Document Document Title
US07705595B1 Magnetic resonance imaging using modified bessel functions
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulse employed in MRI devices and methods that increase the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing thinner slice thicknesses, and allowing more contiguous slices. In an MRI device, a patient is subjected to a constant magnetic field, and then RF pulses are used to excite the atoms in the body of the patient. The atoms release a corresponding RF signal when the atoms relax, which can be measured and mapped into a visual display. The RF pulses used to excite the atoms in the body of the patient use a modified Bessel function. The Bessel function having an approximately rectangular waveform in the frequency domain increases the signal-to-noise ratio, allows thinner slice thicknesses, and allowed more contiguous slices, resulting in a better MR image and a more efficient MRI apparatus.
US07705589B2 Sensor for detecting surface defects of metal tube using eddy current method
A sensor for detecting surface defects of a metal tube solves a problem of a conventional eddy current probe in that it is difficult to detect a crack in the circumferential direction of a metal tube. The sensor includes a plurality of coils wound at a predetermined inclined angle. The plurality of coils is inserted into the inside of a metal tube. Alternating current is applied to the coils to measure a change in impedance of the coils due to a change in an eddy current generated in the metal tube, thus detecting a surface defect of the metal tube.
US07705588B2 Apparatus and method for testing magnetic disk drive components using drive-based parts
An apparatus and method for testing a component of a magnetic disk drive in which one or more drive-based components is used in the testing process. Each of the drive-based components is based on a corresponding one of the components of the magnetic disk drive. During testing, the component to be tested and at least one of the drive-based components are selectively engaged.
US07705579B1 Apparatus and method for faster unloading of transient response in a synchronous buck switching regulator
A synchronous buck regulator controller is provided. The regulator controller includes switch control circuitry, an unloading event detection circuit, an inductor current detection circuit, and a synchronous switch control logic circuit. In operation, the regulator controller controls a main switch and a synchronous switch to control the buck regulation. The unloading event detection circuit is arranged to detect an unloading event, and to assert an unloading event signal if such an event is detected. The inductor current detection circuit is arranged to assert an inductor current detection signal if the inductor current is close to zero. The synchronous switch control logic circuit is arranged to block the synchronous switch from turning on if the unloading event signal is asserted and the inductor current detection signal is not asserted. However, if the inductor current detection signal is subsequently asserted while the unloading event signal is still asserted, the synchronous switch control logic circuit stops blocking the synchronous switch from turning on.
US07705577B2 Digital power supply control
A switched voltage regulator provides improved regulation at a lower clock rate/sampling frequency (e.g. several orders of magnitude lower than would be required for comparable regulation) while using a low resolution digital pulse width modulator such that limit cycle oscillations occur (and thus of low cost and complexity and small size) by limiting the amplitude of limit cycle oscillations which therefore need not be avoided by more complex arrangements which are not commercially feasible. Limiting of amplitude of limit cycle oscillations is achieved by adding essentially a digitized ripple voltage signal corresponding to the difference between the output of the voltage regulator and an average output of the voltage regulator as an input to the digital pulse width modulator. Performance of this arrangement may be enhanced by adding a ramp signal to the digitized ripple voltage signal and even further enhanced by limiting the ramp signal to a range which corresponds to steady state operation but not transients.
US07705568B2 Power-generator control apparatus for addressing occurrence of voltage transient
In a power-generator control apparatus, a control circuit intermittently controls the supply of a field current from a battery to a field winding of a power generator in normal mode so as to adjust power induced in an output winding of the power generator. The control circuit interrupts the supply of the field current from the battery to the field winding in transient mode when a transient voltage occurs. An energy absorbing circuit absorbs magnetic energy stored in the field winding independently of magnetic-energy consumption by a resistance of the field winding itself.
US07705567B2 Capacitor power source and charging/discharging control apparatus therefor
A capacitor power source 1 including a plurality of capacitors comprises: an inflection-point voltage detection circuit (11) for detecting the inflection-point voltage of the capacitor based on a set voltage Vbot; an overvoltage detection circuit (12) for detecting the overvoltage Vful of the capacitor;and an initialization circuit (13) for putting charging current of the capacitor into bypass operation using initialization voltage Vini when an initialization mode is selected, wherein charging/discharging control is performed such that a discharging stop signal is generated based on a detection signal of the inflection-point voltage of any one of the plurality of capacitors, a charging stop signal is generated based on a detection signal of the overvoltage of any one of the plurality of capacitors, and an end signal of the initialization charging is generated based on a plurality of bypass operation signals.
US07705556B2 Vehicle control system capable of controlling electric-power generation state of vehicle alternator
A vehicle control system has a battery, a vehicle alternator for charging the battery, a vehicle-alternator control device capable of controlling the vehicle alternator, and a battery current detection device. The battery current detection device has a battery current detecting means capable of detecting a charging/discharging current of the battery, a battery voltage detection means capable of detecting a voltage of the battery, a battery temperature detection means capable of detecting a temperature of the battery, a microcomputer, and a communication controller. The communication controller performs digital data communication to transfer digital control signals between the vehicle alternator and the battery current detection device. The vehicle alternator has a display unit to display the occurrence of abnormal information of those detection means transferred from the battery current detection device, the occurrence of a battery failure, and a disconnecting of a charging wire of the battery by using different display patterns.
US07705555B2 Method and controller for detecting a stall condition in a stepping motor during micro-stepping
A method is provided for detecting a stall condition in a stepping motor. The stepping motor has two coils and a rotor, and is micro-stepped by substantially continuously driving both of the two coils with out-of-phase time varying voltages. The method includes stepping the stepping motor to a next micro-step. It is then determined when a predetermined motor parameter of a first coil of the two coils is to be sampled. To sample the predetermined motor parameter of, for example, the first coil, the first coil is opened for a predetermined period, wherein the predetermined period is less than or equal to a micro-step. Then the first coil is sampled during the predetermined period and the result of sampling is integrated and used to increment or decrement an accumulated value. If the accumulated value is less than a preset value, then a stall condition exists.
US07705549B2 Series resistor assembly for an electric motor, circuit arrangement comprising a series resistor assembly for operating an electric motor and use of said assembly
The invention relates to a series resistor assembly (1) for an electric motor (M), in particular for an electrically driven ventilating fan in a vehicle. Said assembly comprises a series resistor (2) for controlling the RPM of the electric motor (M) in one or more RPM stages (ST1, ST2, to STn) and a thermal link (6) that is optionally connected in series to the series resistor, a reversible switching element (4) for at least one of the RPM stages (ST1, ST2) being integrated into said assembly. The invention also relates to a circuit arrangement (14) comprising a reversible blocking protection and fire protection element for the electric motor (M) and/or the series resistor assembly (1), diverse status signalling lines (24a to 24c) being used to evaluate and control the ventilating fan system.
US07705548B2 Enhancement of the efficiency of energy recovery during spindle motor step-up phases for parking the R/W head of a disk storage device upon external supply failure
Energy recovery during recirculation phases of the phase windings of a multiphase spindle motor is increased when all the MOSFETs of the output bridge stage associated therewith are turned off (tristated) for charging a hold capacitor. This is accomplished by allowing the recirculation of the motor currents through the same MOSFETs of the output bridge stage that are turned on during the current recirculation phases. Recirculation of the currents and the charging of the hold capacitor takes place through fully saturated power MOSFETs.
US07705536B2 Display device
A display device is provided which is capable of inhibiting a localized elevation in the temperature of a casing thereby uniformalizing the surface temperature distribution over the casing. A display device includes: a display panel having surface arrays of plural pixels for displaying an image by light radiation control on a pixel to pixel basis; an electronic component forming a control circuit configured to perform the light radiation control; a casing housing the display panel and the electronic component therein; and a flat heat-conductive sheet interposed between the display panel and the casing and between the electronic component and the casing.
US07705530B2 Display device
A display device has an insulating substrate with a first surface and a second surface, a display element having an organic light-emitting layer arranged between two electrodes, a flexible member having a first end connected to the first surface and a second end facing the first end and the first surface, and a first accommodating member having a lower surface substantially parallel with the insulating substrate, a lateral surface extending from the lower surface, and a protruding part extending from the lower surface toward the first end. The first accommodating member includes a through hole, and the flexible member extends through the through hole so the second end is positioned outside the first accommodating member. The insulating substrate is arranged in the first accommodating member, and the protruding part may contact and press against the first end connected to the insulating substrate.
US07705529B2 Full color organic electroluminescent device and method for fabricating the same
A full color organic electroluminescent device and a method for fabricating the same reduces misalignment errors caused by fine patterning of the emitting layer by reducing the steps of the fine patterning process. In particular, the blue emitting layer functions as a hole inhibition layer which results in superior color purity and improved stability for the color organic electroluminescent device. The use of such a blue emitting layer also reduces the manufacturing steps. The device comprises a substrate; a first electrode pattern formed on the substrate; a red emitting layer formed by patterning a red emitting material on a red pixel region of the first electrode pattern and a green emitting layer formed by patterning a green emitting material on a green pixel region of the first electrode pattern. A blue emitting layer is applied over the entire substrate, over the upper parts of the red and green emitting layers and a second electrode is formed on an upper part of the blue emitting layer.
US07705524B2 SC cut crystal resonator
The outer shape of a quartz crystal blank is processed to have a predetermined shape, thereby providing an SC cut crystal resonator capable of reliably and reproducibly suppressing B mode resonance. In this SC cut crystal resonator, the surface of the quartz crystal orthogonal to the Y axis is rotated through 33° to 35° about the X axis and is then rotated from this rotated position through 22° to 24° about the Z axis, and a slender quartz crystal blank oblong in an X′ axis direction is cut from the rotated surface. The end surface of the quartz crystal blank orthogonal to the Z′ axis is tilted in a direction rotated through +7° to +13° or −7° to −13° about the X′ axis.
US07705522B2 Adjustable sound panel with electroactive actuators
A panel that can change its stiffness and/or surface roughness and thereby its sound quality is provided. The panel includes a layer having an outer surface and an inner surface oppositely disposed from the outer surface. The panel can also include an electroactive actuator that is operable to change its shape when a voltage is applied thereto. The change in shape of the electroactive actuator results in a change in stiffness and/or surface roughness of the panel and therefore a change in the panel's acoustic characteristics. In some instances, the electroactive actuator is at least partially within the panel and upon changing of its shape results in a change in the roughness of a surface that faces a sound source. In other instances, the activation of the electroactive actuator results in an increase in stiffness of the panel.
US07705502B2 Interior magnet machine with non-perpendicular slots
An interior permanent magnet machine having angled slots.
US07705495B2 Cooling system for an electric motor
The present invention provides a stator assembly for an electromechanical hybrid transmission. The stator assembly is generally annular and defines a centrally located rotor aperture configured to accommodate a rotor. The stator assembly includes a stator core having a plurality of radially inwardly extending stator teeth, and a stator wire wound around each of the stator teeth to form a plurality of stator coils. Epoxy resin is applied between each pair of adjacent stator teeth. The epoxy resin defines a plurality of stator cooling channels located in close proximity to the stator coils, and a plurality of rotor cooling channels located in close proximity to the rotor aperture. A cooling medium is disposed within the stator cooling channels and the rotor cooling channels such that the stator coils and a later assembled rotor can be cooled.
US07705490B2 Integral stack columns
Systems and methods for power conversion are illustrated. Power conversion architecture for fuel cell systems in particular are described that use dual bus architectures having stack segment pairs and a center-tapped neutral line, and/or an architecture employing integer multiple of three DC/DC converter branches.
US07705472B2 Semiconductor device with semiconductor device components embedded in a plastic housing composition
A semiconductor device includes semiconductor device components, an adhesion promoter structure and a plastic housing composition. The semiconductor device components are embedded in the plastic housing composition with the adhesion promoter structure being disposed between the device components and the housing composition. The adhesion promoter structure includes first and second adhesion promoter layers. The first layer includes metal oxides. The metal oxides being silicates of a reactive compound composed of oxygen and organometallic molecules. The second layer includes at least one polymer.
US07705471B2 Conductive bump structure of circuit board and method for forming the same
A conductive bump structure of a circuit board and a method for forming the same are proposed. A conductive layer is formed on an insulating layer on the surface of the circuit board. A first resist layer is formed on the conductive layer and a plurality of first openings is formed in the first resist layer to expose the conductive layer. Then, a patterned trace layer is electroplated in the first openings and a second resist layer is covered on the circuit board with the patterned trace layer. Second openings are formed in the second resist layer to expose part of the trace layer to be used as electrical connecting pads. Thereafter, metal bumps are electroplated in the second openings and the surface of the circuit board is covered with a solder mask. A thinning process is applied to the solder mask to expose the top surface of the metal bumps. Afterwards, an adhesive layer is formed on the surface of the metal bumps exposing out of the solder mask.
US07705467B2 Stacked package electronic device
An electrical component includes a substrate, a first integrated circuit attached to the substrate, a metal portion coupled to the first integrated circuit, and a second integrated circuit attached to the first integrated circuit. The metal portion is sandwiched between the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit.
US07705464B2 Connection structure for semiconductor devices
The present disclosure relates generally to the manufacturing of semiconductor devices, and more particularly to an improved connection structure for semiconductor devices. A connection structure for a semiconductor device includes: a peanut-shaped opening comprising a narrow area and one or more wide areas, wherein the narrow area is between two of the one or more wide areas; and a conductive plug for filling at least partially the peanut-shaped opening.
US07705454B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device including: a semiconductor chip; a plurality of electrodes formed on the semiconductor chip and arranged along one side of the semiconductor chip; a resin protrusion formed on the semiconductor chip and extending in a direction which intersects the side; and a plurality of electrical connection sections formed on the resin protrusion and electrically connected to the respective electrodes.
US07705453B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device including: a semiconductor substrate including an electrode; a resin protrusion formed on the semiconductor substrate and including a plurality of first portions and a second portion disposed between two of the first portions adjacent to each other; and an interconnect electrically connected to the electrode and extending over one of the first portions of the resin protrusion. A lower portion of a side surface of the second portion includes a portion which extends in a direction intersecting a direction in which the resin protrusion extends.
US07705448B2 Semiconductor device for pipe for passing refrigerant liquid
A semiconductor device includes 1) a conductive pipe including an inner surface forming an inner space shaping a path of an insulative cooling refrigerant liquid and an outer surface including a plane potion partially formed thereof, 2) a power semiconductor element fixed onto the plane portion of the conductive pipe through a bonding layer such as solder, 3) a first external connecting terminal including an inner lead part including a tip portion bonded onto the plane portion of the conductive pipe and an outer lead part continuous with the inner lead part, 4) a second external connecting terminal which is in the state of floating above the outer surface, and 5) a mold resin covering the whole surface of the power semiconductor element, the whole of the inner lead parts of the external connecting terminals, and the whole of the outer surface covering a central portion of the conductive pipe.
US07705433B2 Semiconductor package preventing generation of static electricity therein
A semiconductor package includes a chip including a conductive pattern thereon, a conductive network attached on a surface of the chip to absorb static electricity, at least one conductive rod attached to the conductive network, wherein the at least one conductive rod is formed substantially perpendicularly to the conductive network, and a grounding portion discharging the static electricity absorbed from the conductive network.
US07705414B2 Photoelectric conversion device and image sensor
A photoelectric conversion device (10) includes a first conductivity type first semiconductor region (10a) located in a pixel region (11), a second conductivity type second semiconductor region (12) provided in the first semiconductor region (10a), for storing a signal charge, interconnecting portions (13 and 14) for connecting the second semiconductor region (12) with a circuit element provided outside the pixel region (11), and an organic film (16) which is provided above a portion located in the pixel region (11) in the interconnecting portions (13 and 14) through an insulating protective film (15) and held at a predetermined potential. The organic film (16) is made of a thermoplastic polyimide resin containing one of a conductive particle and a conductive fiber.
US07705411B2 MEMS-topped integrated circuit with a stress relief layer
The bow in a wafer that results from fabricating a large number of MEMS devices on the top surface of the passivation layer of the wafer so that a MEMS device is formed over each die region is reduced by forming a stress relief layer between the passivation layer and the MEMS devices.
US07705396B2 Trench type MOSFET and method of fabricating the same
In an embodiment of the present invention, a Trench MOSFET includes a trench region provided on a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate includes a P-type semiconductor substrate, a P-type semiconductor epitaxial layer, an N-type semiconductor body region, and a P-type semiconductor source diffusion. The substrate, the epitaxial layer, the body region, and the source diffusion are adjacently formed in this order. A P-type semiconductor channel region formed of a SiGe layer is provided on a bottom surface and a side wall of the trench region. This facilitates carrier movement in the channel region, reducing ON resistance of the Trench MOSFET. Thus, a Trench MOSFET allowing reduction in the ON resistance without reducing a breakdown voltage is realized.
US07705389B2 Thickened sidewall dielectric for memory cell
Methods and devices are disclosed, such as those involving memory cell devices with improved charge retention characteristics. In one or more embodiments, a memory cell is provided having an active area defined by sidewalls of neighboring trenches. A layer of dielectric material is blanket deposited over the memory cell, and etched to form spacers on sidewalls of the active area. Dielectric material is formed over the active area, a charge trapping structure is formed over the dielectric material over the active area, and a control gate is formed over the charge trapping structure. In some embodiments, the charge trapping structure includes nanodots. In some embodiments, the width of the spacers is between about 130% and about 170% of the thickness of the dielectric material separating the charge trapping material and an upper surface of the active area.
US07705385B2 Selective deposition of germanium spacers on nitride
A method of selectively forming a germanium structure within semiconductor manufacturing processes removes the native oxide from a nitride surface in a chemical oxide removal (COR) process and then exposes the heated nitride and oxide surface to a heated germanium containing gas to selectively form germanium only on the nitride surface but not the oxide surface.
US07705383B2 Integrated circuitry for semiconductor memory
Processes are disclosed which facilitate improved high-density memory circuitry, most preferably dynamic random access memory (DRAM) circuitry. A semiconductor memory device includes i) a total of no more than 68,000,000 functional and operably addressable memory cells arranged in multiple memory arrays formed on a semiconductor die; and ii) circuitry formed on the semiconductor die permitting data to be written to and read from one or more of the memory cells, at least one of the memory arrays containing at least 100-square microns of continuous die surface area having at least 128 of the functional and operably addressable memory cells, more preferably, at least 100 square microns of continuous die surface area having at least 170 of the functional and operably addressable memory cells.
US07705378B2 CMOS image sensor and fabricating method thereof
A CMOS image sensor and fabricating method thereof can enhance the quality of the image sensor by preventing unnecessary diffused reflection of light by providing an opaque filter layer next to a microlens. The CMOS image sensor includes a photodiode, an insulating interlayer, a metal line, a device protecting layer, a microlens on the device protecting layer and overlapped with the photodiode, and an opaque layer pattern on the device protecting layer next to the microlens.
US07705377B2 Field effect transistor comprising compound semiconductor
A field effect transistor having a double recess structure, which minimizes an influence exerted on a channel region depending upon the surface state of an outer recess section. In the field effect transistor having such a double recess structure, an ohmic contact layer at the surface of the outer recess section is made to have a thickness so as to be in a to completely depleted state.
US07705376B2 Sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A sensor comprising a semiconductor film having a plurality of mesopores and containing an oxide, and electrodes electrically connected to the semiconductor film, wherein at least part of surfaces in the mesopores is coated with an organic material.
US07705374B2 Solid-state image pickup device and driving method of solid-state image pickup device
A solid-state image pickup device including: a pixel region on a semiconductor substrate, the pixel region including: a sensor region for photoelectrically converting incident light; a vertical CCD formed on one side of the sensor region with a readout region interposed between the sensor region and the vertical CCD; and a channel stop region formed on a side opposite from the sensor region with the vertical CCD interposed between the sensor region and the channel stop region; and a vertical transfer electrode on the vertical CCD with an insulating film interposed between the vertical transfer electrode and the vertical CCD. The vertical transfer electrode is formed above the vertical CCD such that width of the vertical transfer electrode and width of a channel region of the vertical CCD are substantially equal to each other.
US07705367B2 Pinned photodiode sensor with gate-controlled silicon-controlled rectifier transfer switch and method of formation
A pinned photodiode sensor with gate-controlled SCR switch includes a pinned photodiode and a gate-controlled SCR switch. The SCR switch includes a P-type substrate, an N− doped region, and an N+ doped region formed on the substrate; a P+ doped region formed on the N− doped region; an oxide layer formed on the P substrate, the N− doped region, the N+ doped region, and the P+ doped region; and a gate formed above the P substrate and the N− doped region. The gate includes a P+ doped region and an N+ doped region. During an exposure procedure, a depletion region will not reach the interface between the oxide layer and the substrate, thereby preventing dark current leakage.
US07705363B2 Light emitting device having a light extraction structure
A light emitting device having a vertical topology, which is capable of achieving an enhancement in light emission efficiency and reliability, and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The light emitting device includes a first-conductivity-type semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer arranged over the first-conductivity-type semiconductor layer, and a second-conductivity-type semiconductor layer arranged on the light emitting layer. The second-conductivity-type semiconductor layer includes an etch barrier layer.
US07705359B2 Electronic device, thin film transistor structure and flat panel display having the same
The present invention provides an electronic device having more than two conductive layers that cross but not in contact with each other. At least one of the conductive layers comprises a width change part, a width of which changes in a length direction of at least one of the conductive layer. The width change part is formed away from a region of at least one of the conductive layers that crosses a neighboring conductive layer. The present invention also provides a flat panel display device that includes the electronic device described above and manufactured in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The electronic device of the present invention may comprise a thin film transistor.
US07705353B2 Bonding pad, active device array substrate and liquid crystal display panel
A bonding pad includes a metal layer, a gate insulting layer, a passivation layer, and a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer has a first metal pattern and a second metal pattern which are separated from each other. The gate insulating layer covers the metal layer, and the passivation layer covers the gate insulating layer. The gate insulating layer and the passivation layer have a first contact opening and a second contact opening respectively exposing a portion of the first metal pattern and a portion of the second metal pattern. The transparent conductive layer covers the passivation layer and fills the first and second contact openings. The transparent conductive layer on the second contact opening serves as a testing-probe contact area. The present invention also provides an active device array substrate having the bonding pad.
US07705352B2 Test structure for estimating electromigration effects with increased robustness with respect to barrier defects in vias
By providing vias of increased mass flow blocking capability next to respective line segments of an electromigration test structure, the reliability of respective assessments may be enhanced, since electromigration-induced void formation in the test line segment under consideration may be efficiently decoupled from metal diffusion of neighboring test areas of the test structure.
US07705351B2 Flip chip semiconductor packaging device and testing method using first and second reflectors for determining gap between chip and circuit board or first and second chips
A semiconductor device includes: a circuit board; a semiconductor chip mounted over the circuit board with a predetermined gap therebetween and electrically connected to the circuit board by a protruding electrode; a first resin material filled into the gap between the circuit board and the semiconductor chip; a second resin material that seals the semiconductor chip mounted over the circuit board; a first reflector which is formed on a surface of the circuit board on the semiconductor chip side and reflects a predetermined testing light; and a second reflector which is formed on a surface of the semiconductor chip on the circuit board side and reflects the predetermined testing light.
US07705350B1 Fractional biasing of semiconductors
A method and system of fractional biasing of semiconductors. A small negative voltage is applied to the back of a semiconductor wafer or device. An operating voltage is applied to the semiconductor. Operating characteristics of the semiconductor are enhanced by application of a fractional bias.
US07705345B2 High performance strained silicon FinFETs device and method for forming same
A strained Fin Field Effect Transistor (FinFET) (and method for forming the same) includes a relaxed first material having a sidewall, and a strained second material formed on the sidewall of the first material. The relaxed first material and the strained second material form a fin of the FinFET.
US07705342B2 Porous semiconductor-based evaporator having porous and non-porous regions, the porous regions having through-holes
The present invention is a MEMS-based two-phase LHP (loop heat pipe) and CPL (capillary pumped loop) using semiconductor grade silicon and microlithographic/anisotrophic etching techniques to achieve a planar configuration. The principal working material is silicon (and compatible borosilicate glass where necessary), particularly compatible with the cooling needs for electronic and computer chips and package cooling. The microloop heat pipes (μLHP™) utilize cutting edge microfabrication techniques. The device has no pump or moving parts, and is capable of moving heat at high power densities, using revolutionary coherent porous silicon (CPS) wicks. The CPS wicks minimize packaging thermal mismatch stress and improves strength-to-weight ratio. Also burst-through pressures can be controlled as the diameter of the coherent pores can be controlled on a sub-micron scale. The two phase planar operation provides extremely low specific thermal resistance (20-60 W/cm2). The operation is dependent upon a unique micropatterened CPS wick which contains up to millions per square centimeter of stacked uniform micro-through-capillaries in semiconductor-grade silicon, which serve as the capillary “engine,” as opposed to the stochastic distribution of pores in the typical heat pipe wick. As with all heat pipes, cooling occurs by virtue of the extraction of heat by the latent heat of phase change of the operating fluid into vapor.In the cooling of a laptop computer processor the device could be attached to the processor during laptop assembly. Consistent with efforts to miniaturize electronics components, the current invention can be directly integrated with a unpackaged chip. For applications requiring larger cooling surface areas, the planar evaporators can be spread out in a matrix and integrally connected through properly sized manifold systems.
US07705339B2 Portable reactor for real-time nucleic acid amplification and detection comprising a reaction chamber formed from a flexible printed circuit board
The present invention provides core technologies necessary for a portable, low cost LED-based handheld fluorometer. The fluorometer is based on a heater integrated within the walls of the reaction chamber, and an orthogonal geometry LED based light source to provide optical excitation. Power is supplied through either an internal power supply, and data is collected in real-time through standard serial interfaces of personal computers, which can also be used to provide power, or personal digital assistants. Thermal regulation is automatically maintained using temperature sensor feedback control. Such a handheld system can allow applications requiring temperature sensitive photometric measurements for real time analyte detection to be performed in the field.
US07705333B2 Extreme ultra violet light source apparatus
In an extreme ultra violet light source apparatus that exhausts debris including fast ions and neutral particles by the effect of a magnetic field, neutral particles emitted from plasma are efficiently ionized. The extreme ultra violet light source apparatus includes a plasma generating unit that generates plasma, that radiates at least extreme ultra violet light, through pulse operation; collective optics that collects the extreme ultra violet light radiated from the plasma; a microwave generating unit that radiates microwave through pulse operation into a space in which a magnetic field is formed to cause electron cyclotron resonance, and thereby ionizes neutral particles emitted from the plasma; a magnetic field forming unit that forms the magnetic field and a magnetic field for trapping at least ionized particles; and a control unit that synchronously controls at least the plasma generating unit and the microwave generating unit.
US07705321B2 Charged particle beam writing apparatus and method
A charged particle beam writing apparatus includes a stage on which a target object is placed and which moves in a predetermined direction, a first column configured to irradiate a first charged particle beam on a writing region of the target object, a second column which is located at the back of the first column in the predetermined direction and configured to irradiate a second charged particle beam on the writing region of the target object, and a sensor configured to measure a height level of the target object at any one of a position in front of a position where the first column irradiates the first charged particle beam in the predetermined direction and a position almost immediately under the position where the first charged particle beam is irradiated.
US07705320B2 Radiation detector with co-planar grid structure
A semiconductor radiation detector (1′, 1″, 1′″, 1″″) includes a body of semiconducting material (2) responsive to ionizing radiation for generating electron-hole pairs in the bulk of said body (2). A conductive cathode (4) is disposed on one side of the body (2) and an anode structure (6) is disposed on the other side of the body (2). The anode structure (6) includes a first set of spaced elongated conductive fingers (8) in contact with the body (2) and defining between each pair of fingers thereof an elongated gap (10) and a second set of spaced elongated conductive fingers (12) positioned above the surface of the body (2) that includes spaced elongated conductive fingers (8). Each finger of the second set of spaced elongated conductive fingers (12) overlays, either partially or wholly, the elongated gap between a pair of adjacent fingers of the first set of spaced elongated conductive fingers (8).
US07705314B2 Method and apparatus for PET time of flight generation of compression sinogram and image reconstruction
A method for reducing a need for physical memory includes compressing a sub-region of an intermediate histogram to obtain a compressed result, and storing the compressed result in a physical or virtual file.
US07705306B2 Infrared photodetector
An infrared photodetector that is capable of efficiently detecting single photon over an extensive range of wavelengths from several μm to several hundreds of μm and is suitable for arraying, and wherein an oscillatory electric field of a single infrared photon (37) parallel to a plane of the patch section (36) of a microstrip antenna when the photon is incident to cause the latter to resonate therewith is converted to an oscillatory electric field (38z) in a z direction, which an electron (39) in a quantum dot (24a) in its base state subband (30) is allowed to absorb, thereby being excited to a first excitation state subband (31) to tunnel through a potential barrier (32) and set free to escape into a quantum well (26) in a −z direction where it is absorbed. An electric field by ionization of the quantum dot (24a) as a result of escape of the electron (39) causes change in conductance of a point contact (26e). An ionized state continuing long, the integral of change in current (42) flowing from a source (26a) to a drain (26b) becomes a magnitude that can be detected, and sensitivity that allows detecting a single infrared photon is achieved.
US07705298B2 System and method to determine focus parameters during an electron beam inspection
This invention relates to apparatus and method to fast determine focus parameters in one pre-scan during an e-beam inspection practice. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method that provide accurate focus tuning after primary focusing has been done.
US07705297B2 Flexible open tube sampling system for use with surface ionization technology
The present invention is a device to restrict the sampling of analyte ions and neutral molecules from surfaces with mass spectrometry and thereby sample from a defined area or volume. In various embodiments of the present invention, a tube is used to sample ions formed with a defined spatial resolution from desorption ionization at or near atmospheric pressures. In an embodiment of the present invention, electrostatic fields are used to direct ions to either individual tubes or a plurality of tubes positioned in close proximity to the surface of the sample being analyzed. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes can be used in combination with a vacuum inlet to draw ions and neutrals into the spectrometer for analysis. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes in combination with electrostatic fields improve the efficiency of ion collection.
US07705290B2 Multi-channel fiber relays for high energy laser delivery to multi-beam optical sensors
A multi-beam LADAR apparatus and a method for use in a multi-beam LADAR system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of mission specific optics; a gimbal in which the mission specific optics are mounted; an off-gimbal laser; and a multi-fiber relay optically linking the laser output to the mission specific optics. The method includes gimbaling a plurality of mission specific optics; generating a laser signal off the gimbal; and optically relaying the laser signal to the mission specific optics through a plurality of discreet channels.
US07705289B2 Scanning unit for an optical position-measuring device
A scanning unit for an optical position-measuring device includes a semiconductor light source and at least one downstream reflector element that has a defined optical effect on the beams of rays emitted by the semiconductor light source. The optically active surface of the reflector element is arranged in subregions to be reflection-preventive such that no beams of rays are reflected back from the reflector element into the semiconductor light source.
US07705288B2 Optical reading device with light blocking gasket
An optical reading device comprising a sensor array having pixels which are exposed to an image; an illumination generator for illuminating the image with light, the illumination generator being configured to have a front face; a housing for housing the sensor array, aiming pattern generator and illumination generator for hand held operation, the housing having a window disposed between the illumination generator and the image for permitting transmission of the illuminating light; a lens for focusing light to the sensor array, wherein the lens protrudes through the illumination generator; a gasket disposed around the lens for blocking light reflected off of the window from reaching the sensor array.
US07705283B2 Photoelectric conversion device and manufacturing method thereof
It is an object to provide a photoelectric conversion device which detects light ranging from weak light to strong light. The present invention relates to a photoelectric conversion device having a photodiode having a photoelectric conversion layer, an amplifier circuit including a thin film transistor and a bias switching means, where a bias which is connected to the photodiode and the amplifier circuit is switched by the bias switching means when intensity of incident light exceeds predetermined intensity, and accordingly, light which is less than the predetermined intensity is detected by the photodiode and light which is more than the predetermined intensity is detected by the thin film transistor of the amplifier circuit. By the present invention, light ranging from weak light to strong light can be detected.
US07705282B2 EDS protection for an image detecting device
An image detecting device includes a substrate including plural accumulating portions, plural data lines, plural first protection lines, plural first diodes, and plural second diodes. The plural accumulating portions, due to the irradiation of incident electromagnetic waves expressing an image which is an object of detection, charges expressing the image are accumulated. In the plural data lines, the plural accumulating portions are respectively connected individually via switching elements. The plural first protection lines are for protecting a circuit from excess voltage. In the plural first diodes, anodes are connected to a portion of the plural first protection lines respectively, and cathodes are connected to the plural data lines respectively. In the plural of second diodes, cathodes are connected to another portion of the plural first protection lines respectively, and anodes are connected to the plural data lines respectively.
US07705276B2 Heater, apparatus, and associated method
A heater that may include an outer housing and an inner tube is provided. The inner tube is in a coaxial relation to and within the outer housing. An inward facing surface of the inner tube defines a volume sufficient to receive a reaction capsule, and the outward facing surface is radially spaced from an inward facing surface of the outer housing sufficient to define a gap. A filler material is disposed within the gap. The filler material responds to pressure such that the filler volume is reduced by less than 5 volume percent at greater than 500 MPa pressure and at greater than 500° C. temperature. One or more heating elements are disposed in the gap. The heating elements are in thermal communication with the inner tube.
