最新美国发明专利第2011-02-01期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US07879745B2	Laminated absorbent product The present invention is generally directed to adhesive compositions comprising selected ratios of crystalline and amorphous polymers. In some versions of the invention, polymers capable of existing in different configurations (e.g., a polymer such as polypropylene which can exist in an atactic, syndiotactic. or isotactic configuration) are used to prepare adhesives of the present invention. As an example, a selected amount of isotactic polypropylene is blended with a selected amount of atactic polypropylene to prepare an adhesive composition having one or more performance properties (e.g., bond strength) that are superior to the performance properties of a conventional hot-melt adhesive. The adhesive compositions of the present invention are suitable for use in the preparation of laminated disposable absorbent products.
US07879744B2	Stabilized decolorizing composition A decolorizing composition that can discharge the color of blood, menses, or other stains is provided. More specifically, a peroxide, cell lysing agent, chelating agent, antioxidant, and other optional ingredients are selectively employed to achieve an aqueous composition that exhibits good shelf stability and stain removal properties. The composition, for example, may maintain about 70% or more, in some embodiments about 80% or more, and in some embodiments, about 90% or more of its initial hydrogen peroxide (H202) content subsequent to being aged at ambient temperature (˜25° C.) for 2 weeks.
US07879739B2	Thin transition layer between a group III-V substrate and a high-k gate dielectric layer Embodiments of the invention provide a method to form a high-k dielectric layer on a group III-V substrate with substantially no oxide of the group III-V substrate between the substrate and high-k dielectric layer. Oxide may be removed from the substrate. An organometallic compound may form a capping layer on the substrate from which the oxide was removed. The high-k dielectric layer may then be formed, resulting in a thin transition layer between the substrate and high-k dielectric layer and substantially no oxide of the group III-V substrate between the substrate and high-k dielectric layer.
US07879738B2	Charge trapping dielectric structure for non-volatile memory An integrated circuit structure comprises a bottom dielectric layer on a substrate, a middle dielectric layer, and a top dielectric layer. The middle dielectric layer has a top surface and a bottom surface, and comprises a plurality of materials. Respective concentration profiles for at least two of the plurality of materials between the top and bottom surfaces are non-uniform and arranged to induce a variation in energy gap between the top and bottom surfaces. The variation in energy gap establishes an electric field between the top and bottom surfaces tending to oppose charge motion toward at least one of the top and bottom surfaces and prevent resultant charge leakage.
US07879737B2	Methods for fabricating improved gate dielectrics Disclosed are a variety of methods for increasing the relative thickness in the peripheral or edge regions of gate dielectric patterns to suppress leakage through these regions. The methods provide alternatives to conventional GPOX processes and provide the improved leakage resistance without incurring the degree of increased gate electrode resistance associated with GPOX processes. Each of the methods includes forming a first opening to expose an active area region, forming an oxidation control region on the exposed portion and then forming a second opening whereby a peripheral region free of the oxidation control region is exposed for formation of a gate dielectric layer. The resulting gate dielectric layers are characterized by a thinner central region surrounded or bounded by a thicker peripheral region.
US07879734B2	Method of manufacturing porous body A nanostructure is a porous body comprising a plurality of pillar-shaped pores and a region surrounding them, the region being an oxide amorphous region formed so as to contain C, Si, Ge or a material of a combination of them. Such a nanostructure can be used as a functional material in light emitting devices, optical devices and microdevices. It can also be used as a filter.
US07879733B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device free from layer-lifting between insulating layers A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device free from layer lifting between insulating layers. The method comprises forming a silicon oxide layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a silicon rich oxynitride (SRON) layer as an etching mask on the silicon oxide layer, selectively removing the SRON layer used as the etching mask, performing surface treatment to the silicon oxide layer using plasma of a reaction gas containing oxygen to cure a portion of the silicon oxide layer contaminated by the SRON layer, and forming a silicon nitride layer on the surface-treated silicon oxide layer to have compressed stress by PE-CVD. The method effectively prevents the short-circuit phenomenon between metal contacts, thereby embodying an increase in yield of a semiconductor manufacturing process.
US07879731B2	Improving plasma process uniformity across a wafer by apportioning power among plural VHF sources A method is provided for processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor chamber having electrodes including at least a ceiling electrode and a workpiece support electrode. The method includes coupling respective RF power sources of respective VHF frequencies f1 and f2 to either (a) respective ones of the electrodes or (b) a common one of the electrodes, where f1 is sufficiently high to produce a center-high non-uniform plasma ion distribution and f2 is sufficiently low to produce a center-low non-uniform plasma ion distribution. The method further includes adjusting a ratio of an RF parameter at the f1 frequency to the RF parameter at the f2 frequency so as to control plasma ion density distribution, the RF parameter being any one of RF power, RF voltage or RF current.
US07879730B2	Etch selectivity enhancement in electron beam activated chemical etch Etch selectivity enhancement during electron beam activated chemical etch (EBACE) is disclosed. A target or portion thereof may be exposed to a gas composition of a type that etches the target when the gas composition and/or target are exposed to an electron beam. By directing an electron beam toward the target in the vicinity of the gas composition, an interaction between the electron beam and the gas composition etches a portion of the target exposed to both the gas composition and the electron beam. Selectivity of etching of the target due to interaction between the electron beam and gas composition may be enhanced in a number of ways.
US07879728B2	Sub-lithographic printing method A method to form sub-lithographic trench structures in a substrate and an integrated circuit comprising sub-lithographic trench structures in a substrate. The method includes forming sets of trenches with a lithographic mask and filling the sets of trenches with sets of step spacer blocks comprising two alternating spacer materials which are separately removable from each other. In one embodiment, the trench structures formed are one-nth the thickness of the lithographic mask's feature size. The size of the trench structures being dependent on the thickness and number of spacer material layers used to form the set of step spacer blocks. The number of spacer material layers being n/2 and the thickness of each spacer material layer being one-nth of the lithographic mask's feature size.
US07879726B2	Methods of forming semiconductor devices using selective etching of an active region through a hardmask A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method can include forming a hard mask film including lower and upper hard mask films on a substrate in which an active region and an isolation region are defined and patterning the hard mask film to provide a hard mask pattern partially exposing the active region and the isolation region. An etchant can be applied to the active and isolation regions using the hard mask pattern as an etching mask to form a trench in the active region of the substrate while avoiding substantially etching the isolation region exposed to the etchant and a gate can be formed on the trench.
US07879723B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method, wiring and semiconductor device In an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor layer having regions into which a p-type impurity, an n-type impurity and a (p+n) impurity are respectively introduced is formed as a surface layer by being heat-treated. An impurity segregation layer on these regions is removed, and a film of a metallic material is thereafter formed on the regions and is heat-treated, thereby forming a silicide film on the semiconductor layer. In another embodiment, an impurity is introduced into the impurity segregation layer, and a film of a metallic material is thereafter formed on the impurity segregation layer and is heat-treated to form a silicide film.
US07879722B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A semiconductor device includes a silicon substrate, and a NiSi layer provided on the silicon substrate aiming to suppress oxidation of the surface of a NiSi layer and the resistivity increase. The NiSi layer includes a bottom NiSi region and a top NiSi region. The bottom NiSi region provided in contact with silicon surface, and containing substantially no nitrogen. The top NiSi region is a nitrided NiSi region provided in contact with the bottom NiSi region, and containing nitrogen. The NiSi layer has a total thickness of 50 nm or below.
US07879721B2	Rapid heating with nanoenergetic materials The present process for rapidly heating and cooling a target material without damaging the substrate upon which it has been deposited. More specifically, target material is coated onto a first substrate. A self-propagating nanoenergetic material is selected that combusts at temperatures sufficient to change the target material and creates a flame front that propagates sufficiently quickly that the first substrate is not substantially heated. The nanoenergetic material is deposited on the target material, such that the target material and the nanoenergetic material is sandwiched between the substrate and the target material. The nanoenergetic material is ignited and the flame front of the nanoenergetic material is allowed to propagate over the second substrate and change the target material.
US07879715B2	Methods of forming electronic structures including conductive shunt layers and related structures Methods of forming an electronic structure may include forming a seed layer on an electronic substrate, and forming a conductive shunt layer on portions of the seed layer wherein portions of the seed layer are free of the conductive shunt layer. A conductive barrier layer may be formed on the conductive shunt layer opposite the seed layer wherein the conductive shunt layer comprises a first material and wherein the barrier layer comprises a second material different than the first material. Moreover, a solder layer may be formed on the barrier layer opposite the conductive shunt layer wherein the solder layer comprises a third material different than the first and second materials. Related structures are also discussed.
US07879709B2	Semiconductor structure comprising an electrically conductive feature and method of forming a semiconductor structure A semiconductor structure comprises a semiconductor substrate. A layer of an electrically insulating material is formed over the semiconductor substrate. An electrically conductive feature is formed in the layer of electrically insulating material. A first layer of a semiconductor material is formed between the electrically conductive feature and the layer of electrically insulating material.
US07879707B2	Semiconductor integrated circuit device and related method Embodiments of the invention provide a semiconductor integrated circuit device and a method for fabricating the device. In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a plurality of preliminary gate electrode structures in a cell array region and a peripheral circuit region of a semiconductor substrate; forming selective epitaxial films on the semiconductor substrate in the cell array region and the peripheral region; implanting impurities into at least some of the selective epitaxial films to form elevated source/drain regions in the cell array region and the peripheral circuit region; forming a first interlayer insulating film; and patterning the first interlayer insulating film to form a plurality of first openings exposing the elevated source/drain regions. The method further comprises forming a first ohmic film, a first barrier film, and a metal film; and removing portions of each of the metal film, the first barrier film, and the first ohmic film.
US07879702B2	Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a memory cell array area and peripheral circuit area A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the consecutive steps of selectively implanting first-conductivity-type impurities into a silicon substrate in a memory cell array area to form first source/drain regions, heat treating to diffuse the impurities in the first source/din regions; selectively implanting impurities into the silicon substrate in a peripheral circuit area to form second source/drain regions in the peripheral circuit area.
US07879694B1	System and method for applying a pre-gate plasma etch in a semiconductor device manufacturing process A system and method is described for applying a pre-gate plasma etch in a semiconductor device manufacturing process in order to increase the integrity of a subsequently grown gate oxide layer. During the manufacture of a semiconductor device a sacrificial oxide layer is grown over a silicon substrate. The pre-gate plasma etch process is applied to the sacrificial oxide layer. Then the sacrificial oxide layer is stripped away and a gate oxide layer is grown over the silicon substrate. The gate oxide layer has an increased integrity due to the application of the pre-gate plasma etch process.
US07879693B2	Thermal treatment equipment and method for heat-treating The invention provides a method for activating impurity element added to a semiconductor and performing gettering process in shirt time, and a thermal treatment equipment enabling to perform such the heat-treating. The thermal treatment equipment comprises treatment rooms of n pieces (n>2) performing heat-treating, a preparatory heating room, and a cooling room, and heating a substrate using gas heated by heating units of n pieces as a heating source, wherein a gas-supplying unit is connected to a gas charge port of the cooling room, a discharge port of the cooling room is connected to a first gas-heating unit through a heat exchanger, a charge port of an m-th (1≦m≦(n−1)) treatment room is connected to a discharge port of an m-th gas-heating unit, a charge port of an n-th treatment room is connected to a discharge port of an n-th gas-heating unit, a discharge port of the n-th treatment room is connected to the heat exchanger, and discharge port of the heat exchanger is connected to gas charge port of the preparatory heating room.
US07879692B2	Programmable resistive memory cell with self-forming gap A memory device has a first electrode, a second electrode, and memory material defining an inter-electrode current path between the first electrode and the second electrode. A gap is formed by shrinkage of the shrinkable material between the memory material and a shrinkable material next to the memory material.
US07879688B2	Methods for making electronic devices with a solution deposited gate dielectric A method of making an electronic device comprises solution depositing a dielectric composition onto a substrate and polymerizing the dielectric composition to form a gate dielectric. The dielectric composition comprises a polymerizable resin and zirconium oxide nanoparticles.
US07879678B2	Methods of enhancing performance of field-effect transistors and field-effect transistors made thereby Methods of enhancing the performance of a field-effect transistor (FET) by providing a percolating network of metallic islands to the inversion layer of the FET so as to effectively reduce the channel length of the FET. The metal islands can be provided in a number of ways, including Volmer-Weber metallic film growth, breaking apart continuous metallic film, patterning metallic coating, dispersing metallic particles in a semiconducting material, applying a layer of composite particles having metallic cores and semiconducting shells and co-sputtering metallic and semiconducting materials, among others. FETs made using disclosed methods have a novel channel structures that include metallic islands spaced apart by semiconducting material.
US07879677B2	Methods of forming FinFETs and nonvolatile memory devices including FinFETs A FinFET includes a fin that is on a substrate and extends away from the substrate. A device isolation layer is disposed on the substrate on both sides of the fin. An insulating layer is between the fin and the substrate. The insulating layer is directly connected to the device isolation layer and has a different thickness than the device isolation layer. A gate electrode crosses over the fin. A gate insulating layer is between the gate electrode and the fin. Source and drain regions are on the fins and on opposite sides of the gate electrode. Related nonvolatile memory devices that include FinFETs and methods of making FinFETs and nonvolatile memory devices are also disclosed.
US07879675B2	Field effect transistor with metal source/drain regions A semiconductor device comprising a gate electrode formed on a gate dielectric layer formed on a semiconductor film. A pair of source/drain regions are formed adjacent the channel region on opposite sides of the gate electrode. The source and drain regions each comprise a semiconductor portion adjacent to and in contact with the semiconductor channel and a metal portion adjacent to and in contact with the semiconductor portion.
US07879670B2	Method of manufacturing nonvolatile storage device A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile storage device having memory cell arrays according to an embodiment of the present invention includes forming, in a memory cell array forming region above a processed film, first columnar members arrayed at substantially equal intervals in the first direction and the second direction, forming, concerning at least arrays as a part of arrays of the first columnar members in the first direction, second columnar members long in section having major axes longer than sections of the first columnar members outside of the memory cell array forming region such that the major axes are set in the first direction and the second columnar members continue to ends of the arrays, and forming, in the same manner as above, third columnar members, which continue to arrays of the first columnar members in the second direction.
US07879668B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode are formed in a first area and a second area of a substrate. Non-crystalline regions are formed in the first area of the substrate adjacent the first gate electrode. A layer having a first stress is formed on the substrate and the first and the second gate electrodes. A mask is formed on a first portion of the layer in the first area of the substrate to expose a second portion of the layer in the second area. The second portion is etched to form a sacrificial spacer on a sidewall of the second gate electrode. The second area of the substrate is partially etched using the mask, the second gate electrode and the sacrificial spacer, to form recesses in the second area of the substrate adjacent the second gate electrode. Patterns having a second stress are formed in the recesses.
US07879666B2	Semiconductor resistor formed in metal gate stack A semiconductor process and apparatus fabricate a metal gate electrode (30) and an integrated semiconductor resistor (32) by forming a metal-based layer (26) and semiconductor layer (28) over a gate dielectric layer (24) and then selectively implanting the resistor semiconductor layer (28) in a resistor area (97) to create a conductive upper region (46) and a conduction barrier (47), thereby confining current flow in the resistor semiconductor layer (36) to only the top region (46) in the finally formed device.
US07879665B2	Structure and method of fabricating a transistor having a trench gate An integrated circuit transistor is fabricated with a trench gate having nonconductive sidewalls. The transistor is surrounded by an isolation trench filled with a nonconductive material. The sidewalls of the gate trench are formed of the nonconductive material and are substantially free of unetched substrate material. As a result, the sidewalls of the gate trench do not form an undesired conductive path between the source and the drain of the transistor, thereby advantageously reducing the amount of parasitic current that flows between the source and drain during operation.
US07879664B2	Liquid crystal display device having drive circuit A fabricating method of an array substrate for a liquid crystal display device including forming a polycrystalline silicon film on a substrate having a display region and a peripheral region, the polycrystalline silicon film having grains of square shape, forming a first active layer in the display region and a second active layer in the peripheral region by etching the polycrystalline silicon film, forming a first gate electrode over the first active layer, a second gate electrode over the second active layer and a gate line connected to the first gate electrode, and forming first source and drain electrodes connected to the first active layer, second source and drain electrodes connected to the second active layer and data line connected to the first source electrode. Further, the second gate electrode overlaps the first active layer to form a first channel region, and the first channel region is formed inside one of the grains.
US07879662B2	Thin film transistor, thin film transistor substrate including the same and method of manufacturing the same A thin film transistor showing desirable contact characteristics during contact with indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), in which a first conductive pattern including a gate electrode and a second conductive pattern including a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed without an etching process, a TFT substrate including the TFTs, and a method of manufacturing the same. The thin film transistor includes a gate electrode formed of a first conductive layer, a gate insulating layer covering the gate electrode, a semiconductor layer forming a channel on the gate insulating layer; an ohmic contact layer formed on the semiconductor layer, and a source electrode and a drain electrode formed of a second conductive layer and of a third conductive layer. The second conductive layer includes an aluminum-nickel alloy and nitrogen and is formed on the semiconductor layer. The third conductive layer includes an aluminum-nickel alloy and is formed on the second conductive layer.
US07879659B2	Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices including dual fin structures Fin-FET (fin field effect transistor) devices and methods of fabrication are disclosed. The Fin-FET devices include dual fin structures that may form a channel region between a source region and a drain region. In some embodiments, the dual fin structures are formed by forming shallow trench isolation structures, using a pair of shallow trench isolation (STI) structures as a mask to define a recess in a portion of the substrate between the pair of STI structures, and recessing the STI structures so that the resulting dual fin structure protrudes from an active surface of the substrate. The dual fin structure may be used to form single-gate, double-gate or triple-gate fin-FET devices. Electronic systems including such fin-FET devices are also disclosed.
