adjustable zoom projection lens
A projector has a case, a zoom lens, a zoom ring, a control plate, a lodging element, a control rod, and a handle. The case has an opening, and the zoom ring is disposed within the case and nearby the opening, the zoom ring is moved back and forth to drive the zoom rod. The control plate is mounted on the case and laid over the opening movably, the lodging element is movably contacted with the control rod, wherein the handle accepts the force along the extending direction of the rectangular opening so as to let the control plate move the lodging element along the extending direction of the rectangular opening and further to move the control rod for continuously regulating the focal length of the zoom lens. |
| US07658496B2 |
Perimeter
A perimeter performs a kinetic visual field examination on the basis of a response as to whether a subject visually recognizes a displayed stimulus for kinetic visual field examination. The stimulus is displayed a series of times on an inner surface of a visual field dome. An operation is performed in which the subject is made aware of an operating sound of the perimeter while no stimulus is actually displayed. The operation is performed at a predetermined frequency during the display times of the stimulus, and a duration of the operation is determined in accordance with a response time by the subject to the displayed stimulus. The reliability of the kinetic visual field examination is evaluated on the basis of the response of the subject in the performed operation. |
| US07658486B2 |
Phase change inks
Disclosed is a phase change ink composition including an ink carrier and a colorant, said ink being suitable for use in an indirect printing process wherein the ink is jetted from a printhead onto a heated intermediate transfer member and subsequently transferred from the intermediate transfer member to a final recording substrate, wherein: (a) the ink exhibits the characteristic of being jetted from the printhead onto the intermediate transfer member when the ink at a temperature of about 125° C. or lower; (b) the ink exhibits the characteristic of being jetted without purging from a printer maintained at a standby temperature of about 100° C. or lower; and (c) the ink has a cohesive failure temperature of at least about 56° C. |
| US07658485B2 |
Image forming method
A method of forming an image containing the step of: ejecting droplets of an ink-jet ink containing water, a colorant and a polymer through a nozzle of an ink-jet head onto an image recording medium, wherein the polymer has a hydrophilic main chain and a plurality of side chains which are capable of cross-linking between the side chains by irradiation with an active energy ray; and a shearing stress is continuously applied to the ink-jet ink in an ink-jet head channel of the ink-jet head during the time when the ink-jet head is in a stand-by condition to eject the droplets of the ink-jet ink. |
| US07658474B2 |
Liquid transporting apparatus
A piezoelectric actuator includes a vibration plate 30 covering pressure chambers 14 and serving also as a common electrode, a piezoelectric layer 31 arranged on the vibration plate 30 on a side opposite to the pressure chambers 14, and individual electrodes 32. The individual electrodes are each arranged on a surface of the piezoelectric layer 31 opposite to the vibration plate 30, in an area overlapping with an edge portion of the pressure chamber as viewed from a direction orthogonal to a plane in which the pressure chambers are arranged, the edge portion being an area other than the central portion of the pressure chamber. The individual electrodes are extended up to an area outside of the pressure chambers, as viewed from the direction orthogonal to the plane. A liquid transporting apparatus including the piezoelectric actuator has an excellent durability and improved drive efficiency. |
| US07658472B2 |
Printhead system with substrate channel supporting printhead and ink hose
A printhead system for an inkjet printer includes an inkjet printhead. A media transport arrangement transports sheets of print media operatively past the printhead. A system controller is operatively connected to the printhead to control operation of the printhead. A print media sensor is operatively connected to the system controller to detect movement of a sheet of print media and to actuate the inkjet printhead. |
| US07658461B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus with environmental temperature based drive-signal generation
An ink-jet recording apparatus including: (A) an ink-jet head which includes: a channel unit having a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of pressure chambers that respectively communicate with the plurality of nozzles; and an actuator unit which is disposed on the channel unit and to which drive signals are applied, thereby changing a volume of the plurality of pressure chambers; (B) a driver IC which is disposed on the ink-jet head and which includes: a drive-signal generating portion for generating the drive signals and applying the generated drive signals to the actuator unit; and a temperature sensor for detecting an environmental temperature of the actuator unit; and (C) a control device arranged to execute a low-temperature-condition control by controlling the drive-signal generating portion to generate the drive signals so as to change the volume of the plurality of pressure chambers, where the environmental temperature detected by the temperature sensor is not higher than a prescribed first temperature. |
| US07658459B2 |
Inkjet printhead integrated circuit
A printhead IC is provided which has an array of nozzles, drive circuitry for receiving print data and sending drive pulses of electrical energy to the array of nozzles in accordance with the print data, a temperature sensor connected to the drive circuitry to adjust the drive pulse profile in response to the temperature sensor output and open actuator test circuitry for selectively disabling the actuators when they receive a drive signal while comparing the resistance of the resistive heater to a predetermined threshold to assess whether the actuator is defective. During use, the temperature sensor can be de-activated after a period of use. |
| US07658458B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus and method of determining control condition in the apparatus
An actuator can selectively switch a volume of a pressure chamber between a first state V1 and a second state V2, which is greater than V1. The actuator changes from the first state into the second state and then changes back into the first state to eject ink from an ejection port. A controller controls the actuator such that To/Tc falls within a range from 0.51 to 0.54. To represents the time period between time the actuator starts to change from the first state into the second state, to a time the actuator starts to change from the second state into the first state. Tc represents the period of proper oscillation of ink filling up the individual ink passage. The actuator is controlled so that a variation in ink ejection speed is prevented from being too large relative to the variation in the degree of deformation of the actuator. |
| US07658452B2 |
Hub and wheel, in particular for bicycles
A hub and a wheel equipped with such a hub for bicycles, wherein the hub includes a fixed hub axle and a hub body rotatably mounted relative to fixed hub axle through two bearings. The hub body includes a hub sleeve and two separate hub flanges positioned on the hub sleeve at which spokes are disposed to connect the hub body with a rim. The hub flanges are fastened to the hub sleeve by connecting members positioned substantially perpendicular to the hub axle. |
| US07658448B2 |
Adjustable chair construction
An adjustable chair construction is described which is particular in that the backrest is linked to the seat by means of at least one hinge construction, where said hinge construction on the seat comprises at least one first projecting member (23) having a curved or linear top section on which top section teeth are arranged, and on the back rest at least one second projecting member (82) having a curved or linear top section on which top section teeth are arranged, such that the teeth on one section mesh with the teeth on the other section, and that at least one connecting member (100) being pivotable fastened to the first and second projecting members (23, 82) maintains the teeth of the curved sections in meshed relationship. |
| US07658443B2 |
Inboard buckle attachment for a four-way seat
The inboard buckle for a four-way seat is attached to the seat through a variable buckle guide. Attaching the inboard buckle to the seat allows the buckle to move with the seat and obviates the need for a long buckle which introduces undesirable slack into the seat belt system during a crash event. Since the buckle moves with the seat, it remains in a location that is convenient for the occupant and provides the maximum occupant protection. The variable buckle guide is attached to the upper rail supporting the seat, and in a crash event, the variable buckle guide transfers the occupant load on the belt to the upper rail, avoiding distortion of the seat or the height adjusting levers supporting the seat, and thus precludes slack in the belt caused by such distortion. |
| US07658442B1 |
Mobile chair with storage capabilities
A chair (10) includes a frame (11) which carries a seat (29). Opposed track assemblies (30) depend downwardly from branches (12, 13) of the frame (11) and slidably carry a drawer (40). The drawer (40) is thereby positioned below the branches (12, 13) and below the seat (29) by a substantial distance so that items in the drawer which extend above the upper surface of the drawer do not engage the seat (25). Branches (14, 15) of the frame (11) may carry a tray (20). |
| US07658437B2 |
Bumper skin
A bumper skin made of plastics material including a front portion, at least one side overrider, and a face of the bumper skin that is visible presenting a shape irregularity between the front portion and the overrider. The front portion and the overrider are constituted by two distinct parts, at least one of the two distinct parts is linked to the shape irregularity, and the shape irregularity includes a hole passing through the bumper skin. |
| US07658435B2 |
Device for tensioning the retractable top of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a device for tensioning the retractable top of a motor vehicle (1). Said top comprises a front element (2) and a rear element (3) which are displaceable between the closed and opened positions thereof. The displacement of said elements is controlled by two articulated arms (6, 7). The inventive device is provided with arresting means (9) carried by the first arm (7) in such a way that is abuts against the second arm (6) when two elements (2, 3) of the top are relatively near to the closed position thereof. The arresting means (9) are provided with elastic means able to resist to the relative motion of the arms (6, 7) when the elements of the top (2, 3) are displaced from the relative position thereof, which is near to the closed position, and move towards said closed position. |