US07705273B2 Ceramic heater, method of producing the same, and glow plug using a ceramic heater
A ceramic heater in which a damage in a joining portion between a heating portion and a lead portion is suppressed and the reliability is excellent is provided.In a ceramic heater (1) including: a rod-shaped support (2) which is made from an insulative ceramic; and a resistor member (3) including a heating portion (31) embedded in a tip end part of the support (2), and a pair of lead portions (33) which extend from the heating portion (31) toward a rear end side of the support (2), the heating portion (31) and the lead portions (33) are made from the same conductive ceramic.
US07705272B2 Bolt heater assembly unit having junction housing configuration
A bolt heater including a junction housing, a handle attached and secured to a wall of the housing solely from an exterior of the housing, such as by a threaded connection, a power cable including a fitting attached directly to the wall of the housing, and an electrical resistance heater rod attached to the wall of the housing. The wall may have a boss with a recess therein for receiving a portion of the handle. The housing may be a hollow cylinder with a circular top wall, a circular bottom wall, and a cylindrical side wall. The heater rod may be attached to the housing via a threaded connection and the housing may have a non-circular portion near the threaded connection point, the non-circular portion being engageable by a tool to assist in the threading attachment of the heater rod to the housing.
US07705257B2 Touch switch for electrical appliances and electrical appliance provided with such switch
A touch switch for an electrical appliance having a capacitive flat electrode, a light source, a transparent cover and a printed circuit board connected to the electrode is disclosed. The light source is mounted on a face of the printed circuit board opposite the transparent cover and the printed circuit board presents a cut-out for allowing light transmission from the light source towards the transparent cover.
US07705254B2 Micro switch device and manufacturing method
A micro switch device includes a switch substrate, an electrostatic cover which is separated from the switch substrate, and a bezel which limits a movable area of the electrostatic cover. An input terminal, an output terminal, a first driving electrode, and a second driving electrode are formed on the switch substrate, and the electrostatic cover is physically separated from the switch substrate. In this instance, since the electrostatic cover is physically separated from the switch substrate, the electrostatic cover is not supported by the switch substrate and is able to move within a range, predetermined by the bezel. The electrostatic cover is electrically connected to the second driving electrode, and is able to easily operate with an electrostatic force at a lower power.
US07705251B2 Rest element for a lifting platform
The invention relates to a rest element (2, 20) for lifting platforms, which can be arranged between a support element (30) of the lifting platform and a vehicle to be lifted. According to the invention, the rest element (2, 20) can be removed from the support element (30) and has a sensor device (4) for measuring a weight force acting between the vehicle and the support element (30). In addition, a transmitting device (14) is provided which outputs a signal characteristic of this weight force.
US07705247B2 Built-up printed circuit board with stack type via-holes
A built-up printed circuit board includes stacked micro via-holes, each of which is provided for interconnection between layers in the printed circuit board, and in each of which a filling material, such as liquefied resin or conductive paste, is filled using a poly screen of a general screen printing machine.
US07705245B2 Electronic device substrate and its fabrication method, and electronic device and its fabrication method
An electronic device substrate is formed of a thin-plate reinforcing substrate; an external connection wiring layer stacked on the reinforcing substrate, and comprising an electrical insulation provided on the reinforcing substrate, an opening formed in the electrical insulation, a first conductor pattern and a via-hole conductor provided in the opening and formed integrally with each other; and a second conductor pattern formed on the opposite side of the electrical insulation to the reinforcing substrate, and at least partially electrically connected to the via-hole conductor.
US07705241B2 Coiled wire armored cable
The coiled wire armored cable (10) includes transmission wires (14) encased by an insulator (12). A solid protective wire (16) is spirally wound over the exterior of the insulator. The protective wire (16) is fabricated from a metal, such as steel or titanium material, and will have a gauge that prevents a rodent from chewing through the wire. The coils of the protective wire are spaced apart along the length of the cable. The spacing (a) of the coils will be less than the width of the teeth of the rodent so that the coils create a “fence” that prevents the rodent's teeth from contacting the insulator.
US07705240B2 Cord seal for swimming pool and spa light niches
A cord seal for use in an underwater niche including a main seal and a seal cap. The main seal includes a one-piece member with passages that are accessible from one side of the main seal and an opposite side of the main seal. The main seal includes at least a first split. The seal cap is placed in physical contact with the opposite side of the main seal. The first split spans from the one side of the main seal to the opposite side and the first split begins at an edge of one of the passages and ends at an outer circumferential edge of the main seal.
US07705227B2 Mouthpiece of brass instrument
A mouthpiece of a brass instrument is provided. The mouthpiece of the brass instrument can cause lips to vibrate efficiently while having a throat of the size allowing to produce a loud sound so that the brass instrument is made easier to blow, durability is improved, and excellent sound quality can be generated with improved sound production in high tone and low tone areas.A user of the mouthpiece may feel blowing resistance because a breath more than necessary has been blown to obtain moderate blowing resistance for the user. However, by using helpful blowing resistance (reflected pressure) causing lips to vibrate easily by a resistance part formed at least in a portion of an inner wall area of the throat, lips are allowed to vibrate efficiently, the user can perform easily, and the user is made less fatigued. Also, high tones can now be played, stable low tones are obtained, and the sound itself becomes deep and impressive.
US07705223B2 Ergonomic guitar
An ergonomic guitar including a contoured guitar body, a neck attached to the body, and a headstock on the distal end of the neck. A plurality of strings extending from the headstock to the body, a portion of the strings lying on a playing plane over the body. The contoured guitar body includes a front face located on a front or playing side of the body with a front edge extending around the periphery of the front face, and a rear face located on the back of the body and having a rear edge extending around the periphery of the rear face. At least a portion of the rear edge having a concave curvature relative to the playing plane such that the curved portion of the rear edge curves away from the playing plane.
US07705222B2 Controlled alignment of nano-barcodes encoding specific information for scanning probe microscopy (SPM)
The methods, apparatus and compositions disclosed herein concern the detection, identification and/or sequencing of biomolecules, such as nucleic acids or proteins. In certain embodiments of the invention, coded probes comprising a probe molecule attached to one or more nano-barcodes may be allowed to bind to one or more target molecules. After binding and separation from unbound coded probes, the bound coded probes may be aligned on a surface and analyzed by scanning probe microscopy. Where the probes are oligonucleotides, adjacent coded probes hybridized to a target nucleic acid may be ligated together before alignment and SPM analysis. Compositions comprising coded probes are also disclosed herein. Systems for biomolecule analysis may comprise an SPM instrument and at least one coded probe attached to a surface.
US07705220B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV521290
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV521290. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV521290, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV521290 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV521290 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV521290.
US07705213B2 Bean line RS08051272
The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated RS08051272. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line RS08051272, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line RS08051272 with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line RS08051272, including the pods and gametes of such plants.
US07705212B2 Soybean cultivar 7225093
A soybean cultivar designated 7225093 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 7225093, to the plants of soybean 7225093, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 7225093 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 7225093 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 7225093, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 7225093 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 7225093 with another soybean cultivar.
US07705198B2 KSR2 knockout mice and methods of use thereof
A transgenic non-human animal with a homologous disruption of the KSR-2 gene is disclosed. Methods for using transgenic mice so generated to screen for agents that effect cellular metabolism are also provided.
US07705197B2 Embryo development and survival
An embryo that is transferred into the uterus of a recipient female is protected from embryotoxic effects of prostaglandin F2α by exposing the embryo to a prostaglandin antagonist.
US07705187B2 Production method of trihydrocarbylborane
The present invention provides a method for industrial production of trihydrocarbylborane which method is excellent both in quality and in cost. The present invention is concerned with production of trihydrocarbylborane, comprising a reaction synthesizing the trihydrocarbylborane and aluminum oxide from trihydrocarbylboroxine and trihydrocarbylaluminum, characterized in that the reaction is allowed to proceed so that the trihydrocarbylaluminum is present at the end of the reaction in an amount of 0.5 moles or more per mole of the aluminum oxide produced in the reaction.
US07705186B2 Process for the preparation of saturated or unsaturated primary fatty amines
Process for the preparation of unsaturated and saturated primary fatty amines comprising the steps of chlorination, treatment by ammonia, reduction and purification.
US07705185B2 Alkylated and polymeric macromolecular antioxidants and methods of making and using the same
Alkylated antioxidant macromolecules are represented by Structural Formula 1: wherein the variables are described herein. Also included are methods of making the molecules and methods of using the molecules as antioxidants.
US07705182B2 Multi-substituted selective androgen receptor modulators and methods of use thereof
This invention provides androgen receptor targeting agents (ARTA). The agents define a new subclass of compounds, which are selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM). Several of the SARM compounds have been found to have an unexpected androgenic and anabolic activity of a nonsteroidal ligand for the androgen receptor. Other SARM compounds have been found to have an unexpected antiandrogenic activity of a nonsteroidal ligand for the androgen receptor. The SARM compounds, either alone or as a composition, are useful for a) male contraception; b) treatment of a variety of hormone-related conditions, for example conditions associated with Androgen Decline in Aging Male (ADAM), such as fatigue, depression, decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, osteoporosis, hair loss, anemia, obesity, sarcopenia, osteopenia, osteoporosis, benign prostate hyperplasia, alterations in mood and cognition and prostate cancer; c) treatment of conditions associated with Androgen Decline in Female (ADIF), such as sexual dysfunction, decreased sexual libido, hypogonadism, sarcopenia, osteopenia, osteoporosis, alterations in cognition and mood, depression, anemia, hair loss, obesity, endometriosis, breast cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer; d) treatment and/or prevention of acute and/or chronic muscular wasting conditions; e) preventing and/or treating dry eye conditions; f) oral androgen replacement therapy; and/or g) decreasing the incidence of, halting or causing a regression of prostate cancer.
US07705179B2 Method for oxidising hydrocarbons, alcohols and/or ketones
The present invention relates to the oxidation with oxygen, or a gas containing it, of hydrocarbons to the corresponding carboxylic acids, alcohols and/or ketones or of alcohols and/or ketones to the corresponding carboxylic acids.More specifically, the invention consists of a process for oxidizing hydrocarbon, alcohol and/or ketone using oxygen or a gas containing it, in a liquid phase and in the presence of a catalyst dissolved in the reaction medium, characterized in that the catalyst comprises at least one soluble manganese and/or cobalt compound, at least one soluble chromium compound and at least one soluble iron compound.
US07705177B2 Ketone compounds and compositions for cholesterol management and related uses
The present invention relates to novel ketone compounds, compositions comprising ketone compounds, and methods useful for treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemias, dysproteinemias, and glucose metabolism disorders comprising administering a composition comprising a ketone compound. The compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are also useful for treating and preventing Alzheimer's Disease, Syndrome X, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-related disorders, septicemia, thrombotic disorders, obesity, pancreatitis, hypertension, renal disease, cancer, inflammation, and impotence. In certain embodiments, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are useful in combination therapy with other therapeutics, such as hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic agents.
US07705176B2 Macromolecular antioxidants based on sterically hindered phenols and phosphites
Sterically hindered phenol and phosphite based compounds, represented by a formula selected from I-III: and their use as antioxidants in a wide range of materials including, but not limited to, food, plastics, elastomers, composites and petroleum based products is disclosed herein.
US07705175B2 Method for producing imide ether compound
Provided is a method for producing an imide ether compound in high yield. The method is characterized in that a nitrile compound, an alcohol, and a hydrogen halide are continuously introduced into a flow reaction device comprising a mixer and a flow reactor, to be subjected to a reaction. Because a reaction proceeds in a ratio of 1:1 by a flow reactor, selectivity is improved and generation of by-products is decreased, and thus an imide ether compound can be efficiently produced.
US07705171B2 Process for producing nickel(0)-phosphorus ligand complexes
A process for preparing nickel(0)-phosphorus ligand complexes comprising at least one nickel(0) central atom and at least one phosphorus ligand by reacting a nickel(II) compound with a reducing agent in the presence of the ligand to give a reaction mixture, wherein a) the molar reducing agent:nickel(II) compound ratio in the reaction is from 1:1 to 1000:1, calculated as the molar ratio of the redox equivalents, b) the molar phosphorus ligand:nickel(II) compound ratio in the reaction is not more than 30:1, calculated as the molar P atoms:Ni atoms ratio, c) the nickel(0) content in the resulting reaction mixture is not more than 1.3% by weight and d) the resulting reaction mixture is extracted by adding at least one dinitrile and at least one hydrocarbon to form at least two immiscible phases.
US07705167B2 Process for purifying propylene oxide
A process for purifying propylene oxide, which comprises washing propylene oxide containing aldehydes and subsequently contacting an aqueous phase obtained with an extractant.
US07705161B2 Process for producing nitrogenous 5-membered cyclic compound
A method of the intramolecular and intermolecular cyclization of an N-acylhydrazone for obtaining a pyrazoline skeleton or pyrazolidine skeleton under ordinary conditions with high stereoselectivity and in high yield. An N-acylhydrazone represented by the following formula (I): (wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group and Ar represents an optionally substituted aromatic hydrocarbon group) is converted to an N-acylpyrazoline derivative with high stereoselectivity in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst or asymmetric Lewis acid catalyst.
US07705156B2 Heteroaryl (substituted)alkyl N-substituted sulfoximines as insecticides
N-Substituted heteroaryl (substituted)alkyl sulfoximines are effective at controlling insects.
US07705155B2 Processes for the production of useful intermediates
The present application relates to a new process for the asymmetric production of 3-(pyridin-4-yl)-3-hydroxy-pentanoic acid derivatives, which are useful intermediates in the manufacture of compounds that are known to show antiproliferative activity.
US07705153B2 Bipiperdine derivatives useful as CCR3 antagonists
The use of CCR3 antagonists of the formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the treatment of asthma is disclosed, as well as novel compounds of the formula II, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and their use in the treatment of asthma, wherein R, Ra, X, Xa, R1, R2, R2a, R14, R14a, R16 and n are as defined in the specification.
US07705147B2 Indole derivatives as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMS)
The present invention is directed to novel indole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by the androgen receptor.
US07705139B2 Zinc finger proteins for DNA binding and gene regulation in plants
Disclosed herein are modified plant zinc finger proteins; compositions comprising modified plant zinc finger proteins and methods of making and using modified plant zinc finger proteins. The modified plant zinc finger proteins, in contrast to naturally-occurring plant zinc finger proteins, have a binding specificity that is determined by tandem arrays of modular zinc finger binding unit.
US07705138B2 Hepatitis C virus variants
The present invention relates to HCV variants, particularly variants that are resistant to a protease inhibitors such as VX-950. Also provided are methods and compositions related to the HCV variants. Further provided are methods of isolating, identifying, and characterizing multiple viral variants from a patient.
US07705136B2 Synthesis of 3′-, or 5′-, or internal methacrylamido-modified oligonucleotides
New modifiers were synthesized for incorporation of a methacrylic function in 3′-, 5′- and internal positions of oligonucleotides during solid phase synthesis. A modifier was used for synthesis of 5′-methacrylated oligonucleotides for preparation of microarrays by a co-polymerization method.
US07705130B2 Antibodies directed to HER-3 and uses thereof
The present invention relates to binding proteins that bind to HER-3 and polynucleotides encoding the same. Expression vectors and host cells comprising the same for the production of the binding protein of the invention are also provided. In addition, the invention provides compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating diseases associated with HER-3 mediated signal transduction and/or its ligand heregulin.
US07705116B2 Method and system for solubilizing protein
A process for solubilization of protein including application of an alkali, such as lime, and heating. The process may also involve lime recovery and may be accomplished in a single stage or two stages to separate protein solubilized from labile and recalcitrant sources. Systems and devices for use in such process, including a continuous stirred tank reactor and a plug flow reactor are also involved.
US07705114B2 Method for producing polymer organic electronic material, polymer organic electronic material, and organic electroluminescent device
A method for producing a polymer organic electronic material comprising: synthesizing a polymer organic electronic material by condensing a precursor monomer for the polymer organic electronic material in the presence of a metal catalyst, preparing a polymer organic electronic material solution by dissolving the polymer organic electronic material in an organic solvent, and removing metal ions, which originate from the metal catalyst, from the polymer organic electronic material solution by using an ion exchange resin; a polymer organic electronic material which can be obtained by the method; and an organic electroluminescent device which uses the polymer organic electronic material.
US07705108B2 Fused thiophenes, methods for making fused thiophenes, and uses thereof
Described herein are compositions including heterocyclic organic compounds such as fused thiophene compounds, methods for making them, and uses thereof.
US07705104B2 Addition curable silicon resin composition for light emitting diode
An addition curable silicone resin composition for a light emitting diode is provided The composition includes an organopolysiloxane that includes a straight-chain segment represented by a formula: —(R12SiO)n— wherein, R1 is an unsaturated aliphatic bonding-free monovalent hydrocarbon group, and n is an integer of 1 or greater, and a resin-like segment consisting of R23SiO1/2 units wherein, R2 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group, an alkoxy group, or a hydroxyl group, SiO2 units, and/or R2SiO3/2 units wherein, R2 is as defined above, in which at least two of all the R2 groups are alkenyl groups. The composition exhibits strong resistance to thermal shock, and is resistant to cracking even under severe temperature cycling.
US07705100B2 Coating of organic fibers with siloxane-carborane polymers
A fiber of linear polymer coated with a siloxane-carborane polymer or a thermoset or ceramic made therefrom. An organic fiber coated with a siloxane-carborane polymer or a thermoset or ceramic made therefrom and a surfactant. An organic fiber coated with a siloxane-carborane polymer made from a hydrosilation reaction of a siloxane-carborane compound containing at least two unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds and a silane compound or a thermoset or ceramic made therefrom. A method of coating a fiber by contacting a fiber to an aqueous solution of a siloxane-carborane polymer and a surfactant or to a solution of a siloxane-carborane polymer in a non-halogenated organic solvent. A method of contacting a fiber to a solution of a siloxane-carborane polymer, drying the coating to a temperature that does not change the polymer to a thermoset or ceramic, and using the dried, coated fiber in a process that requires that the fiber be flexible.
US07705095B2 Polymerisation process
A process for the polymerisation of olefin monomers selected from (a) ethylene, (b) propylene (c) mixtures of ethylene and propylene and (d) mixtures of (a), (b) or (c) with one or more other alpha-olefins is performed in a polymerisation reactor in the presence of a supported polymerisation catalyst characterised in that prior to injection into the reactor said supported polymerisation catalyst in the form of a powder is contacted with an inert hydrocarbon liquid in a quantity sufficient to maintain said catalyst in powder form. The preferred inert hydrocarbon liquid is hexane. The supported polymerisation catalyst is preferably a supported metallocene catalyst. According to the process of the prescrit invention the level of fines associated with the polymer products is reduced in particular the level of fines having a diameter<125 μm and microfines of diameter<50 μm.
US07705091B2 Method of increasing the absorption rate of peroxides into polymer particles
The present invention provides a method of increasing the absorption rate of peroxides into polymer particles used to fabricate electrical cable insulation. The method includes contacting the polymer particles with a peroxide compound and an additive under physical mixing conditions at a temperature that is above the melting point of the peroxide compound but below the softening point of the polymer particles for a period of time sufficient to allow the peroxide compound to absorb into the polymer particles. Preferably, the additive is squalane or another branched, hydrocarbon oil that substantially increases the rate at which the peroxide compound is absorbed into the polymer particles and improves the peroxide cure.
US07705090B2 Method for preparing polyolefins containing a high percentage of exo-olefin chain ends
The present invention is directed to a method for preparing polyolefins containing a high percentage of exo-olefin chain ends. The method involves ionizing a polyolefin containing tert-chloride chain ends and reacting the ionized polyolefin with one or more nitrogen-containing five-membered aromatic ring or one or more hindered secondary or tertiary amines, or mixtures thereof.
US07705088B2 Resorcinol-blocked isocyanate compositions and their applications
Resorcinol-blocked isocyanate compositions are derived from the reaction between a resorcinol compound and at least two different isocyanate compounds. The resorcinol-blocked isocyanate compositions may have two or more unblocking temperatures and/or melting characteristics that may provide some unique properties, such as improved adhesion of rubber reinforcing materials to rubber materials or compounds. The resorcinol-blocked isocyanate compositions can be used in fabric dipping formulations and/or rubber compositions with improved properties.
US07705086B2 Room temperature curable water-based mold release agent for composite materials
A room temperature curable water-based mold release agent that is useful for demolding composite parts, such as epoxy and polyester based polymer materials. The mold release agent is curable at low temperatures, such as room temperature, but is thermally stable up to conventional epoxy based composite molding temperatures, e.g., greater than 200 or 280° C. The mold release agent is useful for demolding large composite parts that are cured in large ovens at high temperature when the molds themselves are prepped at room temperature before placing in the oven. The mold release agent is also useful for demolding polyester composite parts that are prepared and cured at low temperature such as room temperature.
US07705080B2 Repulpable adhesives
The invention relates to an adhesive according to a conventional formulation, comprising additives capable of binding metal ions in the sense of chemical interactions, electrochemical interactions and/or physical interactions.
US07705078B2 Antimicrobial polymeric film
An anti-microbial polymeric film comprising a polymeric substrate layer and an inorganic anti-microbial compound of formula (I): AgaHbAcM2(PO4)3.nH2O wherein: A is at least one ion selected from an alkali or alkaline earth metal ion; M is a tetravalent metal ion; a is in the range 0.4 to 0.5; b and c are positive numbers such that (a+b+mc)=1; m is the valence of metal A; and 0≦n≦6, wherein the anti-microbial compound is present in the substrate layer in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 0.7% of by weight of the polymeric material of the substrate layer; and the use of said inorganic anti-microbial compound for providing an antimicrobial polymeric film having reduced haze.
US07705076B2 Rubber mixtures
The invention relates to rubber mixtures, comprising: (A) at least one rubber, (B) at least one oxidic filler and (C) at least one (haloorganyl)alkylpolyethersilane of the general formula (X)(X′)(X″)Si—RI-Hal. The rubber mixtures can be used for production of mouldings.
US07705073B2 Process for preparation of antimicrobial plastics compositions
The present invention relates to a process for preparing antimicrobial plastics compositions comprising a thermoplastic, particularly of thermoplastic elastomer, and at least one pulverulent antimicrobial active ingredient, specifically from the group of the bis(4-amino-1-pyridinium)alkanes, and to the use of this plastics composition for catheters and other medical-technology products.
US07705071B2 Aqueous ink, ink-jet recording method, ink cartridge, recording unit and ink jet recording apparatus
An aqueous ink to be used in an ink jet recording method that an ink is ejected from a recording head by the action of thermal energy, wherein the ink contains a pigment, a polymer and a water-soluble organic solvent, the hydrophilicity δm of the pigment falls within a range of from 21.5 or more to 23.5 or less, and the content (mass %) of the water-soluble organic solvent is from 5.0 mass % or more to 17.5 mass % or less with respect to the whole mass of the aqueous ink.
US07705070B2 Ink-jet compatible latexes
The present invention is directed to latex particulates having a greater concentration of acid at their surfaces than at their cores. A method of making such particulates can comprise copolymerizing an acidic monomer with a non-acidic monomer so as to yield a copolymer chain having more acidic monomer at one end than at the other.
US07705062B2 Nanoporous organosilicas as pre-concentration materials for sensors
A molecularly imprinted material made from polymerizing a monomer having the structural formula (OR)3Si—B-A-B—Si(OR)3. A is a divalent organic group, B is a saturated or unsaturated divalent hydrocarbon group or a covalent bond, and R is an independently selected saturated or unsaturated monovalent hydrocarbon group. A preconcentrator having: a container comprising in inlet and an outlet and the above material within the container. The inlet is capable of allowing a fluid to enter the container. The outlet is capable of being coupled to a sensor and of allowing the fluid to exit the container.
US07705057B2 Aqueous dispersion of polymeric material and surface active agent and use thereof
An aqueous dispersion comprises: (A) water; (B) a polymeric material of a type which includes: (a) phenyl moieties; (b) carbonyl and/or sulphone moieties; and (c) ether and/or thioether moieties; (C) a surface active agent which includes a carbonyl or sulphone moiety and a hydrophilic group. Preferred embodiments relate to polyketones in combination with surfactants which are alkyl sulphosuccinates.
US07705056B1 Aerosol adhesive and canister-based aerosol adhesive system
A cannister-based, high solids, low and non-VOC aerosol adhesive and canister based system. The aerosol adhesive typically includes a high solids polymeric base, a hexane or cyclohexane and acetone solvent mixture and a compressed gas dissolved within the solvent. The compressed gas typically includes carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide and air. The aerosol adhesive is adapted to be filled into a cannister including a hose connected to the canister and a spray gun connected to the hose. The system typically includes high solids with a high viscosity. Thus the canister typically maintains high pressures up to 350 psi, but typically at 260 psi while maintaining 325 psi at 130° F., to deliver effective spray patterns.
US07705042B2 Class of arylamide compounds useful as inhibitors of c-fms kinase
The invention relates to arylamide and hetereoarylamide compounds of Formula I: wherein A, X, R2 and W are set forth in the specification, as well as tautomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that inhibit protein tyrosine kinases, especially c-fms kinase. Methods of treating autoimmune diseases; and diseases with an inflammatory component; treating metastasis from ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, hairy cell leukemia and non-small lung carcinoma; and treating pain, including skeletal pain caused by tumor metastasis or osteoarthritis, or visceral, inflammatory, and neurogenic pain; as well as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and other diseases in which bone resorption mediates morbidity including arthritis, prosthesis failure, osteolytic sarcoma, myeloma, and tumor metastasis to bone with the compounds of Formula I, are also provided.
US07705041B2 Inhibitors of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase for stimulating pigmentation of the skin or skin appendages
Inhibitors of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), for example tetrazole, styrylpyrazole, phenylfuran, phenylthiophene, phenylpyrrazole, pyrazolecarboxamide, 2-thioacetamide and azo compounds, are useful for promoting or stimulating pigmentation of the skin and/or skin appendages and/or for preventing and/or for limiting depigmentation and/or whitening of the skin and/or skin appendages, notably for preventing and/or limiting canities.
US07705027B2 Isoxazole compounds as inhibitors of heat shock proteins
Isoxazoles of formula (A) or (B) are inhibitors of HSP90 activity, and useful for treatment of, for example cancers: (A), (B) wherein R1, is a group of formula (IA): —Ar1-(Alk1)p-(Z)r-(Alk2)s-Q, wherein in any compatible combination Ar1 is an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl radical, Alk1 and Alk2 are optionally substituted divalent C1-C6 alkylene or C2-C6 alkenylene radicals, p, r and s are independently 0 or 1, Z is —O—, —S—, —(C═O)—, —(C═S)—, —SO2—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)NRA—, —C(═S)NRA—, —SO2NRA—, —NRAC(═O)—, —NRASO2— or —NRA— wherein RA is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl, and Q is hydrogen or an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic radical; R2 is (i) a group of formula (IA) above or (ii) a carboxamide radical; or (iii) a non aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring wherein a ring carbon is optionally substituted, and/or a ring nitrogen is optionally substituted by a group of formula -(Alk1)p-(Z)r-(Alk2)s-Q wherein Q, Alk1, Alk2, Z, p, r and s are as defined above in relation to group (IA); and R3 is hydrogen, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkenyl, or C1-C6 alkynyl; or a carboxyl, carboxamide, or carboxyl ester group.
US07705025B2 Histamine H3 receptor agents, preparation and therapeutic uses
The present invention provides a novel compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having histamine-H3 receptor antagonist or inverse agonist activity, as well as methods for preparing such compounds. In another, embodiment, the invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I) as well as methods of using them to treat obesity, cognitive deficiencies, narcolepsy, and other histamine H3 receptor-related diseases.
US07705016B2 Regulation of food intake by modulation of long-chain fatty acyl-CoA levels in the hypothalamus
Methods of reducing food intake and glucose production in a mammal, or restoring hepatic autoregulation are provided. The methods involve increasing long-chain fatty acyl-Co-A (LC-CoA) levels in the hypothalamus, or stimulating efferent fibers in the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve. Also provided are methods of increasing food intake and glucose production in a mammal. The methods involve decreasing long-chain fatty acyl-Co-A (LC-CoA) levels in the hypothalamus of the mammal.
US07705011B2 Agent for treatment and prevention of endometriosos and uterine adenomyosis
An object of the present invention is to provide an agent for use in the effective treatment and prevention of endometriosis and uterine adenomyosis. The present invention relates to an agent for use in the treatment and prevention of endometriosis or uterine adenomyosis, comprising, as an active ingredient, a compound selected from the group consisting of 3-ethylpyridine, 3-methylpyridine, 2-ethylpyridine, and 2-methylpyridine.
US07705010B2 Use of minoxidil sulfate as an anti-tumor drug
The invention relates to compositions, methods and kits for the treatment of cancer. ATP-dependent potassium channel agonists, salts thereof, or chemical analogs thereof, for example, minoxidil sulfate, have been found to possess anti-neoplastic properties. Administering minoxidil sulfate may prolong the life of a cancer patient; for example, a patient with a brain tumor.
US07704989B2 Derivatives of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxamides, preparation method thereof and use of same in therapeutics
The present invention is related to a compound of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and X are as defined herein, or an addition salt with an acid thereof, its pharmaceutical composition or use for treating or preventing diseases involving Nurr-1 nuclear receptors, also known as NR4A2, NOT, TINUR, RNR-1 and HZF3.
US07704976B2 Use of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine for preparing medicines for urogenital tract infection's treatment and prevention
The present invention discloses a use of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of urogenital tract infection. N-acetyl-D-glucosamine exhibits a function of suppressing the transplantation of exotic microorganisms and promoting the repair of topical skin tissue, and the formulation comprising it as a main active component is used for the prevention and treatment of urogenital tract infection and has advantages such as notable therapeutic effect, easy preparation, non-irritation, non-contamination, etc.
US07704975B2 Modafinil compound and cyclodextrin mixtures
Mixtures of a modafinil compound with a cyclodextrin, methods for their use, and compositions thereof are disclosed, along with complexes comprising a modafinil compound and a cyclodextrin which are taste-masked and suitable for oral consumption in an aqueous solution.
US07704973B2 Therapy-enhancing glucan
This invention provides a method for introducing substances into cells comprising contacting a composition comprising orally administered beta-glucan with said cells. This invention also provides a method for introducing substances into a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the above compositions. The substance, which could be delivered orally includes but is not limited to peptides, proteins, RNAs, DNAs, chemotherapeutic agents, biologically active agents, plasmids, and other small molecules and compounds. Finally, this invention provides a composition comprising orally administered beta-glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of IgM and different uses of the said composition.
US07704970B2 DNA vaccination for treatment of autoimmune disease
A pro-inflammatory T cell response is specifically suppressed by the injection into a recipient of DNA encoding an autoantigen associated with autoimmune disease. The recipient may be further treating by co-vaccination with a DNA encoding a Th2 cytokine, particularly encoding IL4. In response to the vaccination, the proliferation of autoantigen-reactive T cells and the secretion of Th1 cytokines, including IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-15, are reduced.
US07704967B2 TFIIS and GDOWN1 as targets for cancer therapy
The present invention concerns cancer therapy related to the targeting of at least one core transcription factor. In particular, the compositions and methods of the invention concern targeting TFIIS, GDOWN1, or both for cancer therapy. In specific aspects, TFIIS and/or GDOWN1 inhibitors are employed for breast, prostate, pancreatic, and/or lung cancer.
US07704965B2 Methods and materials for treating human papillomavirus infections
The invention provides methods and materials related to treating HPV infections (e.g., HPV infections of cutaneous and mucosal epithelial cells) and HPV-associated conditions (e.g., cervical dysplasia, HPV-associated cervical carcinomas, oral mucosal papilloma cancers, laryngeal papilloma cancers).
US07704946B2 Reversible inhibition of pyramidal gap junction activity
The present invention relates to a novel method of inhibiting gap junction-mediated signaling in pyramid cells. Pyramidal gap junctions are quickly and reversibly inhibited by beta-amyloid or biologically active fragments thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of beta-amyloid as an anticonvulsant for the treatment of epilepsy and other pathological hypersynchrony conditions in humans and non-human animals.
US07704944B2 Interleukin-18 binding proteins, their preparation and use for the treatment of sepsis
The present invention provides a method of treatment or prevention of sepsis and other diseases characteristic to the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), including severe sepsis, septic shock, and sepsis related to cardiac dysfunction.
US07704939B2 Surfactant
To provide a surfactant which is obtainable by using substantially no alkali metal, has excellent readhesion prevention ability of finely-pulverized particles at the time of cleaning, and is capable of quite efficient and advanced cleaning.In the present invention, a surfactant which comprises a neutralized salt (AB1) and/or neutralized salt (AB2) is used.Neutralized salt (AB1):a neutralized salt (AB1) which comprises an acidic compound (A1) containing at least each one of an acid group (X1) of an acid having the difference of heat of formation in an acid dissociation reaction (Q1) of 3 to 200 kcal/mol and a hydrophobic group (Y) containing 1 to 36 carbon atoms, and a nitrogen-containing basic compound (B) having the difference of heat of formation in a proton addition reaction of 10 to 152 kcal/mol,wherein (X1) is at least one species selected from a sulfonic acid group, and the like.Neutralized salt (AB2):a neutralized salt (AB2) which comprises a polymer (A2) having at least one acid group (X2) within the molecule, and the nitrogen-containing basic compound (B) having the difference of heat of formation in a proton addition reaction of 10 to 152 kcal/mol.
