最新美国发明专利第2010-02-23期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US07666895B2	Anti-inflammatory medicaments Novel compounds and methods of using those compounds for the treatment of inflammatory conditions are provided. In a preferred embodiment, modulation of the activation state of p38 kinase protein comprises the step of contacting the kinase protein with the novel compounds.
US07666892B2	Metalloproteinase inhibitors Compounds of the formula (I) wherein Z is SO2(N6) or N(R7)SO2 or N(R7)SO2N(R6) useful as metalloproteinase inhibitors, especially as inhibitors of MMP12.
US07666888B2	Substituted azole aromatic heterocycles as inhibitors of 11β-HSD-1 Compounds of formula I and IV are described and have therapeutic utility, particularly in the treatment of diabetes, obesity and related conditions and disorder: wherein the variables A-B, R1, R2, m, and Q are described herein.
US07666887B2	Stable, neutral pH, VOC-free biocidal compositions of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one What is described herein is a neutral pH, VOC-free biocidal composition of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one which is stable at low temperatures for an extended period of time. The compositions are particularly advantageous in use in protecting latex, paint, coating, cosmetic and personal care formulations against microbiological spoilage.
US07666880B2	Imidazo[1,2-A]pyridine derivatives: preparation and pharmaceutical applications The present invention relates to hydroxamate compounds which are inhibitors of histone deacetylase. More particularly, the present invention relates to imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine containing compounds and methods for their preparation. These compounds may be useful as medicaments for the treatment of proliferative disorders as well as other diseases involving, relating to or associated with enzymes having histone deacetylase activities (HDAC).
US07666879B2	Imidazo[1,2-A]pyridine compounds as VEGF-R2 inhibitors The present invention provides compounds that are inhibitors of VEGF-R2 of the formula: (I) and methods of using these compounds.
US07666878B2	Pyrrolopyridine derivatives and their use as Crth2 antagonists There are provided according to the invention compounds of formula (I), in free or salt form, wherein R1, R2, R3, R 4, R5, R6, Q, W, X, m, n and p are as described in the specification, process for preparing them, and their use as pharmaceuticals.
US07666877B2	Ergoline derivatives Disclosed are ergoline derivatives, Formula (I), wherein either each of R1 and R2, independently, is H; optionally R10 and/or R11-substituted-phenyl or -phenyl-C1-4alkyl; optionally R10 and/or R11-substituted-heteroaryl or -heteroaryl-C1-4alkyl; optionally R10 and/or R11-substituted heteroaryl N-oxide; optionally R10-substituted C1-C8 alkyl; optionally R10-substituted C2-C8 alkenyl, optionally R10-substituted C2-C8 alkynyl; optionally R10-substituted C3-C8 cycloalkyl, or optionally R10-substituted C4-C8 cycloalkenyl; or R1 and R2 form together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached an optionally R10-substituted 3-8 membered ring containing in addition to the nitrogen atom up to 2 heteroatoms selected independently from N, O and S; R3 is H; OR1; CH2R1R2; (CH2)1-2NR1R2; CH2—CH2—OR1; CH2—CO—NR1R2; or CO—CH2R1R2; R4 is F; Cl; Br; I; OR1; NR1R2 or has one of the significances given for R1; and R5 has one of the significances given for R1, in free form or in salt form for preventing or treating disorders or diseases mediated by interactions between chemokine receptors and their ligands.
US07666875B2	Hydantoin compounds The invention relates to the use of hydantoin compounds useful for treating or preventing autoimmune disorders. The present invention also provides compositions and uses thereof.
US07666874B2	Pyrimidylaminobenzamide derivatives for hypereosinophilic syndrome The present invention relates to the use of pyrimidylaminobenzamide derivatives for the preparation of a drug for the treatment of FIP1L1-PDGFRα-induced or TEL-PDGFRβ-induced myeloproliferative diseases, especially for the curative and/or prophylactic treatment of hypereosinophilic syndrome and hypereosinophilic syndrome with resistance to imatinib, and to a method of treating hypereosinophilic syndrome, chronic eosinophilic leukemia and hypereosinophilic syndrome with resistance to imatinib, or other diseases associated with FIP1L1-PDGFRα, TEL-PDGFRβ or similar mutations that activate PDGFR.
US07666872B2	Use for PDE5 inhibitors The present invention is concerned with the use of PDE5 inhibitors in medicine.
US07666869B2	Nitrogen-containing 5-membered ring compound The present invention is to provide an aliphatic nitrogen-containing 5-membered ring compound represented by the formula [I]: wherein symbols in the formula have the following meanings; A: —CH2— or —S—, B: CH or N, R1: H, a lower alkyl group, etc., X: a single bonding arm, —CO—, -Alk-CO—, —COCH2—, -Alk-O—, —O—CH2—, —SO2—, —S—, —COO—, —CON(R3)—, -Alk-CON(R3)—, —CON(R3)CH2—, —NHCH2—, etc., R3: hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, Alk: a lower alkylene group, and R2: (1) a cyclic group which may be substituted, (2) a substituted amino group, etc., provided that when X is —CO—, then B is N, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US07666865B2	Calcium channel blockers Compounds of the formula wherein m is 0, 1 or 2; wherein when m is 0, Z is O, when m is 1, Z is N, and when m is 2, Z is C; Y is H, OH, NH2, or an organic moiety of 1-20C, optionally additionally containing 1-8 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, P, O, S and halo; each l1 and l2 is independently 0-5; l3 is 0 or 1; each of R1, R2 and R3 is independently alkyl (1-6C), aryl (6-10C) or arylalkyl (7-16C) optionally containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of halo, N, P, O, and S or each of R1 and R2 may independently be halo, COOR, CONR2, CF3, CN or NO2, wherein R is H or lower alkyl (1-4C) or alkyl (1-6C); n is 0 or 1; X is a linker; with the proviso that Y is not a tropolone, a coumarin, or an antioxidant containing an aromatic group and with the further proviso that if l3 is 0, and either l1 and l2 is 0 or 1 and if R1 and/or R2 represent F in the para position, Z cannot be C or N; and are useful to treat pain. Libraries of these compounds can also be used to identify antagonists for other targets.
US07666860B2	Melt-formulated, multi-particulate oral dosage form A melt-formulated, multiparticulate, oral dosage form containing clavulanic acid and/or at least one physiologically acceptable salt thereof and at least one sucrose fatty acid ester and optionally further physiologically acceptable auxiliary substances; a process for producing such a dosage form, combination dosage forms with β-lactam antibiotics, and the pharmaceutical use thereof, e.g., for treating bacterial infections.
US07666854B2	Bis-modified bicyclic nucleic acid analogs The present disclosure describes bis-modified bicyclic nucleosides and oligomeric compounds that can be prepared comprising at least one of these bis-modified bicyclic nucleosides. More particularly, the bis-modified bicyclic nucleosides have at least one substituent group at the 5′-methylene and on the bridge methylene and can be chiral. These bis-modified bicyclic nucleosides are expected to be useful for enhancing one or more property of oligomeric compounds including for example enhancing nuclease resistance.
US07666852B2	Wound and cutaneous injury healing with a nucleic acid encoding a proteoglycan polypeptide The present disclosure provides nucleic acid constructs encoding one or more polypeptides containing at least one glycosaminoglycan chain, such as, but not limited to, a proteoglycan polypeptide, and methods for delivering to the site of a wound or cutaneous injury at least one nucleic acid construct encoding one or more such polypeptides, such that the expressed polypeptide is glycated by glycosaminoglycan chains through the normal physiological processes of the subject at the site of administration to produce a functional proteoglycan polypeptide for the healing of the wound or other cutaneous injury. The delivered nucleic acid construct is transcribed, translated and post-translationally modified by the addition of glycosaminoglycan chains (referred herein as “decoration” or “glycation”) to produce a decorated polypeptide. The decorated polypeptide is then secreted from the cell in which it was produced to provide treatment of wounds and/or cutaneous injury in the subject and/or prevention of cutaneous injury in a subject.
US07666850B2	Drug screens based on the newly found role of dystroglycan proteolysis and restoration of dystroglycan function thereof The present invention provides methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of cells lacking normal growth arresting characteristic. The present invention demonstrates that many tumor cells lack normal cell surface α-dystroglycan and thereby lack dystroglycan function. Dystroglycan can be lost from the cell surface by proteolytic shedding of a fragment of α-dystroglycan into the surrounding medium. Upon restoration of dystroglycan function and over-expression of the dystroglycan gene, the once tumorigenic cells revert to non-tumorigenic cells which polarize and arrest cell growth in the presence of basement membrane proteins, demonstrating that dystroglycan functions as a tumor marker and suppressor.
US07666847B2	Medicament comprising a reducing alkyl-sugar monomer for the treatment of inflammatory disorders The invention relates to a medicament comprising at least one reducing alkyl-sugar monomer having a hydroxyl function which is substituted by an alkoxy radical at C2-C40, said medicament being preferably intended to regulate inflammatory mechanisms. The reducing sugar is preferably selected from the group containing rhamnose, fucose and glucose. The invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment method involving the topical application of a composition comprising at least one reducing alkyl-sugar monomer having a hydroxyl function which is substituted by an alkoxy radical at C2-C40.
US07666846B2	Cholesterol-containing compounds and their use as immunogens against Borrelia burgdorferi Unique compounds that can be used for inducing an immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the glycolipid to the subject. Such administration is particularly useful for preventing or treating Lyme disease in a subject. The compounds(s), and therapeutically acceptable salts thereof, may be formulated into pharmaceutical or immunogenic compositions.
US07666843B2	Methods and compositions for treatment of neurological disorder The present invention provides methods and compositions for producing a neurosalutary effect in a subject useful in treatment of neurological disorders, including retinal and optic nerve damage, in a subject in need thereof. The method includes administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a hexose, such as mannose.
US07666840B2	α-Conotoxin peptides The invention relates to relatively short peptides (termed α-conotoxins herein), about 10-30 residues in length, which are naturally available in minute amounts in the venom of the cone snails or analogous to the naturally available peptides, and which preferably include two disulfide bonds.
US07666835B2	Oxyntomodulin for preventing or treating excess weight Compositions and methods for use in the prevention or treatment of excess weight in a mammal have been developed. The compositions comprise oxyntomodulin which is shown to reduce food intake.
US07666834B2	Macrocyclic inhibitors of hepatitis C virus Inhibitors of HCV replication of formula (I) and the N-oxides, salts, or stereoisomers thereof, wherein each dashed line (represented by - - - - -) represents an optional double bond; X is N, CH and where X bears a double bond it is C; R1 is —OR6, —NH—SO2R7; R2 is hydrogen, and where X is C or CH, R2 may also be C1-6alkyl; R3 is hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxyC1-6alkyl, or C3-7cycloalkyl; n is 3, 4, 5, or 6; R4 and R5 independently from one another are hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, carboxyl, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, C1-6alkoxyC1-6alkyl, C1-6alkylcarbonyl, C1-6alkoxy-carbonyl, amino, azido, mercapto, C1-6alkylthio, polyhaloC1-6alkyl, aryl or Het; W is aryl or Het; R6 is hydrogen; aryl; Het; C3-7cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C1-6alkyl; or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with C3-7cycloalkyl, aryl or with Het; R7 is aryl; Het; C3-7cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C1-6alkyl; or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with C3-7cycloalkyl, aryl or with Het; aryl is phenyl or naphthyl, each optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents; Het is a 5 or 6 membered saturated, partially unsaturated or completely unsaturated heterocyclic ring containing 1-4 heteroatoms each independently selected from N, O or S, and optionally substituted with 1-3 substituents; pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds (I) and processes for preparing compounds (I). Bioavailable combinations of the inhibitors of HCV of formula (I) with ritonavir are also provided.
US07666833B2	Pharmaceutical compositions comprising unacylated ghrelin and therapeutical uses thereof The present invention relates to compositions containing unacylated ghrelin and derivatives thereof and their uses in the control of glycemia in ageing patients, GH deficient patients, diabetic patients and obese patients.
US07666831B2	Methods of treatment using specific binding agents of human angiopoietin-2 Disclosed are peptides that bind to Ang-2. Also disclosed are peptibodies comprising the peptides, methods of making such peptides and peptibodies, and methods of treatment using such peptides and peptibodies.
US07666830B2	Nutritional composition preventing bacterial overgrowth Protein hydrolyzates are used for prevention of bacterial overgrowth. In addition it was shown in sucklings mammals that specific protein hydrolyzates promote an intestinal flore pattern which is similar to the one of mammals raised by their mother. Other advantages are that the hydrolyzate is easier to obtain and simpler to administrate than treatment of bacterial overgrowth with the aid of active principles.
US07666828B2	Sulfonated estolides and other derivatives of fatty acids, methods of making them, and compositions and processes employing them Sulfo-estolides and methods of making them are described. Useful methods include acid side bleaching, partial hydrogenation of the fatty acid, pretreatment of the fatty acid to provide color inhibition, acid side hydrolysis of the sulfo-estolides, or conversion of SHP to an essentially fully hydrolyzed product (HSHP) or a partially hydrolyzed product (PHSHP). Detergent formulations, such as laundry detergents, softeners, and other materials, containing any of these materials are disclosed. Laundry methods employing these formulations are also disclosed. These formulations are useful as laundry detergents and can be biodegradable, heavy duty liquids, 2× or 3× and up to 6× concentrates, low foaming, and/or effective in a high efficiency washing machine. Methods for laundering fabrics with the compositions are also disclosed.
US07666826B2	Foam dispenser for use in foaming cleaning composition A foam cleaning composition is provided that includes about 0.05 wt. % to about 10 wt. % total amount of surfactant, at least about 80 wt. % water, and a foam-boosting solvent having a HLB value of at least about 6.9 and an OHLB value of between about 12 and about 20. The foam-boosting solvent is provided at a weight ratio of the foam-boosting solvent to the total amount of surfactant of at least about 1:100. The foam cleaning composition exhibits at least 50 wt. % foam according to a 15 second vertical separation test. A foam dispenser and a method for foaming a cleaning composition are provided.
US07666824B2	Liquid cleanser compositions Aqueous liquid cleanser compositions are disclosed. The cleanser compositions are structured liquids capable of suspending a skin benefit agent therein to improve transfer of the skin benefit agent to the skin upon use of the wash. In one embodiment, the skin benefit agent is a lipid material, which remains on the skin after washing to provide skin barrier enhancement.
US07666823B2	Lens care solutions The present invention provides solutions containing dexpanthenol in combination with xylitol, preferably further including a viscosity-enhancing agent to make solutions viscous so that the viscous solutions are not only capable of cleaning, disinfecting, and/or rinsing a contact lens in a lens case but also capable of cleaning and lubricating the contact lens directly in an eye. Such solutions can provide to the user an ability to clean and to rewet lenses anytime anywhere even without taking them out.
US07666822B2	Lubricating oil for ship propulsor bearings The present invention has its object to provide a lubricating oil for ship propulsor bearings which is high in bearing-damaging pressure, equivalent in lubricity and anticorrosiveness to the conventional mineral oil-based lubricating oils, higher in biodegradability than in the art and miscible with seawater. The present invention provides a lubricating oil for ship propulsor bearings which comprises a water-soluble alkylene glycol and/or polyalkylene glycol (A) with a number average molecular weight of not higher than 1,000 as a base oil as well as a water-soluble thickening agent (B) and a water-soluble anticorrosive agent (C) and in which the content of (A) is 80 to 98% by weight, that of(B) is 1 to 10% by weight and that of(C) is 1 to 10% by weight, relative to the weight of the lubricating oil for ship propulsor bearings and the bearing-damaging pressure at 50° C. is not lower than 3.5 MPa.
US07666820B2	Borehole treatment agent containing low-toxic oil phase The invention relates to a borehole treatment composition containing an aqueous phase and a non-aqueous oil phase, emulsifiers and, where appropriate, further customary additives, the non-aqueous oil phase containing at least one of a) paraffins having from 5 to 22 carbon atoms; and b) internal olefins having from 12 to 30 carbon atoms in the molecule; in the form of a blend with c) carboxylic esters of the formula R—COO—R′, where R stands for a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl radical having from 15 to 25 carbon atoms and R′ denotes a saturated, linear or branched alkyl radical having from 3 to 22 carbon atoms. The ratio of the toxicity of internal olefins of chain length C16/C18 (standard IO) to the toxicity of the constituents of the non-aqueous oil phase, in each case measured by the Leptocheirus plumulosus acute, static 96 hour/10 day sediment toxicity test (in accordance with ASTM E 1367-92 & EPA/600/R-94/025, Section 11), is less than 1.
US07666819B2	Integrated micro array system and methods therefor Various methods are provided for an integrated micro array system (100) that allows fully automated sample processing and detection/quantification of nucleic acid and protein samples in a single analytical device, which may be configured to communicate data to a person other than the person operating the device. The integrated micro array system has a housing (110) in which robotics assembly (120) controls motion of automatic pipette (124) and second actuator (122) that control motion of the automatic actuator (123). Fluidics station (130) includes a plurality of multi-reagent packs (132). Sample station (140) comprises a plurality of sample vessels (142). Pipette tip storage area (150) and magazine holder (160) that includes a plurality of magazine (162). The system also comprise of a sample processing platform (170), a stringency station (181), and optical detector (180), and a data transfer device (190).
US07666817B2	Cellular libraries of peptide sequences (CLiPS) and methods of using the same The present invention provides compositions including peptide display scaffolds that present at least one candidate peptide and at least one detectable moiety in at least one of the N-terminal and C-terminal candidate peptide presenting domains that when expressed in a cell are accessible at a surface of the cell outermembrane. In addition, the present invention also provides kits and methods for screening a library of cells presenting the candidate peptides in peptide display scaffolds to identify a ligand for an enzyme.
US07666816B2	Agrochemical formulation An aqueous suspension concentrate formulation of insoluble or partially soluble agrochemical active ingredient in which there is used a suspending system comprising silica and an alkypolyvinylpyrrolidone is disclosed.
US07666814B2	Soil conditioner A soil conditioner is provided that can clean and improve soil by effectively adsorbing harmful substances, even if it is soil with a lot of underground water, through efficient use of as little adsorbent of harmful substances as possible. The soil conditioner is made by mixing an adsorbent of harmful substances and a water absorbing substance, and shaping the mixture into granular shape.
US07666806B2	Gray glass composition A glass composition that includes a base glass composition including: SiO2 from 65 to 75 weight percent, Na2O from 10 to 20 weight percent, CaO from 5 to 15 weight percent, MgO from 0 to 5 weight percent, Al2O3 from 0 to 5 weight percent, K2O from 0 to 5 weight percent and BaO 0 to 1 weight percent, and a colorant and property modifying portion including total iron from 0.25 to 0.9 weight percent, Cr2O3 from 6 PPM to 400 PPM, Er2O3 from 0.3 to 3.0 weight percent, and TiO2 from 0.1 to 0.8 weight percent, wherein the glass composition has a redox ratio ranging from 0.15 to 0.62.
US07666803B2	Reinforced absorbable multilayered fabric for use in medical devices The present invention is directed to a multilayered fabric comprising a first absorbable nonwoven fabric and a second absorbable woven or knitted fabric.
US07666802B2	Breathable, fire resistant fabric having liquid barrier and water-repellant properties The present invention is directed to a fabric composed of nylon or polyester fibers and having both liquid barrier properties and fire retardant properties without sacrificing many of the desirable properties of the fabric. In particular, the present invention helps overcome many of the disadvantages associated with prior art fabrics by providing a fabric having feel and drape of a textile fabric while having good fluid barrier characteristics and fire retardant characteristics. In one embodiment, the invention is also directed to a breathable nylon or polyester fabric having liquid barrier and fire retardant properties. The present invention also provides methods of making such fabrics.
US07666801B2	Systems and methods for forming metal oxides using metal compounds containing aminosilane ligands A method of forming (and an apparatus for forming) a metal oxide layer on a substrate, particularly a semiconductor substrate or substrate assembly, using a vapor deposition process and one or more precursor compounds that include aminosilane ligands.
US07666800B2	Feature patterning methods Methods of patterning features of semiconductor devices and methods of processing and fabricating semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of processing a semiconductor device includes forming first sidewall spacers on a first hard mask, removing the first hard mask, and forming a first material layer over the first sidewall spacers. A second hard mask is formed over the first material layer and the first sidewall spacers. Second sidewall spacers are formed on the second hard mask, and the second hard mask is removed. At least the first sidewall spacers are patterned using the second sidewall spacers as a mask.
US07666799B2	Epitaxial growth of relaxed silicon germanium layers A relaxed silicon germanium structure comprises a silicon buffer layer produced using a chemical vapor deposition process with an operational pressure greater than approximately 1 torr. The relaxed silicon germanium structure further comprises a silicon germanium layer deposited over the silicon buffer layer. The silicon germanium layer has less than about 107 threading dislocations per square centimeter. By depositing the silicon buffer layer at a reduced deposition rate, the overlying silicon germanium layer can be provided with a “crosshatch free” surface.
US07666796B2	Substrate patterning for multi-gate transistors Some embodiments of the present invention include apparatuses and methods relating to improved substrate patterning for multi-gate transistors.
US07666794B2	Multiple patterning using patternable low-k dielectric materials A method of double patterning a semiconductor structure with a single material which after patterning becomes a permanent part of the semiconductor structure. More specifically, a method to form a patterned semiconductor structure with small features is provided which are difficult to obtain using conventional exposure lithographic processes. The method of the present invention includes the use of patternable low-k dielectric materials which after patterning remain as a low k dielectric material within the semiconductor structure. The method is useful in forming semiconductor interconnect structures in which the patternable low k dielectric materials after patterning and curing become a permanent element, e.g., a patterned interlayer low k dielectric material, of the interconnect structure.
US07666792B2	Method for fabricating a deep trench in a substrate The invention provides a method for forming a deep trench in a substrate. A sacrificial layer and a liner layer are first used to define the deep trench pattern. The sacrificial layer is then replaced with a silicon glass layer. A thick mask layer includes the silicon glass layer, the liner layer and a silicon nitride layer is formed on the substrate. Through an opening of the thick mask layer, a deep trench is etched into the substrate.
US07666790B2	Silicide gate field effect transistors and methods for fabrication thereof A method for fabricating a silicide gate field effect transistor includes masking a silicon source/drain region prior to forming the silicide gate by annealing a metal silicide forming metal layer contacting a silicon-containing gate. The silicide gate may be either a fully silicided gate or a partially silicided gate. After unmasking the source/drain region a silicide layer may be formed upon the source/drain region, and also upon the partially silicided gate. The second silicide layer and the partially silicided gate also provide a fully silicided gate.
US07666786B2	Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices having a double metal salicide layer A semiconductor device is fabricated by forming a gate electrode structure, comprising a gate oxide layer pattern, a polysilicon layer pattern, and sidewall spacers on a silicon substrate, forming source/drain regions on both sides of the gate electrode structure in the silicon substrate, depositing a physical vapor deposition (PVD) cobalt layer on the gate electrode structure using PVD, depositing a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) cobalt layer on the PVD cobalt layer using CVD, annealing the silicon substrate to react the PVD and CVD cobalt layers with polysilicon on an upper surface of the gate electrode structure, stripping at least a portion of the PVD cobalt layer and the CVD cobalt layer that has not reacted, and annealing the silicon substrate after stripping the at least the portion of the PVD cobalt layer and the CVD cobalt layer.
US07666775B2	Split poly-SiGe/poly-Si alloy gate stack A multi-layered gate electrode stack structure of a field effect transistor device is formed on a silicon nano crystal seed layer on the gate dielectric. The small grain size of the silicon nano crystal layer allows for deposition of a uniform and continuous layer of poly-SiGe with a [Ge] of up to at least 70% using in situ rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition (RTCVD). An in-situ purge of the deposition chamber in a oxygen ambient at rapidly reduced temperatures results in a thin SiO2 or SixGeyOz interfacial layer of 3 to 4 A thick. The thin SiO2 or SixGeyOz interfacial layer is sufficiently thin and discontinuous to offer little resistance to gate current flow yet has sufficient [O] to effectively block upward Ge diffusion during heat treatment to thereby allow silicidation of the subsequently deposited layer of cobalt. The gate electrode stack structure is used for both nFETs and pFETs.
US07666774B2	CMOS structure including dual metal containing composite gates A CMOS structure and a method for fabricating the CMOS structure include a first transistor located within a first semiconductor substrate region having a first polarity. The first transistor includes a first gate electrode that includes a first metal containing material layer and a first silicon containing material layer located upon the first metal containing material layer. The CMOS structure also includes a second transistor located within a laterally separated second semiconductor substrate region having a second polarity that is different than the first polarity. The second transistor includes a second gate electrode comprising a second metal containing material layer of a composition that is different than the first metal containing material layer, and a second silicon containing material layer located upon the second metal containing material layer. The first silicon containing material layer and the first semiconductor substrate region comprise different materials. The second silicon containing material layer and the second semiconductor substrate region also comprise different materials.
US07666767B2	Mask for sequential lateral solidification (SLS) process and a method thereof A mask for sequential lateral solidification (SLS) process with at least one transparency region is provided. The transparent region is defined by two lengthwise edges, a front edge, and a rear edge. The two lengthwise edges also define a quadrilateral. The front edge is located outside the quadrilateral, and the rear edge is located inside the quadrilateral.
US07666764B2	Compound semiconductor material and method for forming an active layer of a thin film transistor device A compound semiconductor material for forming an active layer of a thin film transistor device is disclosed, which has a group II-VI compound doped with a dopant ranging from 0.1 to 30 mol %, wherein the dopant is selected from a group consisting of alkaline-earth metals, group IIIA elements, group IVA elements, group VA elements, group VIA elements, and transitional metals. The method for forming an active layer of a thin film transistor device by using the compound semiconductor material of the present invention is disclosed therewith.
US07666762B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. A nickel layer is deposited on a semiconductor substrate and plasma-processed. Rapid thermal processing is performed on the plasma-processed nickel layer to form a nickel silicide layer. The portion of the nickel layer that has not reacted with silicon is then removed.
US07666760B2	Method of dividing wafer A method of dividing a wafer includes: a denatured layer forming step of forming a denatured layer in the inside of the wafer along streets; a first feeding step in which the whole area of the wafer's back-side surface is suction held, and the wafer is mounted on a support base of a tape adhering unit, with the wafer's back-side surface on the upper side; a dicing tape adhering step of adhering a dicing tape to the wafer's back-side surface and an annular frame; a wafer reversing step of reversing the wafer and the annular frame face side back; a second feeding step of feeding said wafer and said annular frame to a tape expanding unit whole holding them by suction; a protective tape peeling step of peeling off a protective tape adhered to the wafer's face-side surface; and a wafer dividing step of expanding the dicing tape so as to divide the wafer along the streets along which the denatured layer has been formed.
US07666757B2	Method for manufacturing SOI substrate An object is to provide a method for manufacturing an SOI substrate, by which defective bonding can be prevented. An embrittled layer is formed in a region of a semiconductor substrate at a predetermined depth; an insulating layer is formed over the semiconductor substrate; the outer edge of the semiconductor substrate is selectively etched on the insulating layer side to a region at a greater depth than the embrittled layer; and the semiconductor substrate and a substrate having an insulating surface are superposed on each other and bonded to each other with the insulating layer interposed therebetween. The semiconductor substrate is heated to be separated at the embrittled layer while a semiconductor layer is left remaining over the substrate having an insulating surface.
US07666753B2	Metal capping process for BEOL interconnect with air gaps The embodiments of the invention provide a metal capping process for a BEOL interconnect with air gaps. More specifically an apparatus is provided comprising metal lines within a first dielectric. Metal caps are over the metal lines, wherein the metal caps contact the metal lines. In addition, air gaps are between the metal lines, wherein the air gaps are between the metal caps. A second dielectric is also provided over the bottom portion of a first dielectric, wherein a top portion of the second dielectric is over the metal caps, and wherein top portions of the first dielectric and bottom portions of the second dielectric comprise sides of the air gap. The apparatus further includes dielectric caps over the metal lines, wherein the dielectric caps contact the metal caps.
US07666752B2	Deposition method for a transition-metal-containing dielectric The present invention relates to a method for depositing a dielectric material comprising a transition metal compound. After providing a substrate, a first pre-cursor comprising a transition metal compound and a second pre-cursor predominantly comprising at least one of water vapour, ammonia and hydrazine are successively applied on the substrate for forming a first layer of transition metal containing material. In a next step the first pre-cursor and a third pre-cursor comprising at least one of ozone and oxygen are successively applied on the first layer for forming a second layer of the transition metal containing material.
US07666749B2	SiGe semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same Provided are a SiGe semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same. The method includes the steps of: forming a buried collector by doping impurity ions into a buried collector region formed on a substrate; forming a collector layer which is an active region and a collector electrode region by forming a Si epitaxial layer on the substrate having the buried collector; forming an isolation layer on the substrate and exposing the collector layer and the collector electrode region; forming a collector pad oxide layer on the collector electrode region; stacking a base epitaxial layer and a pad oxide layer on the substrate having the collector pad oxide layer and patterning the pad oxide layer; forming a first polycrystalline Si (poly-Si) layer on the patterned pad oxide layer; exposing at least a portion of the patterned pad oxide layer by etching the first poly-Si layer; depositing a metal layer on the first poly-Si layer to form a first silicide layer; forming an oxide layer on the substrate having the first silicide layer, and exposing a base-emitter junction and the collector electrode region; forming an emitter electrode and a collector electrode by depositing a second poly-Si layer on the exposed base-emitter junction and collector electrode region; and depositing a metal layer on the emitter and collector electrodes to form a second silicide layer, and forming a base terminal, an emitter terminal, and a collector terminal. In this method, base parasitic resistance can be reduced, an electrical short due to agglomeration caused by Ge can be prevented during the formation of the silicide layer, and the base-emitter junction can be protected using the pad oxide layer from external processes, thereby enhancing process stability and reliability.
US07666748B2	Method of forming amorphous source/drain extensions A method for making a transistor within a semiconductor wafer. The method may include etching a recess at source/drain extension locations and depositing amorphous silicon within the recess to from amorphous silicon source/drain extensions. Dopants may be implanted into the amorphous silicon source/drain extensions and the semiconductor wafer may then be annealed.
US07666747B2	Process of manufacturing semiconductor device A method that suppresses etching damage without increasing a chip area of a semiconductor device. An integrated circuit including a MOS transistor is formed in a device area, and a discharge diffusion region is formed in a device area, and a discharge diffusion region is formed in a grid area. The discharge diffusion region is connected to a metal wiring of the integrated circuit via a contact hole. Therefore, when the metal wiring is formed by a dry etching method, an electric charge stored in the metal wiring is discharged to a semiconductor substrate through the discharge diffusion region. Thus, etching damage of the MOS transistor is reduced. Since the discharge diffusion region and the contact hole are formed within the grid area, they are cut off by a dicing process, thus causing no increase in chip area of the semiconductor device.
US07666742B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor devices having a recessed active edge A semiconductor device having a recessed active edge is provided. The semiconductor devices include an isolation layer disposed in a substrate to define an active region. A gate electrode is disposed to cross over the active region. A source region and a drain region are disposed in the active region on both sides of the gate electrode. A recessed region is disposed under the gate electrode and on an edge of the active region adjacent to the isolation layer. A bottom of the recessed region may be sloped down toward the isolation layer. The gate electrode may further extend into and fill the recessed region. That is, a gate extension may be disposed in the recessed region. A method of fabricating the semiconductor device is also provided.
US07666738B2	Method for fabricating capacitor of semiconductor device The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a capacitor of a semiconductor device. The method includes the steps of: forming a first amorphous silicon layer doped with an impurity in a predetermined first doping concentration suppressing dopants from locally agglomerating; forming an impurity undoped second amorphous silicon layer on the first amorphous silicon layer in an in-situ condition; forming a storage node by patterning the first amorphous silicon layer and the second amorphous silicon layer; forming silicon grains on a surface of the storage node; and doping the impurity to the storage node and the silicon grains until reaching a second predetermined concentration for providing conductivity required by the storage node.
US07666736B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device comprising P-type MISFET, including step of implanting fluorine After the implantation of fluorine ions into a semiconductor substrate, a gate insulating film, a gate electrode and a protective film are formed on the semiconductor substrate. Thereafter, fluorine ions are again implanted into the semiconductor substrate. Furthermore, p-type source/drain extension regions and source/drain regions are formed in the semiconductor substrate.
US07666731B2	Method of fabricating a lateral double-diffused MOSFET (LDMOS) transistor and a conventional CMOS transistor A method of fabricating an LDMOS transistor and a conventional CMOS transistor together on a substrate. A P-body is implanted into a source region of the LDMOS transistor. A gate oxide for the conventional CMOS transistor is formed after implanting the P-body into the source region of the LDMOS transistor. A fixed thermal cycle associated with forming the gate oxide of the conventional CMOS transistor is not substantially affected by the implanting of the P-body into the source region of the LDMOS transistor.
US07666725B2	Manufacturing process of thin film transistor A thin film transistor includes a gate, a gate insulator layer, a channel layer, a source, a drain, and an ohmic contact layer. The gate insulator layer covers the gate; the channel layer is disposed on the gate insulator layer above the gate; the source and the drain are disposed on the channel layer; the ohmic contact layer is disposed between the channel layer and the source and drain. The ohmic contact layer is constituted by a number of film layers. As mentioned above, the thin film transistor has an ohmic contact layer constituted by a number of film layers. When the thin film transistor is turned off, the current leakage thereof is lowered than that of a conventional thin film transistor.
US07666721B2	SOI substrates and SOI devices, and methods for forming the same An improved semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate is provided, which contains a patterned buried insulator layer at varying depths. Specifically, the SOI substrate has a substantially planar upper surface and comprises: (1) first regions that do not contain any buried insulator, (2) second regions that contain first portions of the patterned buried insulator layer at a first depth (i.e., measured from the planar upper surface of the SOI substrate), and (3) third regions that contain second portions of the patterned buried insulator layer at a second depth, where the first depth is larger than the second depth. One or more field effect transistors (FETs) can be formed in the SOI substrate. For example, the FETs may comprise: channel regions in the first regions of the SOI substrate, source and drain regions in the second regions of the SOI substrate, and source/drain extension regions in the third regions of the SOI substrate.
