ma Sewing machine, computer-readable medium storing sewing program, and sewing method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The memory stores computer-readable instructions causing the sewing machine to perform operations including: extracting feature points of a design based on a captured image; extracting feature points of a unit design; generating feature points of a symmetrical design; cross-checking the extracted feature points of the design and the generated feature points of the symmetrical design; determining an arrangement of an embroidery pattern with respect to the symmetrical design; and causing a sewing portion to sew the embroidery pattern. Full Article
ma Two-needle sewing machine and two-needle sewing machine stitch forming method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a two-needle sewing machine that improves strength in a convex curve part by bringing a pair of stitches close together when sewing an item. A two-needle sewing machine includes a bed part; a column part; an arm part; a needle shaft that is disposed on the leading part of the arm part; two sewing needles that are attached to the needle shaft; two horizontal hooks that catch the respective needle thread loops of the two sewing needles; and a conveyor member that conveys a material to be sewn in a direction approximately orthogonal to the bed part. On the two-needle sewing machine, the sewing needle, which is positioned in a location distant from the column part, is disposed closer to the conveyance side of the material to be sewn than the sewing needle that is positioned in a location closer to the column part. Full Article
ma Sewing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sewing machine may comprise a needle bar driving mechanism, a cutting needle rotation mechanism, and an embroidery frame movement mechanism configured to move an embroidery frame comprising a protruding portion. A cam member may be fixed to the needle bar and comprise a plurality of cams. A processor of the sewing machine may set a height of the needle bar to a specific position from a plurality of positions. Each of the plurality of positions may represent that each of the plurality of cams is able to contact with the protruding portion. The processor may instruct the needle bar driving mechanism to move the needle bar to the specific position and instruct the embroidery frame movement mechanism to move the embroidery frame to a position where the protruding portion is able to contact with one of the plurality of cams. Full Article
ma Sewing direction control apparatus for sewing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sewing direction control apparatus for sewing machine, comprising: a base plate, a circular ring-shaped transmission element dispose on the base plate and a driving element with a driving unit. During sewing, the driving unit drives the transmission element, rotating a sewing product placed at the center of the transmission element with the driving element, thereby controlling the sewing direction of the sewing product, and thus improving the sewing accuracy. The direction control apparatus has low cost, and is suitable for various types of automatic sewing machines. Full Article
ma System for attachment of handles to mattress borders By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for attaching handles to a workpiece, such as for attaching handles to a border material for a mattress. The system includes a pair of sewing heads movably mounted along a sewing area. The sewing heads can be moved from a first position for sewing the handles to the border in a first orientation, such as a horizontal orientation extending along the length of the border, to a second position for sewing the handles to the border in a different orientation, such as a vertical orientation extending across the width or height of the border. Full Article
ma Thread tensioner for a sewing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Thread tensioner for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a thread tensioner for a sewing machine includes a first disk, a second disk, a spring, a knob, and a sensor. The second disk is positioned next to the first disk. The spring is configured to apply tension to a thread positioned between the first disk and the second disk by exerting a force against the second disk. The spring defines a length between a first end and a second end. The knob is configured, when rotated in one direction, to travel along a threaded shaft toward the spring and thereby cause the length of the spring to shorten. The knob is configured, when rotated in another direction, to travel along the threaded shaft away from the spring and thereby allow the length of the spring to lengthen. The sensor is configured to track a current length of the spring. Full Article
ma Attachment for embroidery and sewing machines for creating crystal/rhinestone patterns and motifs, and software functions to control the attachment By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Method for creating a crystal/rhinestone template utilizing a sewing/embroidery machine to perforate a medium in a desired pattern. In the case of a multiple-needle sewing/embroidery machine, the machine's needle is replaced by a perforator blade and perforator blade holder which are attached to machine's needle bar. Machine's needle plate is replaced by perforator plate and waste holder. With a single-needle sewing/embroidery machine, machine's needle is replaced by a pressing tool attached to the machine's needle bar. A contact point, a spring, and an arm are attached to machine's presser foot. Machine's needle plate is replaced by perforator plate. A template medium is placed on a work surface of machine. Machine is operated by software that reads a user-specified pattern/motif outline for filling stones in vector form, using innate rules to move machine frame and control hole placement. Full Article