US07704929B2 Diaromatic amine derivatives as antioxidants
Diraromatic amine derivatives having the general formula: wherein n is from 0 to 5; m is from 0 to 4; each R substituent is independently hydrogen or a straight or branched C1-C32 alkyl group or alkenyl group or two R substituents together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded are joined together to form an unsaturated, partially saturated or saturated C3-C30 ring structure optionally containing one or more heteroatoms, each R1 substituent is independently hydrogen or a straight or branched C1-C32 alkyl group or alkenyl group and R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are independently hydrogen or a straight or branched C1-C32 alkyl group or alkenyl group optionally containing a functional group are provided. Also provided are lubricating oil compositions containing the diraromatic amine derivatives.
US07704924B2 Library of compounds comprising pyrrolobenzodiazepine moieties
A compound of formula (IV): O is a solid support; L is a linking group or a single bond; X′ is selected from CO, NH, S, or O; A is O, S, NH, or a single bond; R2 and R3 are independently selected from: H, R, OH, OR, ═O, ═CH—R, ═CH2, CH2—CO2R, CH2—CO2H, CH2—SO2R, O—SO2R, CO2R, COR, CN and there is optionally a double bond between C1 and C2 or C2 and C3; R6, R7, and R9 are independently selected from H, R, OH, OR, halo, nitro, amino, Me3Sn; R11 is either H or R; Q is S, O or NH; R10 is a nitrogen protecting group; and Y is a divalent group such that HY═R, and other related compounds and collections of compounds.
US07704916B2 Compound having a pyrochlore-structure and its use as a catalyst carrier in water gas shift reaction
A compound of formula (Na0.33A0.66)2B2O7-δ wherein A is one or more metals chosen from the lanthanide metals; B is one or more metals chosen from Ti, Sn, Ge, Ru, Mn, Ir, Os and Pb; and δ is a number in the range 0-1 is disclosed. Water gas shift catalysts comprising precious metals such as gold dispersed on the (Na0.33A0.66)2B2O7-δ compound are also disclosed.
US07704915B2 Methods for preparing coated metal substrates
A coated metal substrate useful for carrying an exhaust emission treatment catalyst such as a three-way conversion catalyst for use with small engine platforms. The coated metal substrate comprises a metal such as a stainless steel, a carbon steel, a FeCr alloy, HASTELLOY® and the like. The coating on the metal substrate comprises an alumina silicate having alumina particles impregnated therein. The coating is applied using a liquid dispersion containing an aluminum silicate and the alumina particles are dispersed into the aluminum silicate coating while the coating is still wet. The coated metal substrate is then calcined. Thereafter, a washcoat containing an engine exhaust treatment catalyst may be applied to the surface of the coated metal substrate.
US07704912B2 Mixtures of chiral monophosphorus compounds used as ligand systems for asymmetric transition metal catalysis
The invention relates to certain chiral transition metal catalysts, to the metal of which at least two structurally different monophosphorus ligands are bonded, at least one of said monophosphorus ligands being chiral. Said chiral transition metal catalysts are suitable as catalysts for use in asymmetric transition metal-catalyzed reactions, providing better enantioselectivities than in cases where only one structurally defined ligand is used.
US07704900B2 Artificial leather sheets and method for producing them
Provided is an artificial leather sheet that comprises microfine fibers of an inelastic polymer having a mean fiber diameter of at most 5 μm and an elastic polymer, in which the major portion of the elastic polymer forms a fibrous structure of the entangled nonwoven fabric with the microfine fibers of inelastic polymer throughout the entire layer of the artificial leather sheet in the thickness direction thereof, and a part of the elastic polymer forms a porous layer integrated with the entangled nonwoven fabric structure on at least one face of the artificial leather sheet. The artificial leather sheet does not substantially undergo structure deformation even when repeatedly elongated and deformed. It has good elastic stretchability, and has a soft and dense feel, and its appearance is good not detracting from the drapability of the sheet.
US07704896B2 Atomic layer deposition of thin films on germanium
Germanium has higher mobility than silicon and therefore is considered to be a good alternative semiconductor for CMOS technology. Surface treatments a can facilitate atomic layer deposition (ALD) of thin films, such as high-k dielectric layers, on germanium substrates. Surface treatment can comprise the formation of a thin layer of GeOx or GeOxNy. After surface treatment and prior to deposition of the desired thin film, a passivation layer may be deposited on the substrate. The passivation layer may be, for example, a metal oxide layer deposited by ALD.
US07704890B2 Method for fabricating thin film transistor and pixel structure
A method for fabricating a TFT is provided. First, a poly-silicon layer is formed over a substrate. A photoresist layer is formed on the poly-silicon layer, wherein the photoresist layer has a pattern for exposing parts of the poly-silicon layer, and the pattern has a varied thickness. The poly-silicon layer is patterned by using the photoresist layer as an etching mask to define a poly-silicon island. Thereafter, a part of the thickness of the photoresist layer is removed for exposing a part of the poly-silicon island. Then, a first ion implanting is performed on the exposed part of the poly-silicon island to form a source and a drain thereby. After removing the residue photoresist layer; a gate insulating layer, a gate, a patterned dielectric layer and a conductive layer are formed on the substrate sequentially.
US07704886B2 Multi-step Cu seed layer formation for improving sidewall coverage
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming a dielectric layer; forming an opening in the dielectric layer; performing a first deposition step to form a seed layer in a first chamber; and performing a first etch step to remove a portion of the seed layer. The method may further include performing a second deposition step to increase the thickness of the seed layer. At least one of the first etch step and the second deposition step is performed in a second chamber different from the first chamber.
US07704878B2 Contact spacer formation using atomic layer deposition
A contact structure in a semiconductor device includes a layer of dielectric material and a via formed through the dielectric material. The contact structure further includes a spacer formed on sidewalls of the via using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and a metal deposited in the via.
US07704870B2 Via-first interconnection process using gap-fill during trench formation
An interconnection process is described. A substrate having a conductive region formed therein is provided. A dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. A patterned metal hard mask layer having a trench opening is formed on the dielectric layer. A dielectric hard mask layer is formed conformally on the patterned metal hard mask layer and filled in the trench opening. A photoresist pattern is defined to remove a portion of the dielectric hard mask layer and a portion of the dielectric layer to form a first opening in the dielectric layer. The photoresist pattern is removed. A first etching process is performed using the patterned metal hard mask layer as a mask to form a trench and a second opening extending downward from the first opening in the dielectric layer. The second opening exposes the conductive region. A conductive layer is formed in the trench and the second opening.
US07704852B2 Amorphization/templated recrystallization method for hybrid orientation substrates
The present invention provides an improved amorphization/templated recrystallization (ATR) method for fabricating low-defect-density hybrid orientation substrates. ATR methods for hybrid orientation substrate fabrication generally start with a Si layer having a first orientation bonded to a second Si layer or substrate having a second orientation. Selected regions of the first Si layer are amorphized and then recrystallized into the orientation of the second Si layer by using the second Si layer as a template. The process flow of the present invention solves two major difficulties not disclosed by prior art ATR methods: the creation of “corner defects” at the edges of amorphized Si regions bounded by trenches, and undesired orientation changes during a high temperature post-recrystallization defect-removal annealing of non-ATR'd regions not bounded by trenches. In particular, this invention provides a process flow comprising the steps of (i) amorphization and low-temperature recrystallization performed in substrate regions free of trenches, (ii) formation of trench isolation regions that subsume the defective regions at the edge of the ATR'd regions, and (iii) a high-temperature defect-removal anneal performed with the trench isolation regions in place.
US07704824B2 Semiconductor layer
The present invention provides a highly doped semiconductor layer. More specifically, the present invention provides a semiconductor layer that includes at least two impurities. Each impurity is introduced at a level below its respective degradation concentration. In this manner, the two or more impurities provide an additive conductivity to the semiconductor layer at a level above the conductivity possible with any one of the impurities alone, due to the detrimental effects that would be created by increasing the concentration of any one impurity beyond its degradation concentration.
US07704815B2 Method of creating defect free high Ge content (>25%) SiGe-on-insulator (SGOI) substrates using wafer bonding techniques
A method for achieving a substantially defect free SGOI substrate which includes a SiGe layer that has a high Ge content of greater than about 25 atomic % using a low temperature wafer bonding technique is described. The wafer bonding process described in the present application includes an initial prebonding annealing step that is capable of forming a bonding interface comprising elements of Si, Ge and O, i.e., interfacial SiGeO layer, between a SiGe layer and a low temperature oxide layer. The present invention also provides the SGOI substrate and structure that contains the same.
US07704812B2 Semiconductor circuit and method of fabricating the same
According to the invention, a plurality of semiconductor devices which are required to have conformance are formed from crystalline semiconductor films having uniform crystallinity on the same line, and a semiconductor circuit in which variation between semiconductor devices is small can be provided, and a semiconductor integrated circuit having high conformance can be provided. The invention is characterized in that, in a part or whole of thin film transistors which configure an analog circuit such as a current mirror circuit, a differential amplifier circuit, or an operational amplifier, in which high conformance is required for semiconductor devices included therein, channel forming regions have crystalline semiconductor films on the same line. High conformance can be expected for an analog circuit which has the crystalline semiconductor films on the same line formed using the invention as the channel forming regions of the thin film transistors. That is, the invention is characterized in that, among the thin film transistors which configures the analog circuit, the channel forming regions of the thin film transistors having at least the same polarity are formed on the same line.
US07704808B2 Methods of forming semiconductor-on-insulating (SOI) field effect transistors with body contacts
Semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) field effect transistors include a semiconductor substrate and a first semiconductor active region on a first portion of a surface of the substrate. A first electrically insulating layer is provided. This first electrically insulating layer extends on a second portion of the surface of the substrate and also on a first sidewall of the first semiconductor active region. A second electrically insulating layer is provided, which extends on a third portion of the surface of the semiconductor substrate. The second electrically insulating layer also extends on a second sidewall of the first semiconductor active region. A second semiconductor active region is provided on the first semiconductor active region. The second semiconductor active region extends on the first semiconductor active region and on ends of the first and second electrically insulating layers. Source and drain regions are also provided, which are electrically coupled to opposite ends of the second semiconductor active region. An insulated gate electrode extends on the second semiconductor active region and opposite the first semiconductor active region.
US07704802B2 Programmable random logic arrays using PN isolation
Disclosed are a programmable, random logic device array, and a method of forming such a device. The device comprises a substrate, and a semiconductor layer above the substrate. That semiconductor layer, in turn, includes a first region of a first semiconductor type, an array of spaced apart second regions of a second semiconductor type, and a plurality of space-charge regions. Each of the space charge regions extends around a respective one of the second regions and separates that one of the second regions from the first region of the semiconductor layer. The programmable, random, logic device array further comprises first and second sets of contacts. The first set of contacts are in electrical contact with areas of said first region of the semiconductor layer, and the second set of contacts are in electrical contact with the second regions.
US07704795B2 Display device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a display device which can efficiently separate individual thin-thickness display devices from a large-sized mother substrate. Scribe marks for separating a plurality of display devices are preliminarily formed on back surfaces of a TFT mother substrate and a sealing mother substrate. By etching front surfaces of these mother substrates, etching portions reach the scribe marks so that a plurality of display devices each of which is constituted of a TFT substrate and a sealing substrate can be separated from each other.
US07704793B2 Electronic part and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing an electronic part, including: cutting a wiring substrate, which contains a base substrate, a wiring pattern provided on a first surface of the base substrate, and a reinforcing member provided on a second surface of the base substrate, along a line intersecting with an outer circumference of the reinforcing member; wherein a wire, out of a plurality of wires composing the wiring pattern, arranged closest to an intersecting point of the outer circumference of the reinforcing member and the line has a widest width.
US07704792B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
An insulating layer having an opening from which an electrode pad of a device is exposed is formed on the surface of a semiconductor substrate having the device fabricated therein, and an external terminal pad defined by a portion of a conductor layer formed on the insulating layer is connected to the electrode pad by means of a bonding wire. Further, a conductor post is formed on the external terminal pad, and an encapsulation resin layer is formed to coat a region on the semiconductor substrate in which the conductor post is formed, and to expose a top portion of the conductor post. An external connecting terminal is bonded to the top portion of the conductor post.
US07704791B2 Packaging of integrated circuits with carbon nano-tube arrays to enhance heat dissipation through a thermal interface
According to one aspect of the invention, a method of constructing an electronic assembly is provided. A layer of metal is formed on a backside of a semiconductor wafer having integrated formed thereon. Then, a porous layer is formed on the metal layer. A barrier layer of the porous layer at the bottom of the pores is thinned down. Then, a catalyst is deposited at the bottom of the pores. Carbon nanotubes are then grown in the pores. Another layer of metal is then formed over the porous layer and the carbon nanotubes. The semiconductor wafer is then separated into microelectronic dies. The dies are bonded to a semiconductor substrate, a heat spreader is placed on top of the die, and a semiconductor package resulting from such assembly is sealed. A thermal interface is formed on the top of the heat spreader. Then a heat sink is placed on top of the thermal interface.
US07704789B2 Methods for forming resistive switching memory elements
Resistive switching memory elements are provided that may contain electroless metal electrodes and metal oxides formed from electroless metal. The resistive switching memory elements may exhibit bistability and may be used in high-density multi-layer memory integrated circuits. Electroless conductive materials such as nickel-based materials may be selectively deposited on a conductor on a silicon wafer or other suitable substrate. The electroless conductive materials can be oxidized to form a metal oxide for a resistive switching memory element. Multiple layers of conductive materials can be deposited each of which has a different oxidation rate. The differential oxidization rates of the conductive layers can be exploited to ensure that metal oxide layers of desired thicknesses are formed during fabrication.
US07704779B2 Image sensing device having protection pattern on the microlens, camera module, and method of forming the same
An image sensing device having a protection pattern formed on microlenses is provided. The device includes a plurality of photodiodes provided in a semiconductor substrate. An insulating layer having a substantially flat top surface is disposed on the photodiodes. A plurality of microlenses are provided on the insulating layer and disposed over the photodiodes. The microlenses are covered with a protection pattern. The protection pattern can be formed of an oxide-based photosensitive polymer layer or a nitride-based photosensitive polymer layer, as examples. The protection pattern can have a substantially flat top surface.
US07704773B2 MEMS devices having support structures with substantially vertical sidewalls and methods for fabricating the same
Embodiments of MEMS devices include support structures having substantially vertical sidewalls. Certain support structures are formed through deposition of self-planarizing materials or via a plating process. Other support structures are formed via a spacer etch. Other MEMS devices include support structures at least partially underlying a movable layer, where the portions of the support structures underlying the movable layer include a convex sidewall. In further embodiments, a portion of the support structure extends through an aperture in the movable layer and over at least a portion of the movable layer.
US07704772B2 Method of manufacture for microelectromechanical devices
A method of manufacturing a microelectromechanical device includes forming at least two conductive layers on a substrate. An isolation layer is formed between the two conductive layers. The conductive layers are electrically coupled together and then the isolation layer is removed to form a gap between the conductive layers. The electrical coupling of the layers mitigates or eliminates the effects of electrostatic charge build up on the device during the removal process.
US07704760B2 Method of making light emitting diode with irregular surface and independent valleys
A method of making a light emitting diode (LED) is disclosed. The LED of the present invention comprises a semiconductor layer of a first polarity, an active layer, and a semiconductor layer of a second polarity stacked from bottom to up, wherein a stacked structure at least composed of the active layer and the semiconductor layer of the second polarity have a side with a wave-shape border in a top view of the LED and/or at least one valley, thereby increasing the efficiency of emitting the light to the outside of the LED.
US07704759B2 Semiconductor laser device and method for fabricating the same
In a semiconductor laser device, a plurality of light-emitting elements emitting light with different wavelengths are integrated on a substrate. Each of the light-emitting elements includes, on the substrate, an active layer and cladding layers respectively provided on top and bottom of the active layer. One of the cladding layers provided on top of the active layer is an upper cladding layer having a mesa ridge portion. An etching stopper layer for forming the ridge portion is interposed between the ridge portion and the other portion of the upper cladding layer. The thickness of the etching stopper layer varies among the light-emitting elements.
US07704755B2 Differential labelling method
The invention relates to a method for differentially labelling one or more entities, together comprising distinct reactive sites. The invention further relates to an entity that has been labelled by a method according to the invention and to a diagnostic kit comprising a labelled entity and to a diagnostic kit to employ a method according to the invention.
US07704753B2 Devices and methods for analyte assays with built-in result reporting using recognizable symbols
The present invention provides devices, methods and kits for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid sample and indicating to the user the presence or absence of the analyte through the formation of a recognizable symbol during the assay. In one embodiment, the present invention provides test strips having a matrix including a sample application zone, a reagent zone, and a detection zone. Within the detection zone are located positive and negative control areas, and an analyte binding area. The positive control area contains one or more components that exhibit a first color when dry and a second color when wetted. When the assay is conducted, the positive control area is wetted by the assay fluids and turns to a second color, thereby functioning as a positive procedural control. When analyte is present in the sample, it binds at the analyte binding area, which interacts with the positive control area to form a second recognizable symbol at the detection zone.
US07704752B2 Signalling compounds for use in methods of detecting hydrogen peroxide
Methods and compound useful for detecting a source of hydrogen peroxide are disclosed wherein a signalling compound of the formula: is reacted with peroxide. Sig is a non-polymeric organic group, B is a boron atom, and each R is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl and aryl groups and can be joined together as a straight or branched alkylene chain forming a ring or as an aromatic ring. A detectable product compound of the formula Sig-OH or Sig-O− is produced and detected by measuring color, absorbance, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, or bioluminescence. The signalling compound itself does not possess the detectable property or does so only to a very weak degree. The methods can be used as a detectable signal in assays for peroxide or peroxide-producing enzymes and in assays employing enzyme-labeled specific binding pairs.
US07704751B2 Polymeric fluorescent chemical sensor
A method of detecting organic vapors is described. More particularly, the method involves the use of an analyte sensor that contains a polymeric material having a relatively large intrinsic porosity and that is capable of fluorescence in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The method further includes exposing the analyte sensor to an environment that may contain an organic vapor and monitoring the analyte sensor for a change in a fluorescence signal. Although the organic vapor itself typically does not fluoresce in the visible wavelength range, presence of an organic vapor can alter the fluorescence signal of the analyte sensor.
US07704749B2 Aqueous stream purifier and method of use
An electrolytic method is provided for purifying an aqueous stream, including at least one contaminant ion. In one embodiment, the eluent stream flows through a purifying flow channel, including ion exchange bed, an electric field is applied through the flowing eluent stream in the purifying flow channel, and the contaminant ion is removed from the eluent stream. In another embodiment, no electric field is applied and the ion exchange bed is periodically regenerated. Two beds may be used with one bed on line while the other bed is regenerated followed by a reversal of flow.
US07704748B2 Gas analyzer for measuring the flammability of mixtures of combustible gases and oxygen
A novel Flame Temperature Analyzer (FTA) method and apparatus for measuring combustible gas concentration and oxygen content in a sample gas includes supplying a mixture of oxidant and fuel to a sensing flame and measuring the temperature of the flame as the sample is added to the combustion chamber.
US07704745B2 Apparatus and methods for monitoring the status of a metabolically active cell
An apparatus and methods for monitoring the status of a cell that consumes oxygen. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of confining the cell in a sensing volume, measuring dynamically intracellular or extracellular signaling of the cell, and determining the status of the cell from the measured intracellular or extracellular signaling of the cell.
US07704744B2 Methods for casein determination in milk
The content of casein in milk is determined by two measurements of infrared absorbance in a milk sample by infrared spectrometry before and after a separation of the casein. The casein content is calculated by use of absorbance data recorded during the two absorbance measurements. The new method is considerable faster than the known wet-chemical methods, such as the normal wet chemical reference method for casein determination in milk using a Kjeldahl nitrogen determination of the milk sample, then a coagulation of the milk, and finally a Kjeldahl nitrogen determination of the filtrate. Further the new method provides a more reliable accuracy than the know determination using a single infrared analysis of a milk sample.
US07704743B2 Electrosonic cell manipulation device and method of use thereof
In method of injecting a substance into a living cell having a cell membrane, the substance, the cell and a liquid are placed into a tapering passage. Energy is applied to the cell, thereby inducing poration. To sort cells, a cellular suspension is placed in a tapering passage, including a narrow end that defines an opening that has a dimension corresponding to a cell size. An acoustic wave is applied, thereby forcing cells having a cell size smaller than the selected cell size through the opening, with a portion of the cells having a cell size not smaller than the selected cell size not forced through the opening. To extract material from a cell, an electric field and an acoustic wave are applied, thereby causing the cell membrane to allow the material to pass out of the cell.
US07704739B2 Method of isolating and culturing mesenchymal stem cell derived from umbilical cord blood
The present invention relates to a method of isolating and culturing mesenchymal stem cells using umbilical cord blood that is most ideal for cell therapy. The method comprises adding an anti-coagulant to umbilical cord blood having a volume of more than 45 ml per unit, which is obtained within 24 hours after parturition; diluting the resulting mixture of the anti-coagulant and umbilical cord blood with an αMEM (alpha-minimum essential medium), followed by centrifugation to harvest monocytes; and subjecting the obtained monocytes into suspension culture in the αMEM containing Stem Cell Factor, GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor), G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor), IL-3 (interleukin-3) and IL-6 (interleukin-6).
US07704736B2 Compositions for the derivation of germ cells from stem cells and methods of use thereof
Compositions and methods are provided for the reproducible derivation of germ cells and oocytes and spermatogonia therefrom. Also provide are methods of use of the same in reproductive and therapeutic cloning protocols.
US07704735B2 Integrated chip carriers with thermocycler interfaces and methods of using the same
Methods and systems are provided for conducting a reaction at a selected temperature or range of temperatures over time. An array device is provided. The array device contains separate reaction chambers and is formed as an elastomeric block from multiple layers. At least one layer has at least one recess that recess has at least one deflectable membrane integral to the layer with the recess. The array device has a thermal transfer device proximal to at least one of the reaction chambers. The thermal transfer device is formed to contact a thermal control source. Reagents for carrying out a desired reaction are introduced into the array device. The array device is contacted with a thermal control device such that the thermal control device is in thermal communication with the thermal control source so that a temperature of the reaction in at least one of the reaction chamber is changed as a result of a change in temperature of the thermal control source.
US07704720B2 Metapneumovirus strains and their use in vaccine formulations and as vectors for expression of antigenic sequences and methods for propagating virus
The present invention provides an isolated mammalian negative strand RNA virus, metapneumovirus (MPV), within the sub-family Pneumoviridae, of the family Paramyxoviridae. The invention also provides isolated mammalian negative strand RNA viruses identifiable as phylogenetically corresponding or relating to the genus Metapneumovirus and components thereof. In particular the invention provides a mammalian MPV, subgroups and variants thereof. The invention relates to genomic nucleotide sequences of different isolates of mammalian metapneumoviruses, in particular human metapneumoviruses. The invention relates to the use of the sequence information of different isolates of mammalian metapneumoviruses for diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences encoding the genome of a metapneumovirus or a portion thereof, including both mammalian and avian metapneumovirus. The invention further encompasses chimeric or recombinant viruses encoded by said nucleotide sequences. The invention also relates to chimeric and recombinant mammalian MPV that comprise one or more non-native or heterologous sequences. The invention further relates to vaccine formulations comprising mammalian or avian metapneumovirus, including recombinant and chimeric forms of said viruses. The vaccine preparations of the invention encompass multivalent vaccines, including bivalent and trivalent vaccine preparations. The invention also provide methods for propagating virus.
US07704719B2 Glucose isomerase mutants, DNA thereof and use thereof
This invention provides a series of recombinant Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum glucose isomerases with improved catalytic activity and thermostability obtained by using recombinant techniques. These recombinant glucose isomerases comprise amino acid variation including phenylalanine (Phe) at position 139, alanine (Ala) at position 182, serine (Ser) at position 187, and glutamine (Gln) at position 299, and carry at least one additional mutated amino acid at position 87, position 217, position 260 or position 276, and possess a higher catalytic activity than that of the wild-type when using D-glucose as substrate. These recombinant glucose isomerases can be used for direct production of high fructose corn syrup containing 55.% [wt] or higher concentration of fructose.
US07704714B2 Encapsulation of cells in biologic compatible scaffolds by coacervation of charged polymers
This invention relates to a method for the encapsulation of cells in biologic compatible three dimensional scaffolds and the use of such cells encapsulated in a scaffold. The cells are embedded in a charged polymer that is complex coacervating with an oppositely charged polymer within biologic compatible scaffolds. The polymer complex embedding the cells is forming an ultra thin membrane on the surface of the three dimensional scaffold.
US07704710B2 Interleukin-9 receptor mutants
This invention relates to the diagnosis, treatment and methods for discovery of new therapeutics for atopic asthma and related disorders based on variants of Asthma Associated Factor 2. One embodiment of the invention is a variant of AAF2 wherein codon 173 is deleted resulting in the loss of glutamine 173 from the mature protein precursor. This single amino acid deletion results in a non-functional AAF2 protein and therefore the presence of this phenotype should be associated with less evidence of atopic asthma. Correspondingly, the lack of susceptibility to an asthmatic, atopic phenotype is characterized by the loss of glutamine at codon 171 The invention includes isolated DNA molecules which are variants of the wild type sequence as well as the proteins encoded by such DNA and the use of such DNA molecules and expressed protein in the diagnosis and treatment of atopic asthma.
US07704705B2 Esterases and their use for processes for kinetic resolution of butinolesters
New enzymes having esterase activity and their use for processes for kinetic resolution of butinolesters.
US07704703B2 Arf and Hdm2 interaction domains and the methods of use thereof
The present invention discloses that the binding of Arf with Dm2, important components of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway, results in specific domains of both proteins undergoing a dramatic transition from dynamically disordered conformations to amyloid-like structures comprised of anti-parallel β-strands. The invention exploits this discovery by providing unique methods for identifying and/or designing compounds that mimic, inhibit and/or enhance the effect of Arf on Dm2. The present invention also provides specific peptides derived from the binding domains of Arf and Dm2 which co-assemble into supramolecular structures comprised of binary anti-parallel β-strands. The disclosed peptides may represent structural prototypes for a broader class of peptides that is capable of assembly into supramolecular structures.
US07704701B2 Diagnosis of prostate cancer with SPAS-1 cancer antigen
Compounds and methods for inducing protective immunity against cancer are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one immunogenic portion of one or more SPAS-1 proteins and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides. Such compounds may be formulated into vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for immunization against cancer, or can be used for the diagnosis of cancer and the monitoring of cancer progression.
US07704698B2 Human T2R51 taste receptor and related assays for identifying bitter taste modulators
The present invention relates to the discovery of a specific human taste receptor in the T2R taste receptor family, hT2R51 that responds to particular bitter compounds The present invention further relates to the use of this receptor in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of this taste receptor. These compounds may be used as additives and/or removed from foods, beverages and medicinals in order to modify (block) T2R-associated bitter taste. A preferred embodiment is the use of the identified compounds as additives in foods, beverages and medicinals for blocking bitter taste.
US07704692B1 Process for detecting toxic substances
Biology-based processes for detecting toxic substances are provided. The processes comprise transforming cells with a vector comprising a polynucleotide which comprises a promoter of certain yeast gene operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding a marker protein; contacting the transformed cells to test sample; and detecting the expression of mRNA encoding the marker protein, thus detecting a toxic compound in the test sample.
US07704690B2 Synthesis of error-minimized nucleic acid molecules
A method is provided for synthesis of error-minimized nucleic acid molecules. Oligonucleotides intended to have fragments of a desired, full-length nucleotide sequence, and optionally containing other desired nucleotides, such as nucleotides for binding the oligonucleotides to a substrate, are obtained. Oligonucleotides for both strands of the desired, full-length sequence may be obtained. The oligonucleotides are amplified and assembled into a first set of molecules intended to have the desired, full-length nucleotide sequence. The first set of molecules is denatured and annealed to form a second set of molecules intended to have the desired, full-length nucleotide sequence. The second set of molecules is cut into smaller segments, for example, by mixing the molecules with endonucleases that form blunt cuts in the second set of molecules where there are sequence errors, as well as randomly along the molecules. The smaller segments are assembled into a set of molecules intended to have the desired, full-length nucleotide sequence. By promoting cutting of the molecules in this manner near the end of the nucleic acid molecule synthesis process, a set of full-length molecules can be obtained with fewer nucleotide sequence errors than can be achieved with other methods.
US07704684B2 Methods and devices for fabricating three-dimensional nanoscale structures
The present invention provides methods and devices for fabricating 3D structures and patterns of 3D structures on substrate surfaces, including symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns of 3D structures. Methods of the present invention provide a means of fabricating 3D structures having accurately selected physical dimensions, including lateral and vertical dimensions ranging from 10s of nanometers to 1000s of nanometers. In one aspect, methods are provided using a mask element comprising a conformable, elastomeric phase mask capable of establishing conformal contact with a radiation sensitive material undergoing photoprocessing. In another aspect, the temporal and/or spatial coherence of electromagnetic radiation using for photoprocessing is selected to fabricate complex structures having nanoscale features that do not extend entirely through the thickness of the structure fabricated.
US07704683B2 Process for producing patterned optical filter layers on substrates
The invention provides a process for producing at least one optical filter layer segment on a substrate. The process includes applying a masking comprising a resist layer on a surface of the substrate, depositing an optical filter layer on the surface and the resist layer by vacuum deposition, and removing the resist layer with a portion of the optical filter layer thereon from the surface. The deposition of the optical filter layer, at least at times, takes place at a temperature of over 150° C., preferably in a range from over 150° C. up to and including 400° C.
US07704669B2 Acrylic polymer and radiation-sensitive resin composition
To provide a resist which is excellent in the solubility in a resist solvent and little dependent on baking temperature and can form developed patterns reduced in line edge roughness. An acrylic polymer characterized by comprising units of the general formula (1), units of general formula (2), and units of general formula (3) and/or units of general formula (4), wherein R, R′, R″ and R′″ are each hydrogen, methyl, or trifluoromethyl; R1 is hydrogen, C1-4 linear or branched alkyl, alkoxy, or C1-4 linear or branched fluoroalkyl; X is a C7-20 polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon group consisting of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms; R2 and R3 are each independently C1-4 linear or branched alkyl; R4 is a C4-20 alicyclic hydrocarbon group; R5 is C1-4 linear or branched alkyl; and R6 and R7 are each hydrogen or C1-4 linear or branched alkyl.
US07704665B2 Single component developer
A method for developing toner for use in a single component development system, wherein the process includes a) contacting a styrene acrylate polymer binder resin having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of from about 50 to about 100 Kpse, and a number average molecular weight (Mn) of from about 10 to about 30 Kpse, a wax selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyethylene, and at least one colorant to produce a toner blend, b) aggregating the blend by heating at a temperature at or above the glass transition temperature of the styrene acrylate resin to form an aggregated toner core; c) adding a second binder resin to the aggregated toner core to form a shell over said toner core thereby forming a core-shell toner; d) growing said core-shell toner to a desired size; e) coalescing the core-shell toner by heating at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the second latex; and f) recovering toner particles, wherein the toner particles have an onset glass transition temperature of from about 50° C. to about 60° C., and a circularity of from about 0.950 to about 0.990.
US07704663B2 Image forming method and image-forming apparatus using the same
An image forming method comprises: supplying an image support onto an imaging site, the image support comprising a substrate, a light-scattering layer containing a white pigment and a first thermoplastic resin comprising a polyolefin-based resin, and a toner-receiving layer containing a second thermoplastic resin comprising a mixture of a crystalline resin and an amorphous resin, in this order, forming a colored toner image on the image support with a colored toner containing a third thermoplastic resin; and forming a transparent toner image on the image support having the colored toner image formed thereon with a transparent toner containing a fourth thermoplastic resin having a glass transition temperature of from not lower than about 50° C. to lower than about 70° C.
US07704661B2 Toner and image forming method
A toner is provided which has toner particles and a fine silica powder mixed by external addition to the toner particles. The toner has a weight average particle diameter of 4.0 to 9.0 μm. The fine silica powder is subjected to hydrophobic treatment with dimethylsilicone oil, and has, in particle size distribution based on volume, a peak at which cumulative frequency is largest, in the measurement range of 0.02 μm to 1,000.00 μm; the cumulative frequency of 0.10 μm to less than 1.00 μm being 7.0% or less, and, the fine silica powder fulfills the following conditions: 1) A+B≧93.0; 2) 0.45≦A/B≦6.00; and 3) the value of [(carbon content of the treated fine silica powder)/(BET specific surface area of fine silica powder before hydrophobic treatment)] is 0.030 or more to 0.055 or less.
US07704656B2 Photoconductive imaging member
A photoreceptor comprising a charge transport layer doped with a polyarylate polymer is provided. A charge transport layer is doped with about 0.1 to about 10.0% by weight, solids basis, of a polyarylate polymer, such as for example Ardel. Charge transport layers doped with a polyarylate polymer exhibit improved electrical performance in terms of lower Vr and VBG values.
US07704655B2 Electrophotographic photoreceptor and electrophotographic apparatus
An electrophotographic photoreceptor which can respond to a reduction in diameter of photoreceptor and a process having high circumferential speed, due to the demand in the miniaturization and increase in the speed of copiers and printers. The photoreceptor has high sensitivity in long-wavelength region, and is free from deterioration of electric characteristics even after repeated use, and is highly stable. The electrophotographic photoreceptor has a conductive support member and a photosensitive layer laminated thereon, which includes at least a charge-generating agent, a charge-transfer agent, and a binder resin. The charge-generating agent is oxytitanium phthalocyanine, which has a Bragg angle (2θ±0.2°) providing a maximum peak at 27.2° in the X-ray diffraction spectra using CuKα as a radiation source.