| US07658433B2 |
Locating structure for an instrument panel assembly of a motor vehicle
An instrument panel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first component, a second component and a frame. The first component has a first aperture. The second component has a second aperture. The frame has a main wall. The frame includes a generally cylindrical boss extending outwardly from the main wall. The boss has an outer surface. The boss has a bore aligned with the first aperture of the first component to receive a fastener therethrough to secure the first component to the frame. The boss extends through the second aperture of the second component such that the outer surface locates the second component relative to the frame along a plane generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the boss. The second component is disposed between the first component and the frame so as to be constrained along the longitudinal axis of the boss. |
| US07658427B2 |
Impact absorbing tailgate
A vehicle tailgate includes a lower section carrying pivots adapted to be mounted to a vehicle bed; an upper section slidingly mounted to the lower section, so as to be able to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the lower section; and a biasing device which urges the upper section towards the extended position. The biasing device is selected so as to permit the upper section to move towards the retracted position when a predetermined force is applied. |
| US07658422B2 |
Gardening tool
A gardening tool includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. A ground working instrument is positioned at the second end of the shaft. A generally T-shaped bifurcated handle is positioned at the first end of the shaft. The handle has two co-planar branches with extremities which are adapted for gripping to facilitate two handed use. The handle is sloped at an angle relative to the shaft. The handle has a recessed crotch portion where the branches meet the shaft. The crotch portion is adapted for gripping to facilitate one handed use. |
| US07658421B2 |
Axial member with flange, connection member and production methods thereof
A target tubular member with flange, such as a bumper stay, has a flange having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of an axial section and is formed by electromagnetic forming without excessive expansion. The tubular member with flange includes an axial member made of a tubular aluminum alloy extrudate and a flange member joined to an end of the axial member. The axial member has an end flange being integrated at its end and having an area smaller than that of the flange member. The flange member has a hole, and a cylindrical hole flange at the edge of the hole. The axial member fits in the hole of the flange member, the end flange is in intimate contact with the flange member, and the outer periphery of a small-diameter portion of the axial member is in intimate contact with the inner periphery of the hole flange. The hole flange is held between the end flange and a protrusion. The tubular member with flange may be produced by inserting an untreated pipe into the hole of the flange member and expanding the untreated pipe by electromagnetic forming. |
| US07658417B2 |
Hose hinge assembly
A high-pressure hose hinge assembly provides a continuous fluid path between first and second components that move relative to each other. The hose hinge assembly includes a plurality of rotatable swivel fittings that couple a plurality rigid pipe sections. A first swivel fitting is fixedly coupled to the first component and another swivel fitting is coupled to the second component. At least one swivel fitting and two rigid pipe sections extend between the swivel fittings coupled to the first and second components to provide a continuous fluid path. |
| US07658413B2 |
Retractable snow pole and snowboard binding combination
A snow pole and snow board binding combination is disclosed. The snow pole is conveniently stored on a snowboard binding. The snow pole has telescoping pole members that may be automatically extended from an interior portion of a housing of the snow pole and may be automatically retracted into an interior portion of a housing of the snow pole. The snow pole may have an emergency flag system that is contained within the housing of the snow pole. |
| US07658408B2 |
Airbag assembly
A cushion wrap is secured to a front panel portion of the airbag. Opposite ends of the cushion wrap are secured to the bracket, such that one portion of the cushion wrap tethers one portion of the airbag to the bracket, while another portion of the cushion wrap tethers another portion of the airbag to the bracket. Weakened portions are formed in at least one portion of the cushion wrap such that the cushion wrap restrains one portion of the airbag less than it restrains the other. This provides the ability to control the direction of the deployment of the airbag. |
| US07658406B2 |
Venting device for an airbag inflator
A device for supporting a rupturable closure member of a pressure vessel, such as an airbag inflator has a hollow support with a tapered portion and an adjoining cylindrical portion. An exterior surface of the tapered portion has longitudinally extending grooves therein. An igniter is located adjacent the cylindrical portion of the support and a pyrotechnic substance is located in the cylindrical portion of the support between the igniter and the tapered portion of the support. A rupturable closure member being forced against an open first end of the tapered portion of the support by the gas in the pressure vessel such that a chamber is formed within the support. The igniter when activated ignites the pyrotechnic substance and the burning pyrotechnic substance generates gas under pressure that causes the tapered portion of the support to break along the longitudinally extending grooves and no longer support the rupturable closure member allowing the gas in the pressure vessel to rupture the unsupported rupturable closure member. |
| US07658402B2 |
Curtain airbag system
An airbag is disposed over almost the entire length along a roof side rail. The airbag comprises a duct formed with a gas introduction hole and a plurality of chambers communicating with the duct. The duct comprises a long first duct part and a short second duct part arranged with the gas introduction hole being provided therebetween. The inlet of a chamber closest to the gas introduction hole in the first duct part has a shape that becomes narrower gradually from the upper part toward the lower part. The passage width of the uppermost part of the inlet of the closest chamber is greater than the depth to the narrowest part thereof, and the passage width of the narrowest part is narrower than the passage width of the first duct part around the inlet thereof. |
| US07658401B2 |
Inflatable curtain airbag systems
A curtain airbag system includes a sail panel. The sail panel may be attached with an inflatable curtain of the curtain airbag system. |
| US07658395B2 |
Tip over structure for a two wheeled vehicle
A two-wheeled vehicle, a touring motorcycle, is disclosed. The touring motorcycle may include multiple fuel storage tanks arranged in a split side-by-side configuration. The touring motorcycle may include a rear suspension having a linkage which moves in a direction not parallel with a centerline plane of the motorcycle. The touring motorcycle may include a tip-over structure which prevents unwanted tip-over of the motorcycle. |
| US07658389B2 |
Child safety seat dolly assembly
An apparatus for transporting a child safety seat includes a wheeled assembly that may be clamped to the child safety seat. The wheeled assembly includes a plate member having a longitudinal axis on either side of which are formed one or more through holes. Clamping can be achieved by the use of threaded fasteners which pass through the through holes and are secured to a clamping mechanism that helps frictionally secure the plate member to the child safety seat. Suitable clamping mechanisms for this purpose may include a strap that passes through a passageway formed in the rear of the child safety seat, a clamping bracket having laterally extending arms that abut clampingly abut openings formed in the back of the child safety seat, and an structural elbow member integrally connected to the child safety seat against which a clamping force may be applied. The apparatus with attached child safety seat may be wheeled on the ground by a person using one hand. Furthermore, the apparatus is fully detachable from the child safety seat. |
| US07658377B2 |
Device for depositing sheets in a stack
The present invention relates to a device for depositing sheets for a printing machine, said device comprising at least one rotating drivable sheet transport element (6), which is designed to receive or grasp a leading edge of a sheet and deposit said sheet on a stack after said sheet has traveled a path of rotation, and comprising at least one drag element (10) for pulling a sheet that has been deposited on the stack toward a mechanical stop. With the present invention, the drag element is coupled with the rotation of the sheet transport element and is arranged in such a manner that said drag element can assume an inoperative position within the region covered by the rotating sheet transport element, and that said drag element, in order to perform its dragging function, can be moved at least partially out of the region covered by the rotating sheet transport element. |
| US07658373B2 |
Method for producing multi-part print products
A method for producing multi-part print products includes supplying a folded main print product fold first to respectively one pouch of successively following pouches on a conveying device for a production line that includes a plurality of feeders. The folded main print product has front and rear legs extending from the fold. The rear leg has a frontal edge region that is penetrable by a movable clamping part. The method further includes moving the front and rear legs apart by penetrating the frontal edge region of the rear leg with the movable clamping part to clamp the front leg against a pouch wall. At least one partial print product is inserted into the main print product when the front and rear legs are moved apart to accommodate partial print products side-by-side. |
| US07658372B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus including: a stapler; a conveying path, which conveys a sheet to the stapler; a bundle forming device to form a sheet bundle in the conveying path, the bundle forming device having a pinch device, which successively pinches an upstream end portion of the sheet to pinch plural sheets integrally; a control portion, which controls the stapler and the bundle forming device to staple the sheet bundle selectively between at one end of the sheet bundle for the side stitching and on the fold line of the sheet bundle for the saddle stitching; a discharging device, which discharges the sheet bundle stapled at the one end onto a stacking portion, a two-fold device, which folds the sheet bundle stapled on the fold line in two along the fold line, and a joining device, which joins the sheet bundle folded by the two-fold device into the discharging device. |