ma Methods and devices for controlling a tufting machine for forming carpet with enhanced seams By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A carpet and method for producing same that comprises an enhanced seam suitable for separation of an installation portion of the carpet and sacrificial edge portions of the produced carpet. Full Article
ma Sewing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT To provide a sewing machine that can control tension on a needle thread and tension on a bobbin thread on a per-stitch basis; that enables even heads of a multi-head embroidery sewing machine to form an identical embroidery; and that enables even a plurality of sewing machines to form identical embroidery. A memory device stores for each stitch of embroidery data a needle thread control torque value and a bobbin thread control torque value. In a needle thread torque control zone, an upstream grip section main body is closed, and a downstream grip section main body is opened. A needle thread motor is subjected to torque control in accordance with the needle thread control torque value. In the meantime, in a position control zone, the upstream grip section body is opened, and the downstream grip section body is closed, thereby subjecting the needle thread motor to position control. Full Article
ma Tension release device for compensating mechanical error of a tension device for a sewing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A tension release device for compensating mechanical error of a tension device for a sewing machine includes a rotary arm, a tension release shaft, a guiding member, an actuating member, and a micro-adjustment member, the rotary arm is located at one end of the tension release shaft which is inserted through the base, the tension release shaft is coupled to the guiding member, the guiding member is provided with an arc-shaped guiding flange which includes a first end and a second end higher than the first end. On the actuating member is provided a push portion which protrudes toward and is pushed by the guiding flange of the guiding member, a micro-adjustment hole is formed at one end of the actuating member or at the one end of the control shaft, and the micro-adjustment member is screwed in the micro-adjustment hole and extends toward the tension release shaft. Full Article
ma Direct drive cloth feeding mechanism of sewing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A direct drive cloth feeding mechanism of a sewing machine includes a cloth feeding structure, a vertical driving structure and a direction adjustment structure. The cloth feeding structure includes a swing shaft and a cloth feeding teeth member. The vertical driving structure includes an eccentric shaft connected to the cloth feeding teeth member, and an eccentric cam disposed on the eccentric shaft. The direction adjustment structure includes a stepping motor, and a rotating shaft driven by the stepping motor to rotate and switch between a first position and a second position. When the stepping motor directly drives the rotating shaft to the first position, the cloth feeding teeth member performs a forward feeding process. When the stepping motor directly drives the rotating shaft to the second position, the cloth feeding teeth member performs a reverse feeding process. Full Article
ma Sewing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sewing machine includes a needle bar, a presser bar, a threading device, a processor, and a memory. The needle bar is configured such that a sewing needle is attached thereto. The presser bar is configured such that an accessory device is mounted thereon. The threading device is configured to perform a threading operation in which an upper thread is passed through an eye of the sewing needle attached to the needle bar. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions. The computer-readable instructions cause the processor to perform processes that include determining whether a mounted device is a specific accessory device and causing the threading device to perform the threading operation in a case where it is determined that the mounted device is the specific accessory device and a specific condition is satisfied. The mounted device is an accessory device mounted on the presser bar. Full Article
ma Embroidery data processor, computer-readable storage medium storing embroidery data processing program and sewing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An embroidery data processor includes a color information acquiring unit configured to acquire color information of a workpiece cloth on which an embroidery pattern composed of a plurality of color-based pattern portions is sewn, a color storage unit configured to store data of defined colors, an assignment unit configured to randomly extract colors from the colors stored by the color storage unit for every color-based pattern portion, the extracted colors being used as thread color data specifying colors of the color-based pattern portions respectively, the assignment unit assigning the extracted colors to the respective color-based pattern portions, and a setting unit configured to set a predetermined extraction range containing a similar color or a contrast color based on the color information acquired by the acquiring unit. The assignment unit is configured to extract the color stored by the color storage unit in the set extraction range. Full Article
ma Bus seat back trim and method and apparatus for making By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A bus seat for use in a bus comprises a frame and a seat back secured to a portion of the frame. The bus seat further comprises a seat cushion secured to another portion of the frame. The bus seat also comprises a removable two piece cover arranged over the seat back, wherein the cover pieces are secured to one another with a zipper. The zippered two piece seat back cover allows for easy installation, removal or replacement of any damaged or worn portions of the seat back trim cover. Full Article