US07704651B2 Radiographic image conversion panel and production method thereof
A radiographic image conversion panel containing a substrate having thereon a phosphor layer formed by a vapor-accumulating method, wherein the phosphor layer has a thickness distribution of not more than ±20%, the thickness distribution being defined by the formula: ((Dmax−Dmin)/(Dmax+Dmin))×100, provided that Dmax is a maximum thickness of the phosphor layer; and Dmin is a minimum thickness of the phosphor layer.
US07704645B2 Method of generating writing pattern data of mask and method of writing mask
A method of generating writing pattern data of a reflective mask for use in a non-telecentric exposure tool comprises obtaining a vertical position profile by measuring vertical positions of a plurality of X, Y coordinates arbitrarily set on the surface of a blank mask substrate when mounted on a mask stage, or by measuring and calculating a flatness profile, calculating unevenness of the blank mask substrate surface from the vertical position profile, calculating a shift amount of an image position, generated in a wafer mounted on a wafer stage of the exposure tool, in accordance with the unevenness of the blank mask substrate and parameters of a non-telecentric optics of the exposure tool, and obtaining corrected writing pattern data by correcting design pattern data of the reflective mask based on the shift amount of the image position and a reduction ratio of a projection optics of the exposure tool.
US07704639B2 Process for preparing ionomeric membranes
A process for preparing membranes formed by (per) fluorinated ionomeric electrolytes salified with the lithium ion, comprising the following steps: a) obtaining of (per) fluorinated polymer membranes, containing —SO2F groups; b) partial or complete salification of (per)fluorinated polymer membranes containing —SO2F groups with basic lithium compounds and final washing with water; c) swelling and contemporaneous drying process of membranes by dipping in a heterogeneous biphasic system of a dipolar aprotic solvent wherein insoluble solid drying agents are dispersed.
US07704634B2 Method for designing redox flow battery system
The present invention provides a method of designing a redox flow battery system that can prevent system efficiency loss caused by weak generation power or load power at the time of electric charge or discharge, without using any lead storage battery, and can also provide further improved system efficiency. In the present invention, generating equipment that varies irregularly in output of power generation is provided with the redox flow battery to smooth the output of power generation. An average value of output distribution of the battery with respect to the smoothed output of power generation and standard deviation are determined. Then, at least either of a specified output of the battery and a specified output of the converter for converting the battery output is determined based on the standard deviation.
US07704631B2 Secondary battery with improved shock resistance
In a secondary battery (1) comprising a battery case (2) for accommodating an electrode plate group (3) and an electrolyte, with one open end of the battery case (2) being sealed with an assembled sealing plate (11) that accommodates a safety mechanism (17) for exhausting pressure in the event of pressure build-up in the battery case (2) exceeding a predetermined level, at least one part (13a) of vent holes (13a, 13b, 13c) in the assembled sealing plate (11) facing the inside of the battery case (2) is constituted of an aperture that results from formation of a turned-out portion (23), the distal end of the turned-out portion (23) being allowed to abut on an insulating plate (4a) that makes contact with one end of the electrode plate group (3) so as to restrict movement of the electrode plate group (3). This can prevent malfunctioning due to displacement of the electrode plate group (3) when an impact or vibration is applied.
US07704624B2 Fuel cell bipolar plate, process for producing the same, and fuel cell including the bipolar plate
A fuel cell bipolar plate that while retaining its mechanical strength, has its electrical conductivity enhanced; a process for producing the same; and a fuel cell including the bipolar plate. There is provided a fuel cell bipolar plate comprising laminated molded item formed by a sheet-shaped molding material, wherein the sheet-shaped molding material contains a resin and a carbon material, and wherein the laminated molded item has a laminate structure of, arranged in sequence, surface layer C/inner layer B/central layer A/inner layer B′/surface layer C′, and wherein each of the central layer A, inner layer B, inner layer B′, surface layer C and surface layer C′ consists of a single layer or multilayer of the sheet-shaped molding material, and wherein when the carbon material content of central layer A is referred to as a, the carbon material content of inner layer B as b, the carbon material content of inner layer B′ as b′, the carbon material content of surface layer C as c and the carbon material content of surface layer C′ as c′, there are satisfied the relationships 55≦a≦85, 55≦c≦85, 55≦c′≦85, 10≦a−b≦30, 10≦c−b≦30, 10≦a−b′≦30 and 10≦c′−b′≦30 (the unit of each of a, b, b′, c and c′ is % by volume).
US07704623B2 Fuel cell separator
A mold for a use of making a fuel cell separator comprises: a first flow path forming portion to form a cooling medium flowing path, or to form an oxidizing gas flowing path, or to form a fuel gas flowing path; and an injection gate to shoot out a forming material settled on the first flow path, and/or disposed at near place with the first flow path.
US07704622B1 Ion conducting organic/inorganic hybrid polymers
This invention relates to a series of organic/inorganic hybrid polymers that are easy to fabricate into dimensionally stable films with good ion-conductivity over a wide range of temperatures for use in a variety of applications. The polymers are prepared by the reaction of amines, preferably diamines and mixtures thereof with monoamines with epoxy-functionalized alkoxysilanes. The products of the reaction are polymerized by hydrolysis of the alkoxysilane groups to produce an organic-containing silica network. Suitable functionality introduced into the amine and alkoxysilane groups produce solid polymeric membranes which conduct ions for use in fuel cells, high-performance solid state batteries, chemical sensors, electrochemical capacitors, electro-chromic windows or displays, analog memory devices and the like.
US07704620B2 Laminar bypass for cascaded stack
A fuel cell stack that includes cascaded stack stages and tube bundle flow restrictions for providing a cathode input gas to each stage in the stack. The stack includes a first flow pipe for providing cathode gas flow to a first stage of the plurality of stages of the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack also includes a second flow pipe that receives a cathode exhaust gas flow from the first stage and fresh cathode gas flow, where the cathode exhaust gas flow and the fresh cathode gas flow are combined and sent to a second stage of the plurality of stages of the fuel cell stack. The tube bundle flow restriction is positioned within the second flow pipe and controls the flow of the cathode gas flow to the second stage, where the flow restriction provides a laminar flow through the control valve to the second stage.
US07704617B2 Hybrid reformer for fuel flexibility
A reformer for a fuel cell system includes a leading segment and a trailing segment. The leading segment includes less reactive catalyst and/or more stabilizing catalyst than the trailing segment. The reformer may be used for reformation of high and low hydrocarbon fuels.
US07704612B2 Jig for electronic part firing
The long-term use of a conventional jig for calcining an electronic component arises a problem such as peel-off of a zirconia surface layer. Even if the performance is not deteriorated in the short-term use, the zirconia surface layer reacts with the electronic component to shorten the life of the jig for calcining the electronic component when the use is prolonged for a longer period of time. A jig for calcining an electronic component is provided which is stable after use of a longer period of time by suitably setting the composition of a zirconia surface layer. For example, in the zirconia surface layer containing zirconia particles and a partially fused-bonding agent, an amount of calcia is made to be 4 to 15% in weight.
US07704605B2 Thermoplastic articles comprising cyclobutanediol having a decorative material embedded therein
This invention relates to thermoplastic article having one or more decorative materials embedded therein which is obtained by applying heat and pressure to one or more laminates wherein at least one of said laminates comprises, in order, (1) an upper sheet material; (2) one or more decorative materials; and (3) a lower sheet material; wherein the upper and lower sheet materials are formed from a polyester/aromatic polycarbonate blend wherein the thermoplastic article comprises at least one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester which comprises terephthalic acid and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.
US07704603B2 Aqueous solution of phenolic compound-formaldehyde-aminoalcohol resin, preparation method, mineral fiber sizing compositions containing said resin and resulting products
The present invention relates to a liquid resin intended more particularly for the sizing of mineral fibers which exhibits a dilutability in water at 20° C. at least equal to 1 000% and a level of free formaldehyde preferably of less than 0.4%, expressed as total weight of liquid, this resin being characterized in that it is composed essentially of condensates obtained from a phenolic compound, from formaldehyde and from an aminoalcohol according to the Mannich reaction.The invention also relates to a sizing composition including said resin, to the mineral fibers sized by means of this composition and to the products formed from the mineral fibers, in particular for thermal and/or sound insulation.
US07704594B2 Multi-functional composite structures
Fibrous monolith processing techniques to fabricate multifunctional structures capable of performing more than one discrete function such as structures capable of bearing structural loads and mechanical stresses in service and also capable of performing at least one additional non-structural function.
US07704587B2 Tie strips
A flexible, integrally formed tie strip for forming a loop when passed through itself comprises a plurality of identical cells formed in a strip, the cells forming generally loop-shaped enclosed apertures (10) bounded by wall portions of the cells, each aperture allowing the passage of further cells through it. The cells are further provided with one or more latching members (11) allowing passage of one cell through another in one direction but preventing passage of the cell in the reverse direction. The walls (9) bounding the apertures can be folded to a saddle shape about radial and longitudinal axes, so as to increase the width of the aperture without stretching the material of the walls, thereby facilitating the passage of a penetrating cell through the aperture of another cell. Moreover the penetrating cell is designed to fold so as to pass through still more easily. This three-dimensional deformation is promoted by a notch (15) in the rear of each aperture wall.
US07704586B2 Plastic molded bodies having two-dimensional and three-dimensional image structures produced through laser subsurface engraving
The present invention relates to plastic molded bodies having two-dimensional or three-dimensional image structures produced in the interior through laser subsurface engraving. The plastic molded bodies are made of plastic materials which have a content of nanoscale metal oxides having particle sizes from 1 to 500 nm, both the plastic material and also the included metal oxide being transparent to the laser light used for producing the image structures. The plastic materials from which the molded bodies are manufactured particularly contain metal oxides having particle sizes from 5 to 100 nm at a content of 0.0001 to 0.1 weight-percent. Typical metal oxides are nanoscale indium-tin oxide or antimony-tin oxide.
US07704583B2 Embossed blister pack
The invention herein relates to a method and apparatus for forming (or cold-forming) an embossed blister from a laminated film wherein an indicia is formed on the base of the blister. In particular, the invention involves a single pass process of combining the formation of a blister and the formation of an indicia (embossing) on the blister, wherein the blister-forming pin contains a face with an indicia and is adapted to controllably stretch the laminated film during blister formation to minimize stretching of the film at the base of the blister. The invention is particularly useful in manufacturing processes which involve the formation of blisters having laminated films which contain a metal foil and polymer layer, wherein improved control in the stretching of the laminate during blister formation is desirable.
US07704581B2 Semi-reflective film and reflective film for optical information recording medium, optical information recording medium, and sputtering target
The present invention has been completed in view of such situation, and an object of the present invention is to find a Ag based alloy which exhibits high cohesion resistance, high light resistance, high heat resistance, high reflectivity, high transmissivity, low absorptivity, and high thermal conductivity of the level which had not been realized by the pure Ag or by the conventional Ag alloys, and on the bases of such alloy, to provide a semi-reflective film and a reflective film for an optical information recording medium provided with excellent writing/reading properties and long term reliability; sputtering target for an optical information recording medium used in depositing such semi-reflective film and the reflective film; and an optical information recording medium provided with such semi-reflective film or the reflective film.A semi-reflective film or reflective film for an optical information recording medium comprising a Ag based alloy, wherein the Ag based alloy comprises 0.005 to 0.40% (at % unless otherwise noted) of Bi and 0.05 to 5% in total of at least one element selected from Zn, Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, and Sn.
US07704578B2 Disposable absorbent mat including removable portion and associated methods
An article may be used in vehicle refueling and may include a disposable mat to be draped over a portion of the vehicle adjacent the fuel filler port. The disposable mat may include a material absorbent of vehicle fuel. The disposable mat may have a line of weakness therein defining a closed geometrically shaped removable portion to permit a user to selectively separate at least part of the removable portion from adjacent portions of the disposable mat to create a correspondingly shaped internal opening to be aligned with the fuel filler port. At least one weighted body may be temporarily coupled to the disposable mat to hold the disposable mat in position over the portion of the vehicle adjacent the fuel filler port. Since the removable portion may be left in place, the mat can also serve an additional use as an absorbent mat to wipe up spills, etc. The article may have uses other than for vehicle refueling.
US07704573B2 Porous membrane and recording medium comprising same
The present invention relates to a porous membrane comprising multiple layers, at least one type of curable compound and at least two types of photo-initiator, wherein at least two layers each contain a the different photo-initiator. The invention further relates to recording media which comprise the porous membrane of the invention, as well as to processes for producing the membrane and the recording media.
US07704561B2 Methods of treating surfaces with ionic organosilicon compositions
This invention is directed to methods of treating inorganic surfaces with aqueous compositions including ionic organosilicon compounds. Surprisingly, it has been found that the application of water soluble ionic organosilicon compounds, which until the present invention have only been used in small quantities to solubilize silanes, to inorganic surfaces provides the treated surface with an excellent hydrophobic property. The present invention exclusively utilizes ionic organosilicon compounds as the main or sole component for imparting water repellency upon surface treatment of inorganic substrates. The methods of the present invention comprise the application of ionic organosilicon compounds to inorganic surfaces whereby imparting water resistance to the substrate. After application, a treated surface may be characterized as having a long term water repellant property.
US07704559B2 Epoxy resins with improved elasticity
A water-dilutable epoxy resin composition ABC of an epoxy resin AB and an emulsifier C, a process for its preparation, and a method of use thereof to make elastic coating films that impart good corrosion resistance even in thin layers. The epoxy resin AB featuring, in its polymer chain, moieties derived from aliphatic polyethers B1 having at least 4 carbon atoms in the alkylene group or from aliphatic polyesters B2 based on linear, branched or cyclic aliphatic polyhydric alcohols B21 and linear, branched or cyclic aliphatic polyvalent acids B22, where the average number of hydroxyl or acid groups in B21 or B22 is at least 1.9. The emulsifier C is a reaction product of an aliphatic polyol C1 and an epoxy resin C2.
US07704550B2 Method for the manufacture of an insulation board
In a method for the production of an insulated plate for a gradient coil, bodies that serve as spacers for the creation of flow paths for a casting resin are produced on a base by a plate having apertures therein being used to spread the bodies on the base or to mold the bodies on the base from a moldable material.
US07704540B2 Soy compositions having improved organoleptic properties and methods of generation
The present invention provides soy meat compositions with improved organoleptic properties and methods of identifying soybeans with improved organoleptic qualities. The invention also provides methods for producing soy compositions with improved organoleptic properties and for creating plants producing soybeans with such characteristics.
US07704539B2 Method for making breads
There has been a need to develop a method for preparing a bread dough using potassium bromate, an excellent bread improver, which provides baked breads free from residual bromate without affecting the flavor and taste of the breads. It has also been desired to develop a method for making breads using such a bread dough. The present invention provides a method for preparing a bread dough, which comprises incorporating potassium bromate as an aqueous solution, in combination with ferrous sulfate and ascorbic acid in the step of forming a sponge dough such that the solubility of the incorporated potassium bromate is increased in the bread dough to facilitate chemical decomposition of bromate, so that the resulting baked breads are free from residual bromate or have a reduced content of residual bromate. Also provided is a method for making breads, which comprises baking the bread dough.
US07704533B2 Compositions and methods of inducing hair growth utilizing Continus coggygria
Compositions and methods for inducing hair growth and improving hair quality utilizing extracts of Cotinus coggygria in an amount effective to induce hair growth when applied topically to an area of the skin on which hair growth is desired.
US07704531B2 Enhanced efficacy aluminum or aluminum-zirconium antiperspirant salt compositions containing calcium salt(s) and betaine
An antiperspirant composition comprising an antiperspirant salt selected from an aluminum antiperspirant salt, an aluminum-zirconium antiperspirant salt, and a mixture thereof; a betaine component selected from betaine, betaine hydrochloride, and a mixture thereof; a calcium salt; and water.
US07704528B2 Binder composition and method for processing poorly compressible drugs into tablets of predetermined hardness and friability
Tablets of a poorly compressible drug are made by direct compression using a binder composition which is a polymer, preferably a copolymer of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and vinyl acetate (VA), having a defined glass transition temperature (Tg), admixed with a plasticizer, e.g. an organic ester or polyol, which reduces the Tg of the copolymer by at least 10° C. The binder composition and the drug are directly compressed into a tablet of predetermined hardness and friability, and at an acceptable compression force.
US07704519B1 Composition and method for deterring animals from damaging exterior surfaces
A composition for application to exterior surfaces, such as trees, so as to prevent animal damage to the exterior surface, has asphalt and denatonium benzoate mixed together. The denatonium benzoate is 1% to 50% by weight of the total composition. The asphalt is between 50% and 60% of the total composition. Naphtha and dimethyl ether are further components of the total composition. The composition is sprayable onto the exterior surface.
US07704518B2 Foamable vehicle and pharmaceutical compositions thereof
A hygroscopic pharmaceutical composition includes at least one hygroscopic substance at a concentration sufficient to provide an Aw value of at least 0.9 and an antiinfective agent. A foamble pharmaceutical carrier includes about 50% to about 98% of a polar solvent selected from the group consisting of a polyol and PEG; 0% to about 48% of a secondary polar solvent; about 0.2% to about 5% by weight of a surface-active agent; about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of at least one polymeric agent; and a liquefied or compressed gas propellant at a concentration of about 3% to about 25% by weight of the total composition.
US07704511B2 Methods for treating headache
The present invention features methods for selecting a patient with an enhanced therapeutic response to a botulinum toxin treatment of a headache. In some embodiments, the methods comprise the step of identifying a patient who is not using a prophylactic headache pain medication, a patient who is overusing an acute pain medication, a patient who suffers four or more hours of headache pain per headache, a patient who has a chronic daily headache for twenty or more years, and/or a patient who has twenty or more headache days out of a 30-day-month.
US07704495B2 Process for producing cartilage cells for transplantation
This invention is intended to provide a method to quickly obtain a large amount of normal human chondrocytes or a mass thereof without fear of bacterial or viral infection. Namely, a method of producing human chondrocytes characterized by comprising co-culturing chondrocytes obtained from a cartilage having perichondrium, for example, auricular cartilage together with the perichondrium; and a method of producing human chondrocytes characterized by comprising monolayer or multilayer seeding the cultured cells once or more and culturing to give a chondrocyte mass.
US07704485B1 System and method for processing fuel for use by a fuel cell using a micro-channel catalytic hydrogen separator
A power generation system and a fuel processor for use within a power generation system. A common hydrocarbon fuel is introduced into the heated reaction chamber along with water vapor. The hydrocarbon fuel and water react, producing less complex resultant gases. The resultant gases are passed into a hydrogen separator. The hydrogen separator separates hydrogen from the resultant gases. The separated hydrogen is used to power a fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity and water that can be recycled back into the system. A standard hydrocarbon fuel can therefore be used to power a fuel cell in a highly efficient, singe-step process.
US07704481B2 Method of producing vapor-grown carbon fibers
A method for producing vapor-grown carbon fibers, comprising contacting a carbon compound with a catalyst and/or a catalyst precursor compound in a heating zone, wherein the carbon compound is a combination of compounds respectively selected from carbon compounds having no benzene ring structure within molecule [Group (a)] and from aromatic compounds [Group (b)], these compounds satisfy the conditions that, in the raw materials, (number of atoms of element as catalyst)/(number of all carbon atoms) & equals; 0.000005 to 0.0015 and [number of carbon atoms contained in compound of Group (a)]/[number of carbon atoms contained in compound of Group (a)+number of carbon atoms contained in compound of Group (b)] & equals; 0.001 to 0.9, and the residence time in the temperature region of 600° C. or more is 30 seconds or less.
US07704474B2 Method for the decomposition of N2O, catalyst therefor and preparation of this catalyst
The invention relates to a method for the catalytic decomposition of N2O in a gas containing N2O in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst comprises a zeolite that has been loaded with a first metal selected from the group of noble metals consisting of ruthenium, rhodium, silver, rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum and gold, and with a second metal selected from the group of transition metals consisting of chromium, manganese, iron cobalt, nickel and copper, and wherein the loading of the zeolite with metals has been obtained by first loading the zeolite with the noble metal and then with the transition metal, as well as a catalyst for this method and a method for the preparation of this catalyst.
US07704472B2 Air pollutant control system and method for removing mercury in flue gas
An air pollutant control system comprises: a denitration apparatus that reduces nitrogen oxide in flue gas discharged from a coal combustion boiler, and that sprays hydrogen chloride into the gas to oxidize mercury, an air heater that recovers heat in gas, a dust collector that reduces dust in gas, a desulfurization apparatus that reduces sulfur oxide in gas from which the dust has been reduced, a hydrogen chloride vaporizer that evaporates concentrated hydrochloric acid to obtain the hydrogen chloride, and a hydrochloric acid neutralization tank where dilute hydrochloric acid discharged from the hydrogen chloride vaporizer or the concentrated hydrochloric acid is neutralized with an alkali agent. Neutralized chloride is supplied to a fuel feeder, mixed with a fuel, and then burned as a fuel in a boiler to produce hydrogen chloride in flue gas. Together with sprayed hydrogen chloride derived from the hydrogen chloride vaporizer, the mercury is reduced.
US07704461B2 Virtual sorbent bed systems and methods of using same
Virtual sorbent bed systems and methods for receiving contaminants from a waste stream are presented. In an embodiment, the virtual sorbent bed system comprises an outlet for introducing into the gas stream a material capable of receiving contaminants, a first charged DC electrode oriented substantially peripheral to the gas stream and normal to the flow of the gas stream; a second charged DC electrode oriented substantially peripheral to the gas stream and normal to the flow of the gas stream, wherein the first DC charged electrode and the second charged DC electrode cooperatively generate a first electric field that imparts a drift velocity to the material; and a plurality of charged AC electrodes oriented substantially peripheral to the gas stream and normal to the flow of the gas stream, wherein the charged AC electrodes generates a second electric field that imparts additional three-dimensional motion to the material.
US07704456B2 NOx removal catalyst management unit for NOx removal apparatus and method for managing NOx removal catalyst
To provide an NOx removal catalyst management unit for use with an NOx removal apparatus, the management unit detecting an NOx removal catalyst layer that is actually deteriorated, whereby the deteriorated catalyst layer can be effectively replaced by a new catalyst layer, and to provide a method for managing the NOx removal catalyst. The management unit for managing a plurality of NOx removal catalyst layers provided in a flue gas NOx removal apparatus includes NOx measurement means 16A through 16E for determining NOx concentrations on the inlet and outlet sides of respective NOx removal catalyst layers 14A through 14D; NH3 measurement means 17A through 17E for determining NH3 concentrations on the inlet and outlet sides of the same NOx removal catalyst layers; and percent NOx removal determination means 18 for determining percent NOx removal (η) on the basis of an inlet mole ratio (i.e., inlet NH3/inlet NOx).
US07704452B2 Alloy and anode for use in the electrowinning of metals
A lead calcium tin alloy to which cobalt has been added is described. The alloy is useful in the formation of anodes to be used in electrowinning cells. Electrowinning cells containing the cobalt alloys are particularly suited for electrowinning metals, such as copper, from sulfuric acid electrolytes. The cobalt-containing anodes improve the efficiency of oxygen evolution at the anode during electrowinning and reduce corrosion of the anode.
US07704451B2 Aluminum alloy sheet, method for producing the same, and aluminum alloy container
An aluminum alloy sheet contains 0.1% to 0.4% by mass of Cu, 0.5% to 1.5% by mass of Mg, 0.5% to 1.5% by mass of Mn, 0.2% to 0.7% by mass of Fe, and 0.1% to 0.3% by mass of Si. The number density of Al—Mn—Fe—Si-based intermetallic compound having a maximum length of 8 to 15 μm per unit area is 179 grains/mm2 or less. An oxide film having an average thickness of 30 nm or less is formed on the surface of the aluminum alloy sheet. The arithmetic average roughness Ra of the surface of the aluminum alloy sheet is 0.30 to 0.45 μm.
US07704449B2 Electrode, electrical contact and method of manufacturing the same
An electrical contact comprising a matrix of an alloy of a high electro-conductive metal and a low melting point metal and particles of a refractory metal dispersed in the matrix. The electrical contact comprises the alloy containing a low melting point metal of at least one of Sn, Te and Be, and the refractory metal is Cr. The alloy comprising the low melting point metal in an amount of 0.5 to 3% by weight and the balance being Cu.
US07704444B2 Method and apparatus for testing characteristics of a furnace melt
A method and apparatus for testing characteristics of a furnace melt are provided. Preferably, the method and apparatus provide for the safe and efficient testing of metal temperature and composition of molten metal during the melt cycle of the metal. According to one aspect of the invention used in a steel making process in an electric arc furnace, a furnace probe is reciprocated through a furnace probe plug aperture, the furnace probe is retracted from the furnace probe plug aperture, a furnace probe is inserted through the furnace probe plug aperture, the furnace probe is retracted from the aperture, and the furnace probe aperture plug is inserted into the furnace probe plug aperture.
US07704443B2 Carbothermic aluminum production apparatus, systems and methods
Apparatus, systems and methods for carbothermically producing aluminum are disclosed. The systems may include a reactor and an electrical supply. The reactor may include a plurality of side-entering electrodes and a top-entering electrode. The electrical supply may be operable to supply multiphase current to the side-entering electrodes and/or the top-entering electrodes. The electrodes may be in communication with a molten bath of the reactor, and the multiphase current supplied thereto may be passed through the bath to heat the reactor. The amount of current supplied to various electrode sets may be adjusted to facilitate tailored heating of the molten bath.
US07704438B2 Process for producing a permanently magnetic molding
A method for producing a permanently-magnetic part, made from a polymeric support material filled with magnetic filler materials on the basis of silicon caoutchouc, hot-vulcanized from at least one starting material, in which the at least one starting material of the silicon caoutchouc is mixed prior to vulcanization with 50 to 95% by weight of high energy ferrite particles of a density of 5.0 to 5.2 g/cm3 and an average particle size of 1.5 to 2.5 μm as the magnetic filler material and is homogenized. Subsequently, the homogenized mixture is introduced into a mold cavity by a temperature-regulated screw and is cross-linked by vulcanization in the mold cavity by the application of heat for forming the molding, wherein during cross-linking a static magnetic field is applied to the mold cavity and the magnetic filler materials are magnetized and aligned in the silicon caoutchouc being cross-linked.
US07704435B2 Apparatus and method for utilizing a universal plunger
An assembly, for stripping a medium from a mold cavity according to one embodiment of the present invention, may include a stripper shoe, a head structure, and a plunger component attaching the stripper shoe to the head structure. The plunger component may have an elongated body, a first portion with a first end, and a second portion with a second end. The second portion may be substantially perpendicular to the first portion and have an opening configured to facilitate fastening the stripper shoe to the second portion of the plunger component.
US07704426B2 Process for creating a stop surface on a syringe plunger rod
A process for creating a stop surface on a plunger rod of a syringe is disclosed. The process includes the step of providing a preformed or molded plunger rod, and the step of forming a radially-extending deformation on the molded plunger rod. The presently disclosed in-line process allows for the use of a single molding rod to form plunger rods having one or more selectively located stop positions.
US07704423B2 Method for expansion injection molding
An injection-foaming molding process for manufacturing a formed article by injecting a molten resin containing a foaming agent into a cavity of a mold being retained in an openable state and then expanding the cavity by opening the mold to allow the resin to foam includes: i) a step of discontinuing a cavity of a mold from a resin-reserving section located at front end of a screw immediately after the completion of injection of a molten resin containing an expandable resin into the mold cavity; and ii) a step of keeping the resin-reserving section under pressure at least equal to back pressure for charging during a period from the completion of injection to start of charging the molten resin containing the expandable resin for next shot, decreasing pressure in the resin-reserving section to back pressure for charging, and then starting the charging. According to the process, a molding cycle can be shortened and a lightweight formed article by foaming having high rigidity and good appearance can be obtained.
US07704418B2 Manufacturing optical elements
An optical element is manufactured using a replication tool comprising a negative structural feature defined in a replication side of the replication tool, and a peripheral feature formed in the replication side of the replication tool adjacent the negative structural feature. The negative structural feature defines the shape of the optical element. A replication material is disposed between a substrate and the replication tool, which are moved toward each other. The peripheral feature confines the replication material to a predetermined area of the substrate. The replication material can be hardened to form the optical element from the replication material attached to the substrate.
US07704414B2 Image-forming method employing a composition
A composition comprises a solvent, and an electroconductive substance and an amphiphilic block copolymers having a polyalkenyl ether repeating-unit structure, or a block copolymer enclosing an electroconductive substance. A black ink composition comprises a fine particulate metal having an average particle diameter of not more than 20 nm, an amphiphilic block copolymer, and a solvent. A method for forming an electroconductive pattern by applying the composition. A method for forming an electroconductive pattern by applying a composition comprises a block copolymer enclosing an electroconductive substance, system to form an electroconductive pattern on the substrate.
US07704412B2 Process for catalytic partial oxidation reactions
Partial oxidation process of liquid and/or gaseous fuels, by means of a catalytic system, preferably consisting of oxides, nitrides or oxynitrides containing one or more elements selected from Rh, Ru, Ir, Pt, Ni, Fe, Co, Cr and Cu, comprising the following steps: —premixing and, upon start-up, preheating the reagents consisting of natural gas, oxygen or air or air enriched in oxygen, optionally vapour and/or CO2, to temperatures ranging from 150 to 600° C., below the flash-point values, so that the surface rate of the reaction gases is maintained above the flame rate and the temperature of the reagent mixture in the area preceding the catalytic bed is below its flash point; —reacting the reagent mixture in the reaction zone by interaction of the catalyst, activating it at temperatures ranging from 150 to 600° C. and at space velocities ranging from 50,000 to 5,000,000 Nl reagents/L cat×h, reaching temperatures ranging from 600 to 1350° C.
US07704403B2 Composition of matter tailoring: system I
The present invention relates to new compositions of matter, particularly metals and alloys, and methods of making such compositions. The new compositions of matter exhibit long-range ordering and unique electronic character.
US07704402B2 Optical element manufacturing method, optical element, Nipkow disk, confocal optical system and 3-D measurement device
An optical element manufacturing method includes: disposing a light-shielding layer (14) that includes at least an Si layer as an uppermost layer, on a substrate (12) used as a base member, forming an optical aperture (14a) at the light-shielding layer (14) and forming a fine recession/projection structure (MR) at a surface of the uppermost layer through dry etching.
US07704401B2 Liquid treatment apparatus and liquid treatment method
A liquid treatment apparatus and a liquid treatment method are provided. The liquid treatment apparatus includes a nozzle configured to cause cavitation bubbles to be generated in liquid to be treated, and a discharger which generates discharge plasma in a region where the cavitation bubbles are generated. The liquid treatment method includes causing the cavitation bubbles to be generated in the liquid to be treated, and generating discharge plasma in the region where the cavitation bubbles are generated.
US07704389B2 Apparatus for groundwater remediation
A process for in situ groundwater decontamination within a subsurface region of earth includes: directing a liquid feed stream through a first conduit; injecting a treatment gas into the first conduit and/or a second conduit; discharging the liquid feed stream downwardly from the first conduit through an orifice restriction into the second conduit to form a confined plunging liquid jet gas and liquid contact zone in the second conduit; dissolving at least a portion of the treatment gas into the liquid feed stream in the contact zone to form an enhanced gas concentration liquid stream; passing the enhanced gas concentration liquid stream downwardly from the contact zone; and passing the enhanced gas concentration liquid stream from the second conduit into the groundwater. A device for performing this process is also disclosed.
US07704386B2 Filter assembly
A filter assembly (10) for a floor drain including a strainer (11) adapted to be located in the floor drain and a filter basket (13) detachably secured to the strainer (11) on the underside thereof to extend into the floor drain to filter liquid passing through the strainer (11). The strainer (11) includes an upper set of slots (19) and a lower set of slots (18) and may be secured to the strainer (11) by a fastener (29) or frictionally engaged with the strainer (11).
US07704385B2 Water treatment system
An aeration-less water treatment system includes an anaerobic treatment tank which subjects sewage supplied by a pump to anaerobic treatment by causing the sewage to upflow, and an aerobic treatment tank which subjects anaerobically treated water to aerobic treatment by letting the anaerobically treated water to downflow by natural downflow. The aerobic treatment tank includes an aerobic filter bed section in which carriers to which aerobic microorganisms are adhered are arranged. The aerobic filter bed section subjects the anaerobically treated water to decomposition treatment by putting the anaerobic treatment water in contact with the aerobic microorganisms adhered to surfaces of the carriers. The aerobic filter bed section is provided with an air port which takes in air into under normal pressure, thereby activating the aerobic microorganisms.
US07704381B2 Biomass thermal oiling
A process for the production of hydrocarbon-containing oils, in which a starting material containing a sugar and/or a sugar derivative is thermally cleaved, including a reaction step in which the starting material is brought into contact with a contact oil which has an initial boiling point of at least about 200° C. at a pressure of about 1013 mbar with formation of a reaction phase at a reaction temperature in the range of from about 200 to about 600° C. and a pressure in the range of from about 0.1 to about 50 bar. The process also includes a processing step in which the reaction phase is separated into a low-boiling fraction and a high-boiling fraction. At least a portion of the high-boiling fraction is recirculated into the reaction step as contact oil. The invention also relates to a system for this process which is equipped with an oilification module.