US07879654B2	Paper including semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof Paper embedded with a semiconductor device capable of communicating wirelessly is realized, whose unevenness of a portion including the semiconductor device does not stand out and the paper is thin with a thickness of less than or equal to 130 μm. A semiconductor device is provided with a circuit portion and an antenna, and the circuit portion includes a thin film transistor. The circuit portion and the antenna are separated from a substrate used during manufacturing, and are interposed between a flexible base and a sealing layer and protected. The semiconductor device can be bent, and the thickness of the semiconductor device itself is less than or equal to 30 μm. The semiconductor device is embedded in a paper in a papermaking process.
US07879652B2	Semiconductor module A semiconductor module is disclosed. One embodiment provides a first semiconductor chip having a first contact pad on a first main surface and a second contact pad on a second main surface, a first electrically conductive layer applied to the first main surface, a second electrically conductive layer applied to the second main surface, and an electrically insulating material covering the first electrically conductive layer, wherein a surface of the second electrically conductive layer forms an external contact pad and the second electrically conductive layer has a thickness of less than 200 μm.
US07879648B1	Fabrication method for high pin count chip package A fabrication method for a high pin count chip package is provided herein. First, a lead frame is provided, wherein the lead frame has a chip carrier and a plurality of first lead pins configured around the chip carrier. A first channel is formed on the first lead pins to define a first contact portions and a second contact portion. A die mounting process, a wire bonding process, and a molding process are performed in turn, wherein the molding compound is utilized to encapsulate the chip, the wires, and the first channel. After that, a backside sawing process is performed to electrically isolate the first contact portions and the second contact portions. The present invention achieves high pin count chip package without changing the appearance and size of product and the reasonable width limitation of the lead pins.
US07879644B2	Hybrid window layer for photovoltaic cells A novel photovoltaic solar cell and method of making the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes: at least one absorber layer which could either be a lightly doped layer or an undoped layer, and at least a doped window-layers which comprise at least two sub-window-layers. The first sub-window-layer, which is next to the absorber-layer, is deposited to form desirable junction with the absorber-layer. The second sub-window-layer, which is next to the first sub-window-layer, but not in direct contact with the absorber-layer, is deposited in order to have transmission higher than the first-sub-window-layer.
US07879641B2	Photodetector having dark current correction A method for determining the light intensity of a light signal in each of a plurality of spectral bands is disclosed and a method for fabricating a photodetector is also disclosed.
US07879639B2	Method and device to reduce dark current in image sensors A method to fabricate an image sensor includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a pixel area and a logic area, forming a light sensing element in the pixel area, and forming a first transistor in the pixel area and a second transistor in the logic area. The step of forming the first transistor in the pixel area and the second transistor in the logic area includes performing a first implant process in the pixel area and the logic area, performing a second implant process in the pixel area and the logic area, and performing a third implant process only in the logic area.
US07879638B2	Backside illuminated imager and method of fabricating the same A structure and method for fabricating imagers that detect light from the backside of the wafer. The structure may have less complex focusing, reduced crosstalk, tighter pixel packing density, increased quantum efficiency, and wafer-level packaging. The fabrication of the imager includes forming an imaging device on a silicon wafer, adhering an interconnect wafer to the device wafer, forming interconnects on the interconnect wafer, etching away the substrate of the device wafer, and patterning additional layers such as nitrides, color filter arrays, and lenses on the backside of the device wafer.
US07879637B2	CMOS solid-state imaging device and method of manufacturing the same as well as drive method of CMOS solid-state imaging device A CMOS solid-state imaging device configured to restrain the occurrence of white spots and dark current caused by pixel defects, and also to increase the saturation signal amount. Adjacent pixels are separated by an element isolation portion formed of a diffusion layer and an insulating layer thereon, and the insulating layer of the element isolation portion is formed in a position equal to or shallower than the position of a pn junction on the side of an accumulation layer of a photoelectric conversion portion 38 constituting a pixel.
US07879633B2	Miniature optical element for wireless bonding in an electronic instrument A method of manufacturing an optical element including the steps of: forming a through hole in a semiconductor element which has an optical section and an electrode electrically connected to the optical section; and forming a conductive layer extending from a first surface of the semiconductor element on which the optical section is formed, through an inner wall surface of the through hole, to a second surface opposite to the first surface.
US07879632B2	Method for manufacturing surface-emitting laser Provided is a method for manufacturing a surface-emitting laser capable of forming a photonic crystal structure inside a semiconductor highly accurately and easily without direct bonding. It is a method by laminating on a substrate a plurality of semiconductor layers including an active layer and a semiconductor layer having a photonic crystal structure formed therein, the method including the steps of forming a second semiconductor layer on a first semiconductor layer to form the photonic crystal structure, forming a plurality of microholes in the second semiconductor layer, forming a low refractive index portion in a part of the first semiconductor layer via the plurality of microholes thereby to provide the first semiconductor layer with the photonic crystal structure having a one-dimensional or two-dimensional refractive index distribution in a direction parallel to the substrate, and forming a third semiconductor layer by crystal regrowth from a surface of the second semiconductor layer.
US07879626B2	Structure and manufacturing method of semiconductor memory device A semiconductor memory device having a cross point structure includes a plurality of upper electrodes arranged to extend in one direction, and a plurality of lower electrodes arranged to extend in another direction at a right angle to the one direction of the upper electrodes. Memory materials are provided between the upper electrodes and the lower electrodes for storage of data. The memory materials are made of a perovskite material and arranged at the lower electrodes side of the corresponding upper electrode extending along the corresponding upper electrode.
US07879620B2	Method and system for determining whether a drug will be effective on a patient with a disease A process of determining whether a patient with a disease or disorder will be responsive to a drug, used to treat the disease or disorder, including obtaining a test spectrum produced by a mass spectrometer from a serum produced from the patient. The test spectrum may be processed to determine a relation to a group of class labeled spectra produced from respective serum from other patients having the or similar clinical stage same disease or disorder and known to have responded or not responded to the drug. Based on the relation of the test spectrum to the group of class labeled spectra, a determination may be made as to whether the patient will be responsive to the drug.
US07879619B2	Apparatus for detecting one or more substances and method of detecting a substance An apparatus for detecting one or more substances includes a radiation source emitting a beam of radiation and also includes a material capable of reflecting the beam of radiation with a first characteristic and capable of reflecting the beam of radiation with a second characteristic when the material interacts with the one or more substances. The apparatus also includes two or more radiation detectors to detect the first and second characteristics of the beam of radiation. A first one of the two or more radiation detectors is adjustably aligned to detect the first and second characteristics of the beam of radiation reflected from a first region of the material. A second one of the two or more radiation detectors is adjustably aligned to detect the first and second characteristics of the beam of radiation reflected from a second region of the material.
US07879617B2	Method, device and apparatus for measuring the concentration of creatinine, and method, device and apparatus for measuring the amount of salt in urine using the same A method for measuring the concentration of creatinine includes the steps of: (A) mixing a sample containing creatinine with a creatinine quantitative reagent including 1-methoxy-5-methylphenazinium in the absence of picric acid and any enzyme responsive to creatinine, to cause the creatinine to reduce the 1-methoxy-5-methylphenazinium; (B) electrochemically or optically measuring the amount of the 1-methoxy-5-methylphenazinium reduced in the step (A); and (C) determining the concentration of the creatinine contained in the sample from the amount of the reduced 1-methoxy-5-methylphenazinium measured in the step (B).
US07879612B2	Organic non-sugar compounds for protection of biologically active molecules and conjugate labels and methods of use thereof Provided are methods comprising the use of non-sugar organic compatible solutes for protection and preservation of the activity of biologically active molecules and conjugate labels. The methods are particularly adaptable for use in conjunction with immunoassays, such as for example, immunochromatographic test assays and may be incorporated into any test methodology wherein a dry test strip is used as a carrier for depositing, mobilizeable and/or immobilized biologically active molecules and/or conjugate labels.
US07879611B2	System for functional gene discovery in plants The invention is directed to a method of multigenerational analysis of plants modified by insertional mutagenesis, and a method for associating plant mutant trait and genotype information. The invention is further directed to a method for managing data pertaining to plant mutant trait and genotype information in a database. The invention is further directed to a system for managing plant mutant trait and genotype information in a database, a system for allowing users to associate plant trait and genotype information, a system for facilitating business transactions with a user regarding plant materials or a gene sequence of interest to user and a computer-readable medium embodying a program of instructions for execution by a computer for implementing a system for allowing users to associate plant trait and genotype information.
US07879609B2	Regulatory segments of the human gene for telomerase reverse transcriptase The invention provides compositions and methods related to human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTRT), the catalytic protein subunit of human telomerase. The polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are useful for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human diseases, for changing the proliferative capacity of cells and organisms, and for identification and screening of compounds and treatments useful for treatment of diseases such as cancers.
US07879608B2	PUFA polyketide synthase systems and uses thereof Disclosed are the complete polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems from the bacterial microorganisms Shewanella japonica and Shewanella olleyana, and biologically active fragments and homologues thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such PUFA PKS systems, to proteins and domains thereof that comprise such PUFA PKS systems, to genetically modified organisms (plants and microorganisms) comprising such PUFA PKS systems, and to methods of making and using the PUFA PKS systems disclosed herein. This invention also relates to genetically modified plants and microorganisms and methods to efficiently produce lipids enriched in various polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as well as other bioactive molecules by manipulation of a PUFA polyketide synthase (PKS) system.
US07879603B2	Method for differentiating mesenchymal stem cells into steroid-producing cells To control the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into steroid hormone producing cells. Mesenchymal stem cells can be differentiated into steroid hormone-producing cells by being stimulated by a transcriptional factor (SF-1), preferably by the transcriptional factor (SF-1) and cAMP. The present invention is a method for differentiating mesenchymal stem cells into steroid hormone producing cells, comprising stimulating the mesenchymal stem cells by the transcriptional factor (SF-1). The mesenchymal stem cells may be further stimulated by cAMP.
US07879602B2	Chimeric adenoviral vectors The present invention provides chimeric adenoviral vectors and methods for using the vectors to elicit an immune response to an antigen of interest.
US07879601B2	Apparatus and methods for producing and using high-density cells and products therefrom Disclosed and claimed is apparatus and methods for the growth of cells to high density, products therefrom and uses thereof. Also disclosed and claimed is the use of this method for the growth to high-density insect cells, such as the Spodoptera frugiperda Sf900+ cell line (ATCC: CRL 12579). Further disclosed is the infection of Sf900+ cells at high cell density with wild type and recombinant baculoviruses to produce baculovirus and DNA or gene or expression products.
US07879599B2	Tube ports and related container systems A tube port includes a tubular first stem having an interior surface and an exterior surface extending between a first end and a longitudinally spaced apart second end. The interior surface bounds a passage that longitudinally extends through the first stem. The tube port also includes a flange encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the first end of the first stem. The flange and the first stem are integrally formed as a unitary member comprised of a flexible elastomeric material having a durometer on a Shore A scale with a value of less than 90.
US07879595B2	Apparatus for performing biochemical processing using container having wells A biochemical processing apparatus includes a thermal cycle section, a processing section for performing a processing not requiring heating or cooling, and a cooling section. These sections are arranged in that order and opposed to a container with a plurality of wells.
US07879594B2	Method and device for detecting biomolecules The present invention relates to a method for detecting a target biomolecule in a sample comprising a plurality of biomolecules, whereby the target biomolecule is provided with a tag, said tag comprising a catalytic active moiety which catalyses a reaction yielding an insoluble reaction product which precipitates on flexible electrically conductive nanoelectrodes. The precipitation onto said nanoelectrodes causes a change in their electroconductivity which is accessible to electroanalytical methods. The invention relates further to a biochip comprising a solid support with nanoelectrodes attached thereto and probe molecules bound to all or to a plurality of said nanoelectrodes which may be the same or different, a segment of said probe molecules being able to interact specifically with a segment of the target biomolecules.
US07879592B2	Modified yeasts and uses thereof, in particular for producing steroid derivatives The present invention relates to novel yeast strains, methods and genetic constructs for their preparation, and their use for the synthesis or modification of steroidal compounds. More particularly, the invention describes strains having a reduced 20αHSD type activity, in particular by modifying the GCY1 and/or YPR1 genes. The yeast strains of the invention make it possible to improve the efficiency of the synthesis or to increase the selectivity or the yields of the method, as well as the quality of the final product. The strains, methods and compounds of the invention are useful in the search for, the development and the production of products with therapeutic or prophylactic activity, in humans or animals, in particular of steroidal derivatives.
US07879588B2	Protein-proteophore complexes The application relates to a composition comprising a hyperbranched polymer attached to a core and a biologically active moiety. The biologically active moiety is attached to the core by means of a substantially non-enzymatically cleavable linker L. The composition can be used to deliver the biologically active moiety to its target.
US07879587B2	Lipolytic enzyme variants Variants with increased acyl transferase activity can be designed on the basis of a three-dimensional model by making amino acid alterations near the active Ser of lipolytic enzymes such as C. antarctica lipase A or the lipase/acyl transferase from C. parapsilosis.
US07879585B2	Ketoreductase enzymes and uses thereof The present disclosure provides ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, method of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chirally pure compounds, and the chirally pure compounds prepared therewith.
US07879581B2	Nucleic acid amplification and detection of mycobacterium species Oligonucleotides used to prime in vitro nucleic acid amplification of 16S rRNA sequences or DNA encoding 16S rRNA sequences for many species within the genus Mycobacterium are disclosed. Kits including such oligonucleotides are disclosed. Methods of detecting Mycobacterium species using the oligonucleotides in in vitro nucleic acid amplification are disclosed.
US07879579B2	Detection of nucleic acid sequence differences using the ligase detection reaction with addressable arrays The present invention relates to a method of forming arrays of oligonucleotides on a solid support. This method involves providing a solid support having an array of positions each suitable for attachment of an oligonucleotide. Linkers, suitable for coupling oligonucleotides to the solid support, are attached to the solid support surface at each of the array positions. An array of a plurality of capture oligonucleotides are formed on the solid support by a series of cycles of activating selected array positions for attachment of multimer nucleotides and attaching multimer nucleotides at activated array positions. The multimer nucleotides are selected for attachment so that the capture oligonucleotides formed on the array hybridize with complementary oligonucleotide target sequences under uniform hybridization conditions.
US07879578B2	Self-assembled proteins and related methods and protein structures The present invention provides user-directed construction of novel specific homo- and hetero-dimeric, and multimeric assemblages of proteins. The present invention is comprised of gene sequences that transcribe peptide sequences that form links between proteins, where the peptide sequences produce a hook or loop which supports specific self-assembly of homo-dimers, hetero-dimers and multimers of the proteins to which they are attached. The hook or loop may have a short aliphatic repeat sequence and a metal binding loop. The present invention also provides a method of constructing a hook motif of metal binding loop sequences that may be attached to at least one aliphatic repeat sequence to produce the assemblages of proteins. Also provided are protein structures produced by the methods of the present invention.
US07879576B2	Marine actinomycete taxon for drug and fermentation product discovery The invention is the discovery of an actinomycete genus, given the name Salinospora gen. nov., that displays an obligate requirement of seawater (Na+) for growth and unique 16S rRNA signature nucleotides. The invention is also the use of the genus for the production and discovery of active biomolecules such as pharmaceutical agents, agrichemicals, immunomodifiers, enzymes and enzyme inhibitors.
US07879573B2	Isolation of analytes The disclosure features, inter alia, methods and compositions for detecting, isolating, and/or analyzing one or more analytes such as, but not limited to, biomolecules (e.g., proteins, glycoproteins, lipids (e.g., sphingolipids), and carbohydrates). Such methods and compositions are useful in, e.g., the discovery of novel proteins, or the amino acid sequence of novel proteins, or identifying biomarkers for diseases such as cancer, immunological disorders, or microbial infections.
US07879570B2	Nucleic acid and corresponding protein entitled 184P1E2 useful in treatment and detection of cancer A novel gene (designated 184P1E2) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 184P1E2 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 184P1E2 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 184P1E2 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 184P1E2 can be used in active or passive immunization.
US07879568B2	Method for the diagnosis and prognosis of demyelinating diseases The present invention refers to the use of glutamate transporters, glutamate and EGF to detect the presence of demyelinating diseases in a subject, to determine the status or severity of the same or to monitor the effects of a therapy administered to a subject who suffers from such diseases; to the use of the said markers for the searching, identification, development and evaluation of the efficacy of compounds for the treatment of such diseases, with a view to developing new drugs; to the use of compounds which promote the expression of the EAAT1 and EAAT2 transporters, as well as EGF for the treatment of demyelinating diseases. In a preferred embodiment, the methods and compounds of the invention are applicable to MS.
US07879565B2	Modulators that promote cell surface expression of odorant receptors The present invention relates to polypeptides capable of promoting odorant receptor cell surface localization and odorant receptor functional expression. The present invention further provides assays for the detection of ligands specific for various odorant receptors. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of screening for odorant receptor accessory protein polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease states, as well as methods of screening for therapeutic agents, ligands, and modulators of such proteins.