US07666720B2	Method and apparatus for improving integrated circuit device performance using hybrid crystal orientations A method of forming a current mirror device for an integrated circuit includes configuring a reference current source; forming a first field effect transistor (FET) in series with the reference current source, the first FET of a first conductivity type formed on a first portion of a substrate having a first crystal lattice orientation; and forming a second FET of the first conductivity type on a second portion of the substrate having a second crystal lattice orientation, with a gate terminal of the first FET coupled to a gate terminal of the second FET, and the gate terminals of the first and second FETs coupled to the reference current source; wherein the carrier mobility of the first FET formed on the first portion of the substrate is different than the carrier mobility of the second FET formed on the second portion of the substrate.
US07666716B2	Fabrication method of semiconductor package The present invention provides a semiconductor package and a fabrication method thereof. The method includes the steps of: providing a chip carrier module having a plurality of chip carriers, disposing a plurality of electrical connecting points on the chip carriers, performing chip mounting and molding on the chip carrier module to form an encapsulant encapsulating the semiconductor chip, exposing the electrical connecting points from the encapsulant; forming a patterned circuit layer on the encapsulant, electrically connecting the patterned circuit layer to the electrical connecting points, cutting and separating the chip carriers to form a plurality of semiconductor packages each having a circuit layer formed on the encapsulant such that the circuit layer provides extra electrical connecting points and thereby enhances electrical performance of electrical products. During a package stacking process, no package is limited by the design of another package below.
US07666715B2	Radiation-emitting and/or radiation-receiving semiconductor component and method for the production thereof A radiation-emitting and/or radiation-receiving semiconductor component comprising a radiation-emitting and/or radiation-receiving semiconductor chip, a molded plastic part which is transparent to an electromagnetic radiation to be emitted and/or received by the semiconductor component and by which the semiconductor chip is at least partially overmolded, and external electrical leads that are electrically connected to electrical contact areas of the semiconductor chip. The molded plastic part is made of a reaction-curing silicone molding compound. A method of making such a semiconductor component is also specified.
US07666708B2	Doped elongated semiconductors, growing such semiconductors, devices including such semiconductors, and fabricating such devices A bulk-doped semiconductor that is at least one of the following: a single crystal, an elongated and bulk-doped semiconductor that, at any point along its longitudinal is, axis, has a largest cross-sectional dimension less than 500 nanometers, and a free-standing and bulk-doped semiconductor with at least one portion having a smallest width of less than 500 nanometers. At least one portion of such a semiconductor may a smallest width of less than 200 nanometers, or less than 150 nanometers, or less than 100 nanometers, or less than 80 nanometers, or less than 70 nanometers, or less than 60 nanometers, or less than 40 nanometers, or less than 20 nanometers, or less than 10 nanometers, or even less an 5 nanometers. Such a semiconductor may be doped during growth. Such a semiconductor may be part of a device, which may include any of a variety of devices and combinations thereof, and a variety assembling techniques may be used to fabricate devices from such a semiconductor.
US07666706B2	Method for making a thin-film poly-crystalline silicon solar cell on an indium tin oxide-glass substrate at a low temperature A method is disclosed for making a thin-film poly-crystalline silicon solar cell. In the method, there is provided an ITO-glass substrate by coating a glass substrate with a transparent and conductive ITO film. An amorphous silicon film is grown on the ITO-glass substrate. An aluminum film is grown on the amorphous silicon film. The aluminum film and the amorphous silicon film are annealed and therefore converted and interchanged into an aluminum-silicon alloy film and a p+ poly-crystalline silicon film, respectively. In a low-temperature plasma-based deposition process, a p− poly-crystalline silicon film is coated on the p+ poly-crystalline silicon film, and an n+ poly-crystalline silicon film is coated on the p− poly-crystalline silicon film. An ohmic contact is provided on the transparent and conductive ITO film. Other ohmic contacts are provided on the n+ poly-crystalline silicon film. An anti-reflection film is coated on the n+ poly-crystalline silicon film.
US07666704B2	Solid-state image pickup element, method for manufacturing such solid-state image pickup element and optical waveguide forming device A solid-state imaging device of the present invention includes a base 13, a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions 11 formed in a surface of the base 13, and an insulating film 18 formed above the base 13. Openings 18h are formed in the insulating film 18 so that each of the openings 18h is located above each of the photoelectric conversion portions 11. Optical waveguides 19 having a refractive index higher than that of the insulating film 18 are formed in each of the openings 18h. And the optical waveguides 19 are made of a composite material containing a resin 19a and inorganic particles 19b.
US07666703B2	Image sensor pixel having a lateral doping profile formed with indium doping An active pixel using a transfer gate that has a polysilicon gate doped with indium. The pixel includes a photosensitive element formed in a semiconductor substrate and an n-type floating node formed in the semiconductor substrate. An n-channel transfer transistor having a transfer gate is formed between the floating node and the photosensitive element. The pixel substrate has a laterally doping gradient doped with an indium dopant.
US07666696B2	Process for controlling indium clustering in ingan leds using strain arrays Exemplary embodiments provide MQW semiconductor devices and methods for their manufacture. The MQW semiconductor devices can be formed by growing a MQW active region over a nanoscale periodic strain array. By using the nanoscale periodic strain array, the position, size, and composition of the In-rich clusters in the MQW active region can be controlled. This control of In-rich clusters can result in tighter wavelength control, which can be important for applications, such as, for example, lasers and LEDs.
US07666694B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor laser device and semiconductor laser device An improved throughput can be presented, since an influence of the deterioration in crystallinity created in the epitaxial layer can be eliminated by a simple and easy method, and a semiconductor laser device having stabilized properties such as threshold current, slope efficiency, device life time and the like can be presented. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor laser device according to the present invention comprises: forming partially a diffraction grating on a surface of a semiconductor substrate or on a film on the surface of the semiconductor substrate; and forming a multiple-layered film by forming an epitaxial layer on a surface of the diffraction grating. The operation of forming the diffraction grating includes an operation of forming the diffraction grating so that a width of the diffraction grating in a direction that is orthogonal to a cavity direction of the semiconductor laser device is presented as a width equal to or longer than a sum of a mesa width and 30 μm.
US07666693B2	Top-emitting nitride-based light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same Provided are a top-emitting N-based light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. The device includes a substrate, an n-type clad layer, an active layer, a p-type clad layer, and a multi ohmic contact layer, which are sequentially stacked. The multi ohmic contact layer includes one or more stacked structures, each including a modified metal layer and a transparent conductive thin film layer, which are repetitively stacked on the p-type clad layer. The modified metal layer is formed of an Ag-based material.
US07666689B2	Method to remove circuit patterns from a wafer A method holds wafers that contain patterned structures using a particle blasting tool. Next, the method directs particles at the patterned structures, such that the particles contact the patterned structures with a predetermined velocity and remove the patterned structures. This process of directing the particles at the wafer is controlled to stop directing the particles when substantially all of the patterned structures are removed from the wafer. This process also comprises selecting the particles to have a size equal to or less than 3 microns. For example, the particles can comprise aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, cerium, and/or a plastic. By maintaining the particle size equal to 3 microns or less, the blasting produces a substantially smooth wafer surface, thereby omitting the need for subsequent wafer polishing. Further, the wafers produced by such processing do not exhibit the highly stress lattice and fragile nature of wafers processed by wet processing.
US07666685B2	Screening method for identification of compounds suitable for treatment of oral cavity malodor associated with consumption of garlic This invention generally relates to a screening method for identifying compositions suitable for use in an oral composition (e.g., a confection or chewing gum product) effective for the treatment of oral cavity malodor associated with the consumption of garlic. In particular, this invention relates to a screening method for determining the ability of a composition to reduce the concentration of a sulfide or disulfide compound (e.g., diallyl disulfide) present in a model sample or solution which is representative of the oral cavity of a subject after consuming garlic, as an indicator of the effectiveness of that composition in the treatment of oral cavity malodor associated with the consumption of garlic.
US07666679B2	Method and device for analyzing the CO2 contained in a drilling fluid A method for estimating the quantity of CO2 present in a geologic formation and a device for implementing the method include the steps of penetrating the formation by a well drilled from the surface contacting formation with a fluid that travels from the formation to the surface sampling a given quantity of return fluid at the surface and transferring it to a cell, ensuring the pH of the quantity of fluid, adding a given quantity of product acidifying the fluid to adjust the pH to a value of less than 4, and measuring the CO2 level of the gas in the cell after the acidification step.
US07666673B2	Method of growing sperm stem cells in vitro, sperm stem cells grown by the method, and medium additive kit to be used in growing sperm stem cells in vitro The present invention provides a method of growing spermatogonial stem cells of mammals and the like in vitro, which is characterized in that glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) or an equivalent thereto, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) are contained in a medium (culture broth) for culturing spermatogonial stem cells. According to the method of the present invention, spermatogonial stem cells can be grown in vitro to the extent that enables use thereof for developmental engineering.
US07666670B2	Animal model for the fast identification of pharmaceutical active compounds in vivo In a first aspect the present invention provides a tumor cell line stably transfected with an expression vector containing a reporter gene, preferably a fluorescent protein, operably linked to a promotor that also controls expression of a protein that is associated with tumor regression, stabilization of tumor growth or inhibition of metastatic growth, characterized in that said cell line is capable to form a tumor when implanted or injected into the non-human animal. Compared to the traditional in vivo models, the present invention differs in that the reporter gene is not constitutively expressed, but only after exposure to a test compound that results in the expression of a protein or enzyme associated with tumor regression, stabilization of tumor growth or inhibition of metastatic growth. Only when a compound to be tested got into circulation and infiltrated the tumor it may generate the reporter signal, provided it promotes the expression of a protein associated with tumor regression and the promoter of said protein is operably linked to the reporter gene.
US07666668B2	Chromosomal loci for the stringent control of gene activities via transcription activation systems The invention relates to a method for obtaining a chromosomal locus for transgenesis of a multicellular eukaryotic organism, “MEO”, to a vector for transgenesis by homologous recombination of a MEO and to the use of such an vector for trans-genesis by homologous recombination of a MEO and to the transgenic MEO thus obtainable.
US07666667B2	Safe self-contained bio-molecular sampling and transportation system utilizing a docking mechanism A safety bio-molecular sampling and transport system utilizing a docking connector mechanism includes a elongate enclosure having open ends along with a collection sponge slidably disposed within the enclosure. A sponge moving piston is provided within the enclosure and is engagable with a plunger handle which is configured for removably engaging the piston and enabling manual sliding of the collection sponge between the position inside of the elongate structure and a position exterior another end of the enclosure. A specimen capsule configured for removably docking to the enclosure is provided for receiving specimen and is sealable for safe and laborless transport thereof.
US07666665B2	Low adsorption surface A device comprising an analytical sample substrate having at least one region that comprises a plurality of sample-support-structures. Each of the sample-support-structures have at least one dimension of about 1 millimeter or less. A sum of areas of contact surfaces of the sample-support-structures is substantially less than a total area of the region. The contact surfaces define a prescribed sample path to an analytical depot located on the analytical sample substrate.
US07666663B2	Correction method for the distribution of quantity of light and biochip-reader The present invention is characterized by the following points:In a biochip reader used for reading a measurement sample image by light beam irradiation, a correction method for the distribution of quantity of light which is devised to remove the influence of shading for the whole image and such a biochip reader can be realized by correcting non-uniformity in said quantity of light in light beam irradiation by dividing the quantities of light of pixels in a measured image obtained from the measurement of a measurement sample by a distribution of quantity of light in an image obtained from the measurement of a uniform fluorescent plate that presents a uniform fluorescent light distribution, the positions of pixels in the measured image being correspondent to those in the image obtained through the above uniform fluorescent plate measurement.
US07666656B2	Recombinant BCG strains with enhanced ability to escape the endosome Mycobacterium strains that have an enhanced ability to elicit a MHC-Class I-restricted CD8+ T cell immune response are provided. The Mycobacterium strains are genetically engineered to express: a endosomolytic protein that is active at neutral pH (e.g. Perfringolysin O), permitting escape of the Mycobacterium from endosomes into the cytoplasm of the cell; and antigens of interest, such as tuberculosis antigens. The invention also provides vaccine preparations containing such Mycobacterium strains.
US07666653B2	Low-substrate-specific amino acid racemase and process for producing racemic amino acid The present invention provides a protein having low-substrate-specific amino acid racemase activity; DNA encoding the protein; a recombinant DNA comprising the DNA; a transformant carrying the recombinant DNA; a process for producing the protein by using the transformant; and a process for producing a racemic amino acid which comprises allowing a culture of the transformant or a treated matter thereof as an enzyme source and an amino acid to be present in an aqueous medium to racemize the amino acid in the aqueous medium, and recovering the racemic amino acid from the aqueous medium.
US07666652B2	Asparaginases The invention relates to new asparaginases having improved properties, preferably improved thermotolerance, such as improved activity at high temperatures and/or improved thermostability. The invention also relates to DNA sequences encoding such improved asparaginases, their production in a recombinant host cell, as well as methods of using the asparaginases, in particular for reduction of acrylamide in foods. The invention furthermore relates to methods of generating and preparing asparaginase variants having improved properties.
US07666646B2	Crystal structure of human Pim-1 kinase protein complexes and binding pockets thereof, and uses thereof in drug design The present invention relates to the X-ray analysis of crystalline molecules or molecular complexes of human Pim-1. The present invention also relates to Pim-1-like binding pockets. The present invention provides a computer comprising a data storage medium encoded with the structure coordinates of such binding pockets. This invention also relates to methods of using the structure coordinates to solve the structure of homologous proteins or protein complexes. In addition, this invention relates to methods of using the structure coordinates to screen for and design compounds, including inhibitory compounds, that bind to Pim-1 protein, Pim-1 protein complexes, or homologues thereof. The invention also relates to crystallizable compositions and crystals comprising Pim-1 protein, Pim-1 protein complexes with adenosine, staurosporine or 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one and methods to produce these crystals.
US07666643B2	Glyphosate-N-acetyltransferase (GAT) genes Novel proteins are provided herein, including proteins capable of catalyzing the acetylation of glyphosate and other structurally related proteins. Also provided are novel polynucleotides capable of encoding these proteins, compositions that include one or more of these novel proteins and/or polynucleotides, recombinant cells and transgenic plants comprising these novel compounds, diversification methods involving the novel compounds, and methods of using the compounds. Some of the novel methods and compounds provided herein can be used to render an organism, such as a plant, resistant to glyphosate.
US07666642B2	Nematode fatty acid desaturase-like sequences Nucleic acid molecules from nematodes encoding fatty acid desaturase polypeptides are described. Fatty acid desaturase-like polypeptide sequences are also provided, as are vectors, host cells, and recombinant methods for production of fatty acid desaturase-like nucleotides and polypeptides. Also described are screening methods for identifying inhibitors and/or activators of fatty acid desaturase-like polypeptides, as well as methods for antibody production.
US07666640B2	DNA sequences for the expression of alloproteins The present invention discloses an expression method for non-naturally-occurring amino acid-containing protein comprising: expressing in animal cells: (A) a mutant tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase that is a mutation of tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase originating in E. coli with an enhanced specificity for a non-naturally-occurring tyrosine derivative as compared with the specificity for tyrosine; (B) suppressor tRNA originating in Bacillus species, Mycoplasma species or Staphylococcus species of eubacteria and capable of binding with the tyrosine derivative in the presence of the mutant tyrosyl tRNA synthetase; and, (C) a desired protein gene that has undergone a nonsense mutation at a desired site; wherein, the tyrosine derivative is incorporated at the location of this nonsense mutation.
US07666639B2	Plant deoxyribonucleoside kinase enzymes and their use This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising plant deoxyribonucleoside kinase enzymes (dNK) capable of phosphorylating nucleoside analogs and to medical use of said dNKs. More specifically the invention relates to the medical use of deoxyribonucleoside kinase enzymes derived from (Arabidopsis thaliana), from loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), from tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum), from maize (Zea mays) or from rice (Oryza sativa). The invention also relates to methods of sensitizing cells to prodrugs, and to methods of inhibiting pathogenic agents in warm-blooded animals using said plant dNKs.In another aspect the invention relates to plant derived deoxyribonucleoside kinase enzymes provided in isolated form from loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), from tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum), from maize (Zea mays) or from rice (Oryza sativa). In further aspects the invention provides polynucleotides encoding the plant dNKs, vector constructs comprising the polynucleotide, packaging cell lines capable of producing said vector, and genetically modified isolated host cells transduced/transfected/-transformed with the vector.
US07666638B2	Selenium-enriched biomass, method for preparing thereof and probiotic and nutraceutical products including said biomass The invention relates to a selenium-enriched biomass containing live microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus ferintoshensis, Lactobacillus buchneri/parabuchneri and combinations thereof, a method of preparation of the said selenium-enriched biomass, as well as food preparations, nutraceutical products and food supplements containing the said biomass. Moreover, new strains of lactobacilli are described that are able to concentrate selenium in very high amounts, and are therefore particularly useful for use in the method of the invention.
US07666637B2	Integrated process for separation of lignocellulosic components to fermentable sugars for production of ethanol and chemicals The invented process separates main components in lignocellulosic biomass, specifically hardwoods, softwoods into lignin and fractions of high purity sugars which are used for ethanol production. The invented process comprises of treatment stages at high temperature and high pressure with hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. Residual lignin and extractives in the cellulosic solid fraction are selectively removed by chemical treatments of sodium chlorite, anhydrous acetic acid, chlorine and chlorine dioxide to enhance the purity and biological conversion of cellulose to ethanol. The pre-hydrolysate generated from the acid treatment stage, containing xylose, arabinose, galactose, glucose and the purified cellulosic fraction are enzymatically hydrolyzed and fermented to produce ethanol. Significant amount of lignin from the process is recovered as a by-product.
US07666632B2	Nucleic acid molecules encoding alternansucrase Nucleic acid molecules encoding an alternansucrase are provided. Moreover, vectors, host cells and plant cells transformed by the herein-described nucleic acid molecules and plants containing them are provided. Furthermore, methods are described for preparing transgenic plants which synthesize the carbohydrate alternan, because of the insertion of nucleic acid molecules encoding an alternansucrase. Moreover, methods for preparing alternan and products resulting from them are provided.
US07666627B2	Folded recombinant catalytic fragments of multidomain serine proteases, preparation and uses thereof The invention relates to unglycosylated folded C-terminal fragments of a multidomain serine protease of the complement cascade obtainable by expression in a bacterial host, wherein said serine protease is capable of binding a recognition molecule of the complement cascade, e.g. C1 or MBL. The invention also relates to methods and bacterial expression vectors for the preparation of said fragments, uses of said fragments for raising antibodies and screening substrates or inhibitors of said serine proteases and uses of the fragments in research and treatment of complement related disorders. The invention also relates to assay methods for assessing MASP-1 and MASP-2 levels in a sample of biological origin.The invention provides for research tools, assays and diagnostic kits useful in complement research and research and diagnosis of complement related disorders.
US07666625B2	Methods for producing biological substances in pigment-deficient mutants of bacillus cells The present invention relates to methods of producing a heterologous biological substance, comprising: (a) cultivating a mutant of a parent Bacillus cell under conditions conducive for the production of the heterologous biological substance, wherein (i) the mutant cell comprises a first nucleic acid sequence directing synthesis of the heterologous biological substance and a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a modification of at least one of the genes cypX and yvmC, which are involved in the production of a red pigment, and (ii) the mutant cell is deficient in the production of the red pigment compared to the parent Bacillus cell when cultivated under the same conditions; and (b) recovering the heterologous biological substance from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to mutants of Bacillus cells and methods for producing the mutants.
US07666624B2	Modified plant viruses and methods of use thereof The present invention relates to modulating the nature and/or level of an immune response to a molecule. In particular, the invention relates to effecting an increase in the TH1 immune response to molecules such as, but not limited to, antigens or immunogens. The invention also relates to reducing a TH2 immune response to molecules. More particularly, the invention relates to altering the level of TH1- and TH2-associated immunoglobulins, the level of proliferation of TH1- and TH2-associated cytokines, and the level of proliferation of TH1 and TH2 cells.
US07666623B2	Method for producing alpha-1, 6-branched alpha-1, 4-glucans from sucrose Nucleic acid molecules which encode a branching enzyme from a bacterium of the genus Neisseria, vectors, host cell, plant cells and plants containing said nucleic acid molecules as well as starch obtainable from the plants described are described. Furthermore, an in-vitro method for producing α-1,6-branched α-1,4-glucans on the basis of sucrose and a combination of enzymes of an amylosucrase and a branching enzyme as well as the α-1,6-branched α-1,4-glucans obtainable by said method are described.
US07666622B2	Monomeric self-associating fusion polypeptides and therapeutic uses thereof Monomeric fusion polypeptides comprising R1-M-L-M, wherein R1 is a target ligand-binding domain, M is a multimerizing component, and L is a linker capable of allowing one M component to interact with the other M component to form a self-associating monomer, optionally comprising a second target ligand-binding domain R2. Preferred target ligands include interleukin (IL)-13, IL-1, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-2.
US07666618B2	Lipolytic enzyme: uses thereof in the food industry The invention encompasses the use of a lipolytic enzyme obtainable from one of the following genera: Streptomyces, Corynebacterium and Thermobifida in various methods and uses, wherein the lipolytic enzyme hydrolyzes a glycolipid or a phospholipid or transferring an acyl group from a glycolipid or phospholipids to an acyl acceptor. The present invention also relates to a lipolytic enzyme that hydrolyzes at least a galactolipid or transfers an acyl group from a galactolipid to one or more acyl acceptor substrates, wherein the enzyme is obtainable from Streptomyces species.
US07666617B2	Devices and methods for profiling enzyme substrates The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for separating and detecting enzyme substrates using separation gels. For example, the apparatus and methods can be used to separate and detect kinase substrates for further analysis. The apparatus and methods can also be used to detect enzyme inhibitors, such as kinase inhibitors.
US07666615B2	High-throughput assay of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell proliferation The present invention relates generally to assays, methods, and kits that provide reagent mixes and instructions for determining the proliferative status of isolated target cell populations. The methods measure the luminescent output derived from the intracellular ATP content of incubated target cells, and correlate the luminescence with the proliferative status of the cells.
US07666614B2	Method of use of one step immunochromatographic device for Streptococcus A antigen A method to determine the presence or absence of Streptococcus Group A antigen in a sample, comprising the following steps: extracting the antigen from the sample in an assay chamber with two or less extraction reagents, wherein the two reagents may be added to the assay chamber in no particular sequence; introducing a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay device into the extraction reagents containing the extracted antigen without further addition of reagents or manipulation of the sample; forming an antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex; and determining the presence or absence of the antigen in the sample by the presence or absence of a signal formed by the binding of the antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex to an indicator capture reagent specific for said antigen-indicator labeling reagent complex.
US07666613B2	Method for identifying compounds to treat schizophrenia using neurotrypsin The present invention relates to neurotrypsin and to pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions which comprise neurotrypsins and to compositions which effect neurotrypsin levels.
US07666612B2	Methods for protein labeling based on acyl carrier protein A method for labeling acyl carrier protein (ACP) fusion proteins with a wide variety of different labels is disclosed. The method relies on the transfer of a label from a coenzyme A type substrate to an ACP fusion protein using a holo-acyl carrier protein synthase (ACPS) or a homologue thereof. The method allows detecting and manipulating the fusion protein, both in vitro and in vivo, by attaching molecules to the fusion proteins that introduce a new physical or chemical property to the fusion protein. Examples of such labels are, among others, spectroscopic probes or reporter molecules, affinity tags, molecules generating reactive radicals, cross-linkers, ligands mediating protein-protein interactions or molecules suitable for the immobilization of the fusion protein.
US07666611B2	Lysophosphatidic acid receptor It is intended to provide a novel receptor of LPA and a method of screening a drug such as an LPA receptor antagonist using the same. Use as a lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor comprising a G protein-coupled protein p2y9. More specifically, use of the G protein-coupled protein p2y9 as a lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor. A method of screening an agonist or an antagonist to the LPA receptor as described above by using the receptor.
US07666609B1	Method and composition for diagnosis of melanocytic lesions This invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that recognize an antigen specific to melanocytic lesions. These antibodies are useful in methods of isolating melanoma cells and diagnosing melanocytic lesions. These antibodies are also useful for immunotherapy against melanoma.
US07666603B2	Breast cancer related protein, gene encoding the same, and method of diagnosing breast cancer using the protein and gene An isolated protein having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 4 and having an activity inducing apoptosis, and a gene encoding the same are provided. Also, a microarray having a substrate on which the gene or fragment thereof is immobilized is provided. Also, a method of diagnosing breast cancer using an antibody specifically binding to the protein and a method of diagnosing breast cancer by determining whether the gene is expressed in a cell or not, are provided.
US07666596B2	Tissue rejection This document relates to methods and materials involved in detecting tissue rejection (e.g., organ rejection). For example, this document relates to methods and materials involved in the early detection of kidney tissue rejection.
US07666592B2	Methods for concurrent identification and quantification of an unknown bioagent The present invention provides methods for the quantification of an unknown bioagent in a sample by amplification of nucleic acid of the bioagent, and concurrent amplification of a known quantity of a calibration polynucleotide from which are obtained a bioagent identifying amplicon and a calibration amplicon. Upon molecular mass analysis, mass and abundance data are obtained. The identity of the bioagent is then determined from the molecular mass of the bioagent identifying amplicon and the quantity of the identified bioagent in the sample is determined from the abundance data of the bioagent identifying amplicon and the abundance data of the calibration amplicon.
US07666590B2	Identification of fat and lean phenotypes in chickens using molecular markers The present invention provides methods of screening chickens to determine those more likely to have a lean or fat phenotype. The invention also provides methods of screening chickens to identify a polymorphism associated with a fat or lean phenotype.
US07666588B2	Methods for rapid forensic analysis of mitochondrial DNA and characterization of mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy The present invention provides methods for rapid forensic analysis of mitochondrial DNA and methods for characterizing heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA, which can be used to assess the progression of mitochondrial diseases.
US07666587B2	Method of screening test substances for treating or preventing a disease mediated by plasma cells The present invention relates to a method of screening a compound for potential effectiveness in treating or preventing a mammalian disease mediated by plasma cells or a mammalian disease caused by virus infection of mammalian cells. Compounds are tested for their ability to inhibit IRE1-mediated processing of untranslatable XBP-1 mRNA into translatable XBP-1 mRNA. Drugs that are useful in treating or preventing a mammalian disease mediated by plasma cells and a method for detecting XBP-1 activity in living cells are also described.
US07666584B2	Identification of a pin specific gene and protein (PIN-1) useful as a diagnostic treatment for prostate cancer The invention relates to nucleic acids encoding a mammalian ABCA5 gene, and proteins encoded thereby, whose expression is increased in certain diseases, disorders, or conditions, including, but not limited to, PIN. Further, the invention relates to diagnostic assays for identifying the DNA-binding protein ABCA5 (also known as PIN-1). The invention also relates to oligonucleotide sequence(s) or antibodies that specifically bind with ABCA5 or variants thereof.
US07666582B2	IdeS, an IgG-degrading enzyme of Streptococcus pyogenes A polypeptide isolated from S. pyogenes is described, having IgG cysteine protease activity. The protease is designated IdeS, Immunoglobulin G-degrading enzyme of S. pyogenes. A polypeptide comprises SEQ ID NO: 1 and variants and fragments thereof having IgG cysteine protease activity or the ability to generate an immune response against S. pyogenes in an individual. Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides and the polypeptides may be used in generating an immune response in an individual. IdeS protease inhibitors may be used in the treatment of S. pyogenes infection.
US07666577B2	Method for forming pattern In an exposure step, a combination of a first photomask and a second mask is used. The first mask has a real pattern corresponding to the pattern actually formed on the film to be processed, and a dummy pattern added for controlling pattern pitch in the first photomask within a prescribed range; and the second photomask has a pattern isolating a real-pattern-formed region from a dummy-pattern-formed region. In forming the pattern, after forming a film to be processed on a substrate, a first mask is formed on the film to be processed, by lithography, using the first photomask, and a second mask is formed on the film to be processed, by lithography, using the second photomask. Thereafter, the film to be processed is etched off and removed using the first and second masks as masks to form the pattern.
US07666574B2	Positive resist composition and pattern forming method A positive photosensitive composition comprises (A) a resin that has an acid decomposable repeating unit represented by formula (I) and increases its solubility in an alkali developer by action of an acid; (B) a compound generating an acid in irradiation with actinic light or radiation; (C) a resin that contains neither fluorine nor silicon and has a repeating unit having the predetermined structure; and (D) a solvent, wherein each symbol represents a predetermined group.
US07666573B2	Positive photosensitive resin composition and method for forming pattern A positive photosensitive resin composition containing 100 parts by weight of a polyimide precursor (A) having a constituent unit represented by the formula (1), 15 to 25 parts by weight of a crosslinking agent (B) represented by the formula (2), and 2 to 5 parts by weight of a photosensitizer (C) generating acid upon irradiation of an actinic ray: wherein m is an integer of 1 or greater, and R is an aromatic group or an aliphatic group having a valency of 1 or higher. The positive photosensitive resin composition can be developed by using an aqueous solution of alkali metal carbonate, is capable of forming micropatterns, and has excellent thermal resistance and the like. A method for forming a positive pattern, and uses thereof are also provided.
US07666572B2	Resist top coat composition and patterning process There is disclosed a resist top coat composition, comprising at least a polymer that has an amino group or a sulfonamide group at a polymer end and that is represented by the following general formula (1); and a patterning process comprising: at least, a step of forming a photoresist film on a substrate; a step of forming a resist top coat on the photoresist film by using the resist top coat composition; a step of exposing the substrate; and a step of developing the substrate with a developer. There can be provided a resist top coat composition that makes it possible to provide more certainly rectangular and excellent resist patterns when a top coat is formed on a photoresist film; and a patterning process using such a composition.
US07666566B2	Electrophotographic toner and method of preparing the toner A method of preparing a toner in an aqueous medium, including: preparing a dispersion or an emulsion of a toner composition comprising a resin including a carboxyl group and a colorant; and mixing an aromatic compound having a carboxyl group with the dispersion or emulsion, such that the carboxyl group on a surface of the toner is connected with the carboxyl group of the aromatic compound by hydrogen bonding.
US07666565B2	Method of forming electrophotographic toner A method of forming electrophotographic toner. An organic solution containing a polymer resin and a solvent and an aqueous solution containing an anti-coagulant are provided. The aqueous solution is added into the organic solution to form colloidal polymer particles. The colloidal polymer particles are then aggregated, coalesced, and solidified to form toner particles.
US07666558B2	Inkless reimageable printing paper and method An image forming medium includes a substrate, and an imaging layer coated on or impregnated into the substrate, wherein the imaging layer includes a photochromic polymer, optionally dispersed in a polymeric binder or a phase change binder, the photochromic polymer including a polymer having at least one photochromic unit grafted therein, wherein the imaging layer exhibits a reversible transition between a colorless state and a colored state in response to heat and light and wherein the imaging layer does not exhibit a transition from the colored state to colorless state when heated in the absence of light.
US07666557B2	Liquid crystal display panel, color filter and manufacturing methods thereof A color filter and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. In the method of the invention, a substrate having a display area and a non-display area is provided. Thereafter, a black matrix is formed over the substrate, wherein black matrix defines the display area into a plurality of sub-pixel areas, and covers the non-display area, which forms an edge of the display area. Then, a color filter unit is formed in each sub-pixel area, and a light shielding layer is formed over the black matrix simultaneously. Accordingly, the shielding layer of the color filter provided by the present invention is capable of effectively reducing the light leakage from the edge of the display area.
US07666554B2	Method and apparatus for performing model-based layout conversion for use with dipole illumination A method of generating complementary masks for use in a multiple-exposure lithographic imaging process. The method includes the steps of: identifying a target pattern having a plurality of features comprising horizontal and vertical edges; generating a horizontal mask based on the target pattern; generating a vertical mask based on the target pattern; performing a shielding step in which at least one of the vertical edges of the plurality of features in the target pattern is replaced by a shield in the horizontal mask, and in which at least one of the horizontal edges of the plurality of features in the target pattern is replaced by a shield in the vertical mask, where the shields have a width which is greater that the width of the corresponding feature in the target pattern; performing an assist feature placement step in which sub-resolution assist features are disposed parallel to at least one of the horizontal edges of the plurality of features in the horizontal mask, and are disposed parallel to at least one of the vertical edges of the plurality of features in the vertical mask, and performing a feature biasing step in which at least one of the horizontal edges of the plurality of features in the horizontal mask are adjusted such that the resulting feature accurately reproduces the target pattern, and at least one of the vertical edges of the plurality of features in the vertical mask are adjusted such that the resulting feature accurately reproduces the target pattern.
US07666550B2	Lithium ion battery with oxidized polymer binder An electrode precursor sheet in which the active electrode material is bound by a polymer binder that includes an oxidized polymer or a blend of a first polymer with an oxidized polymer additive. The oxidized polymer advantageously has a minimum oxygen content of 1 atom % and may be an oxidized form of the first polymer.
US07666547B2	Sealed prismatic battery A lid 3 that closes the upper surface of the opening of a closed-bottom prismatic tubular battery can 1, an electrode body 2 accommodated in the battery can 1, a negative terminal 12 penetratively fastened to the lid 3, an insulating plate 11 placed on the lower surface side of the lid 3, a lead plate 17 placed on the lower surface side of the insulating plate 11, and a negative electrode current collector lead 7 led upwardly of the electrode body 2 are included. The upper end portion of the current collector lead 7 is welded to the lower surface of the lead plate 17 and bent in a position located rather closer to the front wall of the battery can 1. The insulating plate 11 has a lid side insulating portion 22 held between the lid 3 and the lead plate 17 and a front sidewall 25 that extends downwardly from the front end side of the lid side insulating portion 22. In a free state before the battery is assembled, the lid side insulating portion 22 and the sidewall 25 of the insulating plate 11 extend roughly straightly.