ma Cartridge selection mechanism for a sewing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sewing apparatus and method therefor includes a drive mechanism, a thread feed mechanism, and a needle engagement mechanism for engaging the thread feed mechanism. The drive mechanism comprises a drive motor configured to transmit power from the drive motor to the needle engagement mechanism such that it drives a needle within a cartridge without moving the entire cartridge. A method and sewing apparatus includes a plurality of thread feed mechanisms and a needle engagement mechanism for selecting and engaging each of the thread feed mechanisms. Full Article
ma Method and device for punching a planar object using a sewing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A punching device including a punching die (5a) that can be connected to the needle bar and a punching matrix (5b) that can be fastened to a needle plate (7) of a sewing machine. The punching matrix (5b) is embodied as a lid of a clippings container (9). The planar object (23) to be processed is displaced via the tambour frame in a punching plane L2, with this punching plane L2 being arranged parallel above the sewing plane L1. Full Article
ma Polyurethane foam toys with no restriction on playing environment and the manufacturing method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of manufacturing polyurethane (PU) foam toys with no restriction on playing environment comprises steps as follows: (1) Placing the prefabricated flexible cover into the foaming mold, and then vacuuming to firmly attach the cover to the inner wall of the mold; (2) Spraying adhesives at the periphery and the interior of the flexible cover while maintaining the continuous vacuum pressure; (3) Injecting the mixed polyurethane into the foaming mold; (4) Closing the mold and performing condensation reaction; (5) Opening the mold to get the product. The present invention is about the production of polyurethane form toys by formulating polyurethanes and binding the interior polyurethane body and flexible cover with adhesives. Because of its resilient and sturdy characteristics, the thermoplastic flexible cover provides protection to the interior polyurethane foam body, effectively eliminating problems like mildew growth, difficulties of cleaning and preventing damage. Full Article
ma Manufacturability of ePTFE laminated membranes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods for manufacturing laminated membranes for MEAs, such methods comprising (i) providing a substrate, a catalyst ink fluid, and a first membrane fluid; (ii) providing a second membrane fluid; (iii) simultaneously coating the catalyst ink fluid onto the substrate, the first membrane fluid onto the catalyst ink fluid, and the second membrane fluid onto the first membrane fluid; and (iv) applying a reinforcement layer (such as ePTFE) and allowing for full imbibement. The second membrane fluid (i) consists of alcohol or (ii) is an alcohol-rich fluid comprising polymer electrolyte. Full Article
ma Production method for artificial marble containing amethyst and vermiculite By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a method of producing an artificial marble containing amethyst and vermiculite. The artificial marble includes amethyst representing superior performance in terms of a far-infrared emission effect and an antimicrobial property with a fine appearance, and vermiculite serving as an inorganic filler material and representing a superior adiabatic effect with a light weight. The artificial marble has a structure in which the first base layer including amethyst and the second base layer including vermiculite are laminated on each other. Full Article
ma Method for manufacturing polarizing plate By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for manufacturing a polarizing plate, the method comprising bonding a first transparent protective film and a second transparent protective film to both sides of a polarizer with an adhesive layer interposed between the polarizer and each of the first and second transparent protective films, wherein the first and second transparent protective films have different elasticities (elastic modulus×thickness (μm)), the three films are pressure-bonded by being simultaneously allowed to pass between a pair of rolls, a direction in which the polarizer is fed and allowed to pass between the pair of rolls is inclined toward the high-elasticity film. The polarizing plate obtained by the method can be suppressed the occurrence of bubbles between the polarizer and the transparent protective films. Full Article
ma Inductive/capacitive hybrid plasma source and system with such chamber By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A plasma processing chamber having capacitive and inductive coupling of RF power. An RF power source is connected to an inductive coil and to a top electrode via a variable capacitor to control the ratio of power applied to the coil and electrode. The bottom electrode, which is part of the chuck holding the substrates, is floating, but has parasitive capacitance coupling to ground. No RF bias is applied to the chuck and/or the substrate, but the substrate is chucked using DC power. In a system utilizing the chamber, the chuck is movable and is loaded with substrates outside the chamber, enter the chamber from one side for processing, exit the chamber from an opposite side after the processing, and is unloaded in an unloading chamber. The chuck is then transported back to the loading chamber. Substrates are delivered to and removed from the system using conveyor belts. Full Article
ma Reinforced aircraft fuselage panel and method of manufacture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fuselage panel made of composite material having a skin with an opening, at least part of the contour of which is reinforced by an integrated reinforcement made of composite material. The fuselage panel includes at least one liner made of composite material which is attached to and superposed on the reinforced skin portion and participates at least partially in defining the contour of the opening, the panel additionally including consolidating members, each passing at least partially through the liner and at least partially through the reinforced skin portion. Full Article