| US07658371B2 |
Magnetic strip removable portion format
A system for producing removable portions having personalized information, for mass-distributable packets, by single-pass manufacturing, in which a printed web is slit into two ribbons, one of which is then folded and glued upon itself to create a multi-ply ribbon that appears to be of heavier stock than the original paper, and a label containing a magnetic strip is applied. The magnetic strip can be encoded with information personalized to the recipient or the advertiser. Alternatively, the multi-ply ribbon can be created by gluing together multiple ribbons, or by a combination of folding ribbons and gluing ribbons. The multi-ply ribbon is die cut into an inside portion and an outside portion and married to the other ribbon, after which the outside portion is removed, leaving the inner portion as removable portions. Alternatively, the folded ribbon can be kiss cut after it has been married to the other ribbon. The removable portions can be coated or laminated to simulate plastic and can be printed with information personalized for the advertiser or for the recipient. |
| US07658366B2 |
High-pressure bi-directional valve
A control element of a bi-directional valve is in fluid communication with an outlet pressure and an inlet pressure when the valve is closed such that a sum of the forces applied to the control element result in a net force urging the control element to seat against a valve seat. The valve includes a valve body carrying the valve seat. The control element is balanced on an outlet side of the valve seat such that the outlet pressure applies approximately no net force to the control element. In contrast, the control element is unbalanced on an inlet side of the valve seat such that inlet pressure applies a net force on the control element to bias the control to seat against the valve seat. |
| US07658363B2 |
Laptop security device for technology workstand
A device for securing a laptop computer to a support panel comprises a pair of security devices each including a vertical member having a pair of prongs extending laterally outwardly therefrom. The laptop computer is securable with the security devices when the laptop computer is in the open position. The security devices are configured to be mountable to the support panel at a spacing greater than the laptop width. Each of the security devices include the prongs which are located above the lower surface of the vertical member at a height greater than a height of the keyboard and which are spaced apart from one another at a distance greater than a thickness of the display monitor. The pairs of prongs extending from respective ones of the vertical members are oriented in facing relationship to one another in order to secure the laptop computer to the support panel. |
| US07658360B2 |
Seat sliding apparatus for vehicle
A seat sliding apparatus for a vehicle includes a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor, an upper rail fixed to a vehicle seat and supported by the lower rail so as to be movable relative thereto, and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism includes multiple lock portions provided at the lower rail along a longitudinal direction thereof, a lock member provided at the upper rail and rotating about a rotation axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the upper rail so as to be engageable with or disengageable from the lock portions, and a bracket for supporting the lock member in a direction of the rotation axis. The seat sliding apparatus for a vehicle further includes a deflection preventing member for preventing a deflection of the bracket in the direction of the rotation axis and being integrally provided at the upper rail. |
| US07658352B2 |
Device to facilitate stationary placement of a paintbrush
An attaching mechanism to attach to a paintbrush. The attaching mechanism comprises a hook so that when the attaching mechanism is attached to a paintbrush, the paintbrush can be hung by the hook on a rim of a paint can. |
| US07658351B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for guiding and supporting an elongated flexible member
The present invention relates to a member for guiding and supporting elongated flexible members such as wires, cables and other flexible lines that can introduce services and utilities into a residential, commercial or similar building structures. The guiding and support members receive and support at least one of the elongated flexible members so that it can be pulled around a corner without being damaged. Additionally, the guiding and support members can be used when the elongated member is only being pulled in a straight run or to organize elongated members that have already been run. Sweeps, including roller sweeps and cradles, can be secured to the guiding and supporting members to maintain a predetermined radius in the flexible members and reduce the amount of friction on the flexible member as it is pulled. This reduction in friction results in a smoother pull of the flexible member and a reduction in the amount of force needed to pull the flexible member. |
| US07658349B2 |
Pilot flight control stick haptic feedback system and method
A pilot flight control stick haptic feedback system includes a pilot user interface, a position sensor, a pilot motor, and a control circuit. The pilot user interface is movable to a position at a movement rate. The position sensor senses the position of the pilot user interface and supplies a pilot user interface position signal. The pilot motor is coupled to the pilot user interface, and receives pilot motor feedback signals. The pilot motor, in response to the pilot motor feedback signals, supplies feedback force to the pilot user interface. The control circuit determines one or more of the pilot user interface position, movement rate, aircraft control surface slew rate capacity, aircraft control surface load rate capacity, and aerodynamic stall risk and, based on at least a subset of these determinations, supplies pilot motor feedback signals to the pilot motor. |
| US07658342B2 |
Auto-feed buit-in a paper shredder
Disclosed is an auto-feed built-in a paper shredder, including a pair of bisecting lids that are each provided at an inside thereof with a paper press, a paper receiving compartment, an auto-feed, and a paper shredding device located exactly below the auto-feed, wherein the auto-feed includes a paper tray, a paper inlet and two roller assemblies; the paper inlet and the paper shredding device located therebelow are aligned along an identical central axis; the two roller assemblies are provided at opposing sides of the paper inlet in parallel and project into the paper tray, whereby after placing a pile of paper into the paper receiving compartment to be supported by the paper tray, and closing the bisecting lids, the paper presses provided at the insides of the lids would apply a force against the pile of paper, such that a bottommost paper of the pile of paper would be folded in half by the two rollers rotating towards each other and then fed into the paper inlet to be subsequently shredded by the paper shredding device located below the paper inlet. |
| US07658337B2 |
Fluid vectoring nozzle
A fluid vectoring nozzle comprises flow vectoring means suitable for selectively producing a fluid dynamic throat in the nozzle in a plane oblique to the axis of the nozzle, such that in operation fluid flow passing through the throat is rotated about an axis parallel to and coincident with the plane of the throat. That is to say, the present invention comprises flow vectoring means suitable for selectively producing a fluid dynamic throat in the nozzle in a plane oblique to the axis of the nozzle, such that, in operation, fluid passing through the fluid dynamic throat is turned towards an angle perpendicular to the plane of the throat. Fluid injection means are provided to inject a control fluid into the nozzle through a perforate region provided in at least one nozzle wall, thereby generating a fluid dynamic restriction which initiates the formation of the fluid dynamic throat. |
| US07658335B2 |
Hydronic heating system
A hydronic heating system for a building includes condensing and non-condensing boilers in a hybrid arrangement. A control apparatus receives information from one or more condition sensors, such as air temperature or water flow, and calculates heating load requirements. The control apparatus then independently selects and operates the various boilers of the system to optimize boiler efficiency and operating characteristics. |
| US07658332B1 |
Protective overlay for a transaction card
An overlay is provided which can be adhered over the front and/or rear faces of a transaction card (e.g., a credit card) to protect it from wear, and also to lend it a personalized appearance. The overlay is preferably defined by transparent film having window portions that may be situated over important card indicia (such as card numbers, signature panels, and the like), and printed portions that may rest over and maskless critical regions of the transaction card, and which may bear images and/or text for personalizing the transaction card. The overlay is preferably provided with an adhesive rear face and a peelable backing so that a cardholder may peel the overlay from the backing and apply it to a transaction card. |
| US07658327B2 |
Virtual retail assistant
The present invention, as embodied in the claims, relates to customer care management via a communications systems and methods including, in embodiments, a combination of automated and human services to be provided to a customer in a retail store environment in real time. For example, one embodiment of the present invention provides an automated method for assisting a customer in a retail store comprising: identifying the customer; periodically identifying the customer's position in the store; identifying a product of interest to the customer; and communicating information to the customer via a remote specialized sales agent or other audio, visual and/or computer data relevant to the customer. |
| US07658317B2 |
Dispensing package
There is provided a paperboard carton for receiving articles in two or more layers separated by a divider pad which is secured relative to an end panel arrangement at one end of the carton. The carton has a top panel, a base panel and a pair of opposite sides. One of the side panels has a removable portion adjacent one end which when removed defines a roll out aperture for article removal when the carton is lying on said one end panel arrangement. |
| US07658315B2 |
Process of brazing superalloy components
