US07688167B2
A contact electrode for a device is made using an etching process to etch the surface of the contact electrode to form a corrugated contact surface wherein the outer edges of at least one grain is recessed from the outer edges of adjacent grains and is recessed by at least about 0.05 μm from the contact plane. By having such a corrugated surface, the contact electrode is likely to contact another conductor with at least one pure metal grain. This etching treatment reduces contact resistance and contact resistance variability throughout many cycles of use of the contact electrode.
US07688160B2
A coil structure for a filter device includes a first metallization deposited over a substrate and oriented in a first coil. The first coil extends horizontally across the substrate while maintaining a substantially flat vertical profile. A second metallization is deposited over the substrate and oriented in a second coil. The second coil is magnetically coupled to the first coil. A portion of the second coil is oriented interiorly of the first coil. A third metallization is deposited over the substrate and oriented in a third coil. The third coil is magnetically coupled to the first and second coils. A portion of the third coil is oriented interiorly of the second coil.
US07688157B2
A modulation system includes an amplitude modulation path and a phase modulation path coupled to the amplitude modulation path. One of the amplitude modulation path and the phase modulation path receive a reduced current such that the reduced current reduces power consumption by the system. Preferably, the amplitude modulation path receives the reduced current. The amplitude modulation path has a first set of components and a second set of components. The first set of components consumes less power by using slower operation. The second set of components consumes less power by effectively not operating, or being turned off.
US07688151B2
An aging compensation method for an oscillator circuit device, in which the oscillator circuit device receives a control voltage from an application end, and outputs a clock signal with a predetermined frequency in response to the control voltage, includes the steps of: a) inspecting the control voltage from the application end to obtain a first value thereof; b) after a predetermined time period has elapsed, inspecting the control voltage from the application end to obtain a second value thereof; c) determining whether there is a difference between the first and second values of the control voltage; d) if it is determined that there is a difference, performing compensation on the value of the control voltage based on the difference; and e) repeating steps b) through d).
US07688150B2
Embodiments disclosed herein may provide circuits having two or more different supplies to separately power analog and digital components in a circuit. In some embodiments, circuits such as PLLs may be provided with adjustable analog supplies. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed herein.
US07688145B2
A variable gain amplifying device that amplifies an input signal and outputs the amplified signal, has a controlling circuit that controls the gain by controlling turning on and off of first MOS transistors and third MOS transistors so that the sum of the number of first MOS transistors turned on and the number of third MOS transistors turned on is “n” by outputting a control signal to the gates of the first MOS transistors and the third MOS transistors.
US07688136B2
In some embodiments, a circuit includes a power amplifier including an input terminal configured to receive an input signal and an output terminal to provide an RF voltage, the output terminal coupled to a load, a current sensor configured to sense the current drawn by the power amplifier and provide a first sensor output signal dependent upon current consumption when the current exceeds a predetermined current threshold, a voltage sensor configured to sense the output power of the power amplifier and provide a second sensor output signal when the RF voltage during up ramp falls below a predetermined threshold voltage, and a summing circuit configured to receive the first and second sensor output signals and provide a feedback signal including a combination of a power dependent contribution and either of a voltage dependent contribution or a current dependent contribution.
US07688134B2
The present invention solves characteristic deterioration caused by peaking and a ground inductance, and provides a transimpedance amplifier capable of achieving a higher gain and a wider band. For this purpose, the transimpedance amplifier is configured to include a feedback circuit having two or more extreme frequencies and having a filter characteristic which is flat with respect to frequencies in a frequency region not more than a smallest extreme frequency among the extreme frequencies, which is flat with respect to frequencies in a frequency region not less than a largest extreme frequency among the extreme frequencies, and which has at least one negative inclination portion with respect to frequencies in a frequency region between the smallest and largest extreme frequencies.
US07688123B2
A delay apparatus, and a delay locked loop circuit and a semiconductor memory apparatus using the same are provided. A delay locked loop circuit includes a register controlled delay part that delays a plurality of clocks input during an initial operation by delay amounts among initial delay amounts to be varied, which are set according to initial state setting signals, and increases or decreases the set delay amounts according to a phase detecting signal after the initial operation, a phase comparator that compares a phase of any one of the plurality of clocks and a phase of any one of the plurality of clocks delayed by the register controlled delay part and outputs the phase detecting signal, and an initial state setting unit that generates the initial state setting signals.
US07688121B2
A power supply voltage detection circuit is provided including: a first switch to connect between a power supply voltage terminal and a first terminal according to a power supply voltage detection signal and an external signal; a second switch to connect between a reference potential terminal and a second terminal according to the power supply voltage detection signal and the external signal; a first resistance connected between the second terminal and the power supply voltage terminal; and a third switch connecting between the first terminal and the reference potential terminal according to a voltage of the second terminal; and an output circuit outputting the power supply voltage detection signal based on a signal from the first terminal.
US07688115B2
A CMOS output driver is provided for driving a capacitive load over a circuit trace in high speed applications. The CMOS output driver comprises a signal input and a signal output. The output driver has a first buffer amplifier with an input connected to the signal input and an output connected to the signal output through a resistor. A second buffer amplifier is also provided, which has an input connected to the signal input and an output connected to the signal output through a capacitor.
US07688114B2
A ratio asymmetric inverter has a signal input, signal output, first and second power inputs, pullup and pulldown transistors, and at least one delay element. The pullup transistor has a gate terminal, a source terminal coupled to the first power input, and a drain terminal coupled to the signal output. The pulldown transistor has a gate terminal, a drain terminal coupled to the signal output, and a source terminal coupled to the second power input. The signal input is respectively coupled to the gate terminals of the pullup transistor and the pulldown transistor via first and second signal paths. The at least one delay element is included in only one of the first and second signal paths, to impart a longer propagation delay to the one of the first and second signal paths.
US07688113B2
A transceiver suitable for interfacing a logic device to a shared bus includes a transmit node that receives an input signal from the logic device and an I/O node, that is coupled to the shared bus. The transceiver may be designed for use with a shared-bus, single master, multiple slave architecture, e.g., a Local Interconnect Network (LIN). In a LIN compliant implementation, the transceiver may be suitable for use in at least some types of automobiles and other motorized vehicles. Control logic coupled to the transmit node may assert a current driver enable signal in response to detecting an assertion of the input signal. A current driver of the transceiver is configured to draw a time varying driver current from the shared bus node after detecting an assertion of the current driver enable signal. The driver current may cause a sinusoidal transition of the shared bus voltage.
US07688104B2
An on-die termination (ODT) control in a semiconductor memory device compensates for a change in an external voltage. The on-die termination device includes a voltage comparator that compares an external voltage to a set internal reference voltage. The compared values are sent to a controller that controls an on-die termination impedance value according to the output signal from the voltage comparator. Based on the output of the controller, the present invention spontaneously controls an on-die termination resistance value according to the change in the external voltage without degrading device characteristics during high-speed operation.
US07688099B2
A sequential semiconductor device tester, and in particular to a sequential semiconductor device tester is disclosed. In accordance with the sequential semiconductor device tester, a function of generating a test pattern data for a test of a semiconductor device and a function of carrying out the test are separated to sequentially test the semiconductor device, to maintain a signal integrity and to improve an efficiency of the test by carrying out a test under an application environment or an ATE test according to the test selection command.
US07688089B2
A probe test head for a high density pin count integrated circuit, includes: a flexible membrane; an array of conductive structures, each one of the structures including a mechanically compliant probe tip affixed to the membrane, such that an attachment point enables mechanical actuation of the probe tip through a conductive member parallel to the membrane. A method for fabrication and measurement apparatus are provided.
US07688085B2
In some embodiments of the invention, a probing apparatus can comprise a substrate, a spring structure attached to the substrate, and a plurality of resilient probes attached to the spring structure. Each probe can comprise a contact portion disposed to contact a device. The spring structure can provide a first source of compliance for each of the probes in response to forces on the contact portions of the probes, and each of the probes can individually provide second sources of compliance in response to the forces on the contact portions of the probes.
US07688084B2
A testing apparatus and a method for detecting a contact deficiency of an electrically conductive connection. The testing apparatus comprises a measuring chamber, in which several system elements of the connection that are connected in an electrically conductive fashion are positioned, a heat radiator that is supplied with energy and the transferred thermal radiation of which is emitted into the measuring chamber and directed toward the region of the system elements that, after having been heated, generate a thermal field of the insulated and the metallic system components of these connected system elements, a thermal (image) acquisition unit for optically capturing the generated thermal field and for realizing a signal conversion into a thermal image of the connected system elements, and a thermal (image) reproduction unit for the visual reproduction of the converted thermal image.
US07688082B2
A capacitive fingerprint sensor comprises a first transistor, a second transistor, a fingerprint capacitor and a third transistor. The fingerprint capacitor has a capacitance that is either a valley capacitance CFV or a ridge capacitance CFR, wherein CFV is smaller than CFR. The first transistor is configured to precharge the fingerprint capacitor. The second transistor is configured to discharge the fingerprint capacitor toward a bias voltage VB. The third transistor is configured to output the voltage of the fingerprint capacitor after discharge.
US07688070B2
An imaging coil (12) includes multiple end rings (52). A center ring (53) extends parallel to and is coupled between the end rings (52). Multiple legs (86) are coupled between the end rings (52) and the center ring (53). The end rings (52) may have a first radius (R1) that is greater than a second radius (R2) of the center ring (53). The imaging coil (12) may include more than 16 legs. The imaging coil (12) may include multiple capacitor groupings (98) coupled along the end rings (52), each capacitor grouping (98) has multiple capacitors (102) with a coverage area width (W) greater than 5.0 cm. The center ring (53) may be coupled to a ground reference (110) and has low impedance such that the center ring (53) is effectively shorted to the ground reference (110).
US07688068B2
A system and method for combining parallel imaging and compressed sensing techniques to reconstruct an MR image includes a computer programmed to acquire undersampled MR data for a plurality of k-space locations that is less than an entirety of a k-space grid. The computer is further programmed to synthesize unacquired MR data by way of a parallel imaging technique for a portion of k-space location at which MR data was not acquired and apply a compressed sensing reconstruction technique to generate a reconstructed image from the acquired undersampled MR data and the synthesized unacquired data.
US07688056B2
The present invention provides a porous particle loaded with a larger amount of biological substance. A rod-shaped particle according to the present invention includes a plurality of mesopores that crosses the major axis of the rod-shaped particle and that is loaded with the biological substance.
US07688053B2
The present invention relates to a variable voltage regulating device for modulating output voltage, comprising the implementation means of duty cycle modulation and control signal modulation. The duty cycle modulation mechanism entails the use of pulse signals with different duty cycles to produce different voltage signals in the resistor-capacitor network, which are regulated to obtain a control voltage. The original output voltage is then modulated by the control signal and the resistor network based on the Kirchhoff's current law to produce a new output voltage. The control signal modulation mechanism uses the field effect transistor switch to control the resistor network and then uses the resistor network and the Kirchhoff's current law to modulate the original output voltage and deliver a new output voltage.
US07688052B2
In one embodiment, a charge pump circuit is used to keep a boost capacitor of a power supply system charged while the switch transistors are not switching such as when the power supply system is operating in a burst mode of operation.
US07688049B2
In a level shift circuit including: an inverter circuit having a series circuit of a Pch-type transistor and an Nch-type transistor, which re connected between electrodes of a floating power supply; and a transistor Q1 in which a drain terminal and a source terminal are connected between an input terminal of the inverter circuit and a ground, wherein a drain terminal and source terminal of a transistor Q2 are connected between one terminal of the floating power supply and the drain of the transistor Q1, and a drain terminal and source terminal of a transistor Q3 are connected between a control terminal of the transistor Q2 and the ground.
US07688043B2
In a conventional reactive-power compensator using a static reactive-power compensator (SVC), there are many cases in which the SVC is operating in a state in which it generates an amount of reactive power equivalent to a large part of its capacity. When an unforeseen large voltage fluctuation occurs in this state, the SVC can not sufficiently generate the amount of reactive power required to mitigate the voltage fluctuation. In some cases, such a voltage fluctuation can not be brought under control. To address this situation, a reactive-power compensator utilizes a reactive-power control apparatus that includes a comparison voltage generator for generating, for a control target voltage and to mitigate voltage fluctuation, a comparison voltage restricted within predetermined limits and obeying a predetermined time-lag characteristic. A differential voltage generator generates a differential voltage that is the difference between the comparison voltage and the control target voltage. A reactive-power control device controls, in response to the differential voltage, control-target reactive power generated by an SVC, at a time-related characteristic faster than the time-lag characteristic for the comparison voltage.
US07688035B2
A portable device includes a battery, electronic circuitry, and a peak current provider that provides a peak current to the electronic circuitry. Power is supplied to the portable device by connecting a battery to a peak current provider, charging the peak current provider, and supplying a current from the battery to electronic circuitry of the portable device, when a current required by the electronic circuitry is less than or equal to a preset value, and disconnecting the battery from the peak current provider and supplying a current from the peak current provider to the electronic circuitry, when a current required by the electronic circuitry is greater than the preset value.
US07688034B2
A device for powering one or more electric/electronic devices operatively associated with a low-voltage circuit breaker takes energy from a power supply line. An electronic regulator receives the energy collected as an input and delivering as an output to the electric/electronic device a power supply voltage (Vout) having a value within a preset range with respect to a reference voltage (VR). The electronic regulator includes an energy storage device chargeable by the energy collected, at the terminals of which a voltage (VCL) is established that is indicative of the power supply voltage (Vout) delivered to the electric/electronic device. A circuit enables/disables the charging of the storage device, and a feedback circuit receives a signal indicative of the voltage (VCL) at the terminals of the storage device and sends a signal to the enabling/disabling circuit to trigger the disabling or enabling of the charging process in order to keep the value of the voltage at the terminals of the storage device within a preset range. The feedback circuit enables the charging phases so as to power the storage device continuously up until the value of the voltage at their terminals comes within the preset range.
US07688033B2
Based on a plurality of valid data sets from a data set selection portion, an internal-resistance-during-charging calculation portion calculates the value Rc of internal resistance during charging from the slope of a voltage-current linear approximation during charging, and an internal-resistance-during-charging-and-discharging calculation portion calculates the value Rcd of internal resistance during charging and discharging from the slope of a voltage-current linear approximation during charging and discharging. A judgment portion compares the absolute value ΔR of the difference between Rcd and Rc that has been calculated by a difference computation portion with a first predetermined value ΔRT1, and when ΔR≦ΔRT1 is satisfied, the judgment portion outputs Rcd or Rc, whichever is smaller, as the value of internal resistance of a secondary battery.
US07688025B2
An electronic device includes a battery-pack installing portion that holds a battery pack in a detachable manner; sensing means for sensing that a battery pack is installed in the battery-pack installing portion; detecting means for detecting data related with a state of the installed battery pack sensed by the sensing means; determining means for determining whether the battery pack has a fault based on the detected data; and first restricting means for restricting a recharging operation of the battery pack if the battery pack is determined to have the fault by the determining means.
US07688015B2
The invention relates to a piece of furniture and to a device for moving a first furniture part relative to a second furniture part using a drive unit by means of which the first furniture part can be moved, in the driven manner, relative to the second furniture part via a monitoring unit for movement monitoring of the first furniture part. In order to adopt a position better between the furniture parts, the monitoring unit is designed to preset a movement of the first furniture part through a predefined movement distance away from a mechanical stop after a movement of the first furniture part to a position which is defined by the mechanical stop, with the first furniture part being locked in the position that is reached, as a final position.
US07688014B2
A communication protocol is employed between a movable barrier operator and an associated wall button using the traditional signaling wires connecting them. Implementing the communication protocol using the existing signaling wires also allows backward compatibility with the traditional push wall buttons that have a physical contact switch. In one embodiment, the communication protocol allows bi-directional communication between the moveable barrier operator and the wall button. The bi-directional embodiment of the protocol allows further communications, such as handshaking, signal confirmation and more advanced control between the wall unit and the barrier operator.
US07688013B2
A closure system for controlling speed of a closure member, where the closure system includes a controller for transitioning speed of a closure member being operated in response to an obstacle being sensed in the path of the closure member. In one embodiment, a linear speed control algorithm determines the speed transitioning. In response to sensing contact with an obstacle, the controller may use a conventional contact process to stop or reverse the closure member. The closure system provides for a higher closing velocity of the closure member than conventional closure systems.
US07687993B2
A technology effective for improving the luminous efficiency, lifetime, and color temperature of a PDP having phosphor layers of three colors is disclosed. A PDP comprises a plurality of narrow tubes (60) arrayed on a substrate (51). In each narrow tube (60), one of phosphor layers (61R; 61B, 61G) is formed and a discharge gas is contained. The compositions and pressures of the discharge gases are set within appropriate ranges respectively corresponding to the phosphor layers (61R, 61B, 61G). Consequently, the PDP can have a lengthened life-time and an improved luminous efficiency. Reductions of variation in breakdown voltage and adjustment of color temperature are also possible with this constitution.
US07687992B2
A gating large area hybrid photomultiplier tube that includes an envelope, a photocathode for emitting electrons in correspondence with incident light entering the envelope, a collecting anode having a semiconductor device which has an electron incident surface for receiving photoelectrons emitted from the photocathode, a gating grid for gating the photoelectrons emitted from the photocathode, an electron optical system for focusing and directing the photoelectrons generated by the photocathode toward the electron incident surface, and an ion target for collecting positive ions from the photoelectrons. The envelope has a first opening and a second opening; the photocathode is disposed at the first opening, while the collecting anode is disposed at the second opening of the envelope.
US07687990B2
In an OLED device having a substrate, a first electrode layer disposed over the substrate, an inorganic short reduction layer disposed over the first electrode layer, an organic electroluminescent medium disposed over the short reduction layer, and a second electrode layer over the electroluminescent medium, a feature is the inclusion of a mixture of ZnS, SiO2, and ITO in the short reduction layer wherein the ratio of In atoms to Zn atoms is in the range of from 0.90 to 2.37.
US07687988B2
The invention provides a display device of which a contrast ratio is enhanced. By providing stacked polarizing plates so as to be in a cross nicol state, a contrast ratio of a display device can be enhanced. The stacked polarizing plates are stacked outside a light-transmissive insulating substrate in a parallel nicol state. When the number of polarizing plates is four or five in total, a contrast ratio becomes the highest.
US07687987B2
A main object of the present invention is to provide an organic EL element being excellent in light emitting characteristics, characteristics of an organic EL layer and current-voltage characteristic. To attain the object, the invention discloses—an organic electroluminescent element comprises a substrate, an anode layer formed on the substrate, an organic electroluminescent layer formed on the anode layer and—containing at least a light emitting layer, a semitransparent cathode layer formed on the organic electroluminescent layer, a transparent buffer layer formed on the semitransparent cathode layer and having an impact buffering function, and a transparent electroconductive protection layer formed on the transparent buffer layer and having an oxidation preventing function. A contact region in which the semitransparent cathode layer and the transparent electroconductive protection layer contact with each other is provided in a non-display area.
US07687978B2
A channel electron multiplier including a single channel CEM for receiving an input particle. A multi-channel CEM is positioned after the single channel CEM for receiving emissions from the single channel CEM. An electron collector is positioned after the multi-channel CEM for generating a pulse current in response to emissions from the multi-channel CEM.
US07687973B2
In a friction drive actuator 1 according to the invention, a rotor 2 and a stator 4 are held in contact at a plurality of positions by a plurality of vibrators 3, and at least one of the vibrators 3 vibrates to rotate the rotor 2 relative to the stator 4. Accordingly, the rotor 2 is supported without using a bearing and, hence, the rotor 2 can be more easily elastically deformed as compared with the case where the rotor 2 and the stator 4 are held in contact over the entire circumference. Therefore, a frictional force between the stator 4 and the rotor can be stabilized.
US07687970B2
An actuator arrangement comprising a piezoelectric actuator having a body section, a shroud which enshrouds at least part of the body section of the actuator, and at least one constrictive member disposed externally with respect to the shroud. The constrictive member applies a constrictive force to the shroud to maintain a seal between the shroud and the underlying body section of the actuator.
US07687969B2
Provided are a radial core type brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor and a method of making the same, having an excellent assembly capability of division type stator cores in a double rotor structure BLDC motor. The BLDC motor includes a rotational shaft, an integrated double rotor including an inner rotor and an outer rotor, and a rotor supporter wherein a trench type space is formed between the inner rotor and the outer rotor, and an end extended from the inner rotor is connected with the outer circumferential surface of a bushing combined with the rotational shaft, and an integrated stator wherein one end of the stator is disposed in the trench type space and an extension axially extended from the other end of the integrated stator is fixed to the housing of the apparatus. In the integrated stator, U, V, W phase coil assemblies are formed of a number of core groups including a number of division type cores, wherein for each phase coil assembly, the division type core groups of the U, V, W phase coil assemblies are alternately disposed in an annular form in sequence of the phases, and the respective division type core groups are integrally formed into a single body in annular form by a stator support.
US07687968B2
A generator may incorporate a positively restrained balance ring. A generator may include a rotor core including a rotor, and a balance ring. The balance ring may include a weight. The balancer may include a plurality of balance holes in the ring, at least one of the plurality of balance holes to receive a weighted insert. A method of balancing a rotor of a generator may include mounting a balance ring adjacent to a rotor core, and adjusting weights to be located at one or more of a plurality of positions equally spaced around the balance ring to balance the rotor.
US07687967B2
A brush assembly for an alternator includes a brush, a brush holder holing the brush, and a slip ring cover for covering a slip ring on a rotary shaft of the alternator. The brush holder and the slip ring cover respectively have first and second through-holes that can be brought into alignment with each other by application of a mechanical force. The alignment allows a retainer to be placed through both the first and second through-holes to retain the brush in the brush holder against the spring force of a spring, thereby permitting installation of the brush assembly onto the rotary shaft to be carried out without interference between the brush and the slip ring. The first and second through-holes are brought out of the alignment by removal of the mechanical force and the retainer, thereby blocking foreign matters from entering inside through both the first and second through-holes.
US07687962B2
In this stator, first and second U-phase loop windings and first and second W-phase loop windings are short-pitch wave windings, and the width in the circumferential direction of the slot between the U and V-phases in which the loop windings are disposed and the slot between the V and W-phases in which the loop windings are disposed is set to a value that is ½ the width in the circumferential direction of the slot between the W and U-phases in which the loop windings are disposed. The ratio of the first winding turns number of the loop windings and the second winding turns number of the loop windings is set so that when having added the induced voltages by the loop windings or having added the induced voltages by the loop windings in the slots, the phase difference of the induced voltages obtained by addition is 120 electrical degrees.
US07687960B2
A modified armature winding for a stator of an electrical generator having a pigtail shape to promote cooling of the stator. At least one turn of the windings is extended outside the circumferential periphery of the stator, preferably forming a loop. An electrical short is created near the circumferential periphery of the stator between the winding segments to prevent current from flowing through the pigtail winding segment.
US07687957B2
Holder anchoring grooves are arranged on the outer periphery of a rotor core so as to extend axially. A holder arm having a substantially T-shaped cross section is fitted to each of the holder anchoring grooves. The holder arm has a main body section, an engaging projection and magnet holding pieces. The engaging projection is engaged with the corresponding one of the holder anchoring grooves. Each of the magnet holding pieces includes a first contact section, a second contact section and a non-contact area. A magnet containing section is defined by the magnet holding pieces that are located vis-à-vis relative to each other of any two adjacently located holder arms and the outer peripheral surface of the rotor core. In the magnet containing sections, a rotor magnet is press fitted and anchored from the shaft direction. Thus, there is provided a magnet fixing structure that can accurately anchor magnets to a rotor core or the like at low cost.
US07687954B2
Disclosed herein is a brushless electric machine comprising, a housing, a stationary field coil, a shaft, a bearing, a pole segment, and a stator. The stator including a core having a plurality of core slots that extend between a first and a second end of the stator core. The stator also including a winding with a plurality of phases, each of the phases having at least one conductor having a plurality of substantially straight segments disposed in the core slots. The straight segments are alternately connected at the first and the second ends of the stator core by a plurality of end loop segments. A section of at least one of the conductors including three consecutive end loop segments and two straight segments, is formed from a single continuous conductor, and one of the core slots houses a plurality of the straight segments arranged in at least one radial row.
US07687951B2
Disclosed is an inexpensive fluid dynamic bearing device exhibiting high bearing performance and long life. A fluid dynamic bearing device (1) is mainly composed of a shaft member (2), and a bearing member (7) equipped with a cylindrical radial bearing surface (A) opposed to an outer peripheral surface (2a) of the shaft member (2). The bearing member (7) is formed by injection molding with an electroformed portion (10) inserted, and the radial bearing surface (A) is formed on the electroformed portion (10). Further, a thrust bearing surface (B) is formed on an upper end surface (7b) of the bearing member (7), and the shaft member (2) is supported in a thrust direction by a dynamic pressure action of a lubricating fluid generated in a thrust bearing gap opposed to the thrust bearing surface (B).
US07687944B2
The personal care appliance drive system includes a pair of linear actuators capable of operating both in an opposing phase mode or in a parallel (in-phase) mode. The system includes a motion converter assembly which converts the opposing phase action of the two linear actuators into a rotational action of an output drive shaft and converts in-phase action to a translation motion of the output shaft or to drive another function of the appliance, such as a pump. The motion converter, operating simultaneously in an opposing phase mode and in-phase modes, produces a complex motion of the workpiece.
US07687943B2
An system and apparatus for capturing electricity comprised of: a wheel and a fixed conducting rod, both in electrical contact with the wheel and at least one electrical component or system in which the wheel is rotatable about an axis. The wheel is comprised of: a rotatable hub; a rotatable conducting rod within the rotatable hub; at least one electricity generating device positioned on the hub and comprised of: a generally hollow housing having a distal end and a proximate end; a wire coil fixed within the housing and having an axial bore therethrough; a translatable magnet; and at least one wire in electrical contact with the wire coil and the rotatable hub; wherein as the wheel is rotated, the translatable magnet laterally translates back and forth within the housing and passing through the wire coil to generate the electric current.
US07687937B2
A method of controlling the output inverter of a microsource in a distributed energy resource system is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include using unit or zone power controllers that reduce the operating frequency of the inverter to increase its unit output power. Preferred embodiments includes methods wherein the inverter reaches maximum output power and minimum operating frequency at the same time, and further comprising using a voltage controller implementing a voltage vs. reactive current droop. Other aspects of this embodiment relate to an inverter that implements such methods, and a microsource containing such an inverter. These methods can be extended to control inverters in a plurality of microsources, organized in a single zone or in a plurality of zones.
US07687934B2
A method and system for using a secondary energy source with an electric or hybrid vehicle in a way that requires no interaction with the vehicle's on-board communications system or the vehicle's processors. The secondary energy source, which can be a battery pack or any energy storage device, can generally be charged at home or business using the 110 volt line. The energy from the secondary source can be metered into the system in a way that allows the primary battery state-of-charge to fluctuate normally. Most of the electrical energy propelling the vehicle can come from the secondary source. All of the regenerative energy from braking can go into the primary battery. A controller can control a regulator to regulate the amount of current flowing from the secondary source.
US07687929B2
An apparatus includes a vehicular electric power generation system comprising a variable speed internal combustion engine, a first variable speed electric power generator driven by the engine, a second variable speed electric power generator driven by the engine, a first inverter to receive electric power from the first generator a provide a first controlled electric output, a second inverter to receive electric power from the second generator and provide a second controlled electric output, and a controller coupled to the engine. The controller is responsive to variation in electrical loading of the first inverter and the second inverter and a degree of electrical load imbalance between the first inverter and second inverter to provide an engine control signal. The engine is responsive to the one more engine control signals to change rotational operating speed to adjust for the variation in electrical loading and the degree of electrical load imbalance.
US07687926B2
A portable power driven system has a manually movable frame. In one example, an internal combustion engine and a generator device that generates AC power are supported on the frame. The internal combustion engine drives the generator device. An electrically powered starting device is coupled to the internal combustion engine. A control panel is coupled to the frame and includes at least one AC outlet and a battery receptacle that is electrically coupled to the starting device. The battery receptacle is materially the same as a foot of a cordless power tool that receives a battery pack. According to one aspect, the battery pack for the cordless power tool may be permanently mounted in the battery receptacle and provides electrical power to the starting device. The battery receptacle may be contained in an enclosure. The enclosure may provide biasing members urging the battery pack into the battery receptacle.
US07687913B2
Often used to reduce the RC delay in integrated circuits are dielectric films of porous organosilicates which have a silica like backbone with alkyl or aryl groups (to add hydrophobicity to the materials and create free volume) attached directly to the Si atoms in the network. Si—R bonds rarely survive an exposure to plasmas or chemical treatments commonly used in processing; this is especially the case in materials with an open cell pore structure. When Si—R bonds are broken, the materials lose hydrophobicity, due to formation of hydrophilic silanols and low dielectric constant is compromised. A method by which the hydrophobicity of the materials is recovered using a novel class of silylation agents which may have the general formula (R2N)XSiR′Y where X and Y are integers from 1 to 3 and 3 to 1 respectively, and where R and R′ are selected from the group of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, allyl and a vinyl moiety. Mechanical strength of porous organosilicates is also improved as a result of the silylation treatment.
US07687911B2
A method for forming a silicon alloy based barrier layer comprises providing a substrate having a dielectric layer including a trench, placing the substrate in a reactor, and carrying out a process cycle, wherein the process cycle comprises introducing a silicon containing precursor into the reactor, introducing a metal containing precursor into the reactor, and introducing a co-reactant into the reactor, wherein the silicon, metal, and co-reactant react to form a silicon alloy layer that is conformally deposited on a bottom and a sidewall of the trench.
US07687910B2
A semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate; a wiring formed in predetermined pattern above the semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film lying right under the wiring, and a second insulating film lying in a peripheral portion other than a portion right under the wiring, in which a surface layer of the first insulating film lying in a boundary surface between the first insulating film and the second insulating film is chemically modified to reinforce the surface layer.
US07687875B2
An image sensor includes a semiconductor layer, and first and second photoelectric converting units including first and second impurity regions in the semiconductor layer that are spaced apart from each other and that are at about an equal depth in the semiconductor layer, each of the impurity regions including an upper region and a lower region. A width of the lower region of the first impurity region may be larger than a width of the lower region of the second impurity region, and widths of upper regions of the first and second impurity regions are equal.
US07687869B2
A semiconductor device according to the present invention comprises a semiconductor substrate, a gate insulating film which is composed of a material whose main component is a tetravalent metal oxide, a mixture of a tetravalent metal oxide and SiO2, or a mixture of a tetravalent metal oxide and SiON and which containing B when it is in an nMOS structure on the semiconductor substrate or containing at least one of P and As when it is in a pMOS structure on the semiconductor substrate, and a gate electrode made of a metal having a work function of 4 eV to 5.5 eV.