US07666540B2	Fuel cell system and vehicle with fuel cell system mounted thereon The voltage application unit first applies voltages (+,+,0,−,−,0) respectively to the electrostatic delivery electrodes 37 belonging to the phase ‘a’, the phase ‘b’, the phase ‘c’, the phase ‘d’, the phase ‘e’, and the phase ‘f’, and then successively applies voltages (0,+,+,0,−,−), voltages (−,0,+,+,0,−), voltages (−,−,0,+,+,0), voltages (0,−,−,0,+,+), and voltages (+,0,−,−,0,+). The voltage application unit repeats this cycle multiple times to apply the voltages to the phase ‘a’ through the phase ‘f’. The water droplets flocculated in the oxidizing gas conduits 36 are charged by electrostatic induction and travel in the direction from the inlet to the outlet of the oxidizing gas conduits 36 while being repelled or attracted by the electrostatic delivery electrodes 37 in the vicinity of the water droplets in the course of the positive-negative variation of the voltage in the cycle.
US07666531B2	Perpendicular magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus At least three underlayers, i.e., a first underlayer containing, as a main component, at least one element selected from Ag, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, Hf, Re, Ru, Ti, Ta, Zr, Mg, and Al, a second underlayer containing Mg or Al and Si, and a third underlayer containing, as a main component, at least one element selected from Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Co, and Ti, are formed between a substrate and magnetic recording layer.
US07666526B2	Non-volatile resistance-switching oxide thin film devices Non-volatile resistance-switching oxide films, and devices therewith, are disclosed. One embodiment of a suitable device is composed of a SRO-CZO thin film having a thickness of from about 6 to about 30 nm, and composed of from about 3 to about 10 molar % of a SrRuO3 conducting oxide dopant and from about 90 to about 97 molar % of a CaZrO3 insulating oxide material.
US07666524B2	Oligonaphthalene derivatives, and light-emitting element and light-emitting device using oligonaphthalene derivatives The present invention provides a novel material capable of realizing excellent color purity of blue, a light-emitting element and a light-emitting device using the novel material. The present invention provides an oligonaphthalene derivative represented by the formula (1). The oligonaphthalene derivatives of the present invention have an extremely large band gap, can emit light with extremely short wavelength, and can emit blue light with favorable color purity. In addition, a light-emitting element that can exhibit excellent color purity of blue can be obtained by applying this material to the light-emitting element or a light-emitting device; therefore the light-emitting element having superior color reproducibility can be provided.
US07666523B2	Electrode surface coating and method for manufacturing the same An electrode surface coating and method for manufacturing the electrode surface coating comprising a conductive substrate; and one or more surface coatings comprising one or more of the following metals titanium, niobium, tantalum, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, palladium, or gold, or an alloy of two or more metals, or a combination of two or more alloys or metal layers thereof having an increase in the surface area of 5 times to 500 times of the corresponding surface area resulting from the basic geometric shape.
US07666522B2	Laser based metal deposition (LBMD) of implant structures A method is provided for depositing a hard wear resistant surface onto a porous or non-porous base material of a medical implant. The wear resistant surface of the medical implant device may be formed by a Laser Based Metal Deposition (LBMD) method such as Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS). The wear resistant surface may include a blend of multiple different biocompatible materials. Further, functionally graded layers of biocompatible materials may be used to form the wear resistant surface. Usage of a porous material for the base may promote bone ingrowth to allow the implant to fuse strongly with the bone of a host patient. The hard wear resistant surface provides device longevity, particularly when applied to bearing surfaces such as artificial joint bearing surfaces or a dental implant bearing surfaces.
US07666521B2	Honeycomb body for an exhaust gas treatment unit A honeycomb body for an exhaust treatment unit has at least one honeycomb structure and a least one housing, which at least partially surrounds the at least one honeycomb structure. At least one region between the honeycomb structure and the housing is formed with a brazed joint and at least two separate measures delimit the brazed joint. Furthermore, a method for producing a corresponding honeycomb is also proposed.
US07666520B2	Honeycomb body with an end-side brazing zone, exhaust-gas treatment component and motor vehicle having a honeycomb body and method for producing a honeycomb body A honeycomb body includes two opposite end sides, at least one housing and at least one metallic layer forming channels. At least one of the end sides has at least one brazed zone forming a belt-shaped, brazing material-free zone adjacent the housing. A method for producing the honeycomb body, an exhaust-gas treatment component for an internal combustion engine and a motor vehicle having the honeycomb body, are also provided.
US07666518B2	Reprocessed polyhydroxy amino ether coated polypropylene film This invention relates to a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film comprising a polyolefin-containing base layer with at least 1 weight percent recycled polyolefin material comprises polyhydroxy amino ether polymer (PHAE) and an amount of compatibilizing agent such that the laminate film has a gel count of less than 15 gels/80 in2. The laminate film could have an optional tie-layer which could comprise PHAE adhered to one side; the polypropylene film contains an amount of reprocessed PHAE-containing film and a compatibilizing agent to reduce significantly or eliminate visual defects such as gels, voids, etc. The use of the compatibilizing agent with the reprocessed PHAE also aids in improving subsequent biaxial film orientation and maintains film properties. The film of the embodiments of the invention has excellent appearance and aesthetic properties and can be suitable for transparent, white opaque, or metallized film applications depending on formulation.
US07666516B2	Ceramic thermal barrier coating A ceramic thermal barrier coating (8) for coating the surface (7) of a component (1) of a nickel-based superalloy, and an adhesive coating optionally applied thereon (6), preferably a gas turbine component, includes zirconium oxide (ZrO2) stabilized by yttrium oxide (Y2O3) and production-related impurities, as well as at least one high-temperature and oxidation resistant intermetallic compound, for example NiAl, YRh, ErIr, the volume fraction of which decreases continuously or in stages as the distance from the surface (7) of the component (1)/the adhesive coating (6) increases. Advantageously, a less steep stress gradient is produced by gradually varying the composition of the thermal barrier coating (8). This leads to an increased expansion tolerance of the thermal barrier coating (8) and thus, on the one hand, to an increased lifetime under thermal loading (no flaking) and, on the other hand, the possibility of applying thicker thermal barrier coatings (8), and therefore of using the coated components (1) at higher temperatures.
US07666515B2	Turbine component other than airfoil having ceramic corrosion resistant coating and methods for making same An article comprising a turbine component other than an airfoil having a metal substrate and a ceramic corrosion resistant coating overlaying the metal substrate. This coating has a thickness up to about one micrometer and consists of a ceramic composition that comprises a ceramic metal oxide selected from the group consisting of zirconia, hafnia and mixtures thereof. This coating can be formed by alternative methods to have different microstructures, including a dense matrix or a strain-tolerant columnar grain structure.
US07666513B2	Adhesive of a silicon and silica composite for bonding together silicon parts A method of joining two silicon members, the adhesive used for the method, and the joined product, especially a silicon tower for supporting multiple silicon wafers. A flowable adhesive is prepared comprising silicon particles of size less than 100 μm and preferably less than 100 nm and a silica bridging agent, such as a spin-on glass. Nano-silicon crystallites of about 20 nm size may be formed by CVD. Larger particles may be milled from virgin polysilicon. If necessary, a retardant such as a heavy, preferably water-insoluble alcohol such as terpineol is added to slow setting of the adhesive at room temperature. The mixture is applied to the joining areas. The silicon parts are assembled and annealed at a temperature sufficient to link the silica, preferably at 900° C. to 1100° C. for nano-silicon but higher for milled silicon.
US07666511B2	Down-drawable, chemically strengthened glass for cover plate An alkali aluminosilicate glass that is chemically strengthened and has a down-drawable composition. The glass has a melting temperature less than about 1650° C. and a liquidus viscosity of at least 130 kpoise and, in one embodiment, greater than 250 kpoise. The glass undergoes ion exchange at relatively low temperatures to a depth of at least 30 μm.
US07666510B2	Optical elements that include curable film-forming compositions containing blocked isocyanate adhesion promoters Described are optical elements made of a substrate and a curable film-forming composition applied to at least a portion of the substrate to form a coating thereon. The curable film-forming composition comprises: i) a resinous material comprising a monomer, oligomer, and/or polymer containing reactive functional groups; ii) a curing agent having two or more reactive functional groups that are reactive with functional groups in the resinous material of i); and iii) a material different from i) and ii), comprising a blocked isocyanate group blocked with a blocking agent capable of deblocking at a low temperature. The material of iii) is present in the curable film-forming composition at least in an amount sufficient to improve adhesion between the curable film-forming composition and the substrate and/or a superposed coating compared to a substantially identical optical element that does not comprise the material of iii) in the curable film-forming composition.
US07666497B2	Metallically decorated sheet and metallically decorated sheet intermediate A metallically decorated sheet is provided, by which the cost down in production is possible, a relatively deep drawing can be carried out without a problem upon molding, the design performances are improved, and good scratch resistance can be attained. The metallically decorated sheet includes in the following sequence: a transparent or translucent surface film layer; a first adhesive layer; a transparent or translucent holding film layer for holding a metallic layer; the metallic layer; a second adhesive layer; and a base film layer.
US07666492B2	Multilayer structure and method for manufacturing the same A surface of a substrate is coated with a sol solution containing metal alkoxide. A gelled material of the sol solution is pressed against a molding tool while the gelled material is kept soft. Thus, the gelled material is molded. Then, the gelled material is hardened. As a result, protrusions of the hardened gel layer 14 are formed on the substrate so that an irregular texture substrate is formed. A multilayer thin film constituted by a plurality of layers of at least two kinds of materials with different refractive indexes is laminated on a surface of the irregular texture substrate.
US07666491B2	Method and use of a stretchable nonreinforced TPO building materials In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a membrane for use as an outdoor building material comprising a non-reinforced TPO outdoor building material membrane composed of a single ply embossed thermoplastic polyolefin polymer wherein the embossed membrane has a stretchability in the range of about 5 lbf to about 30 lbf, as tested with about a 30-mil thickness sample under the “stretchability test.” In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of applying a non-reinforced TPO outdoor building material membrane to a motor home roof comprising the step of: a) applying a non-reinforced TPO membrane to RV roof wood deck, wherein the membrane is composed of a thermoplastic polyolefin polymer with at least one of the following ingredients of a fire retardant, a UV and thermal stabilizers, a titanium dioxide and a calcium carbonate and wherein the membrane has a stretchability in the range of about 5 lbf to about 30 lbf, as tested with about a 30-mil thickness sample under the “stretchability test” and wherein the roofing membrane has a whiteness of at least an L* value of 90 as measured by the Whiteness Test; and b) adhering the non-reinforced TPO membrane to the wood deck via factory or field applied adhesive with a minimum 4 PLI of peel strength under the ASTM D413 peel test.
US07666487B2	Easy-open end and laminated steel sheet An easy-open end which comprises a steel sheet and formed on at least one side thereof an about 10-30 mum-thick coating film of a polyester resin having a 50% crystallization time of about 5 minutes or shorter and a coefficient of planar orientation of about 0.04 or lower and which has a groove for cutting which has a cross section having a radius of curvature of about 0.1 to 1 mm; and a laminated steel sheet for use in the easy-open end. This easy-open end can combine suitability for opening and no need of repair even when the residual score thickness is small.
US07666485B2	Alkali metal-wax micropackets for alkali metal handling A method of making alkali-metal vapor cells by first forming microscale-wax micropackets with alkali metals inside allows fabrication of vapor cells at low cost and in a batch fabricated manner. Alkali metals are enclosed in a chemically inert wax to preform alkali metal-wax micropackets, keeping the alkali metals from reacting with the ambient surroundings during the vapor cell fabrication. This enables the deposition of precise amounts of pure alkali metal inside the vapor cells. Laser ablation of the alkali metal-wax micropackets provides a simple and effective way of releasing the enclosed metal. The method reduces the cost of making chip-scale atomic clocks and allows shipping of alkali vapor packets without contamination issues, thereby creating a technology for alkali-metal vendors to provide small packets of alkali metals.
US07666484B2	Ready to use food product packaging film and production method therefor Film for wrapping food products, made of an edible or inedible material, curved onto itself along a longitudinal axis to form a cylinder in which the longitudinal side edges of the film are overlapping to a certain extent are in direct contact with each other but not otherwise connected, shirred or wrinkled in the manner of an accordion to form folds perpendicular to the axis of said cylinder, that can have an internal support in the form of a tube of a stiff material, and which can be externally coated by a separation sheet and an also shirred tubular net, and the method for manufacturing it.
US07666480B2	Method for forming PECVD silicon nitride film A method for forming a silicon nitride film in a PECVD batch type chamber is provided. In the PECVD silicon nitride film deposition method, as the number of batches of processed wafers increases, a silicon nitride deposition time is gradually adjusted to be longer as each batch of wafers is processed. Therefore a uniform thickness of the silicon nitride film is maintained despite variations in deposition rates resulting from an RF plasma cleaning process.
US07666479B2	Apparatus and method of gas injection sequencing An apparatus and method for gas injection sequencing in order to increase the gas injection total pressure while satisfying an upper limit to the process gas flow rate, thereby achieving gas flow uniformity during a sequence cycle and employing practical orifice configurations. The gas injection system includes a gas injection electrode having a plurality of regions, through which process gas flows into the process chamber. The gas injection system further includes a plurality of gas injection plenums, each independently coupled to one of the aforesaid regions and a plurality of gas valves having an inlet end and an outlet end, where the outlet end is independently coupled to one of the aforesaid plurality of gas injection plenums. The gas injection system includes a controller coupled to the plurality of gas valves for sequencing the flow of process gas through the aforesaid plurality of regions.
US07666478B2	Biomolecule immobilisation using atmospheric plasma technology The present invention is related to a method for immobilising a biomolecule on a surface by generating and maintaining an atmospheric pressure plasma, the method comprising the steps of: introducing a sample in the space between two electrodes, a mixed atmosphere being present between the electrodes, applying an alternating voltage to the electrodes for generating and maintaining a plasma in the volumetric space between the electrodes, characterized in that the mixed atmosphere comprises an inert gas or nitrogen, an aerosol comprising a reactive precursor and an aerosol comprising a biomolecule, the reactive precursor and biomolecule being deposited and immobilized during the depositing step.
US07666477B2	Process for coating vehicle exterior parts comprising polyamide resins and parts and articles coated thereby The present invention relates to a process for coating substrates assembled from at least one polymeric part, with visible polymeric surfaces, comprising successive steps of applying and curing at least one coating on the visible surfaces of the substrate. The polymeric parts comprise a polyamide composition comprising polyamide, novolac resin, and toughener. The polyamide compositions may further comprise mineral fillers, nucleating agents, and other additives. Articles coated according to the process herein are also disclosed.
US07666471B2	Polyimide substrate and method of manufacturing printed wiring board using the same The present invention is directed to an improved method for metallizing polymer substrates, such as polyimides. The present invention comprises the steps of surface treating the polymer substrate with a plasma jet or corona discharge surface treatment, conditioning and etching the polymer substrate with an etching solution comprising a hydroxide and ionic palladium, activating the polymer substrate with ionic palladium, reducing the palladium on the polymer substrate, plating an electroless nickel layer onto the prepared polymer substrate, and plating an electroless copper layer over the electroless nickel layer. The process of the invention provides an improved method for preparing the polymer substrate for subsequent electrolytic plating thereon.
US07666469B2	Method of making graphite-coated particulate materials An coated particulate is provided with a graphite-impregnated resin coating. The oil field particulates may comprise any of gravel-pack sand, granular betonite, ground Gilsonite, calcium carbonate, glass beads, rock wool, shredded paper, metal spheres, ceramic beads, nut hulls, ground rubber, plastic beads, muscovite mica, calcined petroleum coke, and perlite. The resin may comprise as a binder one or more of a natural, synthetic, water-soluble, and organic resins. More specifically, the resins may comprise an organic film-forming resin such as an alkyd, polyurethane and epoxy. Alternatively, the resin may comprise a film-forming water-soluble polymer, such as a starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and xanthan gum. In a further alternative, the resin may comprise a resin-dispersed emulsion, such as a latex or acrylic.
US07666466B2	Elastomeric waterproofing and weatherproofing photovoltaic finishing method and system The present invention is for a system and method of creating a continuous, seamless, waterproof, weatherproof, electrically generating surface that can be applied over a great variety of structural components. The method comprises coating the selected surface with a base elastomeric coating thus sealing holes, cracks and other surface imperfections. In one embodiment, the base elastomeric coating is allowed to dry and at least one photovoltaic module is placed on the base elastomeric coating by using another coat of elastomeric material applied to the underside surface of the photovoltaic module or on the surface of the base elastomeric coating where the photovoltaic module will be applied. Another layer of an elastomeric coating is applied covering the perimeter edges of the photovoltaic module creating a continuous, seamless, waterproof, weatherproof surface capable of generating electricity. Other embodiments include various strengthening elements to create durable, weatherproof surfaces with the photovoltaic modules integrated therein.
US07666458B2	Methods for making soft or firm/semi-hard ripened and unripened cheese and cheeses prepared by such methods Methods and systems for preparing soft or firm/semi-hard cheese are provided, as well as soft or firm/semi-hard cheese prepared by the methods. The methods typically involve the formation of a slurry that contains blended or molten cheese curd. A variety of ingredients can be introduced into the curd used to prepare the slurry, the slurry that is formed, or at other stages along the manufacturing process to tailor the performance and nutritional characteristics of the final cheese product. The slurry in some methods is directly processed to form a final cheese product. In other methods, the slurry undergoes various types of processing to achieve certain desired composition or performance requirements.
US07666447B2	Compositions including Krill extracts and conjugated linoleic acid and methods of using same Methods and compositions for the prevention, therapy and/or treatment of several disease states. The methods comprise the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including krill extract and conjugated linoleic acid. In addition, the present invention provides new and improved therapeutic compositions including krill extracts and conjugated linoleic acid.
US07666446B2	Oral formulation for delivery of poorly absorbed drugs A composition for oral delivery of a poorly absorbed drug is disclosed. The composition includes the drug, an enhancer for increasing absorption of the drug through the intestinal mucosa, a promoter, which alone does not increase absorption of the drug through the intestinal mucosa, but which further increases the absorption of the drug in the presence of the enhancer, and optionally a protector for protecting the drug from physical or chemical decomposition or inactivation in the gastrointestinal tract. Illustrative enhancers include sucrose fatty acid esters, and illustrative promoters include aminosugars and amino acid derivatives, such as poly(amino acids). Illustrative protectors include methylcellulose, poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).
US07666430B2	Polypeptides and polynucleotides for enhancing immune reactivity to HER-2 protein Compositions for stimulating the immune system and for treating malignancies associated with overexpression of the HER-2 protein are provided. Such compositions include immunogenic epitopes of the HER-2 proteins and chimeric and multivalent peptides which comprise such epitopes. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides which encode the chimeric peptides. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising such immunogenic compositions. Methods for stimulating an immune response to HER-2 protein are provided. Methods for treating breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer are provided.
US07666425B1	Treatment and diagnosis of prostate cancer The present invention is directed to the use of antibodies or binding portions thereof, probes, ligands, or other biological agents which either recognize an extracellular domain of prostate specific membrane antigen or bind to and are internalized with prostate specific membrane antigen. These biological agents can be labeled and used for detection of normal, benign hyperplastic, and cancerous prostate epithelial cells or portions thereof. They also can be used alone or bound to a substance effective to ablate or kill such cells as a therapy for prostate cancer. Also disclosed are four hybridoma cell lines, each of which produces a monoclonal antibody recognizing extracellular domains of prostate specific membrane antigens of normal, benign hyperplastic, and cancerous prostate epithelial cells or portions thereof.
US07666423B2	Methods of inhibiting tumor cell aggressiveness using the microenvironment of human embryonic stem cells The invention provides compositions comprising one or more isolated factors from a microenvironment of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), including, but not limited to, Lefty and inhibitors of Nodal. The invention also provides methods of utilizing factors derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and their microenvironment to treat and prevent tumor formation and progression and to inhibit tumor cell aggressiveness. The invention further provides methods of inhibiting tumor cell growth and/or treating aggressive tumors in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal, having at least one tumor cell present in its body, an effective amount of an inhibitor of Nodal activity.
US07666422B2	Methods for the treatment of cancer using anti-CD40 antibodies The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of cancer, inflammatory diseases and disorders or deficiencies of the immune system. The methods of the invention comprise administering a CD40 binding protein that potentiates the binding of CD40 to CD40 ligand.
US07666420B2	Composition for treating pathology associated with MSRV/HERV-W The inventive composition comprises at least one type of antibody selected in a group (i) of anti-Env-SU MSRV/HERV-W antibodies or in a group of anti-TLR4 antibodies specifically linkable with the soluble fraction of an Env protein of MSRV/HERV-W or to a TLR4 receptor of the soluble fraction of the Env protein of MSRV/HERV-W.
US07666414B2	Methods for treating prostate cancer using modified antibodies to prostate-specific membrane antigen Modified antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof, to the extracellular domain of human prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) are provided. The modified anti-PSMA antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof, have been rendered less immunogenic compared to their unmodified counterparts to a given species, e.g., a human. Pharmaceutical compositions including the aforesaid antibodies, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors and host cells for making such antibodies and fragments are also disclosed. Methods of using the antibodies of the invention to detect human PSMA, or to ablate or kill a PSMA-expressing cell, e.g., a PSMA-expressing cancer or prostatic cell, either in vitro or in vivo, are also provided.
US07666412B2	Methods for the treatment of neoplastic disorders with anti-caveolin agents The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of metastatic diseases using metastatic sequences, such as caveolin, to target metastatic cells. According to the methods of the present invention, certain cancers, including metastatic prostate cancer, may be treated by therapies which suppress expression of the caveolin gene. The present invention relates to biological technologies designed to block the activity of caveolin or the function of caveolae, including vector delivery of antisense caveolin sequences, the use of anti-caveolin antibodies, the use of promoters, and other approaches targeting the expression of caveolin.
US07666410B2	Delivery system for functional compounds A delivery system for various functional compounds is disclosed. The delivery system incorporates a composition containing alumina. Various functional materials containing particular moieties may be adsorbed onto the alumina and used as desired. The functional compounds can be, for instance, pharmaceuticals, xenobiotics, anti-microbial agents, anti-viral agents, UV absorbers, odor control agents, fragrances, and the like. In one particular embodiment, for instance, certain dyes can be adsorbed onto the alumina surfaces. Once the dye is adsorbed onto the alumina surface, the resulting particles can be combined with a liquid vehicle for use in any suitable printing process.
US07666409B2	Low salt liquid seasoning with antihypertensive activity The present invention provides a liquid seasoning, which brings on a sufficient salty taste although it has a low common salt concentration, and which exhibits for example a pharmacological effect such as an antihypertensive effect at a high level. The present invention relates to a liquid seasoning, which contains the following components (A) to (C):(A) 3.55% or less by weight of sodium;(B) 0.5% to 4.2% by weight of potassium; and(C) 0.1% to 10% by weight of a food material having an antihypertensive effect,wherein the remaining portion of the liquid seasoning excluding component (C) is adapted by incorporation of a substance other than component (C) to have a nitrogen content (D) of 1.6% or more based on the total weight of the liquid seasoning.
US07666406B2	Antifungal methods A composition comprising bacteria and an inert carrier is disclosed. The carrier can be porous, ceramic particles. The composition can also include a growth medium. Bacteria in such a composition can comprise a novel strain designated APM-1. APM-1 is a Gram-positive, aerobic, motile rod, and appears to be most closely related to Bacillus spp. Also disclosed are methods for controlling mammalian fungal diseases and of using the disclosed compositions for controlling plant fungal diseases or for bioremediation.
US07666403B2	Mutant interferon α protein and use thereof The present invention has objects to provide a mutant interferon-α protein having a higher anti-viral and anti-tumor activity and to provide an agent for susceptive diseases, which contains the mutant interferon-α protein as an effective ingredient; and solves the above objects by providing a mutant protein which has an amino acid sequence of human interferon-α subtype α8 represented by any one of SEQ ID NOs:1 to 3, where the arginine residue at the 145th has been replaced with leucine, isoleucine, or valine residue; the alanine residue at the 146th has been replaced with asparagine or serine residue; and the methionine residue at the 149th has been replaced with tyrosine residue; and an agent for susceptive diseases, containing the mutant protein.
US07666402B2	Use of IL-22 for the treatment of conditions of metabolic disorders The use of IL-22 for the treatment of metabolic disorders including hyperlipidemia, obesity, hyperinsulinemia and diabetes. IL-22 may also be used in combination with insulin for diabetes.
US07666401B2	Compositions comprising a ligand of Chemerin R The present invention relates to a G-protein coupled receptor and a novel ligand therefor. The invention provides screening assays for the identification of candidate compounds which modulate the activity of the G-protein coupled receptor, as well as assays useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a disease or disorder related to the dysregulation of G-protein coupled receptor signaling.
US07666400B2	PEGylation by the dock and lock (DNL) technique The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming PEGylated complexes of defined stoichiometry and structure. In preferred embodiments, the PEGylated complex is formed using dock-and-lock technology, by attaching a therapeutic agent to a DDD sequence and attaching a PEG moiety to an AD sequence and allowing the DDD sequence to bind to the AD sequence in a 2:1 stoichiometry, to form PEGylated complexes with two target agents and one PEG moiety. In alternative embodiments, the target agent may be attached to the AD sequence and the PEG to the DDD sequence to form PEGylated complexes with two PEG moieties and one target agent. In more preferred embodiments, the target agent may comprise any peptide or protein of physiologic or therapeutic activity. The PEGylated complexes exhibit a significantly slower rate of clearance when injected into a subject and are of use for treatment of a wide variety of diseases.
US07666398B2	Polyanhydride linkers for production of drug polymers and drug polymer compositions produced thereby Polyanhydrides which link low molecular weight drugs containing a carboxylic acid group and an amine, thiol, alcohol or phenol group within their structure into polymeric drug delivery systems are provided. Also provided are methods of producing polymeric drug delivery systems via these polyanhydride linkers as well as methods of administering low molecular weight drugs to a host via the polymeric drug delivery systems.
US07666395B2	Compounds and methods for the treatment of airway diseases and for the delivery of airway drugs Chronic obstructive airway diseases are treated by administering an osmotically active compound such as a salt, sugar, sugar alcohol, or organic osmolyte to the afflicted airway surface. The compound may be administered as a liquid or dry powder aerosol formulation. Diseases that can be treated by the method include cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, and ciliary dyskinesia. The formulations of the invention can also be used in conjunction with other active agents such as bronchodilators, sodium channel blockers, antibiotics, enzymes, or purinoceptor agonists on airway surfaces.
US07666394B2	Nanoparticles having reactive ester groups covalently coupled thereto and related methods A particle having a core and a surface to which are covalently coupled a plurality of reactive ester groups. Methods for using the particle to prepare a particle having one or more of a plurality of a targeting agent, a diagnostic agent, or a therapeutic agent covalently coupled thereto.
US07666391B2	Breast homing peptides and methods of identifying same using aminopeptidase P The present invention provides a method of directing a moiety to breast vasculature in a subject by administering to the subject a conjugate which contains a moiety linked to a homing molecule that selectively homes to breast vasculature, whereby the moiety is directed to breast vasculature. In one embodiment, the homing molecule is a peptide containing the amino acid sequence PGPEGAG (SEQ ID NO: 1), or a peptidomimetic thereof.
US07666389B2	Method of imaging cell death in vivo A method of imaging apoptosis in vivo, using radiolabeled annexin, is described.
US07666383B2	Method to produce hydrogen or synthesis gas and carbon black A method to produce hydrogen gas or synthesis gas is described and involves the use of a staged reactor. The present invention further relates to effectively running a process such that efficient quantities of hydrogen gas are produced, along with economically useful amounts of carbon black. A combined facility utilizing a carbon black manufacturing plant and a refinery plant are further described, as well as products made by the various methods of the present invention.
US07666382B2	Aqueous carbon nanotube applicator liquids and methods for producing applicator liquids thereof Certain applicator liquids and method of making the applicator liquids are described. The applicator liquids can be used to form nanotube films or fabrics of controlled properties. An applicator liquid for preparation of a nanotube film or fabric includes a controlled concentration of nanotubes dispersed in a liquid medium containing water. The controlled concentration is sufficient to form a nanotube fabric or film of preselected density and uniformity.
US07666381B2	Continuous production of carbon nanomaterials using a high temperature inductively coupled plasma High-power inductively coupled plasma technology is used for thermal cracking and vaporization of continuously fed carbonaceous materials into elemental carbon, for reaction with separate and continuously fed metal catalysts inside a gas-phase high-temperature reactor system operating at or slightly below atmospheric pressures. In one particularly preferred embodiment, in-flight growth of carbon nanomaterials is initiated, continued, and controlled at high flow rates, enabling continuous collection and product removal via gas/solid filtration and separation methods, and/or liquid spray filtration and solid collection methods suitable for producing industrial-scale production quantities. In another embodiment, the reaction chamber and/or filtration/separation media include non-catalytic or catalytic metals to simultaneously or separately induce on-substrate synthesis and growth of carbon nanomaterials. The on-substrate grown carbon nanomaterials are produced in secondary chambers that are selectively isolated for periodic removal of the product.
US07666380B2	Imprinted mesoporous carbons and a method of manufacture thereof A porous carbon composition comprises carbon particles having substantially uniform mesopores, wherein the mesopores have a diameter greater than 5 nanometers. A carbon composition may also comprise carbon particles having a predetermined surface configuration, wherein the surface configuration inversely corresponds to the configuration of at least a portion of an imprinting material. A method of synthesizing mesoporous carbon particles comprises the steps of providing particles of at least one carbon precursor, mixing the particles of at least one carbon precursor with a medium containing an imprinting material to form pretreated solid carbon precursor particles, heating the pretreated solid carbon precursor particles to a temperature at least as high as 20° C. below the softening point of the solid carbon precursor, optionally, stabilizing the solid carbon precursor in air, carbonizing the carbon precursor to form carbon hybrid particles, and removing the imprinting material from the carbon hybrid particles.
US07666378B2	High quantum yield white phosphors and methods of making Embodiments of the present disclosure include a composition comprising a Gd3+-Eu3+ white phosphor composition, methods of making the composition, and the like.
US07666375B2	Method for catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides A method comprising subjecting fuel to combustion while the combustion atmosphere of the fuel is oscillated periodically and alternately between rich and lean conditions, leading the exhaust gas formed to a catalytic reactor, and bringing the exhaust gas into contact with a catalyst in the catalytic reactor to conduct catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas, wherein the catalyst comprises as catalyst components: (A) an oxide catalyst component A comprising (a) ceria or (b) praseodymium oxide or (c) a mixture of oxides and/or a composite oxide of at least two elements selected from cerium, zirconium, praseodymium, neodymium, terbium, samarium, gadolinium and lanthanum; and (B) (d) a noble metal catalyst component B selected from platinum, rhodium, palladium and oxides thereof; under an oxygen concentration adjusted to the range of 0.1-1.0% at the exit of the catalytic reactor under the rich conditions.
US07666368B2	Apparatus for treating volume-reduced polystyrene resin in gel state for material separation and recovery The invention provides an apparatus for continuously and efficiently treating volume-reduced polystyrene resin in gel state, thereby removing solvent and recovering resin. A volume-reduced gel-state polystyrene resin is heated in the separation/recovery apparatus under ambient pressure or reduced pressure, for removal of solvent and recovery of resin. The apparatus includes an apparatus main unit 10 having at the top of the unit a solvent-recovering section for continuously recovering evaporated solvent and having at the bottom of the unit a resin-recovering section for recovering the solvent-removed resin; a heating medium flow pipe 20 provided inside the apparatus main unit 10 for allowing flow of a heating medium inside the pipe; a gel-state resin-feeding means 14 for feeding the volume-reduced polystyrene resin in gel-state such that the resin is brought into contact with the heating medium flow pipe 20; a resin-holding section 13 provided in the bottom of the apparatus main unit 10 for holding the resin flowed down to the member after contact with the heating medium flow pipe 20; a heating means 25 for heating the resin held in the resin-holding section 13; and a stirring means 26 for stirring the resin contained in the resin-holding section.
US07666362B2	Micro-plate and lid for robotic handling A well plate assembly includes a well plate with a base wall, a peripheral wall extending up from the base wall and spaced inwardly from the outer periphery of the base wall. A well array is formed on the base wall at locations inwardly from the peripheral wall. A lid is mounted on the peripheral wall of the well plate. The lid and the peripheral wall have areas that are indented from the outer periphery of the base wall to facilitate manipulation by robotic stacking equipment. The well plate and the lid further include substantially registered robotic gripper plates aligned with the outer periphery of the base wall to facilitate manipulation of the assembled well plate and lid by robotic grippers.
US07666361B2	Microfluidic devices and methods of using same A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.
US07666359B2	Reagent vessel The invention relates to an analysis system which, by means of a reagent cartridge opening module, permits automatic opening of reagent vessels which are closed by screwing. The reagent cartridge opening module for this purpose has catch elements which can lock securely against rotation in correspondingly configured catch elements of a reagent vessel lid. In addition, the reagent cartridge opening module and the reagent vessel lid are connected via snap-in elements, so that transport of the reagent vessel lid perpendicular to the plane of the rotational movement is possible.
US07666354B2	Composition for sterilization comprising ω-alkoxyperoxycarboxylic acid A peroxycarboxylic acid represented by the general formula (I): (wherein R1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C10 aryl group, L represents a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C12 divalent linking group, or R1 and L may combine to form a ring) and a composition comprising said peroxycarboxylic acid are provided. Said peroxycarboxylic acid can sterilize a medical apparatus such as endoscope in a short period of time and has no unpleasant smell.