A process for brazing components formed of superalloys that contain elements prone to oxidation during brazing. At least one braze tape is applied to at least one faying surface of at least a first of the components being joined by brazing. The braze tape comprises a braze tape alloy containing the base metal of the superalloys and a melting point suppressant, and is applied so as to substantially cover the faying surface. The braze tape is then bonded to the faying surface by heating the first component to a temperature not exceeding the brazing temperature required to join the components. Thereafter, the components are assembled so that the bonded braze tape are between the respective faying surfaces of the components. The components are then brazed together by applying and heating a braze alloy to the braze temperature. |
| US07658309B2 |
Nail presser lid structure for a nailer
The nail presser lid structure for a nailer includes a coupling end and a swinging end. The swinging end is provided with a flexible presser, formed of a presser portion and a spring. The presser portion protrudes from the swinging end to press on the closing side of the removable cover. An inclined guide plane is placed outside of the presser portion. When the removable cover presses the inclined guide plane, the presser portion is forced to return and press the spring to accumulate elastic restoring force. When the closing side of the removable cover overpasses the inclined guide plane, the presser portion will recover again and press the positioning portion of the closing side, such that the nail presser lid and removable cover of the nail box are closed flexibly, offering greater operational friendliness and practicability. |
| US07658291B2 |
Method and apparatus for sorting fine nonferrous metals and insulated wire pieces
A system for sorting fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire from a batch of mixed fine nonferrous metals and insulated wire includes an array of inductive proximity detectors, a processing computer and a sorting mechanism. The inductive proximity detectors identify the location of the fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire. The processing computer instructs the sorting mechanism to place the fine nonferrous metals and insulated copper wire into a separate container than the non-metallic pieces. |
| US07658286B2 |
Package with integrated tracking device and method and apparatus of manufacture
A package with integral tracking device and method of forming includes a panel having an upper edge, an opposed lower edge and two side edges that form a flexible pouch. A tracking device is disposed within an air pocket formed in a seal. An opening means is integrally formed in the panel for accessing a product contained within the pouch. In another embodiment, the package is a container having a base wall and a side wall extending upwardly from an edge of the base wall. A cover removable encloses the container, and a valve is disposed in the cover for venting a gas from the container. The tracking device is disposed within an enclosed air pocket integrally formed in a base wall or a side wall of the container. |
| US07658285B2 |
Article shipping and/or storage container and a shipping and/or storage container having articles
A sheet shipping and storage container includes a base supporting a stack of glass sheets in a vertical orientation, and a pair of telescoping end caps mounted on each side of the stack in facing relationship to one another. A first endless strap has its course around the end caps to bias the end caps toward one another about the stack; a second endless strap has it course around back end of each end caps and the back side of the stack to bias the back surface of the stack and the end caps downward toward the front of the base, and a third endless strap around the opposite end of the end caps and the front side of the stack to bias the end caps and the front side of the stack downward toward back side of the base to unitize the plurality of sheets, end caps and base. |
| US07658283B2 |
Magazine strip for fastening elements
A magazine strip for carrying fastening elements (1) including two opposite side walls (2) projecting from rear wall (3), extending parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction (L) of the magazine strip, and forming together a space (4) for receiving the fastening elements (1) at least along a portion of a longitudinal extent (a) of the fastening elements, and a loss-preventing element (7) for preventing the fastening elements from falling out in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the magazine strip and having a spring element acting in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extent of the side walls (2) and narrowing at least partially an inner width of the receiving space (4). |
| US07658277B2 |
Conveyor belt
An endless conveyor belt comprises a number of links which are each coupled to an adjacent link by means of a hinge. Added to each link is a carrier which has a discrete, flat first carrying surface which consists of the outer surfaces of a number of mutually coupled plates extending with second mutual intermediate spaces in longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt, wherein corresponding plates of adjacent links lie in the same plane. In the second intermediate space there fits a row, extending in transverse direction, of fixedly disposed fingers which extend in longitudinal direction and form a discrete, flat second carrying surface which, at the position of co-action with the first carrying surface, lies in the same plane as this first carrying surface, which fingers are disposed at the end of the active part of the conveyor belt and can take over for further transport objects fed by this conveyor belt in sliding manner while being pushed by objects fed by this conveyor belt. |
| US07658262B2 |
Axle assembly
An axle assembly is provided that includes a differential housing, a first axle tube and a second axle tube. The first axle tube and the second axle tube are releasably secured to the differential housing and to one another. |
| US07658255B2 |
Device for preventing a driver under the influence of drugs to use a motor vehicle
Device intended to prevent a driver under the influence of alcohol from activating a vehicle's starting mechanism with the aid of a starter, such as an ignition key or a starter card, comprising structure for collecting specimens from the driver for analyzing the alcohol concentration in the specimen that makes it possible to activate the starting mechanism with the aid of a starter depending on a signal from the analyzing unit. |
| US07658251B2 |
Direct drive electric traction motor
A direct drive traction vehicle motor system for a wheeled vehicle includes an electric motor rotor for mechanically attachment to a vehicle wheel for rotational movement with the vehicle wheel. An attachment structure is concentrically mounting the rotor to the vehicle wheel. An electric motor stator is mounted in a concentric relationship with the rotor. A mechanical structure is coupled between the vehicle and the stator for inhibiting rotation of the stator. An electric drive circuit is electrically coupled to the motor stator for exciting the motor stator to impart a rotational force on the vehicle wheel through the rotor. |
| US07658243B1 |
System and method for preventing slippage and rotation of components in a tubular housing
Systems and methods for preventing slippage and rotation of components installed in a tubular housing member and/or along a rotatable tubular shaft during drilling operations are disclosed herein. The housing and/or rotatable shaft include a shoulder disposed proximate to one end. An adjustable member is secured proximate to the opposite end. One or more components are installed, covering a first portion of the surface between the adjustable member and shoulder. One or more spacing members are installed to cover substantially all of the remaining surface. The adjustable member is tightened such that the adjustable member and the shoulder apply a compressive axial load to the components and spacing members, causing frictional forces between adjacent objects greater than the torque acting on the housing and/or tubular shaft, causing each component to remain stationary with respect to the surface to which it is secured. |
| US07658231B2 |
Residential fire sprinkler
A pendent type residential fire sprinkler is described. The residential fire sprinkler has a body with a K-factor of at least 6 passage coupled to a deflector assembly that distributes fluid flowing through the passage over a coverage area to perform in accordance with Underwriters Laboratory Standard 1626 (October 2003) for listing by Underwriters Laboratory Incorporated so that the body and a heat responsive trigger disposed between the passage and the deflector assembly of the sprinkler can be installed in accordance with the 2002 Edition of National Fire Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R. Various aspects of the residential fire sprinkler, including a method of protecting a residential dwelling unit are described. |
| US07658230B2 |
High pressure insulated electrical, fiber and tubing feed-through fitting assembly
A protective pressure-resistant enclosure, or housing is provided, which can be incorporated into a production assembly within a wellbore. A conductor associated with the monitoring system is passed through a bulkhead using a hermetically sealed arrangement wherein fluid cannot pass between the conductor and the bulkhead. In a currently preferred embodiment, the sealed arrangement includes a conductor fitting which surrounds the conductor and forms a first fluid seal between the conductor fitting and the bulkhead. A compression member is then affixed to the conductor fitting. A pair of nested ferrules are disposed between the conductor fitting and the compression member. When the conductor fitting and the compression member are secured to one another, the ferrules are compressed together to form an active fluid seal against the conductor. |
| US07658227B2 |
System and method for sensing flow rate and specific gravity within a wellbore
A device determines the specific gravity of a wellbore fluid flowing into a submersible pump. The specific gravity of the wellbore fluid is determined by measuring the pressure increase across at least two pump stages and then using fluid flow properties and known pump characteristics to back calculate the specific gravity of the wellbore fluid. |
| US07658226B2 |
Method of monitoring fluid placement during stimulation treatments
Although the methods have been described here for, and are most typically used for, hydrocarbon production, fluid diversion measurement systems and methods are described. One method includes inserting a tubular tubing having one more fluid injection ports into a wellbore, injecting a treatment fluid through the injection port, and determining differential flow of the treatment fluid at one or more wellbore based on measuring the concentration of at least one particular component of a wellbore fluid located in the annulus formed between the wellbore and tubular; and using the measured parameters in realtime to monitor, control, or both monitor and control diversion of the fluid. |