US07687864B2
Disclosed are a design method and apparatus in which information regarding a cell is input, the cell having taps in a substrate surface, for supplying the potentials of respective ones of wells in which active elements are formed, and source diffusion regions in the substrate surface, conductivity types thereof being opposite those of the wells. The taps are converted to conductivity types identical with those of the source diffusion regions to obtain source regions and freely set the well potentials of the cell to any potentials. If the cell is one having shorting portions electrically connecting taps and sources and the shorting portions are diffusion regions of the same conductivity type as that of the taps, then the shorting portions are converted to conductivity types identical with those of the source diffusion regions to obtain source regions.
US07687861B2
A semiconductor device having an NMOS and a PMOS device formed thereon is provided. The NMOS device has additional spacers formed alongside the gate electrode to allow the silicide region to be formed farther away from the gate electrode. By placing the silicide region farther away from the gate electrode, the effects of the lateral encroachment of the silicide region under the spacers is reduced, particularly the leakage. A method of forming the semiconductor device may include forming a plurality of spacers alongside the gate electrodes of a PMOS and an NMOS device, and one or more implants may be performed to implant impurities into the source/drain regions of the PMOS and NMOS devices. One or more of the spacers alongside the gate electrode of the PMOS device may be selectively removed. Thereafter, the source/drain regions may be silicided.
US07687842B2
A bit line structure and associated fabrication method are provided for a semiconductor element or circuit arrangement. The bit line structure contains a surface bit line and a buried bit line. The buried bit line is formed in an upper section of a trench and is connected to an associated first doping region via a first connection layer. A first trench filling layer, which is insulated from the buried bit line by a second trench insulating layer, is situated in a lower section of the trench.
US07687841B2
A structure and fabrication process for a carbon nanotube field effect transistor is disclosed herein. The structure employs an asymmetric gate which is closer to the source and farther from the drain, which helps to minimize “off current” drain leakage when the drain is biased and the gate is otherwise off. In an embodiment, the source and drain are preferably self aligned to the gate, and preferably the gate is first defined as a conductive sidewall to an etched pad. Dielectric sidewalls are then defined over the gate, which in turn defines the positioning of the source and drain in a predetermined spatial relationship to the gate. In a preferred embodiment, the source and drain comprise conductive sidewalls buttressing the dielectric sidewalls. The channel of the device preferably comprises randomly oriented carbon nanotubes formed on an insulative substrate and isolated from the gate by an insulative layer. In a preferred embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are exposed via the dielectric sidewall etch, thus ensuring the gate's self alignment with the subsequently-formed source and drain.
US07687833B2
A monolithic assembly of electronic components including a semiconductor substrate, at a first level above the substrate, at least one bulk acoustic wave resonator, at a second level above the resonator, a single-crystal semiconductor layer in which are formed semiconductor components, and recesses under the semiconductor layer portions arranged above the resonators.
US07687831B2
P type semiconductor well regions 8 and 9 for device separation are provided in an upper and lower two layer structure in conformity with the position of a high sensitivity type photodiode PD, and the first P type semiconductor well region 8 at the upper layer is provided in the state of being closer to the pixel side than an end portion of a LOCOS layer 1A, for limiting a dark current generated at the end portion of the LOCOS layer 1A. In addition, the second P type semiconductor well region 9 at the lower layer is formed in a narrow region receding from the photodiode PD, so that the depletion layer of the photodiode PD is prevented from being obstructed, and the depletion is secured in a sufficiently broad region, whereby enhancement of the sensitivity of the photodiode PD can be achieved.
US07687814B2
Disclosed herein is a high-quality group III-nitride semiconductor thin film and group III-nitride semiconductor light emitting device using the same. To obtain the group III-nitride semiconductor thin film, an AlInN buffer layer is formed on a (1-102)-plane (so called r-plane) sapphire substrate by use of a MOCVD apparatus under atmospheric pressure while controlling a temperature of the substrate within a range from 850 to 950 degrees Celsius, and then, GaN-based compound, such as GaN, AlGaN or the like, is epitaxially grown on the buffer layer at a high temperature. The group III-nitride semiconductor light emitting device is fabricated by using the group III-nitride semiconductor thin film as a base layer.
US07687809B2
The formation of contact holes and a capacitor is performed in a semiconductor integrated circuit such as an active matrix circuit. An interlayer insulator having a multilayer (a lower layer is silicon oxide; an upper layer is silicon nitride) each having different dry etching characteristic is formed. Using a first mask, the silicon nitride corresponding to the upper layer in the interlayer insulator is etched by dry etching. This etching is completed by using the silicon oxide corresponding to the lower layer as an etching stopper. A pattern is formed using a second mask to form selectively the silicon oxide corresponding to the lower layer. Thus a first portion that the silicon oxide and the silicon nitride are etched and a second portion that only silicon nitride is etched are obtained. The first portion is used as a contact hole. A capacitor is formed in the second portion.
US07687795B2
A phase change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of phase change cell regions. A bottom electrode is formed in each phase change cell region of the semiconductor substrate. An insulation layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate to cover the bottom electrode, and the insulation layer includes a contact hole exposing the bottom electrode. A contact plug is formed within the contact hole. A stacked pattern comprising a phase change layer and a top electrode is formed over the insulation layer. In the phase change memory device a buffer layer is interposed between the insulation layer and the phase change layer to reinforce the adhesion force between them. The buffer layer prevents the phase change material from peeling off due to an inconstant adhesion force between the phase change material and the insulation layer.
US07687786B2
Ion implanters are especially suited to meet process dose and energy demands associated with fabricating photovoltaic devices by ion implantation followed by cleaving.
US07687783B2
The invention relates to a multi-beam deflector array device for use in a particle-beam exposure apparatus employing a beam of charged particles, the multi-beam deflector array device having a plate-like shape with a membrane region, the membrane region including a first side facing towards the incoming beam of particles, an array of apertures, each aperture allowing passage of a corresponding beamlet formed out of the beam of particles, a plurality of depressions, each depression being associated with at least one aperture, and an array of electrodes, each aperture being associated with at least one electrode and each electrode being located in a depression, the electrodes being configured to realize a non-deflecting state, wherein the particles that pass through the apertures are allowed to travel along a desired path, and a deflecting state, wherein the particles are deflected off the desired path.
US07687768B2
A mechanical joint having at least first and second joint elements arranged in contact with each other. A first surface of the first joint element abuts a second surface of the second joint element and is at least partially provided with at least one optically emitting module. The respective abutting second surface of the second element is provided, at least in part, with at least one optically receiving module.
US07687760B2
The invention relates to an optical coupling structure intended to couple electromagnetic radiation to the surface of a photodetector, wherein a coupling surface paved along mutually perpendicular first and second directions by a set of N series (M1i, M2i, . . . . Mni) of first features, second features, . . . nth features, the features being identical within any one series, the features being distributed along the first and second directions, the distance between the centers of two adjacent features or the inter-reticular distances between two adjacent features being variable. The subject of the invention is also a detector or a laser source comprising said coupling structure.
US07687757B1
A method for designing a microlens array on a pixel array is disclosed. A radial distance of each pixel from a central pixel in a pixel array is calculated, in which the central pixel acts as an origin of an X-Y coordinate. A chief ray angle of each pixel is determined according to the corresponding radial distance. A microlens shift with respect to the corresponding pixel is determined according to the corresponding chief ray angle. Each microlens shift combines an X-axis direction shift with a Y-axis direction shift, and the X-axis direction shift ratio is different from the Y-axis direction shift ratio. A plurality of microlenses is arranged according to the corresponding microlens shifts to form a microlens array on the pixel array.
US07687755B2
A CMOS image sensor may be provided. The CMOS image sensor may include at least one floating diffusion column line, a plurality of pixels, and/or a charge/voltage conversion circuit. The plurality of pixels may be connected to the floating diffusion column line in parallel. The charge/voltage conversion circuit may be connected to one end of the floating diffusion column line, and may detect a potential variation of the floating diffusion column line using a coupling capacitor.
US07687746B2
A heating apparatus comprising an energetic nanolaminate film that produces heat when initiated, a power source that provides an electric current, and a control that initiates the energetic nanolaminate film by directing the electric current to the energetic nanolaminate film and joule heating the energetic nanolaminate film to an initiation temperature. Also a method of heating comprising providing an energetic nanolaminate film that produces heat when initiated, and initiating the energetic nanolaminate film by directing an electric current to the energetic nanolaminate film and joule heating the energetic nanolaminate film to an initiation temperature.
US07687745B2
A fluid line with a pipe provided with a sleeve of a woven or braided fabric, wherein the pipe, in turn, includes at least one conductor. In the finished state of the fluid line, the sleeve immediately surrounds the pipe and each conductor is loosely arranged in the sleeve. In accordance with another embodiment, the at least one conductor forms the sleeve.
US07687742B2
A gripping device is disclosed for a set of pinch rollers used in a wire feeder that supplies a welding operation with a consumable welding wire. The welding wire passes between the pinch rollers whereby the pinch rollers engage the wire with a gripping force and incrementally rotate to control the outflow of the wire to the welding operation. The gripping device has a first member which is displaceable relative to a second member and a spring mechanism extending between the first and second members which has at least a first and a second spring modulus. The spring mechanism produces the gripping force as the first and the second members are displaced toward one another. The gripper urges one roller of the set of pinch rollers toward the other roller of the set to engage the wire and to apply the gripping force. By including a spring mechanism with a first and second spring modulus, the gripper can apply a first range of gripping forces with the force produced by the first spring modulus and a second range of gripping forces with the force produced by the second spring modulus.
US07687738B2
The invention concerns an electrode wire comprising an unalloyed copper core coated with a diffused zinc alloy coating layer, whereof the thickness is more than 10% of the wire diameter. The coating layer is optionally plated with a thin zinc, copper, nickel, silver or gold surface contact film. Such a wire achieves higher electrical discharge machining speed.
US07687722B2
A circuitized substrate including a composite layer comprising a first dielectric sub-layer comprised of a halogen-free resin and fibers dispersed therein and a second dielectric sub-layer without fibers but also including a halogen-free resin with inorganic particulates therein. A method of making such a substrate is also provided, as is a multilayered assembly including one or more such circuitized substrates, possibly in combination with other substrates. An information handling system designed for having one or more such circuitized substrates is also provided.
US07687719B2
A coaxial cable may include an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a dielectric material layer therebetween. The outer conductor may include a tubular bimetallic layer and may have a pair of opposing longitudinal edge portions at a longitudinal seam. The tubular bimetallic layer may include an inner metal layer and an outer metal layer bonded thereto and coextensive therewith. In addition, the opposing longitudinal edge portions may be angled outwardly to define a pair of adjacent outwardly extending tabs.
US07687704B2
A thermoelectric generator that reduces the size of an entire exhaust apparatus for an internal combustion engine, while ensuring the amount of electric power generated by a thermoelectric generation element and the purging effect of a catalyst device. The thermoelectric generator includes a catalyst device, arranged in the exhaust passage, for purging exhaust. A thermoelectric generation element, which is arranged on the catalyst device, converts thermal energy of the exhaust passing through the exhaust passage to electric energy. The thermoelectric generation element is arranged at a downstream portion of the catalyst device with respect to the flow of the exhaust.
US07687702B2
A system for teaching music and an associated method of teaching music. The system and method for teaching music use multiple bodies that are each associated with a unique letter that corresponds to the letters A through G from the Latin alphabet and each body has a natural music notes on at least the top or bottom face and an accidental music note of the same letter on at least the front or back face.
US07687697B2
A sound panel for playing sounds and music, comprising a substantially flat soundboard made of wood, at least one tie which is fitted to the soundboard in order to subject the soundboard to a mechanical tension, an electromechanical transducer which is mounted on the soundboard in a nodal vibration point of the soundboard and can be connected to an electronic audio source in order to transduce into mechanical pulses and consequent vibrations of the soundboard audio information that arrives from the electronic audio source in the form of electrical signals, the soundboard comprising areas having mutually different thicknesses in order to evenly distribute transfer of energy from the soundboard to the air over a range of sound frequencies.
US07687692B2
A hammer shank and a separate shank butt component for a grand piano hammer assembly with increased rigidity, reduced inertia, and the collateral benefits of increased efficiency of manufacture and maintenance. Hammer shank comprises a long cylindrical member that is connected at one end to a traditional grand piano hammer and at the other end to a novel shank butt. Shank butt comprises: a hammer shank hole, a knuckle slot, a set of two flange attachment holes, and a void area. A traditional grand piano knuckle is attached to the knuckle slot. The shank butt is connected to the repetition flange of the piano. The invention provides the capability for a piano to be played with less touch weight on the keys and therefore provides a more responsive piano keyboard. The invention also allows for full “retrofitability” of hammer assembly into all existing grand piano brands. Embodiments include a composite shank butt that is a molded article and a composite hammer shank that is an extruded or molded article.
US07687691B2
A method and system for controlling actuators in a mechanical reproducing piano or other instrument. In one implementation, a single finite state machine is provided to control all the actuators. The finite state machine may be or include a shift register or a toggle register, which increases the operating speed. When a note is to be played, the desired dynamic is mapped into a start vector and a stop vector. The actuator is turned on when the state of the finite state machine is equal to the start vector, and is turned off when the state of the finite state machine is equal to the stop vector. Furthermore, the period of the finite state machine is adjusted to be directly proportional to the supply voltage. This allows notes to be played at the desired dynamics even when the supply voltage fluctuates.
US07687687B1
A novel inbred maize variety designated PH93G and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing inbred maize variety PH93G with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH93G through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the inbred variety PH93G or a trait conversion of PH93G with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from inbred maize variety PH93G, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from inbred maize variety PH93G and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.
US07687680B2
An absorbent article, such as a thin incontinence pad or pantyliner, is disclosed which has an absorbent core formed from multiple layers of blended material for providing protection against involuntary urine loss. A method of forming the absorbent article is also disclosed. The absorbent article includes a liquid permeable bodyside liner, a liquid-impermeable baffle, and first and second absorbents positioned between the liner and the baffle. The first absorbent is a stabilized material containing a superabsorbent and has a predetermined basis weight. The second absorbent is also a stabilized material containing a superabsorbent. The second absorbent is positioned below the first absorbent and has a basis weight that is at least equal to the basis weight of the first absorbent.
US07687676B1
The activity of a dehydrogenation catalyst is improved by increasing the water concentration maintained in the reactants toward the start of the catalyst's life, but after the catalyst has deactivated to the extent that the temperature required to maintain the conversion per pass of paraffinic hydrocarbon through the reaction zone increases by at least 2° C.
US07687671B2
Improved processing of an oxygenate-containing feedstock for increased production or yield of light olefins. Such processing involves oxygenate conversion to olefins and subsequent cracking of heavier olefins wherein at least a portion of the products from each of the reactors is elevated in pressure, using a common compressor, prior to being routed to a common product fractionation and recovery section. In one particular embodiment, the cracked product gas can be treated to remove acid gas therefrom. In another embodiment, the olefin cracking reactor is a moving bed reactor.
US07687670B2
Disclosed is a process for the co-manufacture of the hydrofluoroolefins HFC-1225ye and HFC-1234yf. The process comprises contacting a blend of 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane and 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane at a temperature of from about 200° C. to about 500° C. with a catalyst, optionally in the presence of an inert gas. The catalyst includes, but is not limited to, aluminum fluoride; fluorided alumina; metals on aluminum fluoride; metals on fluorided alumina; oxides, fluorides, and oxyfluorides of magnesium, zinc and mixtures of magnesium and zinc and/or aluminum; lanthanum oxide and fluorided lanthanum oxide; chromium oxides, fluorided chromium oxides, and cubic chromium trifluoride; carbon, acid-washed carbon, activated carbon, three dimensional matrix carbonaceous materials; and metal compounds supported on carbon. The metal compounds are oxides, fluorides, and oxyfluorides of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, chromium, iron, cobalt, rhodium, nickel, copper, zinc, and mixtures thereof. The product hydrofluoroolefins are separated from unreacted hydrofluorocarbons and hydrogen fluoride. In another embodiment, the unreacted hydrofluorocarbons optionally may be recirculated back through the process.
US07687667B2
The invention relates to a catalyst for the synthesis of methyl mercaptan from hydrogen sulfide and methanol and to a process for preparing methyl mercaptans. The catalyst comprises active aluminum oxide on which an alkali metal tungstate and ammonium salts have been deposited.
US07687663B2
This invention generally relates to processes for recovering solubilized noble metals from aqueous process streams, in particular, aqueous process streams generated in the preparation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, for example, by noble metal-catalyzed oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. The process includes contacting the aqueous process stream with a noble metal adsorption media such as an ion exchange resin to remove solubilized noble metal from the process stream.
US07687662B2
The present invention provides novel compounds useful as proteasome inhibitors. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various diseases.
US07687654B2
A silane resin that can be structured photochemically and/or thermally is obtained by at least partial condensation of a mixture of a) at least one silane compound RaR2bSiX4-a-b wherein R is a group polymerizable photochemically and/or thermally via an organic group by radical or cationic polymerization; R2 is a straight-chain, branched, or cyclic C1-C12 alkyl group; X is identical or different and is a leaving group; a is 1 or 2; b is 0 or 1; a+b is not more than 2; and b) at least one silanediol R12Si(OH)2 wherein R1 is identical or different and is a straight-chain, branched, or cyclic C1-C12 alkyl group or a group polymerizable photochemically and/or thermally via an organic group by radical or cationic polymerization, provided the group does not contain aryl. The silane resins have dielectric properties useful in extremely high frequency applications.
US07687652B2
Novel cyclic and acyclic oxazaphospholanes are described, as well as their use in the synthesis of sphingomyelin and sphingomyelin analogous. The production of synthetic sphingomyelins is also described. 2S, 3R stereoisomers of oxazaphospholanes and sphingomyelins, and synthetic methods for their preparation are described.
US07687650B2
Metal complex salts of the coordination elements listed in Groups IIIA to VIIIA, Groups IB to IIIB, of periods 4 and 5 and aluminum in Group IIIB, period 3 of The Periodic Table of the Elements, obtained as the reaction products of polyfunctional acids with two or more of such elements are described. Copper-zinc malonates and a process for their preparation are disclosed.
US07687644B2
the N-oxide forms, the pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts and the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, wherein n is 1 or 2; M represents a direct bond or a C1-3alkyl linker optionally substituted with one or two substituents selected from C1-4alkyl, C1-3alkyloxy-C1-4alkyl-, hydroxy-C1-4alkyl-, hydroxy, C1-3alkyloxy- or phenyl-C1-4alkyl-; R1 and R2 each independently represent hydrogen, halo, cyano, hydroxy, C1-4alkyl optionally substituted with halo, C1-4alkyloxy-optionally substituted with one or where possible two or three substituents selected from hydroxy, Ar1 and halo; R3 represents hydrogen, halo, C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkyloxy-, cyano or hydroxy; R4 represents hydrogen, halo, C1-4alkyl, hydroxy, cyano or C1-4alkyloxy-optionally substituted with one or where possible two or three substituents selected from hydroxy and halo; R5 represents hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or Ar2—C1-4alkyl-; R6 represents hydrogen, hydroxy, halo, C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkyoxy-; R7 represents hydrogen or R7 and R5 taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached from a —C2-alkyl-linker; Ar1 and Ar2 each independently represent phenyl or naphtyl wherein said phenyl and naphtyl are optionally substituted with C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkyloxy-, or phenyl-C1-4alkyl.
US07687639B2
2-Aryl substituted benzimidazoles and imidazo[4,5]pyridines are disclosed as inhibitors of Cds1 and useful as adjuvants to chemotherapy or radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer.
US07687636B2
The invention relates to polymorphs of zoledronic acid and zoledronate sodium salts, amorphous zoledronate sodium salt, processes for making the polymorphs and amorphous zoledronate sodium salt, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the polymorphs and amorphous zoledronate sodium salt.
US07687629B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 4-aminomethyl-3-alkoxyiminopyrrolidine methanesulfonate, a key intermediate of quinolone antibiotics. According to the process of the present invention, the total number of steps has been shortened to 2-3 steps, the solid separation is not required, and the use of costly chemicals, particularly (BOC)2O (t-butoxycarbonyl anhydride), several organic solvents and reactants, is eliminated.
US07687627B2
The present invention provides agents having antimicrobial activity for preventing and treating infectious diseases. Thus, the present invention provides novel substituted piperidino phenyloxazolidinone derivatives, processes for making compounds as well as antimicrobial compositions containing said derivatives as active ingredients and methods of treating bacterial infections with the said derivatives.
US07687626B2
Provided are a highly efficient phosphorescent organometallic complex and an organic electroluminescent (EL) device using the same. The organometallic complex can be used in the formation of an organic layer of the organic EL device, and can emit light in a red wavelength range as a highly efficient phosphorescent material. The organic EL device using the organometallic complex can exhibit high brightness and a low driving voltage.
US07687625B2
Compounds, pharmaceuticals, kits and methods are provided for use with DPP-IV and other S9 protease that comprise a compound comprising the formula: wherein Q is selected from the group of CO, SO, SO2, or C═NR9; and R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined herein.
US07687621B2
The present invention provides a process for regenerating a catalyst for producing e-caprolactam comprising the steps of adsorbing a silicon compound on a zeolite catalyst that had been used for a Beckmann rearrangement reaction of cyclohexanone oxime and contacting the catalyst with an aqueous solution containing a compound selected from a quaternary ammonium compound, lower alkylamines and ammonia. The present invention also provides a process for producing e-caprolactam comprising subjecting cyclohexanone oxime to the Beckmann rearrangement reaction in the presence of the catalyst thus regenerated.
US07687620B2
Compounds of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are provided: where R1 through R7 are defined herein. The compounds of Formula I are 5HT2c agonists or partial agonists, and are useful for treating a variety of disorders.
US07687615B2
The present invention provides porcine adenovirus sequence essential for encapsidation and provides adenovirus vectors comprising such sequences. The present invention provides host cells and composition comprising adenovirus vectors comprising porcine adenovirus sequence essential for encapsidation as well as methods for making and using such adenovirus vectors. The present invention discloses porcine adenovirus sequence for E1 transcriptional control and provides porcine adenovirus vectors comprising a modification(s) in the E1 transcriptional control region.
US07687596B2
Disclosed are novel (meth)acrylic esters of alkoxylated unsaturated polyol ethers, a process for their preparation and their use for preparing crosslinked swellable hydrogel-forming polymers and crosslinked swellable hydrogel-forming polymers.
US07687594B2
A random amorphous copolyester is synthesized by using diacid monomers and diol monomers. The random amorphous copolyester has a structure of the formula (I): wherein R1, R2 is an aromatic or aliphatic monomer, A is 0-0.8, B is 0-0.8, C is 0-1, D is 0-1, E is 0-0.8, F is 0-0.8, C+D<0.2 and A+B+E+F<0.8. The diacid monomer comprises TPA and an aromatic or aliphatic diacid monomer, the diol monomer comprises EG, 1,3 and 1,4-CHDM, and an aromatic or aliphatic diol monomer.
US07687590B2
The composition for forming silica based coating of the invention comprises siloxane resin such as an alkoxysilane as component (a), a solvent such as an alcohol capable of dissolving the siloxane resin as component (b), an ammonium salt, etc. as component (c) and a thermal decomposing/volatile compound as component (d), wherein the stress of the coating obtained by heat treatment at 150° C./3 min is 10 MPa and the specific permittivity of the silica based coating obtained by final curing is less than 3.0. The composition for forming silica based coating according to the invention can form a silica based coating having low permittivity, excellent adhesion and sufficient mechanical strength.
US07687586B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide various multipolymers and permselective membranes for use with biosensors and other implantable medical devices and prostheses. Embodiments of the present invention may provide structural strength and integrity, and further may control the influx of glucose, oxygen and/or water. Embodiments of the present invention may, for example, minimize or reduce the influx of glucose by minimizing the percentage of hydrophilic segments, which in turn minimizes the percentage of water uptake and the degree of glucose transport.
US07687579B2
An ethylene (co)polymer of the present invention is a (co)polymer with excellent moldability and mechanical properties and either an ethylene homopolymer or a copolymer of ethylene and an α-olefin of 4 to 20 carbon atoms. The (co)polymer has methyl branches measured by 13C-NMR less than 0.1 in number per 1,000 carbon atoms and Mw/Mn measured by GPC not lower than 1.8 and lower than 4.5. The (co)polymer is either an ethylene homopolymer or a copolymer of ethylene and an α-olefin of 3 to 20 carbon atoms. The melt tension (MT) and the swell ratio (SR) satisfy the relation; log(MT)>12.9−7.15×SR; and the intrinsic viscosity ([η]) and the melt flow rate (MFR) satisfy the relation; [η]>1.85×MFR−0.192 in the case of MFR<1 and the relation; [η]>1.85×MFR−0.213 in the case of MFR≧1. Such an ethylene (co)polymer can be usable for various molding applications and especially suitable for pipes.
US07687571B2
Oilfield elements and assemblies are described comprising, in one embodiment, an elastomeric composition comprising the reaction product of a linear or branched polymer having residual ethylenic unsaturation with an ethylenically unsaturated organic monomer having at least one reactive moiety selected from acid, acid anhydride, and acid salt, the elastomeric composition formed into an oilfield element. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US07687562B2
The present invention relates to such a polyamide resin composition that is suitably used as a material of a gasoline tank and a material of a molded article, such as a hollow molded container including a beverage bottle, a film and a sheet. A polyamide resin that is good in heat stability upon molding and suffers less increase in filter back pressure is provided by regulating a polyamide resin composition to have a phosphorus content of from 30 to 200 ppm (excluding 200 ppm), and a sodium content/phosphorus content ratio (molar ratio) of from 3 to 7 (excluding 3 and 7) or regulating it to have a phosphorus content less than 30 ppm and an alkali metal content less than 45 ppm.
US07687552B2
An epoxy resin composition, including: an epoxy resin (A) represented by Formula (1); an epoxy resin (B) having an epoxy equivalent of 220 or less and having twice or more epoxy groups in a molecule than epoxy groups of the epoxy resin (A); and a photocationic polymerization initiator (C), in which: the epoxy resins (A) and (B) constitute main components; and a weight of the epoxy resin (A) is 40% or more and a weight of the epoxy resin (B) is 30% or more with respect to a total weight of the epoxy resins (A) and (B): where: R represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, or a t-butyl group; represents an integer of 0 or more and 4 or less; and m represents an integer of 1 or more and 3 or less.
US07687542B2
The present invention relates to excipients for the production of rapidly bioavailable solid oral dosage forms of diclofenac. In particular, the invention relates to the use of excipients that promote the bioavailability of such formulations, including alkaline buffering agents, gas forming excipients, hygroscopic excipients, water soluble diluents, wetting agents, and particular pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
US07687537B2
The subject of the present invention is compounds corresponding to formula (I): Wherein X, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as described herein. The invention also relates to a method for the preparation and application of said compounds as cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists.
US07687534B2
Glucagon receptor antagonist compounds are disclosed. The compounds are useful for treating type 2 diabetes and related conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are also included.
US07687526B2
The present invention provides compounds useful, for example, for treating metabolic disorders in a subject. Such compounds have the general formula I: where the definitions of the variables and A are provided herein. The present invention also provides compositions that include, and methods for using, the compounds in preparing medicaments and for treating metabolic disorders such as, for example, type II diabetes.
US07687521B2
This invention relates to compounds of formula I: wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and combinations comprising such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds, and methods of using such compound to, for example, treat pulmonary disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
US07687517B2
Novel 3,9-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives of formula (I) useful as monoamine neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitors are provided: These compounds can also be used in methods for therapy and be included in pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds.
US07687515B2
The present invention relates to 6-phenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-4-carbonitrile derivatives having the general Formula I wherein each of the substituents is given the definition as set forth in the specification and claims, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same as well as to the use of these derivatives for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of cathepsin S and/or cathepsin K related diseases such as osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, inflammation and immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain.
US07687500B2
Oxetane-containing nucleosides, particularly non-reducing psiconucleoside oxetanes are described herein. Therapeutic application of these oxetane compounds toward the treatment of nucleoside analog related disorders such as disorders involving cellular proliferation and infection are also described.
US07687492B2
The present invention is directed to novel 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives which are inhibitors of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme (“DP-IV inhibitors”) and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved, such as diabetes and particularly type 2 diabetes. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved.
US07687491B2
A compound having immunosuppressive activity with low toxicity or a pharmacological salt thereof. The compound has a general formula (I) shown below or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmacologically acceptable prodrug thereof
US07687486B2
Compositions and methods for treating a cancer in mammals by administering selective estrogen receptor modulators particularly compounds represented by: or any other of the structures contained herein, or of a stereoisomer, enantiomer, rotomer, tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt form thereof.
US07687477B2
A polymer dispersion or solution containing a hydrophobic polysaccharide, which is dispersed or dissolved in liquid phase, and plasticizer composition of the polysaccharide, whereby at least 10% by weight of the plasticizer composition is formed from alkenyl succinic anhydride. The invention also relates to the preparation of polymer dispersions and solutions and to the films and coatings produced from them. The dispersions according to the invention are stable, and coating with excellent film-forming properties can be prepared from them.
US07687474B2
Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment of cancer.
US07687472B2
Methods of treating hyperglycemic, hyperlipidemic, and hyperinsulinemic disorders are provided. Compositions for treating such disorders are also provided. The compositions can include hexose and pentose variants having acid moieties and a substituent Y linked to the six position of a hexose or the five position of the pentose.
US07687470B2
Avermectin and avermectin monosaccharaide compounds, derivatives, and compositions thereof are provided as well as processes for preparing such compounds, derivatives, and compositions. Intermediates in the preparation of avermectin and avermectin monosaccharaide derivatives and methods of controlling pests are also provided. The avermectin and avermectin monosaccharaide derivatives are demonstrated as useful in controlling pests, in particular pests that are harmful to crop plants and to its propagation materials, such as representatives of the class insecta, the order Acarina and the class nematede.
US07687460B2
The present invention relates to methods for the treatment and repair of cartilage, including cartilage damaged by injury or degenerative cartilagenous disorders, including arthritis, comprising the administration of WISP polypeptide. Optionally, the administration may be in combination with one or more cartilage agents (e.g., peptide growth factor, catabolism antagonist, osteo-, synovial, anti-inflammatory factor). Alternatively, the method provides for the treatment and repair of cartilage damaged by injury or degenerative cartilagenous disorders comprising the administration of WISP polypeptide in combination with standard surgical techniques. Alternatively, the method provides for the treatment and repair of cartilage damaged by injury or degenerative cartilagenous disorders comprising the administration of chondrocytes previously treated with an effective amount of WISP polypeptide.
US07687455B2
The present invention relates to fluorocarbon vectors for the delivery of antigens to immunoresponsive target cells. It further relates to fluorocarbon vector-antigen constructs and the use of such vectors associated with antigens as vaccines and immunotherapeutics in animals.