US07666346B2	Steel-member manufacturing facility, thin bearing-member and thrust bearing A steel-member manufacturing facility that can suppress distortion occurring in a quenching process while preventing increase in manufacturing cost includes: a die-cutting apparatus to form a washer; a high-frequency induction heating apparatus for quenching purpose as well as a mold-constraining cooling apparatus that heat the washer as formed and thereafter cool the washer so as to quench-harden the washer; and a high-frequency induction heating apparatus for tempering purpose that heats the quench-hardened washer so as to temper the washer. The high-frequency induction heating apparatus for quenching purpose can heat the washer by induction heating to the temperature of at least Ac1 point. The mold-constraining cooling apparatus uses a mold to constrain the heated washer while using the mold as a cooling member, thereby cooling the washer to the temperature of at most Ms point.
US07666339B2	Hydrogel string medical device A hydrogel string that is useful as a medical device and a method for forming a hydrogel string that utilizes a delivery device in which gelation of a prepolymer is initiated to form a hydrogel, which is then extruded from the device as the hydrogel string.
US07666337B2	Polyethylene oxide-based films and drug delivery systems made therefrom The invention relates to the film products and methods of their preparation that demonstrate a non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. The films contain a polymer component, which includes polyethylene oxide optionally blended with hydrophilic cellulosic polymers. Desirably, the films also contain a pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent with no more than a 10% variance of the active agent pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent per unit area of the film.
US07666334B2	Method, composition and apparatus for controlled concrete A method is provided for use of a concrete composition and an associated apparatus. The method provides for mixing of the concrete material, accelerant powder and, optionally, an associated substance to enable the controlled hardening of the concrete material in a monolithic structure. The apparatus can dispose a slip-plane film to facilitate a relatively continuous process.
US07666330B2	Additive for non-aqueous electrolyte and secondary battery using the same Disclosed is a compound represented by the following formula 1: wherein, each of R1˜R13 independently represents —H, —F, —Cl, —Br, —I, —OH, —SH, —COOH, —PO3H2, —NH2, —NO2, —O(CH2CH2O)nH (wherein, n is an integer of 1˜5), C1˜C12 alkyl group, C1˜C12 aminoalkyl group, C1˜C12 hydroxyalkyl group, C1˜C12 haloalkyl group, C2˜C12 alkenyl group, C1˜C12 alkoxy group, C1˜C12 alkylamino group, C1˜C12 dialkylamino group, C6˜C18 aryl group, C6˜C18 aminoaryl group, C6˜C18 hydroxyaryl group, C6˜C18 haloaryl group, C7˜C18 benzyl group, C7˜C18 aminobenzyl group, C7˜C18 hydroxybenzyl group, C7˜C18 halobenzyl group, or nitrile group (—CN); and at least one of R4˜R13 is nitrile group (—CN). A non-aqueous electrolyte comprising: (i) a lithium salt, (ii) a solvent, and (iii) a compound represented by formula 1; and a secondary battery comprising the non-aqueous electrolyte are also disclosed. When the compound represented by formula 1 is added to a non-aqueous electrolyte, it is possible to improve the safety of a secondary battery in an overcharged state.
US07666322B2	Method of producing nozzle plate and method of producing liquid-droplet jetting apparatus For forming a group or rows of nozzles in a substrate of an ink-jet head, firstly, a laser irradiation source and a masking material in which a plurality of holes arranged in two rows are formed, are arranged on an upper side of a position at which one group of rows of nozzles of the substrate is formed. Next, an ultraviolet laser is irradiated from an upper side of the masking material, and a laser which has passed through the masking material is irradiated on the substrate. Two rows of nozzles are formed in a portion of the substrate at which the ultraviolet laser is irradiated. Accordingly, by irradiation of the laser once, it is possible to form a plurality of nozzles arranged in a row.
US07666320B2	Manufacturing method of printed wiring board as well as copper-clad laminate and treatment solutions used therefor There is provided a method for removing molten and scattered Cu and overhang that are generated around a via opening during laser machining in a direct laser via forming method of directly machining an outer-layer copper foil. In a manufacturing method of a printed wiring board of machining the via by laser directly through the copper foil of a copper-clad laminate in which the copper foil is clad on a base material resin, a process for machining the via is carried out in a sequence of (a) a copper foil surface treatment step of forming an oxide film on the surface of said copper foil, (b) a laser via machining step, (c) an alkali treatment step and (d) a molten and scattered Cu etching step. It is desirable to carry out (e) a de-smearing treatment after the molten and scattered Cu etching.
US07666319B1	Semiconductor etching process to release single crystal silicon mirrors A spatial light modulator structure is fabricated by forming moveable reflecting elements through plasma etching of silicon in a chlorine ambient. In accordance with one particular embodiment, a mirror comprising single crystal silicon is released from the surrounding material by plasma etching in an ambient including chlorine (Cl2), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and boron trichloride (BCl3). Cl2 serves as a source of reactive chlorine etching species for the plasma. SF6 provides a source of fluorine, a reactive species enhancing the rate of etching single crystal silicon. BCl3 provides boron, which becomes incorporated on the surface of the etched single crystal silicon as a passivation layer controlling etch profile. Plasma etching of the single crystal silicon to release the mirrors takes place in the absence of oxygen, in order to avoid unwanted formation of silicon oxide residue that can adversely affect mechanical and optical properties of the resulting device.
US07666316B2	Permanganate-coated ozone for groundwater and soil treatment with in-situ oxidation Permanganate is delivered by a device that allows delivery of the permanganate and an air-ozone mixture to a soil formation. The permanganate can be delivered as a coating over microbubbles including the air/ozone gas stream.
US07666315B2	Methods, devices and reagents for wastewater treatment The invention relates to a method, devices and reagents which are used for Fenton reaction-based wastewater treatment. According to the invention, the oxidation reaction of the organic material with the oxygenated water is performed in the main oxidation reactor (12) in the presence of metallic catalysts. The Fenton reaction takes place in the reactor at absolute pressure of between 1 Kg/cm2 and 1.5 Kg/cm2 and at a temperature of between 110° C. and 120° C. Once treated and cooled, the effluent is conveyed to zone D to a neutralising tank (6) in which the pH is increased to a value greater than seven, thereby causing precipitation of the hydroxides. In addition, safety checks are carried out automatically.
US07666314B2	Methods for the removal of organic nitrogen, organic and inorganic contaminants from an aqueous liquid The present invention relates to methods for the removal of organic nitrogen, organic and inorganic contaminants from an aqueous liquid. More particularly, the present invention related to a process for the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants such as organic nitrogen and all other organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater and ground water by conducting a two step method which includes the step of adding nitrosonium ion generator such as nitrous acid and nitrite in acidic media to remove organic nitrogen and followed by the step of adding hydrogen peroxide and activated carbon to remove all the other organic and inorganic contaminants.
US07666312B2	Method of inhibiting corrosion in industrial hot water systems by monitoring and controlling oxidant/reductant feed through a nonlinear control algorithm This invention provides a method of preventing corrosion in industrial water systems. The method includes maintaining a real-time oxidation-reduction potential at a set point, wherein the system is at operating temperature and pressure. A nonlinear equation is derived based upon theoretically derived or empirically collected data. The equation is then used to determine an inflow of active chemical species to the water system.
US07666310B2	Method of drying organic liquid electrolytes A method is described for removing water and other protic impurities from an organic liquid electrolyte, wherein the organic liquid electrolyte is brought into contact with one or more insoluble alkali metal hydride(s) and the insoluble reaction by-products formed thereby are separated off.
US07666309B1	Sprayable agricultural compositions and method A composition including an aqueous solution of calcium polysulfide and an amount of a precipitation preventing compound effective to reduce or eliminate precipitation of the calcium polysulfide at low concentrations. The precipitation preventing compound is selected from the group consisting of sodium hydrosulfide, potassium hydrosulfide, sodium sulfide, and potassium sulfide. A method of reducing or preventing precipitation of calcium polysulfide added to the water in an irrigation system by first injecting the precipitation preventing compound into the water in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate precipitation of the calcium polysulfide at low concentrations. Sodium methyldithiocarbamate can be added to the calcium polysulfide/precipitation preventing compound solution without any substantial precipitation.
US07666308B2	Magnetic separation apparatus and methods Apparatuses and methods for separating, immobilizing, and quantifying biological substances from within a fluid medium. Biological substances are observed by employing a vessel (6) having a chamber therein, the vessel comprising a transparent collection wall (5). A high internal gradient magnetic capture structure may be on the transparent collection wall (5), magnets (3) create an externally-applied force for transporting magnetically responsive material toward the transparent collection wall (5). V-shaped grooves on the inner surface of the viewing face of the chamber provide uniform. The invention is also useful in conducting quantitative analysis and sample preparation in conjunction with automated cell enumeration techniques.
US07666303B2	Seperator tank A separator tank for separating and trapping contaminants in rainwater and runoff is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the separator tank comprises a container having a bottom wall, side wall, and top wall defining an internal chamber; an insert located inside of the internal chamber, the insert comprising a weir defining an intake area between the weir and the side wall; and a round-edged orifice positioned within the intake area; an inlet conduit for introducing an influent liquid into the intake area; wherein the weir is positioned such that the weir induces the influent liquid to flow in a swirling motion within the intake area. According to another embodiment of the present invention an insert for a separator tank is disclosed. The insert includes a weir defining an intake area for receiving an influent liquid; and a round-edged orifice positioned within the intake area.
US07666302B2	Dual cell nitrogen removal apparatus A water treatment apparatus including a series of pairs of water filtration cells of an upwelling type. Each cell of each pair has a longitudinally extending water conduit in fluid communication between an upper and a lower end of each cell. The first cell of each pair is a fluidized bed type containing a biologically active media, the water entering a bottom of this cell upwelling through the biologically active media to discharge from a discharge port at or near the top of the first cell. The second cell of each pair has the upper end of its water conduit in fluid communication with the discharge port of the paired first cell and contains media which removes nitrates from the water entering and upwelling through the nitrate removing media for discharge from the second cell.
US07666301B2	Settling and retention basin A settling and retention basin includes an interior chamber having a peripheral wall preferably provided with two diametrically opposite openings in each of which is received a flow port member having a flow equalization port therein. Depending upon wastewater levels and surges, the flow port members can be removed and replaced by other flow port members of an identical construction, except for different sizes of design flow equalization ports thereof. Therefore, should a wastewater treatment mechanism be installed initially in a wastewater treatment plant with accurately sized flow equalization ports to achieve desired flow characteristics and efficiency, should such flow characteristics change over time because of inefficient flow-through of wastewater, the originally installed flow port members can be readily removed and replaced with identical flow port members except for larger flow equalization ports thereof thereby returning the overall wastewater treatment mechanism to acceptable design flow equalization and efficiency.
US07666300B2	Apparatus for denitrifying wastewater Disclosed is an apparatus for denitrifying a solution that includes a denitrification tank configured to receive a portion of the solution for a period of time. Controlling an amount, duration and frequency of introduction of polyethylene glycol into the solution promotes indigenous heterotrophic bacteria depleting dissolved oxygen in the solution and obtaining oxygen from nitrate in the solution.
US07666295B2	Uninhibited electrical insulating oil An uninhibited electrical insulating oil is prepared by blending a severely hydrotreated naphthenic distillate base oil having a viscosity of from about 50 to about 80 SSU at 38° C. and an aniline point from about 63° to about 84° C. with a solvent extracted, non-hydrogenated paraffinic distillate having at least 9.0 wt. % aromatic content.
US07666290B2	Method and device for producing a textured metal strip The invention relates to a method for producing a textured metal strip. In order to be able to implement a method of this type in a comparatively simple manner and thus cost-effectively, a metal layer (4) is galvanically produced on a textured substrate (1) having electrical conductivity, and the metal layer (4), while producing the textured strip (4a), is removed from the substrate (1).
US07666289B2	Methods and devices for high-throughput dielectrophoretic concentration Disclosed herein are methods and devices for assaying and concentrating analytes in a fluid sample using dielectrophoresis. As disclosed, the methods and devices utilize substrates having a plurality of pores through which analytes can be selectively prevented from passing, or inhibited, on application of an appropriate electric field waveform. The pores of the substrate produce nonuniform electric field having local extrema located near the pores. These nonuniform fields drive dielectrophoresis, which produces the inhibition. Arrangements of electrodes and porous substrates support continuous, bulk, multi-dimensional, and staged selective concentration.
US07666288B2	Apparatus for electrodeionization of water Silica and boron are particularly removed at high rate in processing by the electrodeionization apparatus. An electrodeionization apparatus has an anolyte compartment 17 having an anode 11, a catholyte compartment 18 having a cathode 12, concentrating compartments 15, and desalting compartments 16. The concentrating compartments 15 and the desalting compartments 16 are alternately formed between the anolyte compartment 17 and the catholyte compartment 18 by alternately arranging a plurality of anion-exchange membranes 13 and a plurality of cation-exchange membranes 14. The desalting compartments 16 and the concentrating compartments 15 are filled with ion-exchanger. The anion exchanger/cation exchanger volume ratio is 8/2 to 5/5. Electrode water flows into the anolyte compartment 17 and the catholyte compartment 18. Concentrated water is introduced into the concentrating compartments 15. Raw water is fed into the desalting compartment 16 to produce the deionized water from the desalting compartment 16. Water containing silica or boron at a lower concentration than the raw water is introduced into the concentrating compartments 15 as the concentrated water in a direction from a side near an outlet for the deionized water toward a side near an inlet for the raw water of the desalting compartments 16. At least a part of concentrated water flowing out of the concentrating compartments 15 is discharged out of a circulatory system.
US07666287B2	Method for preparing an electrokinetic element A method for preparing an electrokinetic element is provided and generally includes providing a porous membrane adapted for use in an electrokinetic pump and encapsulating the porous membrane within a polymer substrate to yield an electrokinetic element base member having the porous membrane encapsulated by the polymer. In one embodiment, the method can include laminating the porous membrane between opposed sheets of a polymer before the step of encapsulating. The method can also include cutting the electrokinetic element base member into a plurality of slices and assembling an electrokinetic infusion pump by inserting a slice into a chamber of the pump.
US07666283B2	Insoluble anode The invention relates to an insoluble anode for electrolytic plating, the insoluble anode having two or more phases comprising an anode base body and a screen wherein the anode base body of steel, stainless steel, nickel, nickel alloy, cobalt, and cobalt alloy.
US07666275B2	Composite co-structured or co-adsorbed, mineral or organic filler or pigment compounds and the use thereof Composite compounds of co-structured or co-adsorbed organic or mineral fillers or pigments containing at least two organic or mineral fillers or pigments of a different nature and the use thereof in the paper industry for manufacturing paper, filling or coating or for any other surface treatment of the paper as well as wood or metal or plastic or cement surface treatment compounds in the fields of aqueous and non-aqueous paints and plastics materials.Coatings colors, uncoated filling compound and sheets of base paper for coating containing them.
US07666273B2	Paper articles exhibiting water resistance and method for making same This invention relates to a process for preparing sized paper and paperboard which incorporates in the paper and paperboard at the size press size a composition comprising one or more “hydrophobic polymers” wherein hydrophobic polymers, the amount of such polymers and the weight ratio of starch to such polymer in the composition are selected such that the paper and paper board exhibits a Cobb Value equal to or less than about 25 and to a sized paper or paperboard web formed by the process.
US07666272B2	Paper articles exhibiting water resistance and method for making same This invention relates to a process for preparing sized paper and paperboard which incorporates in the paper and paperboard at the size press size a composition comprising one or more “hydrophobic polymers” wherein hydrophobic polymers, the amount of such polymers and the weight ratio of starch to such polymer in the composition are selected such that the paper and paper board exhibits a Cobb Value equal to or less than about 25 and to a sized paper or paperboard web formed by the process.
US07666271B2	Method of placing a material transversely on a moving web Disclosed herein is a method by which a material may be placed onto a moving web in a transverse orientation. At least two assemblies, which carry either a first and a second web or a single web, periodically overlap each other in an alternating fashion such that a material may be placed upon their respective carried webs in a transverse manner. The first and second assemblies translate in a direction of web movement in order to modify the velocity of the web carried upon the assembly. Thus, with the velocities of the assemblies capable of being varied, the material may be placed in a transverse manner upon the moving web along with various other orientations.
US07666270B1	Heat spreader for display panel The invention presented is a method for applying heat spreaders to a plurality of display panels, including (a) providing a plurality of heat spreader composites, each of which comprises a heat spreader material having an adhesive thereon and a release material positioned such that the adhesive is sandwiched between the heat spreader material and the release material; (b) removing the release material from a plurality of the composites; and (c) applying at least one of the composites to each of the plurality of display panels each such that the adhesive adheres the heat spreader material to the display panel.
US07666263B2	Device to catch and retrieve foam pellets An apparatus for the rapid loading, launching and retrieval of foam pellets for tube cleaning. The apparatus uses a block configuration to allow gravity feed and rapid firing of pellets into tubes. The apparatus includes a hopper feeder attachment, which is self-adjusting during pellet jams.
US07666262B2	Process for cleaning large format or giant screen movie screens This invention relates to cleaning large format movie screens, such as vinyl screens and painted screens. There are different variations of the basic concept of using a cleaning head, cables, pulleys, an upper mounting bracket and a winch. In one instance a track may be used instead of a cable. The winch is connected to the cleaning head using cables and is used to move the cleaning head vertically across the screen through pulleys and other arrangements.
US07666261B2	Melt processable starch compositions The present invention relates to a starch composition comprising starch, a polymer that is substantially compatible with starch and has a weight-average molecular weight of at least 500,000 such that the polymer forms effective entanglements or associations with neighboring starch molecules, and preferably at least one additive to improve melt flow and melt processability. The additive may be a hydroxyl plasticizer, a hydroxyl-free plasticizer, a diluent, or mixtures thereof. The composition is melt processable on conventional thermoplastic equipment. The composition is especially suitable for uniaxial and biaxial extensional processes to make fibers, films, foams and like products.
US07666260B2	Vaporizer and semiconductor processing apparatus A vaporizer includes a vaporizing chamber configured to vaporize a liquid material and thereby form a gas material. A spray portion is configured to spray the liquid material in the vaporizing chamber. A delivery part is configured to deliver the gas material from the vaporizing chamber to a gas outlet. A heating portion is configured to heat the vaporizer. The delivery part includes a filter member covering the gas outlet and configured to allow the gas material to pass therethrough. A shield plate is disposed to cover the filter member on a side farther from the gas outlet.
US07666250B1	Production of magnesium metal A process of producing magnesium metal includes providing magnesium carbonate, and reacting the magnesium carbonate to produce a magnesium-containing compound and carbon dioxide. The magnesium-containing compound is reacted to produce magnesium metal. The carbon dioxide is used as a reactant in a second process. In another embodiment of the process, a magnesium silicate is reacted with a caustic material to produce magnesium hydroxide. The magnesium hydroxide is reacted with a source of carbon dioxide to produce magnesium carbonate. The magnesium carbonate is reacted to produce a magnesium-containing compound and carbon dioxide. The magnesium-containing compound is reacted to produce magnesium metal. The invention further relates to a process for production of magnesium metal or a magnesium compound where an external source of carbon dioxide is not used in any of the reactions of the process. The invention also relates to the magnesium metal produced by the processes described herein.
US07666245B2	Metallic powder for powder metallurgy whose main component is iron and iron-based sintered body Provided is iron-based metal powder for powder metallurgy including a metallic soap containing at least one or more types of metal selected from a group of Ag, Au, Bi, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pd, Pt, Sn and Te having a higher standard oxidization potential than iron, and an additional metal which forms a liquid phase at a temperature of 1200° C. or less in the combination with the metal, wherein the soap contains metal for forming an alloy phase between the two. As a result, obtained is mixed powder for powder metallurgy capable of improving the rust prevention effect easily without having to hardly change the conventional processes.
US07666244B2	Hardfacing milled-tooth drill bits using super dense carbide pellets A hardfacing composition for a drill bit, including a carbide phase comprising from about 50% to about 75% by weight of the hardfacing composition of a combination of 16 to 40 mesh cemented tungsten carbide and 80 to 200 mesh super dense tungsten carbide cobalt particles, wherein about 5% to about 50% by weight of the carbide phase comprises the super dense tungsten carbide cobalt particles, and a binder alloy including about 25% to about 50% by weight of the hardfacing composition.
US07666240B2	Honeycomb filter A honeycomb filter includes a plurality of honeycomb fired bodies each having a longitudinal direction and a plurality of cells which are divided by cell walls and which extend in the longitudinal direction in substantially parallel with each other, each of the cells having one end sealed; and an adhesive material binding the plurality of honeycomb fired bodies. The plurality of honeycomb fired bodies includes outer peripheral honeycomb fired bodies each having a first outer wall and positioned at an outermost periphery of the honeycomb filter; and inner honeycomb fired bodies surrounded by the outer peripheral honeycomb fired bodies. Each of the inner honeycomb fired bodies has a second outer wall thinner than the first outer wall.
US07666239B2	Hydrothermal synthesis of cerium-titanium oxide for use in CMP The present invention provides a method of synthesizing abrasive particles and methods of using the same in chemical mechanical polishing slurry applications. The nanosized abrasive particles according to the invention are produced by hydrothermal synthesis using an insoluble source of cerium. The crystallites of the particles include cerium ions and titanium ions.
US07666230B2	Implant device for cartilage regeneration in load bearing articulation regions An implant device for cartilage regeneration in loading-bearing regions uses the osteochondral defect model. The implant is formed of resorbable polymeric materials. The implant is designed such that load is transmitted from the articulating surface of the bone platform through the implant to the entire area of subchondral bone of the bone platform. Application of load in this manner results in reduced subchondral bone resorption, leading to joint stabilization and maintenance of normal joint biomechanics. The implant allows for the incorporation therein of a resorbable scaffold or matrix material. The present implant solves the current inability to regenerate cartilage in load-bearing articulating surfaces using engineered scaffold devices.
US07666229B2	Ceramic-ceramic articulation surface implants An implantable articulating bone prosthesis (e.g., hip or joint prosthesis) is provided, which includes a pair of articulation components respectively defining a pair of articulation surfaces movably engageable with each other. Each of the articulation surfaces is formed from a biocompatible ceramic (e.g., doped silicon nitride ceramic) having a flexural strength greater than about 700 Mega-Pascal (MPa) and a toughness greater than about 7 Mega-Pascal root meter (MPam0.5).
US07666224B2	Devices and methods for heart valve treatment Devices and methods for improving the function of a valve (e.g., mitral valve) by positioning a spacing filling device outside and adjacent the heart wall such that the device applies an inward force against the heart wall acting on the valve. A substantially equal and opposite force may be provided by securing the device to the heart wall, and/or a substantially equal and opposite outward force may be applied against anatomical structure outside the heart wall. The inward force is sufficient to change the function of the valve, and may increase coaptation of the leaflets, for example. The space filling device may be implanted by a surgical approach, a transthoracic approach, or a transluminal approach, for example. The space filling portion may be delivered utilizing a delivery catheter navigated via the selected approach, and the space filling portion may be expandable between a smaller delivery configuration and a larger deployed configuration.
US07666221B2	Lock modular graft component junctions The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having an attachment frame connection mechanism that allows placement of the main body component in vasculature in combination with limb components. Various limb component-to-main body component attachment mechanisms are provided which ensure a reliable bond while facilitating a smaller delivery profile.
US07666220B2	System and methods for endovascular aneurysm treatment Embodiments provide methods and systems for treating aneurysms using filling structures filled with a curable medium. An embodiment of a method comprises positioning at least one double-walled filling structure across the aneurysm and filling the structure(s) with a filling medium so that an outer wall conforms to the inside of the aneurysm and an inner wall forms a generally tubular lumen to provide for blood flow. The lumen is supported with a balloon or other expandable device while and/or after filling. The pressure within the structure and/or in the space between an external wall of the structure and the aneurysm wall is monitored and a flow of the medium into the structure is controlled responsive to the pressure. The pressure can also be used to determine a filling endpoint. The medium is hardened while the lumen remains supported by the balloon. The balloon is then removed after the medium hardens.
US07666218B2	Device for the application of compression sleeves In a device for the installation of a compression sleeve around a blood vessel, including a guide element for holding the blood vessel, and a carrier for holding the compression sleeve in a bent-open state in which the carrier and the compression sleeve are supported at the distal end of the installation device, the installation device includes a push element for pushing the compression sleeve off the carrier while the blood vessel is disposed in the bent-open compression sleeve so that, upon its release from the carrier, the compression sleeve extends tightly around the blood vessel.
US07666217B2	Implantable medical endoprosthesis delivery systems and related components Implantable medical endoprosthesis delivery systems and related components, as well as related methods are disclosed.
US07666214B2	Underbody thermal blanket An inflatable convective thermal blanket is designed to have at least one section on its top surface that has securely mounted thereon at least one fluid absorbent mechanism for absorbing fluids from a subject that is placed onto the blanket, or from fluids fallen onto the blanket from other sources. The one section is configured onto the blanket in such a way that it forms a well for collecting the fluids. The fluid absorbent mechanism, which may be in the form of a pad, would absorb the collected fluid to thereby minimize evaporative and cooling effects on the subject. Instead of mounting it on top of the blanket, the fluid absorbent pad may be mounted to the underside of the blanket, with appropriate holes and/or openings provided at the fluid collecting section, so that the collected fluids are drained onto the fluid absorbent pad. To enhance the input flow of air to the blanket, as well as to enable the blanket to be flatly folded for storage or shipping, a collapsible retainer mechanism is provided at the input port(s) of the blanket. The retainer mechanism opens up to a shape that facilitates the mating of an air hose to the input port. When folded to its collapsed position, the retainer mechanism, and the input port, would lie substantially coplanarly with the blanket. When configured to the position for accepting the air hose, the retainer mechanism is positioned substantially orthogonal to the blanket.
US07666211B2	Vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening device A vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening device that restores the loss of disc height as a result of disc degeneration and other factors. The vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening device includes pedicle screws having heads with cup-shaped cavities. The pedicle screws are threaded into the vertebral bodies of adjacent vertebrae through the pedicles so that open parts of the heads of the pedicle screws face each other. A spring is inserted into the cup-shaped cavities in compression so that the spring bias forces the pedicle screws apart, thus increasing the height of the disc space.
US07666210B2	Connection system between a spinal rod and a transverse bar A system for connecting a spinal osteosynthesis rod and a crossbar include a passage for receiving the crossbar and hinge mounted jaws for clamping the rod. A locking device biases the crossbar against the jaws. A return spring pulls the jaws relatively close to one another independently of the crossbar such that the jaws may clamp the osteosynthesis rod to ensure a stable mounting of the connection system to the osteosynthesis rod.
US07666194B2	Surgical suturing instrument and method of use A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, and an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end of the device such that a proximal end of the elongated element may exit from the distal end of the device with sufficient force to pass through the subject. The device also includes a curved die at the distal end of the device for imparting a looping configuration to portions of the flexible elongated element exiting the distal end of the device, and a curved guide at the distal end for receiving the looped flexible elongated element as it returns to the distal end of the device. In a further feature of the invention, a cutting mechanism is provided to permit the looped flexible elongated element to be separated from the remainder of the flexible elongated element. And in a further feature of the invention, the cutting mechanism is adapted to deform the trailing end of the looped flexible elongated element so that the trailing end is forced distally, toward the subject being sutured.
US07666193B2	Delivery devices and methods for heart valve repair Devices, systems and methods facilitate positioning of a cardiac valve annulus treatment device, thus enhancing treatment of the annulus. Methods generally involve advancing an anchor delivery device through vasculature of the patient to a location in the heart for treating the valve annulus, contacting the anchor delivery device with a length of the valve annulus, delivering a plurality of coupled anchors from the anchor delivery device to secure the anchors to the annulus, and drawing the anchors together to circumferentially tighten the valve annulus. Devices generally include an elongate catheter having at least one tensioning member and at least one tensioning actuator for deforming a distal portion of the catheter to help it conform to a valve annulus. The catheter device may be used to navigate a subannular space below a mitral valve to facilitate positioning of an anchor delivery device.
US07666190B2	Holder of contact lens for vitreous body operation, and holding part and connection part of contact lens for vitreous body operation In surgery of the vitreous body in an eyeball of a human body, a burden on and time of a surgeon is suppressed from being spent, a burden on the eyeball of a patient is greatly reduced, and further, the possibility of a complication after the surgery is also lessened. A holding apparatus, which has eyelid opener portions for pulling and opening upper and lower eyelids, a lens ring for holding a surgical contact lens on the eyeball, and connecting portions for connecting the eyelid opener portions with the lens ring of the surgical contact lens so that the surgical contact lens is held on the eyeball, is set on the eyeball of the patient, which makes it unnecessary to stitch of the lens ring on the eyeball.
US07666189B2	Less invasive surgical system and methods A system for performing a less invasive surgical procedure and, in particular, devices and methods for spinal fixation. The system comprises dilation tool(s), at least one working/insertion cannula, a plurality of screws, at least one fixation rod for connecting the screws, and a rod inserter. The dilation tool(s) may be used to dilate an incision made in a patient to form an opening. An insertion cannula may be attached to a screw and inserted into the opening. The screws may be polyaxial screws and may be inserted into the vertebrae using a screwdriver. An operator may then move the insertion cannula to manipulate a head portion of the screws such that the head portions may be aligned to receive a fixation rod. A rod inserter may be used to insert a fixation rod into the head portions.
US07666187B2	Bone shaped cutting block A cutting block for resecting a bone, particularly the distal femur, has a body with a first generally planar bone contacting surface to contact the resected distal surface of the femur. The body has a second surface spaced from the bone contacting surface along an axis perpendicular to said generally planar bone contacting surface. The body has a perimeter surface extending between the first and second surfaces, wherein the perimeter surface is at least partially curved with respect to the axis in both a direction generally perpendicular thereto and generally parallel thereto. The perimeter surface may be polished.
US07666186B2	Surgical system with a blade A reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue is described. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard-to-access sites under a direct vision mechanism. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocating motion and provides it to the surgical file for precision removal of bone or other tissue. A pulsatile pump mechanism is operatively coupled with the transmission mechanism and provides irrigating fluid to the surgical site.
US07666181B2	Multi-purpose minimally invasive instrument that uses a micro entry port A multi-purpose minimally invasive instrument having a small diameter elongated rod with a distal end that receives different interchangeable tools for a variety of uses, and also a handle used by an operator to control the interchangeable tool by manipulating the electricity it receives from a generator. The rod enters a cavity through a very small diameter telescopic port, which provides it with added support during its use. Interchangeable tools comprising imaging/surgical/sensing/electromagnet/radiofrequency/laser/heat-generating probes and/or other devices enter the cavity, supported by an introducer removed after tool attachment, one-at-a-time through a regular-size port that is concurrently used by an endoscope/camera. The instrument is adaptable for therapeutic, investigative, and/or other applications, in any space. An important medical benefit is the usage of many tools simultaneously while employing only one regular-size port and a very small diameter port for each additional tool used, which expedites patient recovery with excellent cosmetic outcome.
US07666179B2	Medical devices having porous regions for controlled therapeutic agent exposure or delivery According to an aspect of the invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided which contain the following: (a) one or more porous regions comprising pores and (b) one or more therapeutic agents which are (i) contained within the porous region, (ii) disposed beneath the porous region, or (iii) both. Moreover, the porous regions are capable of undergoing a change in configuration, such that the pores undergo a change in configuration, upon subjecting the porous regions to activating stimuli.
US07666177B2	Method and system for cellular transplantation in the spinal cord The present invention provides a method for treating an injury of a spinal cord of a patient The method includes implanting a therapeutic substance in the spinal cord under indirect visualization. The indirect visualization may be provided by an endoscope, and the therapeutic substance may include cells. The present invention also provides a device for treating an injury of the spinal cord. The device includes skin visualization means for visualizing the spinal cord through a skin puncture, and injection means for injecting a therapeutic substance into the spinal cord.
US07666176B2	Disposable diaper with optimal leakage protection The present invention provides for the improved prevention of leakage of body exudates from a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, by providing a pair of standing leg cuffs on both sides of the absorbent core of the article. The cuffs are preferably ribbon cuffs attached to the diaper or fashioned from the top sheet of the diaper.
US07666171B2	Portable instillation apparatus and method The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for instilling fluid into a patient having an intestinal stoma thereby administering an antegrade colonic enema. The portable instillation apparatus comprising in combination: a fluid reservoir, a pump assembly, a control module, a fluid delivery line and an intestinal stoma catheter wherein the control module is operable to automatically stop fluid delivery to the intestinal stoma after a predetermined volume of fluid has been instilled at a predetermined flow rate and pressure range suitable for a particular patient. The portable instillation apparatus incorporates a unique gear pump manifold facilitating the portability, durability and reliability of the apparatus overcoming the disadvantages of traditional peristaltic pump mechanisms. The portable instillation apparatus is so engineered as to maximize the ease of transport and use of the device while also enabling a method for a patient to self-administer an antegrade colonic enema within a short time period and without intervention.
US07666169B2	Syringe and syringe plungers for use with medical injectors A syringe plunger includes a wall having an inner surface and one or more inwardly projecting flanges disposed on the inner surface of the wall. Preferably, the inner surface of the wall defines a retaining shoulder formed along an axial plane thereof. An injector drive member preferably includes at least one retaining member adapted to engage the retaining shoulder of the syringe plunger to allow the drive member to retract the plunger with the body of the syringe. Further, the drive member preferably includes one or more outwardly extending flange members adapted to be engaged by the inwardly projecting flanges of the syringe plunger. When the syringe body is rotated, the at least one retaining member on the drive member is retracted and disengaged from the retaining shoulder of the syringe plunger.