ma Method for making a sheet of degradable paper, use of said sheet for making a mandrel defining a roll carrier, degradable paper sheet, and mandrel including at least one of said sheets By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for making a water-degradable paper sheet involves the following: providing at least one strip of a water-soluble binding material in the form of a dry film; providing at least two strips each made of at least one ply of cellulose wadding; placing the strip of water-soluble binding material between the two strips of cellulose wadding; humidifying, assembling and pressing the three strips; and drying the complex strip thus obtained. The sheet thus obtained can be used for making a roll carrier mandrel by helically winding one or more strips from the sheet about a cylinder. Articles produced from the sheet can particularly be used in the field of products for sanitary or domestic use. Full Article
ma Hybrid plasma reactor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hybrid plasma reactor includes a reactor body having a plasma discharge space, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet; a hybrid plasma source including an inductive antenna inductively coupled to plasma formed in the plasma discharge space and a primary winding coil transformer coupled to the plasma and wound in a magnetic core; and an alternating switching power supply for supplying plasma generation power to the inductive antenna and the primary winding coil. The hybrid plasma reactor induces a plasma discharge using the inductively coupled plasma source and the transformer coupled plasma source, so that it has a wide operational area from a low pressure area to a high pressure area. Full Article
ma Plasma processing apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The object of the invention is to provide a plasma processing apparatus having enhanced plasma processing uniformity. The plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber 1, means 13 and 14 for supplying processing gas into the processing chamber, evacuation means 25 and 26 for decompressing the processing chamber 1, an electrode 4 on which an object 2 to be processed such as a wafer is placed, and an electromagnetic radiation power supply 5A, wherein at least two kinds of processing gases having different composition ratios of O2 or N2 are introduced into the processing chamber through different gas inlets so as to control the in-plane uniformity of the critical dimension while maintaining the in-plane uniformity of the process depth. Full Article
ma Labelling machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A labelling machine comprising a supply spool support (12) adapted to receive a supply spool (28), a takeup spool support (14) adapted to form a takeup spool (32) of web (30) from which at least some labels (74) have been removed, a motor (40) arranged to turn the takeup spool, and a controller to control operation of the motor. A web path (16) is defined between the supply spool and the take-up spool, and the controller is arranged to control the motor to turn the take-up spool so as to cause controlled predetermined linear movement of a web along the web path and onto the take-up spool, furthermore comprising a sensor (50) operable to sense linear displacement of the web and/or displacement of the web in a direction other than the direction of the web, a printer (34) movable between a first position and a second position, and a separator surface (24) comprising a first portion inclined relative to the web path. Full Article
ma System and method for making tapered looped suture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An active anvil assembly for use in forming a looped suture is provided. The active anvil assembly includes an anvil member, a first sensor operably connected to the anvil member, and a control assembly. The first sensor is configured for measuring at least one of force, torque, and distance feedback. Also provided are systems and methods for forming a looped suture including an active anvil assembly. Full Article
ma Universal heat press machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A universal heat press machine includes an adjustable supporting frame having, a main body, an actuating handle assembly, and a heat pressing assembly. The heat press assembly includes a first pressing member attaching on the actuating handle assembly, and a second pressing member suspendedly extending from a lower portion of the main body to define an operational space. When the heat pressing assembly is in a heat press position, an imprinting surface of the work piece is arranged to rest on the second pressing member while other parts of the work piece is allowed to temporarily accommodate in the operational space. The first pressing member is pivotally moved to bias against the second pressing member and the imprinting surface of the work piece for imprinting the graphics on the imprinting surface. Full Article
ma Formation of pattern replicating tools By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for making patterning tools from one or more discrete elements. Such tools can have one or more “seams” or joints where the individual elements abut which can limit the tools' performance and utility in roll-to-roll manufacturing. Methods are described herein for producing “near-seamless” tools, that is, tools having seams that exhibit minimum disruption of the tool pattern and thus improved material produced by such tools. The patterning tools can be cylindrical and/or closed in shape. Full Article
ma Method of manufacturing a card By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing a (plastic) card with a flexible inlay. Said method comprises following steps: manufacturing a upper housing and a lower housing; coating colloidal on inner surfaces of the upper housing and the lower housing; placing the inlay in said upper housing or the lower housing; closing the upper housing and the lower housing together to have a housing-closed card; laminating the closed housings to have a finished card. Preferably, there is provided in either the upper housing or the lower housing a slot(s) in match with the inlay(s); the inlay is placed within the slot accordingly. By means of the invention, a card with flexible inlay is manufactured, for example, an intelligent card (i.e., smart card) comprising a flexible and active circuit board and a flexible display, and properties of a new kind of card with flexible inlay are guaranteed. Full Article