US07704380B2 Method of removing sulfides including hydrogen sulfide and mercaptan
In accordance with the present invention, a method of removing sulfide(s), which is safe, is effective over long periods at low cost, and exerts no adverse influences on the environment. The present invention relates to a method of removing sulfide(s), characterized in that a medium containing sulfide(s), including hydrogen sulfide and mercaptan(s), is allowed to come into contact with 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diyl diacetate. Also, the present invention relates to the method, wherein the medium is a solid, liquid, or gas. In accordance with the present invention, sulfide(s), including hydrogen sulfide and mercaptan(s), can efficiently be treated so that they may be removed at low cost without the need for large-capacity equipment. In addition, the present invention can be safely practiced because there is no generation of byproducts that irritate the skin.
US07704364B2 Full wave rectified power water treatment device
A fluid treatment device includes an AC power source connected to first, second and third conductors. A electromagnetic field generating device is positioned adjacent to a fluid conduit, electrically connected to the first and third conductors to form a first circuit. A second electromagnetic field generating device is positioned adjacent to a second fluid conduit, electrically connected to the second and third electrical conductors to form a second circuit. A circuit element in the first circuit initiates a high frequency electromagnetic field at said first electromagnetic field generating device during a first half of the AC wave form in the first circuit, and a circuit element in the second circuit initiates a high frequency electromagnetic field at said first electromagnetic field generating device during a second half of the AC wave form in the second circuit.
US07704360B2 Devices and methods for separating sample constituents
Devices and methods for separating sample constituents are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a fluid flow path with at least one electrophoretic separation element positioned at a region thereof. The separation element includes an element for applying an electric field across the fluid flow path and a trapping element for trapping sample constituents that migrate out of the flow path when an electric field is applied across the fluid flow path. In using the subject devices, sample is moved past the separation element and an electric field is applied across the flow path such that constituents of the sample migrate into the trapping element. The subject devices and methods find use in a variety of applications, including protein separation applications.
US07704352B2 High-aspect ratio anode and apparatus for high-speed electroplating on a solar cell substrate
Embodiments of the invention contemplate the formation of a low cost solar cell using a novel high speed electroplating method and apparatus to form a metal contact structure having selectively formed metal lines using an electrochemical plating process. The apparatus and methods described herein remove the need to perform one or more high temperature screen printing processes to form conductive features on the surface of a solar cell substrate. The resistance of interconnects formed in a solar cell device greatly affects the efficiency of the solar cell. It is thus desirable to form a solar cell device that has a low resistance connection that is reliable and cost effective. Therefore, one or more embodiments of the invention described herein are adapted to form a low cost and reliable interconnecting layer using an electrochemical plating process containing a common metal, such as copper.
US07704338B2 Method of manufacturing a martensitic stainless steel
This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a martensitic stainless steel.The method comprises the following steps (a) to (c): (a) preparing a steel having a chemical composition consisting of, by mass %, C: 0.003 to 0.050%, Si: 0.05 to 1.00%, Mn: 0.10 to 1.50%, Cr: 10.5 to 14.0%, Ni: 1.5 to 7.0%, V: 0.02 to 0.20%, N: 0.003 to 0.070%, Ti: not more than 0.300% and the balance Fe and impurities, and P and S among impurities are not more than 0.035% and not more than 0.010% respectively, and that it also satisfies the following equation: ([Ti]−3.4×[N])/[C]>4.5 wherein [C], [N] and [Ti] mean the content (mass %) of C, N and Ti, respectively, (b) heating the steel at a temperature between 850 and 950° C., (c) quenching the steel, and (d) tempering the steel at a temperature between Ac1−35° C. and Ac1+35° C. and in a condition of not more than 0.5 of the value of variation ΔLMP1 in the softening characteristics LMP1, which is defined by the following equation: LMP1=T×(20+1.7×log(t))×10−3 wherein T is a tempering temperature (K), and t is a tempering time (hour). The steel could further contain 0.2 to 0.3 % of Mo.
US07704334B2 Zirconium-niobium oxygen-containing alloy and method for producing said alloy
The invention relates to zirconium-based alloys and methods for manufacturing thereof and may be used in nuclear power engineering. The invention, as claimed, solves the task of obtaining a zirconium-based alloy used for manufacturing fuel rods for the nuclear reactor core, which possess improved engineering and operational properties. The said zirconium-based alloy contains its components in the following weight percent ratio: niobium—0.9-1.1, oxygen—0.05-0.09, zirconium—the rest, and has the structure consisting of alpha-zirconium with oxygen irregularity zones not exceeding 30 nanometers, zirconium sub-oxide of non-stoichiometric composition, and beta-niobium. The inventive method of manufacturing the said alloy includes making stock of zirconium-containing material and niobium pentoxide as oxygen-containing and niobium-containing materials, stock treatment and manufacturing an ingot having the above composition.
US07704326B2 Deposition mask and manufacturing method thereof
A deposition mask with which position precision of a passage hole is improved and deposition can be conducted precisely and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A mask body made of a metal thin film is fixed and tightly mounted on a frame body having an opening. The mask body has at least one pattern region including a plurality of passage holes for letting through a deposition material, a stress relaxation region including a plurality of fine holes provided at the periphery of the pattern region, and a holding region provided at the periphery of the stress relaxation region. The mask body is tightly mounted on the frame body at a holding region.
US07704324B2 Apparatus for processing materials in supercritical fluids and methods thereof
An apparatus and method for processing materials in supercritical fluids is disclosed. The apparatus includes a capsule configured to contain a supercritical fluid, a high strength enclosure disposed about the capsule and a sensor configured to sense pressure difference between an interior and an exterior of the capsule. The apparatus also includes a pressure control device configured to adjust pressure difference of the capsule in response to the pressure difference sensed by the sensor. The apparatus further includes at least one dividing structure disposed within the capsule that divides the capsule into a seed growing chamber and a nutrient chamber.
US07704320B2 Colloidal crystallization via applied fields
The methods provided use external fields such as light and electricity as a means of directing the crystallization of concentrated colloidal systems. Not only can nucleation be directed, crystal melting can be carefully controlled and light-induced crystal diffraction used as a means of directing light propagation. A number of factors play a significant role on the crystallization rate and location, including the intensity of the light field, the magnitude of the electric field, the colloid concentration, the colloid size, and the colloid composition. In varying these parameters, kinetics in these processes are extremely fast when compared to traditional colloidal crystallization approaches.
US07704308B2 Method of highlighting with a reversible highlighting mixture, highlighting kit, and highlighted complex
A highlightable mixture, such as an ink, including a colored pigment, an eradicable colorant, and a non-eradicable colorant; a kit including the highlightable mixture and an eradicator fluid; an colorant complex including a colorless or substantially colorless eradicable dye selected from the group consisting of diarylmethane derivatives, triarylmethane derivatives, and methine dyes, and a colored pigment; and methods of applying an eradicator to at least a portion of a marking made with a highlightable mixture, are described herein.
US07704303B2 Filter for absorbing odoriferous matter from ambient air
A filter for absorbing odoriferous matter from ambient air has a single body with a line of weakness that extends across at least a portion of the body and divides the filter element into at least two separately usable sub-filters. The line of weakness permits the separation of the single filter element into the sub-filters without the use of a tool. The filter element can be used in combination with varying size air purification units. The filter element can be placed in the filter housing of a large air purifier or after separation the sub-filters can be used in multiple correspondingly sized smaller air purifiers.
US07704296B2 Fine porosity low-microcracked ceramic honeycombs and methods thereof
Disclosed are high-porosity cordierite honeycomb substrates having fine pore size, narrow pore size distribution, little or no microcracking, and a high thermal shock resistance. The porous ceramic honeycomb substrates generally include a primary cordierite ceramic phase as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the cordierite substrates.
US07704289B2 Method of operating a direct injection spark-ignited engine with a fuel composition
The present invention is directed to a method to clean up or keep clean the fuel system of a direct injection spark-ignited engine by operating the engine with a fuel composition that includes a liquid fuel and a fuel additive composition. The fuel additive composition useful in the present invention has at least one nitrogen-containing dispersant and optionally a fluidizer where the dispersant has a specific lipophilic parameter and the dispersant or the dispersant and the fluidizer have a specific hydrophilic-lipophilic parameter, the dispersant provides about 0.15 to about 50 ppm by weight nitrogen in the fuel composition, and the fluidizer and/or the dispersant provide about 10 to about 10,000 ppm by weight active components in the fuel composition. The method of the present invention is effective in controlling deposits in fuel injectors and combustion chambers of a direct injection spark-ignited engine.
US07704287B2 Reactive red dye composition and application thereof
The present invention provides a reactive red dye composition comprising (A) 3% to 97% by weight of a reactive azo dye of the following formula (I), wherein W, D1 and D2 are defined the same as the specification; and (B) 97% to 3% by weight of a reactive azo dye of the following formula (II), wherein R, X, Z, D3 and D4 are defined the same as the specification. The reactive red dye composition of the present invention can be utilized to dye cellulose fibers. The cellulose fibers dyed by the reactive red dye composition obtain not only good build-up and level dyeing properties but also an excellent property of white discharging.
US07704283B2 Prosthetic leg
In a prosthetic leg installed with a hydraulic cylinder for adjusting bending and extension resistance of a knee joint portion, a buffer device is provided between a lower leg portion and a foot portion below the knee joint portion for displacing movably in opposite directions when the toe and the heel of the foot portion contact the ground, respectively. An extension passage and a bending passage are provided in the hydraulic cylinder, a toe grounding closing valve is provided in the bending passage, and a heel grounding closing valve is provided in the bending passage. The toe grounding closing valve and the heel grounding closing valve are connected in an interlocking manner by a closing valve connecting/operating member such that valve open/close orientations thereof are set in opposite directions. A grounding detection member is provided for detecting movable displacement of the buffer device and displacing movably when the toe or heel on the foot portion of the prosthetic leg contacts the ground, and a grounding transmission member is provided for transmitting the movable displacement of the grounding detection member to the closing valve connecting/operating member to cause the closing valve connecting/operating member to displace movably.
US07704281B2 Intervertebral implant for the lumbosacral articulation
An intervertebral implant for the lumbo-sacral joint is provided. The intervertebral implant comprises a spacer adapted to fit between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacral vertebra articulated thereto and a strap. The spacer comprises a body. The body comprises a top end face and a bottom end face opposite the top end face. The top end face comprises a groove that extends along a midplane of the spacer. The groove comprises a first side and a second side, wherein between the first side and the second side the groove is adapted to receive the spinous process of said lumbar vertebra. The bottom end face comprises a longitudinal housing. The longitudinal housing extends orthogonal to the groove. The longitudinal housing is adapted to receive and rest directly on a top portion of the sacral vertebra.
US07704279B2 Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws, zero-profile horizontal intervertebral miniplates, expansile intervertebral body fusion devices, and posterior motion-calibrating interarticulating joint stapling device for spinal fusion
An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first and second screw members from the shell in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. The stapling apparatus includes first and second lever arms rotatably joined together at a fulcrum, and the lever arms rotate in opposite directions. First and second cartridges are disposed at the ends of the lever arms. Each cartridge is capable of holding a staple including a bracket, a nail member and an alignment slot. When the ends of the lever arms are rotated towards each other the staples from the cartridges are interlocked. The staples can be also be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, or vertebral bodies.
US07704278B2 Method and apparatus for enhanced corneal accommodation
A method and apparatus related to enhancing corneal accommodation to address the effect of presbyopia. Corneal/scleral topology measurements in accommodating and non-accommodating states are indicative of a presbyopic subject's nominal corneal accommodative power. A desired accommodative power intended to improve on the effect of presbyopia can be determined, suggesting a selective biomechanical intervention in the corneal structure outside of the optical zone to create flexure regions. These flexure regions would allow enhanced corneal accommodation upon presentation of an accommodating stimulus. Intervention could be in the form of, for example, corneal surface ablation, intrastromal ablation, conductive keratoplasty (CK), laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK), and corneal and/or scleral implants. An improved topology measuring apparatus having an improved field of view and other attributes is disclosed.
US07704269B2 Methods and apparatus for cardiac valve repair
The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. Preferably, the tissue structures will be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment.
US07704267B2 Non-entangling vena cava filter
An implantable vessel filter device having a plurality of radially expandable legs with hooks, and a center-post configured to prevent entanglement of the radially expandable legs when they are compressed against the center-post. In one variation, the filter device includes a first set of legs, forming a first filter basket in the expanded position, and a second set of legs, forming a second filter basket distal to the first filter in the expanded position. Hooks may be provided on the second set of legs to prevent migration of the filter along the vessel after the filter is deployed. Grooves may be provided along the shaft of the center-post to receive the hooks and prevent the hooks from interlocking when the legs of the filter are compressed along the center-post.
US07704266B2 Vein filter
A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and the second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second region includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The first region includes a plurality of spaced apart elongated struts with adjacent struts being joined.
US07704263B2 Method and device for suture isolation
A method and device provides features for the temporary “parking” of sutures with respect to a cannula. In the preferred embodiments the features are slots that maintain tension on, and orientation of, sutures placed therein. The slots or features may be integral with the cannula or part of a separate device which may be removably affixed to the external portion of a cannula. The invention eliminates the multiple steps inherent in current suture management techniques for arthroscopic procedures, particularly rotator cuff repair and assists in tensioning/advancement of tissue into its repair site.
US07704252B2 Sternal reconstruction system
A sternal reconstruction system for securing parts of a sternum includes at least one flexible cable with crimp fitting, at least one cannulated screw and at least one reconstruction plate. Circumferential or parasternal fixation may be brought about by use of a sternal reconstruction system including a flexible cable and crimp fitting alone; a sternal reconstruction system including a flexible cable, crimp fitting and cannulated screws; or a system including a flexible cable, crimp fitting, cannulated screws and one or more reconstruction plates. The reconstruction plates are typically planar, having an upper and a lower surface, and containing generally perpendicular and transverse plate holes. The generally perpendicular plate holes are countersunk to better accommodate the heads of the cannulated bone screws. Also provided is a kit for sternal reconstruction.
US07704251B2 Adjustable bone plates
Bone plates having an adjustable joint, and methods of using the bone plates to fix bones.
US07704244B2 Surgical method
A method for using a smaller diameter infusion sleeve that reduces the potential for heat buildup and also provides adequate irrigation flow.
US07704231B2 Hand-held electronically controlled injection device for injecting liquid medications
A hand-held, electronically controlled injection device (1) for injecting preset doses of liquid medications, having a housing (2) for receiving a cartridge (4) containing the liquid medication and having a contact surface (16) for contacting a patient's skin; and actuator elements (41) for moving the cartridge (4) within the housing (2) to and from the contact surface (16).
US07704230B2 Pressurized fluid reservoir for an infusion system
A fluid reservoir for a medical infusion system includes an expandable elastomeric bladder defining a chamber for receiving and containing a volume of therapeutic substance and exerting pressure thereon to dispense the therapeutic substance from the bladder. The bladder has preferably a single port formed through the thickness thereof. A bi-directional valve is in fluid communication with the chamber of the elastomeric bladder and is used for filling the bladder chamber with the therapeutic substance and for connecting to a catheter assembly for dispensing the therapeutic substance to a patient undergoing treatment. The single port of the elastomeric bladder is connected to a medical grade flexible tubing, which is also connected to the bi-directional valve.
US07704228B2 Infusion device
The disclosures made herein relate to an infusion device specifically adapted for syringe injections. In one embodiment of the disclosures made herein, an infusion device comprises a body including an accessible surface having a single inlet port therein, an engagement surface having a single outlet port therein, a medication delivery channel extending between the single inlet port and the single outlet port, and an identification feature on the accessible surface of the body adjacent to the single inlet port. The single inlet port of the medication delivery channel is tapered thereby forming a funnel-shaped entry into the medication delivery channel. A cannula is coupled to the body at the single outlet port and is adapted for receiving medication from the single outlet port and transmitting the medication therethrough.
US07704225B2 Percutaneous access device system facilitating cell growth thereon
A biocompatible implantable portal is provided that has a wall defining a communicative passage through an interior bore. The exterior of the portal has a neck region adapted to promote autologous cell growth on the neck region. A series of channels are provided on the exterior neck region to facilitate autologous cell growth while disfavoring fluid pooling and bacterial growth. Typical channel widths are from 20 to 300 microns, with adjacent channels being separated by plateaus having a width of between 0 and 600 microns. Providing the portal exterior neck region with a texture varying on a nanometer length scale facilitates autologous cell growth. Applying a coating such as a tissue scaffolding matrix to the neck region prior to implantation also facilitates cell growth. A coupling or a manifold encompassing the neck region facilitates the draw of vacuum and/or mechanical protection for the growing cells.
US07704222B2 Methods and conduits for flowing blood from a heart chamber to a blood vessel
Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around an occlusion or stenosis in a coronary artery. The conduit is a tube adapted to be positioned in the heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a heart chamber and a coronary artery, at a site distal to the occlusion or stenosis. The conduit has a section of blood vessel attached to its interior lumen which preferably includes at least one naturally occurring one-way valve positioned therein. The valve prevents the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.
US07704214B2 Device and method for the quantitative determination of nitrogen oxides in exhaled air and application thereof
A volumetric flow of an analyte, including exhaled air, is fed to a gas sensor unit by used of gas flow device, which can include various sensors for the determination of nitrogen oxides. An oxidation catalyst is used when using an NO2 sensor, which converts nitrogen monoxide to nitrogen dioxide and the gas sensor unit measures the content of nitrogen dioxide. The nitrogen monoxide content is calculated from the nitrogen dioxide content. In order to eliminate cross-sensitivity moisture and ethanol are also measured. The device can be applied to the determination of nitrogen monoxide content of exhaled air.
US07704199B2 Exercise apparatus
This description is not intended to limit the scope of the claims herein. An exercise device comprising a base that can be oriented at any angle and that defines a plurality of connection interfaces, each of which is designed to carry and restrain one end of a cantilevered resilient member. Said connection interfaces can be positioned at or adjusted to a widely varying range of locations and angular orientations with respect to the base. The resilient members can be affixed to any of the connection interfaces that the user desires, so that the resilient members can be positioned in a correspondingly wide range of locations and angular orientations relative to the base to enable the user to perform a wide range of exercises on the apparatus by gripping and exerting a force on the resilient members or other handles attached to the resilient members.
US07704197B2 Dumbbell weight selection structure
A dumbbell weight selection structure includes an extension rod disposed at any end of a handle unit. The extension rod is disposed with a selection unit, which contains a selection mechanism and multiple weight plates are disposed thereon. The selection mechanism includes a slide plate linked to drive the selection plate set to travel. A locking hole to insert by the selection plate set is disposed at where appropriately on each weight plate. The slide plate is moved to change connection of the selection plate set corresponding to the locking holes of multiple weight plates to select quantity of weight plates to be attached to the dumbbell as desired for achieving discretional adjustment of the overall weight of the dumbbell.
US07704195B2 Gymnastic machine
A gymnastic machine having a frame (10) supporting a load group (30), and at least one gripping station (80) presenting a respective implement (20) for the execution of a physical exercise, with the load group (30) connected to each implement (20) by at least one flexible member (40) supported by the frame (10) through a plurality of pulley-blocks (50) along a route (P), at least one implement (20) connected to flexible member (40) at the respective gripping station (80), and a return device (90) being connected to each implement (20) to restrain the implement (20) itself along the route (P) in at least one uniquely determinate position (DP) with respect to frame (10) in a indefinitely repeatable manner.
US07704192B2 Elliptical exercise equipment with adjustable stride
An exercise device is provided including a foot link having a rearward end and a forward end. An adjustable stride mechanism is provided. The adjustable stride mechanism includes a primary gear and a secondary gear. The primary gear is sized larger relative to the secondary gear. A primary crank connects the primary gear and the secondary gear. A timing belt connects the primary gear to the secondary gear. The primary crank and the timing belt enable the secondary gear to rotate around the primary gear. A secondary crank is pivotally attached to the secondary gear and to a foot link. The secondary crank creates an ellipse-shaped path for the foot link as the secondary gear rotates around the primary gear. Thus, the foot link motion combines an at least a dual ellipse motion. An automatic adjusting mechanism can be provided to adjust the adjustable stride mechanism.
US07704191B2 Dual treadmill exercise device having a single rear roller
The present invention provides an exercise device that generally includes two treadles pivotally connected with a frame so that the treadles may pivot up and down about an axis. Each treadle includes a tread belt that provides a moving surface like a treadmill. Each tread belt is supported by a front roller and a rear roller, which is common to both treadles. The treadles are interconnected to provide an alternating upward and downward movement relative to each other. Opposing end portions of the rear roller are rotatably supported at the rear end of the frame. Outer sides of rear end portions of the treadles are rotatably supported by the outer end portions of the rear roller, and inner sides of rear end portions of the treadles are coupled with the frame through an inner support structure that defines a virtual pivot.
US07704190B2 Power generation device for exercise equipment
The present invention provides a power generation device for exercise equipment including a fixing seat, a swinging seat and a power generating component. The joint and positioning end of the swinging seat has a hinge connection part to be connected with the fixing seat, and the power generating component is configured on a preset position on the swinging seat. A magnetic lifting component is configured to cause magnetic repelling between the swinging end of the swinging seat and the fixing seat, so that the swinging end of the swinging seat can be elastically lifted. The driven part of the power generating component will constantly maintain tight contact with the flywheel of exercise equipment. The magnetic lifting component can exert a magnetic repulsing function without elastic fatigue and solid abrasion.
US07704180B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
US07704168B1 Self-righting tee ball stand
A self-righting tee ball stand with a base, an adjustable length ball support stanchion and a flex connector joining the base and stanchion to easily yield when the stanchion is struck and to cause the stanchion to return to an upright orientation. The flex connector includes a two-piece rigid outer housing containing a helical spring encased in a cylindrical bellows.
US07704158B2 Temporary golf club shaft-component connection
A temporary shaft-component connection for assembling a selected golf club shaft with a club head and/or hand grip segment, to facilitate custom club design and fitting to suit the needs and preferences of an individual golfer. The temporary shaft-component connection is particularly designed for use with nonmetallic club shafts formed from a graphite-based composite material or the like having a range of different lengths and stiffness (whip) characteristics. In a shaft-head connection, a metal adapter insert is mounted onto a lower end of the club shaft and includes one or more flat surfaces for reception into a matingly shaped socket in the hosel of a selected club head to prevent relative rotation between the club shaft and head. A compression nut carried on the shaft is threaded onto the hosel to axially engage and retain a thrust flange on the shaft or adapter or adapter insert, to prevent axial separation of the club head and shaft.
US07704152B1 No-slide pin spot
An easily installed frictional bowling pin spot and a method of installing frictional pin spots on the pin deck of a bowling lane are disclosed. The preferred frictional pin spot is preferably a thin, circular polyurethane piece having a high coefficient of friction and packed with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The pin spot increases the friction between a bowling pin and the pin deck thereby decreasing the likelihood of bowling pins hit by a ball or other pin sliding out of position instead of being knocked over.
US07704151B2 Self-attaching female fasteners, method of forming same and strip of interconnected fasteners
A method of forming pierce and clinch nuts by rolling a section having the desired cross-section, punching equally spaced bores through the central pilot portion and then punching configured openings through the central pilot portion having convex arcuate surfaces and eliminating sharp corners. The strip of interconnected self-attaching fasteners may be installed directly from the strip in a panel, fed in bulk or separate fasteners interconnected by frangible connectors. The resultant self-attaching nut includes a central pilot portion having a bore through the top face, integral flange portions extending from opposed sides and the pilot portion includes convex arcuate faces reducing or eliminating stress cracking and propagation of stress cracks.
US07704150B2 Sliding type constant velocity universal joint
The constant velocity universal joint includes a plurality of vehicle body attachment flanges provided apart from each other in the outer circumferential direction of the joint outer ring and partly protruding in the radial direction. The joint outer ring has a flower outer circumferential shape corresponding to the inner circumferential shape, and the vehicle body attachment flanges are provided at outer recesses positioned between the track grooves of the joint outer ring. In this joint, the number of the balls is six, and the pitches of the ball tracks are random, unequal and not less than 55.
US07704148B2 Tripod type constant velocity joint
In a tripod type constant velocity joint, in order to produce a recovery couple to correct the inclination of the rolling direction of a roller and to reduce surface pressure without using angular contact provided by a Gothic arch-shaped roller guide surface, it is arranged that where r1 and r2 are the minimum and maximum values, respectively, of the radius of curvature of the generatrix for the outer peripheral surface of the roller within the range where solid contact is effected by elastic deformation of the contact section between the roller and the roller guide surface under a predetermined torque load with respect to the radius of curvature of the roller guide surface, the radius of curvature (r) of the generatrix be set in the range r1≦r≦r2.
US07704145B2 Method and apparatus for use of a network by a casino
A casino receives activity from a player, both in-house and on-line. The player's activities are combined in a single account stored by the casino. The combined activities can then be used to the player's benefit, for example by awarding benefits to the player, allowing the player to access his activity across a network, or by preparing for the player a tax statement based on his year-to-date activities.
US07704143B2 Apparatus and method for a cashless actuated gaming system
A gaming machine adapted to print validated tickets for a game player includes a microprocessor for controlling game operation (e.g., slot machine operation) and including a cashout signal input, a network interface coupled to the microprocessor for communicating with a central authority, and a memory in the network interface that stores a pre-loaded ticket validation number received from the central authority. In addition, a ticket printer is coupled to the microprocessor for printing a ticket that includes pending credit indicia and pre-loaded ticket validation indicia in response to a cashout signal on the cashout signal input. After the ticket is printed, the gaming machine obtains a new pre-loaded validation number in preparation for the next ticket printing event.
US07704141B1 Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain payouts based on the selection of one or more symbol positions in the symbol matrix (“Lucky Spot”)
A slot machine enables the selection of one or more symbol positions in a symbol matrix to provide additional and/or enhanced awards (“Lucky Spot”). The preferred embodiment of the present invention offers a new “wandering” wild symbol with an associated multiplier value, as follows: During each spin, the slot game randomly selects one of fifteen symbol positions as the Lucky Spot; A multiplier value is associated with the Lucky Spot from within a range of 2 to 5; The Lucky Spot and associated multiplier value are then displayed in the symbol matrix in the selected symbol position; After each spin, the slot game issues Lucky Spot awards based on the winning combinations using the Lucky Spot; and Alternatively, the Lucky Spot concept can also be implemented in various alternative methods.
US07704137B2 Gaming machine with feature triggering scheme
A gaming apparatus and method of conducting a wagering game are disclosed. The wagering game includes a basic game and a bonus game triggered by the basic game. The apparatus tracks a number of the basic games played since a predetermined event, and alters a probability of triggering the bonus game based on the tracked number.
US07704134B2 Game program, game device, and game method
With a game implemented by the present game program, an expected pass display area of a ball will be displayed on a monitor between a dispatch position of the ball and a arrival position of the ball. When a dispatch operation of a pitcher character is initiated, the contact position of a command means in the expected pass display area will be identified if the command means is placed into contact with the expected pass display area. If the contact position is moved in the expected pass display area by the command means before a character has dispatched a moving object, the contact position after movement will be identified as the final contact position. When this occurs, a ball character will be dispatched from the pitcher character to the final contact position.
US07704128B1 Tank cleaning system and method
A tank cleaning apparatus is steered by an operator for cleaning the inside of a tank includes a connector operable with a vacuum removal system. The apparatus includes a cutter head that is rotationally driven to cut into settled solid material and to move the solid material to an area where suction from the vacuum system removes the material from the tank.
US07704126B2 Method for producing a semiconductor wafer with profiled edge
Semiconductor wafers with profiled edges, are produced with decreased losses due to edge or other damage by separating a semiconductor wafer from a crystal; profiling the edge in a profile producing step wherein the edge is mechanically machined to a profile that is true to scale with respect to a predefined target profile; mechanically machining the wafer to reduce the a thickness of the semiconductor wafer; and machining the edge profile to acquire the target profile.
US07704123B2 Handle assembly for a concrete saw
An adjustable handle assembly for a road surface cutting saw is provided that includes a back plate attached to the saw housing, an outer gear attached to the back plate, a bracket assembly including an inner gear, a tubular member slidably attached to the bracket assembly, and an adjustment lever having a threaded engagement end. The adjustment lever secures the bracket assembly to the saw such that the inner gear engages the outer gear. When the adjustment lever is loosened a bias spring biases the bracket assembly away from the saw such that the inner gear disengages from the outer gear to thereby allow rotation of the handle assembly to a desired operating position.
US07704115B2 Supporting structure, method of manufacturing supporting structure, and display apparatus using the same
A display apparatus includes a first substrate having an electron-emitting device, a second substrate having a light emitting member that emits light through irradiation with electrons emitted from the electron-emitting device and an electrode, and a plate-like supporting structure which is situated between the first substrate and the second substrate to support the two substrates and which has in its surface a plurality of grooves parallel to the first substrate or the second substrate. End portions of the grooves are spaced apart from an end portion of the supporting structure which does not face the first substrate or the second substrate by a distance longer than a thickness of the plate-like supporting structure.
US07704107B1 Conductive coil connector for reconfigurable electrical circuit element
A configurable electrical circuit element housing used as a building block in prototyping and demonstrating electric circuits. A label (10) with a circuit element graphic (11) attaches on an electrically insulated housing top (20). Underneath is an alternating arrangement of electrically insulated connector guide walls (22) and guide posts (21) forming a square-like perimeter surrounding a circuit element (40). Circuit element leads (41) attach to bent coil connector binding posts (31) inside the housing. The bent coil connector binding posts, on sides for which they are installed, are the ends of bent coil connectors (30). The bent coil connectors bend around the guide posts forming arcs external to the square-like perimeter. The guide walls help form the arcs by pinching the bent coil connectors. The arcs of the bent coil connectors are resilient connectors which interface with similar connectors forming a bent coil connector coupling (50) interweaving their coil loops.
US07704106B2 Electrical terminal and spring-force terminal connection therefor
The invention describes a spring-force terminal connection (2) for electrical conductors with a busbar section (5) and a bent leaf spring (3), which has a bearing limb (7), which is supported on the busbar section (5), a spring bend section (11), which adjoins the bearing limb (7), and a clamping limb (8), which adjoins the spring bend section (11), for fixedly clamping a conductor to the busbar section (5). Those parts (12a, 12b) of the leaf spring (3) which merge with the bearing limb (7) and the clamping limb (8) run in the spring bend section (11) at least partially parallel to one another and bear against one another.
US07704101B2 Electric connector
An electric connector includes: an insulating body, having holes aligned in a widthwise direction thereof at an equal pitch distance in a plurality of levels shifted in phase and spaced apart from one another in correspondence with contacts of a mating connector; a plurality of levels of contact groups, each including L-shaped contacts with tip end sides thereof being received and retained in the holes and base end sides thereof being disposed along a rear face of the body, lead portions at rear ends of the contacts being aligned in a line in the widthwise direction at a pitch distance t; and a dielectric spacer, disposed in a blank region on the rear face of the body, the blank region being defined by adjacent ones of the contacts with base end sides thereof spaced apart at a distance “n×t,” the n being an integer not smaller than two.
US07704097B1 Connector assembly having an electromagnetic seal element
A connector assembly includes a shielding cage, a center plate and an electromagnetic seal element. The shielding cage includes side walls with ports disposed between the side walls. The ports receive mating connectors through a mating interface of the shielding cage. The center plate includes transverse walls disposed between and coupling the side walls of the shielding cage to one another. The center plate separating the ports and defines a chamber between the transverse walls and the side walls of the shielding cage. The electromagnetic seal element is disposed in the chamber of the center plate and engages the transverse walls of the center plate to prevent electromagnetic interference within the center plate from radiating through the mating interface.
US07704095B2 Electrical connector
The invention relates to an electrical connector for connecting a contact pin to an electrical conductor. It is proposed that the insulator housing of the connector provide a connecting space, in which the contact pin and the electrical conductor can be plugged in opposite direction in roughly parallel alignment and overlap by their axial lengths, the conductor being able to move crosswise to its conductor axis within a range of movement permitted by the construction and the leaf springs of the conductor clamp connection pressing the conductor in the direction of the contact pin.
US07704091B2 Snagless plug and boot connection
A boot for supporting a plug connected to a cable, the plug including a flexible tab attached thereto and comprising a housing having a front opening for accommodating the plug and an opposite back opening for receiving the cable and allowing the cable to pass therethrough to the plug, a recess formed in the housing; and a tab protector engaged with the recess for engaging the flexible tab of the plug.
US07704089B2 Modular slim connector
A floating type electrical connecting device, comprises: first and second electrical connectors. The first electrical connector includes a first insulating housing, and a plurality of first conductive terminals. The first insulating housing has a first mating surface, a plugging surface located on an opposite side of the first mating surface, two side surfaces respectively connected at opposite left and right sides of the first mating surface and the plugging surface, and a plurality of first terminal grooves extending from the mating surface to the plugging surface through the first insulating housing. In addition, a vertical lateral protruding edge is formed at each side surface adjacent to the first mating surface, and protruding from the side surface. The second electrical connector includes a second insulating housing, and a plurality of second conductive terminals. The second insulating housing has two sliding grooves respectively for receiving the two lateral protruding edges.
US07704088B2 Circuit board connector
A circuit board connector is provided. The circuit board connector includes: a connector housing which is mounted on a circuit board; and a terminal which is press-fitted into the terminal press-fitting hole of the connector housing. The terminal includes: a terminal connecting portion which is disposed through the rear side of the connector housing to be connected to a mating connector; a press-fitting portion to be fixed to the connector housing; a board fixing portion fixed to the circuit board by soldering; and a coupling portion extending and bent toward a side of the circuit board to couple the press-fitting portion with the board fixing portion. The circuit board connector also includes a stress absorbing portion provided with a center hole which is provided on a midway of the coupling portion so as to absorb a stress by being deformed.