US07687449B2
A method and cleaning composition for removing engine deposits from turbine components, in particular turbine disks and turbine shafts. This method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a turbine component having a surface with engine deposits thereon, wherein the turbine component comprises a nickel and/or cobalt-containing base metal; and (b) treating the surface of the turbine component with a cleaning composition to convert the engine deposits thereon to a removable smut without substantially etching the base metal of the turbine component. The cleaning composition comprises an aqueous solution that is substantially free of acetic acid and comprising: a nitrate ion source in an amount, by weight of the nitrate ion, of from about 470 to about 710 grams/liter; and a bifluoride ion source in an amount, by weight of the bifluoride ion, of from about 0.5 to about 15 grams/liter. The smut that is formed can be removed from the surface of the turbine component in a manner that does not substantially alter the surface thereof.
US07687445B2
A lubricating oil comprising: a) at least 5 wt % of lubricating base oil, made from a waxy feed, having >10 wt % molecules with cycloparaffinic functionality, a ratio of molecules with monocycloparaffinic functionality to molecules with multicycloparaffinic functionality >20, and b) a DI additive package; wherein the lubricating oil contains <0.2 wt % VI improver and wherein the lubricating oil has a low sulfated ash and a low CCS viscosity at −20° C. A lubricating oil with a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. between 12.5 and 16.3 cSt with a low CCS viscosity comprising: a) a lubricating base oil, made with a waxy feed, having a viscosity index >150, b) up to 75 wt % unconventional petroleum derived bright stock, c) a lower ash DI additive package, and d) <0.2 wt % viscosity index improver. A process to make lubricating oil with a low sulfated ash and low CCS viscosity.
US07687439B2
Single phase microemulsions improve the removal of filter cakes formed during drilling with invert emulsions. The single phase microemulsion removes oil and solids from the deposited filter cake. Optionally, an acid capable of solubilizing the filter cake bridging particles may also be used with the microemulsion. In one non-limiting embodiment the acid may be a polyamino carboxylic acid. Skin damage removal from internal and external filter cake deposition can be reduced.
US07687437B2
A method for immobilizing amino-group containing molecules onto surfaces and devices having immobilized isocyanate-group containing molecules prepared by the method are disclosed. The method comprises reacting a surface (i.e., glass surface) having free hydroxyl groups with a silyl isocyanate derivatizing agent to provide immobilized reactive moieties, the agent having a formula: (R1O)(R2O)(R3O)Si—X—NCO wherein R1, R2 and R3 are independently represents C1-C6 alkyl, phenyl, or aryl substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of C1-C6 alkyl and C1-C6 alkoxy; X represents linear or branched C1-C20 alkyl or aryl substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of C1-C6 alkyl and C1-C6 alkoxy, optionally substituted with one or more heteroatoms comprising oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur and reacting the immobilized reactive moieties with the amino group-containing molecule so as to immobilize said molecule on the surface. Devices having a surface with immobilized molecules such as nucleic acids or proteins are useful for detection of target analytes in a sample.
US07687436B2
Nanometer-sized non-superconducting particulates in superconductive REBCO films, where RE is a rare earth metal, for flux pinning enhancement and a method of forming are disclosed. A target with a second phase material sector portion and a superconductive material portion is used in a pulse laser deposition process to form films on substrates according to the present invention. The films consist of 10-20 nm-sized precipitates. In a 0.5 μm thick film, a transport critical current density (Jc)>3 MA/cm2 at 77K in self-field was measured. In one embodiment, magnetization Jc at 77 K and 65K showed significant improvements in a composite YBCO films with fine precipitates produced according to the present invention as compared to non-doped (standard) YBCO films (>10 times increase at 9 T, 65 K).
US07687434B2
A method of improving the yield and vigor of agronomic plants, in particular leguminous plants such as soybeans, involves treating such plants and/or the propagation material of plants with a composition that includes an active agent, such as a fungicide, that has no significant activity against fungal plant pathogens of the treated plant. When the plant is not wheat, a preferred agent of this type is 4,5-dimethyl-N-(2-propenyl)-2-(trimethylsilyl)-3-thiophenecarboxamide (silthiofam). Plants and plant propagation material, such as seeds, that have been treated by the novel method are also described.
US07687432B2
A metal-organic framework-based mesh-adjustable molecular sieve (MAMS) exhibiting a temperature-dependent mesh size. The MAMS comprises a plurality of metal clusters bound with a plurality of amphiphilic ligands, each ligand comprising a hydrophobic moiety and a functionalized hydrophilic moiety, and wherein the metal clusters and amphiphilic ligand functionalized hydrophilic moieties form a metal cluster layer, the metal cluster layer forming at least one hydrophilic pore. On each side of the metal cluster layer, a plurality of associated amphiphilic ligand hydrophobic moieties cooperate with the metal cluster layer to form a tri-layer and a plurality of tri-layers are packed in a facing-spaced apart relationship to form at least one hydrophobic pore.
US07687430B2
A process is described for preparing a solution formed by at least one cobalt and/or nickel salt of at least one heteropolyanion combining molybdenum and cobalt or molybdenum and nickel in its structure, said process comprising: a) mixing at least one source of molybdenum and at least one oxidizing compound in aqueous solution to synthesize peroxomolybdate ions at an acidic pH, the (oxidizing compound/molybdenum source) mole ratio being in the range 0.1 to 20; b) introducing at least one cobalt precursor and/or at least one nickel precursor into the solution from step a) to form a solution comprising at least said salt in which the (Co+Ni)/Mo mole ratio is in the range 0.25 to 0.85.
US07687427B2
The present invention discloses a novel process for the fabrication of a class of conductive supported electrocatalysts based on transition metals. The electrocatalysts are formed by pyrolysis of an organometallic polymer complex precursor which is the reaction product of transition metal salts and a templating polymer. The electrocatalysts has enhanced catalytic activity, and are useful in the preparation of supercapacitor and fuel cell electrodes, auto-thermal fuel reformer catalysts, oxygen and hydrogen sensors, zinc-air battery electrode and oxidation catalysts.
US07687423B2
The subject invention comprises a novel UZM-14 catalytic material comprising globular aggregates of crystallites having a MOR framework type with a mean crystallite length parallel to the direction of 12-ring channels of about 60 nm or less and a mesopore volume of at least about 0.10 cc/gram. Catalysts formed from the novel material are particularly effective for the transalkylation of aromatics.
US07687417B2
A glass composition consisting essentially of, based on mole percent, 46-56% B2O3, 0.5-8.5% P2O5, SiO2 and mixtures thereof, 20-50% CaO, 2-15% Ln2O3 where Ln is selected from the group consisting of rare earth elements and mixtures thereof; 0-6% M′2O where M′ is selected from the group consisting of alkali elements; and 0-10% Al2O3, with the proviso that the composition is water millable.
US07687412B2
Flexible ballistic resistant composite material that has improved resistance to pick-up of water and other liquids, the composite material comprising a plurality of non-woven fibrous layers. The fibrous layers are formed from a network of high tenacity fibers (aramid fibers, extended chain polyethylene fibers and/or rigid rod fibers). The fibers are embedded in a matrix of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin. Preferably, at least two adjacent fiber layers are oriented in a cross-ply arrangement with respect to each other. Flexible armor, such as body vests, are provided which are formed at least in part from the flexible composite material.
US07687402B2
The invention includes optoelectronic devices containing one or more layers of semiconductor-enriched insulator (with exemplary semiconductor-enriched insulator being silicon-enriched silicon oxide and silicon-enriched silicon nitride), and includes solar cells containing one or more layers of semiconductor-enriched insulator. The invention also includes methods of forming optoelectronic devices and solar cells.
US07687395B2
A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor device including a contact region. The semiconductor structure also includes a passivation layer passivating the semiconductor device including the contact region. A narrow bottomed stepped sidewall contact aperture is located within the passivation layer to expose the contact region. A corresponding narrow bottomed stepped sidewall contact via is located within the narrow bottomed stepped sidewall contact aperture to contact the contact region. The narrow bottomed stepped sidewall contact aperture and contact via provide for improved contact to the contact region and reduced parasitic capacitance with respect to the semiconductor device. Methods for fabricating the narrow bottomed stepped sidewall contact aperture use a mask layer (either dimensionally diminished or dimensionally augmented) in conjunction with a two step etch method.
US07687394B2
A method for forming a dielectric layer having a low dielectric constant and a method for forming copper wiring using the same are provided. In the method for forming a dielectric, an etch stop layer and a first dielectric are sequentially formed on a semiconductor substrate. Next, the first dielectric is selectively etched to form a pattern, and a second dielectric is formed thereon. Here, the second dielectric may be formed using a plasma enhanced chemical deposition method to have pores or voids therein. Then, the dielectric is planarized and a damascene copper wiring is formed. Since the dielectric includes pores or voids, it may have a very low dielectric constant, which results in an improvement in RC delay.
US07687391B2
An electrically optimized and structurally protected micro via structure for high speed signals in multilayer interconnection substrates is provided. The via structure eliminates the overlap of a contact with the reference planes to thereby reduce the via capacitance and thus, the via impedance mismatch in the via structure. As a result, the via structure is electrically optimized. The via structure further comprises one or more floating support members placed in close proximity to the via within a via clearance area between the via and the reference planes. The floating support members are “floating” in the sense that they are not in electrical contact with either the via or the reference planes. Thus, they are not provided for purposes of signal propagation but only for structural support. The floating support members may be connected to one another by way of one or more microvia structures.
US07687388B2
A semiconductor high-voltage device including a semiconductor substrate having a deep trench formed therein, a gate oxide film formed on sidewalls of the deep trench, a polysilicon layer formed in the deep trench and on the gate oxide film, and spacers formed on sidewalls of the trench at a portion of the deep trench above the gate oxide film. Loss of a gate oxide film can be prevented during processing, thereby also preventing a change of a current path, a phenomenon such as current leakage between a top surface of polysilicon and source/drain regions.
US07687385B2
The invention provides a semiconductor device exhibiting a stable and high breakdown voltage, which is manufactured at a low manufacturing cost. The semiconductor device of the invention includes an n-type silicon substrate; a p-type base region in the surface portion of substrate; an n-type drain region in the surface portion of n-type substrate; a p-type offset region in the surface portion of n-type substrate; an n-type source region in the surface portion of p-type base region; a p-type contact region in the surface portion of p-type base region; a gate electrode above the extended portion of p-type base region extending between n-type source region and n-type substrate (or p-type offset region), with a gate insulation film interposed therebetween; an insulation film on gate electrode and p-type offset region; a source electrode on n-type source region; and a drain electrode on n-type drain region. The p-type offset region is formed of a first p-type sub-region, a second p-type sub-region, and a third p-type sub-region.
US07687382B2
A method of making a group III nitride-based compound semiconductor has the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate with a polished surface, the semiconductor substrate being of group III nitride-based compound semiconductor; and growing a semiconductor epitaxial growth layer of group III nitride-based compound semiconductor on the semiconductor substrate. The polished surface is an inclined surface that has an off-angle θ of 0.15 degrees or more and 0.6 degrees or less to a-face, c-face or m-face of the semiconductor substrate.
US07687380B2
In order to promote an effect of laser annealing in respect of a semiconductor film, moisture is intentionally included in an atmosphere in irradiating laser beam to these miconductor film by which a temperature holding layer comprising water vapor is formed on the surface of these miconductor film in irradiating the laser beam and the laser annealing operation can be performed effectively.
US07687362B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having an active region including a channel portion. An isolation layer is formed in the semiconductor substrate to define the active region, and a gate is formed over the channel portion in the active region. The active region of the semiconductor substrate is etched to such that the entire active region is below an upper surface of the isolation layer. A U-shaped groove is formed in the channel portion of the active region, except the edges in a direction of the channel width thereof, in order to increase the channel width. In the semiconductor device, there is an increase in channel length and channel width leading to a reduction in leakage current and on increase in operation current.
US07687360B2
Methods are provided for fabricating memory devices. A method comprises fabricating charge-trapping stacks overlying a silicon substrate and forming bit line regions in the substrate between the charge trapping stacks. Insulating elements are formed overlying the bit line regions between the stacks. The charge-trapping stacks are etched to form two complementary charge storage nodes and to expose portions of the silicon substrate. Silicon is grown on the exposed silicon substrate by selective epitaxial growth and is oxidized. A control gate layer is formed overlying the complementary charge storage nodes and the oxidized epitaxially-grown silicon.
US07687358B2
This invention includes gated field effect devices, and methods of forming gated field effect devices. In one implementation, a gated field effect device includes a pair of source/drain regions having a channel region therebetween. A gate is received proximate the channel region between the source/drain regions. The gate has a gate width between the source/drain regions. A gate dielectric is received intermediate the channel region and the gate. The gate dielectric has at least two different regions along the width of the gate. The different regions are characterized by different materials which are effective to define the two different regions to have different dielectric constants k. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US07687357B2
A method for fabricating a transistor, the method includes forming a gate over a substrate to form a first resultant structure, forming a gate spacer at first and second sidewalls of the gate, etching portions of the substrate proximate to the gate spacer to form a recess in a source/drain region of the substrate, forming a first epitaxial layer including germanium to fill the recess, and performing a high temperature oxidation process to form a second epitaxial layer including germanium over an interfacial layer between the substrate and the first epitaxial layer, the second epitaxial layer having a germanium concentration that is higher than a germanium concentration of the first epitaxial SiGe layer, thereby forming a second resultant structure.
US07687351B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; multiple active regions of a first conductive type isolated from one another by shallow-trench isolation regions provided on one surface of the semiconductor substrate; multiple silicon pillars including channel silicon pillars formed in the active regions; multiple first semiconductor regions of a second conductive type that are respectively formed on bottom ends of the silicon pillars and to be sources or drains; multiple second semiconductor regions of the second conductive type that are formed on top ends of the silicon pillars and to be sources or drains; multiple gate insulating films surrounding the silicon pillars; and multiple gate electrodes surrounding the gate insulating films. At least one of the channel silicon pillars has a height different from that of another one of the channel silicon pillars.
US07687345B2
Disclosed are a flash memory device having a silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) structure and a method of manufacturing the same. The flash memory device includes source and drain diffusion regions separated from each other on opposite sides of a trench in an active region of a semiconductor substrate, a control gate inside the trench and protruding upward from the substrate, a charge storage layer between the control gate and an inner wall of the trench, and a pair of insulating spacers formed on opposite sidewalls of the control gate with the charge storage layer therebetween. Here, the charge storage layer has an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) structure. Further, the depth of the trench from the surface of the substrate is greater than that of each of the source and drain diffusion regions.
US07687344B2
A first insulation layer is formed on a substrate structure including an inter-layer insulation layer and a storage node contact plug. The first insulation layer is etched to form a first opening exposing a portion of the storage node contact plug. The first opening is filled with an organic polymer layer. An etch stop layer and a second insulation layer are formed on the organic polymer layer and the first insulation layer. A photoresist pattern is formed on the second insulation layer. The second insulation layer and the etch stop layer are etched to form a second opening exposing a portion of the organic polymer layer. The photoresist pattern and the organic polymer layer are removed, thereby extending a portion of the second opening. A storage node is formed over the extended second opening and the second insulation layer.
US07687336B2
A method of forming a MOSFET is provided. The method comprises forming a relatively thin layer of dielectric on a substrate. Depositing a gate material layer on the relatively thin layer of dielectric. Removing portions of the gate material layer to form a first and second gate material regions of predetermined lateral lengths. Introducing a first conductivity type dopant in the substrate to form a top gate using first edges of the first and second gate material regions as masks, Introducing a second conductivity dopant of high dopant density in the substrate to form a drain region adjacent the surface of the substrate using a second edge of the second gate material region as a mask to form a first edge of the drain region, wherein a spaced distance between the top gate and the drain region is determined by the lateral length of the second gate material region.
US07687328B2
A method of forming a polycrystalline thin film for a thin film transistor, a mask used in the method, and a method of making a flat panel display device using the method of forming a polycrystalline thin film for a thin film transistor are disclosed. Certain embodiments are capable of providing a display device in which the polycrystalline thin film is uniformly crystallized such luminance non-uniformity is reduced. In the method of forming a polycrystalline thin film for a thin film transistor, amorphous material is crystallized using a laser and a mask having a mixed structure of one or more transmission region sets each comprising one or more transmission regions through which the laser beam is capable of passing and one or more non-transmission regions through which the laser beam is not capable of passing. The laser beam is directed onto overlapping regions of the material.
US07687321B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, the method includes: moving a nozzle around a semiconductor chip bonded to a wiring substrate by face-down bonding; and continuously supplying underfill material through the nozzle, thereby filling the underfill material between the wiring substrate and the semiconductor chip, wherein an outline of a surface of the semiconductor chip opposing to the wiring substrate is a polygon composed of a plurality of sides, a moving track of the nozzle includes a linear track within a range of a pair of line segments drawn from both ends of each of the sides perpendicularly to said each of the sides, and a direction changing track that continuously connects adjacent ones of the linear tracks, wherein the nozzle is moved slower in at least a portion of the linear track than in the direction changing track.
US07687320B2
A semiconductor device in which moisture penetration into the package interior is suppressed, comprising a rewiring layer formed by plating, with improved reliability of electrical characteristics. On the main surface of a semiconductor chip comprising circuit elements and formed on a wafer, a passivation film opposing the circuit elements is formed, so as to expose a first region of the main surface along the edges of the main surface. An insulating film, which extends over the main surface and along the side faces of this passivation film and onto the main surface of the semiconductor chip, is formed such that there remains a second region within the first region, along the edges of the main surface. A sealing layer covering the insulating film is then formed on the second region.
US07687319B2
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which includes at least supplying an adhesive for bonding an electronic component which has a plurality of bumps with a substrate which has a plurality of bonding pads corresponding to the bumps, to at least a portion of the substrate, between the electronic component and the substrate, flow-casting the adhesive on the substrate by a flow-casting unit, in such a manner that the expression S1/S0>1 is satisfied, where S0 is the total contact surface area with the substrate of the adhesive supplied to the substrate, and S1 is the total contact surface area with the substrate of the adhesive after the flow-casting, and curing the adhesive while making the adhesive contact with the electronic component and the substrate in a state where the bumps are abutted against the bonding pads.
US07687315B2
An integrated circuit package system including providing a base substrate, attaching a base integrated circuit on the base substrate, attaching a core substrate over the base integrated circuit, attaching a substrate electrical connector between the core substrate and the base substrate, and applying an encapsulant having the core substrate partially exposed over the base integrated circuit.
US07687314B2
An electronic apparatus manufacturing method comprises applying a first adhesive agent to a mounting portion, a first heating, in such a way that connection pads and bumps, come into contact, by pressing a heating head against a non-mounting surface of the electronic component, heating the electronic component, hardening the first adhesive agent, affixing the mounting substrate and electronic component, filling a space between the mounting substrate and the electronic component with a second adhesive agent under reduced pressure, and a second heating step of, from being under reduced pressure to being under atmospheric pressure, by pressing the heating head against the non-mounting surface of the electronic component, heating the electronic component, as well as hardening the second adhesive agent, melting the connection pads, and joining the connection pads and the bumps.
US07687312B2
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a hybrid structure of multi-layer substrates. The method comprises steps of: separating a border district of at least one metal layer connecting with a border district of the corresponding dielectric layer from adjacent metal layers and adjacent dielectric layers for each multi-layer substrate and connecting a separated border of a metal layer of one multi-layer substrate with a separated border district of a metal layer of another multi-layer substrate to form a connection section. The hybrid structure comprises at least a first multi-layer substrate and a second multi-layer substrate. At least one first metal layer is connected with at least one second metal layer to form a connection section.
US07687310B2
A phase change memory device is manufactured by forming a sacrificial layer and a hard mask layer on a lower electrode; performing a first etching these layers and forming on the lower electrode a first stack pattern having a first width less than a width of the lower electrode; performing a second etching the first stack pattern and forming a second stack pattern having a second width less than the first width; forming an insulation to cover the second stack pattern; CMPing the insulation layer to expose the sacrificial layer; removing the sacrificial layer to define a contact hole; forming a lower electrode contact in the contact hole; and forming a phase change layer and an upper electrode on the insulation layer including the lower electrode contact. By manufacturing the phase change memory device in this manner, the size of the contact hole can be decreased and uniformly defined.
US07687307B2
A memory device having a vacuum jacket around the first electrode element for improved thermal isolation. The memory unit includes a first electrode element; a phase change memory element in contact with the first electrode element; a dielectric fill layer surrounding the phase change memory element and the first electrode element, wherein the dielectric layer is spaced from the first electrode element to define a chamber between the first electrode element and the dielectric fill layer; and wherein the phase change memory layer is sealed to the dielectric fill layer to define a thermal isolation jacket around the first electrode element.
US07687298B2
A microelectromechanical device and method of fabricating the same, including a layer of patterned and deposited metal or mechanical-quality, doped polysilicon inserted between the appropriate device element layers, which provides a conductive layer to prevent the microelectromechanical device's output from drifting. The conductive layer may encapsulate of the device's sensing or active elements, or may selectively cover only certain of the device's elements. Further, coupling the metal or mechanical-quality, doped polysilicon to the same voltage source as the device's substrate contact may place the conductive layer at the voltage of the substrate, which may function as a Faraday shield, attracting undesired, migrating ions from interfering with the output of the device.
US07687293B2
A method for enhancing growth of device-quality planar semipolar nitride semiconductor thin films via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) by using an (Al,In,Ga)N nucleation layer containing at least some indium. Specifically, the method comprises loading a substrate into a reactor, heating the substrate under a flow of nitrogen and/or hydrogen and/or ammonia, depositing an InxGa1-xN nucleation layer on the heated substrate, depositing a semipolar nitride semiconductor thin film on the InxGa1-xN nucleation layer, and cooling the substrate under a nitrogen overpressure.
US07687292B2
The invention relates to an LED package having a metal reflective layer for focusing and emitting light through a side of the package, and a manufacturing method of the same. The LED package includes a substrate with an electrode formed thereon, a light emitting diode chip disposed on the substrate, and an encapsulant covering the LED chip and the substrate to protect the LED chip. The LED package also includes a metal reflective layer surrounding side surfaces of the encapsulant to form a light transmitting surface on a top surface of the encapsulant. The invention minimizes light loss, improves luminance, can be mass-produced as a PCB type, and adopts EMC transfer molding to minimize irregular color distribution, thereby improving optical quality.
US07687278B2
A pretreatment kit and a pretreatment kit for saliva in identification and quantitative determination of Streptococci mutans by immunochromatography utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction, which can remove aggregation caused by mucin and chain formation of Streptococci mutans in saliva in a simple operation and can efficiently flow out a complex of a labeled antibody and Streptococci mutans from a porous membrane retaining the labeled antibody, contains (A) a 0.01 to 10 mol/L aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, (B) a 0.01 to 3 mol/L aqueous solution of tartaric acid and/or citric acid, and (C) a nonionic surface active agent and/or an amphoteric surface active agent, in which the component (C) is mixed with the components (A) and/or (B), or is provided separately, and at least one substance selected from the particular metallic salts is contained in at least one of the components (A), (B) and (C) in an amount of 5 to 25% by weight.
US07687277B2
Methods and apparatuses are provided for assembling a structure on a support having a pattern of binding sites. In accordance with the method, a first fluid is provided on the surface of the support with the first fluid being of a type that that increases viscosity when cooled, the first fluid having first micro-components suspended therein each adapted to engage the binding sites. First fluid proximate to selected binding sites is cooled to increase the viscosity of the responsive fluid proximate to the selected binding sites so that the first micro-components suspended in the first fluid are inhibited from engaging the selected binding sites.
US07687274B2
The invention provides methods for analyzing heparins, low-molecular-weight heparins, ultralow-molecular-weight heparins, and oligosaccharides by high performance liquid chromatography a stationary phase dynamically coated with a quaternary ammonium salt. The methods of the invention may be used to analyze samples without pre-treatment or to analyze samples that have been partially or exhaustively depolymerised and, optionally, reduced. Specific saccharides can be detected.
US07687272B1
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport, and to measure lipid levels by correlating these levels with the rate at which oxygen diffuses through the red blood cell membrane.
US07687269B2
Methods are presented for realizing zero-dispersion segmented flow for transfer of small microfluidic samples onto or within microfluidic analysis or processing devices. Where fluidic systems are in whole or in part made of materials favorable to the zero-dispersion conditions for an indicated solvent/carrier fluid system, the system may be covalently coated to impart the necessary surface properties. This invention is demonstrated in an embodiment where 1 microliter samples (6) are robotically prepared and transferred through 3 meters of capillary tubing (4) to a microcoil NMR probe.
US07687266B2
Pluripotency determining factors are described which act intracellularly and maintain a pluripotent cell in a pluripotent state in the absence of gp130 activation, which maintain or confer pluripotency of a human stem cell, which maintain or confer pluripotency of a mouse ES cell, and which maintain or confer pluripotency of a stem cell from a non-permissive strain of mice. The factors and vectors encoding or activating the factors are used to maintain and derive pluripotent cells, especially of higher mammals, including humans.
US07687265B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating skin pigmentation.
US07687263B2
Provided is a method of inducing tubulogenesis in normal endothelial cells comprising co-culturing the normal endothelial cells with tumor cells and forming tubules from the normal endothelial cells.
US07687261B2
A system and method are provided for producing algae with high oil content. The system includes a chemostat formed with a conduit for growing algae, an input port for feeding a medium into the conduit, and an output port for passing an effluence from the conduit. Further, the chemostat includes a paddlewheel or other device that moves the medium around the conduit. Also, the system includes a plug flow reactor for receiving the effluence from the chemostat. In order to trigger high oil production in the algae, a modified nutrient mix is added to the effluence in the plug flow reactor. Specifically, the modified nutrient mix comprises a limited amount of a selected constituent to trigger oil production in the algae. Further, the system includes an algae separator for removing high oil content algae from the plug flow reactor.
US07687240B2
A process for producing isolated and purified respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion (F) and attachment (G) glycoproteins in eukaryotic cell cultures infected with RSV cold-passaged, temperature-sensitive mutant subgroup A2 strain cpts-248/404 results in at least a 5-fold increase in F and G protein yields when compared with the parent A2 strain. Immunogenic compositions comprising the F and/or G protein(s) produced by this process can be formulated for in vivo administration to a host to confer protection against disease caused by RSV.
US07687234B2
Methods for conducting an assay to detect nucleic acid hybridization are disclosed. In particular, the fabrication of a carbon electrode suited to nucleic acid hybridization detection is described. In some preferred embodiments, a micro array of carbon electrodes is constructed using photolithography. The final step in the photolithography process involves developing a solder mask with an alkaline solution. The alkaline solution oxidizes the carbon surface producing surface carboxylic acid groups. The surface carboxylic acid groups are reacted with EDC or DCC and NHS to produce NHS esters. Immobilization of NEUTRAVIDIN® onto the electrode surface is effected by reaction with the surface NHS ester groups. A biotinylated probe DNA molecule is then attached to the electrode via binding between the biotin group and the immobilized NEUTRAVIDIN®. The resulting electrode can be used to detect hybridization between the probe DNA and complementary target DNA.
US07687227B2
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a resist pattern forming method of forming a resist pattern by immersion exposure, comprising forming a resist film on a substrate to be treated, a contact angle between the resist film and an immersion liquid being a first angle, forming a first cover film on the resist film, a contact angle between the first cover film and the immersion liquid being a second angle which is larger than the first angle, forming a second cover film on the first cover film, a contact angle between the second cover film and the immersion liquid being a third angle which is smaller than the second angle, and forming a latent image on the resist film by the immersion exposure.
US07687226B2
A fabricating method of a printing plate includes forming a first conductive layer on an upper surface of a printing plate, forming a second conductive layer on a lower surface of the printing plate, forming an etch-resist pattern by etching a portion of the first conductive layer, submerging the printing plate, the second conductive layer and the etch-resist pattern into an electrolytic solution, and applying an electrical field between the etch-resist pattern and the second conductive layer so that the electrolytic solution is dissociated to form an anisotropically etched fine pattern in the printing plate.
US07687225B2
Systems and techniques involving optical coatings for semiconductor devices. An implementation includes a substantially isotropic, heterogeneous anti-reflective coating having a substantially equal thickness normal to any portion of a substrate independent of the orientation of the portion.
US07687223B2
There is provided an underlayer coating forming composition for lithography for forming an underlayer coating having a high dry etching rate compared with photoresist, causing no intermixing with the photoresist, and excellent in property of filling hole on the semiconductor substrate, which is used in lithography process of manufacture of semiconductor device. The composition comprises a cyclodextrin compound that 10% to 90% of total number of hydroxy groups in cyclodextrin is converted into an ether or ester group, a crosslinking compound, a crosslinking catalyst and a solvent.
US07687210B2
A method for manufacturing a stitched space in a semiconductor circuit implements a photolithographic process for printing one or more image fields on a wafer surface, each image field corresponding to a portion of a circuit or device and including a space that is to be stitched in adjacent image fields. The space to be stitched that is produced from an image field is overlapped onto the space to be stitched produced from the adjacent image field, however, the overlapped space from the adjacent image fields is intentionally misaligned. The stitched space is then subject to the double light exposure dose to print the stitched space, with the result that an overlay tolerance of the stitched space is improved.
US07687209B2
A device manufacturing method includes a transfer of a pattern from a patterning device onto a substrate. The device manufacturing method further includes transferring a pattern of a main mark to a base layer for forming an alignment mark; depositing a pattern receiving layer on the base layer; in a first lithographic process, aligning, by using the main mark, a first mask that includes a first pattern and a local mark pattern, and transferring the first pattern and the local mark pattern to the pattern receiving layer; aligning, by using the local mark pattern, a second mask including a second pattern relative to the pattern receiving layer; andin a second lithographic process, transferring the second pattern to the pattern receiving layer; the first and second patterns being configured to form an assembled pattern.
US07687208B2
A positive photosensitive resin composition excellent in sensitivity and resolution, characterized by comprising 100 parts by mass of (A) a hydroxypolyamide comprising repeating units represented by the general formula (1), 1 to 50 parts by mass of (B) a photoacid generator, 5 to 20 parts by mass of (C) a carboxylic acid compound having 6 to 18 carbon atoms as represented by the general formula (2), and 0.01 to 70 parts by mass of (D) an alcohol having 4 to 14 carbon atoms as represented by the general formula (3).
US07687205B2
A photolithographic method and associated apparatus are provided that permit three-dimensional structures to be defined in a photoresist coating in such a manner that multi-level structures can be formed which have constant width at different depths within the photoresist coating. The photolithographic method and apparatus may permit such three-dimensional structures to be defined within a photoresist coating with the use of a single polychromatic mask and, optionally, a micro-lens array. By designing the polychromatic mask to have a plurality of regions that selectively pass and block respective wavelengths of light, the photoresist coating can be selectively illuminated with light have different wavelengths. As a result of the optical absorption characteristics of the photoresist coating, the different wavelengths of light propagate to different depths within the photoresist coating, thereby defining multi-level microstructures therein.