US07879559B2	Method and device for Trichomonas detection A method and kit for detecting Trichomonas vaginalis infection in a human subject are disclosed. In the method, a body-fluid sample such as a vaginal-swab sample or urine is obtained from the subject and contacted with an antibody specific against a Trichomonas adhesin peptide, forming an antibody-adhesin peptide complex if the subject is infected with Trichomonas. The presence or absence of the complex establishes, with a reliability of at least 80%, in the case of a vaginal swab sample, and with a reliability of at least 40% in the case of a urine sample, the presence or absence, respectively, of Trichomonas infection in the subject. A preferred test kit employs a dry-strip, sandwich assay, format.
US07879558B2	Diagnostic markers for ischemia This invention relates to the diagnosis and monitoring of ischemia, including but not limited to myocardial and cerebral ischemia, by measuring the concentration of molecules that do not originate from the ischemic tissue but whose concentration in the blood and other fluids changes as a consequence of the ischemic state.
US07879557B2	Isolated fluorescent protein from Clytia gregaria CGFP and use thereof The invention relates to the nucleotide and amino acid sequences and to the activity and use of the fluorescent protein CGFP.
US07879554B2	Electrochemical method to measure DNA attachment to an electrode surface in the presence of molecular oxygen The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for conducting an assay to detect a polynucleotide. In particular, ruthenium complexes having reduction potentials that do not coincide with the reduction potential of molecular oxygen are disclosed and amperometric techniques for their use are described. In preferred embodiments, the ruthenium complex is ruthenium (III) pentaamine pyridine and the polynucleotide that is detected is DNA. Further, techniques for enhancing detectable contrast between hybridized and unhybridized nucleic acids are disclosed. In particular, the use of elongated target strands as well as the use of uncharged probe strands are discussed.
US07879553B2	Biomarkers for inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome The present invention provides compositions and their use in diagnosing and/or distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
US07879551B2	Methods and materials for identifying polymorphic variants, diagnosing susceptibilities, and treating disease The invention is directed to materials and methods associated with polymorphic variants in two enzymes involved in folate-dependent and one-carbon metabolic pathways: MTHFD1 (5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase, 10-formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase) and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (NADP+dependent) 1-like (MTHFD1L). Diagnostic and therapeutic methods are provided involving the correlation of polymorphic variants in MTHFD1, MTHFD1, and other genes with relative susceptibility for various pregnancy-related and other complications.
US07879550B2	Probe, probe set, probe-immobilized carrier, and genetic testing method A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequence of SEQ ID NO. 94 and complementary or modified sequences thereof or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium.
US07879547B2	Method of detecting the presence of asthma or allergies in a patient Several genes are upregulated in the lung of asthma or allergy sufferers. Many of the genes up-regulated in asthma are involved in arginine metabolism in the lung. Moreover, a set of 291 signature genes was found that can be used to indicate a patient's predilection for developing asthma or the patient's degree of suffering. Also, a set of 59 signature genes were found that indicate a patient's predilection for developing allergies. Many of the up-regulated genes relating to asthma were from the arginine metabolic pathway. Other genes, such as ADAM8, SPRR2A and SPRR2B were also strongly up-regulated in asthma. Treatment of asthma may be accomplished by administering compositions which decrease the levels of Arginase I, Arginase II, CAT2, or other arginase pathway members in the lung. Additionally, detection of altered levels of these proteins or the mRNA encoding them may be useful to diagnose the presence of asthma in a patient.
US07879543B2	Method of detecting mutations associated with thrombosis The present invention provides a method for the simultaneous identification of two or more single base changes in a plurality of target nucleotide sequences that are markers associated with cardiovascular diseases such as deep vein thrombosis and the like. Multiplex detection is accomplished using multiplexed tagged allele specific primer extension (ASPE) and hybridization of such extended primers to a probe, preferably an addressable anti-tagged support.
US07879537B1	Reticle and technique for multiple and single patterning Double patterning is achieved with a single reticle while maintaining the integrity of in-scribe patterns and without blading the reticle. In-scribe structures may or may not be double patterning. For example, elements such as electrical test structures might have features that are so closely spaced that double pattering is desired. However, elements such as optical alignment marks might not require double patterning. For those elements for which double patterning is not desired, a first sub-array of the reticle has a pattern for the element, whereas the corresponding location in a second sub-array has a blank. By the corresponding location, it is meant the location on the reticle that would be exposed to the same target region to which the element would be exposed if the reticle were used for double patterning. Thus, the blank prevents target region from being exposed more than once.
US07879536B2	Method for forming high-resolution pattern having desired thickness or high aspect ratio using dry film resist Disclosed herein is a method for forming a pattern, comprising: attaching a single-layer or multi-layer dry film resist made of a semi-solid or solid material to part or all of the surface of a substrate; exposing the dry film resist to light either by irradiating a focusable energy beam directly onto the resist or by projecting a specific wavelength range of light onto the resist, to form a region to be filled with a functional material; charging the functional material into the formed region using a method such as inkjetting; drying the functional material; and removing the dry film resist, thus obtaining the desired pattern.
US07879535B2	Pattern forming method, graft pattern material, conductive pattern forming method and conductive pattern material The present invention provides a pattern forming method characterized in that energy is applied to a surface of a base material including a polyimide having a polymerization initiating moiety in a skeleton thereof to thereby generate an active site on the surface of the base material, and a polymer directly bonded to the base material surface and having at least a group selected from a group consisting of: a polar group; a functional group whose hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity changes, whose structure is changed into a structure that interacts with an electroless plating catalyst or a precursor thereof, or which ceases to interact with an electroless plating catalyst or a precursor thereof in response to heat, acid or radiation; and a polymerizable functional group, is generated in a pattern shape using the active site as a starting point so that a pattern is formed on the surface of the base material.
US07879533B2	Etching residue removal method and semiconductor device fabrication method using this method An etching residue removal method includes a cleaning sequence. Preferably, the cleaning sequence has a first washing processing, first drying processing, stripper processing, rinsing processing, second washing processing and second drying processing. In the first washing processing, an insulation film and metal lines thereon are washed by pure water. In the first drying processing, the insulation film and metal lines are dried in a nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature, for example. In the stripper processing, the etching residue on the insulation film and metal lines are stripped by amine stripper, for example. In the rinsing processing, the insulation film and metal lines are rinsed with an IPA rinse solution, for example. In the second washing processing, the insulation film and metal lines are washed with pure water. In the second drying processing, the insulation film and metal lines are dried in the nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature, for example.
US07879527B2	Method of producing positive resist composition, positive resist composition, and method of forming resist pattern A method of forming a positive resist composition of the present invention includes a step (I) of passing a positive resist composition, which is obtained by dissolving a resin component (A) that displays increased alkali solubility under the action of acid and an acid generator component (B) that generates acid upon exposure in an organic solvent (S), through a filter (f1) equipped with a nylon membrane, wherein the resin component (A) is a copolymer containing at least two structural units obtained by polymerizing at least one monomer in the presence of acid. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method of producing a positive resist composition, a positive resist composition, and a method of forming a resist pattern that are capable of forming a resist pattern with reduced levels of both bridge-type defects and reprecipitation-type defects.
US07879526B2	Hardmask compositions for resist underlayer films Provided herein are hardmask compositions for resist underlayer films, wherein according to some embodiments of the invention, hardmask compositions include a polymer prepared by the reaction of a compound of Formula 1 with a compound of Formula 2 (R)m—Si—(OCH3)4-m (2) in the presence of a catalyst, wherein R is a monovalent organic group, n is an integer from 3 to 20, and m is 1 or 2; and an organic solvent. Also provided herein are methods for producing a semiconductor integrated circuit device using a hardmask composition according to an embodiment of the invention. Further provided are semiconductor integrated circuit devices produced by a method embodiment of the invention.
US07879525B2	Chemically amplified photoresist composition, laminated product, and connection element There are provided a stable chemically amplified photoresist composition that undergoes no change in alkali solubility prior to irradiation, a photoresist laminated product produced by laminating the photoresist composition onto a support, and a manufacturing method for a photoresist pattern and a manufacturing method for a connection terminal that use the photoresist composition and the laminated product. A chemically amplified photoresist composition is provided comprising (a) a resin that undergoes a change in alkali solubility under the action of acid, (b) a compound that generates acid on irradiation, and (c) a corrosion inhibitor.
US07879522B2	Carrier core material for electrophotographic developer, carrier and electrophotographic developer using the carrier There are adopted: a carrier core material for an electrophotographic developer, including Mg, Ti and Fe as main components, and containing Fe, Mg and Ti in contents of 52 to 66% by weight, 3 to 12% by weight and 0.2 to 12% by weight, respectively; an electrophotographic developer carrier prepared by coating with a resin the surface of the carrier core material; and an electrophotographic developer using the carrier.
US07879520B2	Toner for developing electrostatic image and image formation process using it A toner for developing an electrostatic image comprises a binding resin for a toner and a charge control agent including an azo-type iron complex salt represented by the following chemical formula (1) (in the chemical formula (1), R1 and R3 are the same or different to each other and are an alkyl group having a straight chain or a branch chain of 3 to 8 carbons; R2a, R2b, R4a and R4b are the same or different to each other and are selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxyl group, a halogen atom, a nitro group and a carboxyl group; A+ indicates m(H+)+n(K+)+p(Na+), which m, n and p satisfy numerical equations of m+n+p=1, 0.7≦m≦1, 0≦n≦0.3 and 0≦p≦0.3), wherein an average particle size thereof is 1 to 4 microns, and a specific volume resistivity thereof is ranging from 0.2×1015 to 7×1015 Ω·cm.
US07879517B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor An electrophotographic photoreceptor is disclosed, comprising on an electrically conductive support an intermediate layer, a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer in this order, wherein the charge transport layer contains a charge transport material represented by formula (1) and a compound represented by formula (2) and the content of the compound represented by formula (2) is not less than 100 ppm and not more than 5000 ppm.
US07879513B2	Method for correcting mask There is provided a method for correcting a photo mask, which allows the difference between a test mask and a corrected mask with respect to an error of line width depending on coarse/dense pattern to be decreased when the photo masks are corrected by optical proximity effect correction.The present method is consisted of: producing a test mask which acts as a mask for extracting process model for applying an optical proximity effect correction method (s1); transferring and measuring the dimensions of the transferred pattern using the test mask (s2 and s3); obtaining a function model (referred to as process model) of which a simulated result of the transferred pattern of a mask pattern of the photo mask using a function model matches the measured result (s4); obtaining a mask pattern of which a transferred pattern matches a designed pattern using said process model and creating mask data in accordance with the obtained mask pattern (s5); producing a corrected mask in accordance with the created mask data (s5); and setting an exposing condition where an OPE characteristic becomes flat with respect of wide and narrow pitches by adjusting at least one of a numerical aperture (NA) and a coherence factor (σ) of an exposing device when the corrected mask is transferred.
US07879511B2	Sequential lateral solidification mask A mask used in a sequential lateral solidification process to fabricate a multi-boundary polysilicon. The mask comprises a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first and the third portions are translucent to light, and the second portion is opaque. These three portions have the same shape but different sizes. The first portion surrounds the second portion, and the third portion is parallel to both the first and the second portions.
US07879502B2	Method for revising a polarization curve that defines the current/voltage relationship of a fuel cell stack A method for revising a reference polarization curve of a fuel cell stack that identifies the relationship between the voltage and the current of the stack over time. When the stack is operating at a low load where kinetic voltage losses of the stack dominate, a first adaptation value is revised as the difference between the actual stack voltage and the stack voltage of the reference polarization curve. When the stack is operating at higher loads where ohmic voltage losses of the stack dominate, a second adaptation value is revised as the difference between the actual stack voltage and the stack voltage of the reference polarization curve.
US07879501B2	Systems and methods for processing fuel for fuel cells Presented herein is a fuel cell assembly, including a reformer housing, a reformer region within the reformer housing for producing hydrogen, a vacuum housing for containing the reformer housing, a low-pressure insulating region between the reformer housing and the vacuum housing for providing thermal insulation, radiation shields disposed about the reformer region for providing radiation insulation, and at least one proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell in fluid communication with the reformer region. The vacuum housing may define a volume of less than about 30 cubic centimeters. The fuel cell assembly may produce less than about 100 watts of power. Also disclosed are related methods for reforming fuel.
US07879500B2	Regenerative oxidizer assembly for use in PEM fuel cell applications An oxidizer assembly provided with a housing having a plurality of inlets each for receiving a different gas and a plurality of outlets each corresponding to a different one of the inlets and outputting gas resulting from the gas received from its corresponding inlet. A catalyst assembly able to support gas flow therethrough is disposed within the housing and includes a catalyst able to oxidize carbon monoxide gas and to be regenerated. The catalyst assembly is further adapted to be movable such that successive parts of the assembly are able to be brought repeatedly in communication with a first inlet and its corresponding first outlet and then a second inlet and its corresponding second outlet of the housing. In the preferred form of the invention, the catalyst assembly is additionally adapted so that each section is brought in communication with a third inlet and its corresponding third outlet after being in communication with the second inlet and its corresponding second outlet and prior to being brought back into communication with the first inlet and its corresponding outlet.
US07879489B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery To provide a high-capacity non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery that exhibits satisfactory charge/discharge cycle characteristics even in a high temperature environment. The battery has: a positive electrode including a nickel-containing lithium composite oxide; a negative electrode capable of charging and discharging; a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes; and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a non-aqueous solvent and a solute dissolved therein. The non-aqueous electrolyte contains a fluorine atom-containing aromatic compound. The nickel-containing lithium composite oxide is represented by, for example, LiNixM1-x-yLyO2 where element M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Co and Mn; element L is at least one selected from the group consisting of Al, Sr, Y, Zr, Ta, Mg, Ti, Zn, B, Ca, Cr, Si, Ga, Sn, P, V, Sb, Nb, Mo, W and Fe; and x and y satisfy 0.1≦x≦1 and 0≦y≦0.1.
US07879485B2	Housing member for battery module Disclosed herein is a housing member for a battery module, which is mounted to at least one side of the battery module such that a flow channel of refrigerant is defined in the battery module having unit cells stacked therein, wherein the housing member is provided with electrically connecting members for electrically connecting electrode terminals of the unit cells with each other and/or electrically connecting an external device to the electrode terminals, the electrically connecting members being integrally formed at the housing member. The housing member according to the present invention is manufactured in a structure in which the electrically connecting members are integrally formed at the housing member. Consequently, the manufacturing costs of the housing member are reduced. Furthermore, the assembly process of the battery module is greatly simplified, and the occurrence of short circuits caused by an engineer's mistake is effectively prevented.
US07879482B2	Battery pack In a battery pack for an electrical device having a base body, a locking unit for locking the base body to the electrical device, and at least one battery cell, the battery pack has a fastening module, which is intended for securing the locking unit to the battery cell.
US07879480B2	Battery cartridge for novel structure and open type battery module containing the same A battery cartridge includes a pair of outer frame members for receiving unit cells and an inner frame member disposed between the outer frame members. The unit cells are mounted between the outer and inner frame members. The inner frame member has a plurality of through-holes, which communicate with the outside while the unit cells are mounted between the outer and inner frame members. An opened type battery module includes such a battery cartridge. The battery cartridge and the battery module have a high structural integration and mechanical strength. Consequently, the present invention has the effect of minimizing the size of a battery system, stably mounting unit cells having low mechanical strength, and effectively removing heat from the unit cells.
US07879475B2	Solid polymer electrolyte, solid polymer fuel cell and method for manufacturing the fuel cell Disclosed herein is a solid polymer electrolyte wherein protons of cation exchange groups contained in a perfluorinated electrolyte are partially replaced by metal ions. The metal ion is at least one metal ion selected from vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), iron (Fe), ruthenium (Ru), nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), silver (Ag), cerium (Ce), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), samarium (Sm), cobalt (Co), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), and erbium (Er) ions. Further disclosed is a solid polymer fuel cell using the solid polymer electrolyte.
US07879473B2	Fuel cell unit, control method thereof, information processing apparatus, and power supply control method thereof A fuel cell unit according to the present invention is connectable to an external apparatus and includes a fuel cell generating an electric power, an auxiliary device feeding a fuel and air to the fuel cell, and a controller controlling power generation performed using the fuel cell. After receiving an electric power supplied from the external apparatus, the controller supplies an electric power supplied from the external apparatus to the auxiliary device.
US07879470B2	Apparatus, system, and method for the selection of perpendicular media segregant materials A method for improving magnetic grain segregation in perpendicular recording media includes providing a substrate comprising a rigid support structure, depositing a soft underlayer on top of the substrate depositing an intermediate layer on top of the soft underlayer, providing a plurality of prospective segregants, determining the surface energies and the heat of formation of the prospective segregants and selecting the prospective segregant with a low surface energy and a high heat of formation. The method also includes providing at least one layer with surface energies progressively increasing to minimize the difference between the surface energy of a carbon overcoat and the segregant.
US07879466B2	Perpendicular magnetic recording medium, and perpendicular magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus The invention provides a perpendicular recording medium with high recording density, and a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus, by improving the function of magnetic anisotropy of a soft magnetic underlayer. The perpendicular recording medium has at least a soft magnetic underlayer and a perpendicular magnetic recording layer on a non-magnetic substrate, wherein when Ku⊥ (erg/cm3) is defined as a perpendicular magnetic anisotropic energy, and Ms (emu/cm 3) is defined as a saturation magnetization of the soft magnetic underlayer, Ku⊥ of the soft magnetic underlayer has a negative value and Ku⊥<−2πMs2. As a result, the easy axis of a magnetization of a soft magnetic underlayer is oriented strongly in the substrate surface plane, which is effective to suppress the WATE phenomena and spike noise.