ma Connection of tubes using thermally curable adhesives By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method for connecting a first tube to a second tube, the tubes being interconnected in an overlapping region by means of an adhesive that fills a gap in the overlapping region between the tubes. Said method is characterized in that: a) adhesive is applied to the overlapping region of at least one of the tubes and the adhesive is selected in such a way that it is solid at temperatures of below 30° C. after application to the overlapping region and prior to the connection of the tubes, and cannot be cured without thermal activation; b) the tube having the adhesive in the overlapping region is pushed onto or inside the other tube; c) the tubes are fixed in relation to one another in the overlapping region by a heatable clamp, said clamp being designed in such a way that it can heat the tubes in said region; d) the adhesive is thermally activated by heating the overlapping region with the aid of the heatable clamp, whereby the adhesive cures and connects the two tubes in the overlapping region; and e) the heatable clamp is removed once the adhesive has cured. The invention also relates to a method for producing a refrigerator and to a refrigerator comprising correspondingly joined tube sections. Full Article
ma Apparatuses and methods for making absorbent articles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling diapers, each including a chassis connected with front and back elastic belts. As discussed in more detail below, opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with regions of the elastic belts where the elasticity of the elastic belts has been removed or deactivated. An elastic laminate may be formed by continuously bonding elastic strands between a first continuous substrate layer and a second continuous substrate layer such that the elastic strands are bonded to both the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer in heavy-bond regions. And the elastic strands are bonded to the first substrate layer and/or the second substrate layer with in light-bond regions. The elastic strands are then intermittently deactivated by cutting the strands into one or more discrete pieces in the light-bond regions. The discrete pieces retract and remain in the light-bond regions. Full Article
ma Method for manufacturing monolithic ceramic electronic components By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A ceramic green sheet laminate is produced by stacking ceramic green sheets, each including conductive films for forming first or second internal electrodes on a surface thereof. A first cutting step is performed in which the ceramic green sheet laminate is cut to form first and second end surfaces at which the first or second internal electrodes are exposed. A second cutting step is performed in which the ceramic green sheet laminate is cut to form first and second side surfaces at which the first and second internal electrodes are exposed. In the second cutting step, the ceramic green sheet laminate is pressed and cut by moving a cutting blade in a length direction or a width direction. Full Article
ma Method of manufacturing polarizing plate By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a polarizing plate having a polarizer layer and a protection film, sequentially having a drawing step of uniaxially drawing a stack film constituted of a base film and a polyvinyl alcohol based resin layer, a removal step prior to bonding of removing by cutting, opposing first end portions in a direction of width after dyeing and cross-linking the resin layer of the stack film, and a bonding step of bonding a protection film on a surface opposite to a surface on a side of the base film of the polarizer layer in the stack film from which the first end portions were removed. Full Article
ma Adhesive optical film, manufacturing method for the same and image display device using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film of the invention comprises an optical film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on the optical film, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a thickness (μm) standard deviation of 0.12 μm or less. The pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film makes it possible to reduce the problem of visible unevenness caused by a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. Full Article
ma Plasma processing apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides a plasma processing apparatus in which ring-like conductors 8a and 8b are arranged closed to and along an induction antenna 1 composed of an inner circumference coil 1a and an outer circumference coil 1b. Ring-like conductors 8a and 8b are each characterized in that the radius from the center of the apparatus and the cross-sectional shape of the conductor body varies along the circumferential angle of the coils. Since the mutual inductances between the ring-like conductors 8a and 8b and the induction antenna 1 and between the ring-like conductors 8a and 8b and the plasma along the circumferential position are controlled, it becomes possible to compensate for the coil currents varied along the circumference of the coils of the induction antenna 1, and to improve the non-uniformity in the circumferential direction of the current in the generated plasma. Full Article