US07687190B2
Disclosed herein is a secondary battery constructed in a structure in which an electrode assembly having a cathode/separator/anode structure is mounted in a sheet-type battery case having a receiving part defined therein, the sheet-type battery case is sealed by thermal welding, and sealing parts are formed entirely along the edge of the receiving part by the thermal welding. The sealing parts are perpendicularly bent such that the sealing parts are brought into tight contact with a side wall of the receiving part. Cathode and anode terminals are positioned at two different sealing parts about the receiving part, respectively. When external forces are applied to the secondary battery, the safety of the secondary battery is improved, and the occurrence of a short circuit is effectively prevented.
US07687188B2
A sealed cell having a safety mechanism is provided. The safety mechanism has a non-resealable valve structure formed in a sealing plate that seals the cell. The valve structure is broken as soon as the internal pressure reaches or exceeds a predetermined value so as to permit the internal gas to be released outside. The valve structure has at least one dome protruding toward the interior of the cell, which in turn has at the periphery thereof a break groove for facilitating the breakage of the valve structure. This makes the valve structure highly responsive to the internal pressure and causes to form a break-opened orifice of a sufficient area at the time of operation in response to the increased internal pressure. The valve structure is not unnecessarily broken by the impacts of, for example, dropping. As a result, the safety of the sealed cell is significantly improved.
US07687184B2
In a conventional polymer membrane electrode assembly, particularly when operated for a long period of time, a portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane to be in contact with the gas diffusion layer has suffered significant degradation. In order to address this, in a membrane electrode assembly including a hydrogen ion conductive polymer electrolyte membrane, a pair of catalyst layers arranged on both surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and a pair of gas diffusion layers, each including a fibrous substrate, arranged on the outer surfaces of the catalyst layers, a thickness TA of a center portion that faces the catalyst layer and a thickness TB of a peripheral portion surrounding the center portion are set to satisfy a expression (1): 0.7≦TB/TA≦0.9.
US07687180B2
A fuel cell component is provided including a support plate, a membrane electrode assembly, and a resilient member. The support plate defines a bore extending between a first surface and a second surface. The membrane electrode assembly engages the second surface of the support plate. The resilient member defines a leg and a bead. The leg is disposed within the bore and adheres to the membrane electrode assembly. The bead engages the first surface of the support plate to maintain the membrane electrode assembly in engagement with the second surface of the support plate.
US07687167B2
A clean power supply unit with a high fuel utilization rate using a fuel cell is provided. The power supply unit of the present invention comprises a fuel cell using methanol as fuel; a secondary battery for supplying power to a load; a fuel cell control part for controlling the amount of fuel and/or air supplied to the above-mentioned fuel cell; and a power converter for converting the power output from the above-mentioned fuel cell to a predetermined voltage or current, supplying power to the load and/or the above-mentioned secondary battery and controlling the supplied power so as to fall within a predetermined range including the value at which the amount of methanol discharged from the above-mentioned fuel cell becomes minimized.
US07687165B2
Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell assembly, fuel cell stack, and method of operating cell assembly
A cell assembly is formed by stacking a first unit cell and a second unit cell to each other. The first unit cell includes a first unified body, and the second unit cell includes a second unified body. In the cell assembly, the first and second unit cells have structures different from each other.
US07687163B2
A method of operating an electrochemical conversion assembly is provided. According to the method, an assembly warm-up operation is executed by increasing the temperature TSTACK of the membrane electrode assembly. Next, stoichiometry-based control of the relative humidity (RH) of one of the reactant flowfields is initiated when the temperature TSTACK exceeds a threshold temperature T0. The stoichiometry-based RH control comprises a reduction in the relative humidity from a value RHWET exceeding 100% relative humidity to a value RHDRY less than 100% relative humidity. The relative humidity value RHDRY is sufficiently low to permit reduction of an initial membrane hydration λWET in the membrane electrode assembly. The reduction in the relative humidity to RHDRY is achieved by controlling the stoichiometry of the reactant flowfield and the temperature of the membrane electrode assembly such that the reduction to RHDRY decreases substantially continuously, relative to portions of the RH profile of the reactant flowfield prior to initiation of the stoichiometry-based control. The cell transitions from the stoichiometry-based RH control to generally elevated-temperature, temperature-based RH control when membrane hydration in the membrane electrode assembly falls below a target membrane hydration value λDRY. Additional methods and corresponding systems are contemplated.
US07687141B2
An inexpensive fiber that has heat retaining properties, satisfactory weather resistance and heat absorption efficiency, and includes a heat absorbing material having excellent transparency; and a fiber article that uses the fiber. A particle dispersion of Cs0.33WO3 is obtained by mixing Cs0.33WO3 microparticles, toluene, and a microparticle dispersing agent to create a liquid dispersion, and then removing the toluene. The particle dispersion is added to and uniformly mixed with pellets of polyethylene terephthalate resin, after which the mixture is extruded, the strands thus obtained are formed into pellets, and a master batch including Cs0.33WO3 microparticles is obtained. This master batch is mixed with a master batch to which inorganic microparticles have not been added, and the mixture thus obtained is melt spun and stretched to manufacture a polyester multifilament yarn. The polyester multifilament yarn is cut, polyester staple fibers are created, and a spun yarn is manufactured. A heat retentive knit article is obtained using the spun yarn.
US07687127B2
A label paper including a thermoplastic resin sheet (A) formed by stretching along at least one axis and heat treating at 50 to 250° C., an adhesive layer (B), and a release paper (C). Under a thermomechanical analysis with heating from a room temperature to 150° C., α is in a range of from −2.5 to 2.5 percent, and α-β is in a range of from −1.5 to 1.5 percent, where α is a ratio of a dimension of the thermoplastic resin sheet (A) after the heating to a dimension of the thermoplastic resin sheet (A) before the heating, and β is a ratio of a dimension of the release paper (C) after the heating to a dimension of the release paper (C) before the heating.
US07687111B2
In a method for structuring the surface of a substrate, a substrate is elastically expanded by the application of a tensile stress so that a surface area of the substrate in which a structure is to be created, is enlarged. Then, in the surface area, a structure is produced that is larger than the structure to be produced. For this purpose at least one solution is applied to the substrate, which solvent contains at least one solid substance dissolved in a solvent. The solvent is then removed from the surface of the substrate so that the solid substance remains behind. The expansion of the substrate is at least partly reversed by the reduction or removal of the tensile stress so that the size of the structure is reduced to the size of the structure to be produced. In the material of the substrate, a compression stress can also be created to reduce the size of the structure to the size of the structure to be produced.
US07687109B2
An apparatus for making an array of carbon nanotubes includes a reaction chamber with a gas inlet and a gas outlet; a quartz boat disposed in the reaction chamber; a substrate with a surface deposited with a film of first catalyst, the substrate being disposed in the quartz boat; and a second catalyst disposed in the quartz beside the substrate. A method for making an array of carbon nanotubes, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a substrate with a surface deposited with a film of first catalyst; (b) disposing a second catalyst beside the substrate to produce small amounts of hydrogen gas which flows to the first catalyst; (c) introducing a carrier gas and a carbon source gas flowing from the second catalyst to the first catalyst at a predetermined temperature; and (d) growing an array of carbon nanotubes extending from the substrate.
US07687102B2
The present invention provides improved cathodes and industrialized methods for producing such cathodes using an industrial dosing valve-based electrode coating fluid emitting technique. The family of cathodes according to the present invention can be produced so that they inhabit a pre-existing metallic surface such as an inner surface of a titanium casing adjacent but insulated from direct electrical communication from an anode. Foil-type valve metal anodes as well as porous valve metal anodes formed from metallic powders may be used in conjunction with the cathodes of the present invention.
US07687096B2
A mono-, di-, and triglyceride emulsifier is provided that is obtained by the interesterification or glycerolysis of triglycerides with glycerol. The diglyceride portion w/w is at least about 65% to about 80%, and most preferably from about 70% to about 80%. The high diglyceride emulsifier is useful in preparing a margarine from a selected quantity a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and from an amount of saturated fat for use in puff pastry products. The puff pastry is trans fat free and a less than usual percentage of saturated fats. A preferred structured puff pastry margarine is prepared by mixing on a weight to weight basis about 14 parts of the high diglyceride emulsifier that is in predominantly stable beta crystal form, from about 14 to 27 parts of a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, and from about 40 to about 52 parts of a saturated fat.
US07687089B2
An extract of passion fruit is prepared. The extract has the effect of lowering blood pressure and serum nitric oxide levels in mammals. The extract also provides a hepatoprotective effect, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in mammals. A novel compound was identified in the extract and given the name edulilic acid.
US07687086B1
A method for obtaining a taxane by which a taxane is isolated from a growth medium, such as soil, pumice, perlite, rocks, and/or gravel in which a taxane-producing plant has grown. A method for obtaining a taxane by which a taxane is isolated from water effluent from plantings of living plants (e.g. a yew tree) that produce a taxane have grown in a growth medium, such as soil, pumice, perlite, rocks, and/or gravel.
US07687082B2
Serial administration of two complementary compositions effectively reduces and stabilizes glucose levels in the blood of mammals, specifically in pre-diabetic patients and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The first composition (Comp1) comprises (−)-hydroxycitric acid ((−)-HCA), magnesium salt (Mg) and konjac mannan (KM). The second composition (Comp2) comprises chromium picolinate (CrPic), magnesium salt (Mg) and alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA). The second composition may include one or more of Comp1, cinnamon extract (CE) and American ginseng (AG).
US07687078B1
Compositions for treating anal and vaginal inflammations while maintaining normal vaginal floral activity utilizing magnesium and alkali metal salts at an acidic pH.
US07687069B2
A composition for treatment of bacterial infections of the eye is disclosed which comprises a lytic enzyme composition specific for the infecting bacteria, and a carrier for delivering said lytic enzyme. The carrier for delivering at least one lytic enzyme to the eye may be but is not limited to the use of an isotonic solution.
US07687068B2
A particulate composition comprising (a) an oil of a vitamin, an oil containing one or more vitamins or a derivative, (b) a gelling agent of vegetable origin having a glass transition point greater than 20° C., and (c) a protein, except gelatine.
US07687066B2
A self emulsification type oily liquid cosmetic composition includes 8 to 30% by mass of the following component A and 50 to 92% by mass of the following component B.Component A: a polyglycerin fatty acid ester having a hydroxyl value of 450 to 700, and a branched fatty acid residue having 16 to 18 carbon atoms and/or a linear unsaturated fatty acid residue having 16 to 18 carbon atoms accounting for 50 to 100% by mass of total constituent fatty acid residues, and in a polyglycerin constituting the polyglycerin fatty acid ester, a total content of a polyglycerin cyclic compound of a dimer and a trimer is from 0 to 3% based on the entire polyglycerin, a total content of a polyglycerin of a undecamer or a higher multimer is from 10 to 30% based on the entire polyglycerin, and each content of a polyglycerin of a tetramer to a decamer is from 4 to 20% based on the entire polyglycerin.Component B: an oily component.
US07687060B2
The invention provides the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of mycobacterial infection.
US07687057B2
A method of delivering a gene product to a recipient, the method comprises (a) providing a micro-organ explant expressing at least one recombinant gene product, the micro-organ explant comprising a population of cells, the micro-organ explant maintaining a microarchitecture and a three dimensional structure of an organ from which it is obtained and at the same time having dimensions selected so as to allow diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells in the micro-organ explant and diffusion of cellular waste out of the micro-organ explant so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of the waste in the micro-organ explant, at least some of the cells of the population of cells of the micro-organ explant expressing at least one recombinant gene product; and (b) implanting the micro-organ explant in the recipient.
US07687051B2
A method and catalysts for producing a hydrogen-rich syngas are disclosed. According to the method a CO-containing gas contacts a water gas shift (WGS) catalyst, in the presence of water, preferably at a temperature of less than about 450° C. to produce a hydrogen-rich syngas. Also disclosed is a water gas shift catalyst formulated from: a) Pt, its oxides or mixtures thereof, b) at least one of Fe and Rh, their oxides and mixtures thereof, and c) at least one member selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, Re, Co, Ni, Pd, Ge, Sn, Sb, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu, their oxides and mixtures thereof. The WGS catalyst may be supported on a carrier, such as any one member or a combination of alumina, zirconia, titania, ceria, magnesia, lanthania, niobia, yttria and iron oxide. Fuel processors containing such water gas shift catalysts are also disclosed.
US07687048B1
Processing schemes and arrangements for the amine treatment of high olefin content (e.g., ethylene-rich) carbon dioxide-containing streams such as for the effective separation and removal of carbon dioxide therefrom are provided. Corresponding or associated processing schemes and arrangements for the catalytic cracking of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and obtaining light olefins substantially free of carbon dioxide via absorption-based product recovery are also provided.
US07687045B2
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods of disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles, and more specifically to a system and method of efficiently disinfecting and/or decontaminating articles such as pieces of mail that may have been exposed to diverse biological and/or chemical contaminants.
US07687039B2
The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for using acoustic energy.
US07687030B2
A hydrogen gas visualization device comprises a hydrogen sensor having a thin film layer formed on the surface of a substrate and a catalyst layer formed on the surface of the thin film layer which, when contacted by hydrogen gas contained in an atmosphere, hydrogenates the thin film layer and thereby changes the optical reflectance of the thin film layer, and one or more sensor faces provided with the hydrogen sensor. The hydrogen gas visualization device visualizes, on the sensor faces, the distribution of hydrogen gas contained in the atmosphere contacting the hydrogen sensor and thereby visualizes the existence and flow of the hydrogen gas.
US07687025B2
A method of manufacturing a component. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes enriching an element with an isotope and using the enriched element as a material of the component. A property of the first isotope being the same as a property of a second isotope and is preferably a mechanical, chemical, or electrical property. A second element can also be used as a material of the component, for instance, where the material is an alloy or a composite material. Further, the first isotope can be a lighter isotope of the element. Lightweight components may be manufactured using the method such that mobile platforms (e.g. spacecraft) can be assembled from the component(s). In other exemplary embodiments, the element can be hydrogen, lithium, boron, magnesium, titanium, or iron. Additionally, the component may carry a load. Components including isotopically enriched elements are also provided.
US07687019B2
A refining apparatus for scrap silicon using an electron beam which is suitable for recycling of scrap silicon which is formed during the manufacture of silicon products such as silicon wafers includes a vacuum chamber, a crucible installed within the vacuum chamber, a hearth which is installed next to the crucible within the vacuum chamber and which receives granular scrap silicon and which melts granular silicon by irradiation with an electron beam and which supplies molten silicon to the crucible, and a raw material supply apparatus which is installed within the vacuum chamber and which stores a prescribed amount of granular scrap silicon and supplies the stored granular scrap silicon via a chute.
US07687016B1
Methods are disclosed for producing architectural preforms and high-temperature composite structures containing high-strength ceramic fibers with reduced preforming stresses within each fiber, with an in-situ grown coating on each fiber surface, with reduced boron within the bulk of each fiber, and with improved tensile creep and rupture resistance properties for each fiber. The methods include the steps of preparing an original sample of a preform formed from a pre-selected high-strength silicon carbide ceramic fiber type, placing the original sample in a processing furnace under a pre-selected preforming stress state and thermally treating the sample in the processing furnace at a pre-selected processing temperature and hold time in a processing gas having a pre-selected composition, pressure, and flow rate. For the high-temperature composite structures, the method includes additional steps of depositing a thin interphase coating on the surface of each fiber and forming a ceramic or carbon-based matrix within the sample.
US07687005B2
A method for forming a masonry unit that includes joining a pallet to a bottom surface of a mold, inserting a filler plug into the side of the mold between a partition plate and a pallet, dispensing mix into the mold, and compressing the mix with a shoe to form a masonry unit with a filler plug effect.
US07686991B2
A method of aligning die and stamping substrate for nano-imprint lithography is described. The method includes aligning the die by linearly displacing the die along a first axis using a first flexure member and pressing the die along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis while maintaining coupling of the die with the first flexure member.
US07686987B2
A method of film fabrication is taught that uses a coating and drying apparatus to fabricate resin films suitable for optical applications. In particular, polycarbonate films are prepared by simultaneous application of multiple liquid layers to a moving carrier substrate. After solvent removal, the polycarbonate films are peeled from the sacrificial carrier substrate. Polycarbonate films prepared by the current invention exhibit good dimensional stability and low birefringence.
US07686986B2
Magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles are made from a magnesium compound that is reacted with an organic dispersing agent (e.g., a hydroxy acid) to form an intermediate magnesium compound. Magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles are formed from hydrolysis of the intermediate compound. The bonding between the organic dispersing agent and the magnesium during hydrolysis influences the size of the magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles formed therefrom. The magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles can be treated with an aliphatic compound (e.g., a monofunctional alcohol) to prevent aggregation of the nanoparticles during drying and/or to make the nanoparticles hydrophobic such that they can be evenly dispersed in a polymeric material. The magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles exhibit superior fire retarding properties in polymeric materials compared to known magnesium hydroxide particles.
US07686983B2
Stable metal/conductive polymer composite colloids and methods for making the same are provided. The subject colloids find use in a variety of different applications, including analyte detection applications. Also provided are kits that include the subject colloids.
US07686980B2
Compositions for actively inhibiting corrosion are described herein that include at least one active corrosion inhibitor compound, and at least one conventional corrosion inhibitor compound. In addition, methods for producing a composition that actively reduces corrosion are described herein and include providing at least one active corrosion inhibitor, providing at least one conventional corrosion inhibitor compound or corrosion protection compound, and blending the at least one active corrosion inhibitor and the at least one conventional corrosion inhibitor compound or corrosion protection compound to form the composition. In addition, a composition for actively inhibiting corrosion is described herein that includes at least one active corrosion inhibitor compound, wherein the at least one active corrosion inhibitor compound comprises a derivative or salt of a thio-, thia- or dithiocarbarnic acid, or a combination thereof and at least one conventional corrosion inhibitor compound. Coatings and composite materials containing these active corrosion inhibitor compounds and compositions are also described.
US07686976B2
Arsenic is removed from water and other aqueous feeds by (1) treating the feed with a compound containing cerium in the +4 oxidation state, preferably cerium dioxide, to oxidize arsenic in the +3 oxidation state to arsenic in the +5 oxidation state and (2) removing the arsenic in the +5 oxidation state from the aqueous phase, normally by contacting the treated feed with alumina or other precipitating agent containing cations in the +3 oxidation state.
US07686971B2
A plasma source includes a gas flow channel formed therein and an electrode which is fed with electric power or grounded to be maintained at a controlled electric potential and a surface of the plasma source including an opening portion of a first gas ejecting port can be placed in parallel to a position at which a to-be-processed object can be placed. The plasma source is connected to a first gas supplying device through a gas supplying port 4 and has a multi-layer construction that is constituted from two or more layers. Gas flow channels within the multi-layer construction include buffer spaces and at least one space cross-sectional area parallel to the opening cross-sectional area of the first gas ejecting ports, out of the cross-sectional areas of the buffer spaces, is greater than the opening cross-sectional area of the first gas ejecting ports.
US07686967B2
A cooled liquid sample dispensing system comprises a pair of pins for holding a droplet of liquid therebetween and a cooling element. Each pin includes a tip spaced predetermined distance from the other pin to define a sample acquisition region. The pins acquire and hold a droplet of the liquid sample in the sample acquisition region formed in the space between the tips and apply the droplet to a selected sample handing system. The cooling element, when activated, cools the droplet of liquid to reduce evaporation.
US07686962B2
The present disclosure provides for a system and method that intensely oxidizes water as it navigates through a system and accurately, controllably neutralizes the oxidation by-products before the water exits the system.
US07686961B1
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the treatment of waste water, particularly for the treatment and/or reduction of floating pollutants in storm water waste streams. The apparatus of the invention achieves a high containment level of floating pollutants compared to conventional oil/gas traps available for catch basin use. In a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention is a catch basin trap that arrests the flow of pollutants, particularly floating pollutants. The trap is designed and installed in such a manner that a sealed system is created, ensuring that all fluid flow (e.g., storm water discharge) must pass through the trap and cannot bypass the trap due to unreliable trap attachment mechanisms or unsealed joints. Containment of floating pollutants is achieved.
US07686958B2
Disclosed is a method for producing at least one chemical reaction product by chemically reacting one or several reactants that is/are optionally dissolved in one or several solvents and is/are supplied as a feed stream by bringing the same in contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in a continuously operated fixed-bed reactor which is filled with a particle bed, a continuous annular chromatograph (CAC) that is filled with the particle bed being used as a fixed-bed reaction in which the at least one reaction product is formed and purified while the at least one purified reaction product as well as optionally provided secondary products and/or non-reacted reactants are withdrawn at a different, predetermined azimuthal position of the annular chromatograph, respectively. The inventive method is characterized in that only one type of particle material is used in a single particle bed as both a formation catalyst and a chromatographic medium for purifying the at least one reaction product in the particle bed.
US07686951B2
A vacuum skimmer for ponds, swimming pools or similar bodies of water has housing with an intake opening and a dirt collecting container arranged downstream for collecting coarse materials. The water to be purified is sucked in through the dirt collecting container by a pump arranged downstream. The intake opening is provided on one housing side. The vacuum skimmer is movable in such a way that the intake opening upon operation of the vacuum skimmer can orient itself in different directions. The vacuum skimmer has an aeration device by means of which air can be blown into the water.
US07686949B2
An improved hydrotreating process for use with lube oil boiling range feedstreams utilizing a catalyst comprising a hydrogenation-dehydrogenation component selected from the Group VIII noble metals and mixtures thereof, a mesoporous support, and a binder.
US07686947B2
The invention relates to a process for hydrotreatment of a hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising the step of carrying out in situ or ex situ sulfurization of a catalyst and hydrotreating the hydrocarbon feedstock in the presence of the catalyst wherein at least one sulfur compound may be present in the feedstock; and a process for the purification of a hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising hydrotreating the hydrocarbon feedstock in the presence of a catalyst after sulfurization of the catalyst and oxidizing desulfurization of the hydrotreated feedstock; wherein the catalyst comprises a refractory oxide support, at least one metal of the Group VIII and at least one metal of the Group VI, both in an oxidized form, and at least one sulphone or sulphoxide compound derived from a benzothiophene compound.
US07686946B2
One exemplary embodiment can include a method of altering a feed to a transalkylation zone by changing a destination of a stream rich in an aromatic C9 for increasing production of at least one of benzene, toluene, para-xylene, and an aromatic gasoline blend. The method can include providing the stream rich in an aromatic C9 from a first fractionation zone that receives an effluent from a second fractionation zone. The second fractionation zone may produce a stream rich in at least one of benzene and toluene. The stream rich in the aromatic C9 can be at least partially comprised in at least one of the feed to the transalkylation zone and the aromatic gasoline blend.
US07686939B2
Embodiments include a fractionated and/or distilled wax having from about 30 to about 64 carbon units, a degree of crystallinity as calculated by heat of melting and as measured by DSC of from about 55 to about 100, a Mw is from about 500 to about 800, and a polydispersity of from about 1 to about 1.05.
US07686934B2
Devices and methods for performing separation of cell particles by dielectrophoresis in three dimensions. In one embodiment the device comprises a flow chamber having microfabricated chip with a plurality of vertical and horizontal electrodes, which may be coated with a protective layer to prevent direct contact between any electrode and a sample. The horizontal electrodes are in electrical communication with a DC or an AC power source, while the vertical electrodes are in electrical communication with an AC power source.
US07686927B1
The orientation of a wafer with respect to the surface of an electrolyte is controlled during an electroplating process. The wafer is delivered to an electrolyte bath along a trajectory normal to the surface of the electrolyte. Along this trajectory, the wafer is angled before entry into the electrolyte for angled immersion. A wafer can be plated in an angled orientation or not, depending on what is optimal for a given situation. Also, in some designs, the wafer's orientation can be adjusted actively during immersion or during electroplating, providing flexibility in various electroplating scenarios.
US07686923B2
A paper machine dewatering system includes a first fabric, a second fabric, and an airflow device. The first fabric carries a fibrous web on a side thereof. The second fabric is in at least partial contact with the fibrous web, the fibrous web being between the first fabric and the second fabric. The airflow device moves air successively through the first fabric, the fibrous web, and the second fabric.
US07686920B2
The invention concerns a process for making a fibrillated polypyridobisimidazole floc comprising the steps of: cutting polypyridobisimidazole filaments to an average cut length of from about 0.5 to 10 mm; and applying energy to the polypyridobisimidazole filaments to produce a fibrillated floc having essentially the same average cut length after the application of energy as before the application of energy; where the fibrillated floc having a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF), when dispersed in water by itself, of from about 400 to 750 ml.
US07686916B2
There is provided a sheet peeling apparatus and a peeling method using a plurality of peeling units. A sheet peeling apparatus for peeling off a sheet stuck on the surface of a semiconductor wafer by using an adhesive tape of a width narrower than that of the sheet, which is equipped with a peeling head for peeling off the sheet by pulling the adhesive tape in an obtuse angled direction in a state stuck to the end portion of the sheet; and first and second rollers for peeling off the sheet by pulling the adhesive tape in the substantially right angle or acute angle direction in a state stuck with the adhesive tape in the direction across the sheet. Either of the peeling units are selectively used in accordance with the type of the sheet.
US07686914B2
A transparent/translucent double-layer of plastic sheet material which transmits light is provided, comprising a pair of transparent/translucent sheet materials, wherein one side may be of matte finish, the other side color coated, wherein the sheet materials include decorative metal articles located therebetween and are joined together with the matte finish facing outward. The material may display a high level of luminosity and the appearance of being lit-from-within. A light transmitting fire-rated panel including a spring-loaded frame is also provided.
US07686908B2
An assembly and method for manufacturing a composite reinforcement for unitizing a structure are provided. According to one embodiment, the assembly includes a base having a plurality of pins extending outwardly therefrom to define a structure about which a composite fiber is wound to define a composite reinforcement preform. The assembly also includes a plurality of mandrels positioned adjacent to the base and at least a portion of the composite reinforcement preform, and a cap that is positioned over at least a portion of the plurality of mandrels. The cap is configured to engage each of the mandrels to support the mandrels and the composite reinforcement preform during a curing process to form the composite reinforcement.
US07686899B2
The invention relates to a process for producing a sliding bearing with a sliding surface, which is made of a copper multicomponent alloy with at least two phase constituents, in which process at least one phase constituent at the sliding surface is dissolved by means of an acid, and at least one further phase constituent is retained in a raised form. The sliding bearing preferably is made of a copper/aluminum multicomponent bronze.
US07686895B2
A method of forming gray iron components includes applying a substantially uniform magnetic field to gray iron. The method also includes heat-treating the gray iron while the gray iron is within the magnetic field.
US07686893B2
A tank washer comprising a housing which supports reciprocating spray nozzles for spaying the walls of a tank which is to be cleaned with a cleaning liquid. The reciprocation of the spray nozzles is controlled by a piston that reciprocates in the housing under the force of the cleaning liquid. A piston assembly for use in a tank washer comprising a piston head and a connecting rod having one end connected to said piston head. The piston is mounted in a piston chamber for reciprocation.
US07686885B2
In some embodiments, the present invention addresses the challenges of fabricating nanorod arrays comprising a heterogeneous composition and/or arrangement of the nanorods. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to multicomponent nanorod arrays comprising nanorods of at least two different chemical compositions, and to methods of making same. In some or other embodiments, the nanorods are spatially positioned within the array in a pre-defined manner.
US07686876B2
There is provided an ink composition for ink jet recording that, even on printing paper for running-on, can realize excellent gloss and good color reproduction and, at the same time, is excellent in ejection stability and recovery from clogging. The ink composition for ink jet recording comprises at least a colorant, water, an alkanediol, and a surfactant, wherein the alkanediol comprises a water soluble 1,2-alkanediol and a slightly water soluble 1,2-alkanediol, and the surfactant is a polyorganosiloxane.
US07686873B2
An air cleaner is provided in an all terrain vehicle in order to improve the control performance for effecting optimal combustion in an engine by accurately measuring the temperature of air introduced into the engine. The air cleaner includes an air cleaner case disposed behind an engine, a throttle valve disposed between the engine and the air cleaner case, and connecting tube for connecting the air cleaner case and the throttle valve with each other. A temperature sensor is disposed in either a front or rear face of the air cleaner case. Optionally, the temperature sensor is disposed in the connecting tube.
US07686867B2
A degasifier is provided in which the deterioration in sealing property (deterioration in airtightness) is prevented while sealing members to be placed between a container and covers that compose a decompression chamber can be omitted. A degasifier includes a decompression chamber provided with a container and covers, and a gas-permeable tube. The container is a tubular body extending along the central axis. The covers seal the openings of the ends of the tubular body. The gas-permeable tube is contained in the decompression chamber in such a manner that a liquid to be degassed that has entered from the outside of the decompression chamber flows therethrough and the liquid to be degassed that has flowed therethrough flows out of the decompression chamber. The inner circumference surfaces in the vicinities of the openings of the container each are provided with a first slope that is formed to be tilted at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the central axis and to extend away from the central axis toward the opening side of the container. A portion of each of the covers that is in contact with the container is provided with a second slope that is formed to be tilted at the angle θ with respect to the central axis and to extend to approach the central axis toward the inner side of the decompression chamber, with the openings being sealed. The openings are sealed with the container and the covers being joined to each other in the state where the first slopes and the second slopes are in contact with each other, respectively.
US07686860B2
In one embodiment, a drawer for receiving debris into a suction debris collection system includes: a floor; walls extending up from the floor, the floor and the walls defining a chamber having a forward part and a rearward part; an outlet from the rearward part of the chamber; and a seal configured to prevent the passage of air through an opening to the suction system when the drawer is in a closed position and suction is supplied to the opening.
US07686859B2
The lubricant coalescing filter element is provided that includes a cylindrical outer screen member, at least one filter element disposed inside the cylindrical outer screen member and being coaxial with the outer screen member, and a drainage arrangement disposed between the cylindrical outer screen member and the at least one filter element to drain accumulated lubricant out of the at least one filter element.
US07686857B2
An electrical connection system for a particulate filter is provided. The system includes: a particulate filter (PF) disposed within an outer shell wherein the PF is segmented into a plurality of heating zones; an outer mat disposed between the particulate filter and the outer shell; an electrical connector coupled to the outer shell of the PF; and a plurality of printed circuit connections that extend along the outer surface of the PF from the electrical connector to the plurality of heating zones.