US07704074B2 Two piece dental anatomical form and holder
The present invention is a thermally formable plastic anatomical form for dentistry and a holder for the same. The holder is specially adapted to accommodate the plastic form in that it is heat resistant and features a bite guide to assure an even distribution of the plastic around the teeth of the patient and thickened occlusal surfaces to register specific tooth impressions more readily. The form according to the present invention may be used in any conventional dental work where a form may be needed, such as tray creation and stone molds, or may be utilized with therapeutic plastics so as to become a therapeutic dental device in and of itself.
US07704067B2 Method and mold for making non-metallic fiber reinforced parts
A mold and a method for molding high strength, non-metallic fiber reinforced composite parts having a variety of (e.g., cylindrical) shapes that are lighter in weight than similar parts manufactured from metal. An unmolded non-metallic pre-form having long continuous fibers is placed around a mandrel, and a segmented, adjustable diameter compression ring is disposed in surrounding engagement with the pre-form at an upper position within an inwardly tapered compression ring support. The compression ring is formed from a plurality of loose compression ring segments that are initially spaced circumferentially from one another at the upper position of the compression ring support. The mandrel and the pre-form are first heated and then located in a press. The press is closed to push the compression ring and the heated mandrel from the upper position of the compression ring support, at which the compression ring has an open configuration and a wide diameter, to a lower position, at which the compression ring has a closed configuration and a narrow diameter. As the compression ring is pushed to the lower position, the compression ring segments slide along the inwardly tapered compression ring support so as to be moved end-to-end one another to apply a compressive force for consolidating and shaping the heated pre-form into the molded part.
US07704063B2 Plastic injection mold assembly and method of molding threaded plastic parts
A plastic injection mold assembly is disclosed in which an electric servo motor very precisely controls rotational speeds and amounts of torque applied to cores which extend into the mold cavities as the cores are withdrawn from plastic components being molded and simultaneously directs the linear distances which the cores travel during such withdrawal. A method of accomplishing the molding of plastic components in this manner is also disclosed.
US07704052B2 Air compressor and method for controlling the same
An air compressor includes: a tank portion for reserving compressed air used in a pneumatic tool; a compressed air generation portion for generating compressed air and supplying the compressed air to the tank portion; a drive portion including a motor for driving the compressed air generation portion; a control circuit portion for controlling the drive portion; and a pressure sensor for detecting pressure of the compressed air reserved in the tank portion. The control circuit portion includes a unit for controlling the rotational speed of the motor multistageously on the basis of a detection signal output from the pressure sensor.
US07704037B2 Device for destacking cubic printed products
A device for destacking books, brochures, or similar cubic printed products (2), wherein said device comprises a separating belt (6) that is powered by a controllable drive and serves for the cyclic separation of the respective bottom printed product (2a) from the stack (3a), lateral boundaries (8a, b) that can be adjusted to the respective format and position the stack (3a) on the separating belt (6), a height-adjustable retaining element (9) that forms a passage for the respective printed product (2a) to be separated, a support (10) in the infeed region of the separating belt (6) in order to support the rear edge of the printed product (2) lying on top of the bottom printed product during the separation of the bottom printed product (2a), and a feeding belt (5) that is arranged upstream of the separating belt (6) and serves for delivering the next stack (3b) into the separating position. In order to reliably and flawlessly separate, in particular, thick book blocks with a small format from high stacks, the destacking device (1) features at least one supporting element (15a, b) that is arranged at a defined distance behind the stack (3a) and can be moved out of the transport path during the delivery of the next stack (3b). The supporting element automatically moves out of the transport path during the delivery of the next stack (3b).
US07704036B2 Drive source and transportation robot
The invention includes a base member attached to a casing. The inside of the casing can be a vacuum atmosphere. A partition wall is provided on the base member, the base member separating an air atmosphere and the vacuum atmosphere. A rotating member (a rotating portion of a driving source) is provided on the base member at a position different from the rotating member. An armature, which is a dust source, is provided on the air atmosphere side of the partition wall, thereby maintaining high cleanliness on the vacuum atmosphere side. Providing the partition wall and the rotating member at different positions eliminates the necessity of consideration on the rigidity of the partition wall for supporting the rotating member, thereby reducing the thickness of the partition wall. In addition, it is possible to reduce affection by deflection generated by the inertia or vibration caused by rotation of the rotating member, so that a distance between the armature and a magnet in the rotating member can be narrower than the related art. Accordingly, high accuracy in stopping positions can be realized.
US07704023B2 Automatic deflashing RRIM
A cutting tool assembly is provided for removing flash portions and gates from a molded article. The cutting tool assembly includes a holder device including an upper plate, a cylindrical collar, and a bearing disposed between the upper plate and the cylindrical collar to allow movement of the cylindrical collar relative to the upper plate. The cutting tool assembly further includes a cutting member fixedly secured to the cylindrical collar wherein movement of the cylindrical collar relative to the upper plate provides the cutting member with degrees of rotational freedom to float relative to the molded article during trimming of the flash portions and gates.
US07704013B2 Prefabricated breakwater
The present invention relates to a breakwater, particularly, to a prefabricated breakwater which is assembled in a stepped manner, having the improvements in the construction workability and prevention of the marine pollution due to the permeability of ocean currents together with the original wave dissipation function for the protection of ships or all kinds of the establishments in the harbor. The prefabricated breakwater according to the present invention comprises a plurality of unit blocks, each of which has engaging grooves at the constant distance at the top and bottom thereof, the unit blocks being assembled to form a current passage; a dissipating blocks in a plate shape having a plurality of engaging grooves at the tap and bottom or sides thereof at the constant distance; the unit blocks and dissipating blocks being assembled in a crosswise and longitudinal directions to form an hexagonal block assembly; the dissipating blocks being assembled in a stepped manner so as to be higher in an open sea direction; and the hexagonal block assemblies being connected to form a breakwater.
US07704012B2 Power roller screed with multiple screed rollers
A rotating cylinder cement screeding system having a drive assembly and handle at one end for powering and controlling the screeding system. The rotating cylinder is made of tubular screed rollers of varying lengths allowing a user to customize the length of the system to match a specific cement pour. Further, each tubular screed roller is supplied with a male and female end for interlocking with each other and for receiving a variety of add on attachments. The rotating cylinder may also be equipped with a constant velocity type U-joint to allow the rotating cylinder to flex and thus, allow for pours with crowns or valleys, as need by the cement installer.
US07704011B2 Structural module
A sub-base layer for use in construction, comprises a plurality of connected substantially cuboid modules each having spaced-apart, substantially parallel top and bottom walls joined by a peripheral sidewall defining an enclosed volume. The connection between the modules is effected by a plurality of tie members which prevent lateral movement of the modules relative to one another. The layer is particularly useful as a lightweight replacement for aggregate sub-base layers in foundations, roadways, pavement, carparks, and the like.
US07704010B2 Security device for manhole access opening
A manhole security device for securing a manhole access opening includes a circular barrier adapted to rest on a manhole cover support flange of a manhole frame. Locking members on the barrier are movable between a locked position in which the locking members are adapted to engage the manhole frame and an unlocked position in which the locking members are not adapted to engage the manhole frame. A biasing mechanism on the barrier is adapted to bias each locking member to its locked position. A rotatable locking mechanism on the barrier engages the locking members and has a locking rotational position wherein the locking members are in the locked position and an unlocking rotational position wherein the locking members are in the unlocked position. The locking mechanism has a security lock adapted to receive a security key that applies a rotational torque to the locking mechanism. A latch on the barrier is adapted to releasably retain the locking mechanism in the unlocking rotational position without the security lock being engaged by the security key. A security tool for use with the security device is also disclosed.
US07704006B2 Binder with internal expandable file
A binder arrangement comprising a pair of covers hingably carried by a spine and containing at least one binder carried by one of the covers and an expandable compartment carried by the other one of the covers further comprising a case that encompasses the binder arrangement that includes flexible sidewalls that each comprise a skirt that extends along the side edges of each cover with one of the skirts releasably attached to the other one of the skirts by a fastening arrangement that is elastically anchored to the spine by a stretchable gather and a second fastening arrangement for providing access to the expandable compartment.
US07704002B2 Luer cleaner with self-puncturing reservoir
A luer cleaner assembly (100) for cleaning luer fittings (190) secured to proximal ends of medical tubing. The luer cleaner (100) includes a luer-receiving cavity (124) within which are contained scrubbers (110) that scrub exposed outer surfaces of a luer fitting inserted thereinto through an open distal end (106) of the luer cleaner housing (102). The luer cleaner includes at a proximal end a fluid reservoir (160) containing a cleaning fluid (162) such as isopropyl alcohol. The assembly further includes a reservoir-penetrating array of sharp pointed projections (132), such that during luer cleaning the reservoir (160) is pressed distally toward the luer fitting in the cavity for the array of projections to penetrate a distal cover (166) of the reservoir to access the cleaning fluid (162) which then flows distally through passageways (134,126) into the luer-receiving cavity and onto the scrubbers (110) and the outer surfaces of the luer fitting (190).
US07703996B1 Surveillance unit and method of use thereof
A surveillance system and method of use thereof is disclosed. The surveillance system provides a continuous presence and may be operated by remote control. The system may automatically record video and audio when certain audio, such as a gun shot, is detected. The system may automatically contact the authorities, or other remotely located devices upon the occurrence of an undesirable event.
US07703994B2 Optical transceiver module
Provided is a metal casing structure capable of avoiding a cavity resonance at 10 GHz and 20 GHz by controlling an eigenmode frequency in an inner space of a casing without involving an increase in cost, and a 10 Gbit/s optical transceiver module which achieves reduction in unnecessary electromagnetic waves and cost. In the optical transceiver module, a metal casing having a cavity therein is formed by an upper casing (100) and a lower casing (101), a metal partition wall (103, 104) is provided on at least one of the upper casing (100) and the lower casing (101) near a central portion of the casing in a direction parallel to a direction connecting a front and a rear thereof, and a length of a gap between the partition wall (103, 104) and a printed circuit board (102) is adjusted.
US07703990B1 Furcation bodies and fiber optic assemblies using the same
Furcation bodies and furcation assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a furcation body includes a channel forming a passageway extending from the front end to a back end of the furcation body. The furcation body may accommodate different styles and/or sizes of fiber optic cables. For instance, the furcation body may be secured to either a buffer tube of a buffered drop cable or a cable jacket of an unbuffered drop cable. Additionally, assemblies may include a furcation tube secured to the furcation member back end for protecting the optical fiber extending from the furcation body and/or a fiber optic connector. Furcation assemblies having multiple fibers are also disclosed.
US07703986B2 Synthetic resin retainer and ball bearing using such synthetic resin retainer
In a synthetic resin retainer formed by joining together two annular members by engaging claws of each annular member in engaging holes of the annular member, each of the two annular members 1 has a plurality of hemispherical pockets 4 formed in a side surface thereof to be brought into abutment with the side surface of the other annular member at circumferentially equal intervals. Joint portions are provided between the adjacent pockets 4, and each is provided with an engaging hole 5 and an engaging claw 6. The engaging claws 6 and engaging holes 5 are configured such that gaps are present between the engaging claws 6 and the engaging holes 5 in the initial stage of assembly of the retainer, and the gaps decrease to zero or less upon completion of the assembly of the retainer, thereby preventing wear of the engaging portions of the engaging claws for joining the annular members together.
US07703982B2 Bearing apparatuses, systems including same, and related methods
A bearing apparatus is disclosed. Such a bearing apparatus may comprise a rotor including at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and a stator including at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. At least one compliant member may be positioned between at least one selected bearing element of the at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and the at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. Mechanical systems including such a bearing apparatus are disclosed, such as, for example, a motor for use in subterranean drilling. A method of assembling a bearing apparatus is disclosed. More specifically, a rotor and a stator each including at least one bearing element may be provided and a compressive force may be applied to the rotor and the stator to compress the bearing surfaces of the rotor and the stator against one another. Rotors and stators are disclosed.
US07703980B2 Resealable flexible packaging
A flexible envelope having a body initially scaled at one end in a zone designed to be opened, the body including at least two walls (26A, 26B) whereof the longitudinal edges are bound together along a longitudinal weld (14) extending over the height of the body, at least one of the walls (26A, 26B) extending outside the body beyond the longitudinal weld (14) to form a flap (36). The package has a weakened line (42) constituting an incipient tear formed on the flap (36) along the longitudinal weld (14), the weakened line (42) delimiting on the flap (36) a strip (43A) at least locally detachable from the package body and an adhesive (44) borne by a strip (43A), the adhesive (44) being designed to enable the strip to be subsequently bonded against the package outer surface.
US07703977B2 Aseptic thermometer storage case
The invention describes and claims an apparatus and method of maintaining cleanliness of the thermometer storage case. The apparatus is an improved elongated end-loading storage case for thermometers. The improvement comprises two or more elongated sections of the case. Each section comprises a connection edge, an insertion tip, and a distal tip. The elongated sections of the case are detachably connected to each other to form a thermometer storage case that opens up to reveal the inner surface of the case for easy inspection and cleaning. The case comprises a fastener for fixating the case in the assembled case body position. The method of cleaning the thermometer storage case comprises the steps of unfastening and opening the case, inspecting and sanitizing the inside surface of the case, and then reconnecting and fixating the elongated sections to form the thermometer storage case.
US07703968B2 Display unit
A display unit includes a light source and at least one or more transparent display plates. Each transparent display plate has a plurality of fine dimples formed on at least one surface thereof Light rays from the light source are respectively made incident on the transparent display plates and are reflected by the plurality of fine dimples so that a pattern of at least one of characters, graphics, and symbols is made visually observed uniformly.
US07703961B2 Lamp, optical module, vehicle headlight including the same, and method for controlling color tone of emitted light
A lamp, an optical module, a vehicle headlight, and a method for controlling a color tone of the same can be configured to ensure visibility of the surroundings of a vehicle on a wet road in rainy weather, in dense fog, and on a snowpacked road, for example. The lamp can include a first LED chip which emits blue light, a second LED chip which emits light with a different color from blue. A wavelength conversion layer can be provided in front of light emitting areas of the first and second LED chips in an emitting direction, and can include a wavelength conversion material. A driving control unit can be configured to drive and control the first and second LED chips. The optical module can be configured to include the lamp along with optical components, such as a reflector. A vehicle headlight can include a plurality of optical modules. The control unit can be configured to control the ratio of light from the first and second LED chips, thereby obtaining light of a desired color.
US07703952B2 Lamp support
A lamp support includes a clamp, a ratchet member, a lamp housing and a latch member. The clamp is capable of being attached to a human body. The clamp has a circular receiving groove. A plurality of ratchet grooves is formed at a bottom face of the receiving groove along a first rotation direction. The ratchet member is rotatably received in the receiving groove along the first rotation direction. The ratchet member has a ratchet projection selectively inserted into the ratchet grooves. The lamp housing is rotatably connected to the ratchet member along a second rotation direction substantially perpendicular to the first rotation direction. The lamp housing has an inner space for receiving a lamp. The lamp housing has a plurality of latch grooves arranged along the second rotation direction. The latch member is fixed to the ratchet member. The latch member is selectively inserted into the latch grooves.
US07703951B2 Modular LED-based lighting fixtures having socket engagement features
Modular lighting fixtures that allow convenient installation and removal of LED-based light-generating modules and controller modules. In one example, a modular lighting fixture includes a housing configured to be recessed into or disposed behind an architectural surface such as ceiling, wall, or soffit, in new or existing construction scenarios. The fixture housing includes a socket configured to facilitate one or more of a mechanical, electrical and thermal coupling of the light-generating module to the fixture housing. The ability to easily engage and disengage the LED-based light-generating module with the socket, without removing the fixture housing itself, allows for straightforward replacement of the light-generating module upon failure, or exchange with another module having different light-generating characteristics. Modular lighting controllers for such fixtures also may be easily installed in or removed from the fixture housing via the same access route by which the light-generating module is installed and removed.
US07703937B2 Hands free light emitting diode (LED) illumination device
A reading light ring including a battery powered LED as the source of illumination. The reading light ring is intended to be worn on the index finger and operated by means of a thumb operated switch located on the side of the ring. The light emitted by the LED is preferably blue to green in wavelength so as to improve visual acuity in low light environments while minimizing the impact on the human eye readjusting from lighted to dark conditions. The LED is positioned so as to direct most of its light at an angle which would allow the illumination of a document held in the device bearing hand and allow the LED to be shielded by the opposing hand. The device is preferably waterproof and shock resistant.
US07703936B2 Illumination device, light guide plate, surface light source device and illumination unit
An illumination device, surface light source device, and an illumination unit are provided that provide increased and uniform emission brightness. The device includes parallel fluorescent lamps between a reflection sheet and light flux control member. A back face of the light flux control member includes recesses and curved surfaces connected to locations corresponding to those of the fluorescent lamps. Each recess and curved surface includes light entering surfaces. An entering surface causes light coming to areas corresponding to the fluorescent lamps, included in the light reaching a light diffusing member, to diverge smoothly. Another light entering surface and convex curved surface causes light coming to areas, which do not correspond to the fluorescent lamps, adjacent to areas corresponding to the fluorescent lamps to have light intensity increased to that of the light coming to the areas corresponding to the fluorescent lamps.
US07703933B2 Mirror surface angle adjusting device
An aspect of the present invention is to provide a mirror surface angle adjusting device in which an assembly error between first housing (A1) and second housing (A2) does not affect the assembly accuracy of worm wheels (A71) badly, and which can be assembled by simple and prompt processes. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to the aspect is characterized in that the worm wheels (A71) contained in the actuator (A) are held by the second housing (A2) in such a way that the worm wheels are not detached along their respective central axes and rotate around the respective central axes. This mirror surface angle adjusting device can be assembled by simple and prompt processes. In addition, even if there is any assembly error between the first housing (A1) and the second housing (A2), this error does not affects the assembly accuracy of the worm wheels (A71) badly.
US07703926B2 Projector capable of capturing images and briefing system having the same
A briefing system is used to project images onto a projection screen to form a projection picture. The briefing system comprises a pointer, a projector and a computer electrically connected to the projector. The computer outputs an image signal to the projector. The projector projects an image corresponding to the image signal onto the projection screen to form the projection picture. The indicator is used to project an indication point. The projector also captures the image of the projection picture and the indication point and transfers the image to the computer. The computer then calculates a location where the cursor on the computer screen should reach according to the location of the indication point on the projection picture and moves the cursor on the screen to there.
US07703921B2 Method and device for tracking eye movements
A method and a device for tracking eye movements that ensure a reliable tracking of eye movements with simple operation. To this end, irradiation ensues through the pupil from outside the eye. Light emitted from the pupil is used to determine the position of the eye.
US07703918B2 Method for diagnosing a disease state using ocular characteristics
A method for diagnosing a disease state in a subject, including examining the subject's eyes in order to determine whether the subject exhibits one or more symptoms of the disease state. Symptoms of the disease state include altered ocular characteristics, such as pupil size, pupil motility, ocular blood vessel coloration, and strobe light cutoff frequency. By evaluating changes to ocular characteristics, a disease state can be diagnosed in a subject. In addition, the seventy of the disease state also can be determined.
US07703914B2 Durable eyeglass frame assembly
A novel eyeglasses frame allowing sizing, assembly and disassembly without the need for special training, screws, bolts, or pins, or special tools.
US07703906B2 Solid ink stick fabrication by fiber extrusion
A method of manufacturing an ink stick for use in a phase change ink jet imaging device includes heating phase change ink material to an extrusion temperature at which the phase change ink material is in a malleable state. The ink is then extruded through an extrusion orifice to form at least one extruded ink filament having at least one cross-sectional dimension transverse to the extrusion direction that is less than approximately 12 mm. The at least one ink filament is then accumulated.
US07703901B2 Printhead ink supply system comprising ink pressure regulator
A printhead ink supply system is provided. The system comprises an inkjet printhead; an ink reservoir; an ink pressure regulator and an ink line connecting the printhead and the regulator. The ink pressure regulator regulates a hydrostatic pressure of ink supplied to the printhead and comprises an ink chamber having an ink outlet; an air inlet open to atmosphere; a bubble outlet for bubbling air bubbles into the chamber and an air channel connecting the air inlet and the bubble outlet. Each air bubble comprises an air cavity trapped inside a film or a body of ink and the bubble outlet is dimensioned to control a Laplace pressure of air bubbles drawn into the chamber as result of supplying ink to the printhead.
US07703898B2 Ink jet device with purging device
An ink jet device with an ink reservoir and a jetting assembly, with an ink supply line being arranged to allow liquid ink to flow through the valve into the ink reservoir in accordance with and supported by gravity acting on the flowing ink, and a purging device adapted to apply a purging pressure to an inner space of the ink reservoir, wherein a passive one-way valve is arranged below a nominal minimal fill level (L) of the ink reservoir for blocking a connection of the ink supply line to the ink reservoir when a pressure within the ink reservoir is high enough but not required to be higher than the purging pressure.
US07703896B2 Liquid-droplet jetting apparatus and liquid transporting apparatus
An ink-jet head includes a channel unit having pressure chambers; and a piezoelectric actuator which includes a vibration plate having an electroconductive substrate and an insulating layer, a piezoelectric layer arranged in an area overlapping with the pressure chamber, and a common electrode and an individual electrode formed on the piezoelectric layer. A recess is formed in an area overlapping with the pressure chamber. A wiring connected to the individual electrode is formed on the upper surface of the vibration plate in an area in which the piezoelectric layer is not formed. Accordingly, there is provided a liquid-droplet jetting apparatus and a liquid transporting apparatus having an improved durability, requiring a less electric power consumption, capable of performing a pulling ejection, and in which a wiring can be performed highly densely.
US07703895B2 Piezoelectric inkjet printhead and method of manufacturing the same
A piezoelectric inkjet printhead including an upper substrate, having an ink inlet, a manifold connected with the ink inlet, and a plurality of pressure chambers arranged along at least one side of the manifold, wherein the ink inlet passes through the upper substrate, and the manifold and the pressure chambers are formed in a lower surface of the upper substrate, a lower substrate disposed directly adjacent the upper substrate, the lower substrate having a plurality of restrictors each connecting the manifold with one end of each of the pressure chambers, and a plurality of nozzles each being formed in a position of the lower substrate that corresponds to the other end of each of the pressure chambers to vertically pass through the lower substrate, wherein the plurality of restrictors are formed in an upper surface of the lower substrate, and a plurality of piezoelectric actuators.
US07703882B2 Method of purging using purging ink and printing using printing ink from an inkjet printhead
A method of purging and printing from an inkjet printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) fluidically connecting the printhead to a second ink reservoir containing purging ink; (ii) purging the printhead using the purging ink, thereby flooding an ink ejection face of the printhead; (iii) removing the flooded ink from the ink ejection face; (iv) fluidically connecting the printhead to a first reservoir containing printing ink; and (v) printing from the printhead using the printing ink.
US07703881B2 Print head cleaning member
A print head cleaning member allowing simplification of the structure and downsizing is obtained. This print head cleaning member comprises a spent ink cartridge and a cleaning component including a mounting portion of resin for mounting the cleaning component on the ink cartridge and a cleaning portion. The ink cartridge is used as a guide portion for bringing the cleaning component into contact with the print head.
US07703876B2 Control system for printing apparatus and information processing apparatus
An appropriate maintenance such as appropriate registration adjustment can be executed even if a status for the maintenance cannot be acquired from a printing apparatus. Specifically, if a status cannot be acquired from the printer, a printer driver refers to a history of number of past instructions for registration adjustment stored in a host computer to determine whether simplified registration adjustment or detailed registration adjustment is to be executed. If the printer driver does not detect any record of executed registration adjustment, that is, if the printer driver detects that no registration adjustment has been executed, then it determines that the simplified registration adjustment is to be executed. If the printer driver detects any record of executed registration adjustment, it determines that the detailed registration adjustment is to be executed. Thus, the invention enables the correct guidance and the corresponding appropriate registration adjustment even if the status cannot be acquired.
US07703859B2 Wheel with increased interior lip depth
Disclosed are various embodiments of one-piece, and multi-piece wheels configured to provide increased interior lip depth. In one embodiment, an outer periphery of a curved center portion of a wheel is attached to a wheel barrel in an inboard region, and a portion of the center portion extends into the outboard region of the wheel. At least a portion of the wall of the wheel barrel preferably comprises a gradual slope, instead of a traditional wheel mounting drop, and thus the interior lip depth is not obstructed by the interior bulge generally created by such a drop. In other embodiments, a wheel mounting drop is configured to permit multi-piece wheels to be joined at or near one of the drop walls to allow the wheel center to be positioned further in the inboard direction than in traditional wheels.
US07703851B2 Seat device
A tilt mechanism portion is connected to an front downward-extending portion of a side frame (cushion side fame) of a seat cushion so as to move vertically the seat cushion. A rear downward-extending portion of the cushion side frame is supported at a support pin of a base side frame. Thereby, the rear end of the seat cushion changes little longitudinally despite the vertical movement (tilt) of the front portion of the seat cushion. Accordingly, any conformability deterioration that may be caused by a large forward movement of the seat cushion at a seat back taking a large reclining position can be prevented properly.
US07703847B2 Backrest for a vehicle seat
The invention relates to a backrest for a vehicle seat, with a head support (1) which is adjustable in terms of the height of the head support (1) with respect to the backrest, and with a proximity sensor (5) for detecting the head position of a person sitting on the vehicle seat in relation to the head support (1), an indication for adjusting the head support (1) in the event of a mispositioning and/or an adjustment of the head support (1) by an electric drive (4) out of an initial position taking place until the head of the person sitting on the vehicle seat causes a triggering of the proximity sensor (5), the proximity sensor (5) being arranged in the upper part of the head support (1) and being directed downward onto the region of greatest curvature of the back of the head of the person sitting on the vehicle seat.
US07703844B2 Method of shielding a swing arm in a seating arrangement having a movable seat
A protective shroud for a swing arm includes a housing made of two shroud sections that are snapped together around the base of a fixed seating arrangement. The assembled shroud includes two rectangular openings on its sides configured to allow the swing arms of the fixed seating arrangement to pivot on their axes within the shroud. The rectangular openings also include grooves on their upper and lower edges configured to receive a slidable rectangular shield member with a circular opening in its center. The rectangular shields fit over the opposed swing arms and slide within the grooves in the shroud halves as the swing arms pivot, thereby restricting access to the pinch points of the swing arms.
US07703841B2 Vehicle body assembly
A vehicle body assembly having a set of castings. Each member of the set of castings interlocks with another member of the set of castings to create a vehicle body structure.
US07703838B2 Clutch mechanism for power device
A clutch mechanism of the present power device comprises a fixed gear member, a moving gear member engaged with the fixed gear member when moving to a clutch connecting position, an armature for moving the moving gear member to the clutch connecting position when rotated relatively to the moving gear member, an electromagnetic coil unit for applying a brake resistance to the armature, and a clutch holding surface for abutting against the moving gear member when the electromagnetic coil unit is turned off in the clutch connecting state and for holding the moving gear member at a brake-clutch connecting position. The abutment of the moving gear member against the clutch holding surface is released by rotating the moving gear member relatively to the armature in a state in which the electromagnetic coil unit is operated.
US07703834B1 Modular bumper system
A modular reconfigurable bumper system for an off road vehicle includes a center base mountable to the front of the vehicle. The center base has ends, a top face, and a front face. A pair of first mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the front face of the center base adjacent its ends and a pair of second mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the top face adjacent the ends of the center base. A pair of third mounting locations are located on the ends of the center base. A plurality of optional accessories including end plates, end extenders, an overrider, a prerunner, a stinger, and D-rings are selectively mountable to the center base, all via the first, second, and third mounting locations. The system also includes a rear bumper assembly mountable to the back of the vehicle and having a hinged spare tire carrier and D-rings selectively attachable to the rear bumper via common fourth mounting locations.
US07703827B2 Motor vehicle hatch with a storable rear window
The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) having a hatchback (h1) that is movable in at least one position of a rear window (H4), wherein the rear window (H4) can be separately moved from its closed position in the areas (H2, H3) surrounding the hatchback (H1) and opposite thereto into a release position, wherein the rear window (H4) can be stored in an area in the vehicle body (6) that is spaced from the hatchback (H1).
US07703825B2 Truck bed extender
An extender for a bed of a truck, wherein the extender comprises a frame that has front end, a rear end and sides. At least one, and preferably two, spaced apart connector brackets extend outwardly away from the rear end of the frame. The connector brackets are designed to rest upon an end portion of the truck bed when the truck's tailgate has been removed. The connector brackets are preferably bolted into the truck bed, but may be frictionally engaged therewith. A strut extends downwardly from the frame and is connected to a rearwardly extending longitudinal support. The support is secured to the truck's trailer hitch. The extender is therefore supported by both the connector brackets and the hitch. The length of the strut is vertically adjustable to allow the extender to be secured to any type of truck. The longitudinal support is also slidably adjustable onto the trailer hitch to provide for the extender to be secured to any type of truck. The frame preferably is formed with a pair of spaced-apart wheel wells so as to receive a pair of wheels of a vehicle loaded onto the truck bed. The frame may be provided with a pair of ramps to assist in loading of the truck and with an extended hitch to allow a trailer to be connected to the truck.
US07703824B2 In-cab refrigerator mounting and method
The interior of a truck cab (29) has a cabinet (28) that houses a refrigerator (20). The refrigerator is inserted into the interior of the cabinet by sliding it through a frontal opening in the cabinet. A mounting system that includes several parts (36, 38, 40, 42) locates and secures the refrigerator in place.
US07703817B2 Unitized security seal
A unitized security seal having a shackle, an engagement housing with a passage for receiving the shackle, and at least two locking members spaced along the shackle with undercut openings to the outer surface of the locking members, at least one pin being located within the housing passage and oriented to engage the undercuts as the shackle is advanced through the passage to provide non-removable engagement of the shackle in the housing, and at lease one undercut including a frangible member positioned between its entry and its exit for engaging an engagement housing pin to resist removal of the shackle from the engagement housing until a sufficient force is applied to shear away the frangible member.
US07703815B2 Quick cam latch mechanism
A quick cam latch mechanism having an operatively coupled bolt and cam assembly disposed in a latch housing. A handle is coupled to the cam assembly for moving the bolt between an extended or engaged position and a retracted or disengaged position. The cam assembly includes a primary cam operatively coupled to a secondary cam or linkage that is in turn operatively coupled to the bolt. Rotation of the primary cam translates into increased pivoting of the linkage and thereby increased retraction of the bolt. As a result, less rotation of primary cam is needed to retract the bolt. In an example embodiment of the invention, at least two linkages are utilized to quickly retract the bolt regardless of the direction of rotation of the handle.
US07703813B1 Electrical connector with snap fit retaining ring with improved holding and grounding tangs
A snap fit electrical connector assembly and a snap fit retainer ring circumscribing the smooth outlet end portion of a connector body wherein the retainer ring is formed from an elongated blank of spring steel material having a leading edge and a trailing edge wherein a holding tab is formed out of the plane of the blank and is cantileverly bent inwardly when formed into a ring. The holding tab is providing with an inwardly bent lip at the free end thereof arranged to be snap fitted in a corresponding slot formed in the outlet end portion of the connector body for securing the retainer ring and the outlet portion of a connector body. The retainer ring is also formed with a series of longitudinally combined locking and grounding tangs which are cantileverly bent radially outwardly of the ring for securing and electrically grounding the connector assembly to an electrical box.
US07703806B2 Seat belt system for a motor vehicle
A vehicle seat belt system has seat belt webbing that is attached to a tongue adapted to be located in a buckle mechanism fixed to a load-bearing part of the vehicle. A generally vertically extending strap is adapted to be located in a position against a seat back. An adjustable webbing guide connects the generally vertically extending strap to the seat belt webbing; and there is a device for positively locking the webbing guide to the generally vertically extending strap at any one of a plurality of selectable locations on the generally vertically extending strap. A load limiter is operative for a child seat occupant but not operative for an adult seat occupant.
US07703785B2 Bicycle derailleur system
A bicycle derailer assembly that is mounted concentrically with an axle of a rear wheel assembly. The derailer is constructed to be mounted to the bicycle such that the derailer is pivotable about a common axis with the rear wheel and such that the rear wheel can be removed from the bicycle without interfering with the connection of the derailer to the bicycle. The derailer system provides a derailer that is robust and reduces interference of the derailer with the performance of bicycle maintenance.
US07703784B2 Vehicle structure
A vehicle side panel step structure includes a step, a mounting structure and a sub-side body panel. The mounting structure movably couples the step to the structural support for movement of the step between a retracted step position and an extended step position relative to a structural support of the vehicle. In the extended step position the step is approximately horizontally oriented relative to a main side body panel of the vehicle. A sub-side body panel is coupled to the mounting structure to move between a fascia mating position when the step is in the retracted step position and a non-fascia mating position when the step is in the extended step position. The sub-side body panel includes a contoured edge configured such that in the retracted step position the contoured edge of the sub-side body panel and a contoured edge of the main side body panel at least partially define the wheel well.