| US07658225B2 |
Polish rod clamp apparatus
A polish rod clamp apparatus has a body defining a lower rod aperture and a tapered body recess. A cap defines an upper rod aperture and a tapered cap recess. Tapered gripper dies have upper and lower outer surfaces sloping inward from a central portion and inner surfaces configured to bear against the polish rod. The dies are installed in the body recess such that inner surfaces bear against a polish rod and the lower outer surfaces bear against walls of the body recess. The dies are movable with respect to the body and are prevented from rotating. The cap is threaded onto the body such that the upper outer surfaces of the gripper dies bear against the walls of the tapered cap recess. Threading the cap onto the body forces the gripper dies against the outer surface of the polish rod passing through the body. |
| US07658220B2 |
Barrier means
Barrier means are provided having a frame including a plurality of frame members, movable between a first substantially erect condition and a second substantially folded condition. At least one of the frame members including two or more telescopically mounted portions capable of relative movement to allow expansion and/or contraction of the length of the frame member. Locking means are associated with one or more of said frame portions to allow the portion or portions to be locked at a required length. The locking means are movable between the locked and/or unlocked position by relative movement of the frame portion or portions with which the locking means are associated. |
| US07658212B2 |
Liquid dispenser assembly for use with an appliance
A liquid filtering and dispensing system can be formed as an integral unit and configured for placement within an appliance compartment. The system can have a manifold with a filter connection including inflow and outflow attachments for a filter cartridge, an inlet, at least one outlet forming a dispenser and a valve to control flow through the integral system. The system can include a cooling reservoir fluidly located prior to the dispenser. The system can include a removable carafe and a carafe mount configured such that the carafe can receive liquid from the dispenser. The carafe mount can be configured to supply liquid from the carafe to a remote dispensing assembly such as a refrigerator door dispenser. The carafe mount can be positioned within the refrigerator compartment or within the refrigerator door. |
| US07658203B2 |
Fluid sensing shut-off devices with timer and methods of operation
Fluid sensing shut-off devices with timer and methods of operation to shut off fluid flow if a primary shutoff valve sticks in the on condition. An embodiment is disclosed using a microphone to sense fluid flow, with a microprocessor periodically awakening from a sleep mode to power the sensor and determine if there is flow. If there is flow, the microprocessor times flow, and if flow is not shut off within a predetermined length of time, the microprocessor shuts off the valve. The valve itself normally held in a magnetically latched, valve open state, but may be unlatched by a current pulse to close the valve. Various embodiments and applications are disclosed. |
| US07658201B2 |
Valve for sterile sampling of a liquid sample from a container
A valve for sterile sampling of a liquid sample from a container includes a valve body (1) with a valve chamber (2). The valve includes a sample inlet (6) in the valve chamber (2), a first valve seat (7), a first valve plug (5a) for closing the sample inlet (6) through abutment against a first valve seat (7), an outlet (8) from the valve chamber (2), a cleaning inlet (9) in the valve chamber (2) for disinfection fluid, a second valve seat (10) and a second valve plug (5b). The outlet (8) is positioned between the two valve seats (7, 10), and the second valve seat (10) and the second valve plug (5b) are positioned in such a manner that the second valve plug (5b) through abutment against the second valve seat (10) cuts off the inflow of disinfection fluid in an area (2b) of the valve chamber (2) at the sample inlet (6). |
| US07658200B2 |
Semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and control method thereof
The present invention provides a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus having a slit valve control system including first and second process chambers disposed adjacent to each other, a slit aperture disposed between the first and second chambers, a slit valve to open and close the slit aperture between first and second chambers, an air source to operate the slit valve, a pressure supply flow path connecting the slit valve with the air source, and a pressure regulator installed on the supply flow path to regulate pressure supplied from the air source to the slit valve. |
| US07658183B1 |
Engine air intake and fuel chilling system and method
A combustion engine intake air cooler system is disclosed that utilizes the vehicle air conditioning system to chill the engine intake air supply by conducting latent heat from the intake air passing through the intake air ducts using an external tubular induction coil in contact with and surrounding the air intake duct and connected to the vehicle air conditioning refrigeration system. Other embodiments include a refrigeration conduction coil located within a sealed and insulated, carburetor air breather and a refrigeration conduction coil in contact with the engine fuel line. An on board refrigerator using dry ice is also disclosed as a refrigeration system for the conduction coils when no vehicle air conditioning system is available. An intake air temperature sensing and control system is also provided. |
| US07658177B2 |
Air valve and method of use
An air valve and its method of use including an air valve housing; a throttle plate disposed on a throttle shaft; a driven gear attached on the throttle shaft; a brushless direct current motor assembly in connection via a pinion with the driven gear; an integrated electronic valve controller including digital signal processing on a circuit board; and a throttle position sensor on the circuit board, wherein the throttle position sensor includes at least one non-contact type sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the air valve includes an inlet port and an outlet port connected to an engine via an air intake manifold, such that re-circulated exhaust gas is introduced into the air intake manifold. |
| US07658167B2 |
Fluidized-bed device with oxygen-enriched oxidizer
The invention relates to a fluidized-bed device (F1, F2) provided with a hearth (1, 23) equipped with gas mixture feeds called primary feeds, said gas mixture being enriched with oxygen, and said hearth (1, 23) being provided with a network of two types of primary feed nozzle, a first type of nozzle (B1, B′1) injecting a first gas mixture at a first level close to the hearth (1, 23) and a second type of nozzle (B2, B′2) injecting a second oxygen-enriched gas mixture at a second level above the first level.According to the invention, said second type of nozzle (B2, B′2) consists of a device for mixing oxygen with a second gas component and connected by its lower end to an oxygen feed (11A, 11A′) and to a feed of second gas component, and of a device for injecting this mixture into the combustion chamber. |
| US07658163B2 |
Direct write# system
Methods and apparatus for the deposition of a source material (10) are disclosed. An atomizer (12) renders a supply of source material (10) into many discrete particles. A force applicator (14) propels the particles in continuous, parallel streams of discrete particles. A collimator (16) controls the direction of flight of the particles in the stream prior to their deposition on a substrate (18). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the viscosity of the particles may be controlled to enable complex depositions of non-conformal or three-dimensional surfaces. The invention also includes a wide variety of substrate treatments which may occur before, during or after deposition. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a virtual or cascade impactor may be employed to remove selected particles from the deposition stream. |
| US07658162B2 |
Self adhesive medication reminder device
The present invention is a dosage reminder device that serves as a regular and constant reminder of when a medication was last taken as well as when a medicine should next be taken. The device is attached to any medicine box or bottle using a self-adhesive backing element and, owing to its relative simplicity and low cost, can be disposed of once the medication has been used or is no longer needed. The self-adhesive backed dial portion includes an opposed raised annular rim with radially inwardly oriented detents. The center of the dial includes a receptacle in the center for receiving a pin for pinning in-place a multi-pointed indicator whose pointer end elements engage securely in the radially inwardly directed detents. By being mechanically engaged in 2 locations, the dial indicator resists movement, even with inadvertent patient dropping or scraping of the medication receptacle, thusly clearly and securely showing dosage timing. |
| US07658160B2 |
Asymmetrical sail fabric
A sailcloth in roll good form permits efficient and cost effective construction of cross cut and vertical cut, laminate sails based on “off-angle,” (asymmetrical) load bearing fibers. The sailcloth also may include a conventional warp and fill thread or fiber layout. Such sailcloth illustratively is significantly less susceptible to load force stretch, creep elongation, and airfoil shape deformation because, among other things, it is not dependent on the load bearing limitations of symmetrical, woven or knitted roll good sailcloth. |
| US07658159B2 |
Foreship arrangement for a vessel of the displacement type
A foreship arrangement for a vessel of the displacement type. The foreship consists of the part of the ship in front of the vessel's midship mark and the vessel has a transversely symmetrical hull form about its center line and a substantially conventional bow form below its design water line, characterized in that the stem line of the vessel turns substantially backwards in relation to the length direction of the ship from a transition point at or immediately above the design water line. |
| US07658147B2 |
Printing system and method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device using the same
A printing system comprises a moving rail, a cliché plate and a substrate positioned on the moving rail, a printing roller that transcribes a pattern material on the substrate by passing through the cliché plate. The printing system further comprises a cleaning unit that cleans the cliché plate. |
| US07658141B2 |
Closed cartridge for preparing a beverage for extraction under pressure