US07686850B2
Disclosed are nitro-sulfide dyes of formula (1), their salts, isomers, hydrates and other solvates, wherein R1, R2, R3, independently from each other are hydrogen; C1-C20alkyl or C1-C20alkoxy, which may be substituted by one or more C1-C5alkoxy, halogen, —NH2, mono-C1-C5alkylamino, di-C1-C5alkylamino, —NO2 or hydroxy; C3-C6cycloalkyl; —C(O)H; —C(O)—C1-C5alkyl; —C(O)OH; —C(O)O—C1-C5alkyl; halogen; NO2; OH; SH; phenyl, which may be substituted by one or more C1-C5alkyl, C1-C5alkoxy, halogen, —NH2, mono-C1-C5alkylamino, di-C1-C5alkylamino, —NO2 or hydroxy; or a radical of formula (1a) —NR4R5, wherein R4 and R5 independently from each other are hydrogen; C1-C12alkyl, which may be substituted by one or more C1-C5alkyl, C1-C5-alkoxy, hydroxy or —(CO)—H; —(CO)—C1-C5alkyl; phenyl or phenyl-C1-C4alkyl, wherein the phenyl moiety may be substituted by one or more C1-C5alkyl, C1-C5alkoxy, halogen, —NH2, mono-C1-C5alkylamino, di-C1-C5alkylamino, —NO2, carboxy or hydroxy; or a radical of formula (2); wherein at least one of the radicals R1, R2 or R3 is NO2; Y1 is C1-C10alkylene; C5-C10cycloalkylene; C5-C10arylene; or C5-C10arylene-(C1-C10alkylene); Z1 is the direct bond; formula (3); or a cationic biradical of a saturated, aromatic or heteroaromatic group; Q1 is —C(O)—; —C(O)O—; —OCO—; —N(R6)—X2—; —CON(R6)—; —(R6)NC(O)—; —O—; —S—; —S(O)—; or —S(O)2—; X1 and X2 independently from each other are the direct bond; C1-C10alkylene; C5-C10cycloalkylene; C5-C10arylene; or C5-C10arylene-(C1-C10alkylene); and R6, R7 and R8 independently from each other are hydrogen; C1-C14alkyl; C2-C14alkenyl; C6-C10aryl; C6-C10aryl-C1-C10alkyl; or C1-C10alkyl(C5-C10aryl); m is 1; or 2; U is hydrogen, if m is 1; or the direct bond, if m is 2; with the proviso that the method does not comprise contacting hair with an enzyme of the type of a protein disulfidisomerase (EC 5.3.4.1). Further, the present invention relates to novel sulfide compounds, compositions thereof, especially comprising other dyes, and to processes for their preparation.
US07686837B2
The invention relates to an implantable orthopaedic device comprising a load-bearing element, such as a bone plate, for fixing elements, such as bone screws, that can be oriented polyaxially. The load-bearing element is equipped with at least one opening for the passage of the fixing elements. A two part insert is provided in the opening, the insert having an external form that complements the internal form of the receiving opening and permits the polyaxial rotation of the insert in the opening. The insert is equipped with a central bore for receiving the body of the fixing element. The first insert element part has a central inner hollow chamber, into which the second insert element part can be introduced. The first insert element is flexible or has at least one slit, in such a way that when the two insert elements are displaced axially in relation to one another, the first insert element in the plate can be expanded at least partially in order to block the position and alignment of the fixing element in the device in a polyaxial manner.
US07686827B2
A hemostat includes a housing which has a shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft has an end effector assembly distally attached thereto. The hemostat also includes a pair of first and second handles which are connected to the housing. The first and second handles are operatively connected to the end effector assembly. At least one of the first and second handles are moveable relative to the other handle to effectively actuate the end effector assembly. The hemostat further includes a magnetic closure mechanism which has a first magnet connected to the first handle and a second magnet connected to the second handle. The first and second magnets each have a magnetic potential and are securely engageable with one another when the handles are moved from a first spaced configuration to a second closer position.
US07686824B2
A plaque scoring catheter comprises a catheter body having a balloon or other radially expansible shell at its distal end. A non-axial scoring structure is carried over the shell and scores a stenosed region in a blood vessel when the balloon is inflated therein. The non-axial scoring structure may be formed directly on the balloon or may alternatively be part of a cage structure which floats over the balloon. Exemplary configurations for the scoring structure include helical, serpentine, and irregular.
US07686823B2
A surgical obturator adapted to penetrate a body wall includes an elongate shaft having an axis which extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A bladeless tip, disposed at the distal end of the shaft has an outer surface which extends to a blunt point. The outer surface has a pair of side sections separated by an intermediate section. The side sections extend from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis. These side sections include a distal portion in proximity to the blunt point, and a proximal portion in proximity to the shaft. The distal portion of the side section is twisted radially with respect to the proximal portion of the side section. The outer surface in radial cross section has the general configuration of a geometric shape which rotates in a first direction about the axis with progressive proximal radial cross sections along the axis.
US07686818B2
A stereotaxic apparatus for a locking nail which has two oscillating circuits which are disposed along the longitudinal direction of the locking nail. The apparatus has a guide sleeve to place a drill and/or bone screw which, when the stereotaxic apparatus is in an oriented condition, points to a cross-bore in the locking nail. The guide sleeve has three or more oscillating circuits arranged in a first plane that are equidistant each from a first center located in the plane; three or more oscillating circuits are arranged in a second plane extending in parallel with said first plane that are equidistant each from a second center located in said second plane. The first and second planes are arranged towards each other such that a face normal to one of said planes extends through the first and second centers. A pair of oscillating circuits are arranged at a distance from a straight line extending through the centers and the interconnecting straight line of which, in the aligned condition with the locking nail, is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking nail.
US07686803B2
A surgical ablation probe assembly particularly suitable for ablating tissue on a surface of a patient's heart having an ablation member and a stabilizing member for guiding the probe assembly to an intracorporeal location such as a surface of the patient's heart. The elongated ablation member generally has at least one ablation electrode on a distal shaft section. The stabilizing member has a vacuum lumen which applies a vacuum to the inner chamber of the stabilizing member to aspirate fluid from within the chamber or about the stabilizing member and can aid in holding the stabilizing member to an intracorporeal surface such as the epicardial or endocardial surface of the patient's heart. The probe assembly may also have a removable stylet to help retain the shape of the distal portion. The assembly is suitable for treating a patient for atrial arrhythmia, by forming linear or curvilinear lesions and preferably a continuous lesion on the surface of the patient's heart.
US07686795B2
A pull-on diaper includes a front waist region and a rear waist region joined together along joints defined by transversely opposite edges of these waist regions so as to form a waist-hole and a pair of leg-holes. The joints are adapted to be ruptured for disposal of the diaper which has been used. The front waist region and the rear waist region are joined together along the joints by means of joining members and each of the joining members is provided with a gripper formed integrally with this joining member and rupture guides extending from the gripper toward the waist-hole and the associated one of the leg-holes.
US07686794B2
A feminine hygiene device offers full protection from heavy menstrual flow by securely covering the inner thigh, buttocks and pelvic area against menstrual leakage. The hygiene device is in the nature of a pair of shorts having vertical elastic seams on each side to hold the device snug on the wearer's pelvic region and legs. Elastic elements on the bottom of each leg of the short secure against downward leakage. The short is made of a liquid impervious cloth having an absorbent cotton blend layer and an outer plastic layer. Additional absorbent padding is incorporated in the short to provide normal coverage in the vaginal region. An elastic waist element aides in supporting the device on the wearer. The cloth may be vapor permeable and the side vertical seams air permeable for cooling effects. A diaper may be readily fashioned of the device.
US07686792B2
An absorbent article (20) includes a first pad section (26), and a smaller second pad section (28) which is operatively joined to the first pad section. The first pad section (26) includes a first body-side cover (30), a first backsheet (32), a first absorbent body (34) located between the first cover and the first backsheet, and a first garment-attachment mechanism (36) located on a garment-side surface of the first backsheet (32). The second pad section (28) includes a second body-side cover (38), a second backsheet (40), a second absorbent body (42) located between the second cover and the second backsheet, and a second garment-attachment mechanism (44) located on the garment-side surface of the second backsheet (40). In a desired arrangement, the first pad section (26) can overlap at least a portion of the second pad section (28), and at least a portion of the first garment-attachment mechanism (36) can operatively attach the first pad section (26) to the second pad section (28).
US07686782B2
A multi-chamber ampoule including a housing with a longitudinal axis, at least one bypass operably associated with the housing, at least one front and one rear piston both of which can engage with the housing in a sealing manner outside the vicinity of the bypass and both of which may be displaced along the longitudinal axis, wherein the rear piston includes at least one material which can project into the bypass when the rear piston is in the region of the bypass.
US07686781B2
A catheter adapted for use in passing fluids and medicines therethrough for use in the perfusion or reperfusion of blood or blood-fluid mixtures into the arteries, veins, tissues, conduits, or organs of a patient is disclosed. The catheter has an elongate tubular body with an elongate central lumen defined therein. The catheter also includes at least one occlusive balloon disposed on the exterior of and about the tubular body, and a drug delivery lumen defined within the tubular body separately of the central lumen and extending in the lengthwise direction of the tubular body. A drug delivery outlet is defined at and in communication with a distal end of the drug delivery lumen for permitting the delivery of fluids passed through the drug delivery lumen separate of any fluids passed through the central lumen of the catheter. A separate drug infusion port, in fluid communication with the drug delivery lumen, is provided at a proximal end of the catheter so that any desired fluids and/or medicines may be passed into the patient through the drug delivery lumen separately of the central lumen. The catheter may also include a pressure sensor at the distal end of the tubular body for measuring the pressure of fluid thereat during catheterization and/or fluid delivery therethrough.
US07686780B2
A method of treating a central nervous system (CNS) disorder, comprises the steps of inserting into a patient's body first and second conduits so that distal ends of the first and second conduits open to a portion of the patient's CNS with direct access to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and a proximal end of the first conduit opens into a first reservoir of material to be introduced into the CSF and a proximal end of the second conduit opens to drain CSF withdrawn from the CNS in combination with the steps of detecting and analyzing brain activity of a patient and determining a chemical imbalance present in the CSF by one of a microassay of a sample of CSF withdrawn from the second reservoir and the detected and analyzed brain activity. Based on the determined chemical imbalance, the patient is treated by one of supplying an agent to the CSF via the first conduit and withdrawing a quantity CSF via the second conduit. A system for treating disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), comprises first and second conduits, wherein, when in an operative position, distal ends of the first and second conduits open into a portion of a patient's CNS with direct access to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and wherein, when in the operative position, a proximal end of the second conduit opens to drain CSF from the CNS and a first reservoir imlpantable within the patient's body and holding material to be introduced to the CNS in combination with a first pump coupled to the first reservoir and the first conduit for introducing the material to the CNS via the first conduit and a brain wave detection unit for detecting and analyzing brain waves of the patient.
US07686778B2
One or more waste balancing systems may be used in a fluid circulating system for medical use. The fluid circulating system may be part of a blood treatment system for a patient suffering renal failure. A waste balancing system may include a pressure element operable to maintain a constant fluid pressure created by the combined weight of waste removed from a patient and replacement fluid for providing to a patient. Multiple evaluation characteristics or control parameters may be evaluated or controlled for safety and accuracy. At least part of the waste balancing system may be incorporated into a disposable cartridge.
US07686772B2
An apparatus for measuring calories consumed during sleep comprises determination means for determining a breathing/heartbeat oscillation, a body motion and an the intensity of the body motion, coefficient calculation means for calculating a coefficient which is a reference value for calculating calories consumed during sleep, based on the signals in a given period of breathing/heartbeat oscillation and a sleep metabolic rate, consumed calorie calculation means for calculating calories consumed during sleep, based on consumed calories according to the magnitude of each signal and the coefficient, and storage means for storing various arithmetic expressions in advance. Accordingly, the present apparatus makes it possible to acquire calories consumed by the motions of the body of an individual subject in more detail and to measure calories consumed during sleep more accurately.
US07686768B2
A system and method for the intra corporal, measuring of blood pressure includes a substantially rigid sensor structure and an antenna structure, which are separate components. The anchor structure is used to mount the within an appropriate location in the cardiovascular system, such as in the cardiac septum. The substantially rigid sensor structure includes at least one capacitive pressure sensor. Measured values are transmitted telemetrically from the sensor structure to an extra corporal monitoring device.
US07686754B2
A drum for a creasing device, a resilient creasing ring and method are provided. The drum includes first and second drum parts that cooperate with one another to define a circumferential channel of the drum a base and two side wall for receiving a resilient creasing ring. At least one of the side walls includes recess for receiving a portion of the resilient creasing ring such that the resilient creasing ring cannot be removed radially from the channel. The creasing ring may be continuous or a split ring. A method of mounting the creasing ring includes mounting the resilient creasing ring on a first drum part and axially sliding a second drum part into cooperation with the first drum part to mount the creasing ring within a channel formed therebetween.
US07686711B2
A batting swing aid fitting onto the barrel of the bat to assist with hand speed when swinging a bat and having an outer body and an inner body. The inner body has four chamber compartments each of which is filled with an equal amount of shot. As the bat is moved to the proper hitting position the shot travels down the inside chambers to make a swoosh sound at the impact zone. During the proper swing pattern the swoosh sound will be closer and closer to the proper impact zone. The device helps build power, and repeating the swing with the additional weight increases the power of the batter and help create proper batting muscle memory.
US07686683B2
Method of playing a multi-access feature game played along with a primary game. The method comprises: a) playing a primary game, b) initiating feature-game play process upon occurrence of a trigger outcome in the primary game, and c) allowing a player to play the feature game. The latter comprises: i) determining an access type associated with the triggering outcome among many types associated with distinct permissions, ii) providing a feature-game representation composed of a plurality of selectable objects having values and positions, the objects being displayed according to a state based on previous plays of the feature game, iii) receiving a player selection of an object according to a determined permission, iv) affecting the selection according to permission associated with the access type, and modifying selected object status accordingly, v) registering the status and position of all of the feature-game selectable objects, and vi) resuming the primary game.
US07686678B2
A device or tool setter has the purpose of setting the position of a support bar, adjustably connected to a grinding machine, in relation to a rotatable grindstone of the machine for obtaining a desired edge angle of a tool supported for grinding by the support bar. The device is provided with discs for defining two contact points with the grindstone and a hole for connection to the support bar.
US07686672B2
The lid of the beehive has a split open top held by a mechanism to the one side of the body of the lid. By opening the top of the lid a surface is revealed which has containers on the one side and an easily open cover on the other, which enables immediate access into the internal of the hive. On the top of the lid there are shutters that open and close the air intake holes. The hive has a folding take off board on its bottom reducing space during transportation. It uses dovetail joints to hold the sidewalls making the beehive very durable.
US07686662B2
An electrical connector assembly includes a sleeve having an upper wall, a base wall, and opposing side walls. The upper wall, the base wall, and the opposing side walls define an opening and an interior within the sleeve. The upper wall defines first and second resilient spring webs. The base wall includes a resilient bridge web having a first mating structure formed therein. A pin is configured for insertion through the opening of the sleeve and into the interior such that insertion of the pin causes flexing of the bridge web and the first and second spring webs. The pin has a second mating structure for engaging with the first mating structure of the bridge web to secure the pin relative to the sleeve. The connecting portions of the first and second spring webs form a joint which is welded to connect the connecting portions of the first and second spring webs.
US07686656B2
An electrical connector includes an housing having a base portion, a tongue portion extending forwardly from the base portion and a number of passageways, the tongue portion defining a front face, a first side face and a second side face; a metal shell enclosing the tongue portion to define a receiving room therebetween, and defines a top wall, bottom wall and a pair of side walls, a first receiving room being formed between the bottom wall and the first side face; a number of contacts received in the passageways respectively and including a plurality of first contacts and second contacts, the first contacts each defining a first contacting portion, a first soldering portion and a first retaining portion, the second contacts each defining a second contacting portion, a second soldering portion and a second retaining portion. Both the second contacting portions and the first contacting portions are positioned on a same side of the second side face to be exposed to the first receiving room, the first contacting portions extend beyond the first side face.
US07686642B2
A smaller conductor having an uninsulated portion and an insulated portion is positioned adjacent a larger conductor having an insulated portion and a conductive portion located within the insulated portion of the larger conductor. The two conductors are joined by a discontinuous metal band having respective ends extending across a top portion of the insulated portion of the larger conductor to make electrical contact with the uninsulated portion of the smaller conductor, then bending downward on one side of the conductor pair and then upward and through the insulated portion of the larger conductor such that a first of the ends of the metal band is positioned in contact with the conductive portion of the larger conductor; the metal band bending downward on the opposite side of the conductor pair and then upward and through the insulated portion of the larger conductor such that a second of the ends of the metal band is positioned in contact with the conductive portion of the larger conductor.
US07686636B2
An electrical connector includes a frame (2) defining a substantially rectangular configuration and header and rear portions (22), a cover (3) moveably disposed on the frame and including a supporting surface (31) with a plurality of holes (311) defined therein, a lever (4) having a cam portion (42) disposed on the rear portion of the frame to drive the cover to move from a first position to a second position, a base (1) disposed within the frame and under the cover and an engaging member (6) retained in one side of the frame. The engaging member defines an engaging portion (63) at one end thereof which can engage with the lever when the lever arrives at a vertical position relative to the base.
US07686633B2
A memory card connector (100) for insertion of a memory card (8) includes an insulative housing (1) defining a cavity (110) for receiving the memory card, a number of contacts (22), a pair of switch contacts (5) and a card eject mechanism (3). The switch contacts (5) include a first switch contact (51) and a second switch contact (52). The card eject mechanism (3) includes a slider (31) movably assembled to the insulative housing, a coiled spring (32) and a link rod (33) mating with the slider. The slider includes a protrusion (315) driven by the memory card to abut against the second switch contact (52) so that the second switch contact touches the first switch contact (51) in a vertical direction to achieve switch function.
US07686632B2
A rotary connector device includes one cover having an outer peripheral wall, the other cover having an inner peripheral wall, and a plurality of flat harnesses which are received in a generally annular shape within a space formed by the two covers, and are rotated and bent in accordance with a rotational motion of one of the two covers. There are provided a plurality of guide portions for guiding the plurality of flat harnesses along the outer peripheral wall and/or the inner peripheral wall independently of each other. The plurality of guide portions are spaced from each other in a harness longitudinal direction. The plurality of guide portions are formed respectively at wall portions, extending respectively in contiguous relation to the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral wall in peripheral directions thereof, and regions spaced respectively from the wall portions in directions of extending of the wall portions.
US07686629B1
An electronic device is provided for connecting to an external device. The electronic device includes a main body, a connector at a proximal end of the main body, a bottom case coupled to the main body at a distal end, and a top case slidably located opposite to the bottom case. The electronic device further includes a first cantilever locking arm and a second cantilever retaining arm on at least one side of the main body. The top case is slid towards the bottom case to expose the connector and the top case is slid towards the connector to cover the connector. The first cantilever locking arm includes an open locking mechanism and a close locking mechanism for maintaining the top case in an open state and a closed state respectively. The second cantilever retaining arm retains the top case on the main body.
US07686618B2
A connector has a housing, contact modules accommodated within the housing and having transmission path patterns with ends which form a plurality of contacts, and a connecting surface. Each of the contacts is exposed at the connecting surface. The contacts of each of the contact modules are aligned in a first direction, and corresponding contacts of the contact modules are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so that the contacts are disposed in a matrix arrangement. The lengths of adjacent transmission path patterns are identical within each of the contact modules but different among the contact modules.
US07686616B1
A cartographic device which can be converted from a globe to a map and vice versa. The marked surface layer of a globe is made removable and usable as a corresponding map. Conversion between the globe and map configurations is reversible and can be repeated indefinitely.
US07686600B2
Abstract A shaft seal structure (17) is provided around an outer circumferential surface of the bearing member (16M, 16FM) located on the cylinder inside of each of the screw rotors (13M, 13FM). The shaft seal structure (17) forms a static pressure seal. A seal gas is introduced between the outer circumferential surfaces of the bearing members (16M, 16FM) and the inner circumferential surfaces (7) of the rotor cylinders of the screw rotors (13M, 13FM) through the bearing members (16M, 16FM).
US07686598B2
A downhole pump has a barrel and a plunger which reciprocate with respect to each other. The plunger has a first portion with a first seal, a second portion and a third portion with a second seal. The second portion is intermediate the first and second portions. A balancing chamber is formed between the plunger second portion and the barrel. The balancing chamber communicates with the plunger interior by way of an opening. A sand snare chamber is provided with respect to the opening so as to prevent sand from contacting the seals in the balancing chamber.
US07686592B2
A suction muffler receives low-temperature refrigerant gas discharged into a hermetic container from a suction pipe by a gas catcher, and feeds the gas to a compressor. The lower end of an opening of the gas catcher is located at a position lower than the lower end of an orifice of the suction pipe so as to catch the refrigerant gas falling obliquely downward inside the hermetic container.
US07686587B2
A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval.
US07686584B2
An electrically heatable elastomeric bearing provides a multiple of elastomeric material layers and a multiple of shim layers. At least one of the multiple of shim layers includes an electrically heatable shim layer.
US07686580B2
A turbine element airfoil has a cooling passageway network with a slot extending from a trailing passageway toward the trailing edge. A number of discrete posts span the slot between pressure and suction sidewall portions. A trailing array of the posts are spaced ahead of an outlet of the slot.
US07686571B1
A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine, the stator vane including an airfoil portion formed from a single crystal material and two platforms attached to the ends of the airfoil by shear pins that fit within slots formed between the platform and airfoil. The shear pin slots extend along the contour of the airfoil where the lowest stress levels are located. The platforms include openings having the same cross sectional shape as the curved airfoil. Because of the shear pin retainers between the airfoil and the platforms, the airfoil can be formed from a single crystal material while the platforms are un-coupled from the airfoil and can be made from a different material.
US07686567B2
A high-lift airfoil embodying a combination of loading conventions in a single design specifically to reduce and control total pressure losses that occur in the flow channels between airfoils employed in turbomachinery applications is disclosed herein. The mixed-loading high-lift airfoil designs embody and exhibit the best total profile and secondary loss characteristics possessed by both aft-loaded airfoil and front-loaded airfoil conventions through controlling the development and interaction of boundary layers forming along the surfaces of the airfoils and the endwalls in such applications. The mixed-loading high-lift airfoil may be utilized in both rotating and non-rotating turbomachinery applications.
US07686566B1
A hoisting device and method for hoisting material up an extension ladder. The device includes a load-carrying carriage having a wheel and roller axle assembly that also serves as rollers for engagement with the rails of the ladder. The wheel and roller axle assembly allows the cart to transition from the ladder rails to the roof surface. Also provided is a dual braking means that serves to prevent the carriage from rolling back down the ladder or off of the roof in cases of cable malfunction. The method employs a hoisting mechanism having a removable winch used in conjunction with a releasable coupled pull cable that is brought to the roof surface on the carriage, detached from the carriage, mounted on the roof and used to return the carriage to and from the roof during hoisting operations. An adjustable ladder support is provided to support the ladder during a hoist.
US07686565B2
A system and method is used to automatically process the contents of a containers. The contents may be bulk materials used by a business or organization. The container enters the system via a tow assembly mechanism, a grasping mechanism clasps the container, a lid secures the contents, the container is lifted and rotated to allow the contents of the container to exit the container.
US07686562B2
A preferred embodiment of a lift and carrier assembly for a personal-transportation vehicle includes a first column, a second column telescopically disposed within the first column, a platform assembly pivotally coupled to the second column for supporting the personal-transportation vehicle, and a motor mounted on the first column and coupled to the second column so that the motor can lift the second column and the platform assembly, and a latch. The latch is movable between a first position, and a second position wherein the latch engages a pin mounted on the second column when the second column and the platform assembly are in a second position thereby securing the second column and the platform assembly in the second position.
US07686560B2
A rack and conveyor shuttle system for placing and retrieving articles of various sizes including a rack system having a shelving framework of at least two tubes spaced apart from one another at a distance, wherein the distance between the tubes is sufficient to support the article in a single stack and a motorized, conveyor shuttle system having at least two finger-like conveyors spaced apart from one another at a distance, wherein the distance between the finger-like conveyors is sufficient to move in between the two tubes so as to engage the article wherein the conveyor shuttle system is adapted to interlace in between the rack system for both placing and retrieving the article.
US07686556B2
A truss fastener which includes a shaft having a head and a tip. Threading extends along the shaft from the tip end toward the head end of the shaft. The threading is interrupted, abbreviated, and/or otherwise separated by wings projecting from the surface of the shaft. The interrupting projection extends in a generally oblique orientation to the center axis of the fastener.
US07686551B2
A family of anchor devices that include a back plate mounted behind a mounting surface with a flange mounted in front of the mounting surface and generally a ring or hook carrier member that engages an anchor ring or a hook. In several embodiments the carrier can rotate without axles pins or the like allowing the load to align the device in a direction of maximum convenience and strength. A first embodiment provides a rotating ring in a recessed retaining cup that provides for maximum flexibility. A second embodiment provides a rotating ring in a clip carrier in a raised mounting flange. A third embodiment provides a swivel insert hook carrier that can rotate. A fourth embodiment includes a ring that engages a notch in a raised carrier. Fifth and sixth embodiments provide attachments for one or multiple hooks in a fixed-mounted, non-rotating flange.
US07686547B1
A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.
US07686546B1
A pneumatic transfer system includes a service provider terminal and a customer terminal. A carrier is moved through a transfer conduit between the customer and service provider terminals by a differential pressure generating mechanism. Each of the customer terminal and the service provider terminal includes a valve assembly to control air flow on the lower side of the carrier as it moves in the transfer conduit. Each valve assembly includes elongated valve openings in the terminal housing and a gate assembly for selectively blocking air flow through the valve openings. The valve openings are angularly disposed from the carrier transfer opening in the terminal. The valve assemblies may be selectively operated to control air flow during dispatch of the carrier from one terminal and descent of the carrier into the other terminal.
US07686544B2
A method and arrangement for well completion and intervention operations where a workover riser 4 projecting from a wellhead 6 and up to a vessel 2 is used, and where the upper portion of the workover riser 4 is designed to be displaced from an upper position to a lowered position favorable for rigging work, where at least the upper displaceable portion of the workover riser 4 essentially follows the heave motion of the vessel 2, whereupon the upper displaceable portion of the workover riser 4 is again raised to its upper position, the workover riser 4 being equipped with a telescoping connection 1.
US07686534B2
A device for fastening cable is provided, the device including a base having a carrier part for holding the cable. A first connecting unit includes a sleeve connected to the carrier part, and the device further includes a second connecting unit comprising a guide part connected to the carrier part and a holding part releasably engageable with the guide part. The guide part includes an outer sleeve that defines a guide cavity for receiving the holding part. The guide cavity has a cross section that is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction. The holding part includes an inner sleeve having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve includes at least one engagement element that engages at least one engagement element on the outer sleeve to fasten the cable to the carrier part.
US07686527B2
When a label tape 36 after the printing on a label 39 has been fed to a tape cutting position, heating elements R1-Rn of a thermal head 9 is situated to face a position slightly on the upstream side of a label front end position (at the downstream end in the feeding direction) of the next label 39 which will be printed on next and to face a position on the downstream side of a print start position of the next label 39 (a
US07686525B2
A print controlling method in a print controlling apparatus for controlling printing processing by using printing limitation information indicating printing limitation, including an obtaining step of obtaining printing limitation information; an identifying step of identifying printing setting set to the printing data; a deciding step of deciding the printing setting by which the printing setting is within the printing authority information by using the printing setting identified at the identifying step and the printing authority information; a determining step of determining whether the printing setting decided by the deciding unit is inconsistent with the other setting set to the printing data; and an executing unit for allowing the printing setting for the printing data outside the range of the printing authority information if it is determined as inconsistent at the determining step, is disclosed.
US07686515B2
A radially movable bearing for a shaft of a gear in a steering system includes a bush or outer ring that is supported in a receiving element of a mount or housing for the gear. In order to create a radially flexible bearing for the shaft of the gear, which movable bearing enables quiet operation for the entire service life of the gear, the outer ring or the bush is held by at least one support element that is inserted in a gap between the receiving element and the outer ring, and that is made of a material with elastomer behavior.
US07686509B2
A medical upright positioning device includes a planar structure having a foot positioning device. At least one outer edge of the planar structure comprises an abutting or engaging device arranged in a predefined positional relationship to the foot positioning device, wherein the abutting or engaging device is operative to position the planar structure in at least one predefined orientation relative to a reference direction.
US07686491B1
Modular panels can be attached to a substratum, e.g. a wall or ceiling, to display an actively lighted star field. Each panel displays a respective subarea of the star field, the panels being attached onto the substratum in edgewise juxtaposed relationship according to the star field. Each panel defines a set of apertures extending through the panel and distributed over the panel according to the panel's respective subarea. On a back face of each panel is a set of light pipes respectively corresponding to the panel's set of apertures, each light pipe being illuminated by a light emitting diode. Panels can include twinkling stars, constant stars, and/or shooting stars, and energization of the corresponding light emitting diodes is constant or varied accordingly.
US07686477B2
An illuminated sign (88) includes a flexible electrical power cord (100) including first and second parallel conductors (112, 114) surroundingly contained within an insulating sheath defining a constant separation distance between the parallel conductors (112, 114). A plurality of light emitting diode (LED) devices (102) are affixed to the cord (100). Each LED device (102) includes an LED (104) having a positive lead (130P) electrically communicating with the first parallel conductor (112) and a negative lead (130P) electrically communicating with the second parallel conductor (114). A stencil (92) defines a selected shape, and the electrical cord (100) is arranged on the stencil (92). Power conditioning electronics (210, 220) disposed away from the stencil (92) electrically communicate with the first and second parallel conductors (112, 114) of the electrical power cord (100). The power conditioning electronics (210, 220) power the LED devices (102) via the parallel conductors (112, 114).
US07686474B2
A light emitting device including a substrate, a plurality of light sources and a lens array is provided. The light sources and the lens array are disposed on the substrate, and the light sources are arranged to a polygon. The lens array includes a plurality of first lenses and a plurality of second lenses. The first lenses surrounded by the second lenses cover the light sources and respectively correspond to one of the light sources.
US07686461B2
A high-intensity discharge lamp bulb with an attached housing for ballast and ignition electronics, forming an integral bulb and electronics unit. The electronics housing forms a removable closure for an access opening in a lamp enclosure. The electronics housing isolates the electronics from heat inside the lamp enclosure. A heat sink and radiator on the back of the housing provides heat transfer to a surrounding environment behind the lamp enclosure to cool the electronics. The electronics may be sealed in the housing for protection against entry of foreign substances. The electronics housing is fixed to the access opening of the lamp enclosure and to a boss or reflector mounted in the lamp enclosure, thus providing stable two-point fixation for the unit, reducing vibration.
US07686442B2
A liquid container includes, in a container body 3, an ink containing portion 5, an ink supply portion 7, an ink leading path 9 for leading an ink stored in the ink containing portion 5 to the ink supply portion 7, and an atmosphere communication port 4, and an ink end sensor 11 for detecting an inflow of a gas to the ink leading path 9, thereby detecting that a residual amount of the ink in the ink containing portion 5 is zero is provided in the middle of the ink leading path 9, and furthermore, an air bubble trap passage 13 for catching air bubbles mixed in the ink is provided in the ink leading path 9 between a detecting position of the ink end sensor 11 and the ink containing portion 5.
US07686441B2
The ink cartridge includes an ink supply port formed at a position, offset to one side, of a wall configuring an ink container body; a positioning projecting portion, formed on one wall out of two opposing walls adjacent the wall, whose upper surface and side portion are regulated in position when the cartridge has been mounted on a recording apparatus; a lever, formed on the other wall out of the two walls, maintaining a normal hinged-open state and having a projection that is forcibly displaced outward when the cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus; and electrodes that are connected to a memory unit storing information on the ink in an ink container and formed on the positioning projecting portion.