ma Method of manufacturing conductive structures By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a web of a plurality of conductive structures which may be used for example to produce an antenna, electronic circuit, photovoltaic module or the like. The method involved simultaneously patterning at least one pattern in a conductive layer using a plurality of registration marks. The registration marks serve to align and guide the creation of the plurality of conductive structures. Optical brighteners may also be utilized within the adhesive layer and the registration marks of the present invention in order to detect the location where conductive structures are to be placed. Full Article
ma Plasma-enhanced etching in an augmented plasma processing system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods for etching a substrate in a plasma processing chamber having at least a primary plasma generating region and a secondary plasma generating region separated from said primary plasma generating region by a semi-barrier structure. The method includes generating a primary plasma from a primary feed gas in the primary plasma generating region. The method also includes generating a secondary plasma from a secondary feed gas in the secondary plasma generating region to enable at least some species from the secondary plasma to migrate into the primary plasma generating region. The method additionally includes etching the substrate with the primary plasma after the primary plasma has been augmented with migrated species from the secondary plasma. Full Article
ma Inductively coupled plasma reactor with multiple magnetic cores By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT There is provided an inductively coupled plasma reactor. The inductively coupled plasma reactor is connected to a transformer with multiple magnetic cores and a primary winding, to transfer an electromotive force for plasma discharge to a plasma discharge chamber of a reactor body. Parts of magnetic core positioned in side the plasma discharge chamber are protected by being entirely covered by a core protecting tube. The primary winding is electrically connected to a power supply source providing radio frequency power. In the inductively coupled plasma reactor, since a number of magnetic core cross sectional parts are positioned inside the plasma discharge chamber, the efficiency of transferring the inductively coupled energy to be connected with plasma is very high. Full Article
ma Systems and method for biomass digestion By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST Provided herein are systems and methods for biomass digestion and products formed thereof. The products include one or more biogases, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified Class A Biosolids, and pathogen reduced organic liquid fertilizer. Through the digestion of waste materials using sequential phases in an efficient digestion process, enhanced biomass conversion efficiency and improved output of products (in quantity and/or quality) are obtained with a significant reduction in dwell time in each phase. Full Article
ma Compositions and methods of making and using the compositions for improving soil and/or plant growth and improved soil, improved plants, and/or improved seeds By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A composition comprising at least one nutrient element, wherein the at least one nutrient element possesses a relative energy-state value greater than the relative energy-state value of the at least one nutrient element in a preexisting state, the composition being effective, perhaps because of the greater energy-state value, to improve the ability of a soil, when combined with the composition, to support plant growth better than the soil, when not combined with the composition. Also a composition comprising at least one nutrient element, wherein the composition possesses an energy spectrum more positive than the energy spectrum of the composition in a preexisting state, the composition being effective, perhaps because of the more positive energy spectrum, to improve the ability of a soil, when combined with the composition, to support plant growth better than the soil, when not combined with the composition. Methods of making and using the same for improving soil, plants, plant growth, seeds, and/or plant products, including quality of plant products, are also disclosed, as well as improved soil, seeds, including quality of seeds, plants, and/or plant products, including quality of plant product. Full Article
ma Pelletized fertilizer and method for manufacturing the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A method for manufacturing pelletized fertilizer includes the following steps of: mixing a biodegradable material and a water-soluble polymer material to form a first mixture; mixing a polyol, water and a nutrient salt to form a second mixture; mixing the first mixture and the second mixture to form a conglomerating gathered third mixture, and stirring the conglomerating gathered third mixture to form small lumps of the third mixture; spraying probiotic endo spores on the small lumps of the third mixture to form a plurality of fertilizer blocks; heating the fertilizer blocks, and extruding the fertilizer blocks to form a fertilizer strip; and cutting the fertilizer strip to form a plurality of pelletized fertilizer. Full Article
ma Fertilizer composition incorporating fibrous material for enhanced particle integrity By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Fertilizer granules and methods of producing fertilizer granules. The fertilizer granules are formed from a fertilizer composition, such as a phosphate fertilizer, includes a fibrous material for the purpose of increasing the granule strength preventing or reducing attrition or dusting formation during storage, transport, and/or handling of the fertilizer. Dust formation can be reduced fifty percent or more. The base fertilizer composition can include a phosphate fertilizer, such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP) or diammonium phosphate (DAP), and optionally one or more micronutrients or secondary nutrients, such as elemental sulfur. The fibrous material is pulp or paper sludge, for example. Full Article