US07703783B2 Suspension arm having a shaft projecting therefrom and method for press fitting the shaft into a bore of another member
A suspension arm includes a shaft having a free end extending from an end of the suspension arm and a base end embedded within the said end of the suspension arm, and this shaft is configured to be press fitted into a tubular member of a compliance bush assembly. An opening is formed in the said end of the suspension arm that allows an anvil (41) to be inserted therein to engage the base end of the shaft so that the force of a press fitting process is prevented from affecting the remaining part of the suspension arm. Thus, the press fitting process can be facilitated because very little effort is required to place the suspension arm ready for a press fitting process, and the fixture for holding the suspension arm during a press fitting process can be simplified.
US07703778B2 Device for height adjustment of a child seat and telescopically adjustable foot support
Device (1) for height adjustment of a module, such as a children's seat (3) on a stem (2) in a trolley or a chair, characterized in that the locking device (1) comprises a movable casing (4) which partly or completely surrounds the stem (2), a friction element (5) and a handle (6) which rotates eccentrically in order to tighten the friction element (5) against the stem (2) and providing friction between the locking device (1) and the stem (2). The children's seat (3) may comprise a footrest (20) characterized in that two rails (21) are received in guides (22) integrated in the seat, such that the footrest (20) may be displaced telescopically in relation to the seat (3).
US07703774B2 Shaft seal using shingle members
A shaft seal reduces leakage between a rotating shaft such as a rotor and a stator. The shaft seal or shingle seal includes a plurality of compliant-plate members attached to the stator in facing relation. The compliant-plate members define a sealing ring between the stator and the rotating shaft. Each of the compliant-plate members includes a plurality of shingles, where adjacent compliant-plate members are disposed relative to each other such that the shingles are at least partially staggered in a direction of axial leakage.
US07703768B2 Image forming system, relay conveyance apparatus and method for installing image forming system
There is described an image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus provided with a first paper sheet outlet to eject the paper sheet outside therefrom; a post processing apparatus that is provided with a second paper sheet inlet; and a relay conveyance apparatus that is installed between the image forming apparatus and the post processing apparatus. The relay conveyance apparatus includes a relay conveyance unit, disposed at an upper space of the relay conveyance apparatus and provided with a first paper sheet inlet and a second paper sheet outlet and a coupling unit, which fixes the image forming apparatus and the post processing apparatus to the relay conveyance apparatus, in such a manner that the first paper sheet outlet and the second paper sheet outlet substantially coincide with the first paper sheet inlet and the second paper sheet inlet, respectively.
US07703760B2 Method and a device for processing and separating an imbricate formation of flexible, flat objects
The invention relates to a method and to a device for processing and separating an imbricate formation of flexible, flat objects 10, in particular of folded printed products. The imbricate formation is influenced by way of a guide means 1 which at least in regions is inclined with respect to the horizontal such that the objects are differently inclined with respect to the vertical. The guide means 1 serve for reforming the flat objects of the imbricate flow in angle and alignment, wherein at its end there is effected a removal of individual or groups of flat objects. At the end of a guide surface 2 of the guide means 1 there is arranged a conveyor means 9 which serves for conveying away the isolated objects 10.
US07703746B2 Ground-based power generator with ball-roller bearing butterfly valve
A hot gas valving system for a ground-based power generation system includes a gas flow conduit having a wall and defining a path for fluid flow and a butterfly valve located in the wall and transversely across the path for fluid flow. The butterfly valve includes a first raceway defined by an inner ring and an outer ring, a second raceway defined by an inner ring and an outer ring, a combination of ball bearings and roller bearings retained in each raceway, an axle rotatably mounted in the inner rings of each raceway and cooperably rotatable therewith, and a baffle mounted longitudinally along the axle and extending from the axle into the path of fluid flow. Upon rotation of the axle, the baffle restricts or permits fluid flow.
US07703744B2 Core push-in seal
A solenoid valve may include a housing, a solenoid coil, and a plunger. The solenoid coil may be disposed about an external portion of the housing and the plunger may be slidably disposed within the housing. The plunger may include a recess in a first end thereof having a seal assembly located and retained therein through a mechanical engagement therewith.
US07703740B1 Clog resistant pilot valve
A clog resistant, pilot operated pilot valve having two fluid paths, one path for fluid flow from the valve input to the valve output, and the second path for fluid flow through input and output pilot apertures. The opening and closing of the pilot apertures controls the flow of fluid between the input and output of the pilot valve. A clog resistant pilot operated valve in which fluid flows through the pilot fluid path only during the time of transition from an valve open to a valve closed condition, or vice-versa, thereby reducing the probability of failure due to contaminants blacking the pilot activation path. A clog resistant pilot operated valve in which the plunger, used to open and close the pilot fluid paths, is ribbed in construction to reduce the probability that contaminants will cause seizure of the plunger movement.
US07703729B1 Universal vibration control stand for high quality audio equipment
A universal height adjustable device for controlling the effects of vibrations on vibration sensitive audio equipment, particularly loudspeakers, by dampening the vibration and eliminating or minimizing the acoustic feedback, producing quality sound without distortion. This device is a collection of embodiments comprising of a centerpiece to hold the arms, feet to support the entire system, and swivel seats assembly with a right angle cut to allow the audio equipment to rest on. This device aims to preserve the acoustic advantages of spikes in a novel manner, without damaging the floor or modifying the loudspeaker enclosure which causes damage.
US07703709B2 Electromagnetic fuel injection valve
An electromagnetic fuel injection valve in which a first resin-molded layer that is made of a synthetic resin, covers a solenoid section, and forms a coupler main portion that defines a coupler is covered by a second resin-molded layer different from that of the first resin-molded layer so that an outer face of the coupler main portion is exposed from a middle part up to the extremity of the coupler main portion. An endless engagement groove is provided on the outer periphery of the middle pad of the coupler main portion of the first resin-molded layer, the second resin-molded layer engaging with the endless engagement groove. An extending portion extending further outward than the engagement groove is formed in the second resin-molded layer so that the extending portion makes contact with an outer face of the coupler main portion when in a non-engaged state and covers the coupler main portion.
US07703707B2 Fuel injector
In the valve, fuel, flowing down as a valve side flow along the side of the valve, further flows down toward an orifice plate through a fuel path which closes and opens upon forward and backward movement of the valve, and is injected as a mist from each orifice. The valve moves forward and backward by sliding on a valve surrounding portion through a guide portion constituted by plural sliding guides arranged between the valve and valve surrounding portion. Since the sliding guides are tapered from the valve to the surrounding portion, the side flow from the guide portion has a flow velocity distribution biased toward the surrounding portion.
US07703691B2 Multiple device and/or user association
Methods and devices are provided for automating a login process and user/device associations. A user's preferred device settings and/or functions may be provisioned automatically. Some implementations provide an automated log out or “sleep” when a user leaves one or more of the devices. Users may be automatically identified and associated. The “presence” of members of a user group may be determined as required for one or more actions to be taken. Some user groups control devices according to which members of a group may have access to certain functions, information, etc., and which may not.
US07703680B2 Method and apparatus for accessing electronic data via a familiar printed medium
The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.
US07703678B2 Electronic monetary instrument employing an electronic-ink layer for visually displaying the monetary value thereof in a particular currency
An electronic monetary instrument including an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The electronic monetary instrument includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing a unique encrypted serial number uniquely identifying the electronic monetary instrument and other information representing its monetary value in a particular currency, as well as for storing instructions, programs and data. The integrated circuit structure also includes a programmed processor in communication with storage element. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from an activation module, using the antenna structure. The monetary instrument displays graphical indicia representing at least the monetary value of the electronic monetary instrument in a particular currency.
US07703677B2 Rectifier circuit
A data transmission method and a unit for performing data transmission. The method and unit include use of a data transmission interface having a controlled rectifier. The data transmission interface is actuated by a rectifier actuation unit.
US07703675B2 System for performing computer-based operations
A system for performing computer-based operations is disclosed. The system includes a printer for printing visible information and coded data tags on a surface substantially simultaneously. Each coded data tag encodes a region identifier for uniquely identifying a description of a region on the surface, and a position in the region. The description associates at least one instruction with one or more positions in the region. The system further includes a sensor for sensing at least one coded data tag and for generating a signal indicative of the sensed coded data tag. A computer system receives the signal, determines the region identifier and the position, relates the position to the at least one instruction using the description, and executes the at least one instruction.
US07703670B2 Method and apparatus for creating and exposing order status within a supply chain having disparate systems
The present invention describes a method and system for creating and exposing order status within a supply chain of trading partners having disparate systems. A trading partner exchange (TPE) interfaces with each of the disparate systems and gathers information pertaining to a particular transaction. The information can be made available to an access platform through an access platform interface. Initially, a transaction is reported to the TPE where it is assigned a unique identifier. Subsequent activities pertaining to the transaction which are reported to the TPE by the trading partners can be linked to the unique identifier. By using the access platform, a customer or any trading partner can acquire the status of a particular order from the TPE.
US07703665B2 Dispensing carton
A carton accommodates stacked, articles. The carton has a pivoting dispenser that allows the articles to be dispensed from the front of the carton. The bottom panel can be erected using relatively simple folding operations.
US07703662B2 Conductive ball mounting apparatus and conductive ball mounting method
In a conductive ball mounting apparatus for mounting one conductive ball on each of a plurality of pads which are provided on a substrate and on which an adhesive is formed, the conductive ball mounting apparatus includes: a conductive ball container for containing a plurality of conductive balls therein and having an opening to pass through the plurality of conductive balls; a substrate holder disposed over the conductive ball container to face the opening, and holding the substrate in such a manner that the plurality of conductive balls and the plurality of pads face each other and the substrate is disposed over the conductive ball container with a space therebetween; and a conductive ball supplying unit for supplying the plurality of conductive balls to the plurality of pads via the opening by moving up the plurality of conductive balls.
US07703658B2 Apparatus and method for semiconductor wafer bumping via injection molded solder
An improved apparatus for filling patterned mold cavities formed on a surface of a mold structure with solder includes an injector head assembly comprising a solder reservoir having a bottom surface with an elongated slot for injecting solder into the mold cavities and a carriage assembly configured to carry and scan the mold structure under the injector head assembly. The mold structure is brought into contact with the solder reservoir bottom surface and a seal is formed between an area of the solder reservoir bottom surface surrounding the elongated slot and the mold structure surface and then the mold structure is scanned under the injector head assembly in a first direction from a starting position to a finish position for filling the mold cavities and in a second direction opposite to the first direction for returning back from the finish position to the starting position.
US07703653B2 Articulation mechanism for surgical instrument
An articulating elongate surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a tool assembly pivotally supported on the distal end of the elongated body portion. The elongate surgical instrument includes as well an articulation mechanism to effect the movement of the tool assembly, the articulation mechanism including a pivot member operatively coupled to the tool assembly. The elongated body includes at least one articulation drive member having at least one retaining surface therein; a firing rod disposed adjacent the articulation drive, with an articulation locking actuating surface disposed upon the firing rod; and an articulation locking means configured to selectively engage and disengage from the actuating surface and to selectively engage and disengage from the retaining surface of the articulation drive member.
US07703652B2 Paper tool construction
A paper tool includes a base having a front end and a rear end and a drive arm pivotally coupled to the base about a first pivot axis. The drive arm includes a front portion proximate the front end of the base and a rear portion proximate the rear end of the base. The stapler also includes a handle pivotally coupled to the base and a drive member supported by the handle rearwardly of the first pivot axis such that, when the handle pivots relative to the base, the drive member engages the rear portion of the drive arm to pivot the drive arm about the first pivot axis.
US07703648B2 Gas combustion type driving tool
When a movable sleeve 11 on a cylinder moves upward, a combustion chamber 5 in a sealed state is formed. Mixed gas is explosively burnt within the combustion chamber 5 so as to drive a fastener out. A lock cylinder 22 is disposed beneath the movable sleeve 11. A lock piston 23 is housed within the lock cylinder 22 so as to be movable in an up/down direction. The upper end of the lock piston 23 is capable of being engaged with a holding member 12 which is interlocked with the movable sleeve 11. The lower portion of the lock cylinder is coupled to the combustion chamber via a gas tube 24. The gas tube 24 is provided with a check valve 25. The lock cylinder 22 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 27. The electromagnetic valve 27 opens upon the lapse of a predetermined time period after the combustion within the combustion chamber.
US07703632B2 Stackable and collapsible container
Structures, methods, and systems associated with a stackable and collapsible container are provided. One structure includes a stackable and collapsible container having at least four non-collapsible, load bearing vertical support members attached to vertical walls of the container and capable of supporting the weight of other containers. A top surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. A bottom surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. The top and the bottom surfaces of the container can be fixedly positioned in a number of collapsed states.
US07703628B2 Produce packaging system enabling improved drainage for hydrocooling
A produce packaging system incorporates a container having ample top ventilation enabling efficient ingress of cooling water into container to cool produce contained inside. The container also having a sloped bottom for draining water toward a bottom vent and out of the container during hydrocooling. The system also includes a cooling box configured for holding the containers in an upright orientation enabling inflow of cooling water into the containers and out of the box.
US07703622B1 Compartmentalized trash and recyclable container
Apparatus 10 discloses a compartmentalized waste and recyclable container 12. The compartmentalized container 12 is comprised of a divided waste container having removable receptacles 24, 26. One receptacle is designed for holding normal waste 26 while the other is designed for holding recyclables 24, such as cans, jars, plastic bottles, etc. The waste container has a sectioned lid 16, 17 providing access to either or both containers. The apparatus 10 also provides means whereby the container can be opened by a foot-operated mechanism 14, 15, relieving the user of having to have a free hand for access. Additionally, the container can incorporate wheels 18 for mobility and apertures 20 within the exterior wall. Each of the interior removable receptacles 24, 26 can also have handles 22 mounted thereto for ease of removing and carrying.
US07703617B1 Bayonet closure container combination with angled bayonet lugs
A safety closure for use on a container neck having a closure top wall, an annular sidewall depending downwardly from an outer periphery of the top wall defining an open bottom opposite the top wall. The sidewall has inner annular surface with a plurality of lugs projecting inward therefrom, wherein each lug has a lug top surface forming an angle of incidence of greater than 90° with the inner annular surface of the annular sidewall. The plurality of lugs are engageable with a plurality of lug receiving notches in a plurality of bayonet lugs on a container neck. A spring member depends from the closure top wall and is resiliently engageable with the container neck to bias the safety closure away from the container neck. Optional closure retaining means may be incorporated within the closure, container, or both.
US07703611B1 Targeted geographical condition notification of users based on a geographic location and device types or software of the users
A method for transmitting data to one or more users of a communications system by establishing a connection with one or more users; designating targeting rules applicable to online users; acquiring context information of online users; applying the targeting rules to the context information to identify targeted online users; and sending data to the targeted online users.
US07703598B2 Distributing device for closures
A distributing device for distributing closures, supplied from a supply line with outlet, over a plurality of manufacturing lines, each manufacturing line comprising a feed-in, comprises a distributing element, which distributing element comprises at least a number of guideways conforming to the number of manufacturing lines, each guideway comprising an entrance for the positioning of the guideway relative to the outlet of the supply line, an exit for the positioning of the guideway relative to the feed-in of the particular manufacturing line, and a passage connecting the entrance to the exit, as well as a displacement mechanism for the simultaneous positioning of an entrance of a specific guideway of the distributing element in line with the outlet of the supply line and, respectively, of an exit of the specific guideway in line with the feed-in of a manufacturing line, the entrances of the guideways being disposed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the supply line.
US07703593B2 Structure for adjusting gap of paper money discriminating apparatus
A structure adjusts a gap between a paper money discriminating sensor and paper money feed rollers in a paper money discriminating apparatus. The structure includes a lower body and an upper body upwardly rotating about a hinge shaft to open a conveyance path. The structure includes a paper money discriminating sensor that is provided in the upper body and discriminates whether a paper money to be conveyed along the conveyance path is counterfeit money, paper money feed rollers that are rotatably provided in the lower body facing the paper money discriminating sensor and are spaced from each other at a predetermined interval, and gap adjusters that are provided between the paper money discriminating sensor and the paper money feed rollers and adjust a gap between the paper money discriminating sensor and the paper money feed rollers.
US07703589B2 Conductor rail support
A conductor rail support includes a base part, which has a recess for receiving a first projection of a conductor rail. A sliding part, which has a recess for receiving a second projection of the conductor rail, can be slid onto the base part in the direction of the conductor rail. The sliding part may be arrested in directions other than in the direction of the conductor rail. In at least one embodiment, the base part includes a dovetailed projection and a guiding groove, and a dovetailed recess in the sliding part receives the dovetailed projection, and the guiding groove receives a guiding pin shaped onto the sliding part.
US07703588B2 Wheel assembly of luggage
The present invention relates a wheel assembly of a luggage, which has two wheels side by side and the control assembly. The control assembly has a switch device for manipulation to brake the wheels. The control assembly has a fixed position to be manipulative by user easily. The wheels have small widths that makes the luggage may run on a carpet without having to draw the luggage with great strength.
US07703585B2 Integrated and self-contained suspension assembly having an on-the-fly adjustable air spring
An integrated and self-contained suspension assembly having a gas spring integrated with a shock absorber (damper) is described. The rigid gas cylinder of the air spring is divided into a first gas chamber and a second gas chamber. A flow port connects the first and second gas chambers, and can be manually opened or closed by valve and a simple one-quarter turn rotation of an external knob to instantly switch the gas spring between two different spring rates. The different spring rates are functions of the separate or combined volumes of the two gas chambers. The integrated suspension assembly is compactly packaged and self-contained, i.e., does not require any externalities, such as gas sources or electricity, to operate.
US07703584B2 Divided disk brake arrangement
A divided disk brake arrangement has a braking disk (13) with braking surfaces (11), and a disk holder (12), which is connected in a torsion-proof manner to the braking disk (13) and secured by a screw connection. The disk holder (12) and the braking disk (13) are mounted so that they can move relative to each other in the radial direction to compensate for different thermal expansions. At least one conical surface (18; 21) is provided in the region where the screw connection bears against the braking disk (13).
US07703580B2 Actuator for an electromechanical brake, a brake including such an actuator, a vehicle including at least one such brake, and a method of implementing said actuator
The invention relates to an actuator for an electromechanical brake, the actuator comprising a pusher and a first drive member arranged to move the pusher in register with a stack of disks and to apply a braking pressure to the stack of disks, the actuator including a second drive member comprising a piezoelectric assembly suitable for modulating the braking pressure applied to the stack of disks. According to the invention, the piezoelectric assembly is disposed inside the actuator so as to present an end that is stationary.
US07703579B2 Positioning method in an elevator system
A method and a system for the positioning of the elevator car and the door of the elevator in the condition monitoring system are provided. In the method the accelerations of the elevator car and the door of the elevator are measured with a sensor. By integrating the acceleration information two times in relation to time the position information is determined. When the condition monitoring system detects a fault, forecasts a malfunction occurring in the future or detects a significant change in the operation of the elevator or in the measuring signals related to the elevator, it is possible to attach to this information the location of the fault or event i.e. the position of the elevator or the position of a door of a certain floor level on the slide path. The position information can be synchronized to a separate reference point by means of a positioned switch by making an adjustment to the position information at the reference point. The measuring error caused by the misalignment of the position of the sensor is compensated for either with electronics or using a program.
US07703577B1 Door hinge lubricator
A door hinge lubricator includes a tube, a wicking material and at least one attachment device. At least one lubrication opening is formed through a wall of the tube. Each lubrication opening could be a hole or a slot. The wicking material is inserted into an inner perimeter of the tube. The wicking material is saturated with a lubricant, such as oil. Each end of the tube is sealed with an end plug or the like. The at least one attachment device is preferably attached substantially in-line with the at least one lubrication opening. It is preferable to place the single attachment device on each end of the tube. The door hinge lubricator is attached to one of the hinge plates, adjacent the hinge pin. Lubricant will be wicked into the joints between the opposing hinge plates. After a door hinge stops squeaking, the door hinge lubricator may be removed.
US07703575B2 Three-dimensional tessellated acoustic components
A set of acoustic components having complementarily tessellated shapes such that they may be nested together to constitute a rectangular parellelepiped, suitable for efficient storage and shipping. Each component also has a flat side. The shape set is further defined such that many aesthetically attractive, sculpture-like configurations may be created through installation of the components on a flat surface of a building such as a wall or ceiling, while substantially modifying the acoustic properties of the building feature. Acoustically absorptive, reflective, and diffusive components can be used in combinations with each other in order to achieve desired acoustic treatment of the building feature. Several methods of fabrication of the acoustic components are disclosed.
US07703563B2 Control of hybrid power regeneration during cruise control
A method of applying regenerative braking on a hybrid vehicle may include operating the hybrid vehicle in a cruise control mode to maintain a desired vehicle speed, determining whether an actual vehicle speed is greater than the desired vehicle speed, and braking the hybrid vehicle using a regenerative brake system. The braking may be applied during operation in the cruise control mode when the actual vehicle speed is determined to be greater than the desired vehicle speed to charge a battery system that powers an electric drive motor of the hybrid vehicle.
US07703541B2 Rotary actuator mechanism for a downhole tool
A tool that is usable with a well includes a movable element and a curved actuator. The curved actuator is adapted to move in a curved path that at least partially surrounds a longitudinal axis of the tool to actuate the element.
US07703537B2 Recovery of hydrocarbons
A method of bringing hydrocarbons from a well into production by introducing encapsulated bubbles into the fluid in the production string to reduce the hydrostatic pressure holding the hydrocarbons in the reservoir. For reservoirs where the reservoir pressure has been depleted to the point where the reservoir pressure is not sufficient to push a column of hydrocarbons to the surface at an acceptable rate, encapsulated bubbles can be continuously introduced into the production string at a suitable depth to reduce the pressure required to bring hydrocarbons to the surface and allowing the encapsulated bubbles to be recovered and recycled.
US07703530B2 Scale inhibitors compatible with sandstone acidizing
Methods are given for making scale inhibitors, that were previously incompatible with fluids containing fluoride ion, compatible with fluids containing fluoride ion. Examples of such scale inhibitors include phosphonates and phosphino-polycarboxylates. The method is replacing alkali metal and alkaline earth metal cations, present in salts or bases, or as counter ions of the scale inhibitors, with hydrogen or ammonium ions. Methods of inhibiting scale formation and of dissolving scales are also given.
US07703529B2 Gel capsules for solids entrainment
Disclosed are methods of treating a producing well by removing wellbore solids. Accordingly, a first, polymer containing fluid is placed in the solids bed, and a second, viscosifying fluid is then placed into the solids bed thereby agitating the solids in the bed and causing the formation of a gel capsules when mixed with the biopolymer fluid. These gel capsules are capable of trapping or entraining the agitated solids. The gel capsules typically have a relatively high volume and a relatively low density, thereby making their removal from the wellbore easier.
US07703526B2 Apparatus and method for characterizing a reservoir
An apparatus and method for characterizing a subsurface formation is provided. The apparatus includes a tool body, a probe assembly carried by the tool body for sealing off a region of the borehole wall, an actuator for moving the probe assembly between a retracted position for conveyance of the tool body and a deployed position for sealing off a region of the borehole wall and a perforator extending through the probe assembly for penetrating a portion of the sealed-off region of the borehole wall. The tool may be provided with first and second drilling shafts with bits for penetrating various surfaces. The method involves sealing off a region of a wall of an open borehole penetrating the formation, creating a perforation through a portion of the sealed-off region of the borehole wall and testing the formation.
US07703511B2 Pressure barrier apparatus
A pressure barrier apparatus 2 for providing a removable pressure barrier in a borehole is described. The apparatus comprises a housing 6, 8 defining a central bore 10 having a first part 20 and a second part 22 separated by an erodeable pressure barrier member 18. The housing also defines a second fluid flow passage 12 for connecting the first part to the second part, and a plurality of conduits 24 for directing fluid onto the barrier member. A sleeve 30 has a first condition in which fluid communication between the first part 20 and the second fluid flow passage 12 is prevented, and a second condition in which fluid is permitted to flow from the first part to the second fluid flow passage to cause erosion of the barrier member.
US07703510B2 Interventionless multi-position frac tool
Fracturing tools for use in oil and gas wells are disclosed. The fracturing tools have a run-in position and two operational positions. A sleeve disposed in the bore of the fracturing tool comprises a sleeve port alignable with a first port in the housing of the frac tool, i.e., the first operational position, during fracturing operations. A second port having a restriction member is disposed in the housing and is closed by the sleeve during fracturing operations. After fracturing operations are completed, a return member in the frac tool moves the sleeve from the first operational position to a second operational position for production operations. In this second operational position, the first port is closed and the sleeve port is aligned with the second port. Movement of the sleeve from the first operational position to the second operational position is performed without the need for an additional well intervention step.
US07703509B2 Gas anchor and solids separator assembly for use with sucker rod pump
There is provided a gas anchor for use in admitting fluids into a downhole sucker rod oil pump. The gas anchor includes an outer shell positioned around a hollow core, which defines an interior region and an exterior region of the gas anchor. The gas anchor further includes an upper region and a lower region. The hollow core and outer shell have a plurality of holes passing through the hollow core and outer shell, and the holes provide fluid communication from the exterior region to the interior region of the anchor. The hollow core and outer shell further define at least one channel which is in fluid communication from the upper region to the lower region. Additionally, the plurality of holes are formed so as to induce a cyclonic rotation on fluids passing into the interior region of the gas anchor.
US07703507B2 Downhole tool delivery system
An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
US07703506B2 Exhaust heat exchanger
An exhaust heat exchanger for an exhaust gas recirculation system, including a first flow path for the intake air for an internal combustion engine, a second flow path for the exhaust of an internal combustion engine, and a housing enclosing the first and second flow paths. The first and second flow paths are each divided into a plurality of flow channels in heat-conducting, metallically connected contact with each other, and the flow channels include elements promoting heat exchange between the flow channels.
US07703503B2 Heat pipe heat exchanger and method of fabricating the same
A heat pipe heat exchanger and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. A heat pipe heat exchanger 1 is provided with a heat pipe 2, and a heat block 3 having a heat pipe-holding hole 3A, and a fin 4 having a fin base portion 4A, to which the heat pipe 2 is joined by a heating tube expansion method. The heat pipe 2 is plastically deformable and in which a predetermined amount of hydraulic fluid 2a is sealed. The heat pipe 2 is composed of a pipe having a cross section except a perfect circle. The heat pipe-holding hole 3A and the fin base portion 4A are composed of holes each having a cross section except the perfect circle.
US07703502B2 Method of fabricating a longitudinal frame member of a trench-forming assembly
An assembly is provided for forming a trench of a predetermined shape. The trench-forming assembly includes a removable longitudinal form body, a pair of frame members and at least one mounting bracket assembly. The form body is capable of shaping a moldable trench forming composition poured around the form. Each frame member includes a support surface, and is in engagement with a respective side surface of the form body. The mounting bracket assemblies, each of which can include a mounting bracket and a pair of hook members, extend laterally across the top surface of the form body. In this regard, each mounting bracket assembly removably engages a downwardly facing side of the support surface of the frame members.
US07703496B2 Safety cutting mechanism for tape dispenser
A safety cutting mechanism for tape dispenser includes a fixing seat located above a hold-down roller of the tape dispenser, a cutter mounted in the fixing seat, and a safety cover located above the cutter. Two curved spring arms are rearward and outward extended from a rear edge center of the safety cover to provide a predetermined elasticity, and a rib is provided across a lower front edge of the safety cover to normally locate in front of and thereby shield a toothed blade of the cutter when the tape dispenser is not in use. When the tape dispenser is forward tilted to tense and press a length of dispensed adhesive tape against a desired location, the rib of the safety cover is pushed upward and rearward by the tensed adhesive tape to slide away from the cutter and expose the toothed blade for cutting the adhesive tape.
US07703488B1 Through dovetailing jig assembly
A through dovetailing jig assembly comprised of a dovetailing jig removably attached to a workpiece, an indexing strip removably attached to the workpiece and jig, and a front backup board removably attached to the workpiece and jig. The jig is further comprised of a removable pin insert and a removable tail insert.
US07703487B2 Cutterhead
A cutterhead for use with a power tool includes a generally cylindrical body with a knife recess extending generally parallel to an axis of the body. The knife recess has a wall at an acute angle to a tangent of the outer surface. Received in the knife recess are a knife and a bar that includes an angled side configured to sandwich the knife between the angled wall of the recess and the angled side of the bar. A pin extends from the bar and is received in an aperture of the knife to align the knife relative to the bar. A threaded height adjustment screw is received in a threaded bore in the bar to adjust a height of the knife with respect to the body. A securing screw is received in a threaded opening in the body to secure the bar and the knife to the body.
US07703484B2 Method and device for filling a container with a predetermined quantity of fluid, filling machine
A device includes a nozzle (14) for delivering a fluid flow into a container (12), a valve (16) having a movable valve member (27) for controlling the fluid flow, a member (54) for sending a position control signal to the movable valve member (27), such that the movable valve member (28) is expected to follow an expected displacement vs. time curve which adjusts the quantity of fluid delivered into the container (12) to the predetermined quantity. The device further includes a sensing element (56) for sensing a point of the actual displacement vs. time curve followed by the movable valve member (27) in response to the position control signal, and a comparing element (58) for comparing the sensed point to the corresponding point of the expected displacement vs. time curve.
US07703466B1 Mounting assembly
A furniture joinery comprises a slide rail having a plurality of grooves, at least one slide block slidably disposed in the slide rail, the slide block having a plurality of slides for engaging the slide rail, at least one of the plurality of slides having a neck and a head, the grooves receiving the neck therein.
US07703463B2 Method of pickling a hollow part in the form of a body of revolution, and apparatus implementing such a method
Pickling the inside and the outside of a hollow part that is in the form of a body of revolution, such as, in particular, a turbine wheel made of titanium alloy. The part is mounted with its axis of revolution in a horizontal orientation and it is partially immersed in a vessel filled with pickling composition while being caused to rotate about its axis of revolution.
US07703458B2 Methods and devices for non-ablative laser treatment of dermatologic conditions
The invention comprises a system and method for non-ablative laser treatment of dermatologic conditions. A laser energy is transmitted to an underlying target element in the skin. The target element is heated to a temperature of at least forty degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, a pulsed, near infrared, high peak power laser energy is used. The systems and methods of the present invention may be used to treat acne, smooth wrinkles, remove hair, treat leg veins, treat facial veins, improve skin texture, decrease pore sizes, reduce rosacea, reduce “blush/diffuse redness, reduce striae, reduce scarring, or the like.
US07703455B2 Apparatus and method for supplying respiratory gas to a patient in which respiratory gas components are metered with great accuracy
An apparatus for supplying respiratory gas to a patient in which respiratory gas components are metered with great accuracy and sources of error are detected early. The apparatus has metering devices for respiratory gas components which are connected, on the leading side of a mixing chamber volume, to a ring line; a first respiratory gas analyzer on the trailing side of the mixing chamber volume; a second respiratory gas analyzer at a patient connection; a regulating device for the respiratory gas components which controls the delivery of respiratory gas components, as a function of the concentration measured with the second respiratory gas analyzer, in such a way that the difference between a predetermined concentration and a measured concentration at the patient connection is minimized; and means for performing a plausibility comparison between the measured values of the first respiratory gas analyzer and the second respiratory gas analyzer.
US07703454B2 Inhaler with breath actuated dose counter
A device is disclosed for dispensing a fluid supplied from an external fluid source. The device comprises a transducer adapted to receive a fluid from the fluid source, and a collapsible linkage coupling the transducer and the fluid source. The linkage has a collapsible joint inhibiting discharge of the fluid source when in a locked orientation. The device further comprises a movable member coupled to the linkage such that inhalation forces on the device cause the linkage to collapse thereby discharging the fluid from the fluid source. The device may further include a dose counter coupled to the fluid source for registering the amount of doses administered from the fluid source.
US07703451B2 Oven door
An oven door includes upper fixtures, lower fixtures and middle frames which are attached to a front glass of the door. One or more panes of glass are mounted behind the front glass and are spaced from the front glass. As a result, air can circulate through a space behind the front glass. In addition, a door handle is coupled to the front glass using a through-hole formed in the front glass, spacers formed on the upper fixtures, and screws going through the spacer and the through-hole, and into the door handle. Outside air introduced from a bottom of the front glass goes out through a side of a space contacting the front glass and thus cools only the space contacting the front glass. Since the heavy division members are supported by only the lower fixture, the oven door can be easily assembled and disassembled when damaged.
US07703450B2 Quick drawer change system
A grill that includes a base and, residing thereupon, a cooking surface in the form of a grate for supporting food to be cooked by the grill. A first removable drawer is positionable beneath the grate having at least one burner. A source of combustible fuel, such as a pressurized gas, is contained within a tank located within the base of the grill. A fuel line emanating from the pressurized tank terminates at a control valve having a first gas transmitting position facilitating the combustible fuel fed to the at least one burner and a second gas blocking position preventing the combustible fuel to be fed to the at least one burner. The control valve is capable of assuming the first gas transmitting position only if the first removable drawer has been fully positioned beneath the cooking surface. When an alternative drawer, such as one containing charcoal is employed, fuel from the pressurized tank is blocked from emanating from the tank.
US07703448B2 Mortar launching toy
A mortar launching toy has an angularly adjustable firing barrel and a soft rocket-shaped toy mortar for being launched from the barrel in various modes of play. The toy includes a spring-activated launching pole to which the mortar is pre-loaded, the mortar/pole subassembly is loaded into the barrel to prepare for launching. A locking feature retains the subassembly in the barrel prior to launching. A trigger mechanism cooperates with a symmetrical dual-finger release mechanism to release the mortar during launching. The locking feature retains the launching pole in the barrel during launching.