US07686440B2
The invention provides for an ink storage module for a printer cartridge having a number of ink storage modules. Each cartridge module operatively stores a different colored ink for delivery to a printhead of the printer. The module includes upper and lower plate members having an ink bag located between the plate members to define an ink volume, said plate members displaceable towards and away from each other. The module also includes a bag constrictor assembly engaged with said plate members and configured to act on the bag when the plate members are displaced towards each other to reduce the ink volume, as well as a lid engaged with the plate members and bag constrictor assembly, the lid having at least one port in fluid communication with the bag, to deliver ink to a printhead or to facilitate refilling said bag with ink. The module further includes a valve insert located between the lid and the bag, with the insert having an inlet valve and an outlet valve arranged in fluid communication with respective ports in the lid. The inlet valve facilitates refilling of the bag with ink, and the outlet valve facilitates ink delivery to the printhead.
US07686434B2
An inkjet recording system including an inkjet recording head in which a part of wall face of a pressure chamber in which a nozzle is provided is formed of a piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element being activated and deformed to make pressure wave act on ink in the pressure chamber, thereby discharging an ink droplet from the nozzle, wherein surface of the piezoelectric element forming a part of wall face of the pressure chamber has a centerline average roughness Ra ranging from 0.05 to 2 μm, and contact angle θ with ink is 45 degrees or less, and the following expression (1) is satisfied; A cos2 θ>0.04 (1) wherein A represents centerline average roughness Ra (μm) of surface of piezoelectric element forming wall surface of pressure chamber, and θ represents contact angle of ink with respect to piezoelectric element.
US07686429B2
There is disclosed an ink jet printhead which includes a plurality of nozzles 3 and one or more heater elements 10 corresponding to each nozzle 3. Each heater element 10 is configured to heat a bubble forming liquid 11 in the printhead to a temperature above its boiling point to form a gas bubble 12 therein. The generation of the bubble 12 causes the ejection of a drop 16 of an ejectable liquid (such as ink) through an ejection aperture 5 in each nozzle 3, to effect printing. The heater is formed by layers of heater material, the number of layers forming the electrodes 15 exceeds the number of layers forming the heater element 10. By depositing more layers of heater material at the electrodes 15, the electrode resistance is reduced. With less resistance, there are less power losses from the electrodes 15 and overall efficiency of the printhead is improved. With the electrodes dissipating less heat to the wafer substrate, the printhead requires less cooling.
US07686423B2
A liquid discharge head comprising a liquid discharge substrate in which a first liquid supply port being a penetration port for supplying a liquid is formed and is provided with a first electrode receiving electric energy for discharging the liquid on a surface thereof on one side, a supporting member which is opposed to the first electrode and a second liquid supply port being a penetration port for supplying the liquid is formed to communicate with the first liquid supply port, the supporting member provided with a second electrode for transmitting the electric energy to the first electrode on a surface opposed to the first electrode, and a conductive first intermediate member abutting with both of the first electrode and the second electrode to electrically connect the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein an abutting surface of the first intermediate member abutting with the first electrode is flattened.
US07686419B2
A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an elastically deformable roller having a contact surface for contacting an ink ejection face of the printhead; and (b) rolling the roller across the face.
US07686417B2
This invention provides a maintenance liquid for ink jet recording containing water, a resin solvent, and a moisturizing agent.
US07686416B2
A print engine assembly comprising an elongate chassis and a pair of bearing moldings operatively mounted to either end of the chassis. A rotatable platen extends between the pair of bearing moldings, the rotatable platen having more than one longitudinally extending surface region providing different functional operations. A printhead assembly is mounted to the chassis, the printhead assembly including an elongate printhead having a plurality of ink printing integrated circuits. A feed mechanism is mounted to the bearing moldings, and is configured to feed print media beneath the printhead during printing.
US07686415B2
An ink-jet printer includes an ink-jet head which includes a nozzle, a main liquid droplet trapping section 30 which traps only a main liquid droplet, and a cover member which surrounds a space in which a satellite liquid droplet which is jetted from a nozzle at the same time when the main liquid droplet is jetted, flies. It is possible to suppress a decline in an accuracy of a landing position of the satellite liquid droplet, caused due to a change in a trajectory of flying of the satellite liquid droplet due to an effect of a flow of air in the space. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a liquid droplet jetting apparatus which is capable of controlling accurately the landing position of a very small satellite liquid droplet.
US07686404B2
A hydraulic brake system for a motor vehicle supplies pressurized brake fluid to a wheel brake in response to a demand signal. The brake system includes a master cylinder in fluid communication with the wheel brake to control the actuation thereof. Furthermore, actuation of the master cylinder is controlled and/or amplified by first and second pressure-amplifying mechanisms, which are electrically controlled by an electrical control unit.
US07686403B2
Methods and systems for reducing imbalance in a wheel assembly are provided. The method includes determining an imbalance characteristic associated with a first plane, determining an imbalance characteristic associated with a second plane, and translating a component of the imbalance characteristic from the first plane to the second plane.
US07686402B2
The invention concerns a ground-machining machine (100) comprising: a secondary chassis (104) able to move in translation with respect to the ground (118); a main chassis (106) carrying a machining device (110) and able to move with respect to the secondary chassis (104) between an idle position and a machining position and vice versa; a maneuvering mast (102) integral with the said secondary chassis (104) and extending along a principal axis (160) substantially vertical with respect to the ground (118), the said maneuvering mast (102) comprising driving means (134) for moving the main chassis (106) from the said idle position to the said machining position and vice versa; an actuation means (120) mounted on a top plate (622) disposed at the top of the said maneuvering mast (102), the said actuation means (120) allowing actuation of the said driving means (134) by a user; the ground-machining machine (100) being such that the maneuvering mast (102) and the said driving means (134) are adapted to allow the adjustment for height of the said actuation means (120) along the said principal axis (160).
US07686401B1
A method for sub-glacial mineral reconnaissance and recovery comprises analyzing silt and solutes in fluvial sub-glacial streams of a glacier. Boreholes are formed in the glacier and melt-water flow is analyzed to establish concentration gradients of minerals in the solutes and sediments. After significant mineral deposits are identified, conventional mining techniques may be used to recover minerals.
US07686398B2
A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a first engagement member moving in association with an upper arm, a second engagement member pivotally moved between a first position and a second position for pivotally moving the upper arm from a first pivot position to a second pivot position and retaining the upper arm at the second position by an engagement between the first engagement member and an engagement portion of the second engagement member, and a tilting mechanism releasing a lock of a reclining mechanism for pivotally moving the upper arm to a third pivot position. The seat apparatus further includes a retaining mechanism provided at the second engagement member for retaining the second engagement member at the first position against a biasing force of a biasing mechanism for biasing the second engagement member in a direction from the first position to the second position.
US07686384B2
A spoiler device, especially a rear spoiler, is adjustable between a non-usage setting and at least one usage setting. The rear spoiler is joined at its rear end area as viewed in the direction of travel via a covering device having a folded structure with a body, especially with a trunk lid of a motor vehicle. The covering device is embodied as a two-component part.
US07686382B2
Vehicle air dams that include an airflow control member and an active material based actuator for deploying the airflow control member so as to change airflow about the vehicle.
US07686381B1
A trailer deck system includes a housing that includes a bottom wall, a top wall and a perimeter wall extending between the top and bottom walls. The perimeter wall includes at least one door to access an interior of the housing. The perimeter wall includes a lateral wall. A panel has a rear edge, a front edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top side and a bottom side. The rear edge is hingedly coupled to the perimeter wall to allow the panel to be moved between a stored position vertically orientated with the top side facing the lateral wall and an extended position extending outwardly from the lateral wall and is horizontally orientated. A motor assembly is mechanically coupled to the panel. The motor assembly moves the panel to the extended position or the stored position when the motor assembly is actuated.
US07686356B2
The present invention is an apparatus and method for increasing the security of a door latch that uses a striker plate having a striker plate housing with a side plate connected to the striker plate housing and extends generally parallel to the striker plate housing and at least one opening, one or more pins positioned slidably and toward an opening in the striker plate housing and a biasing mechanism in contact with the one or more pins for biasing each of the one or more pins toward the opening to conform to the shape of a throw bolt inserted into the opening.
US07686354B2
A lock bolt release system operable with a door bolt supported by a door providing access to a secure area. A pawl is pivotally mounted on a distal end of a lock bolt, and the pawl is pivoted by operation of the door bolt prior to the lock bolt being movable by the door bolt. A wedge block is movably mounted on the lock bolt and is effective to block motion of the pawl and the door bolt. A stop member is located adjacent the wedge block and blocks motion of the wedge block, thereby preventing the door bolt from being disengaged from the structure. The stop member is movable, which permits the wedge block to be moved by the pawl and the door bolt to contact and move the lock bolt, thus, permitting the door bolt to be disengaged from the structure.
US07686352B2
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing is utilized in a plumbing application for its strength and flexibility. A thin outer layer is formed around the PEX layer to provide a variety of color choices for the final tubing. The use of a softer material for the outer layer provides the unexpected benefit of a more secure connection as a standard connector having a ring is able to dig into the outer layer and provide a more secure grip and an improved hydraulic sealing.
US07686334B2
A control panel configuration for a motor vehicle has a cross member that extends transversely to the vehicle longitudinal direction and is retained on fixed lateral construction structures. A control panel provides coverage toward the vehicle interior, and a knee retainer has a section for fastening the knee retainer to the cross member. A force absorption section extends essentially in the direction of the knee of an occupant. To reduce an intrusion of the control panel bottom parts, the knee retainer can be a rod-shaped support element that is loaded essentially longitudinally to its axis.
US07686333B2
The present invention provides an airbag cushion structure with variable inner vent holes, which has at least two chambers into which an inflation gas is delivered from an inflator. According to the airbag cushion structure, safe inflation performance of an airbag is maximized in an early inflation by increasing the size of inner vent holes, passenger collision energy absorption performance of the airbag is secured in the latter inflation by decreasing the size of the inner vent holes. Further, it is possible to improve both the safe inflation performance and passenger collision energy absorption performance of the airbag when a passenger-contact portion of the airbag cushion that contacts with the passenger's head and chest is close to a region of the airbag cushion that inflates, such as a crash pad with an airbag cushion, by increasing the size of the inner vent holes and decreasing the size of the inner vent holes around a region where the passenger-contact portion contacts the passenger.
US07686332B2
A two panel, woven, inflatable air bag with a single panel sail portion, and method of making the same.
US07686325B2
A gas generator for filling an airbag of a vehicle is provided. The gas generator can be integrated into the vehicle in such a way that it is electrically insulated from the same, and can be directly connected to the electrical ground of the vehicle, especially to a defined ground potential, by means of a separate ground connection. The separate ground connection thus provides an improved ground connection of the gas generator.
US07686320B1
A steering system for a tractor and trailer includes first and second sender cylinders which are turned 180° with respect to each other, and first and second receiver cylinders which are turned 180° with respect to each other. First and second front link members connect the first and second sender cylinders to a front equalizer arm, and first and second rear link members connect the first and second receiver cylinders to a rear equalizer arm. The pistons of the cylinders travel in straight paths experiencing no side loads, and each piston travels the same distance as the tractor turns with respect to the trailer.
US07686319B1
A double amputee conveyance includes a main frame with two rear wheels, for propulsion, and two swiveled castor wheels, for directional control, attached to the main frame. A seat assembly is attached to the main frame to provide relative movement between a rearward and a forward position and is constructed so that a forward edge extends beyond the main frame in the forward position. A stabilizing mechanism includes a stabilizing bar pivotally attached to the main frame so as to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the main frame and for movement between a raised and a lowered position. An activating lever is linked to the stabilizing bar to move the bar into the raised or the lowered position. The stabilizing bar engages the floor in the lowered position to stabilize the conveyance with the seat assembly in the forward position.
US07686317B2
An Ellipticycle features a conventional bicycle front wheel assembly which is joined by two parallel lengths of bicycle tubing to a cast aluminum gear case within which a multiple speed transmission is enclosed. A crank shaft extends out through bearings in the left and right side halves of the gear case at its forward end with a crank arm fixed on each end of the crank shaft. A pedal beam is rotatably mounted near its center on a spindle fixed in the end each crank arm. A cam roller bolted on each side of the gear case at its aft end engages a short length of steel angle riveted on the inside of each pedal beam providing a downward force to counter balance the weight of the rider on the cantilevered forward portion of the pedal beam. A length of aluminum tubing is bolted on each side of the gear case at its aft end and encloses a drive shaft which passes out through bearings in the gear case. Power is delivered from the crank shaft to the transmission by a conventional bicycle chain coupling a large sprocket fixed on the crank shaft with a smaller sprocket fixed with multiple spur gears on a parallel shaft rotatably mounted in the gear case. A one way clutch is mounted on the outboard end of the drive shaft on each side between a pair of ball bearings inside the aluminum tube. Each rear wheel is fixed on an integral extension of the one way clutch on that side which drives the wheel yet permits differential rear wheel speeds on turns.
US07686309B2
A hydraulic system for a suspension system for a vehicle includes at least one first pair of wheel rams (11, 12) at a first end of the vehicle and at least one second pair of wheel rams (13, 14) at a second end of the vehicle, each rams including a compression chamber (45-48) and a rebound chamber (49-52); and the system includes first and second diagonal circuits with respect to said vehicle. The hydraulic system includes at least one first and second modal resilience devices (81, 82). These devices each including at least one resilient means (107-110), at least one moveable member (105-106) and at least first and second (89, 90 and 91, 92) system modal chambers. Motion of the moveable member of each modal resilience device due to roll or pitch motion of the vehicle is controlled by the respective at least one resilient means to thereby provide respective roll or pitch resilience in the system.
US07686303B2
The present invention provides a gaming device having a game that may be implemented in a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that presents a plurality of masked value choices to the player, provides a time period in which the player can elect to accept a masked choice and reveals and provides a value associated with the choice to the player if the player accepts in time. If the player does not accept in time or decides not to accept the choice, the gaming device, in one preferred embodiment, reveals the value the player could have accepted when the time period lapses or times out. When the player has successfully accepted a predefined number of masked choices, the game adds or multiplies the values yielded by the choices to form an award for the player.
US07686299B2
This is a paper registration system that allows for a lateral reset while the paper is present in the nip space. By separating the nips, the carriage can move to reset position for the next sheet while the previous sheet is still present in the carriage.In addition, the configuration of the system of the invention is reduced or elimination of reaction forces on the carriage lead screw is provided. The registration embodiments of the present system are especially useful in a high speed marking system.
US07686297B2
In a bill processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, the bill P delivered in the bill press area 10 is moved toward the loading tray 60 at one side of the press plate 32 and then toward the loading tray 60 at the other side of the press plate 32. In other words, in the operation of pressing the bill, the pressing operation timings by the bill press device 30 are different at both sides of the bill P. In addition, by means of the operation of the swing press members 300, 302, the bill can be pushed in the loading tray 60 while changing a position of the press operating point along a longitudinal direction of the bill P.
US07686291B2
A sheet conveyance device includes a pick-up roller, a handling member, and a roller-movement-timing changing unit. The pick-up roller is movable between a feeding position where a recording sheet stacked in a sheet tray is fed and a feed standby position where the pick-up roller is separated from the recording sheet. The handling member is disposed on downstream of the pick-up roller in a sheet conveyance direction. The handling member separates the recording sheet fed by the pick-up roller one by one and conveys the separated recording sheet. The roller-movement-timing changing unit changes roller movement timing at which the pick-up roller is moved from the feeding position to the feed standby position, in accordance with a sheet information of a used recording sheet.
US07686288B2
A method and a device for further processing of sheets to produce multi-page printed products, several initial sheets (19) are each folded into a folded sheet (20) and subsequently collated one on top of the other such that the fold areas lie at the top and the folded sheets (20) open downwardly. A grooved line (30) is formed in each initial sheet (19) before folding, around which grooved line (30) the initial sheet (19) is subsequently folded, the depth and the width of the grooved line (30) being increased, initial sheet (19) by initial sheet (19), by a predetermined amount.
US07686287B2
A device for positioning a workpiece includes a socket body rotatably held on a metallic ball by an array of permanent magnets arranged into a partial socket. An air delivery system controls a flow of air passing between the magnets and the ball to alter the friction between the socket body and the ball. A positive flow of air into the socket reduces the friction, allowing the workpiece to be more easily rotated during repositioning, whereas drawing air away from the socket produces a partial vacuum which increases the friction, causing the socket body to be locked in a single position on the ball.
US07686282B2
A handle operated brake and release mechanism for a cable drum winch provides a winch that can be used in the assembly of inland river barges to form multi-barge tows. The handle of the brake and release mechanism can in one function and entirely by hand (without using any other tools) release the cable tension and apply the brake at the same time. The entire brake and release mechanism is mounted on the outside of a winch frame having winch side plates, thereby allowing the mechanism parts to be replaceable in the field without taking the winch side plates apart.
US07686277B2
A tool support apparatus includes a body adapted to be secured to an end of a handle of a tool. A ground piercing member is pivotally secured to the body for pivotal movement between an operative position and a stored position. In the operative position, the ground piercing member protrudes past the end of the handle, such that the ground piercing member can be inserted into the ground to support the handle of the tool in a substantially upright orientation. In the stored position, the ground piercing member is oriented substantially parallel to the handle so as not to interfere with the normal usage of the tool.
US07686251B2
A method and apparatus for an aircraft structure. In one advantageous embodiment, the aircraft structure may have a rib, a plurality of stringers, and a set of shear ties. The plurality of stringers may have skin flanges at ends of the plurality of stringers capable of being fastened to skin for the aircraft structure. The set of shear ties may extend from the rib and have a set of elongate members in which the set of elongate members are attached to the plurality of stringers.
US07686248B2
According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a passive cooling system and a portion of an air vehicle which receives thermal energy. The passive cooling system is disposed adjacent the portion of the air vehicle and comprises a fluid transfer chamber. A fluid transfer element and a coolant are disposed within the fluid transfer chamber. The fluid transfer element wicks a portion of the coolant towards the portion of the air vehicle. The portion of the coolant wicked towards the portion of the air vehicle absorb at least a portion of the thermal energy in a boiling heat transfer.
US07686243B2
A self-locking belt retainer with a vehicle-sensitive and/or seatbelt-sensitive actuatable locking device for the belt spool shaft, with a profile head as carrier of a locking element arranged so as to be movable with the retractor housing for locking of the belt spool shaft. A force limiting device in the form of a torsion bar is connected at its one end with the belt spool shaft and at its other end with the profile head is At least one axially projecting projection (14) is provided on the one of the components which are joined to one another (10,11), which engages in at least one recess formed on the front side of the other component (10,11) and that in the annular space formed between the projection (14) and the inner walls (21) of the recess (20), a clamping ring (16,17,18) is located between projection (14) and inner walls (21) of recess (20).
US07686236B2
A sprinkler includes a stationary portion configured for connection to a fluid source and a head with an outlet for emitting fluid. A stem supports the head and is configured for translating along a longitudinal axis and for rotating about the longitudinal axis. At least one retainer is disposed between the stationary portion and the stem. The retainer is configured for permitting the stem to rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the stationary portion when a rotational force applied to the stem exceeds a predetermined amount.
US07686234B2
An irrigation assembly has a main pipeline supported at intervals by mobile towers, a plurality of drop tube assemblies at spaced intervals along the pipeline and a collector positioned to receive water from the drop tube assembly. A plurality of targets are positioned on the ground in the paths of motion defined by the movement of the collectors. The targets may be dishes. Each dish preferably has a perforated drain that penetrates beneath the surface of the ground. Interaction between the collector and the target causes the water stored within the collector to be released into the target. The irrigation assembly may provide for underground irrigation without a collector where a dish or trough receives water from the drop tube assembly and underground drains allow for water to be dispersed below the ground.
US07686231B2
A system for authenticating a secure product includes a an exposed first identification, an unexposed second identification, a database, and an interface. The exposed first identification and an unexposed second identification are adapted to affix to a secure product. The second identification corresponds to the first identification. The database stores the first identification and the second identification. The interface communicates with the database and is adapted to receive input of at least one of the first identification and the second identification, query the database in response to the input and receive an output of at least one of the first identification and the second identification from the database. A method for authenticating a product is also disclosed.
US07686228B2
A smart card includes a card bearing a module that is made up of a support supporting at least an electronic chip. The support is fixed on one surface of the card. This surface extends up to at least one of the edges of the card.
US07686227B2
Increased confidence in, and acceptance of, cordless hand-held scanners may be obtained through a cordless hand-held scanner with improved user feedback. In an illustrative embodiment, the state of one or more indicators is changed as a result of feedback from a coupled host processor. The indicators are set to a first (or pending) state when a scan is performed, and remain in the first state up until the time the host feedback is received. The indicators are set to a second (or successful) state if the feedback indicates the host successfully received the scan data. The indicators are set to a third (or failure) state if the feedback indicates the host failed to properly receive the scan data. Obtaining timely confirmation that the host processor has received the scan successfully leads to increased confidence in, and acceptance of, the cordless hand-held scanner.
US07686223B2
An aiming pattern assembly (60) for an imaging-based bar code reader (10) including: a light source assembly (62) generating focused light; a pattern shaping assembly (66) receiving focused light from the light source assembly (62) and including a first area (66a) and a non-overlapping second area (66b), focused light passing through the first area (66a) creating a first aiming pattern (P1) projected toward a field of view (FV) and passing through the second area (66b) creating a second aiming pattern (P2) projected toward the field of view (FV); and a pattern selection assembly (68) receiving the first and second aiming patterns (P1, P2) and passing at least one of the first and second aiming patterns (P1, P2).
US07686222B2
There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. A two dimensional image sensor can be a color image sensor adapting the hand held device for use in obtaining a color image having color imaging data. Color imaging data obtained can be subject to processing.
US07686214B1
A method for identifying a fraudulent account application includes receiving a new account application comprising a plurality of identity-related fields and linking the identity-related fields associated with the new account application with identity-related fields associated with a plurality of historical account applications. The links form a graphical pattern on which statistical analysis can be performed to determine the likelihood that the new account application is fraudulent. The statistical analysis can comprise comparing the graphical pattern to a known, or normal graphical pattern in order to detect differences, or anomalies occurring in the graphical pattern associated with the new account application.
US07686206B2
A collapsible box comprising a body having a front panel, a bottom panel, a back panel, a top panel, a closing panel, a left panel, a right panel, a front folding panel, and a back folding panel. Each of the front and back folding panels comprises foldably connected center panel and two side panels. The bottom panel edges are foldably connected to edges of the front, left, back, and right panels. The opposite edges of the top panel are foldably connected to the back and closing panels. The edges of the front folding panel are foldably connected to one set edges of the left and right panels, and edges of said back folding panel are foldably connected to opposite set edges of the left and right panels.
US07686205B2
Provided is a method of joining members having different thermal expansion coefficients, capable of joining them at a temperature lower than the melting point of Ag to obtain a joining layer having excellent durability to a thermal cycle. First Ag particles 3 having an average particle diameter of 50 nm or less and an Ag foil 4 or metal foil 4 having a smaller modulus of longitudinal elasticity than that of Ag are placed between two types of members 1 and 2 at least one of which has a lower thermal expansion coefficient than that of Ag, heated to join the members 1 and 2. A wax material 3, which is a powder mixture containing first Ag particles having an average particle diameter of 50 nm or less and second Ag particles or particles of a metal (having a modulus of longitudinal elasticity than that of Ag) having an average particle diameter of 20 μm or more and being contained in a volume fraction of 10 to 40% relative to a total volume of the powder mixture, is placed between the two types of members 1 and 2, heated to join the members 1 and 2. The metal foil 4 and the particles of a metal have an Ag coating layer on a surface thereof. The first member 1 is formed of one type of material selected from the group consisting of Si, SiC, Al2O3, AlN and Si3N4 and the second member is formed of Al or Cu.
US07686199B2
A tool with a driver, a structure, a motor assembly and a bumper. The driver has a plurality of bumper tabs, each of the bumper tabs having an arcuate first contact surface that is formed about a tab axis, each tab axis being generally perpendicular to a translation axis about which the driver translates. The motor assembly is coupled to the structure and configured to selectively translate the driver along the translation axis. The bumper abuts the structure and includes a plurality of bumper members. Each bumper member is located in-line with an associated one of the bumper tabs and includes an arcuate second contact surface that is formed about an axis that is generally orthogonal to the translation axis and the tab axis.
US07686195B2
A child carrier to be worn by a user for supporting and transporting a child including a child seating portion, a buttress support portion depending downwardly from the front end of the seating portion for abutting the body of the user supporting the child, and first and second sides downwardly depending from the seating portion to connect and brace the seating portion and the buttress support portion. The seating portion is configured for receiving a child in the user facing position, is laterally contoured generally convexly, and extends backwardly and upwardly in a generally concave manner from said buttress support portion. The carrier has slits appropriately positioned for attachment of adjustable shoulder and waist straps.
US07686194B2
A fluid dispensing system includes a closure assembly. The closure assembly is configured to enclose a container opening. The closure assembly has a fluid supply tube with an opening and a shut-off valve threadedly coupled to the supply tube. The shut-off valve has a valve member configured to close the opening in the supply tube upon rotating the shut-off valve in a first direction and to open the opening in the supply tube upon rotating the shut-off valve in a second direction. A cap assembly is coupled to the closure assembly. The cap assembly has a connector member with a fluid passage fluidly coupled to the supply tube. The cap assembly is coupled to the shut-off valve to rotate the shut-off valve in the first direction and the second direction. The configuration of the system eliminates the need for spring-based valves.
US07686190B2
Dispensing head made of plastics for a pressurised container receiving a pressurised free-flowing medium, comprising a cap which may be positioned onto the pressurised container, which comprises an actuating portion which may be moved relative to the cap, for a dispensing valve which is attached to the pressurised container and which is connected to a channel in the dispensing head and an applicator on the dispensing head which may be connected to the outlet of the channel, via which the medium is discharged, characterised in that inside the cap a movable locking portion is provided which, in a locked position, blocks an actuation of the actuating portion and the applicator is movably mounted relative to the dispensing head such that, with a movement in the direction of the dispensing head, it moves the locking portion into a release position, in which an actuation of the actuating portion and thus an actuation of the dispensing valve is permitted.
US07686189B2
A liquid cosmetic product dispenser that can allow a person to quickly and unobtrusively apply liquid cosmetic product includes a palm sized dispenser and the liquid cosmetic product is disposed in the dispenser under pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure. The dispenser includes a movable actuator button for controlling dispensing of the liquid cosmetic product from the dispenser and a locking mechanism for locking the actuator button.
US07686182B1
A body has a threaded inner surface removably engageable with an open end portion of a beverage bottle. A lid is directly conjoined to the body and is offset below a top surface of the body for minimizing accidental contact therewith during non-use conditions. A mechanism for detaching the lid from the body is included in such a manner that a first perimeter portion of the lid becomes disengaged from an inner perimeter of the aperture while a second perimeter portion of the lid remains directly affixed to the inner perimeter of the aperture and thereby defines a linear fulcrum axis about which the lid can be repeatedly articulated during operating conditions. The lid is selectively articulated thereafter by placing a user's lips against the detaching mechanism so that the user may quickly and readily pivot the detaching mechanism without using the user's hands.
US07686180B1
A pivoted tray storage apparatus having a parallelepiped base, the base having a base compartment. Each base end has a concave endpiece. A shelf is extended from the bottom of each concave endpiece, a pneumatic cylinder vertically disposed upon each shelf. A pair of opposed pivoted trays with compartments are pivotally disposed above the base, each tray outer end having a convex endpiece for fit to the base concave endpieces. Each tray convex endpiece is fitted with a plunger for fit to the pneumatic cylinders, respectively, providing cushioned up and down travel of trays. Trays are selectively held in an open position by a channel in each base endpiece and a spine in each tray endpiece. Further pairs of trays are optionally provided to pivotally fit above the first tray pair, successively.
US07686179B2
A receptacle includes a pouch-like body having an opening, a cover pivotally connected to a side face defining the opening so as to close selectively the opening and a seat detachably connected to a bottom face of the pouch-like body to allow the pouch-like body to be slanted relative to a ground surface.
US07686175B2
A container crane includes a container including first and second side walls spaced apart and generally parallel, a bridge adapted to travel in a substantially longitudinal direction along the first and second side walls, a trolley adapted to travel in a substantially longitudinal direction along the bridge, a jib coupled to a bottom surface of the trolley, and a hoist mounted to the jib.
US07686171B1
System and method for modular sorting stations. A sorting station may be subdivided into two or more modular bins. A modular bin may be partitioned into compartments. Each compartment may be configured to receive one order including one or more items. Modular bins may be partitioned into compartments of different sizes to receive orders of different sizes. A modular bin may be removed from a sorting station and conveyed to a packing station for packing or other sorting station to continue sorting. Picked items may be received and sorted for rebinning into the modular bins manually or using an automated sorting mechanism. A control system may direct the sorting and rebinning operation. Modular sorting stations may be located adjacent to packing stations or, alternatively, away from packing stations and, when a modular bin is complete, it may be conveyed to an appropriate packing station for packing.
US07686164B2
A golf bag has an extensible stand which incorporates legs having a compound bend. The legs provide increased stability when deployed, without increasing the splay angle of the leg pivots. The compound bend in the legs also permits the legs to fold compactly against the golf bag body.
US07686161B2
A personal hygiene article comprises an individually packaged sanitizing wipe, a second package, a graspable member and means for attaching the second package to a different article. The individually packaged sanitizing wipe includes a first package having a sanitizing wipe contained therein. The second package has the individually packaged sanitizing wipe contained therein. The graspable member is attached to a surface of the package in a manner enabling grasping and pulling of the graspable member to at least one of open the package and detach the package from the different article. The means for attaching the second package to a different article is attached to the second package.
US07686149B2
A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a power-operated face gear clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly.
US07686148B2
A clutch spring kit that is particularly suited to replacing a standard motorcycle pressure plate in a diaphragm spring biased clutch assembly. The clutch assembly is activated by centrifugal force acting on spherical deflection elements. A plurality of pocket elements are generally arranged in an annular array formed in the spring side of a clutch pressure plate. The pocket elements are generally disposed radially inwardly of and adjacent to an upstanding lip element on the first side of the pressure plate. The pocket elements include ramps that extend within the pocket elements generally outwardly toward the lip element and angularly upwardly towards the spring side. A spherical deflection element, such as a ball bearing, is received in each of the pocket elements for generally radial movement along the ramp. A diaphragm spring, the periphery of which is confined by the lip element, is in spring biasing association with the first side of the pressure plate. The spherical deflection elements engage the diaphragm spring and deflect its periphery axially outwardly as the spherical deflection elements move axially upwardly and radially outwardly along the ramps under the urging of centrifugal force.