The present invention relates to a closed cartridge (10), for extraction under pressure, comprising a dish (12) with a bottom (13) with a central part and a peripheral part and a side wall having substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone and a circular edge with a diameter greater at the bottom and a cover (15) welded to the periphery of the edge of the dish and the cover is intended to be torn only through the effect of the force of the extraction fluid when extraction starts, the said cartridge comprising, in the dish at the level of the bottom, a means (16) guaranteeing retention of the solid substance when it is opened, in which the means guaranteeing retention of solid substance is a sheet of fabric sealed in the bottom of the dish in two zones, on the one hand in the central part (17) and on the other hand in the peripheral part (18) of the said bottom (13). |
| US07658137B1 |
Method of manufacturing a frangible slug
Methods and articles are provided for frangible slugs. A method of manufacturing a frangible slug includes heating substantially spherical metallic powdered particles, where substantially all of the powdered particles have diameters larger than 125 microns and smaller than 250 microns, to form heated powdered particles. The method includes heating a microcrystalline wax to form a melted wax. The method also includes combining the heated powdered particles with the melted wax to form a liquid mixture. The method further includes filling a payload cavity of a slug container with the liquid mixture to form a liquid mixture payload, where the slug container is configured to retain a solidified frangible payload as the frangible slug until impact with a solid object. |
| US07658133B2 |
Apparatus for cutting food product
A cutting apparatus having an annular-shaped cutting head and an impeller assembly coaxially mounted for rotation within the cutting head to deliver food products radially outward toward the cutting head. The cutting head has at least one knife extending radially inward toward the impeller assembly. The impeller assembly is equipped with paddles, each having a radially outer extremity adjacent the impeller assembly, a radially inner extremity, and a face therebetween facing the rotational direction of the impeller assembly. According to preferred aspects of the invention, removable posts radially extend from the radially outer extremity of each paddle, and/or the face of each paddle has grooves transverse to a radial of the impeller assembly. |
| US07658124B2 |
Compliant gear assembly and work machine using same
A compliant gear assembly includes a gear ring positioned about a hub and configured to translate responsive to a torque on the gear assembly, and biased toward co-axial alignment with the hub via at least one actuator. A method of managing loads on an idler gear in the gear train is still further provided including translating the gear ring responsive to the torque on the idler gear. A work machine includes an engine having a housing and a geartrain mounted thereon, the geartrain including a crank gear, a cam gear and a compliant idler gear assembly. |
| US07658114B1 |
Ultrasonic flow meter
In one embodiment, an ultrasonic flow meter is provided for measuring a flow rate of a medium flowing through a conduit, the ultrasonic flow meter comprising two ultrasonic emitters and two ultrasonic receivers mounted to the conduit. The flow rate is determined based on a first time interval of a first ultrasonic signal traveling from the first ultrasonic emitter to the first ultrasonic receiver, and a second time interval of a second ultrasonic signal traveling from the second ultrasonic emitter to the second ultrasonic receiver. In some embodiments, the first and second ultrasonic signals travel in a downstream direction with respect to the flow. In other embodiments, the first ultrasonic signal travels along a first transmission path that forms a first angle between the first transmission path and the flow direction, while the second ultrasonic signal travels along a second transmission path that forms a second and different angle between the second transmission path and the flow direction. |
| US07658113B2 |
Lift measurement
A method of determining the lift generated by a lift-generating member is presented. The lift-generating member being coupled to a component within the lift load path with the lift load path component experiencing strain as a result of the lift generated by the lift-generating member. The method involves the steps of coupling at least one strain measurement means to the lift load path component, obtaining strain measurements from the strain measurement means, and calculating the lift generated by the lift-generating member from strain measurements. |
| US07658112B2 |
Mat for pressure measurement and a body information acquisition device
When the distribution of the pressure applied to a mat is measured, a plurality of detection units is established in the air mat and the sensor for measuring the pressure applied to the air mat is needed to be provided for each detection unit. The mat for pressure measurement 2 is arranged the first medium accommodation object 21b on the right side and the second medium accommodation object 22b on the left side. The first connecting pipeline 21a is connected to the first medium accommodation object 21b and the second connecting pipeline 22a is connected to the second medium accommodation object 22b, respectively. Since the internal diameter K4 of the second connecting 22a is set smaller than the internal diameter K2 of the first connecting pipeline 21a and the pipeline length of the second connecting pipeline 22a is set longer than that of the first connecting pipeline 21a in the mat for pressure measurement 2, the pressure loss coefficient of the second connecting pipeline 22a has a greater value than that of the first connecting pipeline 21a. |
| US07658109B2 |
Inertial sensor and manufacturing method of the same
A weight of an inertial sensor if formed from a plurality of divided weights, and the divided weights are connected to each other by elastically deformable beams. A movable range and a mass of each of the divided weights and a rigidity of each of the beams are adjusted and a plurality of deformation modes having different sensitivity ranges with respect to the acceleration are used in combination. By this means, it is possible to improve a detecting sensitivity of an acceleration and widen an acceleration response range. |
| US07658107B2 |
Rotatably supporting device for correcting balance of rotating body
A rotatably supporting device for correcting balance of a rotating body includes a journal supporting part having a mandrel that rotatably supports the rotating body in a floating state about a vertical axis, a thrust supporting part that is provided at a lower end portion of the mandrel and supports a bottom part of the rotating body in the floating state, a first fluid supply passage that supplies a fluid for floating between the mandrel and a rotation support hole of the rotating body, an annular groove provided in the thrust supporting part so as to face the bottom part of the rotating body, and a second fluid supply passage that communicates with the annular groove to supply a fluid thereto for floating the rotating body. A rotatably supporting device for correcting balance of a rotating body includes a journal supporting part having a mandrel that rotatably supports the rotating body in a floating state about a vertical axis, a thrust supporting part that is provided at a lower end portion of the mandrel and supports a bottom part of the rotating body in the floating state, and a fluid supply passage that supplies a fluid for floating between the mandrel and a rotation support hole of the rotating body, in which a space part is formed in at least either one of the mandrel and the rotation support hole for widening a space other than at a supporting portion. |
| US07658103B2 |
Residual liquid quantity detecting method
A residual liquid quantity detecting method capable of accurately detecting the residual quantity of liquid without relying upon visual observation, preventing overfill at the time of refilling. A residual liquid quantity detecting method for a liquid supply container (100) has a container body (108) having a liquid supply opening (126) and has a liquid storage chamber (118) in which liquid (119) is sealed, the liquid storage chamber (118) being formed in the container body (108) and communicating with the liquid supply opening (126). The liquid (119) is supplied from the liquid supply opening (126) to the outside of the container by primary supply pressure generated through reduction, by pressure, in volume of the liquid storage chamber (118). The residual quantity of the liquid (119) in the liquid storage chamber (118) is detected by detecting primary supply pressure of the liquid (119). |
| US07658096B2 |
Humidity sensing apparatus
An apparatus (10) for sensing a condition, such as humidity, through an opening (20) in a surface (12) such as a duct or wall. A housing (14) includes an outer section (16) mounted on the surface and a probe section (18) extending into the duct or wall. A circuit board assembly (32) is mounted within the housing and includes a user interface section (34) within the housing outer section and a sensor section (36) rigidly connected to the user interface section and extending into the housing probe section. The sensor section may be integrated into the circuit board assembly by a rigid connector (42) allowing easy removal and field replacement of the sensor section. A sealing device (56) isolates the housing outer section from the air within the duct or wall. A flexible grounding connection (66) provides electrical grounding of the circuit board assembly and a degree of mechanical support. |
| US07658092B2 |
Heat switch for chromatographic system and method of operation
A heat switch for remote self-contained gas chromatography is disclosed. The device mechanically separates a hot or cold reservoir from the chromatography column when heating or cooling is not needed. The column needs a cooling system to obtain initial temperatures below ambient. At other times the column needs to be heated to relatively high temperatures, during which time the cooling system is preferably detached. The heat switch allows for rapid temperature changes while minimizing the peak cooling power requirement. |
| US07658089B2 |
Automated monitoring for clinching joints
A system and method for monitoring clinched joints senses lateral displacement of die segments during formation of a joint, which depends on joint button diameter. The system determines whether a joint is acceptable by correlating acceptable button diameter with acceptable amount of punch advancement. A predetermined number of unacceptable joints indicates excessive punch and/or die wear. |
| US07658082B2 |
Heat transfer system and associated methods