US07666167B2	Medical line anchoring system An anchoring system includes a simply-structured device which permits a portion of a catheter tube or similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, desirably without the use of tape or needles and suturing. A unitary retainer desirably includes a base connected to a cover by way of a flexible hinge. The retainer is attached to a flexible anchor pad including an adhesive bottom surface, which can be attached to the patient's skin. A catheter is secured to a fitting, which in turn mounts to the retainer. Mounting the fitting to the retainer can be accomplished by inserting posts of the retainer through holes of the fitting, or by mounting the fitting within a channel defined by mounting structures integral to the retainer. The cover is then positioned over the base, by bending the flexible hinge, and latched to the base. Several embodiments of the latching mechanism are disclosed. In one form, the latching mechanism includes one or more posts on the base which can be releasably locked into corresponding slotted holes in the cover.
US07666162B2	Breast cup A breast cup for use with a breast pump for expressing breast milk is provided. The breast cup sealingly separates the air flow from the breast milk, provides a barrier against impingement of the flexible insert by the user's breast and provides a massaging member for facilitating expression of the breast milk.
US07666159B2	Venous reservoir in an extracorporeal blood circuit A venous reservoir in an extracorporeal blood circuit, comprising a rigid outer enclosure for a filtering mass in the form of a hollow cylinder, provided with an upper lid which comprises couplings for the inflow of blood with the portion of space delimited by the filtering mass and with a connector at the bottom, the reservoir further comprising a diaphragm which is arranged below the upper lid and is adapted to receive the blood that enters through the couplings provided in the peripheral region of the lid, at the axis of a central hole of the diaphragm there is a column with longitudinal vanes which protrude upwardly until they skim the rim of the hole and are adapted to follow the blood in its flow by gravity toward the collection region at the base of the enclosure.
US07666153B2	CPR compression device and method including a fluid filled bladder Improved automatic chest compression systems which use constricting belts, repeatedly inflating bladders, or reciprocating pistons to compress the chest. A bladder is placed between the chest and the particular mechanism used to compress the chest during CPR. The bladder maximizes the effectiveness of chest compressions.
US07666146B2	Apparatus, computer system and computer program for determining intrathoracic blood volume and other cardio-vascular parameters Apparatus, computer system, computer program and storage medium for determining intrathoracic blood volume (ITBV) and other cardio-vascular parameters of a patient by thermodilution measurements. The apparatus includes: temperature influencing means for introducing a traveling temperature deviation to a patient's blood stream, a temperature sensor device for measuring the local temperature of the patient's blood downstream of the temperature influencing means, a computer system adapted to: record local blood temperature measured as a function of time to determine a thermodilution curve, determine global enddiastolic blood volume (GEDV) and intrathoracic thermovolume (ITTV) from the thermodilution curve, determine intrathoracic blood volume (ITBV) as a function of GEDV, ITTV and the airway pressure inside the patient's lungs (P). By determining ITBV not only from GEDV but also a function of ITTV and P enhanced accuracy can be obtained, especially if the patient suffers from pulmonary edema and/or is mechanically ventilated.
US07666140B2	Ultrasonic imaging method and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus For the purpose of suitably making comparison between a previously acquired reference image and a real-time image currently being acquired, a reference image and a scan condition therefor are stored, the reference image and scan condition are read out, a real-time image is acquired after setting the scan condition, and the reference image and real-time image are displayed side by side.
US07666132B2	Anal incontinence disease treatment with controlled wireless energy supply A anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus and method include and use an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the colon or engaging the rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or the rectum. A source of energy external to the patient's body and a control device for releasing wireless energy from the source of energy from outside the patient's body are provided. The released wireless energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device, to enlarge or contract the restricted fecal passageway.
US07666130B2	Split-ring brachytherapy device and method for cervical brachytherapy treatment using a split-ring brachytherapy device Methods and devices are for providing the delivery of radioactive therapeutics to a cervix using a split ring applicator. The split ring applicator includes a central tandem and a plurality of adjustable split ring tubes that are adjustable laterally in relation to a cervical axis. A radiation dosage is deliverable to a cervical wall by at least one of the plurality of adjustable split ring tubes.
US07666127B2	Abliterator: abdomen, obliques exercise machine with crunch component The exercise apparatus targets the muscles around the abdominal, oblique muscles and mid-section of the body. An individual stands upon a platform and grasps a pair of handlebars positioned at waist height. The handlebars are attached to the top of a riser that extends downwards and is attached to a pair of rotating pivot arms. The riser also has a resistance mechanism that allows for compression of the riser in a downward movement. The pivot arms are attached to the center of a resistance device. An individual stands upon the apparatus, and while keeping the lower body relatively stationary, rotates the handlebars from side to side up to 220 degrees of rotation. An individual can also perform abdominal crunches by bending at the waist and pushing the riser downwards against the resistance of the abdominal crunch mechanism, and thus perform abdominal crunches throughout the entire rotation of the exercise apparatus.
US07666124B2	Exercise machine The present invention is an exercise machine which includes a moveable section connected to a frame such that the moveable section is independently and simultaneously moveable along an horizontal direction and vertical direction. The exercise machine further includes and a weight stack operably connected to the moveable section, such that the weight stack providing resistance to movement of the moveable section; and a frame operably supporting the moveable section and the weight stack.
US07666121B2	Surfing exerciser A surfing exerciser includes a seat, a seat frame, a chassis, a swing device, and a torsion spring. The seat is secured on the seat frame. The swing device includes an upper freewheel, a lower freewheel, a Z-shaped swivel shaft, a small pulley shaft, and a belt. The Z-shaped swivel shaft includes a lower swivel shaft, an upper swivel shaft, and a connecting board. The lower swivel shaft is fixed to a lower surface of the connecting board. The upper swivel shaft is fixed to an upper surface of the connecting board. The axis of the lower swivel shaft obliquely intersects with the axis of the upper swivel shaft. By the rotation inertia of the upper freewheel and the lower freewheel, the seat of the present invention is driven to move up and down as well as left and right for providing surfing or horse riding simulation.
US07666116B2	Method and apparatus for differential lock control Method and differential-lock control apparatus for differential lock control are disclosed. A control unit is arranged for communication with an engine speed sensor, a differential-lock activation control, and a differential lock. The control unit is adapted to allow for reduction of an engine speed to a desired engine speed if the engine speed is at least a threshold engine speed in response to receipt of an activate-differential-lock request signal, and adapted to subsequently output an activate-differential-lock control signal to the differential lock so as to command activation of the differential lock.
US07666110B2	Control system for power transmission mechanism A control system of a power transmission mechanism, in which a transmission torque capacity between transmission members varies according to a pressure to be applied to the transmission members and in which the pressure to be applied to the transmission members is controlled on the basis of such a slip condition between the transmission members as accompanies the lowering of the pressure. The control system comprises: a pressure lowering device for lowering the pressure by a preset value; and a pressure setter for setting the pressure, in case the slip between the transmission members is not detected even by lowering the pressure by a preset value with the pressure lowering device, on the basis of the lowered minimum value of the pressure.
US07666098B2	Gaming device having modified reel spin sounds to highlight and enhance positive player outcomes An apparatus and method by which sound files may be modified within a gaming device to coincide with one or more game events. In one embodiment, a sound file is played in a first manner when the previous spin of slot machine reels does not produce a win for the player. The sound file is played in a second manner, however, if the previous reel spin does produce a win. In another embodiment, a sound file is played in a first manner when the current reel spin does not produce a win. The sound file is modified in mid-play, however, if the current reel spin does produce a win. In a further embodiment, the sound file is modified differently in mid-play if the current reel spin does not produce a win.
US07666096B2	Method for generating the left and right perspectives in a 3D videogame A 3D videogame system capable of displaying a left-right sequences through a different, independent VGA or video channel, with a display device sharing a memory in an immerse manner. The system has a videogame engine controlling and validating the image perspectives, assigning textures, lighting, positions, movements and aspects associated with each object participating in the game; creates left and right backbuffers, creates images and presents the information in the frontbuffers. The system allows handling the information of data associated to the xyz coordinates of the object's image in real-time, increases the RAM for the left-right backbuffer, with the possibility to discriminate and take the corresponding backbuffer, whose information is sent to the frontbuffer or additional independent display device sharing a memory in an immerse manner.
US07666094B2	Gaming system and method for enabling a player to select progressive awards to try for and chances of winning progressive awards The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards.
US07666090B2	Method of leasing a gaming machine for a percentage of a net win amount A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amount equaling a percentage of a new gaming machine net win amount.
US07666086B2	Gaming device having selection picks and selection outcomes determined based on a wager A gaming device having a bonus game which is changed based on a wager in the base game. A wager in the base game determines if outcomes introducing other types of games into the bonus game are available to the player. In one embodiment, a plurality of masked player-selectable selections are presented to the player. A wager made by the player in the base game determines the number of picks of the selections provided to the player, and the wager determines the type of award or outcome associated with the selections. In one embodiment, a different type of game is introduced in the selection game such as a reel game. If the player wagers a predetermined amount, the gaming device provides an opportunity to spin the reels in the reel game. The symbols of the reel game, in one embodiment, represent portions of a product award which, if generated together along an active payline of the reels, is provided to the player. If less than all of the required combination of product award symbols occur on the reels, another type of award, such as a multiplier, is associated with the individual product award symbols on the payline and is applied to other awards provided to the player.
US07666085B2	Gaming device which displays multiple gaming results wherein subsequent results are formed from previous results A gaming device which displays multiple results wherein subsequently displayed results are formed from previously displayed results. A gaming device randomly generates and displays a first set of symbols. The gaming device also generates a second set of symbols. The second set of symbols are not initially displayed to a player. The gaming device compares the first and second set of symbols to determine whether any symbols in the first set of symbols match any symbols in the second set of symbols. The gaming device displays the matching symbols and then displays the second set of symbols.
US07666083B2	Gaming device having a free spin game including an accumulated modifier A gaming device including a plurality of reels, where in an unlimited free spin mode, the gaming device causes at least one of the reels to lock or remain stationary when a locking symbol appears on that reel. At least one of the symbols on the reels is associated with each of the unlocked reels. The gaming device enables a player to pick at least one of the symbols associated with the unlocked reels to determine a modifier. The gaming device activates at least one of the unlocked reels for a number of additional free spins. Each time the selected symbol occurs on at least one of the reels, the gaming device changes or increments the value of the modifier. When there are no additional free spins remaining, the gaming device modifies any awards obtained by the player in the additional free spins by the modifier to provide the player with a modified award.
US07666082B2	Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a slot machine game.
US07666081B2	Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards. In one embodiment, the number of secondary bonus awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. The selected gaming machine then determines a component of or the amount of the bonus award to be provided to the gaming machine selected by the central server.
US07666079B2	Video game processing apparatus, a method and a computer readable medium that stores a program for processing a video game Specification of an attack for a player character is received by means of an attack specifying operation of the player. A direct attack reaction is determined in the case where it is determined that the attack hits an enemy character A. The direct attack reaction indicates a reaction of the direct attack target character that suffers the direct attack. The enemy character A is then caused to execute the determined direct attack reaction. In the case where it is determined that an indirect attack to be caused by contact between the enemy characters A, B hits an enemy character B when the enemy character A executes the direct attack reaction, an indirect attack reaction indicating a reaction of the enemy character B that suffers the indirect attack is determined. The enemy character B is then caused to execute the determined indirect attack reaction.
US07666076B2	Coin feeding apparatus and method for biasing a release of coins A pressing member having a body member with a first downwardly inclined plate and a second downwardly inclined plate is configured for mounting on a coin feeding apparatus to control the translation of coins on a rotary selector disk as they are released. The coins experience a downward force from the inclined plates to push them against the surface of the rotary disk to ensure that the coins remain within the predetermined translation path for the coins. A blocking plate can be extended upward from the body member adjacent the upstream downwardly extending plate, to prevent a rising of the coins to ensure the coins passes under the canopy of the pressing member across the translation path.
US07666075B1	Rib meat product and process for preparing same A cooked and de-boned substantially intact slab of rib meat is provided. A process for preparing a de-boned rib meat product from a pork or beef rib cut is also provided. The process for preparing the rib meat product involves cooking a length of rib meat having rib bones embedded therein at a temperature and for a time sufficient to enable the removal of the rib bones from the length of rib meat, while maintaining a substantially intact length of rib meat.
US07666071B2	Apparatus for manufacturing chains of linked food products such as sausages with twisted portions and having a plurality of stuffing tubes and method of manufacturing the same An apparatus for manufacturing chains of linked food products such as sausages with twisted portions and having a plurality of stuffing tubes, includes a plurality of stuffing tubes 2 provided at equal intervals about a rotational axis Xo; a stuffing tube moving body 4 which rotates through predetermined angles about the rotational axis Xo so that the respective stuffing tubes 2 sequentially move to a filling position III; and a stuffed casing conveying means 50 which conveys in a suspended state a stuffed casing C formed by the stuffing tube 2 positioned at the filling position III.
US07666070B2	Tool holder for a disc-shaped working tool A tool holder or a disc-shaped working tool (18) has a working tool holding member (14) and a working tool holding counter-member (16) rotatable, together with the working tool holding member, (14) about an operational axis (A) and cooperating with the working tool holding member (14) for receiving therebetween the working tool (18) for joint rotation therewith; central securing element (26) for securing the working tool (18) between the working tool holding member (14) and the working tool holding counter-member (16); and at least one coupling element (44) associated with the working tool holding member (14), radially spaceable from the central securing element (26) and having a rotary stop for forming a releaseable plug-in connection with at least one through-bore (24) formed in the working tool (18).
US07666067B2	Method and device for sharpening a cutting tool A device for grinding a cutting tool uses a rotatable grindstone and a tool holder for mounting the cutting tool. The device guides the tool, mounted in the tool holder, along an intended plane, which is tangential to a peripheral surface of the rotatable grindstone, using a practically linear contact between the rotatable grindstone and the cutting tool. By moving the tool holder, with the mounted cutting tool, along the intended plane, this plane is transferred to an unbevelled side of the cutting tool.
US07666066B2	Feeding solid particles into a fluid stream A method and apparatus for injecting solid particles such as dry ice into an airstream using an airlock having a spherical valve member with spaced through ports and rotatable between an annular seal on one side of the spherical member for feeding the particles to the fluid stream chamber with an annular seal on the opposite side for sealing a particle feed chamber. The airlock device is useful for sealing fluid stream pressure of about 133 Kg/m2 and temperatures of about 350° R.
US07666057B2	Device for hygienizing, warming, and dehumidifying a beehive A device and associated process for hygienizing and warming beehives aiming at the improvement of the production of organic bee produce, the device being installed in a beebox including an entrance for bees and frames for accommodating bees and bee products, and between the frames, a spacing making available one empty frame for installing the device. The device comprises a ceramic block inserted in the one empty frame provided with at least one row containing from 8 to 32 channels being in the vertical position and where the lower end and the upper end of the channels are opened towards the inner portion of the beehive, the channels being: i) thermally insulated from the rest of the one frame with the aid of wings and ii) traversed by conducting filaments connected to an energy source by a flat wire, whereby the electrical current crossing the filaments makes it possible to attain temperatures inside the channeles between 300-350° C. with ensuing warming of the air circulating in the beehive by convection, the warmed air from the upper ends of the channels creating a negative pressure in the lower ends of same, whereby outer colder air is sucked towards the ceramic channels so as to sustain continuous circulation of air through the channels, with the consequent extermination of the microorganisms present in the air as the microorganisms pass through the warmed channels.
US07666055B2	Traveling device for moving toys Disclosed herein is a traveling device for moving toys. The traveling device includes a base plate formed in a plate shape; first and second magnets fixedly mounted on the base plate to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and configured to have opposite polarities on the upper surfaces thereof; a coil part mounted to be spaced apart from the first and second magnets, and formed of a wound coil, so that it generates magnetic force having a polarity that repels one of the first and second magnets when electricity is applied thereto; an arm rotatably mounted on the base plate by a hinge, and provided with the coil part at one end thereof and a braking arm at the other end thereof; a traveling arm rotatably mounted on the base plate by the hinge, provided with front wheels at both ends thereof, and configured to come into contact with the braking arm when the braking arm is rotated through a predetermined angle; a control unit configured to perform control such that current is supplied to the coil part in a predetermined pattern; and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the control unit.
US07666053B2	Package for magnetic toy vehicles A toy vehicle package includes a planar backing board upon which an elongated hollow closed-end tube is supported in a spaced arrangement on the board. A slider extends beneath the center tube and supports capsules on either side of the center tube. Magnetic toy vehicles are captivated in both capsules while a third magnetic toy vehicle is movable within the center tube between the closed ends.
US07666052B2	Variable-heat smoke unit for model vehicle A smoke generating unit for a model vehicle controls and varies the rate at which smoke is generated by controlling power to a heater. The model vehicle is electrically driven, and the smoke-generating unit is configured to emit smoke so as to mimic varying emission from a traditionally-fueled vehicle, such as a steam-driven or diesel-driven vehicle. Smoke is generated in proportion to power supplied to the heater. A controller controls the power as a function of various control inputs, such as vehicle engine load, vehicle speed, or user input. Temperature or power feedback may be used as input for a closed-loop control process. A blower for the fan may be controlled via an analog circuit in response to velocity or load input to simulate a steam or diesel locomotive.
US07666048B1	Method for securing a miniature bulb in a holder Miniature bulbs are secured in their holders against twisting by first forming holders with tapered cavities smaller at their bottoms than the bulb, then heating the holders to soften them prior to insertion of the bulb. When the bulb is fully seated and the holder has cooled and firmed up, the holder will conform to the exterior shape of the bulb including the irregularities in its surface caused by the bulb formation process. The snug fit of the holder to the irregularities in the bulb resist the twisting of the bulb.
US07666044B2	Method of supplying oil from a floating production structure to an offloading buoy via a thermally insulated flexible transfer duct Method of supplying oil from a first floating structure to an offloading structure, includes providing a flexible duct extending between the two structures at a water depth of between 50 m and 500 m, the duct including a flexible elastomeric material and having an internal diameter of at least 600 mm and a length of between 1500 and 3000 m, providing at least one pump at the first structure and pumping the oil through the duct at a pressure between 5 bar and at a flow rate between 1000 and 50,000 m3/hr, providing a single flexible duct, and providing a wall thickness of the duct such that at water temperatures between 2° C. and 20° C., the oil has at the first structure an inlet temperature Tin and at the second structure an outlet temperature T0 that Tin-T0 is smaller that or equal to 15° C., preferably smaller than 5° C.
US07666042B2	No drill multiport drive shower A cooling apparatus for a marine propulsion system outdrive unit that can be attached to an outdrive unit without the need to drill holes in any portion of the outdrive unit. The cooling apparatus has a distribution tube assembly with at least one pickup port and a water delivery feature such as dump ports, the pickup port being open to receive cooling water into the distribution tube assembly when mounted on a marine propulsion system outdrive unit and the water delivery feature positioned to face the drive unit for delivering cooling water from the distribution tube assembly to the outdrive unit. A no drill bracket attached to the distribution tube assembly attaches to the lift ram assembly shaft of the outdrive unit, and an upper mounting bracket that is attached to the distribution tube assembly attaches to the outdrive unit.
US07666041B2	Amphibious vehicle cooling systems Planing amphibious vehicle (101) comprises engine (105) with internal cooling ducts (106). The engine is cooled first by air-water exchanger (102), and secondly by water-water exchanger (108). One or both exchangers may be located in compartment (119), separated from engine compartment (117) fully by bulkhead (80) (FIG. 4), or partially by bulkheads (118, 120). External water for exchanger (108) is drawn in from outside hull (109) through jet intake (114), the through inlet (115) in jet drive duct (116); and exhausted through outlet (123). Compartment (119) may also contain exhaust silencer (121). Numerals (103 and 104) denote grilles; (107) denotes cooling fan(s). FIG. 2 shows an alternative arrangement, with external water drawn from beneath the hull by pump (32). FIG. 1 shows front mounted radiator (2), covered by external flap (4) allowing air cooling to be shut down on water. FIG. 3 shows a water-water exchanger combined with the marine jet drive.
US07666036B1	Stay lit socket structure for LED light bulbs A water proof socket for outdoor light bulbs such as LED light bulbs which comprises a bulb cover housing the light bulb, the bulb cover housing having a neck portion for receiving the light bulb, internally threaded cylindrical member around the neck portion, and an externally threaded cylindrical base at the other end engaged in the internally threaded cylindrical portion. The bulb holder is attached to a seat member with a projecting rectangular member which has two holes with electrical contact passing through each hole. The rectangular member fits snugly in a cavity in said threaded member in said base and external wires pass through the base and makes contact with the internal electrical contacts.
US07666035B2	Back-to-back PCB USB connector A double-sided USB connector may include a first PCB that may provide a first set of electrical contacts on its first side and solder pads on its second side. The first PCB may further include a components side, solder pads, and signal traces. The double-sided USB connector may also include a second PCB that may provide a second set of electrical contacts on its first side and terminals on its second side. Contacts selected from the second set of contacts may be connected to selected terminals, for example through via paths in the second PCB. Contacts from the first and second sets of contacts may selectively be connected to components on the first PCB using signal traces rather than wires. The first PCB may be joined to the second PCB by using the terminals, and the two PCBs may be packaged using a common molded body.
US07666030B2	Electrical connector with ESD protection An electrical connector has an insulative housing (10) and a number of electrical contacts (20). The insulative housing has a tongue (14, 15) defining a front face (145) and an upper side and a lower side perpendicular to the front face. The electrical contacts include a number of upper contacts (21) and lower contacts (22). The lower contacts are arranged on the lower side of the tongue and each including a contact section. The upper contacts each includes an extending section (212) arranged on the upper side of the tongue. A contact section (215) is bending from a side edge of the extending section of the upper contact and extending through a passageway (147) of the tongue for arranging on the lower side and avoiding the upper contacts shorting to a metal shell of a mating plug.
US07666028B2	Cab power connectors A wiring arrangement for interconnecting an alternating current power source to a receptacle within a motor vehicle includes a first wire harness having a current rating and a second wire harness having a similar current rating. A coupling mechanism electrically interconnects the first and second wire harnesses of similar current ratings. The coupling mechanism restricts interconnection of wire harnesses having dissimilar current ratings.
US07666023B2	Electrical connector with a latch coupled to a pull member An electrical connector (100) includes an elongated housing (1) having a base segment (1a) and a mating segment (1b); a latch mechanism (3) including a pull member (32) interlocking with a latch member (31), said pull member (32) assembled to a rear portion of the base segment and latch member (31) engaging with a front portion of the base segment, and said latch member further having at least a hook portion arranged on a front portion thereof and disposed above the mating segment. Movement of the pull member actuates the latch member bias upwardly to cause the hook portion apart from the mating segment.
US07666021B2	Socket connector assembly with a heat sink detachably attached thereon An electrical connector assembly includes a frame (7) defining a central opening (70) and with a front portion (75) and a rear portion (76), an insulative housing (10 securely disposed within the central opening, a cover (6) having hook portions (61) rotatablely assembled in the rear portion of the frame, a lever (3) with a pressing portion (32) pivotally retained to the front portion of the frame to lock the cover against the insulative housing, a heat sink (4) disposed onto the cover and at least one clip (5) for securing the heat sink to the cover. The frame defines locking portions (710, 720) at the front portion and the rear portion thereof, the at least one clip defines a pair of legs (50) and a connecting portion (52) connecting the legs. One leg locks with the locking portion of the front portion and the other leg locks with the locking portion of the rear portion of the frame.
US07666020B2	Land grid array socket with improved fastening structure A fastening structure comprises a stiffener including a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. A load plate is pivotally supported on a first end of the stiffener and has a pair of lateral walls. A lever is pivotally mounted on the lateral walls of the load plate and a locking portion to lock the load plate to the stiffener. An LGA socket using the fastening structure comprises an insulative housing having a plurality of contacts. A stiffener includes a first end and a second end and is positioned on a bottom surface of the insulative housing. A load plate is pivotally attached on the first end of the stiffener and has at least a lateral sidewall. A lever is pivotally mounted on the lateral sidewall, the lever and the load plate is being pivotal between an open position and a closed position together, the lever has a transverse locking portion to lock the load plate to the stiffener near the second end of the stiffener.
US07666019B2	System and method for retaining a card Systems and methods for retaining a card in an information handling system are disclosed. A retainer for use in an information handling system may include a body, at least one mounting feature coupled to the body, and a retention flange coupled to and protruding from the body. The at least one mounting feature may be configured to couple the retainer to a card. The retention flange may have a top edge configured to engage with a bottom edge of a retention ledge associated with a connector to secure the card to the connector. At a least a portion of the top edge of the retention flange of the retainer may be situated in a substantially non-parallel manner relative to the bottom edge of the retention ledge associated with the connector when the retention flange is engaged with the retention ledge.
US07666018B2	Electric card connector and manufacturing method thereof An electric card connector and a manufacturing method thereof are proposed. The electric card connector includes a base having a plurality of electrically conductive terminals, and a lid having a pair of arms formed at two sides thereof for holding an electric card. Pivot parts are provided at the two sides of the lid and hinge parts are formed on the base corresponding to the pivot parts so that when the lid lies on the base, the pivot parts are allowed to slide along the hinge parts without substantial spin. Tenons are formed at front ends of the arms and a latching portion is provided at a front end of the base corresponding to the tenons so that when the lid slides along the base to engage the tenons with the latching portion, the lid and base are mutually positioned and restricted from relative movement.
US07666016B2	IC socket To provide an IC socket which reduces the operating force of a pressing member, enlarges the dimensions of a pressing surface of the pressing member, and prevents positional offset of the IC device while applying the pressing force. Means for Solution: An IC socket 10 is provided with a housing 14 having a support 12, a plurality of contacts 16, a pressing member 18 for pressing an IC device supported at the support toward a group of contacts, and a biasing mechanism 22 for generating a pressing force for pressing the IC device at the pressing member. The pressing member has a pivot 42 guided linearly on the housing and a pressing surface swingable about the pivot on the housing, while the biasing mechanism 22 applies a biasing force to the pivot of the pressing member so as to cause the pressing force at the pressing surface. The pressing surface of the pressing member moves in parallel displacement between an operating position where it is closest to the support and a first nonoperating position where it is away from the support and swings between the first nonoperating position and a second nonoperating position further away from the support.
US07666015B2	Board-connecting connector A board-connecting connector including a pair of inner housings opposed to each other for receiving elastic contact terminals with respect to a circuit board, a guiding plate having a sloped guiding part for engaging inner housing-driven projections and guiding the inner housings close to each other, and an outer housing for receiving the inner housings and the guide plate, and holding the guide plate. When the circuit board is fully inserted into the pair of inner housings, the circuit board abuts on the inner housings, and pushes to move the inner housings along the guiding plate.
US07666014B2	High density connector assembly having two-leveled contact interface A connector assembly (100) includes a first connector (10) and a mating second connector (30). Each connector includes a number of leadframes (21, 41) stacked one by one. Each leadframe has a first leadframe housing (211, 411) and a second leadframe housing (214, 414) attached to the first leadframe housing. Each connector includes an array of first terminals (5) and an array of second terminals (6) respectively mounted along the second and the first leadframe housings, and a pair of latching members (25, 45) mounted at opposite sides of the leadframes together with the first and second terminals to tie the plurality of stacked leadframes as a whole.
US07666013B1	Adapter for motor lead extension to electric submersible pump An adapter for a motor head of an electric submersible pump enables a motor head having a pothole and cutaway to provide a direct-connect for a motor lead extension cable run downhole to the motor section of the pump. The adapter has a curved conduit independent of the motor head that positions adjacent the side of the motor head in the provided cutaway. The conduit's downhole end affixes (bolts) to the motor head with the end disposing in the pothole of the motor head. The conduit's uphole end affixes (bolts) adjacent the uphole end of the motor head. A termination block disposed in the conduit's uphole has sockets that are electrically connected to motor components via internal leads running through the conduit and the pothole. A mating termination on the end of a motor lead extension cable affixes (bolts) to the conduit's uphole end, and pin on the termination electrically couple to the sockets to convey power to the motor section.
US07666009B2	Shared hole orthogonal footprints Disclosed are an electrical connector and a method for providing transmit and receive electrical signal contacts to reduce or minimize total crosstalk. Such methods may be particularly suitable for connectors having larger near-end crosstalk aggressors than far-end crosstalk aggressors. The electrical signal contacts may be subdivided on a substrate, such as a midplane PCB, and through the opposing connectors, such that the transmitting contacts are all on one side of the connector and the receiving contacts are on the other side of the connector, with a buffer between them. The buffer may comprise a plurality of “dummy” or “buffer” contacts, which may be unassigned or devoid of electrical connectivity. This is one step beyond the primary assignment of contacts as single-ended or differential signal contacts. The contacts themselves may also receive a secondary assignment according to their desired transmitting, receiving, or buffering function.
US07666007B2	Electronic interconnecting system for computer A cable connector assembly adapted for interconnecting two computers includes a first cable connector assembly (100) and a second cable connector assembly. The first cable connector assembly (100) includes a universal serial bus (USB) migration control block (2) having a printed circuit board (21) with a USB migration control chipset (U2) mounted thereon, a first universal serial bus connector (1) soldered to a first end of the printed circuit board and a cable (5) with one end soldered to a second end of the printed circuit board. The second cable connector assembly includes a second universal serial bus connector electrically connecting with the other end of the cable.
US07666005B2	Housing for electrical components A connector assembly for a planar vertical printed circuit board includes a housing having a pair of parallel space planar vertical side walls defining an open-topped vertical chamber in which the printed circuit board is mounted. First electrical connectors mounted on the vertical end edges of the printed circuit board include body portions that extend outward beyond the vertical edges of the side walls, which extending body portions contain access openings affording communication with first connector contacts in electrical engagement with the printed circuit board. Protective side cover members are fastened to the housing side walls to partially enclose the extending connector body portions, which cover members contain openings opposite the connector body access openings. The cover members contain ventilation openings for cooling the printed circuit board, and the housing includes a mounting foot arrangement for mounting the printed circuit board assembly on a support rail.
US07666004B2	Devices, systems, and/or methods regarding a programmable logic controller Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a PLC housing comprising a plurality of board mounts. Each of the plurality of board mounts can be configured to physically position a board of a plurality of boards relative to at least one other system component. In certain exemplary embodiments, one or more of the plurality of board mounts might not be configured to electrically or communicatively couple the board to another system component.
US07666002B2	Electrical connector assembly with fastening device An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing (1) comprising a bottom wall (11) and a locking member (131) extending downwardly from the bottom wall (11), a plurality of contacts (4) received in the insulative housing (1) and a fastening device (3) locked with the insulative housing (1) for fastening the electronic package (2) on the insulative housing (1). Thus even if exert an upwardly force on the electronic package (2), the electronic package (2) can also securely located on the insulative housing (1).
US07665998B2	Radio frequency connector An RF connector includes an RF connector block including a body portion having a plurality of dividers projecting from a surface thereof with each of the dividers having a first surface configured to mate with an RF circuit board and having a second sloped surface. The RF connector block also includes a plurality of signal contacts disposed between each of the plurality of dividers with a first portion of each of the plurality of signal contacts disposed to mate with the RF circuit board and a second portion of each of the signal contacts disposed through an opposite side of the RF connector block. A plurality of RF connector receptacles are configured to mate with the second portion of a corresponding one of said plurality of signal connectors. Such an arrangement results in an RF connector having signal contacts highly isolated from each other.
US07665995B2	Medical training simulator including contact-less sensors A medical training simulator includes contact-less sensors and corresponding detection objects, configured to enable sensor data collected during a training exercise to be used to evaluate the performance of the training exercise. The simulator includes a simulated anatomical structure, at least one contact-less sensor, and at least one detection object. During a training exercise, a spatial relationship between the contact-less sensor and the detection object produces data for evaluating performance of the training exercise. Either the contact-less sensor or the detection object is embedded in the simulated physiological structure, while the other is included in either a support for the simulated physiological structure, or as part of a tool used during the training exercise. Many types of contact-less sensors can be employed, including capacitance sensors, impedance sensors, inductive sensors, and magnetic sensors.
US07665993B2	Systems and methods for conducting jury research and training for estimating punitive damages The present invention relates to systems and methods for determining accurate estimates of punitive damages in bifurcated cases. The method increases the accuracy of punitive damages predictions through the use of mock juries that have completed the liability phase of the mock trial and have found the defendant liable. Prior art methods of estimating punitive damages typically skip the liability phase of the trial and ask jurors to simply assume liability, an assumption that ignores the fact that the experience of going through the process of finding the defendant liable changes the nature and dynamic of the jury in a fundamental and unpredictable manner. The method provided takes the totality of that experience into account, including the perceptions, coalitions, and antagonisms that develop during liability deliberations. The method includes assembling a pool of jurors, presenting the liability case, and assessing the results to determine whether each of the jurors is plaintiff-oriented or defendant-oriented. Based on these data, a punitive damages research jury is assembled from the pool, and this research jury deliberates the liability case to a verdict. The damages case is then presented to a research jury which has found for the plaintiff, after which the research jury hears the punitive damages case and deliberates to reach a decision on the amount of punitive damages.
US07665989B2	Drill A drill is used on a jaw bone with overlying soft tissue and underlying, more solid bone. The drill comprises a first portion which is provided with one or more first cutting edges and with a first width or diameter. Arranged behind the first portion there is a second portion which is provided with one or more second cutting edges and with a second diameter exceeding the first width or diameter. The first portion can cooperate with soft tissues to form an initial hole, and the second portion can cooperate with the soft tissue and the more solid bone in order to enlarge said hole and create a countersunk hole in the more solid bone. The first portion is also depicted to cooperate with the more solid bone, during the second portion's formation of the countersunk hole, in order to provide a guidance hole or marker hole in the bottom of the countersink.
US07665987B2	Gas burner for oven Burner for gas oven comprising a device for retaining a flame of the burner, separating the flame from a mixing chamber capable of receiving a flow of primary air and gas to form a gaseous mixture. The flame retention device is provided with a mesh comprising metal threads, capable of allowing said gaseous mixture to pass through the mesh, said mesh comprising at least one main zone and a pilot zone which are adjacent. The pilot zone having, according to a main direction of the flame of the burner, a thickness greater than the thickness of the main zone, capable of slowing down the gaseous mixture passing through the pilot zone relative to the mixture passing through the main zone. The burner comprises at least one orifice capable of receiving a secondary air flow.