US07686147B2
A torque transmitting device in a drive train of a motor vehicle to transmit torque between an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft and a transmission having coaxial input shafts. The transmission input shafts are non-rotatably connected with a respective clutch disc having friction linings. An intermediate pressure plate is positioned between the friction linings of the clutch discs and is non-rotatably connected to the engine drive shaft. The friction linings of the clutch discs are between the intermediate pressure plate and respective axially movable clutch pressure plates that are actuated by an actuation device. To provide support for the double clutch unit the intermediate pressure plate is radially mounted on one of the two transmission input shafts.
US07686143B2
A controllable magnetorheological (MR) damper having first, second and third portions is disclosed. The first and second portions have a translational degree of freedom therebetween, and the third portion has a rotational degree of freedom with respect to the first and second portions. The first and third portions are coupled via a translation-to-rotation converter, and the second and third portions are coupled via a magnetorheological (MR) fluid. A bearing is disposed between the first and second portions for supporting a side load therebetween, a magnetic field generator is in field communication with the magnetorheological fluid, and a signal path is in signal communication with the magnetic field generator. The third portion is rotationally responsive to translational motion between the first and second portions, the shear stress characteristic of the magnetorheological fluid is responsive to the magnetic field generator, and the magnetic field generator is controllably responsive to an excitation signal from the signal path.
US07686136B2
The present invention may provide an automatic oil-change system for an engine comprising: a first oil container, a second oil container and means for switching between the first oil container and the second oil container. The switching means may provide the engine with oil from the first oil container until a predetermined time and once a predetermined time is reached, the switching means may provide the engine with oil from the second oil container.
US07686123B2
Straddle-type vehicle with belt type continuously variable transmission having resin-block-type belt
A noise suppressor for a straddle-type vehicle provided with a belt type continuously variable transmission having a resin-block-type belt. A portion of an air passage for guiding air to a belt chamber is formed in a closed casing. The closed casing includes a dish-shaped first casing member and a dish-shaped second casing member. An inlet port and an exhaust port are formed in the second casing member. Partition walls in the form of curved plate pieces are formed in the first casing and second casing members. Air flow paths formed by the partition walls are U-shaped, thereby forming a serpentine flow.
US07686121B2
A refueling operation of an all terrain vehicle can be enhanced, even when a fuel tank is arranged below a seat, without changing an entire length of the vehicle. A fuel tank is arranged below a seat. A seat concave portion with a substantially concave shape when viewed from the top is formed in the seat. A fuel filler of the fuel tank is arranged in the seat concave portion to be seen from the top. It becomes possible to perform refueling from the fuel filler without detaching the seat. Also, an overlap between the seat and the fuel filler when viewed from above is avoided, with a reduction in a seating area of the seat minimized.
US07686114B2
Disclosed herein is an outdoor mobile fitness machine. The outdoor mobile fitness machine of the present invention includes a main frame (110), to which a front wheel (12), a rear wheel (130) that is a drive wheel, and a set of handlebars (140) are mounted. The outdoor mobile fitness machine is moved by rotation of the drive wheel, which is rotated by an electromotor (160). The outdoor mobile fitness machine further comprises a fitness device, which is provided on the main frame (110) and operated by feet of a user; a sensor (195), which determines if the fitness device is in operation and detects an operating speed of the fitness device; and a controller (200), which determines both whether the fitness device is in operation and an operating speed of the fitness device and variably controls an electric current to be applied to the electromotor (160), thus automatically controlling motion and moving speed of the fitness machine.
US07686111B2
A fuel cell system for a hybrid vehicle that includes a high voltage battery, where the system uses a cathode exhaust gas airflow from a fuel cell stack to draw air through a battery compartment in which the battery is mounted to provide battery cooling. An air intake line is in fluid communication with the passenger compartment of the vehicle and the battery compartment. An ejector line is in fluid communication with the battery compartment and the cathode exhaust gas pipe. The flow of the cathode exhaust gas around the injector pipe creates a low pressure area, which draws air through the battery compartment from the passenger compartment. In one embodiment, a compressor that provides the cathode inlet air to the fuel cell stack is used at low stack output loads, such as during vehicle idle, to direct air through the cathode exhaust gas pipe, and cool the battery system under low load conditions.
US07686107B1
The present invention relates to a zero turning radius vehicle having at least one steerable front wheel and a multistage steering input system separately capable of steering the at least one front wheel and selectively driving the drive wheels. A front wheel steering system comprises at least one oblongated sprocket meshingly connected to a steering shaft. An engagement cam system provides the ability to selectively, independently couple the steering wheel to pump arms driving a first and second drive wheel. A steering cam shaft comprises at least one steering cam that acts on at least one bearing. Once the engagement cam system rotates the at least one bearing into place to receive the at least one steering cam, rotation of the steering cam independently alters the speed of one drive wheel in relation to the other drive wheel in response to steering input provided by the operator.
US07686103B2
A drill bit having a body with a stationary cutter and a rotatable cutter such that in a first position the rotatable cutter does not radially extend beyond a periphery of the stationary cutter and in a second position the rotatable cutter radially extends beyond the periphery of the stationary cutter.
US07686097B2
A three point hitch for a work machine includes a first and a second draft link each having a mounting end portion and a free end portion opposite the mounting end portion. Mounting end portion being mounted to a first side of a work machine to allow upward and downward pivotal movement of the free end portion beside an upwardly and downwardly extending fixed structural element of the work machine. Mounting end portion of the second draft link being mounted to a second side of the work machine opposite the first side to allow upward and downward pivotal movement of the free end portion of the second draft link. A sway restrictor mounts on the free end portion of the first draft link and restricts sideward swaying thereof toward and away from the structural element. A counterweight for use with the three point hitch is interchangeable with a fluid motor.
US07686094B2
In a fire protection device for protecting a zone in which a building and/or people is/are located, it is suggested that it be constructed from fire-resistant material and be larger than the spatial dimensions of the zone to be protected. This fire protection device particularly enables the owner or resident of a building to protect the building from the threat of an external fire even when the fire service is not present.
US07686085B2
A corrosion-resistant alloy tube is formed and bonded to a pre-machined steel alloy rod to form a riser tensioner cylinder rod. During assembly, an epoxy is injected into an annular space between the tube and rod and then cured. The bonded tube is ground to a desired surface finish prior to installation and utilizes a double seal arrangement that prevents external pressure or corrosive fluids from entering the cured epoxy in the annular space.
US07686083B1
A method and apparatus for cutting off a well which includes hydraulic rams, a sharp blade and a supporting structure that surrounds the well and holds it in place while the hydraulic rams and sharp beveled blade shears the well and cuts it off. The entire apparatus is operated with an hydraulic system and can be lifted over any well with a crane.
US07686080B2
Many methods are provided herein including a method of providing fluid loss control comprising: providing a treatment fluid; adding to the treatment fluid an acid-generating fluid loss control additive comprising an acid-generating component wherein the acid-generating fluid loss control additive forms droplets in the treatment fluid; and placing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Other methods are provided as well.
US07686079B2
A method for removing silica from evaporator concentrate to facilitate disposal of the concentrate. An alkaline earth compound is mixed with the concentrate in a crystallizer. Silica in the concentrate reacts with the alkaline earth compound and precipitates from the concentrate as alkaline silicate complexes. The concentrate having the alkaline earth silicate complexes is directed to a separator where the alkaline earth silicate complexes are separated from the concentrate, producing an aqueous solution and slurry. The slurry is directed to a filter where solids are separated from a filtrate. Both the aqueous solution and the filtrate can be disposed of by deep well injection.
US07686070B2
A heat exchanger comprises at least one tube or plate pair defining a fluid flow passage which is reduced in height across a portion of its width. A turbulizer comprising a plurality of rows of convolutions is received inside the fluid flow passage in either the low pressure drop or high pressure drop orientation. The turbulizer includes convolutions of reduced height in order to at least partially fill the reduced-height portions of the fluid flow passage and thereby reduce bypass flow. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, heat exchanger tubes or plate pairs define fluid flow passages which are reduced in height along their edges, and the turbulizer is similarly reduced in height along its edges.
US07686068B2
A blade outer air seal (BOAS) casting core has first and second end portions and a plurality of legs. Of these legs, first legs each have: a proximal end joining the first end portion; a main body portion; and a free distal portion. Second legs each have: a proximal end joining the second end portion; a main body portion; and a free distal portion.
US07686067B2
A die casting machine 100 to fill by injecting molten metal into a die cavity 24 includes a variable displacement pump 16 driven by a servo motor 17 for discharging hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid tank 40, an injection cylinder 11 with a slidable piston 12 assembled therein, hydraulic fluid pipes a and c for supplying hydraulic fluid discharged by the variable displacement pump 16 to the injection cylinder 11, hydraulic fluid pipes d, e1, g and a logic valve 14 connected to hydraulic fluid pipe c for supplying hydraulic fluid ejected from the injection cylinder 11 to hydraulic fluid pipe c with the piston 12 slid by the hydraulic fluid supplied to the injection cylinder 11.
US07686065B2
In a method for manufacturing a combination investment casting core, a plurality of cores are each formed by cutting a metallic sheet to define a first portion and a number of separate second portions linked by the first portion. The second portions are bent out of local alignment with the first portion. The first portions of the cores are assembled and secured to each other.
US07686055B2
A welding machine for joining overlapping webs of sealing material, with a powered chassis supported by rolls, with a heating system for local heating of the webs of sealing material that is mounted laterally to the chassis (4) and can be placed between the webs of sealing material in edge regions, with at least a first pressure roll installed on the chassis for pressing together the webs of sealing material to be joined by means of heat, where a second pressure roll serving as a replacement pressure roll is placed in the chassis, whose weight rests on the drive shaft and which can be exchanged without tools for the first pressure roll that is coupled to the drive shaft of the welding machine and presses together the bitumen webs to be joined. In addition, the pressure roll (3) may have at least one contact surface made of hard metallic material; and a stripper element is provided whose free end contacts the contact surface or is in close proximity to the same. Therefore, even with materials to be welded that will contaminate the pressure roll, the welding machine is capable of operating for long periods.
US07686048B1
A golf club head cover and method of using is disclosed. The golf club head cover includes a body having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion adapted for protecting the head of the club, the lower portion operatively connected to the upper portion for protecting at least a portion of the shaft of the club, the lower portion having an open collar. The golf club head cover can include an identifier that identifies a size of the golf club head cover. The present invention also includes a method of using the golf club head cover. The method includes providing a golf club head cover having a body with an upper portion and a lower portion, inserting a golf club head into the upper portion, and pressing the hosel or shaft of the club into the lower portion to secure the golf club head cover to the club.
US07686044B2
A liquid crystal dispensing system in which dispensing of a liquid crystal material is paused when an earthquake or the like occurs, while restarting the dispensing of the liquid crystal material when the earthquake stops, the liquid crystal dispensing system comprising a liquid crystal dispensing apparatus for dispensing a liquid crystal material onto a substrate, a detecting unit for detecting an abnormal dispensing, and a controller for controlling the liquid crystal dispensing apparatus to pause dispensing of the liquid crystal material when an abnormal dispensing of liquid crystal material is detected.
US07686042B2
The present invention is a contents-dispensing mechanism for removing contents from the container while maintaining the integrity of the vacuum state within the container.
US07686040B2
A microfluidic device includes a substrate including multiple electro-hydraulic valves and/or electro-hydraulic pumps that each include a flow channel and one or more hydraulic control channels, actuators for controlling the electro-hydraulic valves and/or electro-hydraulic pumps, and a hydraulic pressure source operatively connected to the hydraulic control channels.
US07686025B1
A sole has forward and rearward ends and lateral side edges. The sole has an upper and a lower surface with a periphery. A forward extent and a rearward extent each constitute a minority of the length of the sole. A central extent is provided between the forward and rearward extents. An upwardly extending tube has a free upper end and a lower end coupled to upper surface of the sole. The tube has a threaded aperture. A bolt is threadedly received within the threaded aperture. Strengthening ribs couple to the upper surface of the sole.
US07686023B2
According to certain embodiments of the invention, a pressure washing system delivers a cleaning fluid under pressure to a surface to be cleaned, and includes a fluid pump unit for supplying the fluid to the surface. A fluid collector captures wastewater runoff of the cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum pump unit withdraws the captured waste fluid from the fluid collector.
US07686021B2
A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall.
US07686006B1
An attachment for securing an air tank or canister to a paintball marker, the attachment comprises a first attachment piece formed on the paintball. The first attachment piece has a body portion by means of which it is secured to the paintball marker and a fastening portion. A second attachment piece is provided and has a body portion by means of which it is secured to the air tank and a fastening portion. The fastening portion of the second attachment piece is configured to releasably engage with the fastening portion of the first attachment piece to secure the air tank to the paintball marker.
US07686004B2
A gun device includes a housing having a gas supplying passage communicating with an inner chamber of the housing for coupling to a pressurized gas supplying source, a feed tube attached to the housing for feeding a bullet into the housing, a tubular member rotatably received in the housing and having an opening communicated with a bore of the tubular member for aligning with the feed tube and for selectively receiving the bullet into the bore of the tubular member. The opening of the tubular member is movable or disengageable from the feed tube when the tubular member is rotated relative to the housing for preventing the other bullet from entering into the housing.
US07685961B2
A survey marker having a rod with a pointed tip and a shank extending therefrom composed of a rod or rebar material. A head extending from a distal end of the rod opposite the point may include means for retaining a survey flag, means for engaging a drive tool, and means for alignment.
US07685960B1
A shade assembly for a watercraft comprising at least one attachment device and a cover assembly. The attachment device includes at least one mounting assembly structured to be connected to any one of a plurality of predetermined portions of the watercraft. The cover assembly is structured to provide protection of various parts of the watercraft from at least sun exposure by producing a shaded area. At least one adjustment assembly is disposed in interconnecting relation between the mounting assembly and the cover assembly, and is structured to selectively dispose said the cover assembly in any one of a plurality of operative positions relative to the mounting assembly and the various parts of the watercraft.
US07685959B1
A surfboard having at least one fin, which an be removably connected to the underside proximate to the board tail end. First and second graduated channels are disposed in the underside, each having a front end shallower than a tail end, wherein the front ends are proximate to the board midsection and the tail ends are proximate to the board tail end, and wherein the graduated channels are substantially parallel to the central axis of the surfboard. A keel is disposed in the underside along the central axis, centered between the first and second graduated channels.
US07685950B2
A furrow opener device includes a disc arranged to open a primary furrow in the ground. A scraper body has a leading scraper edge supported alongside the disc to scrape the disc. A wing member is supported on a bottom portion of the scraper body in proximity to a bottom end of the disc and extends laterally outwardly away from the disc so as to be arranged to open a groove in the primary furrow projecting laterally to one side of the primary furrow, and a tube extends generally downward to an output opening located adjacent the wing member and is arranged for depositing product into the groove. A packer wheel is arranged in a first configuration where depth of disc penetration is gauged by a gauge wheel adjacent to the furrow opener and in a second configuration in which depth is gauged by the packer wheel.
US07685938B2
A removal system for removing an interleaf sheet that is interposed between plate sheets in an imaging system, wherein said removal system contains a substantially horizontal member, at least two roller assemblies, a disposal roller assembly, a rail assembly, and at least one springing roller.
US07685929B2
The present invention provides a telescopic hoist comprising a series of telescopically arranged tubular sections wherein the tubular sections are made in nitrided steel.
US07685927B1
A synchronizing cylinder comprising a large diameter barrel and a small diameter barrel. The barrels are separated by a junction that is not fluidly sealed so that fluid can be communicated between them. The volume of the large diameter barrel is twice the volume of the small diameter barrel. The barrels comprise a first chamber adapted to communicate fluid to and from a hydraulic manifold, a second chamber adapted to communicate fluid to and from a first mechanism cylinder, and a third chamber adapted to communicate fluid to and from a second mechanism cylinder. The volumetric ratio of the barrels allows an equal volume of fluid to be communicated to and from the mechanism cylinders even though the volume of the barrels is not the same.
US07685926B2
In a negative pressure booster (1) of the present invention, at the time of performing a usual braking operation in a low deceleration region, a force attributed to the pressure difference between pressures applied to a variable pressure chamber and a constant pressure chamber is equal to or smaller than a sum of a set spring load of a spring (31) and a spring load of a valve spring (18). Accordingly, a vacuum valve seat member (27) is not moved and the usual braking operation is performed at a small servo ratio. Further, during the usual braking operation in an intermediate deceleration region, the force attributed to the pressure difference is larger than the sum of the above-mentioned spring loads and hence, the vacuum valve seat member (27) moves rearwardly while pushing a valve element (12). Accordingly, a valve opening quantity of an atmospheric valve (16) is increased while shortening a pedal stroke and hence, a braking operation for intermediate deceleration is performed at a larger servo ratio, whereby brake manipulation feeling can be enhanced.
US07685925B2
An intensifier is operable to supply force and includes a housing defining a cavity. A ram is slidably positioned within the cavity and partially extends from the housing. The ram is moveable between retracted and extended positions along a longitudinal axis. First and second links are rotatably coupled to one another about an axis of rotation and are selectively moveable between retracted positions where the axis of rotation is not axially aligned with the ram and partially extended positions where the axis of rotation is axially aligned with the ram. The intensifier includes a plurality of power pistons axially aligned with each other and the ram. The power pistons are selectively operable to provide an output force to the ram when the first and second links are in the partially extended positions.
US07685923B1
A fragment capture device for use in explosive containment. The device comprises an assembly of at least two rows of bars positioned to eliminate line-of-sight trajectories between the generation point of fragments and a surrounding containment vessel or asset. The device comprises an array of at least two rows of bars, wherein each row is staggered with respect to the adjacent row, and wherein a lateral dimension of each bar and a relative position of each bar in combination provides blockage of a straight-line passage of a solid fragment through the adjacent rows of bars, wherein a generation point of the solid fragment is located within a cavity at least partially enclosed by the array of bars.
US07685919B2
A method of configuring a preloaded anti-armour weapon of the disposable type and including a countermass container in transport mode for restraining a shell loaded in a barrel of the weapon. The countermass container is replaced with a locking ring and the loaded barrel is placed in a first compartment and the countermass container is placed in a second compartment of a transport box.
US07685918B2
A suspension lug for releasably suspends loads under aircraft. The suspension lug has a lug eye and a threaded base and a rotation mechanism is inserted into the threaded portion. When the suspension lug is threaded into a compatible well in the load and the load is released from the aircraft, the rotation mechanism causes the suspension lug to rotate by ninety degrees from an initial orientation in which the face of the lug eye is pointed in the direction of flight to a final orientation in which the edge of the lug eye is pointed in the direction of flight. The rotation of the lug eye significantly reduces the drag on the load. Also described are methods of manufacturing and using the suspension lug of the invention.
US07685911B2
A monkey wrench includes a handle, a head, stationary jaw, a movable jaw and a jaw-moving element. The head is formed at an end of the handle and made with a side, a groove in the side and an opening in communication with the groove. The stationary jaw is formed on the head and made with a first nut-contacting face, a second nut-contacting face next to the first nut-contacting face, a bulge on the first nut-contacting face and a recess next to the bulge. The movable jaw is movably disposed in the groove and formed with a nut-contacting face and a bulge on the nut-contacting face thereof. The jaw-moving element is disposed in the opening and engaged with the movable jaw so that the jaw-moving element is operable to move the movable jaw relative to the stationary jaw.
US07685910B2
A back-up tong for assembling or disassembling threaded joints of tubing for use in oil and gas wells is provided. The back-up tong has both a first and second gripping mechanism. The first gripping mechanism has a plurality of jaws for engaging the tubing to prevent rotation of the tubing in a clockwise direction and the second gripping mechanism has a plurality of jaws for engaging the tubing to prevent rotation of the tubing in a counter-clockwise direction.
US07685909B1
A powered shingle ripper with a rocker assembly having a serrated blade. The rocker assemble is eccentrically mounted for rotation about an axis in a manner that the leading edge of the serrated blade reciprocates back and forth and up and down. Rotation of the rocker assembly about the axis is confined to a predetermined arc, the orientation of which may be under operator control.
US07685904B2
A handlebar riser assembly for use with a steering mechanism of a vehicle is disclosed. The riser assembly includes a pair of mounts for coupling a handlebar to a steering stem of a vehicle. Each mount includes a first member having an elongated slot and a protrusion extending from the side of the first member, and a second member having an elongated slot and a protrusion extending from the side of the second member. The first and second member are positioned together such that the protrusion from the first member is slidably disposed within the elongated slot of the second member, and the protrusion from the second member is slidably disposed within the elongated slot of the first member.
US07685903B2
An adjustable steering column assembly includes a column jacket extending along a longitudinal axis. The column jacket includes a compression bracket mounted thereto, and is supported by a mounting bracket. A pawl engages a telescope slot defined by the compression bracket in interlocking engagement to mechanically lock the longitudinal position of the column jacket relative to the mounting bracket. A transverse cam mechanism moves the pawl generally vertically into and out of engagement with the telescope slot. An axial cam mechanism compresses the compression bracket against the mounting bracket. The transverse cam mechanism and the axial cam mechanism are operated by shaft extending along a shaft axis intersecting the column jacket. The transverse cam mechanism and the axial cam mechanism each include first and second cam mechanism disposed on opposing sides of the column jacket and simultaneously operable by a lever.
US07685899B2
A two speed transmission including an input shaft; a lay shaft spaced from the input shaft; a first gear train connecting the input shaft to the lay shaft; a second gear train connecting the lay shaft to an output shaft, the gear train including a one way clutch or similar; and a clutch for engaging the input shaft with the output shaft. When the clutch is disengaged, power is transmitted from the input shaft via the gear trains and the lay shaft via the one way clutch to the output shaft which typically provides first or low gear for use in low speed maneuvering or where greater torque is required. With the clutch engaged, power may be transmitted from the input shaft directly to the output shaft to provide a second gear for when the watercraft is cruising.
US07685896B2
A reciprocating drive assembly is disclosed for use in a fluid mixer to impart reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis to a shaft carrying a mixing head. The drive assembly includes a housing, a flywheel mounted for rotation about a rotational axis, a crank member projecting from the flywheel, and a yoke supported by the housing for movement along a yoke axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. The yoke is releasably connected to the shaft and has a linear race formed therein for receiving the crank member. Guide assemblies are connected to the housing and to the yoke for sliding engagement therewith along guide axes parallel to the yoke axis. The yoke is between the guide assemblies. The crank member is caused to translate linearly within the race, thereby urging the yoke to move along the yoke axis to effect longitudinal reciprocating movement of the mixing head.
US07685889B2
A multi-function digital tool includes a body portion positioned between a handle portion and a driving portion; said driving portion having a driving head; a space provided for installing a electronic mechanism inside said body portion; and a volume provided for installing at least two electronic units with tiering inside said electronic mechanism.
US07685881B2
A sensor element having a sensitive sensor portion on an upper side of a substrate layer. The upper side of the substrate layer is provided with a recess on the periphery of the sensitive sensor portion. The recess provides mechanical isolation or decoupling of the sensitive sensor portion, as a result of which external forces do not cause stress in the sensitive sensor portion. In addition, a sensor assembly is described which is provided with at least one sensor element and a casing.
US07685879B2
The disclosure relates to a differential pressure transducer unit comprising an over-load protection system which is used to measure low differential pressure in liquids and gases under high static pressure load which can be connected to flanges on the working pressure lines. The differential pressure transducer unit consists of a planar multi-layered arrangement comprising layers which are conductive, insulating and which are insulated from each other, whereby the insulating and conductive layers comprises recesses which at least partially cover each other, wherein the measuring mechanism and the measuring value processing means are accommodated. At least one of the layers is a functional component of the over-load protection system.
US07685876B2
Methods and systems of balancing a rotatable member are provided. A method includes separately balancing a first portion and a second portion of the rotatable member wherein the second portion mateable to said first portion, coupling the first and second portions to each other, measuring a physical dimension of the coupled first and second portions, and determining a balance weight magnitude and position based on the measured physical dimension.
US07685875B2
A fluid flow rate sensor includes a detection circuit which generates a first signal corresponding to an output voltage of a bridge circuit, and a second signal corresponding to a fluid temperature. A control module can more accurately and quickly determine the fluid flow rate based on the first signal, the second signal and a look-up table. The look-up table includes a plurality of curves plotted according to data, indicating relationship among the fluid temperature, the output voltage and the fluid flow rate. The fluid flow rate sensor is inherently temperature compensated and has a shorter response time.
US07685872B2
A method for automatic vehicle testing, inspection and valuation for a manual front wheel drive vehicle. The method includes connecting a probe for the emission test to the exhaust pipe and connecting the rpm cable to the cigarette lighter before starting the test. The testing begins by driving in so that the front wheels of the vehicle enter the VCT rollers, running the vehicle to 60 km/h and then shifting to 3rd gear. The method also includes accelerating to maximum rpm before shifting to neutral and waiting until the vehicle speed drops back to 60 km/h and after 3 seconds applying the brakes to stop. Then the vehicle is advanced until the rear wheels engage the VCT rollers and after 3 seconds the rollers start rolling up to 90 km/h. The foot brake is pumped systematically until the speed drops to 20 km/h, and then the parking brake is operated to stop. The overall vehicle is evaluated relative to the model and year of the vehicle.
US07685860B2
A control device for a press machine, by which one of the slide and the die cushion is suitably controlled, when a malfunction occurs in the other, such that the force between the slide and the die cushion does not excessively increase. The control device includes a slide control part for controlling the motion of the slide and a die cushion control part for controlling the motion of the die cushion. A first transmitter transmits an abnormal signal from the die cushion control part to the slide control part when a first detector detects a malfunction of the die cushion. The slide control part is configured to move the slide, when receiving the abnormal signal, such that the slide is away from the position of the die cushion at the time of receiving the abnormal signal by a certain distance and, to stop the slide.
US07685848B2
The present invention relates to a laundry treatment apparatus. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry treatment apparatus includes shield means that shields the gap between a plurality of laundry treatment apparatus main bodies and a gap between a laundry treatment apparatus main body and a pedestal. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the market quality can be enhanced since the togetherness and beauty of products are improved. Furthermore, the shield means includes a fixed part that fixes the laundry treatment apparatus main body disposed on an upper side. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the laundry treatment apparatus main body can be fixed in a stable way.
US07685842B2
An invert mechanism for a glassware forming machine includes a support frame having a base adapted removably to be mounted on a forming machine frame. A linear actuator is suspended from the support frame and a linear gear rack extends from the actuator within the support frame. A hollow shaft has a central portion carried for rotation on the support frame and oppositely extending end portions with axial external splines and open ends. A gear is coupled to the central portion of the shaft for co-rotation with the shaft and has external teeth coupled to the gear rack. A pair of ball nuts are disposed on the end portions of the hollow shaft, and a pair of hollow pneumatic pistons are respectively disposed on the ball nuts over the open ends of the shaft. Invert arm mounts are respectively disposed on the pistons, and a spring is disposed within each piston operatively extending between the piston and the shaft to bias the pistons to a position adjacent to the support frame. An air inlet is disposed on the support frame adjacent to the gear. The gear has an air passage that couples the air inlet to the hollow shaft, and through the shaft to the respective pistons, at least one angular position of the gear and shaft. The invert mechanism is adapted to be mounted as an assembly to the forming machine frame by means of the support frame.
US07685841B2
In the formation of sheet glass by the overflow downdraw process, the width of usable sheet glass is maximized by downwardly flowing edge portions of the sheet over web-like members and thereafter over extensions which intersect with and are downwardly inclined relative to the web-like members to thin edge portions of the glass flow and maintain sheet width. The extension members are preferably removably attached to the web-like members, greatly facilitating replacement of the more easily damaged extension members.
US07685839B2
A refrigeration system with integrated accumulator-expander-heat exchanger is disclosed. Refrigerant from a condenser/gas cooler is throttled through a capillary tube while at the same time undergoing a heat exchanging process with refrigerant from an evaporator. This method can elevate the compressor efficiency, increase the specific cooling capacity, and enhance the system performance. The capillary tube, which has dual functions of expansion device and heat exchanger, is placed inside a canister which also functions as an accumulator. The new device combining three separate parts into one can simplify the manufacturing process, lower the system size and weight, and thus decrease cost of the whole system.
US07685836B2
The present invention is a water cooler with refrigerator or wine cellar, having a water tank inside of the water cooler connected to a water bottle, a water tank lower part connected with a hot tank assembly and a cold tank assembly through a hot tank inlet tube and cold tank inlet tube. Cold tank and hot tank connect with two water taps through a cold tank outlet tube and a hot tank outlet tube, on the top of cold tank. There is an exhausting tube connecting with water tank, which connect with a compressor. On the back of the cooler a condenser is installed. The cold tank assembly is placed horizontally inside of a cold compartment at its highest point. The cold tank assembly includes a cold tank, evaporator coiled on the outside of cold tank the two parts are separated by separate pad.
US07685830B2
The invention concerns a method for detecting changes in a first flow of a heating or cooling medium in a refrigeration system whereby the first flow is conveyed through a heat exchanger wherein occurs heat transfer from the first flow to a second flow of a heating or cooling medium. The earliest possible detection of the changes is desired. For this it is provided that for the supervision of the first media flow moving through the heat exchanger a change in the enthalpy of the second media stream or a value derived therefrom is determined.
US07685816B2
A cooling system for a construction machine, which can reduce noise of a cooling fan and can reliably produce cooling air at a required flow rate.The cooling system comprises a cooling fan 25 for producing cooling air introduced to an intercooler 22, a radiator 23 and an oil cooler 24, a fan hydraulic motor 26 for driving the cooling fan 25, a fan hydraulic pump 27 for delivering a hydraulic fluid to the fan hydraulic motor 26, an air temperature sensor 31 for detecting an air temperature T1 at an outlet of the intercooler 22, a cooling water temperature sensor 33 for detecting a temperature T2 of cooling water for the radiator 23, a working oil temperature sensor 36 for detecting a temperature T3 of working oil for the oil cooler 24, and a controller 29 for outputting a control signal corresponding to a maximum value among calculation values N1, N2 and N3 of cooling fan rotation speed, which correspond respectively to detected values T1, T2 and T3 from the air temperature sensor 31, the cooling water temperature sensor 33 and the working oil temperature sensor 36.
US07685814B2
One embodiment of the present invention includes a unique technique to regulate operation of an internal combustion engine. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to internal combustion engine including exhaust aftertreatment components, apparatus, and systems.
US07685812B2
A NOx storing catalyst (11) comprising a precious metal catalyst (46) and NOx absorbent (47) is arranged in an exhaust passage. When the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is lean, the storing catalyst cold stores the NO2 contained in the exhaust in the absorbent when the catalyst is inactive and hot stores the cold stored NO2 in the absorbent when the catalyst is made active. The NO2 contained in the exhaust is cold stored in the absorbent when the catalyst is not activated, and when a predetermined NOx storing catalyst restoring condition (107) is met, a NOx storing catalyst restoring control (109, 115) including raising the NOx storing catalyst temperature to a predetermined temperature to active it (109) is executed so as to restore the cold storing capability of the NOx absorbent.