US07879465B2	Organic electric-field light-emitting element In an organic electroluminescent element comprising an anode layer, an organic luminescent layer, an inorganic compound layer (or reductive dopant layer) and a cathode layer; the organic luminescent layer comprises an aromatic amine compound of a formula (1), and/or an aromatic amine compound of a formula (2) wherein A, B, and Ar1 to Ar6 are independently a C6-60 aromatic group which does not contain a styryl group nor an alkenyl group, at least one of A, Ar1, Ar2, or B, Ar3 to Ar6 contains at least three condensed aromatic rings, and p, q and r of a condensation number are an integer of 1 to 6. The element has significantly long half-life and high luminance even at low driving voltages.
US07879461B2	Composition for charge-transporting film and ion compound, charge-transporting film and organic electroluminescent device using same, and method for manufacturing organic electroluminescent device and method for producing charge-transporting film An excellent composition for a charge-transport film, which can be used to produce an organic electroluminescence device having excellent heat-resistant property, high hole injection/transport capacity and capable of functioning at a low voltage, is proposed.
US07879449B2	Non-stick ceramic coating composition and process A series of new non-stick ceramic coating materials prepared from organic-inorganic hybrid materials, including silica sol, MTMS, FAS and PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) using the sol-gel process. The hybrid materials have good mechanical properties and are fashioned into a main ceramic network and good non-stick properties from organic non-stick compounds. The non-stick ceramic coating consists of two layers applied to cookware and for other applications.
US07879444B2	Super-low fouling sulfobetaine and carboxybetaine materials and related methods Super-low fouling sulfobetaine and carboxybetaine materials, super-low fouling surfaces and methods of making the surfaces coated with sulfobetaine and carboxybetaine materials, and devices having the super-low fouling surfaces.
US07879435B2	Hollow chamber structural component and method for producing same A hollow chamber structural component includes a shell component which extends along a main extension direction. A cover component is attached to the shell component, wherein a hollow chamber is disposed between the shell component and the cover component and extends in the main extension direction. A reinforcing structure is arranged in the hollow chamber and comprises: a synthetic support structure, which follows at least in some sections the main extension direction and rests with at least some sections against an inside of the shell component; and at least one reinforcing element that follows at least in some sections the main extension direction and is joined to the synthetic support structure with the aid of a layer of adhesive.
US07879433B1	Acoustical panel and method of making such panel A lightweight acoustical panel having a substantially monolithic appearance and high sound absorption capabilities is manufactured at a lower cost than acoustical panels having comparable properties. The panel is formed, punched with pins and coated with a coarse particle coating.
US07879432B2	Honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure 10 includes: multiple honeycomb units 11 having multiple through holes 12; and a seal layer 14 that joins adjacent honeycomb units 11 with each other via respective closed outer faces 13 of the honeycomb units 11 that are different from respective honeycombed faces of the honeycomb units 11. The honeycomb unit 11 includes at least inorganic particles, inorganic fibers and/or whiskers. A cross section area of a honeycombed face of the honeycomb unit perpendicular to the through holes 12 is about 5 to about 50 cm2, and the surface roughness Rz of the outer face 13 is about 5 to about 50 μm.
US07879429B2	Honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure having multiple honeycomb units united through a seal material layer, wherein each honeycomb unit has multiple through holes arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction and separated from each other by the wall surfaces of the through holes, is disclosed. The honeycomb units include at least: ceramic particles; and at least one of inorganic fibers and whiskers. At least one of the honeycomb units has a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof, the cross section having an area greater than or equal to about 5 cm2 and less than or equal to about 50 cm2. For each of the honeycomb units, the ratio of the thermal conductivity of the honeycomb unit to the thermal conductivity of the seal material layer falls within the range of about 0.2 to about 5.
US07879426B2	Honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure having multiple honeycomb units united through a seal material layer, wherein each honeycomb unit has multiple through holes arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction and separated from each other by the wall surfaces of the through holes, is disclosed. The honeycomb units include at least: ceramic particles; and at least one of inorganic fibers and whiskers. At least one of the honeycomb units has a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof, the cross section having an area greater than or equal to about 5 cm2 and less than or equal to about 50 cm2. The seal material layer has a thermal conductivity of about 0.1 W/m·K to about 5 W/m·K.
US07879419B2	Three-dimensional microstructured multilayer products A method of forming a three-dimensional microstructure on a flat surface of a support, comprising the application of a first flat and uniform layer of silicone on said surface of support and the application on the first layer of silicone of a second three dimensionally microstructured layer of silicone, said first layer and second layer of silicone become integrally connected to thus form a common three-dimensional microstructure ensuring anti-adhesive properties distributed regularly on the surface of the support, so that any flexible surface of substrate, in particular a surface of adhesive deposited on said layers of silicone will be microstructured by inverse replication of the three-dimensional microstructure formed by the two layers of silicone, where said layers of silicone are fixed by hardening by heating or by exposure to an ultraviolet or electronic radiation, or a combination thereof, applications thereof and films, notably self-adhesive films, such as those microstructured by said method.
US07879418B1	Method for depositing fluorocarbon films on polymer surfaces A method for forming a carbon-containing layer on a polymeric substrate is disclosed. The polymeric substrate is modified physically and chemically using an inductively coupled plasma process. The carbon-containing layer can be fluorocarbon film with different physicochemical properties and structure.
US07879416B2	Ink receptive particles, marking materials system, ink receiving method, recording method, recording apparatus, and ink receptive particle storage cartridge The present invention provides ink receptive particles, for receiving an ink containing a recording material, the ink receptive particles comprising trap structures for trapping at least a liquid component of the ink, and a liquid absorbing resin. Using the ink receptive particles, the invention also provides a marking materials system, an ink receiving method, a recording method, a recording apparatus, and an ink receptive particle storage cartridge.
US07879415B2	Discrimination medium and discrimination method therefor A thermosensitive ink layer 102 is composed of a thermochromic material which changes from black to a transparent state and is formed on a substrate 101 made from a PET film by heating. A cholesteric liquid crystal layer 103 on which a hologram 105 of an appropriate form is formed on the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is mounted thereon. At ordinary temperature, the thermosensitive ink layer 102 exhibits a property of light absorption and a property of selective reflection and a color shifting of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 103 are observed. The thermosensitive ink layer 102 becomes transparent by heating and the figure 104 on the substrate 101 is also visible. The determination of the authenticity thereof is performed by utilizing the change of view. Therefore, the anticounterfeiting effects are superior to those of the discrimination techniques using conventional techniques, and this enables articles to be distinguished easily and reliably.
US07879412B2	Diamond thin film coating method and diamond-coated cemented carbide member A diamond thin film coating method is provided that enables, with no need for an intermediate layer, the formation of a diamond thin film, which has conventionally been considered difficult because cobalt contained in a binding phase of a cemented carbide provides a catalysis for the formation of graphite.Cobalt in a binding phase (11) present in a surface of a cemented carbide substrate member comprised of a hard phase of a carbide (2) and a binding phase (1) containing cobalt, is silicidated into silicide (3), and thereafter the diamond thin film is formed.
US07879407B2	Extremely scratch-resistant, highly elastic coating agents based on alkoxysilanes The invention relates to coating agents, containing (A) at least 50 wt. %, (in relation to the content of non-volatile substances in said coating agent), of at least one compound (A1) and/or (A1′) comprising at least two reactive groups of formula (I): —X—SiR″x(OR′)3-x, in which R′=hydrogen, alkyl or cycloalkyl, whereby the carbon chain can be interrupted by non-adjacent oxygen, sulphur or NRa groups, Ra=alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl, X=a linear and/or branched alkene or cycloalkene group comprising between 2 and 20 carbon atoms, R″=alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl, whereby the carbon chain can be interrupted by non-adjacent oxygen, sulphur or NRa groups, and x=0 to 2, (B) a catalyst for cross-linking the —Si(OR′)3-x units, and (C) an organic solvent or a mixture of organic solvents. According to the invention, during the curing of the coating agents, the reactive groups (I) are cross-linked in such a way, that the following characteristics are noted during the nanoindentation test on the cured coating: elastic recovery of volume >86.5%; plastic deformation <3.5%; brittle deformation <10.0%.
US07879400B2	Substrate processing apparatus, method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, and method of forming a thin film on metal surface There is provided a substrate processing apparatus equipped with a metallic component, with at least a part of its metallic surface exposed to an inside of a processing chamber and subjected to baking treatment at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure. As a result of this baking treatment, a film which does not react with various types of reactive gases, and which can block the out diffusion of metals, is formed on the surface of the above-mentioned metallic component.
US07879389B2	Low-cost bipolar plate coatings for PEM fuel cell A method for depositing a hydrophilic and electrically conductive layer onto a bipolar plate substrate for a fuel cell in a one step process. The method includes mixing a solution of a conductive material, such as gold particles, and a hydrophilic material, such as silicon dioxide particles, in a suitable solvent, such as ethanol. The solution is then deposited on the bipolar plate substrate by any suitable low cost process. Once the solution dries and the ethanol has evaporated, a thin layer of the conductive and hydrophilic particles remains on the substrate. In one embodiment, the conductive particles are significantly larger than the hydrophilic particles to provide both the desirable hydrophilicity and the low contact resistance.
US07879388B2	Methods for production and use of synthetic hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite nanorods, and superstructures assembled from the same Disclosed herein are methods directed toward the synthesis of ordered structures of hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite derivatives. More specifically, disclosed herein is a method of preparing ordered hydroxyapatite nanorod structures including the steps of suspending calcium and phosphate in a solvent, adjusting the pH to above 5, and heating to a temperature sufficient to support formation of the ordered hydroxyapatite nanorod structures. In some cases, the methods may include ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid derivatives. Also disclosed are methods that additionally involve a step of coating hydroxyapatite nanorods with a protein or an amphiphile such as a surfactant or polymer.
US07879387B2	Process of electrostatically coating a stent on a catheter A process for electrostatically coating a stent on a catheter. A conductor which is permanently affixed to the catheter contacts a stent mounted on the catheter. Conductive ink applied to the catheter may be used as the conductor. An electrical charge is applied to the conductor. The stent is then coated using an electrostatic coating process.
US07879385B1	Emulsified bean-based oil substitute A method for making a bean-based oil substitute comprising the steps of making an aqueous liquid dispersion of comminuted beans in a stable flowable form, homogenizing said aqueous dispersion, and mixing an emulsifier with said comminuted beans before, during or after homogenization, said homogenized aqueous dispersion including less than about 2% weight of added oil, and drying the dispersion. Also, the substitute made by the method and a dehydrated refried bean product made using the oil substitute.
US07879383B2	Rosemary herbal beverage powder and process The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a readily reconstitutable herbal beverage concentrate in powder form. The process in particular, describes the method of preparation of herbal beverage concentrate from rosemary using a set of unit operations and approved food grade additives. The invention describes a rosemary herbal beverage powder comprising encapsulated rosemary flavor 0.47-3.70%, rosemary extract 4.60-10.50%, sucrose 84.30-94.90%, organic acid 0.07-1.60%, and sodium benzoate 0.01-0.40%
US07879381B2	Cooking utensil with flavoring infuser A utensil for flavoring fowl while cooking it over a heat source such as a barbecue has a pan-shaped base with a center portion and an upright cup-shaped holder extending upward from the top side of the base's center portion. An upright liquid infuser tube is provided which can be removably placed within the cup-shaped holder. The infuser tube has a bottom end sized to be loosely fit within the cup-shaped holder and sidewalls that extend above the cup-shaped holder when the infuser tube is placed in the holder. The extension of the infuser tube's sidewalls form a top portion of the infuser tube which has at least one infuser opening, and which is insertable into the body cavity of a fowl. The base's cup-holder is sized to receive a standard beverage can, such that the infuser tube can be exchanged with an open beverage can, such as a beer can, if desired.
US07879380B1	Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture for high conductivity cooking Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture are provided for cooking. A shell, made of high temperature material is disclosed for use in a frying apparatus. Thus, conductive heating and so cooking occurs on the food contained within the shell.
US07879375B1	Pharmaceutical composition A pharmaceutical composition and method for modifying levels of cholesterol is described. Implementations of a pharmaceutical composition may comprise milk thistle and one of niacin, policosanol, and both niacin and policosanol. Implementations of a pharmaceutical composition may be administered using a method for reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides and increasing HDL cholesterol levels in a human or animal. The method may include the step of administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition that includes milk thistle and one of niacin, policosanol, and both niacin and policosanol to a human or animal.
US07879363B2	Method for increasing lactose tolerance in mammals exhibiting lactose intolerance The method for increasing lactose tolerance in subjects exhibiting lactose intolerance symptoms implements a protocol where the subjects ingest a gradually increasing amount of lactose containing product over a six week period. At various points during the six week period the subject ingests the lactose containing product once a day and then twice a day. The lactose containing product can be in liquid form, such as for example, milk, and is preferably in a powder form which is taken either by ingesting capsules having the lactose powder or in a granular form mixed with water or other non-lactose containing liquid. At the end of the six week period, the subject's tolerance for lactose containing products is substantially increased, with the potential of eliminating the subject's lactose intolerant behavior indefinitely.
US07879357B2	Pharmaceutical composition in the form of a hydrogel for transdermal administration of active ingredients The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition in the form of a hydrogel that comprises a carboxylic acid diester, a C2-C4 alkyl alcohol, an active ingredient and a polymer matrix. The invention also relates to the use of a carboxylic acid diester as a transdermal permation enhancer for an active ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition in the form of a hydrogel, whereby the composition comprises a polymer matrix and a C2-C4 alkyl alcohol. The invention also relates to a sweat-resistant composition in the form of a hydrogel, which comprises an acrylic polymer in combination with a cellulose derivative.
US07879355B2	Method and system for treatment of eating disorders The invention comprises a gastric device having a pouch formed from a degradable film. Preferably, the pouch contains a gas producing material. The gastric device hydrates within a patient's stomach and the gas producing material expands the device to a greater volume. Accordingly, the volume of the hydrated, expanded gastric devices occupy space in the stomach cavity and reduce the amount of food the patient will ingest before reaching the feeling of fullness. Preferably, the gastric device is made from food grade materials. The gastric device is configured to expand to a desired volume and then degrade after a residence time, allowing the device to be passed by the patient's normal digestive process.
US07879354B2	Rapidly disintegrating gelatinous coated tablets The present invention relates to an improved gelatinous coated dosage form having two end regions coated with gelatinous materials and an exposed circumferential band. Openings are provided in at least the exposed band to reveal the core material. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing such gelatinous coated dosage forms.
US07879350B2	Method for reducing odor using colloidal nanoparticles A method for reducing odors is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises contacting a substrate containing a thin coating of colloidal nanoparticles with an odorous compound. The colloidal nanoparticles have an average size of less than about 500 nanometers, a surface area of from about 50 to about 1000 square meters per gram, and a pore volume of less than about 0.5 milliliters per gram. The colloidal nanoparticles may adsorb at least about 25% of the odorous compound when contacted therewith.
US07879347B2	Dihydroxyphenyl compounds and glucoside compounds thereof A skin cosmetic composition comprising the compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1 is hydrogen and R2 is hydrogen or glucose residue.
US07879346B2	Cosmetic compositions for improving the performance of transfer-resistant and long-wearing The present invention provides a cosmetic composition including oil phase ingredients 40-90% by weight and powder ingredients 10-60% by weight. The oil phase ingredients include volatile oil 5-70 parts by weight and dimethicone/vinyl-dimethicone crosspolymer 0.1-5 parts by weight. The powder ingredients include organic hectorite 0.5-40 parts by weight, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer 0.5-5 parts by weight, and pulverulent body 0.5-50 parts by weight.
US07879343B2	Burn treatment method and composition A composition for burn treatment containing, in % by weight: Almond oil (sweet): 9-10 Almond oil (bitter):7-8 Lavender oil:4-5 Beeswax:8-9 Bee Pollen:3-4 Purified honey:50-60 Propolis:0.2-1 Water: 8-12.
US07879341B2	Therapeutic composition with a botulinum neurotoxin The present invention pertains to pharmaceutical compositions which comprise a botulinum neurotoxin from Clostridium botulinum, the neurotoxin being free of the complexing proteins naturally present in the botulinum neurotoxin complex or being chemically modified or being modified by genetic manipulation. Moreover the pharmaceutical compositions of the instant invention have good stability and are advantageously formulated free of human serum albumin.
US07879340B2	Treatment of mammalian reaction of IgE interactions A method is disclosed for blocking or reducing physiological reaction in a mammal to the interaction of IgE antibodies present in said mammal upon contact with the corresponding antigen, by the administration to said mammal of a therapeutically effective amount of a neurotoxin (CnT) derived from Clostridia sp.
US07879337B2	Mutant porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus The present invention provides a genetically modified PRRS virus which has been modified such that the conserved cysteine in the E protein has been deleted or changed to a non-cysteine residue and polynucleotides that encode it. Vaccines comprising the genetically modified virus and polynucleotides are also provided.
US07879336B2	Vaccines and methods to treat canine influenza The present invention relates to providing new vaccines and treatments for the diseases related to canine influenza virus. It discloses influenza viral antigens, and methods of presenting these antigens to canines, especially dogs. It relates to attenuated and killed vaccines. The present invention relates to experimentally generated canine and equine influenza viruses. invention also includes influenza A, including H3, N8, H3N8, H7N7 and viruses which contain at least one genome segment from an canine or equine influenza virus. The present invention also relates to the use of these viruses in therapeutic compositions to protect canines, dogs in particular, from diseases caused by influenza viruses.