US07665984B2	Platen-linkage assembly of injection molding system Disclosed is a platen-linkage assembly, including: (i) a pair of supports being movably guidable along a respective one of a pair of linear-guide rails, (ii) mold-carrier sections being configured to support a mold stack; and (iii) a pair of primary links being rotatably coupled with and being positioned between a chosen one of: (i) the mold-carrier sections, and (ii) the pair of supports.
US07665981B2	System to transfer a template transfer body between a motion stage and a docking plate The present is directed towards an imprint lithography system including, inter alia, a docking plate; a motion stage having a range of motion associated therewith, the range of motion having a periphery spaced-apart from the docking plate a first distance; and a body, having first and second opposed sides spaced-apart a second distance, selectively coupled between the docking plate and the motion stage, the first distance being greater than the second distance to minimize a probability of a collision between the docking plate, the motion stage and the body while transferring the body between the docking plate and the motion stage.
US07665974B2	Diaphragm pump position control with offset valve axis A hydraulically driven pump includes a diaphragm, a piston, a transfer chamber, a fluid reservoir, and a valve spool. The transfer chamber is defined between the diaphragm and piston and is filled with a hydraulic fluid. The fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the transfer chamber via at least one valve. The valve spool is configured to control fluid flow between the transfer chamber and the fluid reservoir. The valve spool is movable to open and close an opening into the at least one valve only when an overfill condition or an underfill condition exists in the transfer chamber. The valve spool is moveable along an axis that is non-coaxial with an axis of movement of the diaphragm.
US07665972B2	Apparatus and method for controlling operation of reciprocating compressor An apparatus and a method for controlling an operation of a reciprocating compressor which can improve operational efficiency of the reciprocating compressor are provided. The apparatus for controlling the operation of the reciprocating compressor includes a resonance frequency operation unit for calculating a mechanical resonance frequency of the reciprocating compressor, an operating frequency reference value generation unit for comparing the calculated mechanical resonance frequency with a current operating frequency of the reciprocating compressor, and generating an operating frequency reference value according to the comparison result, and a controller for controlling a motor of the reciprocating compressor according to the generated operating frequency reference value.
US07665965B1	Turbine rotor disk with dirt particle separator A turbine rotor disk with a turbine blade, the rotor disk having a cooling air feed channel to force cooling air into an internal cooling air passage within the turbine blade, the feed channel including a swirl generator at the inlet end to promote a swirling motion within the cooling air, and the feed channel including a helical rib extending from the swirl generator to the outlet of the feed channel to maintain the swirling motion of the cooling air within the feed channel such that dirt particles in the cooling air are collected within the center of the swirling air flow. The feed channel directs the swirling cooling air into a first passage of the internal serpentine flow cooling circuit of the blade. A cooling air exit hole is located at the blade tip and is aligned with the cooling air flow in the first passage. The swirling air flow with the collected dirt particles ejects the dirt particles out through the exit hole while the clean cooling air continues through the serpentine flow circuit to provide cooling for the blade.
US07665962B1	Segmented ring for an industrial gas turbine A blade outer air seal in a gas turbine engine, the BOAS includes a plurality of ring segments secured to a blade ring carrier. An impingement ring forms a pressure vessel within the blade ring carrier and includes a first group of impingement holes positioned over the middle of the blade tip. The ring segments each include a plurality of stiffener ribs forming a plurality of leading edge pockets, trailing edge pocket and middle pockets each with pin fins to enhance the heat transfer effect. A metering plate is secured over the stiffener ribs to form closed pockets over the edge pockets while leaving the middle pockets open. A second group of impingement holes are formed in the metering plate over the edge pockets. Pressurized cooling air supplied to the pressure vessel first passes through the first group of impingement holes and is discharged directly over the middle pockets. The cooling air then flows through the second group of impingement holes and into the closed edge pockets, and then out discharge holes arranged along the leading and trailing edges of the ring segment. The individual pockets can have the impingement holes of varying sizes in order to regulate the amount of cooling air that flows into the specific pocket.
US07665957B2	Heat shield for sealing a flow channel of a turbine engine A heat shield arrangement for local separation of a flow channel within a turbine engine, with respect to a stator housing radially surrounding the flow channel is provided. The heat shield includes two axially opposite joining contours which are each engageable with two components which are axially adjacent along the flow channel. Each provides a complementary reception contour for the joining contours. At least one of the reception contours has an axial clearance, in which the associated joining contour is axially displaceably mounted. At least one seal is provided between the axially displaceable joining contour and the reception contour. The seal is mounted movably within the reception contour or the joining contour in such a way that the seal is deflectable against a surface region of the reception contour or of the joining contour.
US07665956B2	Wall cooling arrangement A wall cooling arrangement comprising on one side of a wall a multiplicity of cooling fluid inlet apertures and on the opposite of the wall a multiplicity of cooling fluid exit apertures, and in the body of the wall linking said inlet and exit apertures a network of multiply branched cooling passages. Flow of cooling fluid through a network is controlled by a throat positioned either at or close to the inlet to the passage network or at a location part way through the network, in which case there may be a plurality of inlet apertures feeding through a single throat to a plurality of outlet apertures.
US07665952B2	Hydraulic level-loading and dumping trailer A trailer, having the capability of lowering its deck to the ground surface for ease of loading and unloading from the ground; raising its deck to a loading dock height for ease of loading and unloading from a loading dock or other elevated surface; and tilting its deck for dumping is disclosed. The deck is maintained in a transport position for travel. All the changes in position may be effected by a single actuator. Rollers, affixed to a rail affixed to the deck roll inside C-channels affixed to the frame arranged at a diagonal to the vertical when raising or lowering.
US07665951B2	Multiple slot load lock chamber and method of operation Embodiments of the invention include a load lock chamber, a processing system having a load lock chamber and a method for transferring substrates between atmospheric and vacuum environments. In one embodiment, the method includes maintaining a processed substrate within a transfer cavity formed in a chamber body for two venting cycles. In another embodiment, the method includes transferring a substrate from a transfer cavity to a heating cavity formed in the chamber body, and heating the substrate in the heating cavity. In another embodiment, a load lock chamber includes a chamber body having substrate support disposed in a transfer cavity. The substrate support is movable between a first elevation and a second elevation. A plurality of grooves are formed in at least one of a ceiling or floor of the transfer cavity and configured to receive at least a portion of the substrate support when located in the second elevation.
US07665945B2	Container transfer system between ship and warehouse A system on land for transfer of containers between ship and land includes cranes for container loading or unloading and stations for transfer of containers operationally associated with the cranes. The transfer stations include an upper platform for reception and support of a container from and to a crane and a lower platform for loading or unloading of containers within and outside of the station. Between the upper platform and the lower platform there are centering and elevator devices which perform the transfer of a container between the two superimposed platforms without intervention of the crane.
US07665943B2	Punching and binding system and elements thereof An apparatus for punching and binding a stack of papers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a paper clamp and a binding element insertion device that are movable relative to each other. The binding element insertion device is configured to receive and detect binding elements of different sizes. The apparatus also includes a punching mechanism, a controller, and a user interface. The controller controls movement of the paper clamp and the binding element insertion device based on the size of the binding element needed to bind the stack of papers together. The user interface is configured to provide information to a user of the apparatus and to receive input from the user before, during, and after the punching and binding operation.
US07665942B2	Nail with multiple shank deformations A combination of deformations on a single nail shank provides a nail with optimal withdrawal performance and shear slip resistance. In particular, a nail has a head, a tip, and an elongate shank with a first deformation and a second deformation. The first deformation is positioned closer to the tip. When the nail fastens a first substrate to a second substrate, the first deformation is positioned completely in the second substrate to provide withdrawal resistance from the second substrate. The second deformation intersects the plane between the first and second substrates to provide resistance to shear slip. Moreover, the second deformation makes contact with the inner surface of the bore created by the first deformation.
US07665941B2	Method and structure for an anchor rod cap An anchor rod cap and method for protecting an anchor rod bolt/nut/lower flange assembly are provided. An anchor rod is provided having upper and lower tubular elements connected by a shoulder. The upper element is disposed about the anchor rod threads and has an interior surface defined on a radius smaller than an anchor rod thread outer radius. The lower tubular element has an interior radius larger than an anchor nut outer dimension and is configured to define an air gap between the lower tubular element inner surface and an anchor nut encompassed thereby. A lower tubular element bottom edge is configured to form a physical barrier interface with the anchor rod base flange. At least one of the upper tubular element interior surface and the lower tubular element bottom edge are configured to form a sealing interface with anchor rod thread outer surfaces or an upper flange surface.
US07665935B1	Carbide drill bit for composite materials A drill bit for producing holes in composite materials is disclosed. The drill bit includes an elongate drill bit body having a drill bit diameter. The drill bit also includes at least two helical flutes. The helical flutes have a reverse helix angle and a primary cutting edge. The primary cutting edge may have a positive rake angle. The drill bit further includes a point having a point length. The drill bit may also include a cutting tip with a tip angle and a tip length. The tip length is at least twice the drill bit diameter.
US07665933B2	Cutting insert A cutting insert having an insert body formed in a shaft-shape, wherein a cutting edge portion having a square rake face is formed on an end portion of the insert body, and wherein the rake face includes: a pair of side cutting edges extending in a longitudinal direction of the insert body; a front cutting edge extending in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction between each front end of the side cutting edges; a pair of protruded streaks extending toward each of corner portions at which each of the side cutting edges intersect the front cutting edge, and a projection which protrudes and is separated from the protruded streaks between front ends of the protruded streaks in the vicinity of the corner portion and the corner portion.
US07665931B2	Pier construction support system A pier support system provides an arrangement for constructing a pier either onsite or offsite. Support apparatus provides four sides arranged in a square which are supported vertically from a planar pier support base. The walls are inset from the edge of the pier support base to provide a margin around the sides of the base to permit constructing an outer wall using blocks and cement adjacent to each support side. Two methods of attaching a footing base to a site are shown. The pier support base is attached to the upper side of an installed footing base by a two axis and verticality adjusting apparatus. The outer wall is constructed after the bases are connected and then the pier verticality is adjusted and a cap installed to complete the pier.
US07665930B2	Hydraulically powered door and systems for operating same in low-temperature environments A hydraulic system has a hydraulic actuator for moving a door leaf of a door installation between open and closed positions thereof. A reservoir has a volume for containing a hydraulic fluid. A fluid circuit provides fluid communication between the hydraulic actuator and the reservoir. The system also has a pump for pumping hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into the fluid circuit to operate the actuator. A fluid circuit flushing system of the hydraulic system operates to flush a volume of hydraulic fluid from the fluid circuit back to the reservoir without moving any door leaves of the door installation. The hydraulic system may be part of a mine door installation installed in a mine passageway and having at least one door leaf. The hydraulic actuator is connected to the door leaf for driving movement of the door leaf between its open and closed positions.
US07665928B2	Quick release camming mechanism A quick release camming mechanism is used in a bicycle skewer that secures a hub to a fork. Whereas prior art quick release mechanisms have only a single lever, this mechanism has two independent levers. About half the force is required to independently push either lever closed as to push both levers closed simultaneously. Similarly, about half the force is required to open either lever individually as to open them simultaneously. A similar quick release camming mechanism also works well for a quick release seat post clamp with similar advantages. The present invention is not limited to use on bicycle components.
US07665926B2	Ring mechanism with spring biased travel bar A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages comprises a housing, hinge plates, and ring members. The housing supports the hinge plates for pivoting motion relative to the housing to open and close ring members mounted thereon. The mechanism comprises a thin, flat travel bar below the hinge plates arranged in a vertical orientation. The travel bar is supported by coil springs in a position where the travel bar is adjacent a bottom surface of the hinge plates. The travel bar moves relative to the hinge plates between a position blocking the hinge plates against pivoting when the ring members are closed and a position allowing the hinge plates to pivot when it is desired to open the ring members.
US07665925B2	Binder and binding device A number of ½ ring parts (13 and 14) are arranged at constant intervals on both sides of the spine portion (12) of binders, and the spine portion (12) and the ½ ring parts (13 and 14) on both upper and lower sides are coupled together via thin hinges. As the spine portion (12) is not in double-split hinge structure, which is different from the case of conventional binders, it is ensured that the spine portion is held until the termination of the binding operation when a binding apparatus is used for causing a holding mechanism to clutch the spine portion of the binders so as to set the binders to face the back of sheets of loose-leaf paper and also causing an engaging mechanism to close and engage the ½ ring parts.
US07665922B2	Writing instrument A writing instrument that includes a body extending along a central axis between a front end provided with a writing tip and a rear end, the body presenting a grip zone and comprising at least first and second elements that are assembled together, and a tubular grip sleeve covering the grip zone at least in part. The grip sleeve presents at least one projection extending towards the central axis, and the first and second body elements define a housing adapted to receive the projection of the sleeve, the projection being pinched in the housing by the first and second assembled-together elements.
US07665920B2	Card holder for a credential production device A credential production device is provided. The credential production device includes a card holder. The card holder includes a housing having a base and a card press. The card press is configured to apply a load to a top card of a stack of cards supported above the base. The load includes a perpendicular load component oriented perpendicularly to the base and having a magnitude that increases as a thickness of the stack of cards decreases.
US07665917B2	Heat treatment apparatus and methods for thermally processing a substrate using a pressurized gaseous environment Apparatus and methods for heating a substrate in a pressurized environment inside of a thermal processing system. The substrate is placed in a gaseous environment inside a processing chamber of the thermal processing system. The substrate is supported in the gaseous environment. The gas pressure inside the processing chamber is increased above atmospheric pressure, which increases the temperature of the gaseous environment. Heat is transferred from the pressurized gaseous environment to the substrate for thermally processing a layer on the substrate.
US07665915B2	Camera module, method of manufacturing the same, and printed circuit board for the camera module A camera module, including a printed circuit board, an image sensor chip, and a housing, is provided. A plating line can be formed in an inner layer of the printed circuit board. A method of manufacturing the camera module can include connecting the plating line of the inner layer of the printed circuit board to a pattern of an outer layer using a via hole, performing a plating process, and forming an image sensor, the housing, and a lens part on the printed circuit board.
US07665914B2	Iris diaphragm actuator, magnetic position sensing structure and arrangement method thereof An iris diaphragm actuator includes a magnetic position sensing structure, at least one driving element and a light intercepting element. The magnetic position sensing structure includes a magnetic element and a magnetic sensor relatively disposed. The driving element connects and drives the magnetic element or the magnetic sensor to perform a rotating motion with respect to a rotation center such that the distance and angle between the magnetic element and the magnetic sensor are changed so as to obtain a substantially linear relation between a magnetic flux sensed by the magnetic sensor and the position of the magnetic element. Also, an arrangement method of a magnetic position sensing structure is disclosed.
US07665912B2	Image-taking apparatus and control method thereof An image-taking apparatus is disclosed which comprises an image-pickup device, an image processing unit, a display unit, a focus detection unit which detects a focus state of the image-taking lens, and an optical path splitting unit which is switchable between a first state in which it is disposed in an optical path from the image-taking lens and a second state in which it is retracted from the optical path. The optical path splitting unit transmits part of the light from the image-taking lens toward the image-pickup device and reflects the remaining part of the light toward the focus detection unit in the first state. A control unit performs focus control based on the detection result of the focus detection unit. The control unit performs the focus control in the first state such that an image-forming position matches a light-receiving surface of the image-pickup device in the second state.
US07665911B2	Optical waveguide holding device and optical transceiver A disclosed optical waveguide holding device is attached onto a printed circuit board of an optical transceiver that performs conversion between an electric signal and an optical signal. The optical waveguide holding device holds an optical waveguide between an external optical fiber and a photoelectric conversion unit attached onto or formed on the printed circuit board. The optical waveguide holding device includes a first connection part configured to optically connect a first end of the optical waveguide to a light receiving/emitting part of the photoelectric conversion unit; a second connection part configured to optically connect a second end of the optical waveguide to the external optical fiber; an optical fiber forming the optical waveguide, disposed between the first end and the second end of the optical waveguide; a first holder configured to hold the optical fiber on a side of the first end; and a second holder configured to hold the optical fiber on a side of the second end.
US07665906B2	Electrical connector for a multi form-factor pluggable transceiver, and data communication system including the electrical connector An electrical connector includes an entry slot, first and second transmitter electrical pins, and first and second receiver electrical pins. The first and second transmitter electrical pins and the first and second receiver electrical pins are provided on the entry slot. The entry slot accepts a multi form-factor pluggable transceiver which has first and second optical transmitter channels and first and second optical receiver channels. The first transmitter electrical pins are electrically connected to first transmitter electrical pads of the first optical transmitter channel. The second transmitter electrical pins are electrically connected to second transmitter electrical pads of the second optical transmitter channel. The first receiver electrical pins are electrically connected to first receiver electrical pads of the first optical receiver channel. The second receiver electrical pins are electrically connected to second receiver electrical pads of the second optical receiver channel.
US07665904B2	Optical transceiver An optical transceiver includes a housing formed to be inserted into or extracted from a cage in a host device, a movable lock member for preventing the housing from being extracted from the cage, where the cage includes a lock hole for preventing the housing from being extracted from the cage when the movable lock member is placed into the lock hole, and an integration parts. The integration parts includes an actuator portion engaged with the movable lock member rotatably connected to a rotation shaft attached to the housing, arranged movably in a front/back direction thereof in the housing, arranged to place the movable lock member into the lock hole when moved backward, and arranged to release the movable lock member from the lock hole when moved forward, and a rotating lever portion connected to the actuator portion through a hinge portion, arranged rotatably from an upper front end of the housing to a forward position along with development of the hinge portion, and including a handle for moving the actuator portion to the forward position when rotated forward. The actuator portion and the rotating lever portion of the integration parts are integrally formed.
US07665898B2	Bearings, races and components thereof having diamond and other superhard surfaces Diamond bearings and bearing components are disclosed. Some embodiments of the bearings and bearing components include polycrystalline diamond compacts sintered under high pressure and high temperature to create a diamond table chemically and mechanically bonded to a substrate, the diamond table presenting a durable and thermally stable load bearing and articulation surface.
US07665897B2	Squeeze film damper using low pressure oil A squeeze film damper is provided that includes a fluid source, a shaft, a bearing assembly, a static bearing support, and a dam. The shaft includes openings formed therein and an annular channel in communication therewith that is configured to receive fluid from the fluid source. The bearing assembly is disposed concentric to the shaft and includes an inner race coupled to the shaft, an outer race disposed concentric to the inner race, and a rolling element disposed between the inner and outer races. Each of the inner and outer races includes openings configured to receive fluid from the shaft opening. The static bearing support housing is spaced apart from the outer race to define a clearance therebetween. The dam is disposed adjacent the bearing assembly and extends radially inwardly relative to the bearing support housing defining a shelf for receiving the fluid from the race openings and directing the fluid into the clearance.
US07665895B2	Bag having a deformable member attached thereto A bag formed of a sheet material adapted to be filled with contents and opened at the top for taking out the contents. The bag has fused joints along the lateral edges thereof. A plastically deformable wire-like member is attached inside the fused joints over a length from the output opening side portion to the body portion.
US07665893B2	Protective cover set for a medical probe A protective cover set for a medical probe designated to be inserted into an endocavity or used intraoperatively in an incision of a human or an animal body, said cover set comprising a probe cover made from a film material, said probe cover having a mouth end with a mouth for inserting said probe and a closed end opposite to said mouth end; and an outer wrapper being joined to said probe cover, said outer wrapper covering at least a length of said probe cover; the probe cover comprising an adhesive element connected to said mouth end of said probe cover.
US07665892B2	Infrared thermometer This invention discloses an infrared thermometer for ear or skin temperature. The infrared thermometer comprises a body, an infrared sensing element, and a heat dissipating means. The heat dissipation means is provided behind or below the infrared sensing element for urging the air flowing in and out of the body, so as to contribute better heat dissipation and air circulation around the infrared sensing element. Hence the accuracy and stability of the infrared thermometer are improved.
US07665891B1	Differential temperature sensor system and method A differential temperature sensor system and method of determining a temperature shift of an optical resonator and its surroundings are provided. The differential temperature sensor system includes a light generating device capable of generating a beam having a carrier frequency, a modulator capable of modulating the beam with a sideband frequency, and an optical resonator capable of supporting an ordinary mode and an extraordinary mode. The system includes an ordinary mode-lock setup capable of locking the carrier frequency of the beam to the ordinary mode of the optical resonator and an extraordinary mode-lock setup capable of locking the sideband frequency of the beam to the extraordinary mode of the optical resonator by providing a specific radio frequency to the modulator substantially corresponding to a frequency shift between the ordinary mode and the extraordinary mode of the optical resonator resulting from a temperature change of the optical resonator. A processor precisely calculates the differential temperature based upon the frequency shift between the ordinary mode and extraordinary mode of the optical resonator.
US07665888B2	Tabletop device with two-sided instructional display The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a tabletop device which provides multiple functions to a user of the device, and in particular, to a tabletop device which includes a first functional element which establishes a preferred orientation on the tabletop for a first user of the device, and which includes a second functional element which is independent of the first functional element, and provides for simultaneous display of correlated information to both the first user of the device and a second user of the device.
US07665883B2	Power board and plug-in lighting module The present invention provides a modular panel lighting apparatus comprising a multi layer power board and one or more lighting modules. The power board is a compound structure of one or more electrically conductive layers which are separated by one or more electrically insulating layers. The power board is configured to receive one or more lighting modules and can provide electrical, mechanical and thermal function adequate to meet a desired functionality of the lighting apparatus. A lighting module comprises one or more light-emitting elements operatively attached to a connector element that has one or more electrical contact portions. By inserting the connector element into the power board, the lighting module can be mounted anywhere on the face of the power board. When appropriately inserted into the power board, the one or more electrical contact portions of the connector element can establish selective electrical contact with the conductive layers of the power board and can secure the lighting module in place.
US07665882B1	Lamp bulb provided with a lamp burner switch A lamp bulb provided with a lamp burner switch according to this invention comprises a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs are provided on a substrate and further connected to a lamp burner. Each of the LEDs has a first pin and a second pin that is connected to the lamp burner. A switch device is provided passing through the crest of lamp burner at a side opposite to the LED, and one terminal of the switch device is connected to a lamp socket; the other terminal is properly kept at an interval from the first pin of LED, and the switch device is pushed contact the first pin. Further, the switch device is connected to a power unit that is next connected to the lamp burner. Thus, the electric power of power unit may be applied to continuously illuminate for a determined period of time of power outage.
US07665881B2	Night light and speaking obituary A device used in conjunction with a grave marker or headstone for illuminating a grave site during the night. An enclosure unit is directly affixed to the grave marker or provided in a stand alone unit associated with the grave marker. The enclosure also includes audio material, such as an obituary which can be played by depressing or engaging a switch associated with the enclosure. Both the illumination device as well as the audio material are powered by a rechargeable battery connected to a solar panel provided directly on the enclosure.
US07665877B2	Prism sheet, backlight unit using the same, and method for fabricating the prism sheet A prism sheet capable of enhancing light efficiency and viewing angle characteristics, a backlight unit using the prism sheet, and a method for fabricating the prism sheet are disclosed. The prism sheet includes a transparent substrate, a plurality of grooves formed in an upper surface of the transparent substrate to extend in a parallel direction with each other and to be uniformly spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance, a plurality of reflection patterns respectively formed in the grooves, and a plurality of lenticular lenses formed on the upper surface of the transparent substrate formed with the reflection patterns.
US07665869B2	Light for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle An interior lamp is provided for illuminating an interior of a vehicle having a glass surface, particularly a glass roof. At least one such interior lamp is integrated in the laminated glass of the glass surface.
US07665858B2	Optical manifold Optical systems are described that have at least one source of a beam of blue light with divergence under 15°. A phosphor emits yellow light when excited by the blue light. A collimator is disposed with the phosphor and forms a yellow beam with divergence under 15°. A dichroic filter is positioned to transmit the beam of blue light to the phosphor and to reflect the beam of yellow light to an exit aperture. In different embodiments, the beams of blue and yellow light are incident upon said filter with central angles of 15°, 22°, and 45°. The filter may reflect all of one polarization and part of the other polarization, and a polarization rotating retroreflector may then be provided to return the unreflected light to the filter.
US07665855B2	Rotating window A rotating window includes a circular base member, a transparent window, and a magneto-conductive element, which are assembled into an electric motor device. By this rotating window, area of transparent region of the transparent window is increased, an outer diameter of a central shaft hole is decreased, and a support bracket is designed as an I-shape or a half I-shape, thereby largely decreasing barriers to the transparent window, allowing a user to conveniently see through scenery or objects at one side of the transparent window without a dead angle. In case that the rotating window is hit by objects and rotates eccentrically, an air gap of the motor disappears, and an entire frame of the rotating window will be absorbed magnetically to the magneto-conductive element, thereby improving safety to people and objects.
US07665854B2	Projection-type display apparatus In a projection-type display apparatus that projects images onto a screen through a projection lens, even when images, such as setting images of the projection-type-apparatus main unit, that do not need to be displayed on the screen are projected to display, it is also necessary to turn on an expensive light-source lamp whose lifetime is relatively short, resulting in the lifetime of the light-source being shortened. In response to this problem, a lens cover 4 having a display function such as a liquid crystal is therefore used as the lens cover for protecting a projection lens 3, and images that do not need to be displayed onto the screen are displayed on the lens cover 4 having the display function; consequently, light emission from the light-source-lamp is made unnecessary at that time.
US07665849B2	Color separating unit and projection type video display apparatus provided with the same A projection type video display apparatus having improved color separating ability is provided. The projection type video display apparatus includes a color separating unit including an entrance plate provided with an aperture through which light beams emitted by a light source travel, an optical integrator, and a plurality of dichroic mirrors disposed with their color separating surfaces extended substantially parallel to the exit surface of the optical integrator and capable of transmitting color light beams of wavelengths in a predetermined wavelength range and of reflecting color light beams of wavelengths outside the predetermined wavelength range.
US07665838B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus is provided including: a recording medium setting portion on which a plural recording media are set in a stacked state; a feed roller that feeds a recording medium set on the recording medium setting portion in a feeding direction; a recording medium return lever that returns a recording medium next or subsequent to a recording medium continuously fed out from the recording medium setting portion along with the recording medium to be fed; a control unit that controls the recording medium return lever; and a recording unit that performs recording on the recording medium, wherein the control unit controls the recording medium return lever so that the position is switched from a first position, a second position and to a third position.
US07665837B2	Recording medium discharge apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same A recording medium discharge apparatus includes a discharge pusher for discharging a recording medium; and a discharge tray in which the recording medium discharged through the discharge pusher is stacked. The discharge pusher is configured to be capable of conducting electric current, thereby eliminating the static electricity from the recording medium discharged to the discharge tray. For the electric conduction of the discharge pusher, the discharge pusher includes a conductive material. Alternately, an elastic member is made of a conductive material in such a way that a part of the elastic member is extended to a surface of the discharge pusher which comes into contact with the recording medium.
US07665835B2	Phase change inks and methods for making same Disclosed is a phase change ink composition and a method for forming the ink composition. The phase change ink composition comprises (1) an ink carrier comprising (A) a first component which comprises a monoester wax or blend of monoesters having at least one alkyl group comprising at least 10 carbon atoms, and (B) a second component which comprises a polyalkylene wax, and (2) a urea gellant and (3) a colorant.
US07665831B2	Image forming apparatus and method of driving ink discharge The image forming apparatus in which a plurality of ink chambers filled with ink are aligned, said ink chambers being expanded or contracted and ink being discharged from nozzles of the ink chambers onto a recording medium, by applying a voltage to piezoelectric elements provided on the outer perimeter or the outer side of the ink chambers, wherein said piezoelectric elements are arranged in a substantially parallel plane to the nozzle surface; and shorting devices which short the electrodes of said piezoelectric elements are provided.
US07665824B2	Printing system condenser A printing system includes an ink dispenser configured to dispense ink upon a print medium, a condenser configured to condense vapor into a condensate and a receptacle configured to collect the condensate. The receptacle is perforated to permit a portion of the condensate to evaporate.
US07665823B2	Liquid discharging apparatus and control method therefor In a liquid discharging apparatus for discharging droplets from a liquid discharge nozzle to a discharge object to be discharged and in a method for controlling the liquid discharging apparatus, cleaning effects for the ink discharge nozzle and the adjacent areas can be enhanced, and the time required for a series of performance maintaining operations can be reduced. The apparatus includes a platen plate for supporting recording paper as the discharge object, defining a positional relationship between the discharge object and the liquid discharge head, and receiving the droplets discharged from the liquid discharge head. Ink droplets are preliminarily discharged from the ink discharge nozzle to the platen plate.
US07665815B2	Droplet ejection apparatus alignment In one aspect, the invention features assemblies for depositing droplets on a substrate during relative motion of the assembly and the substrate along a process direction. The assemblies include a first printhead module and a second printhead module contacting the first printhead module, each of the printhead modules including a surface that includes an array of nozzles through which the printhead modules can eject fluid droplets, wherein each nozzle in the first printhead module's nozzle array is offset with respect to a corresponding nozzle in the second printhead module's nozzle array in a direction orthogonal to the process direction.
US07665814B2	Cold goods container for a cooling apparatus A guide assembly for a refrigerated-goods container of a refrigeration device is provided. The guide assembly includes a pair of guide rails for a drawer and the guide rails are mountable on walls of a refrigerated-goods container. The guide rails are mountable on the walls by a compensatory element at an acute angle to the respective wall. The angle is defined such that the rails of the pair run parallel to one another.
US07665813B2	Protection mechanism for connectors A protection mechanism is provided for protecting connectors which are to be connected to electronic interfaces at a rear panel of a computer chassis. The protection mechanism includes a bracket secured to the rear panel, a first cover pivotally attached to the bracket for shielding the connectors, a second cover pivotally attached to the bracket, and a locking device. The first cover defines a plurality of slots for extension of cables of the connectors therethrough. The second cover is closed to abut against a side panel of the computer chassis to prevent the side panel from withdrawal. The locking device is so arranged between pivot ends of the first and second covers, that one of the first and second covers can be opened only when the other one is opened.
US07665810B2	Kitchen appliance having a floating glass panel A glass panel assembly for kitchen appliances includes a glass panel and a plurality of spacers. The spacers are mounted to an outer surface of the appliance and an inner surface of the glass panel. Preferably, the spacers are adhesively secured to the glass panel and are not visible when viewing the kitchen appliance from the front. Trim pieces fit between the glass panel and the appliance door to cover and further hide the spacers from view. The glass panel can be mounted to any outer surface of the appliance such as an appliance door, side walls or even a top wall. The particular construction of the spacers, in combination with the trim pieces creates an illusion that glass panel appears to float relative to the appliance.
US07665807B2	Bicycle wheel having spokes arranged in groups A spoked wheel for a bicycle is described, including a hub, a rim, and a plurality of spokes, which connect the hub to the rim. The spokes are arranged in groups set at an angular distance from one another. At least two spokes of each group, viewed in the direction of the axis of the wheel, cross over one another.
US07665805B2	Chair It is a subject to provide a chair capable of realizing a condition in which movements of a seating person are preferably followed and a condition in which a back of the seating person can be preferably supported. For this purpose, a chair C comprising a lower frame portion that is supported to be rockable between a standing position and a rearward tilting position of a back frame with respect to the base and an upper frame portion that is supported to be rockable between a normal position and a rear end position, wherein the chair is further comprised with a movement range setting mechanism with which a movement range through the rocking movement of the upper frame portion with respect to the lower frame portion is made changeable in accordance with the position of the lower frame portion with respect to the base during the rocking movement.
US07665804B1	Seat headrest cover for use as a display device A Federal Aviation Administration approved removable, reusable seat headrest apparatus for use as a display device on the seat headrest of a plane. The headrest apparatus includes a frame assembly and an advertising display. The frame assembly includes a first material portion, a second material portion and a median portion connected therebetween. The second material portion has a viewing window for accepting a viewing pocket or an interchangeable display. The interchangeable display includes a frame, molding and transparent insert. The viewing window receives and displays interchangeable advertising material therein, while allowing travelers to selectively review and retain the materials.
US07665803B2	Chair with air conditioning device A climate controlled seat assembly includes an outer frame and one or more layers of fabric. A panel member attached to the opposite side of the frame defines an inner space located between the panel member and the fabric. One or more channels attached to or formed, in part, by the panel member are in fluid communication with an opening in the panel member and a plurality of orifices located on the channels. Air from a fluid module or other device enters the channels and is discharged through the orifices in the direction of the fabric. The air passes through the fabric and reaches an occupant situated on the seating assembly.
US07665799B1	Truck bed extension and roll bar apparatus A vehicle tailgate system is provided, the system comprising: A primary arch, the primary arch being hingably coupled to a vehicle bed of said vehicle; An actuator whereby the primary arch is rotated between a fully deployed roll bar position, and a fully stowed position; A channel, configured to receive the primary arch disposed in the pickup vehicle bed, the channel running down a first side of the bed, between exterior and interior walls of the first side, along the bottom of the pick up vehicle bed beneath the floor of the vehicle bed, and up a second side of the bed between exterior and interior walls of the second side of the vehicle bed. The bumper can be lowered to allow the arch to pass. The bumper mechanism may also include accommodation for the tailgate. The moving bumper can also lower and lift a trailer hitch or work with the tailgate to create a lift gate.
US07665798B2	Means and methods to reduce drags A drag reduction mean which consists a duct and a support mean which duct can reflect passed through flows and which is mounted on one end of the support mean which another end can be mounted on an object which can move in a fluid; the length of the support mean being able to be altered by a mechanical mean; the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the entrance and the exit of the duct being able to be altered; the normal directions of the exit of the duct being able to be altered; the algorithms of using the drag reduction means being revealed.