A heat transfer system includes a water line for carrying water having a first predetermined flow direction and a refrigerant line for carrying a refrigerant and having a second predetermined flow direction opposite the first predetermined flow direction. The heat transfer system includes a refrigerant evaporator, a vapor compressor, a condenser, and an expansion device. Refrigerant is passed through the refrigerant evaporator as a liquid and is warmed to a cooled gas. The refrigerant is heated to a superheated gas in the vapor compressor, and cooled to a warm liquid in the condenser. The refrigerant is cooled to a bi-phase liquid in the expansion device and is then passed to the refrigerant evaporator. Water enters the refrigerant condenser and heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the water to warm the water to a predetermined water temperature. The water exits the refrigerant condenser and is passed to the water storage member at a predetermined temperature. |
| US07658078B2 |
System for reforming heavy oil, method therefor, and combined cycle power system
A heavy oil reforming system includes a reforming preheater raising the temperature of a mixed fluid comprising a high pressure heavy oil and high pressure steam up to a temperature for reforming reaction. The mixed fluid having been heated up to the temperature for reforming reaction is introduced into a reformer kept at the temperature for reforming reaction and thereby the heavy oil is reformed. This reforming system allows the attainment of a residence time of 1 to 10 min necessary for reforming in a uniform or nearly uniform temperature field, thereby implementing the manufacturing of reformed fuels from a large volume of heavy oil. |
| US07658077B2 |
System for deicing an aircraft turbine engine inlet cone
The invention relates to a system (2) for deicing an aircraft turbine engine inlet cone (4) comprising air-diffusing means (18) intended to equip the inlet cone of the turbine engine so as to deliver hot air thereto. According to the invention, it also comprises a circuit (20) for removing pressurizing air from at least one bearing enclosure of the turbine engine, this circuit communicating with the air-diffusing means in order to be able to supply the latter with hot air. |
| US07658073B2 |
Turbine systems and methods for using internal leakage flow for cooling
A cooling system for a turbine with a first section and a second section. The first section may include a first line for diverting a first flow with a first temperature from the first section, a second line for diverting a second flow with a second temperature less than the first temperature from the first section, and a merged line for directing a merged flow of the first flow and the second flow to the second section. |
| US07658072B2 |
Highly efficient heat cycle device
A high-efficient heat cycle device formed by combining a heat engine with a refrigerating machine, wherein steam generated in a boiler is cooled by a condenser after driving turbine, built up by a pump, and circulated into the boiler in the form of high-pressure condensate. Refrigerant gas compressed by a compressor is passed through the radiating side of a heat exchanger for cooling after driving the turbine to output a work, and built up by a pump to form high-pressure refrigerant liquid. The high-pressure refrigerant liquid drives a reaction water-turbine to output a work and is expanded and vaporized to form refrigerant gas. The refrigerant gas is led into the compressor after being passed through the heat absorbing side of the heat exchanger and the condenser for heating. |
| US07658065B2 |
Hydraulic system having in-sump energy recovery device
A hydraulic energy recovery device for a hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic energy recovery device has a first impeller configured to receive a flow of pressurized liquid, and a second impeller configured to pressurize a flow of liquid. The hydraulic energy recovery device also has a common shaft connecting the first and second impellers. |
| US07658059B2 |
Synchronous drive for split sickle bars on harvester header
A drive arrangement for split sickle bar sections of a harvester having a long cutter bar such as a combine, swather, mower-conditioner or the like utilizes separate drives for each sickle bar section, and provides for synchronizing the movement of the sickle bar sections so that they reach the respective ends of the reciprocating path simultaneously. In one form series connected first and second hydraulic motors are used, and the first motor in the series connection is reduced in speed from that which would be obtained from the full flow of a pump, by passing a portion of the pump fluid flow to a flow line leading to the second motor, a bleed valve bleeds off a portion of the flow in the flow line to regulate the second motor speed and position to match the speed and position of the first motor in response to signals indicating the position of the sickle bar sections. The sickle bar sections are thus synchronized. |
| US07658057B1 |
Attachable trimmer/edger for a lawnmower
A trimmer/edger attached to a conventional lawnmower and using the lawnmower's power source. The edger/trimmer cutting element is attached to the front of the lawnmower. A rotatable cable runs from the cutting element to a contact member attached at an opening on the lawnmower housing. A planar disc is secured to the top of the conventional grass cutting blade. Upon powering up the lawnmower, both the cutting blade and planar disc begin to rotate. Upon squeezing an operating lever, a rotatable portion of the contact member comes in contact with the rotating disc causing the rotatable cable to turn, which in turn causes the cutting head, having cutting strings attached, to spin and be able to be used as an edger or trimmer, depending on its position, at the same time the lawnmower is being used to cut the grass. |
| US07658055B1 |
Method of packaging solar modules
Methods and devices are provided for reducing wasted space and capacity in solar module assemblies. In one embodiment, the method comprises mounting a plurality of modules onto at least one support rail to define a solar assembly segment wherein the solar assembly segment has a length of no more than about half the interior length of the shipping container used to ship the segment. The solar modules each have a weight less than about 20 kg and a length between about 1660 mm and about 1666 mm, and a width between about 700 mm and about 706 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the solar modules is limited by the longest support beam that may fit in a shipping container, which in one example is about 11,720 mm. The modules are also limited so that they can be limited to weighing no more than about 20 kg. In one embodiment, the module may be sized to provide at least 80 watts of power at AM 1.5 G. In another embodiment, the module may be sized to provide at least 90 watts of power at AM 1.5 G. In another embodiment, the module may be sized to provide at least 100 watts of power at AM 1.5 G. In another embodiment, the module may be sized to provide at least 110 watts of power at AM 1.5 G. |
| US07658044B2 |
Gap covering for cabin panels
Currently, piping tapes are used as elastic masking elements of joints between lateral panels in an aircraft. According to one embodiment, a gap covering for cabin panels in an aircraft is provided, where the gap covering comprises a flexible cover region that is arranged between the cabin panels and finishes off so as to be substantially flush with surfaces of the panels. In this way, a lightweight economical gap covering which covers gaps in an effective and attractive manner and provides protection against injury is provided. |
| US07658032B2 |
Fiber attractor and attachment apparatus for increasing the attracting tendencies of fishing lures
A fishing lure combination having a spoon 6 with a leading region 17, a disturbance-creating attachment lug 16 extending from a surface 19 associated with the leading region 17, and trailing fronds 14 that are secured via a shaft 12 to the attachment lug 16. The trailing fronds 14 are agitated by turbulent fluid flow downstream of the attachment lug 16. |
| US07658030B2 |
Vertical fore grip with bipod
Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights. |
| US07658026B2 |
Wristband with snap closure and patent id label
A wristband is assembled from a flexible preferably vinyl carrier and a preferably laminated ID label, the carrier having a panel portion and a strap portion with a snap closure located in a toe extension at the end of the carrier adjacent the panel. The strap has a series of holes, one of which is captured within the snap closure to attach the wristband to the wearer's limb. The laminated ID label has a pair of opposing slots, one of which slips over the strap to abut the panel and the other of which is captured by the snap closure to attach the label to the carrier. The panel portion has a relieved edge formed along its opposing sides which increases the comfort of the wristband as it is worn. |
| US07658015B1 |
Clothes drying device
A clothes drying device for using a vacuum to dry clothes includes a housing being positioned on a support surface. The housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall extending between the bottom wall and the top wall to define an interior space of the housing. A drum assembly is mounted in the interior space of the housing. The drum assembly receives clothes to be dried. A hole in the perimeter wall of the housing is in communication with the drum assembly to allow the clothes to be placed in the drum assembly. A vacuum pump is mounted in the interior space of the housing. The vacuum pump is in fluid communication with drum assembly to create a vacuum in the drum assembly to draw moisture out of the clothes in the drum assembly. |
| US07658010B2 |
Collapsible cutter for baked goods
A cutter includes radial cutting blades connected by a hinge about which the blades may be rotated between collapsed and extended positions. A rotary body and rotary cap form a handle which holds the inner ends of the blades. The members are mounted for rotation about the hinge axis relative to free blades. Circumferentially spaced stop faces on the body are spaced apart in the axial direction. Circumferentially spaced abutment faces on the cap are spaced apart in the radial direction. The abutment-engaging faces of adjacent free blades are correspondingly spaced apart in the radial direction. To extend the blades, the cap is rotated relative to the body, with the cap and body holding the portions of each free blade between a respective stop face and abutment face for locating the free blades in the extended positions. |
| US07658008B2 |
Injection molded magnesium convertible top stack
A convertible top stack linkage is provided that is formed, in part, in a thixotropic magnesium molding process. Many structural parts of the convertible top stack linkage may be thixotropically molded. A pivot link of the top stack linkage is pivotally connected to two bows, for example, the three and four bows of the top stack. A five bow extends between and is attached to right and left pivot links by right and left pressure links, respectively. A pivot link is provided that has a triple pivot connection to a tensioning link, a center rail and a rear rail. A main spring is secured to a pivot pin and connected to a main pivot bracket on the vehicle to provide a counterbalancing force on the balance link that assists in lifting the top stack linkage as the convertible top is retracted and extended. |