US07879335B1	Glycoconjugates, glycoamino acids, intermediates thereto, and uses thereof The present invention provides novel n-alkenyl glycosides and glycoconjugates, n-alkyl glycoamino acids, and methods for the synthesis thereof. In another aspect, the present invention provides novel clustered glycopeptides and methods for the synthesis thereof. In still another aspect, the present invention provides methods for the treatment of cancer, preferably for the prevention of recurrence of cancer, and methods for inducing antibodies in a subject, comprising administering to a subject in need, an effective amount of any of the inventive glycoconjugates as disclosed herein.
US07879334B1	Fusion molecules and treatment of IgE-mediated allergic diseases The invention concerns bifunctional fusion molecules for the treatment of IgE-mediated allergic conditions and FcεRI-mediated autoimmune conditions. The invention provides a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of both acute and late-phase allergic responses due to ingestion, inhalation, cutaneous and parenteral exposure to allergens, responses including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, severe food allergies, chronic urticaria and angioedema, as well as anaphylactic reactions due to exposures such as bee stings or penicillin allergy. In addition, the invention provides for a novel, safer and more efficacious form of allergy vaccination.
US07879333B2	Methods for preparing and delivering adjuvant compositions Methods are provided for preparing and delivering an adjuvant for vaccines including lecithin and a polymer. The polymer is preferably polyacrylic acid-based. The method of preparation includes hydrating lecithin and a polymer in saline or water and mixing the lecithin and polymer to form the adjuvant.
US07879329B2	Recombinant antibodies for treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infections Disclosed are novel polyclonal antibodies, which target respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as novel high affinity antibody molecules reactive with RSV. The polyclonal antibodies may comprise antibody molecules which are reactive with both RSV protein F and RSV protein G, and preferably the polyclonal antibodies target a variety of epitopes on these proteins. The antibody molecules of the invention have shown superior efficacy in vitro and/or in vivo. Also disclosed are methods of producing the antibodies of the invention as well as methods of their use in treatment or prevention of RSV infection.
US07879326B2	Human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to H5N1 influenza A virus A panel of IgG1 human monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) identified by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay has been produced from peripheral B cells of an individual immunized with prototype H5N1 vaccine. Sequence analysis of antibody clones showed three clusters of different HMAbs as represented by HMAbs designated as BF1-1, BF1-19 and BF1-10. BF1-1 and BF1-10 have distinct CDR 1, 2 and 3 regions of both heavy and light chains. BF1-19 has the same heavy chain as BF1-1 but the light chain of BF1-10. Antibody binding affinity, KD, studies showed all three HMAbs ranging from at least about 10−8 to at least about 10−9. In vivo protection studies showed that these antibodies afforded significant protection against infection. These findings demonstrate that the antibodies of the invention are cross-neutralizing and therapeutic.
US07879320B2	Hydrogel interferon formulations The present invention is related to pharmaceutical Poloxamer hydrogel formulations containing an interferon. In particular, the invention relates to sustained release hydrogel formulations of interferon-beta, method of preparation and use thereof.
US07879319B2	Heterodimeric fusion proteins useful for targeted immune therapy and general immune stimulation Disclosed are methods for producing fusion proteins with the heterodimeric cytokine, interleukin-12. In order to insure that the proper ratio of fused and non-fused subunits are obtained in the fusion protein, a specific stepwise approach to genetic engineering is used. This consists of first expressing the non-fused p40 IL-12 subunit in a production cell line, followed by or simultaneously expressing in the same cell, a second recombinant fusion protein consisting of the fused polypeptide linked by a peptide bond to the p35 subunit of IL-12. Molecules containing the p35 fusion protein cannot be secreted from the transfected mammalian cell without first complexing in a one to one ratio with the p40 subunit, thus ensuring the production of active heterodimeric fusion proteins.
US07879318B2	Method of reducing the effects of ischemia by administration of a thrombopoietin receptor ligand A therapeutic or prophylactic treatment method of ischemia, such as due to myocardial infarction, by administering thrombopoietin, alone or in combination with other drugs, to a patient suffering from or at risk of cardiac injury, such as myocardial ischemia. The thrombopoietin is administered in a concentration such that the subject's platelet count or production of platelets is not significantly affected.
US07879309B2	Method for preparing functional nanomaterials utilizing endothermic reaction A method is disclosed whereby a functional nanomaterial such as a monolayer carbon nanotube, a monolayer boron nitride nanotube, a monolayer silicon carbide nanotube, a multilayer carbon nanotube with the number of layers controlled, a multilayer boron nitride nanotube with the number of layers controlled, a multilayer silicon carbide nanotube with the number of layers controlled, a metal containing fullerene, and a metal containing fullerene with the number of layers controlled is produced at a high yield. According to the method, when a multilayer carbon nanotube (3) is formed by a chemical vapor deposition or a liquid phase growth process, an endothermic reaction aid (H2S) is introduced in addition to a primary reactant (CH4, H2) in the process to form a monolayer carbon nanotube (4).
US07879307B2	Complexes of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes with molecular-clips and use thereof Separation of carbon nanotubes or fullerenes according to diameter through non-covalent pi-pi interaction with molecular clips is provided. Molecular clips are prepared by Diels-Alder reaction of polyacenes with a variety of dienophiles. The pi-pi complexes of carbon nanotrubes with molecular clips are also used for selective placement of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes on substrates.
US07879303B2	Flame synthesis of metal salt nanoparticles, in particular calcium and phosphate comprising nanoparticles Described is a method for the production of metal salts, wherein the cationic metal is preferably selected from Group I to IV metals and mixtures thereof and the anionic group is selected from phosphates, silicates, sulfates, carbonates, hydroxides, fluorides and mixtures thereof, and wherein said method comprises forming a mixture of at least one metal source that is a metal carboxylate with a mean carbon value per carboxylate group of at least 3 and at least one anion source into droplets and oxiding said droplets in a high temperature environment, preferably a flame. This method is especially suited for the production of calcium phosphate biomaterials such as hydroxyapatite (HAp,Cal0(P04)6(OH)2) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP,Ca3(P04)2) that exhibit excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity and therefore are widely used for reparation of bony or periodontal defects, coating of metallic implants and bone space fillers.
US07879298B2	Microreactor A microreactor (1) comprises a vacuum casing (2), a microreactor proper (4) located in a vacuum-tight cavity (3) in the vacuum casing (2), and a getter heat-generation substrate (6) positioned on at least one surface of the microreactor proper (4). The microreactor proper (4) has a feed inlet (19a) connected to outside the vacuum casing (2) by way of a feed supply pipe (5A) and a gas outlet (19b) connected to outside the vacuum casing (2) by way of a gas discharge pipe (5B). The getter heat-generation substrate (6) comprises a substrate (7), and a heat generator (9) and a getter material layer (10) that are located on the substrate (7) alternately in mutual non-contact fashion.
US07879293B2	Sample collector and test device A sample collector and test device is disclosed. The sample collector and test device may be used together as a diagnostic tool for collecting and assay of analytes contained in a sample. A sample collector is also disclosed which may be used with existing sample containers and or test devices. The sample collector may indicate sample adequacy when a sufficient volume of sample has been collected for assay and may also include a sample retaining feature which retains a portion of expressed sample for confirmatory testing, if desirable. The sample collector may also include a mechanism for expressing sample in a sample collector and/or test device. A test device is also disclosed for retaining and assay of an expressed sample. The disclosed test device may be used with existing sample collectors. In a preferred embodiment, test device is used with a preferred sample collector. Test device may include a locking feature for locking a sample retained on a sample collector or test device may be used to receive expressed sample collected from a syringe or another suitable sample delivery device.
US07879292B2	Agitating device An agitating device is described, a representative one of which includes: an agitating device for agitating a sample within a sample container, comprising: a base; a container holder for holding a sample container, which is provided so as to be movable relative to the base; and an agitation drive unit, which is provided on the base, for providing an agitation drive force to the container holder so as to cause the container holder to perform a agitating operation.
US07879290B2	Apparatus for chemiluminescent assay and detection An apparatus includes a system for guiding chemiluminescence and a system for preventing a variation in dark currents. The apparatus includes a first light shielding BOX having a sample container holder and a shutter unit therein, the shutter unit including a top plate which is partly formed by a movement of a plate member and a second light shielding BOX having a photodetector therein. While a measurement is not implemented, the shutter unit is closed to block entrance of stray light to the photodetector, and while a measurement is implemented, the plate member is moved to open the shutter unit, and the tip of the photodetector is inserted into a through hole formed in the top plate, so that the distance between the bottom of the sample container and a sensitive area of the photodetector is reduced to several millimeters or less.
US07879288B2	Method and apparatus of sterilization using monochromatic UV radiation source This invention provides a process of sterilizing a medical device, and preferably the contents of a sealed container which comprises said medical device, comprising the step of exposing said medical device to monochromatic ultraviolet radiation whereby the Dvalue of Bacillus stearothermophilus (ATCC 7953) is at least 23.7 mJ/cm2 monochromatic ultraviolet radiation at 257 nm to the spore. Further, this invention provides a process of sterilizing a medical device comprising the step of subjecting said medical device to monochromatic ultraviolet radiation wherein the minimum total energy density of said monochromatic ultraviolet radiation at 257 nm which reaches the microorganisms present on said medical device is at least 284 mJ/cm2.This invention further provides an apparatus for delivering UV radiation to a medical device for sterilization comprising a laser and a scanner for the laser such that at least 284 mJ/cm2 at 257 nm is applied to a treatment area for said medical device. This invention provides a process and apparatus in which sterilization can be achieved in less than 20 seconds, preferably less than 15 seconds, more preferably in less than 5 seconds. The process and apparatus are efficient and continuous.
US07879286B2	Method of producing high strength, high stiffness and high ductility titanium alloys A method of producing a high strength, high stiffness and high ductility titanium alloy, comprising combining the titanium alloy with boron so that the boron concentration in the boron-modified titanium alloy does not exceed the eutectic limit. The carbon concentration of the boron-modified titanium alloy is maintained below a predetermined limit to avoid embrittlement. The boron-modified alloy is heated to a temperature above the beta transus temperature to eliminate any supersaturated excess boron. The boron-modified titanium alloy is deformed at a speed slow enough to prevent microstructural damage and reduced ductility.
US07879285B2	Process for fabrication of cermets Cermet comprising ceramic and metal components and a molten metal infiltration method and process for fabrication thereof. The light weight cermets having improved porosity, strength, durability, toughness, elasticity fabricated from presintered ceramic powder infiltrated with a molten metal or metal alloy. Alumina titanium cermets biocompatible with the human body suitable for bone and joint replacements.
US07879279B2	Nucleating agent and injection molding method of polyethylene terephalate The invention relates to a nucleating agent for polyethylene terephthalate and injection molding method thereof. The nucleating agent comprises a SiO2 core grafted with bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, which accelerates the crystallization of polyethylene terephthalate for injection molding.
US07879276B2	Foam stiffened hollow composite stringer A method and apparatus for a composite stringer. A method is used for manufacturing a hollow composite stringer. Foam is formed with a mandrel installed into the foam. A composite material and the foam is laid up onto a tool in a form of a stringer. The composite material and the foam in the form of the stringer is cured to form a cured stringer. The mandrel from the foam is removed to form the hollow composite stringer.
US07879274B2	Method of making a two-piece end plug for insertion into an end of a paper roll An end plug (1) for insertion into an end of a paper roll includes an inner (2) and an outer piece (3), the pieces being rotatably attached to each other and prevented from axial movement in relation to each other by at least one protrusion (6) of one of the pieces running in an annular groove (7) in the other of the pieces. A method of manufacturing such an end plug is also disclosed.
US07879273B2	Fifth wheel lube plate having a perforated support member The fifth wheel hitch lube plate of the present invention comprises a perforated support member having a plurality of perforations and a lubricious material molded around the perforated support member such that the lubricious material covers both the top and bottom surfaces of the perforated support member and extends through the perforations formed in the perforated support member. Preferably, the support member is a perforated metal plate and the lubricious material is nylon, graphite, or an ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene material. The problems associated with utilizing nylon (or similar materials) and bonding it to a support plate are overcome by forming the plurality of apertures in the support plate so that a mechanical cohesive bond is formed between the upper and lower surfaces of the support plate, thereby substantially increasing the lube plate strength, and shear strength, while decreasing the likelihood that the lube plate may buckle.
US07879270B2	Process for producing a hyper-elastic, high strength dilatation balloon made from multi-block copolymers A process for producing a dilatation balloon by extruding a multiblock copolymer composition to form an extrudate comprising phase-separated glassy, rubber, and semicrystalline microdomains that are macroscopically ordered in a perpendicular alignment. The balloon formed by the process demonstrates, during inflation, a true stress vs. nominal strain response curve comprising a first zone representative of a low modulus balloon, a second zone representative of a high strength balloon, and a sharp transition from the first zone to the second zone.
US07879267B2	Method for coating articles by mold transfer A method for coating hydrogel and silicone hydrogel articles, and articles made by the method, are provided in which the coating is first applied to the molding surface in which an article-forming material will be cured to form the article. The method permits the thickness and uniformity of the coating to be more easily controlled than in known coating methods.
US07879263B2	Method and solution to grow charge-transfer complex salts The present disclosure relates to methods and solutions for growing metal charge-transfer salts on a metal surface, such as a metal layer at the bottom of a via hole. The method makes use of a solution comprising a salt additive. The temperature during growth is in the range of −100° C. to +100° C. The method allows controlled growth of the metal charge transfer salt inside via hole while limiting growth outside the via hole. The method further limits corrosion of the metallic connections at the bottom of the via hole.
US07879256B2	Liquid crystal compositions, polymer networks derived therefrom and process for making the same The invention relates to compounds of Formula (I): The invention further relates to liquid crystal compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I); compositions further comprising one or more chiral compounds; and polymer networks derived from the polymerization of the liquid crystal compositions. Another embodiment relates to processes for providing compounds of Formula (I).
US07879254B2	Snow removal agent and preparation method A snow removal agent for melting snow, consisting of magnesium chloride, halite, urea, sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium metasilicate, wherein the sodium tripolyphosphate and the sodium metasilicate each account for an identical weight percentage in the agent, wherein the halite is crushed to a size of 7-20 mm and aged for 24-48 hours.
US07879251B2	Thin film removing device and thin film removing method A thin film removing device and a thin film removing method are capable of removing straight parts of a thin film formed on a square substrate from corners of the substrate, and of suppressing the formation of mists. An approach stage 20 having flat stage plates 23 capable of being disposed substantially flush with the surface of a substrate M mounted on a support table 22 is positioned close to the substrate M mounted on the support table 22. Removing nozzles 30 jet a solvent toward edge parts of the substrate M and suck a solution produced by dissolving part of the resist in the solvent while the removing nozzles 30 are moved along side edges of the substrate M and the approach stage 20 disposed close to the substrate M. Thus, the removing nozzles 30 jet the solvent uniformly over the edge parts and corners of the substrate M and suck the solution without changing modes of jetting the solvent and sucking the solution. Consequently, straight parts of a thin film formed on the square substrate M can be removed from the corners of the substrate M, and the formation of mists can be suppressed.
US07879250B2	Method of processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor with independent wafer edge process gas injection The disclosure concerns a method of processing a workpiece or in a plasma reactor chamber, using independent gas injection at the wafer edge.
US07879249B2	Methods of forming a lens master plate for wafer level lens replication Methods of forming a lens master plate. In one embodiment, a substrate is coated with a polymer material layer. Isolated sections are formed in the polymer material layer. The isolated sections are formed into lens shapes using a lens master.
US07879246B2	Water treatment apparatus It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective technique for achieving a higher level of water quality control in a water treatment apparatus. Representative water treatment apparatus according to the present invention may include a purifying section, a sterilizing section, a water storing section and a water quality detection sensor. The water quality detection sensor is immersed in the water storing section. The water quality detection sensor not only serves as a means for detecting the quality of water in the water storing section, but also as a means for detecting deposition of biomembrane on the detecting section of the water quality detection sensor due to deterioration of the sterilizing performance of the water storing section. As a result, an efficient water quality control system can be realized.
US07879242B2	Method and device for the removal of partially protein bound substances A method and a device to increase the efficiency of dialysis for the removal from blood of substances that are more or less tightly bound to carriers such as albumin. According to the invention this is accomplished by a simultaneous significant increase of the flow rate of the dialysis fluid and of the area of the membrane that separates the blood from the dialysis fluid, compared to conventional dialysis.
US07879240B2	Method and system for aerating wastewater for re-use A method and apparatus for aerating a liquid, particularly for aerating water in a wastewater treatment process, by: introducing the liquid into a primary pressurizable aeration tank; pumping liquid from the primary pressurizable aeration tank into a secondary pressurizable aeration chamber via a feed path; aerating the liquid in the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber; and recirculating aerated liquid from the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber back to the primary pressurizable aeration tank via a return path. The return path has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the feed path through which the liquid is pumped into the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber such as to pressurize the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber to a pressure greater than that in the primary pressurizable aeration tank, and thereby (a) to enhance the aeration of the liquid in the secondary pressurizable aeration chamber, and (b) to supply the energy for recirculating the aerated liquid back to the primary pressurizable aeration tank.
US07879237B2	Method for biological disposal of organic wastewater and biological disposal apparatus A biological treatment method and device for organic wastewater, whereby the amount of minute organisms which reduce the amount of excess sludge and held within an activated sludge tank can be stabilized so that the treatment can be stabilized, are provided. Substrates for growing dispersed bacteria and/or dispersed bacteria are supplied to a sludge treatment tank 51 which reduces the sludge by the minute organisms, so that the minute organisms grow stably and reduce the sludge. Specifically, a first and a second biological treatment step are conducted respectively in a first activated sludge tank 21 and a second biological treatment tank 31. The sludge included in effluent which flows from the biological steps is separated in a sedimentation tank 41. The generated sludge obtained is supplied to the sludge treatment tank 51. The water to be treated which is bypassed via a bypass path 26 is introduced to a sludge treatment tank 51 as substrates to be assimilated by bacteria so that dispersed bacteria are made to grow in the sludge treatment tank 51 and the minute organisms are held stably in the sludge treatment tank 51 to promote the reduction of sludge.