US07665796B2	Functional device with pivotable element Proposed is a functional device which is arranged on the outer side of a vehicle body, comprising a base element (18) and at least one pivoting element (20A) which is pivotable with respect to the base element (18) between two end positions. According to the invention, a multi-linkage mechanism is articulatedly connected to the base element (18), which multi-linkage mechanism comprises at least two linkages (24, 26) which are articulatedly connected with their ends remote from the base element (18) to the pivoting element (20A) which is pivotable with respect to the base element (18), with one of the linkages (24, 26) being connected to a drive device and with a spring device acting on at least one of the linkages (24, 26), which spring device is preloaded into the end positions of the pivoting element (20A) and counteracts the mass force of the latter.
US07665791B2	Seat slide device for vehicle In a seat sliding device having a lock mechanism disposed within an inner space defined by an upper rail and a lower rail, to tilt a lock lever from the inner space toward the outside of the rails, a torsion bar 40 is used as urging means for urging the lock lever 31 in the lock mechanism 30. When an operation lever 50 is in its inoperative state, the lock lever is urged by torsional force of the torsion bar in its locking direction, claws 32 are fitted into engaging holes 11a and 21a, from the inside of the lower rail 10 and upper rail 20 toward the outside of the rails, to be placed in its locking position. When the operation lever is operated, the lock lever is tilted against the torsional force of the torsion bar, the fitted state with the claws being fitted into the engaging holes of both rails is released, to make the upper rail movable relative to the lower rail.
US07665789B2	Storage receptacle A seat for a vehicle includes a cushion, a base and a tab. The base supports the cushion and defines a chamber having an opening. The chamber is configured to provide a storage location for a manual and the opening is configured to accommodate passage of a manual to and from the chamber. The tab is provided adjacent to the opening and is moveable between a first position in which the tab blocks a manual from passing through the opening, and a second position in which the tab allows a manual to pass through the opening. A receptacle facilitates storage of a manual beneath the seat of a vehicle. A vehicle includes a seat, a chamber and a tab.
US07665786B2	Folding tongs A foldable tongs unit of the type having two pivotally joined legs has a storage position in which the legs lie in flush abutting relation so that the total thickness of the tongs unit in its storage position is the thickness of the two legs. Three transversely spaced fingers on each leg, when unstressed, reside in the plane of the leg and provide both the pivotal connection and the resilient bias against which the tongs are operated. The thickness of each of the joined non-flexing fingers is increased at the proximal end of the unit (i.e., at the hinge), permitting the pivot axis to be located substantially in the plane of abutment between the two legs in the storage position of the unit. In the actuation position, the ends of the foreshortened flexing fingers abut non-flexing fingers of the opposite leg to provide the desired resilient gripping function.
US07665782B2	Pick up device with locking mechanism and leverage action trigger This invention provides hand operated portable devices for grasping and manipulation of objects as well as methods of their use. Embodiments of the devices of the invention comprise two opposing angled jaw members that are operated by a user-controlled trigger through a linkage lever as well as comprise a locking mechanism allowing locking of the jaw members.
US07665780B2	Pet waste collection kit, device and method A pet waste collection device includes a container with first and second boxes joined with a hinge, and a handle that may be detachably attached to the collection container. The handle includes a finger portion that is slidable in an opening through a thumb portion of the handle. The handle is oriented such that the first and second boxes become extensions of the users thumb and fingers with action mimicking a grasping action while maintaining the users hand remote from any pet waste being collected. The handle may be reusable, and a plurality of collection containers may be included as part of a kit.
US07665779B2	Vehicle arresting apparatus A vehicle has a forward end fashioned with a vehicle arresting device. The vehicle arresting device includes an elongate flexible member carried by opposed first and second supports having first and second outer ends, respectively. The first and second supports are mounted to the vehicle together for movement between stored and deployed positions relative to the forward end of the vehicle. The first and second outer ends of the first and second supports are disposed forwardly of the forward end of the vehicle in spaced apart relation in the deployed position of the first and second supports suspending the elongate flexible member therebetween.
US07665778B2	Vehicle bumper and method of making same A vehicle bumper and a method for making a vehicle bumper formed of first and second members. Each of the first and second members are formed of substantially similar first and second U-shaped members positioned such that the respective sidewalls of the first and second U-shaped members are positioned adjacent one another. The bumper including a plurality of apertures therein formed by cutouts extending inward from the peripheral edge of each of the first and second U-shaped members.
US07665773B2	Self-tightening clamp assemblies for protection against full pipe separation Improved self-tightening clamp assemblies are designed for application to the adjacent ends of connected pipe sections in spanning relationship to the joint therebetween. The assemblies include a plurality of clamp bodies configured for placement about the adjacent pipe section ends and carrying a plurality of pipe-engaging teeth; a clamping mechanism is operably coupled with the clamp bodies to cause the teeth to grippingly engage the pipe section ends. The teeth are oriented so as to exert an increasing gripping force on the pipe sections ends in the event of relative separation movement between the ends.
US07665771B2	Flexible header joint A flexible header joint for a high performance automobile is provided, wherein the first end of the joint receives a header collector and the second end of the joint receives an exhaust pipe. A cylindrical clamp maintains the joint in position to the header collector, the clamp having three spring retainers circumferentially positioned around the clamp. When the automobile is in motion, the clamp allows for the header to twist and rotate relative to the exhaust pipe while still maintaining the seal and thus preventing leakage of exhaust.
US07665769B2	Pole grip comprising an adjustable hand strap A pole grip, especially for canes, trekking poles, downhill skiing poles, cross-county skiing poles, and Nordic walking poles. The pole grip includes a grip member and a hand-retaining device in the form of a hand strap or a glove. The hand-retaining device is equipped with a substantially band-shaped element which is provided with an end that is fixed inside the recess in the area of the top wall on the grip member. The pole grip includes a blocking element disposed which releases both the band section that penetrates into the grip member and the band section protruding from the grip member in the direction of the loose end while allowing the useful length to be adjusted when the hand-retaining device is oriented upward, the deflecting element blocks both the band section that penetrates into the grip member and the band section protruding from the grip member towards the loose end when the hand-retaining device is oriented downward, thus making it possible to provide a very reliable and simply designed adjustable hand-retaining device on a pole grip.
US07665768B2	Multipurpose and evolutive road trailer The invention concerns a road trailer whose frame consists of profiles having a fin to support the floor and grooves on their upper and lower faces able to retain in rotation bolt heads and the lower edges of sidewalls (10). The side members and cross bars are joined by corner pieces which have a vertical orifice to receive the lower end of a post (9) comprising orthogonal grooves housing the side edges of the sidewalls (10). The corner pieces (30) have two perpendicular arms respectively fitted into the adjacent ends of profiles forming the frame. Mounting of the elements requires little tooling.
US07665765B2	Air-bag and method of folding the same An air bag 12 is spread flatly. Along four lines “R” that extend radially outward, the air bag 12 is sandwiched and held by line part forming units. By using a first press pieces 44, a portion between the neighboring lines “R” is pressed toward the gas inlet opening to form a first gathering portion, and form a ear portion 52 along each line “R”. Then, each ear portion 52 is pressed by a second press piece 45 to form a second gathering portion 54 that is like a bellows. When a gas is introduced into the gas inlet opening 26, the second gathering portion 54 is quickly expanded and increase of internal pressure of the air bag can be controlled. In the folding process, there is no need of turning the air bag 12 and thus a production device can be made simple in construction.
US07665764B2	Gas generator for air bag The gas generator includes, a housing having a gas discharge port, a first combustion chamber defined by the housing, a first gas generating agent adapted to generate gas to inflate an air bag, the first gas generating agent having a first combustion temperature and disposed in the first combustion chamber, a second gas generating agent adapted to generate gas to inflate the air bag, the second gas generating agent having a second combustion temperature lower than the first combustion temperature and disposed in the first combustion chamber, and a first ignition unit for directly igniting at least one of the first gas generating agent and the second gas generating agent.
US07665761B1	Inflatable personal restraint systems and associated methods of use and manufacture Inflatable restraint systems for restraining an occupant in a vehicle are disclosed herein. A personal restraint system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes an airbag carried by a web. The web has an end portion operably coupled to the vehicle and is configured to extend around a portion of the occupant. The airbag includes a first inflatable chamber in fluid communication with a second inflatable chamber. The first inflatable chamber extends adjacent to a portion of the web when inflated, and the second inflatable chamber extends outwardly from the first inflatable chamber adjacent to a portion of the occupant when inflated.
US07665759B2	Cover plate for an airbag module A cover plate for an airbag module, such as a driver side airbag module. The cover plate includes a cover part and at least one wall which extends in a generally perpendicular manner in relation to the cover part. In order to prevent indentation areas from forming on the visible surface of the cover part on the transition points towards the walls and to provide the simple deformation of the airbag cover from the production tool, the wall extends, when seen in the cross-section thereof, at distances which are short in relation to the length of the wall, alternating in different directions.
US07665758B2	Airbag cover, instrument panel, and airbag apparatus An airbag cover includes an airbag cover main body extending along a surface that faces a front passenger in a vehicle for covering a passenger airbag, a tear line provided at the airbag cover main body for splitting the airbag cover, and a deployment door provided at the airbag cover main body and defined by the tear line. The deployment door is split and deployed along the tear line by pressure of a deployment and inflation load of the passenger airbag. A low-rigidity region and a high-rigidity region are provided at the deployment door to provide different flexural rigidities.
US07665751B2	Transverse or oblique link A transverse or oblique link is provided for a front vehicle axle. The link contains a first and a second link arm, the first link arm has a deformation section situated at a front in the direction of travel and a section situated behind it in the direction of travel. Furthermore, the first link arm is configured in such a manner that, in an accident, it is deformed in an energy-absorbing manner predominantly in its deformation section. In order to force a deformation in the deformation section, the flexural rigidity of the section about a bending axis running in the transverse direction of the vehicle is increased in comparison to the flexural rigidity of the deformation section. Upon contact with a curb, the two sections can be deformed in an energy-absorbing manner.
US07665744B1	Reverse drive for a motorcycle A reverse drive for a motorcycle. In one embodiment, the drive includes a flexible frame. A plurality of rollers are mounted to the flexible frame and configured to be positioned substantially horizontally. A motorcycle-interface is attached to the frame.
US07665743B2	Adjustable strut spacer An adjustable strut spacer includes two complementary strut spacer disks that engage each other and the vehicle suspension to provide adjustable spacing. Each strut spacer disk is flat on one side and stepped on the other side. The steps of the upper strut spacer engage the steps of the lower strut spacer such that when the strut spacer disks are counter rotated the thickness of the adjustable strut spacer changes.
US07665742B2	Vehicle hydraulic system A hydraulic system incorporated into a vehicle is provided. The system includes a plurality of actuators for providing a desired configuration of a vehicle. A valve system is operatively coupled to the plurality of actuators for controlling a flow of pressurized fluid to the plurality of actuators to energize the actuators to produce, responsive to the desired configuration of the vehicle, a first configuration of a plurality of first configurations of the vehicle corresponding to the desired configuration of the vehicle, or a second configuration of a plurality of second configurations of the vehicle corresponding to the desired configuration of the vehicle.
US07665737B1	21 to the river A method of playing a Blackjack game provides a side-bet against a bust. Should a bust occur the bust card is combined with four subsequently dealt playing cards to define a five-card poker hand. This resulting poker hand is compared to a predetermined hierarchy of poker hands, and payouts are awarded for winning outcomes.
US07665735B2	Closable-type game board box for strategic word pattern engagement My child educational board game, “Word Battle”, requires players to approach word learning, sequencing, and construction from a naval/military strategist point of view in that instead of targeting objectives in a mere hit-or-miss situation, where the goal in and of itself is to reach and eliminate occupied coordinates, he/she must locate and actually identify the quality of opponents' pieces (these being letters) before the other competitors capture or eliminate out of play all his/her own word patterns.
US07665729B2	Sheeting processing apparatus In a sheet processing apparatus that performs processing for sheets after image formation such as sorting or stapling of the sheets, when the sheets are subjected to processing in a processing tray, after the sheets are discharged to the waiting tray, a paddle operation is started to drop the sheets to the processing tray. When the paddle is in a position where the paddle does not come into contact with the sheets on the processing tray, the rotation of the paddle is stopped once to prevent the paddle from interfering with the sheets.
US07665728B2	Inverting document feeding device with flap portion A document feeding device includes a document placing tray, a document ejection tray disposed above the document placing tray, a feeding path, a first reversal path, a second reversal path, and a reversing mechanism. The document ejection tray has a flap portion capable of rocking up and down to provide a first ejection mode and a second ejection mode. The reversing mechanism is configured to temporarily eject part of a document to a space portion between the document placing tray and the document ejection tray.
US07665727B2	Enclosed carton magazine assembly A system, method, and process of for packaging liquid product into cartons using an automated packaging system and more specifically methods of enclosing the packaging system and routing conditioned air over the cartons is presented. More specifically, a carton magazine assembly for collecting plastic coated paper carton blanks prior to sanitization, assembly, filling, and sealing includes a magazine cover that can be opened to insert additional carton blanks into the packaging system as necessary. The magazine cover has an integrated air manifold that directs pressurized conditioned air over the carton blanks towards suction ports. The suction ports collect the air with potential contaminants and the filters the air prior to ejecting it away from the vicinity of the packaging system.
US07665721B2	Device for forming stacks of flat products A device for forming stacks of flat products comprises a first transportation section for transporting a stream of individual flat products of a first type, a second transportation section for forming an overlapping stream from the flat products of the first type, and a stacking unit for forming individual stacks from the overlapping stream. The device further comprises a feed unit for flat products of a second type, whereby the feed unit introduces the flat products of the second type inline into the stream of individual flat products of the first type.
US07665720B2	Paper sheet processing apparatus A paper sheet processing apparatus includes a plurality of bundling devices, and a plurality of chute devices which temporarily hold bundles, which are bundled by the bundling devices. A second transfer conveyor, which is slower than a first transfer conveyor, is disposed on a downstream side of the first conveyor. A transmission sensor, which detects abnormality in length of the bundle, is provide along the second conveyor. The distance from a release position of the bundle from the chute device, which is located on a most downstream side, to a terminal end of the first conveyor and the length of the second conveyor are set such that a time until the bundle, which is released from the most downstream chute device, is transferred onto the second conveyor is longer than at least a time until the bundle, which is transferred from the first conveyor, passes through the second conveyor.
US07665719B2	Food preparation board The present invention provides a food preparation board with multiple and distinct measurement zones. The food preparation board comprises a work surface that is provided for preparation of a food item thereon, and is sized to receive at least a portion of the food item. A rest surface is located opposite the work surface. A first measurement zone is defined by a first portion of the work surface. The first measurement zone is comprised of a first plurality of measurement indicia corresponding to a first measurement scale. A second measurement zone is defined by a distinct second portion of the work surface, the second measurement zone is comprised of a second plurality of measurement indicia corresponding to a second measurement scale. The second measurement scale is different than the first measurement scale.
US07665715B2	Microvalve An improved microvalve is described. The microvalve is formed such that the walls of the microvalve are formed from a gel material. Typically, the microvalve includes open flow paths, often holes, through a gel layer. An electric field is applied in regions where fluid flow is undesirable. The electric field compresses the gel closing the flow path thereby preventing further fluid flow.
US07665709B2	Trolley and rail systems for extension and retraction arrangements A trolley and rail system for use in relation to an extension and retraction arrangement with a trolley structure retained for axial extension and retraction along a body portion of a rail arrangement comprising first and second rails disposed in substantially parallel spaced orientation. The trolley structure can have a central portion and first and second wing portions with load bearing wheels for rolling along rigid bearing surfaces of the first and second rails. The bearing surfaces and the wheels can have correspondingly contoured profiles. The trolley structure can have a ventrally disposed alcove. Constant force springs can assist in a travel of the trolley structure in relation to the rail arrangement. The trolley structure or a support arm coupled thereto can have threaded mounting holes for retaining a flat panel monitor.
US07665707B2	Hanger with photo display The hanger with photo display is a support hook(s) incorporating a display adjunct. The hook is fabricated from a flat sheet of material. The material is capable of a high degree of flexing without breaking. Double-sided tape is employed to mount the sheet on a flat, vertical surface such as a wall or door. The sheet is sized to neatly present a display item. The display item may take the form of a photograph, an advertisement, a message, or the like. The display item can be easily changed without causing the double-sided mounting tape to release. The hook is designed to support a load of pre-determined maximum weight. If the pre-determined weight is exceeded, the hook will bend (without breaking) to release the load.
US07665702B2	Medical support A support, which may be a ceiling support, is designed to receive an operation microscope, and particularly may support a medical operation microscope. This support has a support column, movable around a rotation axis, with a first carrier arm and a second carrier arm which, with respect to the first carrier arm, can be moved around a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis. A cable connection is provided for producing a restoring force for the second carrier arm, and couples the second carrier arm to a counterweight for producing a restoring force around the second pivot axis. The counterweight is arranged in the region of the support column, to minimize inertial action accompanying a movement of the support around the rotation axis. A freewheel rotary joint is provided in the cable connection to suppress a feedback to the counterweight of a movement of the second carrier arm around the first pivot axis.
US07665700B2	Wall mounting bracket with slidable wing A wall mounting bracket installed includes a body and a slidable wing that slides along the body and mates with the discrete attachment positions along the body. In preferred embodiments the body can have a substantially rectangular perimeter and a substantially rectangular opening or a substantially ovoid perimeter and a substantially ovoid opening. It is also contemplated that the body can a perimeter that is of a different shape than the opening or multiple of openings within one perimeter. The opening area preferably have an area of at least 20 in2 and the body has a perimeter-opening distance of less than 1 inch and at least one entry position with markings. Furthermore, the mating portion-opening distance of bracket is less than 0.9 in. Preferred embodiment includes a commercial product comprising the bracket with a body, the slidable wing in which the wing can be pre-attached to the body or not.
US07665699B2	Electronic device mounting bracket for a horizontal support A mounting apparatus includes a horizontally supportable beam and one or more mounting brackets for coupling an electronic device thereto. The beam is supportable from any number of support surfaces. The mounting brackets are provided with a projection to prevent twisting of the bracket during installation on the beam. One or more circular ribs within the bracket accommodate the use of curved beams. The mounting brackets enable positioning of the electronic device longitudinally along the beam at predetermined positions.
US07665698B2	Articulated support assembly An articulating support assembly includes a first segment and a second segment. The first and second segments are disposed adjacent to one another. A first mating surface is defined on the first segment and a second mating surface is defined on the second segment. A tensioning assembly is operatively connected to the first and second segments such that the tensioning may be selectively operable to bias the first mating surface and the second mating surface into contact with one another thereby holding the first segment in a predetermined static orientation with respect to the second segment.
US07665696B2	Stand for display device having a locking member to fix a connecting member to a base A stand for a display device includes a connecting member having a side connected to the display device, an insertion portion extending downward from the connecting member, a hook step formed on the insertion portion, a supporting member provided with a space in which the insertion portion is inserted, a base for fixing the supporting member, and a locking unit that is selectively aligned with the hook step to place the connecting member in a fixing or separable state in a state where the connecting member is disposed in the space.
US07665692B2	Baggage bin door and baggage bin A baggage bin for an aircraft includes a compartment with a lower face substantially plane and a first flap that, in a closing position, is inclined toward the inside of the baggage bin in relation to a plane perpendicular to the lower face of the baggage bin. The first flap is mounted pivoting around a first axis. The bin includes a second flap arranged outside the first flap in relation to the baggage bin and articulated with the first flap. The second flap extends, in the closing position of the baggage bin, from a lower edge of the baggage bin to a ceiling edge.
US07665690B2	Structural mechanism for unlocking and engaging a controllable surface on a hinged platform (Wing) A structural mechanism for an aircraft includes a support, a hinged surface, and a hinge assembly joining the hinged surface to the support. An actuation system includes an actuator shaft engaged to the hinges and lying coincident with a hinged-surface hinge axis and extending through the aligned center passageways of the hinges of the hinge assembly. A lock is selectively operable to lock the hinged surface to the support when the actuator shaft engages the lock. An actuator structure is controllably operable to move the actuator shaft longitudinally along the hinge-surface hinge axis between a first shaft axial position wherein the actuator shaft engages the lock and the hinges, and a second shaft axial position wherein the actuator shaft does not engage the lock but does engage the hinges, and is controllably operable to rotate the actuator shaft about the hinged-surface hinge axis.
US07665687B2	Clip storage drum provided with a transponder A drum for storing and dispensing a coiled material wound on the drum, in particular a line of clips, the drum comprising a drum body which has a hub and side walls respectively disposed at the axial end faces of the hub, the side walls extending beyond the outer circumferential surface of the hub in the radial direction, wherein the storage space defined by the inner facing surfaces of the side walls and the hub and extending circumferentially around the hub is used to accommodate the coiled material. The drum body has at least one dielectric region for accommodating at least one transponder on an area of the hub facing away from the storage space for the coiled material.
US07665684B2	Retracting tether for cell phones, pagers and PDA's A retractable tether is disclosed which may be used in conjunction with personal communication devices (such as a Cell Phone, Pager or PDA) mounting system for the prevention of loss or damage. The retracting tether may be clipped to a belt, pants or purse next to the location in which the device is being held or stored. The retractable tether allows the device to be easily used while connected to the retracting tether. Should the device be dropped or dislodged from it's clip mount, holster or storage pocket, the retracting tether prevents the device from hitting the ground thereby preventing loss or damage to the device. A separation mechanism is also incorporated to allow the device to be easily removed from the retractable tether.
US07665683B2	Fishing line guiding mechanism of spinning reel A bail arm is provided in a spinning reel for guiding a fishing line to a spool and is mounted to a rotor that includes a first rotor arm and a second rotor arm opposed to the first rotor arm. The bail arm includes a first bail support member 40, a fixing shaft 43, a line roller 41, a fixing shaft cover 44, a fixing bolt 46, and an anti-rotation member 47. The first support member 40 is pivotally mounted to the first rotor arm. The fixing shaft 43 is fixed to the first support member 40. The fixing bolt 46 includes a non-circular head portion 46a and fixes the fixings shaft 43 to the first support member 40. The anti-rotation member 47 is detachably mounted to the first support member 40 and makes contact with the outer peripheral surface of the non-circular head portion 46a for preventing rotation of the fixing bolt 46.
US07665677B2	Granular material grinder and method of use A granular material grinder and method of use includes a hammer mill for reducing incoming granular material into particulate material, a microgrinder for reducing the particulate matter into microground powder by particulate matter to particulate matter collisions, and a product collector to collect the microground powder portion. The granular material grinder having the feature of being operated in a closed system to facilitate efficient recovery of grain into microground powder and operable in a cooled inert gas to prevent any compound degradation due to temperature or oxygen.
US07665676B2	Showerhead system with integrated handle A showerhead system for communicating a fluid supply, the system including a fixed fluid dispensing unit supported at a location, the fixed dispensing unit including a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A removable fluid dispensing unit is releasably secured to a receptacle established within the fixed dispensing, the removable unit further including at least one additional nozzle. The fluid supply is adapted to be in selective communication with either or both the fixed and removable fluid dispensing units, such as through the provision of a fluid diverter element located at an inlet of the fixed unit and from which extends a conduit in separate communication with the removable unit.
US07665673B2	Method and apparatus for spraying portions of an air-improving substance A method of spraying an air-improving substance in a room is provided. In particular, persons moving in the room are detected, and a spraying operation is performed while taking into account the detected movement.
US07665672B2	Antistatic paint cup A flexible, disposable liner for use in a fluid supply assembly. The disposable liner is made of an antistatic material. In use, the chargeable particles in a coating mixture do not stick to the disposable liner so that uniformity of the coating mixture is maintained while it is dispensed. A method of maintaining the uniformity of a coating mixture during dispensing is also described.
US07665670B2	Method and apparatus for an integrated distributed MEMS based control system An integrated distributed control system incorporates a plurality of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) modules formed into a functional network which is in turn integrated into a management network. The functional network is configured to sense a condition such as an operating characteristic of a machine or the temperature within an area and to provide control functions to effect changes in the condition.
US07665668B2	Cut here to destroy indicator A data card may comprise a chip and a card body having a first face and a second face. The chip may be mounted in the card body between the first face and the second face at least one of the first face and the second face has a cut indicator.
US07665667B2	System and method for updating access control mechanisms Updating the access control of a smart card at multiple points of the smart card life cycle. The system and method for updating the access control mechanisms during the smart card life cycle includes implementing an interface having a method for providing access control and a method for registering an access manager as an active access manager. In response to a request to register an access manager, the system and method executes the method for determining whether registering the access manager may be allowed.
US07665664B2	Inductive coupling reader comprising means for extracting a power supply voltage The present invention relates to a method for supplying a power supply voltage (Vccr) to a contactless integrated circuit reader (RD1) that is in a passive operating mode, in the presence of an external alternating magnetic field (FLD2), the reader comprising an antenna circuit (ACT) substantially tuned to a working frequency (F0). According to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of taking off in the antenna circuit (ACT) an alternating voltage (Vcd) induced in the antenna circuit by the external magnetic field (FLD2), and rectifying the induced voltage to supply an auxiliary supply voltage (Vccr).
US07665660B2	Real-time awards determinations The present invention provides systems and methods for facilitating transactions with real-time awards determinations for a cardholder. Each transaction includes transaction information, where the transaction information includes: cardholder information, merchant information, and a transaction amount. An engine determines if an award should be granted based on award criteria, such that the engine compares the transaction information with each award criterion in order to determine if the award should be granted in real-time with the transaction by the cardholder.
US07665657B2	Bank transaction method linking accounts via common accounts The present invention discloses a bank transaction method linking accounts via common accounts, wherein the existing accounts of the account holder and/or newly opened plural accounts link arbitrarily as defined by the account holder for convenient transactions between account holder's primary account and other's secondary accounts without using account numbers of the concerned accounts. To fulfill, the purpose, the present invention enables the account holder to make transactions on a primary account as well on linked secondary accounts in real time; and the said primary and secondary accounts are also offered for independent transaction as ordinary bank accounts. In addition, the classification and management of the said primary and secondary accounts are attainable through the individual account number with specified account code given by the bank to achieve transactions between the said primary and secondary accounts while implementing the conventional banking system. Furthermore, transaction to the external transaction network including payment gateway can be processed without changing the existing data format, both of account holders' and bank's convenience is maximized.
US07665655B2	Apparatus and method for presenting both faces of a document for processing An apparatus for presenting each of a first face and a second face of a document to a processing element to facilitate processing of the document thereby. The apparatus includes a first transport subassembly for moving the document along a first document path to present the first face of the document to the processing element. The apparatus also includes a gate adapted to permit movement of the document from the first document path to the second document path. In addition, the apparatus has a second transport subassembly for moving the document in the second document path in a reverse direction until the document engages a downstream side of the gate. The gate directs the document, upon engagement thereof with the downstream side, into the first document path with the second face of the document positioned for presentation to the processing element.
US07665649B2	Device for assembling groups of eyebrow beautifying needles and method therefor Provided are device for assembling groups of eyebrow beautifying needles and method therefor. The assembling device comprises a base, a sliding block including two resilient members biased between the base and the sliding block, a central fastener for fastening the sliding block on or above the base, a holding assembly comprising a plurality of clamping posts vertically disposed on the base, and a plurality of holes with the sliding blocks passed through. Groups of eyebrow beautifying needles are adapted to insert into holding heads of the clamping posts with needle tips being flush in the holding heads of the clamping posts, and the needles in each group are fastened together by soldering. Moreover, sleeves of different colors or marks may be put on the needle groups for facilitating identifying the number of needles in each group.
US07665646B2	Interlocking buttress material retention system A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post.
US07665645B2	Stapler An anvil for a stapler comprises plural anvil plates supported by the frame of the stapler. At least one of the anvil plates includes a first surface comprising a portion of the anvil surface and a second surface including a relieved portion in which the stapler's clincher is slidable.
US07665644B2	Stapler A stapler has a body including two holes formed on two sidewalls thereof and a first link defined on one sidewall thereof. A magazine is assembly installed in the bottom of the body. A handle assembly includes a handle lever formed on an end thereof and a handle stop defined on another end thereof. A second link and a through hole are between the handle lever and the handle stop. A connector is disposed in the second link and pivotally couples to the two holes, and a first roller is inserted through the through hole and moves rotatably in the first link of the body. A power spring is disposed in the body, and a plunger includes a first hole and a second hole. When the handle lever is pressed downwardly and the handle stop lifts the plunger upwardly, the first roller is driven to move rotatably in the first link of the body to detach the handle stop from the plunger gradually.
US07665641B2	Device support A support system for devices having a back plate, and a support arm connected to the back plate, the support arm having a plate section with a device connection, the support arm configured to be jointed from the back plate, the back plate and the support arm in conjunction configured to hold a device in any one of a plurality of positions, wherein the support system is configured to be worn by an individual.
US07665640B2	Synthetic resin clip and hanger comprising synthetic resin clip A very safe synthetic resin clip is composed of a pair of synthetic resin clip members, and a hanger includes two synthetic resin clips. Each synthetic resin clip member has at least one bracket bearing portion projecting inwardly from an interior portion on a rear face thereof which is provided with a bearing space therein. A pivot shaft is interposed into the bearing spaces of the clip members in use. If a synthetic resin spring has broken and the respective clip members are subjected to a reaction to the spring breakage, the pair of clip members is held by the pivot shaft, secured in position, without flying apart in pieces.
US07665638B2	Packaged liquid laundry compositions A laundry product is provided including a liquid concentrated detergent or fabric softening composition held in a dispensing bottle of a type not featuring a through-apertured gripping handle. The bottle includes a body having an open end terminating in a circular neck, first and second plane traversing a length of the bottle body with each bisecting the neck, the first and second planes being orthogonally oriented to one another, the first plane dividing front and rear major faces of the body into asymmetric first and second areas. A shrink sleeve is fitted over the body from a base of the neck down toward the closed end. A removable cap is fittable over the neck.
US07665637B2	Self-venting sports type closure A closure (5) suitable for mounting onto a container (80). A closure comprises a main closure (10) having a top portion (11) that has an aperture (32) therethrough and a skirt (12) depending downwardly from the top portion (11) that is attachable to the container. A sealing rib (16) extends inwardly from the inner surface of the main closure (10) and is adapted to form a seal with the end portion of the container (80). A spout (33) extends upwardly from the top portion (11) and defines a bore that is in fluid communication with the aperture (32) in the top portion (11). A plug (36) having radially outer surface is mounted to the spout (33). The closure further comprises a top cap (50) that is mountable to the spout and is relatively movable between a first position where the plug (36) seals an opening in the top cap (5) and at least a second position where the plug (36) is withdrawn from the opening. On relative movement of the top cap (50) from the first position towards the second position, a sealing member (59) of the top cap (50) rides up over one or more protuberances (40) extending outwardly from the spout so as to at least partially release the seal made by the sealing member (59) with the spout (33).
US07665635B2	Assembly for packaging and dispensing liquid, a refillable unit and method of dispensing liquid An assembly for packaging and dispensing liquid may include a receptacle for containing a supply of liquid and a refillable unit arranged to be placed in a separable manner on the receptacle. The refillable unit may include a body and a piston that is movable relative to the body and that co-operates therewith to define a storage chamber of variable volume for containing the liquid. The storage chamber may be put into fluid communication with the receptacle to be filled therefrom when the refillable unit is placed on the receptacle. The refillable unit may also include a pump arranged to take liquid from the receptacle when the refillable unit is placed thereon, and to take liquid from the storage chamber when the refillable unit is separate from the receptacle. The pump may include a pump chamber that is distinct from the storage chamber.
US07665634B2	Sink organizer A combination dispenser and implement holder is disclosed. The combination comprises a plurality of containers, each for retaining a liquid. Each container includes a bottom wall, at least one side wall, and a top wall. The top wall of each container preferably includes a dispensing nozzle. Each container is fluidly isolated from each other container by at least one of the side walls so that mixing of the liquids does not occur. A towel rack projects from at least one side wall of at least one container, and preferably a sponge holder projects from the same wall below the towel rack. Drain holes are included in a bottom wall of the sponge holder. In one embodiment of the invention having three containers, the width of the third container is preferably larger than the width of the sponge holder and the towel rack. As such, when viewing the combination from the front, neither the towel rack or the sponge holder are visible.
US07665633B2	Apparatus and method of dispensing small quantities of particles An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprises a hopper (20) provided with a sieve (21) at a bottom portion thereof, the hoper defining a powder-containing zone (42) above the sieve which in use contains powder to be dispensed therefrom trough the sieve (21), a support for the hopper, the support holding a portion of the hopper so that the hopper can in use be held above a container into which the dispensed powder is to be received, at least one actuator for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed through the sieve when the hopper receives the impact energy, and a deagglomeration device (58) disposed in the powder-containing zone (42).
US07665629B2	Resealable perforated label for consumer products A dispenser for consumer product packaging is disclosed, the dispenser including a removable region of the packaging creating a product opening upon removal, a reinforcement surface overlaying the removable region, a disposable adhesive label for initially opening the package by removal of the removable region of the packaging and reinforcement surface, and a durable enclosure, the durable enclosure bonded to the product packaging and resealable to allow access and preservation of a consumer product such as interleaved tissues in the packaging after initial opening.
US07665625B1	Container and closure A molded container and closure latch mechanism include a top portion and bottom portion which are connected by a hinge which biases the top away from the bottom unless the latch mechanism is engaged. The latch mechanism is pivotally connected to the top. It engages a molded contoured segment on the bottom to secure the container in a closed position. Anomalies on the top surface of the latch mechanism provide a convenience to the user in locating pressure points for opening and closing the container. A separator can be used internal to the container to create two separate compartments. In one adaptation the interior surface can include raised protrusions which permit contents such as a soap bar to be raised off from the surface. Other modifications too the interior can be effected to accommodate a wide variety of products. The containers can be provided in a grouping with relative dimensions suitable to store a wide variety of personal effects.
US07665624B2	Gasket and tank opening-closing device The gasket is interposed between the seal face and the seal retaining portion of the fuel cap. The gasket has a first lip for pressing against the seal face, a second lip for pressing against the seal retaining portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first lip with the second lip; and is formed with a C-shaped cross section. An assist rib projects from the inside face of the second lip. The assist rib is formed so as to press the distal edge of the first lip towards the seal face.