| US07658007B2 |
Method for making wheel rim
Methods for forming a soft lip for a wheel rim are disclosed herein. The wheel rim may be a cold-formed, spun-formed, or rolled-formed cylindrical blank, wherein the blank includes an upturned outer edge. As the blank is spun, a blunting roller lowered to contact the upturned outer edge to blunt the outer edge into a work-strengthened annular bead, and finish off the external surface of the annular bead to form a soft lip. |
| US07658002B2 |
Mounting apparatus for an electrical distribution harness assembly
The invention is directed to an electrical distribution harness assembly and a method of manufacturing the electrical distribution harness assembly. The electrical distribution harness assembly is configured for coupling with a modular wall panel. The electrical distribution harness assembly includes at least one electrical connector including an elastic clip bracket configured for snap-fitting to the modular wall panel. The method of manufacturing the electrical distribution harness assembly includes the steps of forming an elastic clip bracket configured for snap-fitting to the modular wall panel and encapsulating at least a portion of the elastic clip bracket in an electrical connector. |
| US07657999B2 |
Method of forming an electrical circuit with overlaying integration layer
In a method of forming an electrical circuit assembly, a substrate is provided including a plurality of first segments that form an electrical circuit. The first segments have surfaces that rise above surfaces of other segments that form the electrical circuit. All of the segments are deposited on the substrate via one or more shadow mask vapor deposition processes in a vacuum. A photoresist caused to cover all of the segments is hardened and then abraded until surfaces of the first segments are exposed, but surfaces of the other segments are not exposed, and a surface of the abraded photoresist is at the same level as the exposed surfaces of the first segments. Second segments can be deposited on the exposed surfaces of the first segments via a shadow mask vapor deposition process in a vacuum to a level above the top surface of the abraded photoresist. |
| US07657998B2 |
Method of making a resin-packaged protection circuit module for rechargeable batteries
A protection circuit module for rechargeable batteries includes a substrate, electronic components mounted on the obverse surface of the substrate for forming a protection circuit for rechargeable batteries, a housing mounted on the obverse surface of the substrate and including a top wall partially defining an enclosure for accommodating the electronic components, and a resin sealer loaded in the enclosure of the housing for sealing the electronic components. The top wall of the housing includes an opening for loading the resin sealer into the housing. |
| US07657992B2 |
Method for making a perpendicular magnetic recording write head with a self aligned stitched write shield
A method of making a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head with single or double coil layers and with a small write shield stitched onto a main write shield. The stitched shield allows the main write pole to produce a vertical write field with sharp vertical gradients that is reduced on both sides of the write pole so that adjacent track erasures are eliminated. From a fabrication point of view, both the main pole and the stitched shield are defined and formed using a single photolithographic process, a trim mask and CMP lapping process so that the main shield can be stitched onto a self-aligned main pole and stitched shield. |
| US07657991B2 |
Magnetization apparatus and magnetization method
A magnetization apparatus for magnetizing a magnetic material provided inside a yoke housing of a motor, which has a connector portion radially outward of the yoke housing, includes at least one pair of magnetization cores and a plurality of magnetization coils. The at least one pair of magnetization cores are provided to oppose to each other, wherein the at least one pair of magnetization cores have corresponding magnetization surfaces, which oppose to each other. The plurality of magnetization coils generate a magnetic field at the at least one pair of magnetization cores, wherein the plurality of magnetization coils magnetize the magnetic material in a state, where the yoke housing is provided between the magnetization surfaces. The at least one pair of magnetization cores defines a receiving recess therein for receiving the connector portion of the motor in the state, where the yoke housing is provided between the magnetization surfaces. |
| US07657986B2 |
Method of making a folded condenser tube
A method of fabricating a condenser tube having a pre-determined tube length and multiple channels including the steps of forming an aperture in a flat strip of metal; moving the flat strip through a plurality of forming operations to fold into an enclosed tube containing channels, which channels include the aperture in their sides and bottoms; and severing the enclosed tube across the aperture to separate the enclosed tube into one condenser tube. The aperture eliminates the need for the channel sides to be severed, hence only the portion of the condenser tube enclosing the channels requires severing. Each pair of apertures is spaced from the next pair of apertures by the pre-determined tube length so that each sever produces one condensing tube of the pre-determined tube length with the apertures being divided into open notches. The invention also includes a heat exchanger utilizing the condenser tube with channel sides containing portions of the apertures. |
| US07657965B2 |
Surface cleaning with cleaning fluid supply shape memory alloy actuator
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid delivery system including a supply of cleaning fluid and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The apparatus can comprise a passageway that passes heated motor cooling air in heat exchange with the cleaning fluid to heat the cleaning fluid. The apparatus can further comprise a mixing manifold that mixes first and second cleaning fluids at different concentrations for different cleaning modes. The apparatus can further comprise a fluid valve having a shape memory alloy actuator. |
| US07657964B2 |
Lift off tank handle latch
A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface includes a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. Additionally the apparatus includes a solution tank, a recovery tank, both removable mounted to a handle, and a suction source. The solution tank supplies a flow of cleaning solution and the recovery tank receives dirt and liquid thorough fluid communication with the base portion and a suction nozzle secured to the base portion and in fluid communication with the suction source to generate the suction. The solution tank has a fixedly secured carrying handle and the apparatus further includes a latch pivotally connected to the tank carrying handle and releasably connected to the handle for releasably latching the solution tank to the handle. Simultaneously grasping the latch and the tank carrying handle unlatches the solution tank from the handle. |
| US07657962B2 |
Wiper motor
An assembling operation of a wiper motor is facilitated. An output shaft and a gear shaft of the sector gear part are connected by a swinging plate. A first slidable contact member is mounted on a tip of the output shaft, and a second slidable contact part is mounted on a tip of the gear shaft. Since these slidably contact with a cover, axial-directional movement of the respective shafts is restricted. In addition, a provisional holding part having a leg part extending in an axial direction and a claw part protruding from the leg part is formed integrally with the second slidable contact part, and the sector gear part and the swinging part are sandwiched between the claw part and the second slidable contact part, whereby the motive power conversion member and the swinging plate are provisionally held. |
| US07657959B2 |
Releasable paint roller cover retainer
A paint roller including a roller cover retainer that is releasable to permit a roller cover to be easily removed. The device includes a locking lever pivotable relative to the frame which actuates retainers located within the roller assembly. The locking lever also exerts an axial force adapted to disengage the roller cover from the roller assembly when the retainer is disengaged. A used roller cover can be removed without the need to grasp the used roller cover. Installation of a roller cover onto the roller assembly automatically engages the retainers and shifts the locking lever into the locked position. |
| US07657958B2 |
Method and apparatus for holding adhesive coated roller cleaning substrates
An exemplary embodiment of a substrate cleaning apparatus includes a hand held hand roller including a roller cleaning member rotationally mounted in a handle and having a tacky peripheral contact surface, the tacky peripheral contact surface adapted to transfer foreign particles during cleaning of substrates. A roller cleaning substrate has opposed first and second surfaces. The first surface is coated with an adhesive adapted to transfer and retain said foreign particles from the surface of the roller for disposal; the second surface is a smooth surface. A mounting pad includes a soft layer of hardness lower than 100 Shore Hardness Scale A adapted to bond or adhere the second surface of the roller cleaning substrate to the mounting pad without the use of adhesives or mechanical clamping. |
| US07657956B2 |
Patient support
This disclosure described a patient support having an air permeable layer, a plurality of inflatable bladders, a pressure-sensing assembly and a controller. In one embodiment, a combination of transverse bladders and vertically oriented can-shaped bladders is provided. In one embodiment, one or more angle sensors are provided in articulatable sections of the patient support. |
| US07657948B2 |
Pivotal shower device
A shower device includes a hollow frame having a coupler for engaging with a wall-mounted shower supply pipe and having two tubes attached to two end portions, a housing having a chamber formed by an outer peripheral wall and having two openings for rotatably receiving the tubes, a cover engaged with the housing and having two protrusions engaged with the openings of the housing and for anchoring the cover to the housing, a casing disposed in the housing and having two ports, and two distributors each having a pipe rotatably engaged into the tube and a mouth engaged with the port of the casing for supplying the water from the tubes into the chamber of the casing and then flowing out through the cover. |