US07879236B2	Micro gas attendant system A lagoon of effluent is established, comprising a set of sub-portions at different levels in the lagoon associated with a corresponding set of concentrations of dissolved oxygen, each sub-portion of the lagoon having a different concentration of dissolved oxygen. An incubator comprising a set of sub-portions associated with said set of concentrations of dissolved oxygen is established, each sub-portion of the incubator having a different concentration of dissolved oxygen. A volume of effluent from each sub-portion of the lagoon is transmitted to a corresponding sub-portion of an incubator having a substantially similar concentration of dissolved oxygen as said sub-portion of the lagoon. A first remediated volume of effluent is generated in said corresponding sub-portion of the incubator responsive to proliferating a first microorganism which uses a first compound in said volume of effluent as substrate for growth, the first microorganism enabling a first chemical reaction which alters the first compound.
US07879233B2	Drain grate filter assembly with compressible anchors A drain grate filter assembly having a filter sheet member, wedging anchors and mechanical fasteners, whereby the assembly is connected to a drain grate by inserting wedging anchors into the apertures of the grate, placing the filter sheet member atop the grate and inserting fasteners through the filter sheet member and into the wedging anchors.
US07879230B2	Vacuum-actuated liquid disinfectant dispenser and system A vacuum-actuated liquid chlorine dispenser for use in an aerobic treatment system. Effluent is diverted from a discharge pipe in an aerobic treatment system into an inlet of a venturi chamber. The resulting pressure differential resulting from effluent flowing through the venturi chamber is communicated to a dosage container, which results in disinfectant flow from a reservoir into the dosage container until the volume of disinfectant contained by the dosage container causes a pressure control device, such as a float valve, to inhibit further pressure communication. Thereafter, the accumulated disinfectant within the dosage container egresses through a disinfectant outlet that may include a flow regulation device such as a drip emitter or check valve. The present invention allows for more regular dosing of known and accurate disinfectant amounts following each pumping cycle of the aerobic treatment system.
US07879224B2	Doped alumino-silicate catalyst and improved process for treatment of hydrocarbon feeds The present invention concerns doped catalysts on an alumino-silicate support with an adapted macropore content and hydrocracking/hydroconversion and hydrotreatment processes employing them. The catalyst comprises at least one hydrodehydrogenating element selected from the group formed by elements from group VIB and group VIII of the periodic table, a controlled quantity of phosphorus (optionally in combination with boron and/or silicon) as a doping element, and a non-zeolitic support based on alumina-silica containing a quantity of more than 5% by weight and 95% by weight or less of silica (SiO2).
US07879222B2	Detection of additive breakdown products in acid copper plating baths An additive breakdown product in an acid copper plating bath sample is detected by performing a voltammetric analysis for the leveler additive in two measurement solutions comprising different volume fractions of the copper plating bath sample in a background electrolyte. When the plating bath sample contains a substantial concentration of the additive breakdown product, the analyses for the first and second measurement solutions indicate different concentrations for the leveler additive in the plating bath sample. A comparison of the leveler additive concentrations indicated by the two analyses provides a measure of the concentration of the additive breakdown product.
US07879219B2	Electrochemical processing of solid materials in fused salt The subject invention pertains to methods for processing a solid material (M1X) comprising a solid solution of a non-metal species (X) in a metal or semi-metal (M1) or a compound between the non-metal species and the metal or semi-metal is immersed in a molten salt (M2Y). A cathodic potential is applied to the material to remove a portion of the non-metal species by electro-deoxidation. To remove the non-metal species at lower concentrations, a source of a reactive metal (M3) is immersed in the molten salt and is electronically connected to the material. Reactions occur at the material, where the non-metal species dissolves in the salt, and at the reactive metal, which reacts with the non-metal species dissolved in the salt to form a reaction product more stable than a compound between the non-metal species and the metal or semi-metal (M1). The non-metal species is thus removed from the solid material.
US07879218B1	Deposit morphology of electroplated copper The present invention provides improved methods and devices for electroplating copper on a wafer. Some implementations of the present invention involve the pre-treatment of the wafer with a solution containing accelerator molecules. Preferably, the bath into which the wafer is subsequently placed for electroplating has a reduced concentration of accelerator molecules. The pre-treatment causes a reduction in roughness of the electroplated copper surface, particularly during the initial phases of copper growth.
US07879213B2	Sensor for in vitro determination of glucose A process for the manufacture of small sensors with reproducible surfaces, including electrochemical sensors. One process includes forming channels in the surface of a substrate and disposing a conductive material in the channels to form an electrode. The conductive material can also be formed on the substrate by other impact and non-impact methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes cutting the substrate to form a sensor having a connector portion and a transcutaneous portion, the two portions having edges that define one continuous straight line.
US07879208B2	Multi-port chlorine generator A chlorine treatment apparatus includes a housing with a cavity containing a chlorine generator for chlorinating a liquid such as water and at least three openings to the cavity. The chlorine generator may be an electrolytic cell. Some embodiments may include one or more plugs for closing the openings. The plugs may be keyed to operate with only certain of the openings. Yet other embodiments may include sensors for monitoring various aspects of the liquid such as temperature, salinity, flow rate, and chlorine concentration.
US07879204B2	Rejuvenateable cathodic protection anodes for reinforcing steel in concrete and soil An anode configured for the cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures and underground metallic structures against corrosion comprises a hollow, mixed-metal-oxide (MMO) coated form, the form having a wall with intentional gaps therethrough. A humectant is disposed in the hollow form, and a conduit between the hollow form and an ambient environment enables gasses produced by the form to escape to the environment while allowing the humectant to be periodically moistened with water or a high pH buffer solution. The form may be composed of titanium, tantalum, zirconium, niobium or alloys thereof, and the MMO coatings may be composed of titanium, tantalum, iridium, ruthenium, palladium, cobalt or mixtures thereof. The form may be a coiled wire or strip, a perforated tube, or other structure having gaps between the interior of the form and the surrounding concrete or soil.
US07879202B2	Scratch resistant coated glass article including carbide layer(s) resistant to fluoride-based etchant(s) A scratch resistant coated article is provided which is also resistant to attacks by at least some fluoride-based etchant(s) for at least a period of time. In certain example embodiments, an anti-etch layer(s) is provided on a glass substrate in order to protect the glass substrate from attacks by fluoride-based etchant(s). In certain example embodiments, the anti-etch layer(s) is substantially transparent to visible light. In certain embodiments, a DLC layer(s) may be provided over the anti-etch layer. An underlayer may be provided under the anti-etch layer(s) in certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the anti-etch layer(s) may be of or include a carbide and/or oxycarbide of Zr, Sn or the like.
US07879190B2	Tissue products with controlled lint properties Sheet-like products, such as tissue products, are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition may be incorporated into the tissue web by being combined with the fibers that are used to form the web. Alternatively, the additive composition may be topically applied to the web after the web has been formed. The additive composition can improve various properties of the sheet-like product. For instance, in one embodiment, the additive composition can reduce lint and increase softness.
US07879189B2	Additive compositions for treating various base sheets Tissue products are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition may be incorporated into the tissue web by being combined with the fibers that are used to form the web. Alternatively, the additive composition may be topically applied to the web after the web has been formed. For instance, in one embodiment, the additive composition may be applied to the web as a creping adhesive during a creping operation. The additive composition may improve the strength of the tissue web and/or improve the perceived softness of the web.
US07879185B2	Dual frequency RF match A dual frequency matching circuit for plasma enhanced semiconductor processing chambers having dual frequency cathodes is provided. The matching circuit includes two matching circuits with variable shunts combined to a common output. The matching circuit balances the load of the independent RF sources to that of the plasma in the processing chamber during operation.
US07879184B2	Apparatuses, systems and methods for rapid cleaning of plasma confinement rings with minimal erosion of other chamber parts An apparatus used for rapid removal of polymer films from plasma confinement rings while minimizing erosion of other plasma etch chamber components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a center assembly, an electrode plate, a confinement ring stack, a first plasma source, and a second plasma source. The electrode plate is affixed to a surface of the center assembly with a channel defined along the external circumference therein. A first plasma source is disposed within the channel and along the external circumference of the center assembly, wherein the first plasma source is configured to direct a plasma to the inner circumferential surface of the confinement ring stack. A second plasma source located away from the first plasma source is configured to perform processing operations on a substrate within the etch chamber.
US07879182B2	Shower plate, plasma processing apparatus, and product manufacturing method A system for processing a substrate uniformly by increasing the number of gas discharge holes being arranged per unit area of a shower plate as receding from the center of the shower plate or increasing the radii of the gas discharge holes as receding from the center of the shower plate thereby making the plasma excitation gas flow uniform.
US07879181B2	Apparatus for manufacturing flat-panel display Disclosed herein is a flat panel display (FPD) manufacturing apparatus for performing a desired process for a substrate positioned in a chamber after establishing a vacuum atmosphere in the chamber. The vacuum chamber is divided into a chamber body and an upper cover to ensure easy opening/closing operations of the upper cover.
US07879180B2	Polishing device and polishing method Disclosed are a polishing device and polishing method for forming a wafer with high flatness using a CMP process. For the polishing of the wafer, a polishing device including a chuck section and a polishing member having a needle member is used. In the polishing, the wafer is fixed on the chuck section and then, a working fluid containing no abrasive grains is supplied to a wafer surface as well as the needle member is pressed against the wafer surface and is caused to rapidly vibrate. By doing so, the needle member tip is caused to vibrate to rub the wafer surface, thereby performing the polishing. As a result, dishings due to asperities on the wafer surface or scratches extending over a wide range are prevented from occurring, so that the wafer with high flatness can be obtained.
US07879176B2	Methods of polymeric bonding fuel system components Methods of forming a hermetic seal between fuel system components are provided. One of the methods can be achieved by passing a light beam through a wall of a polymeric member to an inner surface of the wall that surrounds an outer surface of a polymeric body and defines an internal passage for a flow of fuel; and welding the inner surface of the polymeric member to the outer surface of the polymeric body to provide a hermetic seal at the respective inner and outer surfaces against the flow of fuel. Another method can be achieved by disposing an adhesive on an inner surface of polymeric member that surrounds an outer surface of a polymeric body and defines an internal passage for a flow of fuel; and activating the adhesive to bond the polymeric member to the polymeric body.
US07879174B2	Process for producing lightweight thermoplastic composite products in a continuous manner A process for producing lightweight thermoplastic composite products in a continuous manner is disclosed. An oven is provided for heating a dry unconsolidated fabric sheet of commingled fibers of thermoplastic and re-enforcing fibers or carbon fibers to a temperature sufficient to ensure melting and flow of the resin in the voids of the commingled fibers. The unconsolidated composite sheet is conveyed through the oven and then through a first pair of heated rollers at an outlet of the oven whereby to maintain the fabric sheet heated to prevent abrupt cooling at the surfaces while compressing it under pressure. A further pair of rollers at a further reduced temperature is provided whereby the heated sheet is gradually lowered in temperature and the pressure is maintained thereon during consolidation of the commingled fibers to ensure complete flow of the resin in the voids between the reinforcing fibers. The continuous composite consolidated sheet can then be processed to sheet form, or laminated in a sandwich, or profiled whereby to form a desired product.
US07879173B2	Method for laying a sheet over a base material A method for laying a sheet over the lower surface of a base material disposed in a generally horizontal position. According to the method, the base material is supported at the lower surface thereof by a first support means, and the sheet is placed immediately below and in facing relation to the lower surface of the base material and then supported at the lower surface thereof by a second support means. The sheet and the base material are made to be in contact with each other over partial surfaces thereof. Subsequently, the first support means is moved away from the base material and the sheet and the base material are placed together on a rigid horizontal surface so that the sheet is laid substantially over the entire lower surface of the base material.
US07879172B2	Methods for producing internally-tufted laminates Embodiments of the invention provide method for producing an internally-tufted laminate adapted to provide improved softness and cloth-like feel. In one embodiment, a process for producing a polymeric layer comprises forcing polymeric fibers through a forming surface to produce the polymeric layer, the polymeric layer having a plurality of projections, each projection surrounded by a valley.
US07879169B2	Method for producing ceramic compact A method for producing a ceramic compact includes a laminate-preparing step of preparing an unfired laminate including a base layer including a ceramic powder and a glass material and a constraining layer that is in contact with at least one principal surface of the base layer and that primarily includes a burnable material which does not burn off when the burnable material is fired in a low-oxygen atmosphere but which burns off when the burnable material is fired at an oxygen partial pressure greater than that of the low-oxygen atmosphere, and a firing step of firing the unfired laminate to sinter the base layer. The firing step includes a first firing sub-step of firing the laminate including the constraining layer to sinter the base layer and a second firing sub-step of firing at an oxygen partial pressure greater than that of the first firing sub-step such that the burnable material included in the constraining layer burns off.
US07879166B1	Single walled carbon nanotubes activated with hydrazoic acid The present invention relates generally to carbon nanotubes, and more particularly to the interaction of single wall carbon nanotubes with hydrazoic acid to introduce energetic azide groups into the nanotubes to form activated carbon nanotubes.
US07879165B2	Method for producing magnesium alloy plate and magnesium alloy plate The present invention provides a method for producing a magnesium alloy sheet capable of producing a magnesium alloy sheet having excellent plastic workability such as press workability. The method of the present invention includes rolling a magnesium alloy blank with a reduction roll. The rolling includes controlled rolling performed under the following conditions (1) and (2) wherein M (% by mass) is the Al content in a magnesium alloy constituting the blank: (1) the surface temperature Tb (° C.) of the magnesium alloy blank immediately before insertion into the reduction roll satisfies the following expression: 8.33×M+135≦Tb≦8.33×M+165 wherein 1.0≦M≦10.0; and (2) the surface temperature Tr of the reduction roll is 150° C. to 180° C.
US07879161B2	Strong, non-magnetic, cube textured alloy substrates A warm-rolled, annealed, polycrystalline, cube-textured, {100}<100>, FCC-based alloy substrate is characterized by a yield strength greater than 200 MPa and a biaxial texture characterized by a FWHM of less than 15° in all directions.
US07879158B2	Nitrogenous polymers for metal surface treatment The present invention relates to a passivating layer on a metal surface, obtainable by contacting the metal surface with a composition comprising a water-soluble nitrogenous polymer, to a surface composed of a metal surface and the passivating layer of the invention, to a process for forming a passivating layer on a metal surface, to the use of a composition comprising a water-soluble nitrogenous polymer to passivate a metal surface, and to a system on a metal surface that comprises a passivating layer of the invention and further coating films.
US07879156B2	Apparatus for washing circuits involved in the preparation of milk-based beverages Apparatus for washing hydraulic circuits involved in the preparation of milk-based beverages in machines (1) for automatically dispensing hot drinks and/or in machines (1) for preparing and supplying espresso coffee, said circuits comprising at least one first hydraulic path (6) which extends between the milk storage vessel (8, 30) and the delivery device (2), at least one second hydraulic path (7) which extends between a steam source (9) and the same delivery device (2), a source (13) of washing liquid, means (14) for connecting and disconnecting said source (13) of washing liquid to/from a point (16, 26) along the said first hydraulic path (6). The apparatus provides means (21, 22) for connecting the said first hydraulic path (6) to the said second hydraulic path (7), producing a closed recirculating circuit for the washing liquid, as well as valve means (18) for connecting the resultant hydraulic circuit (6, 7, 15) to a discharge outlet (19). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cartridge (22) having a closed internal cavity (23) provided with first means (6a) for connection to the said first hydraulic path (6) as well as second means (7a) for connection to said second hydraulic path (7), to be positioned on the machine in place of the beverage delivery unit (2).
US07879155B1	Process for removal of paint from plastic substrates A method of removing paint from a plastic substrate at least partially coated with a paint coating by: providing at least one plastic substrate at least partially coated with a paint coating; providing a kit for a user to utilize to remove paint from the plastic substrate, which is at least partially coated with a paint coating; immersing the at least partially coated plastic substrate into first mix of components by the end user wherein the first mix of components further comprises water when the at least partially coated plastic substrates are immersed into the first mix of components; and rinsing the plastic substrate with water. The immersing and rinsing steps remove the paint coating from the plastic substrate. The kit includes: a first mix of components that includes: at least one aromatic alcohol; an alpha-hydroxy acid; an anionic surfactant; 2-mercaptobenzothiazole or salts thereof; and an arene; and instructions instructing an end user to remove paint from the plastic substrate using the first mix of components.
US07879153B1	Method for cleaning metal nanoparticles It relates to a method for removing a surfactant, organic materials and chlorine ions remained on the surface of metal nanoparticles, prepared on an organic solvent phase including a surfactant. The method for cleaning metal nanoparticles herein is efficient to remove organic materials or chlorine ions remained on the surface of the nanoparticles. Not less than 90% of impurities may be removed by this method. As a result, the thickness of a multi layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) can be reduced and a packing factor can be improved so that it allows thinner multi layer ceramic capacitors and improved utilities of metal nanoparticles as fuel cell catalysts, hydrogenation reaction catalysts, alternative catalysts of platinum (Pt) in chemical reactions and the like.