ma Media for growing plants and the method of manufacture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present media is to be used with a particulate base having particles of a first maximum diameter for growing plants. The media includes granules which are of biodegradable recycled material and have a diameter relative to the first maximum diameter to penetrate further into the particulate base with each watering. The granules include plant nutrients and are of a material which coagulates after watering and adheres to the particulates of the base. The diameter of the granules may be in the range of 1/16 to ⅛ of an inch. Full Article
ma Biochar products and method of manufacture thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for producing biochar particles or pellets which use sulphur and other additives. The method includes producing a mixture with biochar and additives selected from sulphur, lignin, and gluten. The mixture is mixed with water and passed through an extruder to produce an extrudate. The extrudate is then cut into pellets. The pellets are then tumbled/spun with each other and heated to result in mostly spheroidal pellets whose mechanical characteristics allow them to be used with well-known agricultural equipment. The biochar can be produced with sulphur incorporated as an outer coating. To produce this sulphur coated biochar, the method includes feeding a biomass feedstock to a pyrolysis reactor, pyrolyzing the feedstock into biochar particles, size-sorting the biochar particles, and coating the biochar particles with the sulphur coating material. Full Article
ma Irrigation method using thixotropic materials By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The steps of the irrigation method include: flowing a stream of water having input and output and intermediate location; interposing a feeding device into the stream of water at the intermediate location, the feeding device having input and output ends; inserting a quantity of nutrient fertilizer into the feeding device; converting the nutrient fertilizer from the viscous state to the less viscous state through the flow of water through the feeding device; and intermixing the viscous nutrient fertilizer with the water entering the feeding device whereby the water leaving the device to plants and soil will include a fertilizer. Full Article
ma Devices for thermally induced transformations controlled by irradiation of functionalized fullerenes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electromagnetic radiation activated device comprises a property changing material and at least one functionalized fullerene that upon irradiation of the functionalized fullerenes with electromagnetic radiation of one or more frequencies a thermally activated chemical or physical transformation occurs in the property changing material. The thermal activated transformation of the property changing material is triggered by the heating or combustion of the functionalized fullerenes upon their irradiation. The device can include a chemical agent that is embedded in the property changing material and is released when the material is heated by the functionalized fullerenes upon irradiation. Full Article
ma Method and device for treatment of liquid materials based on organic waste products By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for the treatment of liquid material based on organic waste products, in particular sludge from sewage disposal plants and the like, wherein the sludge material is added and mixed with chemicals, in particular sulphuric acid, nitric acid, and/or ammonia, during the vaporization and degasification of liquid from the material to increase the solids content thereof. The present invention is characterized, inter alia, in that the material is continuously introduced at the upper part of a vertical mixing vessel (1), in which the material is subject to mixing, after which the material is passed on into a reactor tank (8) for sulphuric acid treatment and at the same time, while sinking through the sulphuric acid treatment reactor tank (8), is exposed to an impact action from a number of rotary processing means (9) disposed in the reactor tank (8), after which the material is passed on into a reactor tank (14) for ammonia treatment and at the same time, while sinking through the ammonia treatment reactor tank (14), is exposed to an impact action from a number of rotary processing means (9) disposed in the reactor tank (14), after which the material is finally passed on into a drier (15) in which the material is dried until a desired solids content is achieved. Full Article
ma Methods for processing human waste By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods are provided for processing municipal human waste such that the processed material is is greater than 99% free of pathogenic organisms. The processed material can be used as an organic fertilizer or a “Class A” organic fertilizer. The methods include reducing the moisture content of human sludge free of polymeric flocculant to less than about 30% moisture and processing the sludge through an extruder under conditions having a minimum temperature of about 140° C., a residence time of about 30 seconds, and an atmospheric pressure differential of about 40 atmospheres. The methods are economical and have numerous advantages including reduced use of fossil fuel, fast processing time, and production of an odor free organic fertilizer free of many land use restrictions. Full Article
ma Engineered topsoil for use in land reclamation and a method of producing the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An engineered topsoil for use in soil reclamation and a method of producing the same are disclosed that seek to replicate undisturbed native reference topsoil from near the site in need of land reclamation. The engineered topsoil is formed from a base amount of subsoil and amendment comprised of an effective amount of surrogate humin material sufficient to replicate the estimated humin organic carbon content of the native reference topsoil, and an effective amount of plant residue material sufficient to replicate the estimated non-humin organic carbon content of the native reference topsoil. Full Article