US07685808B2
A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes providing a core gas turbine engine including a high-pressure compressor, a combustor, and a turbine, and coupling a counter-rotating fan assembly to the core gas turbine engine such that air discharged from the counter-rotating fan assembly is channeled directly into an inlet of the gas turbine engine compressor.
US07685802B2
A method for controlling a dynamic response of a fuel control valve in a gas turbine fuel control system is provided. The method includes regulating a fuel supply pressure for a gas turbine using a component model, sensing a pressure of a fuel supply to the gas turbine, and applying a proportional plus integral control algorithm combined with a gas supply pressure feedforward signal to a pressure command signal controlling the fuel control valve to increase a system response in rejecting a pressure disturbance and increase a disturbance rejection bandwidth of a fuel control valve response.
US07685799B2
A mulching mower unit comprising a mower deck having a top plate, and a plurality of rotary blades arranged side by side inside the mower deck. A mulching baffle for providing at least part of boundary walls of a plurality of mulching chambers is detachably attached to the interior of the mower deck. A vertical guide wall constituting the mulching baffle has an inclined surface. A terminal end guide surface is formed in a terminal end portion of the vertical guide wall with respect to a direction of rotation of the rotary blade in a region around an opening for allowing the adjacent mulching chambers to communicate with each other, whereby grass clippings are deflected inwardly of the mulching chamber with which the terminal end guide surface is associated.
US07685798B2
A method and a relative unit (1) for producing blister packs (7) by cutting a blister band (4), according to which a band (4) with blisters (2) housing products is fed in a selected feeding direction (A), through subsequent stations: a band (4) verifying station, a closing station where the blister band is closed with a covering band, and to a cutting station (5) for cutting the closed blister band (4). In the cutting station (5), the closed blister band (4) is cut by progressive shearing, to obtain relative blister packs (7) detached from at least one strip (9a, 9b) or scrap longitudinal edge of the blister band (4). If portions of the blister band (4) considered unsatisfactory are detected in the control station, the subsequent shearing is performed partially or incompletely, so as to prevent detachment of the corresponding blister packs (8), considered faulty and destined to be rejected, from the strip (9a, 9b) of the band (4).
US07685795B2
The present invention describes an improved grip belt drive system for use in sealing machines used to wrap articles in thermoplastic film. Briefly, a timing belt is used in place of the traditional flat or V belt. The presence of teeth on the pulleys, coupled with the use of a timing belt eliminates the possibility of slippage between the belt and the pulleys. To protect the system in the case of a film jam or misplaced article, a torque-limiting mechanism is included, which disengages the drive system if there is excessive counterforce. Furthermore, the outer surface of timing belt contains a pattern, which when mated with a second belt having the same or a complementary pattern, meshes in such a way so that the two belts are positively locked in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.
US07685785B2
An underlayment sheet (10, 10′) is applied in overlapping courses to a roof deck (36) for establishing a weather-resistant membrane for use as a final exposed surface or below a roof covering (50). The underlayment sheet (10, 10′) has a bottom surface (16, 16′) to which a pressure sensitive adhesive section (22, 22′) is applied generally continuously along its length. A non-adhesive section (24, 24′) also extends the length of the bottom surface (16, 16′) adjacent its upper long edge (18, 18′) for providing a contact surface with the roof deck (36) which is devoid of any adhesive material. The non-adhesive section (24, 24′) is attached to the roof deck (36) using tin tags (44, 44′) or other mechanical fastening components. When subsequent underlayment sheets (10, 10′) are applied in overlapping courses, the adhesive sections (22, 22′) bond over the preceding underlayment sheet (10, 10′) to establish a water tight seal. The top surface (14) of the underlayment sheet (10) may include a supplemental bonding strip (30) which adheres directly to the adhesive section (22) of an overlying underlayment sheet (10) to establish a tenacious seal. The top surface (14′) may also be impregnated with a course granular material (52) to serve as a final, exposed surface for the roof in lieu of shingles or the like. If a future re-roofing operation is required, the subject underlayment system can be removed from the roof deck (36) without damaging or delaminating the roof deck (36) material.
US07685780B2
A lightweight, molded plastic canopy has a sloped or peaked roof and mounting flanges that enable the canopy to be attached to an exterior wall above a door. The canopy is configured so that several canopies can be nested together for display and shipment.
US07685772B2
The present invention provides a platform door device in which two movable fences 33, which are provided along the side edge 30a of a station platform 30 for getting on and off a car and each supported movably by a support member 32, move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the platform 30 to open and close a passage between the platform side and the car side, wherein the platform door device is configured so that the two support members 32 are erected on the platform 30 and are housed in the two movable fences 33; the two support members 32 are housed in the two movable fences 33; and each of the support members 32 is arranged in a plane in the thickness direction of each of the movable fences 33 so as to be covered with the movable fence 33, by which the movable fence 33 can be moved relatively between the inner surface thereof and the outer surface of the support member 32.
US07685759B2
An improved clamping device for a weapon accessory rail of a type having an elongate mounting structure of generally T-shaped cross-section. The rail mounting structure may be of a type including a mounting surface and first and second inclined proximal surfaces on opposite sides of the mounting surface and first and second inclined distal surfaces adjacent the first and second proximal surfaces, respectively. The clamping device includes a mounting shoe with a first inward surface for engaging the mounting surface and a second inward surface for engaging the second distal surface. The mounting shoe has an outward facing surface opposite the first inward facing surface for attaching an accessory device. A cam lever pivotally movable between first and second positions has a rotary cam surface engaging a bearing member. The bearing member is movable between a clamped position and unclamped position in response to movement of the cam lever to the first and second positions, respectively. In operation, the bearing member exerts a clamping force on the first distal surface of the mounting structure in a direction orthogonal to the first distal surface.
US07685751B2
Generally speaking, this is a card positioning device which maintains a card such as a greeting card or a postcard in a standing position. The card experiences a destabilizing moment. The card positioning device has a moment resisting section to resist the destabilizing moment and maintain the card in a standing position. The moment resisting section connects to the origin end of the longitudinal fold of the card and extends along the card edges from the origin to reinforce the card edges. The moment resisting section has a foot which has a heel and toe to resist the destabilizing moment. An ornament such as a flag, character or emblem can be attached to the base of the moment resisting section. The ornament, moment resisting section and card, may be inserted into an envelope and mailed to a recipient.
US07685745B2
A traction member, such as a shoe cleat, for a shoe is described. According to one exemplary embodiment, a cleat securable to the sole of a shoe can include a hub with an exposed surface facing away from a shoe sole when the cleat is secured to the shoe. The cleat can further include a first group of large traction elements and a second group of small traction elements. The first group of large traction elements can be circumferentially-spaced about a periphery of the hub and with each large traction element extending downward and radially outward away from the exposed surface of the hub. The second group of small traction elements can be spaced-apart on and extend downward away from the exposed surface of the hub. The large traction elements can terminate at respective foot portions extending downward away from the hub by a first distance and the small traction elements can terminate at respective foot portions extending downward away from the hub by a second distance less than the first distance. The foot portion of each large traction element can include a generally downward facing surface that is sloped in a circumferential direction relative to the hub.
US07685733B2
There is disclosed a micro surface shape measurement probe including a probe shaft 4 having at a distant end thereof a probe member 2 for contacting an object 1 to be measured, a probe body 21 provided with support means for movably supporting the probe shaft 4 in a non-contact manner, a pressing device for pressing and moving the probe shaft 4 toward the object 1 to be measured, a piezoelectric sensor 8a incorporated in the probe body 21 so that a reactive force acts to a pressing force applied to the probe shaft by the pressing device, a load detecting device 8b to measure a load acting on the piezoelectric sensor, a control device 9 for adjusting the pressing force applied by the pressing device based on the load detected by the load detecting device, and a displacement amount measuring device for measuring a position of the probe member 2 in contact with the object 1 to be measured by the pressing force adjusted by the control device 9.
US07685724B2
A device includes a housing, a vial carried by the housing, a light source carried by the housing, and a base movably connected to the housing. The base and the housing have cooperating structures so as to allow movement of the housing and the base relative to each other along an arc. The base is mountable on a reference surface, and the light source is arranged to form a line of light on the reference surface.
US07685717B2
At least a race (1c) of a blank (B) for forming a bearing raceway member is hardened by heating and is finished to predetermined precisions. Subsequently, the race (1c) is roller burnished for additional hardening. The blank (B) is formed from a steel for bearing manufacture and is subjected to the roller burnishing, thereby achieving a hardness of HRC65 or more at a surface of the race (1c), and a center-line average roughness Ra of 0.1 μm or less at the surface of the race (1c) and achieving a hardness of HRC60 or more at the depth of at least 0.2 mm from the surface of (1c).
US07685713B2
A process of designing a transonic airfoil that results in an exit deviation angle that is optimized to minimize downstream shock induced flowfield disturbances. Specifically, a design process of a transonic airfoil minimizes pitchwise variation in downstream static pressure that includes determining an airfoil exit deviation angle and downstream turning for reduced shock from a trailing edge of the transonic airfoil.
US07685711B2
A method of producing a metallic component includes: providing a body made of a first alloy; providing a preform comprising a metallic powder made of a second alloy and formed in the shape of an extension of the body; and heating the preform with microwave energy to sinter the metallic powder together and to bond the preform to the body. The method may be used to make new components as well as to repair or modify existing components.
US07685710B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a piston (1) for an internal combustion engine. The inventive method comprises producing the base (4) from aluminum by a forging process, casting, by way of a composite casting process, a ring support (10) which is provided with a cooling channel (15) into an aluminum ring element (6), and then welding the ring element (6) with the base (4).
US07685704B2
A method for manufacturing a bump of a probe card is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the bump has a high aspect ratio, a high elasticity, a high durability suitable for testing a high speed device. The bump is formed using a sacrificial substrate as a mold to have a shape of Π or II for elasticity and durability.
US07685702B2
A wire insertion tool for a push-in wire connector has a frame and a slide assembly mounted for reciprocating motion on the frame. The frame includes a carriage on which a push-in wire connector is mounted. The slide assembly carries a wire holder which mounts an electric wire opposite the wire connector. An actuator extends to advance the slide assembly and carry a wire in the holder in a direction parallel to the axis of the wire. Advancement of the wire holder inserts the wire into the connector. The wire holder is then released and the slide assembly is retracted to prepare for the next insertion cycle.
US07685693B2
The disclosure relates to a method for forming a die having an applicator slot for translating an applicator liquid through the die. The slot is in fluid communication with a die cavity. An expansible chamber device is disposed within the die cavity and changes volume in response to changes in fluid pressure within the expansible chamber device, which may be regulated by a means for controlling the volume of the expansible chamber device. In some embodiments, the die has a single rectangular applicator slot, and the expansible chamber device is an expandable cylindrical tube disposed within the die cavity. In other embodiments, the fluid within the expansible chamber device may be selected to be a compressible gas. In further embodiments, the fluid within the expansible chamber device may be selected to be an incompressible liquid.
US07685683B2
A clamp comprising a band (10) having, at one end, a pair of axially spaced jaws (16, 18) comprising an upper jaw (16) and a lower jaw (18) and, at the other end, a tongue (28) that can be inserted between the jaws. The tongue has an upper surface and a lower surface and the top jaw (16) has a lower surface that includes a single engagement tooth (20). The upper surface of the tongue includes an engagement tooth (29) having a cavity (30) behind it that can accommodate the engagement tooth (20) of the upper jaw to hold the clamp in a closed position. The lower surface (48) of the tongue is provided with a recess (40) that accommodates the lower jaw (18) when the clamp is in the said closed position.
US07685677B2
A single point hinge and a method of thermoforming a plastic container including a single point hinge include a lid, a tray, a single point hinge connecting the lid and the tray. The single point hinge includes an angle formed by a lid chamfer and a tray chamfer. The single point hinge further includes a lid well adjacent to the lid chamfer and a tray well ajdacent to the tray chamfer, and the lid connects to the lid well and the tray connects to the tray well.
US07685673B2
A manually guided blower having a housing in which is disposed a drive motor that rotatingly drives an impeller. The impeller draws in an air stream via an intake opening and conveys the air stream through a discharge opening of the housing. The blower has at least one attachment that can be detachably connected to the housing in the region of one of the openings. The blower has at least one switch that is actuated when the attachment is secured to the opening, whereby the drive motor is in a ready-to-operate state only when the switch is actuated.
US07685665B2
A drive assembly for a washing machine is provided. The drive assembly includes a motor. An input shaft is operatively coupled to the motor and an output shaft is operatively coupled between the input shaft and an agitator. A housing is positioned about at least a portion of the input shaft and at least a portion of the output shaft. A gear assembly is positioned within the housing and drivingly couples the input shaft to the output shaft. A first sleeve bearing is positioned about a bottom end of the input shaft opposing the top end. The first sleeve bearing is configured to radially support the input shaft and define a first radial clearance between the top end of the input shaft and the housing for facilitating radial movement of the top end of the input shaft with respect to the output shaft.
US07685652B2
A garment including in combination a crotch panel defined by a top edge and bottom edge, said top and bottom edges joined by side edges, said top and bottom edges and side edges defining top and bottom corners, respectively on either side of the panel, a pair of leg encircling strap members, each strap member extending from a top corner to a corresponding bottom corner on either side of the panel, wherein in use, the strap members encircle each leg of a wearer preferably below the wearers hip line and extend under each buttock and the crotch panel is located and positioned without any portion of the garment covering the cheeks of the buttocks or across the wearers back.
US07690047B2
A scanning probe apparatus for obtaining information of a sample, recording information in the sample, or processing the sample with relative movement between the sample and the apparatus, the apparatus is constituted by a probe; and a scanning stage including a drive element for moving a sample holding table for holding the sample and a movable portion movable in a direction in which an inertial force generated during movement of the sample holding table is cancelled. The scanning stage further includes a drive circuit for driving the scanning stage and is detachably or replaceably mountable to a main assembly of the apparatus.
US07690046B2
A drive stage for a scanning probe apparatus includes a supporting member, a plurality of movable portions fixed to the supporting member, and a plurality of drive elements configured and positioned to drive the plurality of movable portions. The drive stage is driven in a direction in which inertial forces of the plurality of movable portions are mutually canceled during drive of the plurality of drive elements. The drive stage further includes an inertial force difference detection member configured and positioned to detect a difference in inertial force between the plurality of movable portions, and an inertial force adjustment member configured and positioned to effect inertial force adjustment so that the difference in inertial force between the plurality of movable portions is decreased on the basis of a detection output of the inertial force detection member.
US07690042B2
The present invention provides methods and devices allowing a secure way of sharing DRM-protected content. A content holder may share the content under certain restrictions. These restrictions include range-based, time-based or usage-based limitations. The invention offers a secure sharing method preventing copyright violations and preserving the copyright owners control over the content use, while also offering new marketing possibilities to him.
US07690018B2
A device information analysis circuit 108 analyzes type and capability of reception terminal, and in accordance with the result of analysis, a scene/object conversion circuit 1002 refers to object description data 103 and scene description data 104, and determines whether or not display positions and placement (layout of the respective objects in a display screen of the reception terminal) of respective objects must be changed. If it is determined that the display position and placement must be changed, the display positions and the placement of the respective objects described in the scene description data 104 and the object description data 103 are converted in accordance with the result of analysis by the device information analysis circuit 108.
US07690015B2
A PSI converter includes: a protocol data extractor, a protocol data converter, a protocol data inserter, and a system controller. The protocol data extractor is configured for demultiplexing a terrestrial broadcasting TS or a satellite broadcasting TS, and extracting audio/video data and PSIP/PSI data or audio/video data and SI/PSI data from the terrestrial broadcasting TS or the satellite broadcasting TS, respectively. The protocol data converter is configured for converting the PSIP/PSI data or the SI/PSI data into PSIP/PSI data of a corresponding digital cable television broadcasting standard. The protocol data inserter is configured for inserting the digital cable television broadcasting standard PSIP/PSI data into the audio/video data extracted by the protocol data extractor though TS multiplexing, and generating a digital cable broadcasting TS. The system controller is configured for checking the protocol data extractor, the protocol data converter, and the protocol data inserter, and controlling their operation.
US07690013B1
An advertising monitoring system is presented in which subscriber selections including channel changes are monitored, and in which information regarding an advertisement is extracted from text related to the advertisement. The text related to the advertisement is in the form of closed caption text, data transmitted with the advertisement, or other associated text. A record of the effectiveness of the advertisement is created in which measurements of the percentage of the advertisement which was viewed are stored. Such records allow a manufacturer or advertiser to determine if their advertisement is being watched by subscribers. The system can be realized in a client-sever mode in which subscriber selection requests are transmitted to a server for fulfillment, in which case the advertisement monitoring takes place at the server side.
US07690012B2
A system for controlling viewer access to media content, the system comprising a memory with logic and a processor configured by the logic to provide interactive user interfaces that enable an administrator to positively define media content for access by a user. The processor is further configured by the logic to enable the user to access the media content as defined by the administrator.
US07690004B1
An image acquisition facility for linking a user of an application to an image acquisition device independent of an interface protocol of the image acquisition device. The image acquisition facility establishes a communication channel between the user and the image acquisition device and manages communication across the established channel. In this manner, the user of the application is free to select a desired image acquisition device for interfacing with and interacting with the selected image acquisition device independent of the interface bus standard, communication protocol and driver type supported by the selected image acquisition device.
US07690002B2
A method, and corresponding hardware and software implementations, including receiving an event notification; transmitting a supplemented event notification corresponding to the event notification to a first client data processing system; receiving event resolution data; transmitting the event resolution data to at least the first client data processing system; and storing the event resolution data and the supplemented event notification.
US07689997B2
A computer-implemented system (90) is provided that supports a high degree of separation between processing elements. The computer-implemented system (90) comprises a plurality of cells (92) residing on the computer-implemented system, where each cell (92) includes a domain of execution (94) and at least one processing element (96); a separation specification (99) that governs communication between the processing elements (96); and a kernel (98) of an operating system that facilitates execution of the processing elements (96) and administers the communication between the processing elements (96) in accordance with the separation specification (99), such that one processing element (96) can influence the operation of another processing element (96) only as set forth by the separation specification (99). In particular, the separation specification provides memory allocation, remote procedure calls and exception handling mechanisms.
US07689991B2
Techniques to prevent interruption of operations performed by an I/O device. One advantage may be that the I/O device does not need to re-establish its interrupted operation (and waste the associated time to re-establish its interrupted operation). Accordingly, bus utilization efficiency may be improved.
US07689980B2
Linear transformations of statements in code are performed to generate linear expressions associated with the statements. Parallel code is generated using the linear expressions. Generating the parallel code includes splitting the computation-space of the statements into intervals and generating parallel code for the intervals.
US07689976B2
A compiler capable of increasing the hit rate of the cache memory is provided that targets a computer having a cache memory, and that converts a source program into an object program. The compiler causes a computer to analyze group information that is used for grouping data objects included in the source program, and places the data objects into groups based on a result of the analysis. The compiler also causes the computer to generate an object program based on a result of the grouping, where the object program does not allow data objects belonging to different groups to be laid out in any blocks with the same set number on the cache memory.
US07689975B2
A plurality of source files and one or more header files are provided. The header files that contain information that several of the source files refer to. The original files are preprocessed, each to generate a respective preprocessed file, said preprocessing comprising expanding the several of the source files with the information from a first header 5 file. A collective processing step is applied to make coordinated changes to information from the preprocessed files. The changed preprocessed files are used to regenerate modified source and header files. For regenerating the first header file, one of the preprocessed files is selected on the basis of detection that the selected file elaborates the information from the first header file. The first header file is regenerated from the information in the selected file.
US07689960B2
A method for verifying library components and designs on a via customizable ASIC, which may include the process of adding capacitors to model possible via sites of a model of an un-customized portion of or a whole ASIC, and replacing the capacitors with resistors to model where custom vias have been placed on the ASIC to implement a desired component or design. Views of this model may then be generated to verify the functionality of the component or design, and component models for timing, function and via customization may then be generated for the component library.
US07689955B1
An electronic automation system performs register retiming on a logic design, which may be a logic design for a programmable logic integrated circuit. Register retiming is a moving or rearranging of registers across combinatorial logic in a design in order to improve a maximum operating frequency or fmax. In one implementation, the system includes machine-readable code, which may be stored on a computer-readable medium such as a disk, executing on a computer. The system balances timing in order to trade off delays between critical and noncritical paths. Register retiming may make changes to a design at a gate level.
US07689950B2
A method and apparatus implement effective testing of a sense amplifier for an eFuse without having to program or blow the eFuse, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides is provided. After initial processing of the sense amplifier, testing determines whether the sense amplifier can generate a valid “0” and “1” before programming the eFuse. A first precharge device and a second precharge device that normally respectively precharge a true sense node and a complement sense node to a high voltage are driven separately. For testing, one of the precharge devices is conditionally held off to insure the sense amplifier results in a “0” and “1”. This allows the testing of the sense amplifier devices as well as down stream connected devices. Once testing is complete, both precharge devices are controlled in tandem.
US07689946B2
A fast FET and a method and system for designing the fast FET. The method includes: selecting a reference design for a field effect transistor, the field effect transistor including a source, a drain, a channel between the source and drain, a gate electrode over the channel, at least one source contact to the source and at least one contact to the drain, the at least one source contact spaced a first distance from the gate electrode and the at least one drain contact spaced a second distance from the gate electrode; and adjusting the first distance and the second distance to maximize a performance parameter of the field effect transistor to create a fast design for the field effect transistor.
US07689937B2
A computer implemented method and system for displaying categorized information on a user interface is provided, in which the user may choose one or more categories of information. In response, data associated with the chosen category is retrieved. The display of the categories and the retrieval of the data is performed independently, so that the displayed categories remain responsive to user interaction while the data is being retrieved. In one implementation, the display of the categories and information on the user interface is handled by the main thread and the retrieval of the data associated with the chosen category is performed by a worker thread executing asynchronously with respect to the main thread.
US07689933B1
A display application herein allocates a first region of a display screen for displaying a list of content items such as documents or files. A respective viewer of the display screen can select multiple content items from the list. The display application highlights selected content items. For each of multiple selected content items, the display application displays a preview of corresponding sub-content such as a respective set of thumbnail images associated with a respective content item in an allocated second region of the display screen. The second region of the display screen includes one or more visual boundaries so that a user can identify groupings of related thumbnails associated with selected content items.
US07689930B2
A system and method for navigating a multi-hierarchical menu system using a two-dimensional controller, comprising displaying an Nth level of the multi-hierarchical menu system having a plurality of icons in proximity to a pointer on a portion of a display, scrolling the icons in a first dimension relative to the pointer responsive to operating the controller in the first dimension, and one of either selecting one of the icons in closest proximity to the pointer responsive to operating the controller in a first direction of a second dimension, or displaying a N+1th level of the multi-hierarchical menu system relative to one of the icons in closest proximity to the pointer responsive to operating the controller in an opposite direction of the second dimension.
US07689929B2
Methods and systems of providing information to computer users are described. In one embodiment, multiple different algorithms are displayed for a user to select. The algorithms are configured to display quick links to which a user can navigate. Individual algorithms are employable across different content types. A user can select an individual algorithm and, responsively, the methods and systems can display one or more quick links that are provided by the selected algorithm.
US07689928B1
Methods and apparatus for placing and interpreting reference marks on scrollbars are disclosed. A reference mark indicates a portion of document displayed in a window on a display device. To place a reference mark, a selection of a portion of a document is received. A command to mark the selection with a reference mark is then received. A reference mark is then placed in the scrollbar, the reference mark indicating the selected portion of the document. To interpret a reference mark, a selection of a reference mark located on a scrollbar is received from an input device. The scrollbar is associated with a document. The display of the document in the window on the display device is then changed so that at least the beginning of a portion of the document indicated by the reference mark is displayed in the window on the display device.
US07689917B2
A system and method for configuring a node in a graphical program by programmatically generating graphical source code associated with the node. The node may initially have no functionality or may have default functionality and may be able to take on different functionality in the graphical program, depending on configuration user input received. User input specifying desired functionality for the node may be received via a GUI. Graphical source code may then be programmatically generated for the node, such that the node is operable to implement the specified desired functionality when the graphical program is executed. Since the graphical source code associated with the node is generated programmatically, a “minimal” amount of graphical source code may be generated.
US07689911B2
An extensible editor allows integration of extensions that modify the editor's default behavior and provide customized feedback to users. The editor includes interfaces through which extensions are connected to the editor and through which selection services and highlight rendering services are provided. The selection services interfaces provide a clear separation of a logical selection position in the document and the visual feedback provided for the selection, allowing extensions to be designed that provide customized selection feedback. The highlight rendering services interfaces provide an extension with the ability to augment an existing selection without modifying the actual document.The editor also includes an event routing model that works to decrease the occurrence of conflicts between the editor and extensions and between extensions. Upon the occurrence of an event, the editor routes the event to each extension before the editor's default handling of the event occurs. When an extension responds to an event, the extension may “consume” the event by indicating to the editor not to allow further processing of the event. After an event has been pre-processed by each extension, the default editor acts on the event. The editor then routes the event to each extension again, to allow each extension to process the event after the default editor has acted. When the post-processing is completed, each extension is notified of the actions taken by the editor and by each of the other extensions.
US07689897B2
An integrated circuit and a method for testing an integrated circuit. The method includes providing a first high frequency clock signal sequence to a first group of components of an integrated circuit during a test sequence; characterized by receiving, by a first memory circuit within the integrated circuit, at a low reception rate, a first high frequency signal pattern information and a first low frequency signal pattern information; generating the first high frequency clock signal sequence in response to a first high frequency clock signal and in response to the first high frequency signal pattern information; wherein the first high frequency signal pattern information is being retrieved at a first high retrieval rate from the first memory circuit; and generating a first low frequency clock signal sequence in response a first low frequency clock signal and in response to the first low frequency signal pattern information; wherein the first high frequency signal pattern information is being retrieved at a low retrieval rate from the first memory circuit.
US07689892B2
A method of adaptive error correction coding includes processing data during a connection between a transmitting entity and a receiving entity, where the data is processed in accordance with a predetermined coding scheme. More particularly, processing data includes encoding one or more sequences received by an error correction encoder of the transmitting entity, or decoding one or more block codes received by an error correction decoder of the receiving entity. During the connection, then, the method includes selecting or receiving a selection of feedback code information. Thus, during at least a portion of the connection, the data processing is switched to processing data in accordance with a parity-check coding technique based upon the feedback code information.
US07689891B2
A method of handling a stuck bit in a directory of a cache memory which detects an error in a stored tag having an address field, a state field and an error-correction field, determines that the error is associated with a stuck bit of the directory member, marks the directory member as defective, and casts out corrected address information. The error is detected during processing of a cache directory access request, and is determined to be associated with a stuck bit of the directory member by attempting to correct a first error and then detecting a second error after the first correction attempt. The address information is cast out by routing a surrogate tag contained in a surrogate member of the cache directory through error-correction pipeline circuitry while transmitting the address information from the surrogate member to a cast-out machine.
US07689876B2
A method and system for testing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method provides an integrated test program defined by a plurality of test items, and a test program defined by a sub-set of the test items. Test data is derived by batch sample testing of the semiconductor device, and an error rate for a test item is computed and then compared to a reference data value. On the basis of the comparison between the error rate and the reference data value, the test program may be modified in real-time.
US07689863B1
A method and computer program for reducing the restart time for a parallel application are disclosed. The parallel application includes a plurality of parallel operators. The method includes repeating the following: setting a time interval to a next checkpoint; waiting until the time interval expires; sending checkpoint requests to each of the plurality of parallel operators; and receiving and processing messages from one or more of the plurality of parallel operators. The method also includes receiving a checkpoint. request message on a control data stream, waiting to enter a state suitable for checkpointing, and sending a response message on the control data stream.
US07689856B2
A mesochronous clock system and method to minimize latency and buffer requirements for data transfer in a large multiprocessor computing system. A stream of data is transferred from a first clock domain with a first clock signal to a second clock domain with a second clock signal. The first and second clock signals have a mesochronous relationship. The first clock signal is sampled in the second clock domain. In response to the sampling of the first clock signal, a modified version of the first clock signal is formed having a known phase relationship to the second clock signal. A parallel form of the received data is formed under the control of modified version of the first clock signal. In response to the sampling of the first clock signal, a subset of contiguous bits of the parallel data is selected for use in the second clock domain.
US07689848B2
A SIMD processor architecture (2) for processing a stream of data vectors is provided, the architecture comprising a processor array (4) comprising a plurality of processors (PE(0), . . . , (PE(N)), each processor ((PE(0), . . . PE(N)) being adapted to process a data element in each vector, the operation of the processor array (4) being controlled by a local clock signal having a first frequency; a control processor (16) adapted to control the operation of the SIMD processor architecture (2) and generate signals to synchronize the operation of the processor array (4) with the stream of data vectors, the operation of the control processor (16) being controlled by a local clock signal having a second frequency; and power management means (30) for adjusting the frequencies of the local clock signals in response to the synchronization signals generated by the control processor (16), thereby minimizing the power consumption of the SIMD processor architecture (2).
US07689842B2
Systems and methods for producing a simulated off condition in a computing device using a set of software drivers that interact with a system service and the device BIOS. The computing device includes system components such as a power supply, processors and fans that are put into a low power state upon receiving a signal to power off the device. This provides the appearance to users that the computing device is off. The system components, however, remain enabled to run applications when the computing device is in the simulated off condition. If necessary, the device can be returned to a fully on condition to process applications that require the system components to be brought out of the low power state to execute.
US07689836B2
An encryption/decryption processing unit performs encryption/decryption processing of data transmitted from a host system, and encryption/decryption processing of key data used for encryption/decryption of the data. A key data buffer temporarily stores encrypted key data. A key data buffer temporarily stores unencrypted key data. An external memory interface controls flash memory attached outside, and reads/writes encrypted key data stored in the key data buffer.
US07689818B2
A method for centralized dynamic link configuration (CDLC), performed by a processor and a chipset is provided. In the method, the processor first notifies the chipset of CDLC enablement. The chipset then issues a command to the processor after receiving notification of CDLC enablement. The processor broadcasts a preparation completion signal after receiving the command. The chipset asserts a signal and activates a timer to start counting after receiving the preparation completion signal. The processor configures devices of the processor, corresponding to a bus, according to one of multiple sets of first link management mode (LMM) configuration parameters in a first LMM register of the processor, indicated by first link management action field (LMAF) code in a first LMAF register of the processor, after detecting that the signal is asserted. The chipset configures devices of the chipset, corresponding to the bus, according to one of multiple sets of second LMM configuration parameters in a second LMM register of the chipset, indicated by second LMAF code in a second LMAF register of the chipset, when asserting the signal. The chipset de-asserts the signal when the timer reaches a predetermined value.
US07689813B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that facilitates executing a memory barrier (membar) instruction in an execute-ahead processor, wherein the membar instruction forces buffered loads and stores to complete before allowing a following instruction to be issued.