US07879151B2	Mask etch processing apparatus Method and apparatus for supporting and transferring a substrate in a semiconductor wafer processing system are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus is provided for supporting a substrate comprising a cover ring comprising a base having a bore disposed therethough, the base having an upper surface and one or more raised surfaces disposed adjacent the bore, wherein the raised surface comprise one or more first substrate support members disposed adjacent an edge of the bore and a capture ring disposed on the cover ring, the capture ring comprising a semi-circular annular ring having an inner perimeter corresponding to the bore of the cover ring and one or more second substrate support members disposed on the inner perimeter and adapted to receive a substrate, wherein the capture ring is adapted to mate with the cover ring and form one contiguous raised surface on the cover ring.
US07879150B2	Silicon carbide manufacturing device and method of manufacturing silicon carbide A silicon carbide manufacturing device includes a graphite crucible, in which a seed crystal is disposed, a gas-inducing pipe coupled with the graphite crucible, and an attachment prevention apparatus. The gas-inducing pipe has a column-shaped hollow part, through which a source gas flows into the graphite crucible. The attachment prevention apparatus includes a rod extending to a flow direction of the source gas, and a revolving and rotating element for revolving the rod along an inner wall of the gas-inducing pipe while rotating the rod on an axis of the rod in parallel to the flow direction.
US07879148B2	System and method for producing synthetic diamond Synthetic monocrystalline diamond compositions having one or more monocrystalline diamond layers formed by chemical vapor deposition, the layers including one or more layers having an increased concentration of one or more impurities (such as boron and/or isotopes of carbon), as compared to other layers or comparable layers without such impurities. Such compositions provide an improved combination of properties, including color, strength, velocity of sound, electrical conductivity, and control of defects. A related method for preparing such a composition is also described, as well as a system for use in performing such a method, and articles incorporating such a composition.
US07879133B2	Method for measuring an outline of a stratum of a reactant and a path of charging the reactant in a blast furnace A method has steps of providing a three-dimensional (3-D) laser scanner, providing a computer, obtaining point group data (PGD) and calculating measuring an outline of a top reactant stratum from the PGD. The step of providing a 3-D laser scanner directs a 3-D laser scanner at reactant strata in a blast furnace and output PGD that represent digital data of an inside of the blast furnace. The step of providing a computer connects the 3-D laser scanner to a computer having a point group analysis program. The step of calculating an outline of the top reactant stratum from the PGD is performed by the point group analysis program to calculate an outline of the top reactant stratum in the blast furnace from the PGD. At least one two-dimensional laser scanner is used to measure a path of the reactant being charged.
US07879131B2	Metal encapsulation A process for encapsulating metal microparticles in a pH sensitive polymer matrix using a suspension containing the polymer. The process first disperses the metal particles in a polymeric solution consisting of a pH sensitive polymer. The particles are then encapsulated in the form of micro-spheres of about 5-10 microns in diameter comprising the pH sensitive polymer and the metal ions (Ni2+, Cu2+) to be coated. The encapsulated matrix includes first metal particles homogeneously dispersed in a pH sensitive matrix, comprising the second metal ions. A high shear homogenization process ensures homogenization of the aqueous mixture resulting in uniform particle encapsulation. The encapsulated powder may be formed using spray drying. The powder may be then coated in a controlled aqueous media using an electroless deposition process. The polymer is removed when the encapsulated micro-spheres encounter a pH change in the aqueous solution.
US07879129B2	Wear part formed of a diamond-containing composite material, and production method A wear part is formed of a diamond-containing composite material with 40 to 90% by volume of diamond grains, 0.001 to 12% by volume of carbidic phase, formed from one or more elements from the group Si, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, B, Sc, Y and lanthanides and 7 to 49% by volume of a metallic or intermetallic alloy with a liquidus temperature<1400° C., the metallic or intermetallic alloy containing the carbide-forming element or elements in dissolved or precipitated form and having a hardness at room temperature>250 HV.
US07879128B2	Palladium-containing nanoscale catalysts A method of making palladium-containing nanoscale catalyst particles comprising subjecting a starting material to laser energy so as to form a vapor and condensing the vapor so as to form the catalyst particles. The catalyst comprises nanoscale particles of palladium and/or palladium oxide incorporated in and/or on nanoscale particles of a metal or metal oxide. The nanoscale catalyst, which can be incorporated in the tobacco cut filler, cigarette wrapper and/or cigarette filter of a cigarette, is useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis. The nanoscale catalyst can convert carbon monoxide and nitric oxide that are found in mainstream smoke to carbon dioxide and nitrogen, respectively. The nanoscale catalyst may also be incorporated into a hydrocarbon conversion reactor, into a vehicle exhaust emissions system, into a laser, into a fuel cell or used in an air filter or for emissions reduction in the cold starting of an automobile engine.
US07879126B2	Diesel particulate filter An improved particulate filtration system has an inlet, for the fluid to be filtered, connected to a housing containing a filter medium such that the fluid passes through the filter medium, and an outlet for the filtered fluid to exit. The filtration system's improvement is the filter medium being comprised of a porous ceramic of fused platelet grains. In a particular embodiment, the porous ceramic is a celsian porous ceramic, where the celsian grains have a hexagonal morphology and display a continuous volume thermal expansion coefficient from 100° C. to 1000° C.
US07879125B2	Filter with variable pleat depth A filter is provided by pleated filter media having a plurality of pleats defined by wall segments extending axially along an axial direction along an axis and extending transversely along a transverse direction between first and second sets of pleat tips at first and second sets of axially extending bend lines. The pleated filter media spans laterally along a lateral span along a lateral direction, with the wall segments being spaced from each other by lateral gaps. The pleats have a pleat depth along the transverse direction along the wall segments between the first and second sets of pleat tips. The pleat depth varies as the pleated filter media spans laterally along the lateral direction.
US07879124B2	Air cleaner and method of manufacturing the same There is provided an air cleaner in which an adsorption element for adsorbing vaporized fuel is surely fixed to a housing without additionally providing a special step, and moreover the performance of element and the performance of an air cleaner itself can be maintained, and a manufacturing method for the air cleaner. The air cleaner is configured so that a filter element and an adsorption element for adsorbing vaporized fuel are incorporated in a housing formed by joining the open ends of a pair of housing members to each other. At the open end of each of the housing members, a welding protrusion projecting toward the open end on the other side is formed, and a connecting portion formed with a welding protrusion is provided on a holding frame of the adsorption element.
US07879122B2	Air filter and fan device for vehicle ventilation systems An air filter and fan device for a vehicle ventilation system is disclosed that, in direction of air flow, includes an air filter, an impeller, and a flow-off channel. A casing is provided that accommodates the impeller and the flow-off channel in an enclosing manner such that the impeller is established with double-suction, receiving air from the air filter from both a first side and a second side or the impeller.
US07879121B2	Cyclone dust-collecting apparatus for vacuum cleaner A cyclone dust-collecting apparatus is provided. The dust-collecting apparatus is detachably mounted in a main cleaner body of a vacuum cleaner and disposed on a suction flow path extending from a suction port body to a suction source. The dust-collecting apparatus includes a body having an opened lower portion; at least one cyclone unit disposed to one side in the body to separate dust from air flowing into the body and discharge air from which the dust has been separated; and a bottom cover to open or close the lower portion of the body. The body has an inflow pipe penetrating the body from a rear portion of the body and connected to the cyclone unit and the inflow pipe has an inclined top surface.
US07879113B2	Composition comprising at least one fatty substance and at least one silicate, dyeing or lightening process using it and devices or kits therefor The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing or lightening human keratin fibers, comprising: a cosmetically acceptable medium; at least 25% by weight of at least one fatty substance; from 0.5% to 15% by weight of at least one silicate chosen from smectite, vermiculite, stevensite and chlorite clays; at least one dye chosen from oxidation dyes and direct dyes; at least one basifying agent; and at least one oxidizing agent. The disclosure also relates to a dyeing or lightening process using it. Another aspect of the disclosure is multi-compartment devices or kits for obtaining, after mixing together the compositions of the compartments, just before its application, a composition according to the disclosure.
US07879110B2	Foot prosthesis having cushioned ankle A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders. A preferred pump system generates fluid pressure based upon the movement of the amputee onto two telescoping pylons that are connected to the prosthetic foot.
US07879105B2	Method and apparatus for arthroscopic joint resurfacing An arthroscopic method of glenoid resurfacing with a meniscal allograft. The glenohumeral joint is debrided and holes are formed around the anterior and posterior perimeter of the glenoid rim. A meniscal allograft is prepared by removing it from its bone block and then bringing together its two horns to form a ring. Subsequent to the formation of the graft ring, a series of loops are installed along the edge of the graft. The loops correspond to the holes on the glenoid surface. Once the graft has been successfully placed on the glenoid, the loops are positioned in close proximity to the pre-drilled holes. Fixation devices such as anchors may be installed over the loops, to attach the perimeter of the graft to the glenoid through the pre-drilled holes.
US07879098B1	Expandable lordosis stabilizing cage An expandable stabilizing cage includes a body having a fixed cage section, an expandable cage section, formed as a number of elongate blocks, and a relief between the fixed and expandable cage sections. An orifice, which through the expandable cage section decreases in diameter with increased distance along the central axis of the body away from the fixed cage section, is provided through the body. The expandable stabilizing cage also includes a wafer, which, when inserted into the orifice through the body, causes outward flaring of the elongate bars for fixing the expandable stabilizing cage securely in place in the intervertebral disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies. Upper elongate blocks have substantially planar upper surfaces. Lower elongate blocks have substantially planar lower surfaces. The surfaces may be provided with surface irregularities for facilitating stable engagement with adjacent vertebral bodies, exemplary irregularities including denticles, dimples, scores, grooves or small protuberances.
US07879094B2	Systems for material fixation A soft tissue fixation system, most typically applicable to orthopedic joint repairs, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee repair procedures, comprises an implant which is placeable in a tunnel disposed in a portion of bone, wherein the tunnel is defined by walls comprised of bone. A first member is deployable outwardly to engage the tunnel walls for anchoring the implant in place in the tunnel, and a second member is deployable outwardly to engage tissue material to be fixed within the tunnel. The second member also functions to move the tissue material outwardly into contact with the tunnel walls to promote tendon-bone fixation. Extra graft length is eliminated by compression of the tendon against the bone at the aperture of the femoral tunnel, which more closely replicates the native ACL and increases graft stiffness. The inventive device provides high fixation of tendon to bone and active tendon-bone compression. Graft strength has been found to be greater than 1,000 N (Newtons), which is desirable for ACL reconstruction systems.
US07879090B2	Intraocular lens injector apparatus and methods of use An IOL injector kit comprising a first body portion having a first lumen disposed therethrough, a proximal end, a distal end configured to deposit an IOL into an eye, a second body portion having a second lumen disposed therethrough, a proximal end and distal end, a container comprising a wall defining a container lumen, a first open end configured to receive the proximal end of the first body portion into the container lumen, and a second open end configured to receive the distal end of the second body portion into the container lumen, and an IOL disposed inside said container.
US07879087B2	Mitral and tricuspid annuloplasty rings A mitral annuloplasty ring with an inner core and an outer band located therearound is disclosed. The ring has an anterior region, a posterior region opposite the anterior region, and two side regions therebetween. A cross-sectional width dimension of the outer band is greater in the posterior region of the ring than in the anterior region. A cross-sectional width dimension of a semi-flexible core is thinner in the anterior and posterior regions than in the side regions so that the mitral ring is more rigid in the anterior-posterior direction. A tricuspid annuloplasty ring of the invention has an inner core and an outer band located therearound. The inner core has an anterior region separated across a gap from a septal region, and a posterior region. A cross-sectional width dimension of the outer band is greater in the septal region than either the anterior or posterior regions.
US07879085B2	ePTFE crimped graft The present invention provides an expanded tubular graft formed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The graft has first and second open ends and a surface longitudinally extending between the ends. The graft also includes an inner and outer cylindrical walls, where the walls have crimps or corrugations located along the surface of the graft. Additionally, the graft is coated with biocompatible elastomer covering portions of the outer cylindrical walls of the PTFE graft. The resulting ePTFE crimped graft exhibits various enhanced properties, such as adjustable graft length, high kink resistance, improved suture retention and high crush resistance as compared to the same graft without the crimps.
US07879082B2	Micro structure stent configurations Fine structure stents physiologically acceptable to the body.
US07879076B2	Use of weak stressors to enhance the effectiveness of ionizing radiation and other treatments of disease Enhancing the effectiveness of therapeutic ionizing radiation and other treatments of disease in which cells are to be destroyed or modified, by subjecting cells in need thereof to low-dose radiation to increase the sensitivity of the cells to subsequent subjection with a lethal dose of high dose radiation (HDR), a chemotherapeutic agent, or other type of therapeutic treatment.
US07879075B2	Methods for connecting a longitudinal member to a bone portion An apparatus (10) includes a fastener (16) engageable with a bone portion to connect a longitudinal member (12) to the bone portion. A housing (40) has a first passage (42) configured to receive the longitudinal member (12) and a second passage (44) extending transverse to the first passage. The fastener (16) extends through an opening (50) in the housing (40) into the second passage (44). A longitudinal axis (18) of the fastener (16) is positionable in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to a longitudinal axis (46) of the second passage (44). A spacer (60) received in the second passage (44) of the housing (40) is engageable with the fastener (16) and the longitudinal member (12). A member (70) applies a force to prevent relative movement between the fastener (16) and the housing (40) and permit manual movement of the fastener (16) relative to the housing (40) against the force when the longitudinal member (12) is disengaged from the spacer (60). A clamping mechanism (90) clamps the longitudinal member (12), the spacer (60), and the housing (40) to the fastener (16) to prevent movement of the fastener relative to the housing.
US07879074B2	Posterior dynamic stabilization systems and methods Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae in a patient's spinal column. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal stabilization device is provided having a first cross-connector that is adapted to mate to opposed lateral sides of a first vertebra, a second cross-connector that is adapted to mate to opposed lateral sides of a second vertebra, and a flexible member that is coupled to the first and second cross-connectors and that is adapted to allow movement between first and second adjacent vertebrae coupled to the first and second cross-connectors.
US07879073B2	Self-locking device for fastening an intervertebral implant A locking device for locking two ties which may be coupled to an intervertebral spacer. The locking device includes a body having a first face for facing a wall of the intervertebral spacer, and a second face opposite the first face. The body includes an axial slot opening out into both faces of the body; two lateral slots, each lateral slot opening out into both faces and having dimensions suitable for allowing one tie to pass freely therethrough between opposing side surfaces of the lateral slot; and two presser surfaces defined in the first face, each presser surface extending between one end of the body and the nearer lateral slot. One side surface of each lateral slot converges with the associated presser surface to define a first edge, and the other side surface of each lateral slot converges with the second face to define a second edge.
US07879072B2	Method for implanting a flowable fastener The present invention provides a method for securing an implant in the human body. The method includes providing a fastener having a substantially smooth outer surface and a conical shaped portion having a first end and a tapered end. The fastener is made of a polymeric material. The method also includes inserting the fastener in the body with the tapered end of the conical shaped portion leading the first end, heating the polymeric material of the fastener in the body, and applying pressure to the polymeric material of the fastener while heating to cause the polymeric material to flow in the body. Furthermore, the method includes collapsing the fastener with the heat and pressure to thereby secure the fastener relative to tissue in the body.
US07879069B2	Anti-pooling vest for patients undergoing hemodialysis and in critical care An anti-pooling vest to be worn by a patient undergoing a hemodialysis procedure is disclosed for inhibiting intradialytic hypotensive symptoms in the patient during the course of hemodialysis treatment. The anti-pooling vest includes an inflatable bladder for applying a compressive pressure on the internal organs within the abdomen of the patient during the hemodialysis procedure to reduce the pooling of blood within the patient's internal organs. A pump, such as, for example, a manually compressible bulb or an electrically powered pump, in fluid communication with the bladder is operable to inflate the bladder to a predetermined pressure and a pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the bladder is operable to decrease the pressure within the bladder to the predetermined pressure. The anti-pooling vest may also be utilized to increase venous return in hypotensive patients in critical care suffering from blood or fluid loss by applying compressive pressure to the internal organs within the abdomen of the patient to reduce the pooling of blood within the patient's internal organs.
US07879066B2	Apparatus for occluding body lumens A luminal occlusion device comprises a tension member, an elongate shaft, and a flat film having an axial receptacle which is received over a distal portion of the tension member. The flat film has proximal and distal ends which are attached to the distal ends of the tension member and the elongate shaft, respectively. Thus, distal advancement of the tension member relative to the shaft will cause the flat film to assume a low profile configuration, while proximal retraction of the tension member relative to the elongate shaft will cause the flat film to assume a foreshortened, compacted configuration. The film usually includes one or more radioopaque markers which help shape the compacted film.
US07879062B2	Fiber based embolism protection device Improved embolism protection devices comprises fibers that can have one configuration for delivery of the device and a second configuration in which the device is deployed for filtering of flow within a vessel. In some embodiments, the fibers can be connected to a fiber support, which is connected to an actuating element. The actuating element controls the transition from the delivery configuration to the deployed configuration. The embolism protection device can comprise a guidewire. The fibers can be attached at one end to a fiber support structure and at another end to the guidewire. A hypotube can be attached to the proximal end of the fibers while the guidewire is attached at the distal end of the fibers with the guidewire extending within a central channel of the hypotube. The hypotube can be used to guide the delivery of treatment structures, such as a balloon and/or a stent.
US07879057B2	Method of setting lancing member to lancing device, lancing device and cam mechanism A lancing member (2) is integrally provided with a cap (29) for covering a needle (21). Upon or after being attached to a holder (5) of a lancing device (A), the lancing member (2) is rotated relative to a cap (29) by a rotator (C). As a result, the boundary (28) between the cap (29) and the lancing member (2) is broken easily to expose the needle (21).