US07703447B2 Animal food dispenser
A dispenser for launching morsels of animal food one at a time. The dispenser includes a grip portion, a hopper for retaining a supply of morsels of animal food, and a launching chamber. A propelling mechanism, activated by a trigger mechanism associated with the grip portion, launches a morsel of food out of the launching chamber. According to one embodiment, the propelling mechanism is a plunger and at least one spring, wherein the plunger is adjustable between a loading position wherein a top portion of the plunger is substantially withdrawn from the launching chamber to permit a morsel of food to pass into the launching chamber, and a ready position wherein the plunger extends at least partially into the launching chamber to prevent additional morsels of food from passing through the inlet into the launching chamber.
US07703445B2 Fuel supply system
A fuel supply system of the present invention is characterized by including: a fuel reformer (4) for producing a reformed gas-containing fuel by causing discharge in a raw liquid fuel; and a fuel supply device (8) for supplying the reformed gas-containing fuel or a mixture of the reformed gas-containing fuel and the raw fuel into a combustion chamber of an engine (5).
US07703435B2 System and control method for selecting fuel type for an internal combustion engine capable of combusting a plurality of fuel types
A system and method for improving fuel usage of a dual fuel engine is described. Fuel type is delivered to engine cylinders in response to operating conditions.
US07703430B2 Portable gas powered internal combustion engine arrangement
A gas powered internal combustion engine in which the gas is provided from pressurized liquid gas in an LPG container and in which the LPG container is rigidly mounted adjacent to the internal combustion engine at a preselected angle to be in conductive heat transfer relationship to the internal combustion engine and in vibration receiving relationship to the internal combustion engine whereby the liquified gas in the LPG container is heated and the effective surface area thereof is increased.
US07703428B2 Spark plug and internal combustion engine in which the spark plug is disposed
To provide a spark plug with improved heat resistance and an internal combustion engine in which that spark plug is mounted where there is good conduction of the heat near the opening on the combustion chamber side of the mounting hole for the spark plug provided in the engine and the effects of thermal stress occurring near that opening are mitigated. A cylindrical part without threads formed thereon is provided on the leading end side of a metal housing of a spark plug and the thermal stress applied to a mounting hole is mitigated by avoiding close contact with the mounting hole of an engine head. Furthermore, the spark plug has a mounting structure in which the leading end surface of the cylindrical part is disposed 1.55 mm or more to the base end side in a mounting hole in the direction of the axial line O with respect to the wall surface inside the combustion chamber. By this means, the metal housing does not easily take up the heat that accompanies combustion of the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber at the cylindrical, part so there may be good heat conduction.
US07703413B2 Expanded thermal plasma apparatus
Disclosed herein is an assembly for plasma generation comprising a cathode plate comprising a fixed cathode tip, the cathode tip being integral part of the cathode plate. The assembly further comprises at least one cascade plate, at least one separator plate disposed between the cathode plate and the cascade plate, an anode plate, and an inlet for a gas. The cathode plate, separator plate, cascade plate and anode plate are “electrically isolated” from one another, and the electrically isolated cathode plate, separator plate, and cascade plate define a plasma generation chamber. The cathode tip is disposed within the plasma generation chamber.
US07703391B2 Round baler with scale and moisture meter
A large round baler equipped with moisture sensing apparatus and a bale scale to improve information useful in baling and using bales. Moisture sensing begins after the bale reaches a predetermined diameter. A history of bale weights is used to estimate how much tension to apply to a belt tensioner to achieve both a target bale weight and a target bale size.
US07703378B2 Beverage heating method and beverage heater apparatus using the same
A beverage heating method includes the steps of: preheating a thermal storage heater unit in a predetermined temperature; dispensing a cool beverage from a beverage container via a dispensing conduit; heating the cool beverage by passing it through the thermal storage heater unit; and supplying the hot beverage from the thermal storage heater unit. A beverage heater apparatus includes a beverage container, a thermal storage heater unit, a liquid-dispensing valve, a control unit and a dispensing conduit. The beverage container connects with a heat-exchanging channel provided in the thermal storage heater unit. The thermal storage heater unit stores heat energy in a predetermined temperature by preheating. The control unit has a sensor to detect the temperature of the thermal storage heater unit. The liquid-dispensing valve is switched on or off to control the dispensing conduit which supplies cool beverage from the beverage container to the thermal storage heater unit.
US07703370B2 Apparatus and method for inhibiting inadvertent initiation of a munition
A device for inhibiting inadvertent initiation of a munition includes a sorbing refrigeration device adapted to at least partially surround an energetic material of the munition. A container includes an energetic material and a sorbing refrigeration device at least partially surrounding the energetic material. A method for inhibiting an inadvertent initiation of a munition includes cooling an energetic material of the munition by sorption refrigeration.
US07703365B2 Laterally movable trim saw
A lumber trimmer is disclosed wherein only one pair of parallel spaced-apart trim saws is mounted at one or both ends of a shaft. Each pair of trim saws is laterally movable along the shaft parallel to the longitudinal axis of lumber in the lumber trimmer. Each saw of the pair of trim saws is operably coupled with an actuator such that each saw is selectively vertically movable to trim the lumber. The pair of trim saws may be mounted to a carriage. A second actuator is operably coupled with the pair of trim saws for selectively laterally translating the pair of trim saws along the shaft.
US07703361B2 Shaving razors and cartridges
Shaving razors and cartridges are featured that include one or more shaving aid portions. In some instances, the razors and cartridges include a shaving aid holder, configured to allow the shaving aid portion to deflect when pressure is applied to a surface of the shaving aid portion during shaving.
US07703359B2 Cutting tool component and a method of manufacturing same
A cutting tool includes two parts releasably interconnectable via serration surfaces which are mechanically engageable in each other. At least one of the parts is composed of a first body and a supplemental body on which the serration surface of the one part is formed, and which via a permanent joint is stiffly united to the first body. The permanent joint can be established by laser-welding a shim disposed between the first body and the supplemental body.
US07703357B1 Rotatable handle arrangement for a torque-adjustable wrench
A rotatable handle arrangement for a torque-adjustable wrench including a hollow sleeve fixed at a distal end of the moment arm by a fixing element. An internal toothed portion is formed in a stepped hole of the hollow sleeve and positioned adjacent to one side of the in-place-rotatable handle. In the normal state, the internal toothed portion is engaged with an external toothed portion of the in-place-rotatable handle by means of an elastic element. The torque-adjustable rod of a torque adjusting mechanism is driven by the in-place-rotatable handle for adjusting the torque value when the in-place-rotatable handle is pushed in the direction of the hollow sleeve so as to disengage the internal and external toothed portions from each other. In this way, an expected adjustment is achieved. After the adjustment, the external force is released and the internal and external toothed portions are automatically restored in an engaged and locked position (of the normal state) by means of the self-resilience of the elastic element.
US07703353B2 Drive unit connected to a transmission output for producing forward and reverse device
A drive unit located in a power path between a transmission output and the wheels of a vehicle for reversing the direction of the transmission output includes a gear set including an input driveably connected to the transmission output, and a gearset output alternately rotating in a forward rotary direction and an underdriven reverse rotary direction relative to the speed and direction of the transmission output. A drive mechanism transmits power between the gearset output and the wheels.
US07703351B2 Gas pedal
An accelerator pedal (100) includes a stopper member (30) fixed to the floor of the driver's seat, a pad member (20) fastened to the stopper member (30) and operated by the driver's depression force, an arm (4) engaged with the pad member (20) to transmit the depression force, and a bracket (5) engaged with the arm (4) to support the arm (4), wherein the stopper member (30) is provided with a pad fitting section (17) for fastening the pad member (20), and the pad member (20) is integrally molded by a single resin material.
US07703345B2 System for monitoring dismantling process of scrapped vehicle
A system for monitoring a dismantling process of scrapped vehicle includes an input means for inputting vehicle information, a weighing means for measuring a weight of dismantled parts collected in each process and a weight of collected liquid materials, and a detecting means for detecting a work start point and end point. The information measured by the means are input to a central computer so that the central computer collects vehicle information, time information for each process, weight information of collected parts and liquid materials, and thereby monitors the entire dismantling processes in real-time and the information, such as, a kind of vehicle, a working time for each process, a weight of collected part and liquid material, a reusing rate and so on, can be stored in a database.
US07703333B2 Deformation sensor
A deformation sensor, which has excellent workability and a high degree of freedom in shape design and which can detect deformation and load in a wide area of components and portions, has a main body of sensor, electrodes which are connected to the main body of sensor and can output electric resistances, and a restraining component which restrains elastic deformation of at least a part of the main body of sensor. The main body of sensor has an elastomer, and spherical conductive fillers which are blended into the elastomer at a high filling rate in an approximately single-particle state, and is elastically deformable. In the main body of sensor, as an elastic deformation increases, the electric resistance increases.
US07703331B2 Instrumented tabular device for transporting a pressurized fluid
The invention relates to an instrumented tubular device for transporting a pressurized fluid notably in the field of oil exploration and in that of the transport of gas or hydrocarbons. This device comprises a tube in which this fluid flows, with which are associated means for measuring the main deformations of this tube, and means for measuring the temperature of the fluid in the tube. This tube is equipped with measurement means integral with its surface and offset by at least one remote optical cable towards an electronic measurement system. These measurement means are means for assembling at least two non-parallel optical fibers which comprise at least three assemblies of at least two optical gages with Bragg gratings attached to at least three measurement locations and connected to the remote optical cable via optical fibers. At least one assembly further comprises a temperature gage.
US07703330B2 Power tool
A power tool includes a driving unit for performing screw tightening operations; a motor for rotatably driving the driving unit; a trigger switch for turning on and off the motor; and a control circuit, accommodated in a main body of the power tool, for monitoring the screw tightening operations. The control circuit having a screw tightening completion detection unit for detecting completion of a screw tightening operation, a screw tightening count unit for counting the number of detected tightening operations, a screw tightening number setting unit for presetting the number of screws to be tightened, a screw tightening completion notifying unit for notifying completion of the screw tightening operations when the number of detected tightening operations reaches the preset number of screws.
US07703320B2 Flow measuring device having resistors arranged in nesting arrangement
According to a flow measuring device, first ranges formed by a first plurality of resistors form a single continuous value range on a flow direction coordinate axis. Thus, the first plurality of resistors is limited from being thermally insulated from one another in the flow direction, and thereby detectivity is improved. Also, second ranges formed by a second plurality of resistors form an other single continuous value range on a longitudinal direction coordinate axis. The other continuous value range includes a position that corresponds to a half length of a heating element in a longitudinal direction. As a result, detection difference is obtained at the position, at which a temperature is most optimally detected, and thereby detectivity is further improved.
US07703312B2 Component with compressive residual stresses, process for producing and apparatus for generating compressive residual stresses
The inventive method discloses the local, adapted and controlled introduction of internal compressive stress in convex and concave regions, such as the root region of turbine blades, by means of at least two pressure generators.
US07703309B2 Electric steering lock device and assembling method
An electric steering lock device has a lock body to be installed in a mounting hole part of a steering column post of a vehicle, a drive part which generates a rotation drive power, a rotation shaft to be rotated by the rotation drive power of the drive part through a gear mechanism, a lock stopper to be screwed with the rotation shaft to move axially by rotating of the rotation shaft, a lock bar which moves between a lock position for locking a steering shaft by movement of the lock stopper and an unlock position for unlocking the steering shaft, and a bush. The bush has a load receiving part to receive thrust loading of the rotation shaft at least at one side of the rotation shaft, an installation claw part to be installed by inserting in a hole part of the lock body, and a bearing claw part to receive radial load by fitting to be slidably rotatable with an external diameter of the rotation shaft.
US07703301B2 Rapid fluid cooling system and refrigeration device having same
A system for rapidly cooling a liquid in a container within a refrigerator-freezer or freezer is provided. The housing has a space for receiving a container, and a rotator rotates the container about an axis. While the container is rotating, a sprayer sprays chilled cooling medium on the container in the housing. A reservoir stores the cooling medium when the system is not being used and maintains the cooling medium at a given temperature. At least one chilling surface is preferably provided over which the cooling medium flows and where ice may be stored. A recirculator such as a pump recirculates the cooling medium throughout the system.
US07703289B2 Internal fuel manifold having temperature reduction feature
A fuel manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises an annular fuel manifold and a plurality of fuel nozzles circumferentially distributed about the fuel manifold. The fuel manifold has at least one fuel conveying passage in fluid flow communication with the plurality of fuel nozzles and defines at least one location susceptible to overheating between two of the plurality of fuel nozzles. A slot extends through the fuel manifold in the susceptible location to reduce heat transfer in the fuel manifold while maintaining the fuel manifold assembly dynamically balanced.
US07703286B2 Internal fuel manifold and fuel fairing interface
A mounting system for an annular internal fuel manifold disposed within a gas turbine engine includes a fuel inlet assembly having a heat shield extending about at least a portion of an inner fuel inlet tube. The heat shield has a distal end engaged with the fuel manifold and has a radially outwardly projecting shoulder proximate an opposed proximal end thereof. The proximal end of the heat shield is received within a bushing disposed within a corresponding opening of a supporting casing. The shoulder of the heat shield retains the bushing in place.
US07703283B2 Automotive air blowers
An automotive air blower, in particular a supercharger, comprises an air pump, such as an air impeller (2) connected to the output shaft (4) of a transmission system, the input shaft of which is connected, in use, to the engine of a motor vehicle. The input and output shafts (6, 4) are connected to respective branches of a three-branch epicyclic differential gearset. The third branch of the gearset and the input shaft (6) are connected to the rotor (20, 22) of respective electrical machines, the electrical connections of the stators (24, 26) of which machines are connected together via a controller (27) arranged to control the flow of electric power between them.
US07703282B1 Heat exchanger with horizontal flowing charge air cooler
The heat exchanger of the present invention has a charge air cooler stacked upstream of a jacket water cooler. The charge air cooler is split into two sections. Each section has a vertical tank and header on the outside of the charge air cooler. Charge air enters the respective tanks and then horizontally flows to a vertical center tank, where it flows vertically to the outlet, and is routed to the engine. Maximum entering temperature differentials in the charge air cooler occurs at the sides of the cooler, as does maximum heat energy transfer. The air passing through the middle of the charge air cooler (adjacent the vertical center tank) gains the least amount of heat energy. The jacket water cooler can be a vertical flow cooler. A significant portion of the jacket water cooler at the middle of the jacket water cooler operates at increased entering temperature differential.
US07703279B2 Programmable cylinder, system and method for changing velocity of a machine element within a cylinder
A programmable cylinder, a system and a method change a velocity of a machine element within a compartment. A light detector within the compartment determines that the machine element is located at a first position or at a second position and/or is moving at a first velocity or at a second velocity. Switches determine that the machine element may be located at the first position or at the second position and/or is moving at the first velocity or at the second velocity. A microprocessor transmits a control signal to a transducer to alter an electrical current of the transducer to move valves of the compartment between an open position and a closed position. A compressed fluid within the interior of the compartment is changed via the valves. The machine element is accelerated and/or is decelerated to the first velocity or to the second velocity via the compressed fluid. A graphic user interface and/or a terminal accesses and controls the microprocessor and/or the transducer to move the machine element at the first velocity or at the second velocity within the compartment.
US07703277B2 Exhaust gas purifying apparatus for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises a casing which forms a part of an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and houses therein an occlusion-reduction type NOx catalyst and a reducing agent supply device which supplies a reducing agent to an interior of the casing on an upstream side of the NOx catalyst. The reducing agent supply device injects the reducing agent in a flat form in a direction intersecting a center line of the NOx catalyst from a nozzle hole disposed in the casing.
US07703274B2 Pintle injector
To provide a simple structured and low cost pintle injector capable of uniformly atomizing and mixing fuel and oxidizer, and further improving the combustion efficiency of the combustion reaction in the combustion chamber. A pintle injector part having a first propellant channel forms a first injector flow path as a regenerative cooling path along the pintle external wall that projects into a combustion chamber, and high temperature fuel gas is injected from the first pintle injector port. On the other hand, an axial injector part is located upstream of the first pintle injector port, and injects comparatively low temperature liquid or gas fuel from an axial injector port via a third propellant channel and a third injector flow path. Oxidizer is injected from a second pintle injector port via a second propellant channel and a second injector flow path, and is atomized and mixed while being impinged on either by the high temperature fuel gas and the comparatively low temperature liquid or gas fuel. The fuel injected from the first pintle injector port and the fuel injected from the axial injector port may be the same type or a different type of fuel.
US07703263B2 Method and device for shrinking a heat shrink film placed
A method using heat for shrinking a heat shrink film wrapping placed around a stack of items. The heat shrink film wrapping protrudes on the upper side of the stack of items at least beyond the upper edge of the stack of items to a top sheet film, which is welded to the heat shrink film wrapping. In the method hot gases rising up along the sides of the stack of items are diverted inward, in a direction parallel to the upper side of the stack of items, by a heat diverting and pressing apparatus, which is arranged above the stack of items. The heat diverting and pressing apparatus is for preheating and inwardly folding over the overhang of the heat shrink film wrapping and for preheating the top sheet film in the region of the upper side. The layers of the overhang are joined, by pressing the layers of the heat shrink film onto one another by the heat diverting and pressing apparatus. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method.
US07703262B2 Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having a device to treat bottles and a method of treating bottles with said device
A beverage bottling or container filling plant for filling bottles or containers with a liquid beverage material having a device which utilizes an ultraviolet source to treat the surfaces of the bottles or containers, and a method of treating the surfaces of bottles or containers with the ultraviolet source of the device.
US07703253B2 Segmented band joist batts and method of manufacture
Insulation is partially divided into segments (200a), wherein each of the segments (200a) has an R-value and thickness and has length and width dimensions of, at least somewhat greater than 9.5 inches by at least somewhat greater than 14.5 inches to fill band joist cavities between spaced apart joists (106); and the batt (200) is either three segments (200a) in length or four segments (200a) in length, or is folded at intervals of the three segments (200a) in length or four segments in length (200a), and the batt (200) has a width of either one segment (200a) or two segments (200a), and the segments (200a) of the same batt (200) are partially divided from one another and remain in the batt (200) until separated at the point of use or installation.
US07703247B2 Sheet metal corner studs
Corner studs (10, 10′) have webs that are folded into two parts (16, 18) separated by an angle of between about 150° and 270°. These studs are used at corners formed where two framing walls meet. The first wall has upper and lower channel members with continuous flanges. The second wall has upper and lower channel members with squared ends that abut continuous flanges of upper and lower channels of the first framing wall. Studs (10, 10′) are provided which webs that include flange-receiving slots (12, 28) that extend from the ends of the studs (10, 10′) longitudinally inwardly along a bend line (14) between the two web parts (16, 18). The flanges (36, 52) are received within these slots (12, 28) so that a first portion of the studs (10, 10′) can be installed into the channel space of the first channel member and the remaining portion of the studs (10, 10′) can be installed into the channel space of the channel members of the second wall.
US07703244B2 Joint structure using a gusset plate, a building using the joint structure and a method of assembling or reinforcing a building
A joint structure includes a splice plate and a gusset plate, which can prevent out-of-plane buckling of the gusset plate without the necessity of welding a stiffening rib plate thereon. The joint structure includes a gusset plate and at least one splice plate connected to the gusset plate. Each of the splice plates is constructed from section steel having a non-rectangular cross-section. The joint structure can be used in a building during assembly of the building or for reinforcement of the building.
US07703243B2 Ceiling tile construction
A ceiling tile of gypsum and cellulose fibers formed into a board by initially mixing the fibers and gypsum in a water-based slurry that is felted and thereafter pressed and dried with a desired board thickness, the dried board being processed to form a plurality of holes in a face thereof through at least the majority of the thickness of the board, the collective volume of the holes being sufficient to reduce the weight of the board by at least 10% and increase the NRC exhibited by the board over that which would otherwise be found in a board of the same composition without such holes.
US07703240B2 Automatic subterranean watering device
An automatic watering system for a plant growing in a growth medium, wherein the system comprises a water storage reservoir substantially filled with water and an air-tight closure that substantially seals a fill aperture. Water flows out of a reservoir drain opening through a water drain conduit and air in a water feed reservoir escapes through an air return conduit and into the water storage reservoir until a float valve seals the lower end of the air return conduit. Water thereafter flows into a growth medium through water feed apertures until the water level in a water feed reservoir drops below a water drain conduit and air is allowed to escape into the water storage reservoir therethrough. Thereafter the pressure differential between the water storage reservoir and the water feed reservoir is equalized, releasing the float valve to repeat the cycle. The latent heat generated by the roots of the plant evaporates water in the growth medium to allow the water storage reservoir to supply water to the growth medium.
US07703236B2 Method and apparatus for killing insects
An apparatus and a method are provided for killing insects on vegetation using an insecticide, where the insecticide does not contact the vegetation. In one embodiment, an absorbent material is placed on an upper surface of a disc mower. The absorbent material is soaked with insecticide, and as a tractor moves the mower through a field of hay, insects land on the insecticide-laden material and die from the toxic effect of the insecticide. In another embodiment, an L-shaped blade outfitted with an insecticide-laden mat is mounted transverse to the front of an all-terrain vehicle or a tractor, which is driven through a field. The blade, or alternatively a feeder bar attached to the blade, brushes the tips of vegetation in the field, causing bugs and insects to fly, fall or jump from the vegetation onto the insecticide-laden mat, where the insecticide kills some, most or all of the bugs and insects.
US07703227B2 Illuminated poster frame
Illuminated poster frame with a frame box including a front frame, side panels and a rear panel, the frame box including a front clear panel. The top panel of the frame box has a slit to removably retain an inner frame that houses a poster. The inner frame has a front frame portion and a rear frame portion to removably retain the poster. The poster is printed on transparent of translucent material capable of transmitting light so that the entire poster is illuminated. The inside of the frame box includes a formed sheet having a plurality of recesses that each retains an amber LED. A translucent sheet placed in front of the LED holding sheet diffuses the light emanating from the LED's. A power source such as a battery supply or a wall pack transformer powers the LED's.
US07703225B2 Frameless display fixture
A display apparatus can include a substantially self-supporting panel adapted to be erected and used without the use of a support frame. In one embodiment, a frameless display fixture includes first and second panels fastened to one another proximal their upper edges, recesses adapted to receive retail merchandise integrally formed along a front side of the panel, and mating portions proximal their lower edge which interlock with a substantially rigid base unit such that the lower edges of the panels are held a fixed distance from one another. The first and second panels may be substantially mutually self-supporting so as to form a frameless display fixture.
US07703224B2 Wearing parts system for detachable fitting of wearing parts for the tool of a cultivating machine
The invention relates to a wearing parts system (1) intended for the tool of a tilling machine of the type which comprises a holder part (3), having a front end part (8), and an exchangeable wearing and/or replacement part (2), arranged over this end part and comprising a hood-shaped (6) hollow (7) which, when the wearing part (2) is fitted in place, is designed to grip over the end part and is fixed thereto by means of at least one locking device (27) placed through interacting openings (28), the end part and the hollow having front, rear and collateral contact zones (9, 22, 23), each comprising contact faces (10, 25, 26), disposed one on the holder part and one on the wearing part, for the absorption of acting vertical, horizontal and collateral forces Fx, Fy and Fz. The contact faces (25, 26) are designed to interact so as, on the one hand, to limit the pushing-on of the wearing part over the holder part and, on the other hand, to ensure that the contact between the contact faces will be made, primarily, at the common centre M0, of the two radii (of a recess and a projection) essentially in the horizontal plane YZ and secondarily, as the wear has progressed, symmetrically about this mid contact point as an increasingly large contact zone (22′, 23′).
US07703223B2 Motorized snowblower chute control assembly and related methods
A chute control assembly and related methods for mounting a motor to a snowblower are disclosed, wherein the motor is capable of being operated to rotate the chute of the snowblower. The motor and a chute bottom holding bracket can be preassembled so that the assembly can then be slipped over the chute gear for final assembly. The motor can receive electrical impulses from the movement of a standard control handle mounted on the snowblower. The electrical impulses can cause the motor to rotate a worm gear or pinion in either direction depending on the movement of the handle. The worm gear or pinion can rotate a gear chute in an appropriate direction, thereby rotating the chute of the snowblower.
US07703220B2 Woven shoe with integral lace loops
An article of footwear includes a woven region. A fit adjustment system includes a lace strap superimposed with strands of material forming the woven region. The lace strap is routed around the shoe and forms opposing pairs of lace holding elements such as lace loops. More specifically, the lace strap extends downwardly from a lace holding element on a first side of the upper, across and underneath the footbed, around the heel region, back across and underneath the footbed, and upwardly to form a lace holding element on the second side. By the routing of the lace strap, the lace strap is integrated with the heel and arch portions of the shoe. A shoe lace is routed through the lace holding elements and may be adjusted to affect the fit of the upper to a foot of a user.
US07703213B2 Vehicle wheel alignment system and methodology
A hybrid wheel alignment system and methodology use passive targets for a first pair of wheels (e.g. front wheels) and active sensing heads for another pair of wheels (e.g. rear wheels). The active sensing heads combine image sensors for capturing images of the targets with at least one spatial relationship sensor for sensing a relationship between the active sensing heads. One or both of the active sensing heads may include inclinometers or the like, for sensing one or more tilt angles of the respective sensing head. Data from the active sensing heads may be sent to a host computer for processing to derive one or more vehicle measurements, for example, for measurement of parameters useful in wheel alignment applications.
US07703211B1 Easy lift saw platform
An extendable tree trimming saw is made easy to handle by providing a foot plate on which to rest the weight of the pole and a winch for raising and lowering the saw. The extendable pole is pivotally connected to the foot plate, preferably through a coil spring or elastomeric mass that aides in holding the pole upright and restoring it to an upright position after a cutting operation.
US07703204B2 Method for manufacturing a flat cable harness
Among each of the conductors 4a to 4e that form the flat cable 2 of the flat harness 1, at the installation part of the relay connector 6, conductors 4a and 4e, conductors 4a1 and 4a2, and conductors 4e1 and 4e2 are respectively cut and separated, and then connected to the relay connection terminal 8. Thereby, the number of conductors 4 that form the flat cable 2 is decreased to a minimum, and thus it is possible to decrease the unnecessary amount of material. In addition, in the manufacturing steps, the crimping step of the flat cable 2 to the relay connector 6, the cutting step, and the molding step are carried out in one step, and thus the number of manufacturing steps can be decreased.
US07703201B2 Method of embedding tamper proof layers and discrete components into printed circuit board stack-up
A method for embedding tamper proof layers and discrete components into a printed circuit board stack-up is disclosed. According to this method, a plating mask is applied on a base substrate to cover partially one of its faces. Conductive ink is then spread on this face so as to fill the gap formed by the plating mask. To obtain a uniform distribution of the conductive ink and then gel it, the conductive ink is preferably heated. A dielectric layer is applied on the conductive ink layer and the polymerization process is ended to obtain a strong adhesion between these two layers. In a preferred embodiment, conductive tracks are simultaneously designed on the other face of the base substrate to reduce thermo-mechanical strains and deformations.
US07703193B2 Methods and apparatus for controlling the lapping of a slider based on an amplitude of a readback signal produced from an externally applied magnetic field
The lapping of a slider is controlled based on an amplitude of a readback signal which is produced from an externally applied magnetic field. A lapping plate is used to lap a slider which includes at least one magnetic head having a read sensor. During the lapping, a coil produces a magnetic field around the slider and processing circuitry monitors both a readback signal amplitude and a resistance of the read sensor. The lapping of the slider is terminated based on the monitoring both the readback signal amplitude and the resistance. Preferably, the lapping of the slider is terminated when the resistance is within a predetermined resistance range and the readback signal amplitude is above a predetermined minimum amplitude threshold or reaches its peak value. Asymmetry can also be measured in the described system, where the lapping process is terminated based on asymmetry as well as resistance and amplitude measurements.
US07703192B2 Method for producing a coil winding for stators or rotors of electrical machines
A method for producing a pattern of coil windings in which each coil turn has one fillet each in two slots, and the two fillets are joined by a head portion. A plurality of coil turns are made simultaneously by winding n parallel wires with intermediate spacing onto a rotatable former. To obtain small winding heads, there is a repeating of: a laying work step where one fillet and the wire length of one head portion are laid on the former; and a displacing work step where the resultant fillets together with the adjoining first end of the respective associated head portions, and the wire guide together with the second end of these head portions, are displaced relative to one another along the former by n times the intermediate spacing of the wires. Next, the winding is removed from the former, and pressed flat.
US07703184B2 Device for creating a seal between fabrics or other materials
A device for forming a seal includes upper and lower seal members, and a slider, wherein mating surfaces of the seal members interlock. In at least one embodiment, a lifting rib and closure bar on the slider cooperate with a lifting wing and closure bar groove on the upper and lower seal members, respectively. By moving the slider in one direction, the lifting rib lifts the upper seal member from the lower seal member. Moving the slider in the opposite direction causes the upper and lower seal members to interlock. In another embodiment, a slider has an intermediate lateral member connected on one side the slider top, and connected on the other side to the slider bottom. A breakaway sealing device is also provided, allowing a person to break the closed seal. A beginning stop block is also provided that includes a means for securing the upper seal member.
US07703181B2 Cord tensioning apparatus and method of securing a cord using the same
A cord tensioning apparatus includes a first cord guide, a second cord guide, and a cord cleat coupled between the first and second cord guides, the cord cleat including a groove, the cord cleat adapted to grip a portion of a cord occupying a cord gripping region within the groove. The first and second cord guides are adapted to receive a cord and restrict a movement of the cord within the cord cleat.
US07703171B2 Complex type cleaner
A cleaner includes a body provided with a dust collecting container for storing dust, a fan motor installed at the body and generating a suction force; a vacuum cleaning head disposed at a lower side of the body, into which dust is sucked when the cleaner performs vacuum cleaning. A water cleaning head is mounted at the vacuum cleaning head, for spraying cleaning water onto a region to be cleaned, sucking contaminated water after completing water cleaning, and storing the sucked contaminated water, when water cleaning. By implementing both a vacuum cleaning function for sucking dust and a water cleaning function in one cleaner, a cleaner capable of reducing the cost and, increasing convenience of use is provided.
US07703170B2 Self-cleaning wet dry vacuum cleaning device
A self-cleaning wet dry vacuum cleaning device for collecting and disposing of waste material and specifically animal waste, the device including a waste collection system for collecting and breaking up the waste, the waste collection system including a self-cleaning intake nozzle, a vacuum in communication with the waste collection system for providing suction to the intake nozzle, a waste storage system in communication with the vacuum for storing waste vacuumed into the intake nozzle, a fluid dispensing system having a fluid reservoir including a piston system, the piston system for consistently dispensing fluid from the fluid reservoir to the intake nozzle and a leash system, all of which are all integrated with or removably engageable with the device's body.
US07703167B2 Squeegee having reduced friction characteristics
A squeegee blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5 and 42 weight percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than about 25 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a squeegee blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.
US07703166B2 Riding floor and edge stripper applicator
A riding floor and edge stripper applicator comprises a frame including attached thereto at least three wheels, a seat and a drive and steering mechanism for driving and steering the wheels. The stripper includes at least one tank mounted on the frame for holding stripping solution in fluid communication with supply conduits for delivering stripping solution to the mops. It further includes a central mop for receiving striping solution from the supply conduits and applying the solution to the floor. The stripper further includes at least one swinging mop for receiving striping solution from the supply conduits and applying the solution to a floor, the swinging mop pivotally attached at one distal end to the central mop and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position.
US07703154B2 Safety lid
An embodiment of the safety lid system includes a container having an interior chamber and a lid moveably connected to the container, an arm having a locking end is functionally connected to the lid, and a holding device having an interior channel adapted for disposing a portion of the locking end is connected to the container. The locking end of the arm is moveable from a locked position wherein the locking end is disposed within the channel of the holding device securing the lid to the container in a position restricting access to the interior chamber and an unlocked position wherein the locking end is removed from the channel. The arm may be biased toward the container wherein when the system is in the locked position the arm must be urged outward from the container to lift the lid from the container.
US07703152B2 Head and neck restraint system
A head and neck restraint system includes a headpiece, a saddle, and tensioners connecting the headpiece to the saddle. The headpiece resides on top of a crew member's head and the saddle includes a saddle strap residing under the crew member's buttocks. The tensioners are pneumatic muscles which contract when a flow of gas is provided by gas generators. The gas generators are triggered by a G-sensor or by the initiation of a predetermined event. Triggering signals pass through a manifold from an ejection seat, aircraft, or vehicle. Contraction of the pneumatic muscles pulls the headpiece toward the saddle, thereby restraining the head, neck, and spine. The system is worn as an undergarment or incorporated into a garment. A manual adjustment provides head support during flight. The system is particularly useful for preventing head and neck injuries during ejection from or crash of an aircraft or vehicle.
US07703149B2 Protective covers for drivers and vehicle passengers
A bib for use by an individual seated in a vehicle having a vehicle cup holder mounted in the vehicle adjacent the seated individual, includes an upper section for covering at least a portion of the seated individual's front torso which is attached in such a way as to maintain the upper section in a substantially vertical position on the seated individual, a lower section for covering the seated individual's lap and thighs, and a lateral section extending from the lower section to beyond the vehicle cup holder, with a portion of the lateral section adapted to be inserted in the vehicle cup holder and releasably maintained therein. The bib includes an upper absorbent surface for absorbing liquid spills and a lower impermeable surface for preventing liquid spills from contacting the seated individual or the vehicle.