US07665622B2	Railroad car coupler centering device A railroad car coupler centering device including in one embodiment a spreader beam mountable to the striker at one end of a railroad car, a right side centering spring rotatably connected to the spreader beam by a hinge, and a left side centering spring rotatably connected to the spreader beam by a hinge. The first or right side centering spring is moveable to and between a coupler engaged position and a coupler disengaged position. In the coupler engaged position, the right side centering spring is positioned to engage the right side of the coupler and to bias the coupler to a central position. In the coupler disengaged position, the right side centering spring allows the coupler to move from the center position to the right. Similarly, the left side centering spring is moveable to and between a coupler engaged position and a coupler disengaged position. In the coupler engaged position, the left side centering spring is positioned to engage the left side of the coupler and to bias the coupler to the central position. In the coupler disengaged position, the left side centering spring allows the coupler to move from the center position to the left.
US07665621B2	Self movable crane system with a boom A self movable boom system is provided. The self movable boom system include: a boom disposed on a plane perpendicular to a building clamp structure; and a moving unit apparatus including a circumferential moving unit which is disposed between the boom and the building clamp structure to move the boom on a plane perpendicular to the building clamp structure, a lifting-up unit of which one end is disposed toward the circumferential moving unit and of which other end is disposed toward the building clamp structure to move the boom along a longitudinal direction of the building clamp structure, and a boom moving unit which moves an object along the longitudinal direction of the building clamp structure and along a longitudinal direction of the boom.
US07665617B2	Merchandising display assembly A merchandising display assembly. The assembly includes a mounting portion adjustably coupled to a support surface associated with a first product, and a suspending portion for suspending a second product. The suspending portion coupled to the mounting portion, and the mounting and suspending portions are adapted for at least reducing interference with the visibility of the first product.
US07665609B2	Air-tightness strengthening air enclosure An air-tightness strengthening air enclosure comprises two outer films folded together vertically and two inner films disposed between the two outer films, the two inner films are adhered to each other by means of hot sealing and an air filling passageway is formed on one end of the two outer films, the inner film and the single outer film are adhered to each other by means of hot sealing to form buffer rooms at one side of the air filling passageway and next, the two outer films are adhered to each other by means of hot sealing to form air chambers at one end of the air filling passageway, and the air chambers are communicated with the air filling passageway. Whereby, the air filling speed can be faster, and the air in the buffer room presses the two inner films to shield the air filling passageway to prevent the air from being leaked out after the air in the air chamber flows into the buffer room.
US07665603B2	Storage container with locking device for recorded media A locking device and method for a storage container provide benefit denial. The locking device includes a base part and a cover part configured to lock to the base part. The cover part is configured to prevent a disk from being removed from a disk-retaining hub when the cover part is locked to the base part, and the base part is configured for easy and secure connection to the storage container. The base part includes a stop for engaging the exterior of the case when inserted into a receptacle in the bottom wall of the container, which precludes the base part from being pulled through the bottom wall of the storage container When the cover part is locked to the base part, the base part cannot be separated from the storage container without causing damage to the media disk.
US07665600B1	Dental floss envelope package with cutter element A dental floss package for containing and dispensing a length of floss therefrom, the package including a dispensing envelope formed of thin paper-type material that includes two flat side walls folded over one another in overlapping relation to lie closely adjacent one another, a flap portion joined to one of the side walls and folded over the other side wall, and a cutter element is mounted on the dispensing package. A multi-use supply of dental floss is contained within the dispensing envelope, and has one exposed end thereof passing out through an exit opening in the dispensing envelope. An outer sleeve may be provided over the dispensing envelope, and the floss may be contained in a plastic pouch.
US07665597B2	Non-contact article rotating apparatus An non-contact article rotating device is disclosed that rotates articles without impacting or contacting the article other than the bottom of the article. The device is designed to accept a stream of articles with minimum gaps between them, and rotate only those that are programmed to be rotated. The device accepts any combination of rotated and non-rotated articles and can rotate them through angles up to and through 360 degrees. One embodiment of the disclosed device uses only one single-speed drive motor and pneumatic components to operate two conveyor roller sections. While one conveyor roller section maintains a constant speed, the conveyor rollers of the second conveyor roller section are sequentially braked and unbraked to rotate an article that is positioned partially on the first conveyor roller section and partially on the second conveyor roller section. The difference in speeds between the two conveyor sections rotates the article.
US07665596B2	Apparatus for the outflow of pressed items from a rotary press Apparatus for the outflow of pressed items from a rotary press, with a first channel section connecting directly to the rotary press, to which at least two channel sections are connected, to which a deflector is attached, which is swivel mounted at an axis almost vertical to the longitudinal extension of the first and/or second channel section and optionally connects the first channel section with one of the other channel sections and a pivot drive for the deflector below or above the channel sections, characterized in that a bearing pin for the deflector is connected in a torque-proof manner with a channel section and the swivel drive is coupled with the deflector via a magnetic coupling eccentric to the bearing pin.
US07665594B2	Passenger conveyor Provided is a passenger conveyor including a plurality of steps (2) having step rollers (6 and 7), a step chain (8) circulatingly moving in conjunction with each of the plurality of steps (2), guide rails (13a, 13b, 14a and 14b) provided in an intermediate portion of a truss and guiding the step rollers (6 and 7) of each step (2), and an intermediate driving device (12) provided in the intermediate portion of the truss and configured to transmit a driving force to the step chain (8). A step-attitude changing zone (Z) for changing the attitude of each step (2) on a return path side is provided on the traveling path of the steps (2) on the return path side.
US07665591B2	Twin-clutch device To reduce the axial size of a twin-clutch device including first and second clutch actuating mechanisms arranged in parallel along the axes of first and second driven shafts that are coaxial. A first clutch disconnection/connection control mechanism is provided for switching disconnection/connection of the first clutch actuating mechanism. A second clutch disconnection/connection control mechanism is provided for switching disconnection/connection of the second clutch actuating mechanism. A second clutch disconnection/connection control mechanism is arranged between first and second clutch inners so that at least a part of the second clutch disconnection/connection control mechanism is accommodated in at least one of first and second cylinder portions.
US07665584B2	Disc rotor retaining assembly An apparatus for coupling a bicycle disc brake rotor to a bicycle wheel hub is disclosed. The apparatus includes an adapter and a rotor retaining member. The adapter is adapted to be nonrotatably coupled to the bicycle wheel hub and to be nonrotatably coupled to the disc brake rotor. The adapter includes a plurality of axially extending protruding portions adapted to extend through the disc brake rotor to nonrotatably couple the disc brake rotor to the adapter. At least one of the protruding portions has a groove defined therein. A portion of the rotor retaining member is received in the groove in the protruding portion.
US07665577B2	System for lubricating and monitoring a lubricatable element A system for lubricating at least one lubricatable element, the system having an injection head for a lubricant that is adapted to be brought into contact with the at least one lubricatable element and a mechanism for evaluating the state of the element.
US07665570B2	Saddle riding vehicle A weight balance of a vehicle body is provided in an all terrain vehicle wherein an engine is supported by a vehicle body frame and an electric power steering device having an actuator unit is provided on a steering shaft. An electric motor is provided in the actuator unit, and heavy objects including a battery and a muffler are disposed on an opposite side to the electric motor in a vehicle width direction with respect to a vehicle body centerline extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and on an opposite side to the electric motor in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle with respect to the engine. To shorten and reduce weight the steering shaft is supported on a vehicle body frame through a radial bearing and ball bearings. Of the plurality of bearings, at least one of the bearings is made self-aligning.
US07665569B2	Power steering system A power steering system includes a hydraulic power cylinder having a first and a second hydraulic chambers, for assisting a steering force of a steering mechanism, a first and a second oil passages respectively connected to the first and second hydraulic chambers, a reversible pump discharging operating oil and providing oil pressure to the hydraulic power cylinder through the first and second oil passages, and a motor connected to the reversible pump and rotating the reversible pump in normal and reverse directions. A steering load detection unit detects a steering load of a steering wheel for steering of the steered road wheels, and a motor control unit outputs a control signal to the motor to bring an actual oil pressure generated by the reversible pump closer to a desired oil pressure determined based on the detected steering load. A discharge amount per rotation of the reversible pump is smaller than or equal to 5 cc.
US07665565B2	Support structure for control pedal of vehicle Disclosed is a support structure for a vehicle control pedal, which comprises a pedal bracket (3) supporting the control pedal (4) through a first support shaft (S1) inserted through a support hole (303), a swingable lever (7) adapted to, during a vehicle collision, come into interference with a vehicle body member (6) so as to be swingingly moved about a second support shaft (S2) while pushing the first support shaft (S1) downwardly to allow the first support shaft (S1) to drop out of the support hole (303), and a drop-out restriction member (8) engaged by a pin member (20) and coupled to the swingable lever (7) in a relatively unswingable manner, so as to restrict the drop-out of the first support shaft (S1). The support structure is designed such that, according to the swing movement of the swingable lever (7) during the vehicle collision, the restriction on drop-out of the first support shaft (S1) by the drop-out restriction member (8) is removed to allow the first support shaft (S1) to drop out of the support hole (303). The support structure of the present invention can prevent impact energy during a vehicle collision from being input to a leg of a driver through the control pedal while reliably restricting accidental drop-out of the control pedal in a normal condition.
US07665564B2	Power train for a utility vehicle A power train for a vehicle includes a gearbox with an input shaft and an output shaft and is configured such that the input shaft drives the output shaft at a single speed ratio in a first direction and a single speed ratio in a second direction. The output shaft is coupleable with the front and rear vehicle axles to separately drive each axle. Further, a continuously variable transmission is connected with an engine shaft and with the gearbox input shaft such that the engine shaft drives the input shaft within a range of speed ratios from less than 1 to greater than 3. Front and rear differentials are coupled with each axle and with the output shaft and drive the axles at different speed ratios such that a base surface drives the front axle independently of the front differential when at least one rear wheel rolls upon the surface.
US07665562B2	Drive shaft case for motorcycle and motorcycle A tubular case into which a drive shaft configured to transmit a driving force from a transmission T of an engine to a rear wheel of a motorcycle is accommodated, the case including a case body which has an opening portion extending in an axial direction of the drive shaft and is configured to accommodate the drive shaft therein through the opening portion, and a cover removably attached to the case body so as to close the opening portion.
US07665556B2	Heavy vehicle A heavy vehicle of a mass greater than 500 metric tons, such as a transport vehicle or a “civil engineering” vehicle, fitted with tires of radial structure of a diameter greater than three meters fifty having an axial width greater than 37 inches, and comprising a front axle provided with at least two tires and a rear axle comprising at least four tires and by which is transmitted at least part of the motive power. At least two tires on the front axle transmit part of the motive power at least when the vehicle is following a trajectory which is not rectilinear and, at least when the vehicle is following a trajectory which is not rectilinear, the tires of an axle transmitting at least part of the motive power have different speeds of rotation.
US07665555B2	Coast control system for an industrial vehicle An apparatus, system and method to control the operability of a motorized vehicle such as an industrial pallet truck. The apparatus includes a coast control system, a steer arm, and an actuation cylinder attached to the steer arm that maintains the steer arm in an operator selectable position where the coast control system is activated.
US07665554B1	Recharging system for electrically powered vehicle, and vehicle incorporating same An electrically powered motor vehicle includes a system for recharging the on-board batteries, which system includes an air-flow conduit with an entrance at the front of the vehicle, a plurality of electric turbines mounted in tandem within a first portion of the conduit, and an additional electric turbine mounted within a second portion of the conduit, which exits at the underside of the vehicle. The tandem-mounted turbines are disposed for effective rotation, in reaction to air flow, on a generally horizontal axis, and the additional electric turbine is mounted for rotation in reaction to air flow on a second axis, generally transverse to the first axis and disposed proximate the exit end of the conduit.
US07665552B2	Superhard insert with an interface In one aspect of the invention, a superhard insert has a carbide substrate bonded to ceramic layer at an interface. The substrate has a generally frusto-conical end at the interface with a tapered portion leading to a flat portion. The central section of the ceramic layer may have a first thickness immediately over the flat portion of the substrate. The peripheral section of the ceramic layer has a second thickness being less than the first thickness covering the tapered portion of the substrate. The ceramic layer may be formed using HPHT technology.
US07665550B2	Underreamer and method of use The present invention discloses a collapsible drilling assembly having field-replaceable cutter or stabilizer blades (214) and method of using and installing new stabilizer blades while at a job location. The drilling assembly is deployed upon a distal end of a drillstring, expanded to a gauge size, and used as an underreamer or alternatively a stabilizer. The drilling assembly operates between retracted and extended positions through the increase in pressure of drilling fluid flowing therethrough.
US07665547B2	Drill bit reservoir with controllable relief pressure A rotary rock bit includes a lubricant reservoir with a pressure compensation assembly disposed therein. The pressure compensation assembly is adapted to permit selective adjustment of the relief pressure set by the assembly through the selective adjustment of one member in the assembly with respect to another member in the assembly.
US07665540B2	Multistage solenoid fastening device A method of driving a fastener into a workpiece with a tool generally includes retracting a trigger into a housing of the tool to execute a driver sequence and establishing a magnetic field in a multistage solenoid. The magnetic field is established in at least one of a first stage and a second stage. The method includes drawing an armature member to an extended condition from a retracted condition with the magnetic field and determining a position of the armature member relative to at least one of the first stage and the second stage. The method also includes directing power between the first stage and the second stage during the driver sequence based on the position of the armature member.
US07665539B2	Agricultural tillage device An agricultural implement for clearing and tilling soil to be planted includes a residue-clearing sub-assembly including a first rotatable coulter wheel and at least one toothed wheel mounted for rotation about an axis located rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the first coulter wheel of forward portion of the toothed wheel overlaps a rear portion of the first coulter wheel. A tillage sub-assembly includes second and third coulter wheels that are offset from each other both laterally and fore and aft, and are mounted for rotation about axes of rotation that are located rearwardly of the axes of rotation of the toothed wheels. A depth control device is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation located rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the rearmost of the second and third coulter wheels. A common frame carries the residue-clearing sub-assembly, the tillage sub-assembly, and the depth control device so that all of the axes of rotation are fixed relative to each other. An adjustable linkage is attached to the frame for allowing flotation of the unit on a contour.
US07665537B2	System and method to seal using a swellable material The invention is a sealing system, such as a packer, that is used in a wellbore to seal against an exterior surface, such as a casing or open wellbore. The sealing system includes a swellable material that swells from an unexpanded state to an expanded state thereby creating a seal when the swellable material comes into contact with a triggering fluid.
US07665536B2	System and method for preventing cross-flow between formations of a well In general, a system and valve is provided to prevent the cross flow between formations during the shut-in period of a well intersecting at least two formations, with flow from at least one of the formations being controlled by a multi-position valve. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cross-flow prevention valve that automatically closes and then opens during each cycle of the multi-position valve. In another embodiment, the cross-flow prevention valve is activated by the same control line used to activate the multi-position valve.
US07665533B2	Electronic threading control apparatus and method A system to control a threading operation includes a first tubular and a second tubular, wherein the first tubular and the second tubular include corresponding thread profiles. The system further includes a drive assembly configured to rotate the second tubular with respect to the first tubular, wherein vertical and rotation movements of the drive assembly are controllable through a drive assembly controller, and wherein the drive assembly controller is configured to operate in a threading mode when the second tubular is threaded with the first tubular.
US07665532B2	Pipeline A mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by radially expanding a first tubular liner off of a mandrel into contact with a second tubular liner. The first and second tubular liners are positioned within the wellbore in an overlapping relationship. The overlapping portions of the tubular liners include thin wall portions with compressible annular members that are expanded into contact with each other.
US07665531B2	Apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive A method and apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive which, in one aspect, the apparatus includes a body connectable to said top drive. The body includes at least one gripping element radially displaceable by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to drivingly engage a tubular to permit a screw connection between said tubular and a further tubular to be tightened to the required torque.
US07665530B2	Tubular grippers and top drive systems A tubular gripping system and a top drive drilling system with such a tubular gripping system, in at least some aspects, the gripping system beneath the top drive unit and, in at least some aspects, the gripping system having a body with four spaced-apart grippers movably connected thereto and piston/cylinder devices movably interconnected with each gripper for moving the grippers to clamp the tubular.
US07665529B2	Lubricator valve with rotational flip-flap arm An improved lubricator valve arrangement for use within a wellbore to allow the passage of tools, such as perforating guns and the like, into the wellbore while it is live. The inclusion of two, independently controllable flapper-type safety valves within the lubricator valve will permit coordinated testing of fluid pressure both above and below the lubricator valve. The upper flapper valve includes a rotational flip-flap arm arrangement to positively open and close the upper flapper valve. The lower flapper valve is equipped with an integrated poppet-style pressure equalizing valve to allow the lower flapper valve to be opened more easily. The direction of opening of the flapper valves precludes or reduces the risk debris-related problems that might prevent or hinder opening of the flapper valves.
US07665528B2	Frangible flapper valve with hydraulic impact sleeve and method of breaking A frangible flapper valve that may be closed to hydraulically isolate a portion of a wellbore tubular. The flapper valve is made of a frangible material adapted to shatter upon impact from an impact sleeve. The sleeve may be used to initially hold open the flapper valve. A latching mechanism may be used to retain the sleeve above its initial position allowing the flapper to close isolating a portion of the tubular. The latching mechanism may engage a piston to retain the sleeve at the second position. A shearable device adapted to shear under a predetermined pressure selectively connects the piston to the tubular. When the pressure within the tubular increases above the predetermined amount the shearable device releases the piston and pushes the sleeve into the closed flapper valve causing the flapper valve to shatter. A second latching mechanism may prevent further movement of the sleeve.
US07665527B2	Providing a rechargeable hydraulic accumulator in a wellbore A rechargeable hydraulic accumulator is provided in a wellbore, and a component is actuated by discharging the hydraulic accumulator. The hydraulic accumulator is recharged by increasing pressure in a fluid conduit.
US07665521B2	Safety cement plug launch system A system and method for using a pneumatic line to automate the launch a cement plug from a cement head. The pneumatic line is in communication with the valves and retaining devices normally found on a typical cement head. The system ensures that the proper sequence of opening and closing valves in combination with the removal of the retaining device is used to safely launch a cement plug from the cement head. The pressure in the single pneumatic line may be varied to launch multiple cement plugs from a cement head. The system may be used to remotely launch a cement plug from a cement head. A wireless remote may be used to regulate the pressure in the pneumatic line to launch cement plugs from the cement head as desired.
US07665514B2	Drill stem guide and wrench apparatus A drill stem centralizer and/or breakout wrench includes a frame with opposed hydraulic cylinder actuators mounted on the frame and engaged in with jaw support members for movement toward and away from each other for centralizing or breakout of drill stem sections. The hydraulic actuators are mounted on trunnions which are supported by bearing caps which may be indexed to change the spacing of the opposed actuators to accommodate a wide range of drill stem diameters or cross-sectional shapes. The jaw support members are provided with laterally spaced guide parts which are moveable in slots in the frame to guide the jaw support members for linear reciprocal movement in response to actuation by the hydraulic actuators. The frame may be mounted for limited rotation on a feed beam to effect drill stem breakout operations.
US07665512B2	Flat heat exchanger tube A flat heat exchanger tube formed of a single strip of rolled aluminum, with at least one connection between the two broad sides. The connection is generally parallel to and spaced between the narrow sides and divides the heat exchanger tube into at least two chambers, and includes two legs consisting of bent opposite edges of the aluminum strip, the legs each having a head at adjacent bends along one of the broad sides and feet adjacent the other broad side. The legs lie against each other generally at their head over no more than half of the entire spacing between the two broad sides, with the legs enclosing an angle between them of about 20° to 100° or about 45° to 75°, advantageously 60°.
US07665509B2	Heat exchange module for electronic components A heat exchange module (1) is disclosed, which includes an evaporator (20), a condenser (50) and a heat sink (22). The evaporator defines therein a chamber for containing a wick structure (20c) saturated with a working fluid. The wick structure occupies a portion of the chamber. The condenser is disposed adjacent to the evaporator, wherein the working fluid turns into vapor in the evaporator after absorbing heat of a heat-generating component and the vapor turns into condensate at the condenser after releasing the heat. The heat sink is attached to an outer surface of the evaporator and located in alignment with the wick structure contained in the evaporator.
US07665506B2	Self-repairable shutter device The invention is relative to a roller shutter device (3) designed to close a window (1) or other opening, the shutter (3) having side edges (4) that are held in guide tracks (5) and which can be disengaged from their guide tracks (5), each of the guide tracks (5) having an access opening (6) in their upper part through which the corresponding edge (4) of the shutter (3), which may have become disengaged, can once again be engaged into the portion of the guide track considered located above this access opening (6) when the shutter (4) is being moved into its open position, control means (9, 10) being foreseen, at least up to a level located below the portion (12) of the abovementioned guide track, on either side of a plane extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide tracks (5) and passing through the latter, these means allowing the possible sway of the shutter (3) to be controlled at the point where these side edges (3) are engaged into said portion (12) of the guide track through the access opening (6).
US07665502B2	Architectural covering A covering for an architectural opening includes a fixed stationary rail at one end of a plurality of slats and a movable rail at the opposite end of the slats with the slats being movable to and from the fixed rail to create extended and retracted positions of the architectural covering. At least one continuous drive cord is arranged in a loop with both its ends attached to the movable rail and at least one fixed cord return guide is provided. A drive spool adapted to be selectively rotatable in opposite directions of rotation and is operatively engaged with the drive cord so that the drive cord can be wrapped around the drive spool to establish driving engagement. An adjusting mechanism is provided for adjusting the plurality of slats and a drive shaft for rotatably driving the adjusting mechanism in opposite directions with the adjusting mechanism being adapted to rotatably engage the drive spool and wherein a lost-motion drive connection is operatively included between the adjusting mechanism and the drive spool.
US07665499B2	Laminating apparatus for ceramic green sheet and laminating method for same In a laminating apparatus for a ceramic green sheet according to the present invention, cutting means and laminating means are positioned on a conveying path of a carrier film conveyed by conveying means. Specifically, cutting of the ceramic green sheet and lamination of sheet pieces are carried out on a single conveying path. Consequently, the reduction of production efficiency is prevented significantly. Furthermore, the position of the cutting means and the position of the laminating means are different. Therefore, even when cut scraps are generated when the ceramic green sheet is cut by the cutting means, the cut scraps are significantly prevented from entering between layers in a green sheet laminated body.
US07665497B2	Radial tire for airplane with zigzag endless belt and method of manufacturing radial tire for airplane with zigzag endless belt In a belt layer structured by a plurality of zigzag endless belts which are layered in a tire radial direction and are folded-over at both ends in a tire widthwise direction and are disposed uniformly over an entire region, an angle θ1 of an inner side cord portion and a tire equatorial plane, an angle θ2 of an outer side cord portion and the tire equatorial plane, and an angle θM of an intermediate cord portion and the tire equatorial plane, are θ1>θM>θ2.
US07665496B2	Pneumatic tire On a region of a ring-shaped continuous decorative portion 15 formed of tops and bottoms in cross-section, protruding portions 17 higher than the decorative portion 15 and having a predetermined surface area are provided. A joined portion of the decorative portion 15 and each protruding portion 17 or of the protruding portions is set higher than the bottoms of the decorative portion 15, and a rigidity difference between the protruding portions 17 and the decorative portion 15 is resolved, thus restricting an occurrence of a stress concentration.
US07665494B2	Chute rim device The present invention relates to devices facilitating the addition of items into containers. In particular, the present invention relates to devices configured to assist in supplying food items into mixing containers.
US07665493B2	Fuel-dispensing nozzle inhibitor A nozzle inhibitor is positioned in a filler neck closure assembly to prevent a user from pumping unleaded fuel into a diesel fuel tank. The nozzle inhibitor blocks full insertion of a small-diameter unleaded fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly yet allows full insertion of a large-diameter diesel fuel nozzle into the filler neck closure assembly.
US07665492B2	Fuel nozzle support funnel The fuel nozzle support funnel comprises a top conical section and a bottom smaller opening neck section. The top conical section has a top rim configured to seat over the fuel inlet opening of a truck fuel tank with the top conical section extending into the fuel tank. The bottom smaller opening neck section depends into the tank from a bottom smaller opening edge of the top conical section and has an inner sleeve therein made of a frictional material non reactant with diesel fuel. The inner sleeve and surrounding smaller opening neck section are of a diameter sufficient to allow passage therethrough of a fuel nozzle of a fuel pump. The top conical section has a plurality of openings therein through which air can escape during fueling to maintain the pressure within the tank constant.
US07665491B2	Multi-part waste container apparatus A multi-part biowaste container configured to provide a low profile design while providing sufficient storage volume to accommodate the amount of blood, tissues, and other biological materials generated during a typical surgical procedure. The multi-part biowaste container includes an anti-splash container, a dual purpose lid container, and a supplemental container. The use of three separate container members increases the total volume and storage capacity of the biowaste containers while minimizing the overall profile or height of the containers.
US07665490B1	Loader device for a hopper-fed processing machine A loader device for a hopper-fed processing machine has a top plate pivotally secured to a bottom plate. The plates are attached between the processing equipment throat and the material hopper, or vacuum receiver/reservoir. As the top plate pivots upon the other, ports that extend through the plates control the flow of material from the hopper into the throat of the machine. The pivot design, a purge funnel, and a drain tube are additional features that save time, labor, and make switching of processing material quick and convenient without the use of tools.
US07665482B2	Float control fluid shut off valve mechanism A mechanism for opening or closing a shut off valve, the mechanism having a lever mounted on a spindle to which the valve is attached for mounting the valve from a normally open position to a closed position. A trigger mechanism including the lever and a biasing spring which when activated, rotates the lever, spindle and valve. A retainer mechanism ordinarily holds the trigger mechanism in a cocked position corresponding to the open position of the valve. The float, when subjected to water, releases the retainer mechanism permitting the trigger mechanism to close the valve.
US07665480B2	Defined lead path for high pressure seal Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.
US07665474B2	Disposable eyebrow dye kit A disposable eyebrow dye kit includes two separate primary components. The first component is an elongated container consisting of two compartments separated by a thin membrane. One compartment contains a hair developer, for instance hydrogen peroxide and the appropriate colored dye, and the second compartment contains a dye solution, like ammonia. The second component consists of a brush member with brush bristles and a protective cap over the bristles at one end and a connector component at the other end. In use, the brush component is inserted into the container where the protective cap punctures the membrane separating the two compartments. The solution in one compartment is allowed to mix with the solution in the second compartment to form the dye mixture which is to be applied to the eyebrows. The brush component is then withdrawn from the container, causing the cap over the bristles of the brush component to fall to the bottom of the container. The brush component is then used to apply the dye directly to the eyebrows. When the dying operation is complete, the kit may be disposed of.
US07665472B2	Tobacco cultivar AOB 175 and products therefrom The present invention relates to a novel tobacco cultivar designated AOB 175, which has low to intermediate nicotine content. The invention provides seeds of the cultivar AOB 175, plants and parts thereof of the cultivar AOB 175, a tissue culture derived from the cultivar AOB 175, hybrids produced from cultivar AOB 175 and lines derived from cultivar AOB 175, as well as genetically modified forms of the foregoing plants and tissue culture. Also provided are methods of producing cultivar AOB 175 plants, cultivar AOB 175 hybrid plants, and tobacco lines derived from cultivar AOB 175. In addition, products produced from the plants of the present invention are provided.
US07665468B2	Cigarette making machine and method A cigarette making machine includes a web roll (8) from which a web W having bands previously formed is drawn, and a suction brake (14) arranged between the web roll (8) and a garniture tape (2) of a wrapping section (6). When a band (B) for a cigarette (C) is out of a proper region (CR), the suction brake increases the tension to be applied to the web W to elongate the web to thereby bring the location of each band (b) back to within the proper region.
US07665466B2	Self-expanding medical occlusion device A self-expanding medical occlusion device treats a heart defect in a patient and is inserted into the body in minimally invasive fashion using a catheter system, and includes a braiding of thin threads which exhibits a first preliminarily definable shape as the occlusion device is being inserted into the patient's body and a second preliminarily definable shape in the implanted state, whereby the occlusion device is in a collapsed state in the first shape of the braiding and in an expanded state in the second shape of the braiding. The threads of braiding are composed of a shape memory polymer composite such that braiding deforms from a temporary shape to a permanent shape in consequence of an external stimulus, whereby the temporary shape is given in a first profile form of the braiding and the permanent shape is given in a second profile form of the braiding.
US07665456B2	Barbecue apparatus with swingout shelf A barbecue apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises: a grill body comprising at least one cooking chamber and a fire bowl having a topside opening; at least one lid, and the lid being designed to cover the topside opening of the fire bowl during a closed position; at least one mounting assembly attached to the firebowl, and the mounting assembly having at least one aperture; and at least one swing out shelf system, and the system comprises at least one shelf and at least one bracket with opposing ends, a first end being connected to said shelf and a second end comprising at least one shaft extending downwardly therefrom and designed to fit and rotate within the aperture of the mounting assembly whereby the shelf can be swung between a first position for use and a second position for storage, at least a portion of the shelf being situated away from the topside opening of the fire bowl in the first position and the shelf is situated generally above the topside opening of the fire bowl during the second position, and the shelf assembly capable of being in the first use position when the lid is in the closed position.
US07665450B2	Internal combustion engine having fuel mixing means installed in intake port The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine, and more particularly, to an internal combustion having improved performance by promoting mixing of fuel and air using a fuel mixing means installed at an intake port to improve the flow property of the mixture introduced into a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine according to the present invention, a fuel mixing means is installed at an intake port for use in supplying a mixture of fuel and air into a combustion chamber. The fuel mixing means is provided with a stream-disturbing body having a plurality of vanes for disturbing a stream passing through the intake port. The stream-disturbing body is installed rotatably in the intake port to generate a vortex or turbulence so that fuel and air are mixed uniformly and then supplied into the combustion chamber.
US07665442B1	Throttle plate for use with internal combustion engine A throttle plate for use with internal combustion engines comprised of a relatively thin piece of material so that installation of the throttle plate between the carburetor or throttle body and intake manifold of a vehicle does not require additional brackets or components to correct throttle cable linkage length or geometry. The throttle plate comprises a plate having apertures to accommodate pre-existing connectors and a perimeter that corresponds to connections between, and the geometry of, the carburetor or throttle body and intake manifold. The plate fits between the carburetor or throttle body and intake manifold and defines at least one airflow hole corresponding to the airflow path in the carburetor or throttle body. If there are multiple airflow paths between the carburetor or throttle body and intake manifold, then there will be multiple airflow holes. One or more vanes integral with the plate extend radially from the perimeter of each airflow hole toward its center. The plurality of vanes can be a variety of shapes, including helical and inclined, and extend into the airflow hole only to the extent they work in proximity of the throttle valve(s) and do not obstruct operation of the throttle valve in the throttle body. As air flows from the throttle valve(s) through the throttle plate and into the intake manifold, the vanes redirect laminar airflow into turbulent airflow.
US07665439B2	Single piece rotor A starter for moving a movable portion of an engine to start the engine includes a gear housing, a gear assembly within the gear housing, an output member at a first end of the gear assembly adapted to operably couple to the movable portion of the engine, a motor housing, and a rotor rotatably mounted within the motor housing. The rotor has a shaft portion and a vane portion that are an integral, unitary piece. The shaft portion has splines for mating with the gear assembly. The splines prevent relative rotational movement between the rotor and the gear assembly and permit relative axial movement. The rotor is formed from aluminum and at least a portion of the rotor includes an anodized coating.
US07665432B2	Valve actuation system and method of driving two slave pistons with one master piston Apparatus and methods for hydraulic valve actuation of engine valves are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of slave piston assemblies that impart motion to the engine valves, wherein the motion is operable to open and close the engine valves. A dual diameter master piston assembly may be used to drive the plurality of slave pistons. The dual diameter master piston assembly may be divided into two or more elements with, for example, a spring bias or a button and T-slot assembly to hold the two elements together.
US07665425B2	Exercise/conditioning bodysuit for animals A vest surrounds the animal's torso. Slings for supporting the front or rear legs can be attached to the vest. Besides straps with rings, the vest may have monitors for remote monitoring of the animal's vital signs.
US07665422B2	Electric rotary pet brush Disclosed is a self cleaning rotary brush with means for accumulating collected hair for disposal. The invention includes a primary cleaning cylinder with a series of tines that are adapted to clean the fur of the animal. The invention further includes a secondary cleaning cylinder with associated tines that are designed to intermesh with the tines of the primary cylinder. A collection tray is located to the rear of the secondary cleaning cylinder. As fur is collected by the primary cylinder, it is removed by the tines of the secondary cylinder. Thereafter, as the secondary tines come into contact with the edge of the collection tray, the fur is deposited within the collection tray for subsequent disposal.
US07665421B2	Dual animal carrier A soft-side portable animal carrier has an interior vertical partition wall to form separate compartments for transporting two small pets and each compartment has a releasable opening at the top and an end wall that can be opened completely to allow the animal easy egress. In an alternative configuration, each compartment has an interior partition wall and the carrier has a continuous zipper around its center to permit the compartments to be separated for individual use.
US07665417B1	Adaptive animal feeder A drawer-mounted feed bowl shelf to hold an animal's food or water bowl, adapted for mounting on the edges of the sidewalls of a cabinet drawer, or for mounting between the sidewalls of a drawer is disclosed. The first embodiment includes an expandable mount to permit mounting on or in drawers of various widths. The expandable mount include two sections one above the other, the upper one moving laterally relative to the lower section. The second fixed-width embodiment can be either mounted permanently or removably on or fixedly in a cabinet drawer. A gasket that fits over and within the opening for the bowl adds friction to prevent bowl movement when present. This invention permits the feed bowl to be out of sight when not in use.

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