US07879056B2	Pleurabrade device An abrading device for use in irritating and blotting a surgical area, preferably the area between the chest wall and lung of a patient, to allow the user to more easily insert and remove the surgical device reducing contact with surrounding tissue and wound edges. The device is primarily comprised of a cannula, a plurality of radial springs, an abrasive tip, an actuator and an adjuster. The actuator is configured to selectively move the abrasive tip and plurality of radial springs into and out of the cannula. The adjuster allows the user to selectively expand or collapse the abrasive tip.
US07879055B1	Method and apparatus for sizing a material A method and apparatus for sizing a member. The apparatus may include a first member and a second member movable relative to one another to impinge the member. The apparatus may be used in a small area to achieve a selected sizing of the member.
US07879050B2	Trans-vascular surgical method and associated device A trans-vascular surgical method includes forming an artificial opening in a blood vessel of a patient's vascular system at a substantially predetermined location and moving a distal end portion of a medical instrument through at least a section of the patient's vascular system and through the artificial opening. A surgical port device is disposed inside the blood vessel to inhibit blood from exiting the patient's vascular system through the artificial opening while permitting extension of the distal end portion of the medical instrument through the artificial opening. After moving the distal end portion of the medical instrument through the artificial opening, the medical instrument is operated to perform a medical procedure operation inside the patient.
US07879045B2	System for guiding instruments having different sizes A system and procedure for using the system are disclosed for guiding instruments of varying sizes. The instruments can be guided into various portions of the anatomy for performing a procedure, providing a treatment, measuring a physiological response, or the like. Two or more instruments of varying sizes can be driven or guided relative to one another with the same system.
US07879044B2	Atraumatic circumcision device and method to use same A disposable neonatal circumcision device that secures the foreskin of the penis in a precise location, applies radially circumferential clamping, and delivers a longitudinal circumferential cutting device along the path precisely controlled by the device itself, not the operator, ensuring the incision to the clamped foreskin is made in the precise location, independent of the operator.
US07879043B2	System and method for preventing intraoperative fracture in cementless hip arthroplasty A method and system for monitoring impaction of a femoral component of a hip prosthesis into a femur in which impaction data generated during the impaction of the femoral component into the femur is received from at least one measurement transducer attached to the femoral component and is normalized by a data acquisition and analysis device. An impaction monitoring metric is calculated based on the normalized impaction data, and femoral component fit and stability data is then generated and output to a user interface based on the impaction monitoring metric.
US07879040B2	Method and apparatus for osteochondral autograft transplantation A system for harvesting an implantable graft from the femur of a human having a cartilage overlying a condyle, according to which an overlay extends over the femur and is positioned relative to the femur by an articulating arm assembly.
US07879037B2	High speed surgical cutting instrument A surgical cutting instrument including an outer tube having a bearing sleeve disposed within a lumen thereof, along with an inner wire assembly extending through the outer tube and the bearing sleeve. A cutting tip is connected to the inner wire assembly distal the outer tube. Conversely, a coupling chuck is connected to a proximal section of the inner wire assembly, with a housing maintaining the outer tube and the coupling chuck. When mounted to a motor, the inner wire assembly is rotated to effectuate a surgical cutting procedure at the cutting tip, with the bearing sleeve supporting the inner wire assembly relative to the outer tube during rotation.
US07879032B1	Disposable electrosurgical handpiece Incorporating into an electrosurgical handpiece a device configured to disable the handpiece when a built-in usage time period expires. Preferably, the device comprises a timer in the form of an activating battery with a known discharge rate such that the battery voltage gradually reduces in value with use. The battery in turn is coupled to a circuit which monitors the battery voltage and operates a switch which decouples the handpiece electrode from the electrosurgical current source when the battery voltage falls below a preset value. This effectively disables the handpiece preventing reuse.
US07879028B2	Osmotic delivery systems and piston assemblies for use therein An osmotic delivery system is disclosed for delivering an active agent formulation to a fluid environment. The osmotic delivery system typically comprises a reservoir having a lumen that contains the active agent formulation and an osmotic agent formulation and a piston assembly positioned in the lumen to isolate the active agent formulation from the osmotic agent formulation. The piston assembly typically comprises a body constructed and arranged for positioning in the lumen. The body is typically made of a polymeric material that is, for example, resistant to leaching in an organic solvent. In one embodiment, the body is a columnar body having a rim at a distal end thereof for engaging and sealing against a wall of the reservoir and the piston assembly further comprises a spring retained at the distal end of the columnar body for biasing the rim of the columnar body against the wall of the reservoir.
US07879027B2	Controlled release devices for fusion of osteal structures A device includes a first reservoir configured to include a degradation agent, a first control element configured to provide access to the first reservoir, and an expandable component configured to extend to engage an osteal structure.
US07879026B2	Controlled adjustment of medicine dispensation from an infusion pump device Some embodiments of an infusion pump system can incorporate an accelerometer or other motion sensor to detect the user's activity level. If the user's activity level indicates that he or she is exercising or otherwise at an elevated level, the infusion pump device can be configured to automatically adjust the dispensation rate of a medicine such as insulin. Accordingly, an insulin delivery rate can be corrected to account for a user's activity level (e.g., an elevated activity level during exercise or the like).
US07879024B2	Splittable cannula having radiopaque marker A splittable cannula includes a radiopaque marker placed at or near the distal end of the cannula. The radiopaque marker may be a unitary piece, or may consist of several portions. The cannula may include a sheath or catheter body with a grooved score line running along a portion of the sheath body and a radiopaque marker located at a distal end of the body and abutting the body. The radiopaque marker may be located within the lumen of the sheath, may be embedded in the sheath wall, or may be affixed to the external sheath wall. The radiopaque marker may be scored, notched, grooved, or contain apertures longitudinally. The notches, grooves, apertures, and/or score lines in both the sheath or catheter body and the radiopaque marker serve to provide a weakened tear path. An electrode lead may be coupled with the radiopaque marker.
US07879022B2	Rapid exchange fluid jet thrombectomy device and method A rapid exchange fluid jet thrombectomy device having a streamlined manifold and a catheter having multiple tubular segments where each tubular segment increases in flexibility in a distal direction. Torque response and pushability is enhanced by the arrangement of a proximally located tubular segment composed of a polymer-jacketed spiral metal tube in combination with an intermediate tubular section and a distal tubular section each having different degrees of flexibility. A guidewire tube exit region is provided where the intermediate tubular section joins the distal tubular section for over-the-wire guidewire usage. The polymer-jacketed spiral metal tube can extend along a partial or full length of the catheter and can include a basic continuous spiral cut which has regions of constant pitch or which has progressively increasing pitch, or in the alternative, can include an interlocking spiral cut having constant pitch regions or progressively decreasing pitch.
US07879021B2	Catheter with non-uniform wall thickness A catheter having a non uniform wall thickness comprising first and second wall regions is described. The first region is thicker than the second region and at least a part of the first region comprises a material having a lower stiffness modulus than the second region. Typically, the ratio of stiffness between the first region and the second region is less than 1.25:1 and preferably approximately 1:1. The first region may comprise the same material as the second region but having a different formulation so that the stiffness modulus is altered. Alternatively, the regions may comprise different materials. The lower modulus material is coextruded into at least a part of the broadest/thicker cross sectional region(s).
US07879017B1	Disposable absorbent article A disposable absorbent article such as a disposable diaper having standing cuffs around leg portions or a waist portion. The disposable absorbent article has, in a used condition, standing cuffs each having a free portion thereof stand toward the wearer by means of a stretching force of stretching members. Stretching members are respectively provided at the tip end of the free portion and at a portion between the base end and the middle of the free portion and closer to the base end. The standing cuff may not have a plane-gathering cuff at the outer side thereof.
US07879016B2	Ostomy pouch with bias members and closure means A drainable ostomy pouch having sidewalls of flexible sheet material defining a cavity therebetween and a downwardly-extending neck portion terminating in a discharge opening that is closed by folding the neck portion upwardly and opened by unfolding the neck portion downwardly. Each of the sidewalls of the neck portion is provided with a transversely-extending bias member that is formed of stiff but flexible, springlike plastic material. The bias members are normally flat so as to be in straight parallel closed condition but are openable under inwardly-directed finger pressure applied to their opposite ends to cause them to bow outwardly away from each other. The pouch also includes a two-part fastening system for holding the neck portion in upwardly-folded condition, the system including a first fastener part located along the outer surface of one of the sidewalls of the neck portion and a second fastener part located along the outer surface of the other sidewall of the neck portion, the fastener parts having outwardly-projecting interengageable locking elements that are brought into interlocking engagement when the neck portion is fully folded.
US07879013B2	Intravenous catheter anchoring device An intravenous catheter anchoring assembly is disclosed and includes a patient-contacting membrane, a platform, and a retaining strap for securing a catheter or tubing of an administration set to a patient. The strap is attached to the platform with adjustable pull-tabs that permit a variety of catheter shapes and sizes to be secured. The strap is also elastomeric so that the strap is stretchable and thereby grabs the secured catheter. The strap and platform further define a plurality of passageways that permit the catheter to be secured in a plurality of non-aligned directions.
US07879012B2	Medical valve with resilient sealing member A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a movable member with a member channel therethrough. The movable member is movable to cause the valve to transition from the closed mode to the open mode after insertion of a medical implement into the inlet. The member channel fluidly communicates the inlet and the outlet when in the open mode. The valve also has a resilient member with a member flow path in fluid communication with the outlet. The movable member slides along the resilient member when transitioning between the open mode and the closed mode. The resilient member normally has a flange (about the member flow path) that is compressed by the movable member. The flange fluidly disconnects the member flow path from the member channel when in the closed mode.
US07879010B2	Infusion set A device for inserting a cannula into tissue, including a cannula, a protective element which can accommodate said cannula, an operating element for moving the cannula out of the protective element, and a holder fixedly connected to the cannula. The invention encompasses a system for connecting a liquid supply to the cannula.
US07879009B1	Variable opening delivery system for intervertebral disc therapies The disclosure is directed to a needle system configured to enlarge an access path in a patient without further cutting into the tissue of the patient so as to reduce recovery time and trauma to the patient. Also provided are methods of using the needle system provided.
US07879008B2	Control device for a fluid delivery system The control device is used to control delivery of fluid from a fluid delivery system during a medical injection procedure. The fluid delivery system includes an injector adapted to actuate a syringe used to deliver the injection fluid to a patient. The control device is operatively associated with the injector for controlling discrete flow rates of injection fluid delivered to the patient. The control device includes a housing and an actuator associated with the housing. An electronic substrate is disposed within the housing and comprises a conductive pattern. The actuator is adapted for operative association with the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern includes a plurality of predetermined digital values corresponding to discrete flow rates of injection fluid to be delivered by the injector, such that when the actuator is actuated the actuator operatively associates with the conductive pattern for transmitting the digital values to the injector.
US07879006B2	Injection aid for anterior juxtascleral depot The present invention is an ophthalmic injection aid having a positioning member and a needle assembly. The injection aid facilitates the creation of an anterior juxtascleral depot of an ophthalmic drug.
US07879000B2	Method, system and machine for collecting a biological fluid to which a selected ratio of solution is added The invention concerns a method of collecting a biological fluid, in particular blood, with an anticoagulant and/or preservation solution added, in which the biological fluid is collected by natural flow and the anticoagulant and/or preservation solution is added by pumping, the method making provision for measuring the flow of fluid collected and slaving the pumping speed to the measured flow, so as to obtain continuously during collection a given ratio between the quantity of fluid collected and the quantity of anticoagulant and/or preservation solution added. The invention also concerns a collection machine and bag system for implementing the method.
US07878998B2	Wrist support A wrist support includes a first section for receiving a forearm, a second section for receiving a hand, and a bridging section spanning a wrist and connecting the first and second sections together. The bridging section is integrally formed with some portion of the first section or second section. The disposition of the second section relative to the first section is variable, for example, according to the tension in a tensioning line, wherein the tension may be adjusted by a rotary device.
US07878994B2	Cast for immobilizing and heating or cooling a body part A flexible cast that constructed out of a group of cells. Each cell is filled with a filler that contains a substance that can be heated or cooled. The cast is held onto the user's body by a set of straps and fasteners. The cast is intended to immobilize the body part and either heat or cool it as desired.
US07878987B2	Methods and instruments for assessing bone fracture risk Methods and instruments for assessing bone, for example fracture risk, in a subject in which a test probe is inserted through the skin of the subject so that the test probe contacts the subject's bone and the resistance of the test bone to microscopic fracture by the test probe is determined. Macroscopic bone fracture risk is assessed by measuring the resistance of the bone to microscopic fractures caused by the test probe. The microscopic fractures are so small that they pose negligible health risks. The instrument may also be useful in characterizing other materials, especially if it is necessary to penetrate a layer to get to the material to be characterized.
US07878985B2	Guidewire having linear change in stiffness The invention is directed to a guidewire having a distal section with multiple distally tapered core segments with at least two contiguous distally tapering core segments in which the most distal tapered core segment preferably has a greater degree of taper than the proximally contiguous tapered core segment. The invention is also directed to an elongated intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire or section thereof, that has a core member with a plurality of contiguous tapered segments having taper angles that are configured to produce a linear change in stiffness over a longitudinal section of the device. The device may also have a core section with a continuously changing taper angle to produce a curvilinear profile that preferably is configured to produce a linear change in stiffness of the core over a longitudinal section of the device.
US07878982B2	Process and device for monitoring a patient during anesthesia and for determining the combined effect of a plurality of anesthetics A process is provided for monitoring a patient being anesthetized, as well as a process for determining a combined effect of different anesthetics used. Devices for carrying out the processes are also provided.
US07878979B2	Methods and systems for determining dynamic hyperinflation This invention provides methods and systems for non-invasively determining the presence (and amount) or absence of dynamic hyperinflation in a subject. The invention is based on a novel combination of respiratory parameters that can be measured in a way that is non-invasive and unobtrusive to the subject. Dynamic hyperinflation is often a significant factor in the quality of life of patients suffering from a variety of obstructive pulmonary diseases, and this invention permits simple, routine tracking and management of dynamic hyperinflation in affected patients.
US07878978B2	Use of relaxin to increase arterial compliance The present invention provides methods for increasing arterial compliance. The methods generally involve administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of relaxin. The present invention further provides methods of increasing arterial compliance in individuals who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The present invention further provides methods of increasing arterial compliance in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women. The present invention further provides methods of increasing arterial compliance in individuals who have or who are at risk of developing age-associated arterial stiffness.
US07878973B2	Single use laryngoscope A laryngoscope (10) to assist tracheal intubation on a patient, comprising a body having a handle (14), and a laryngoscope blade (12) extending from the handle (14); a lighting system (21) including a light source integrated in the laryngoscope body and arranged in use to be activated to adopt an operational mode to provide illumination to the patient's throat; control means operative to allow only a single occurrence of the lighting system in the operational mode; and wherein once activated in the operational mode, the lighting system provides illumination for only a limited time.
US07878971B2	Endoscope inserting direction detecting method An endoscope inserting direction method includes a first step of receiving endoscopic images time-sequentially, a second step of sampling pixels representing low densities from pixels of each of the endoscopic images which are time-sequentially received in the first step and a third step of determining whether or not number of pixels representing low densities which are sampled in the second step is equal to or larger than predetermined number of pixels. In a fourth step, if the number of pixels representing low densities is determined to be equal to or larger than the predetermined number of pixels in the third step, a position of the barycenter of the pixels representing low densities is obtained, and based on a change in the position of the barycenter of the pixels representing low densities of the time-sequentially received endoscopic images, a direction of a shift in the time-sequentially received plurality of endoscopic images is detected. In a fifth step, an endoscope inserting direction, in which an endoscope should be inserted, on the basis of the result of the detection performed in the fourth step is determined.
US07878969B2	Pelvic floor repair system Systems, method, and devices related to surgically implantable supportive slings are presented herein. More specifically, in various embodiments, the systems, devices and methods relate to a surgically implantable supportive sling adapted to anchor in patient tissue.
US07878967B1	Heart failure/hemodynamic device An improved hemodynamic device may be collapsed and implanted percutaneously. The device includes at least one collapsible blade member and a rotary mover for rotating the blade member to provide hemodynamic circulation. In one embodiment of the invention, the blade member rotates within a basket after implantation. The basket may be formed of shape-memory wires.
US07878965B2	Therapeutic methods using electromagnetic radiation This invention provides methods for treating a variety of disorders using localized electromagnetic radiation directed at excitable tissues, including nerves, muscles and blood vessels. By controlling the wavelength, the wavelength bandpass, pulse duration, intensity, pulse frequency, and/or variations of those characteristics over time, and by selecting sites of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, improvements in the function of different tissues and organs can be provided. By monitoring physiological variables such as muscle tone and activity, temperature gradients, surface electromyography, blood flow and others, the practitioner can optimize a therapeutic regimen suited for the individual patient.
US07878959B2	Electrically operated rehabilitation and exercise bed for simultaneous traction of upper limbs and lower limbs A rehabilitation and exercise bed includes: a bed having a driving motor provided under the bed; a rotary traction device having a right and a left pedal respectively secured to a pair of crank arms rotatably mounted on opposite ends of an axial shaft of the driving motor for rehabilitating or exercising a patient's feet in a rotary movement like pedaling a bicycle; a lower-limb traction device connected to a front portion of the rotary traction device for reciprocatively rehabilitating or exercising the patient's lower limbs; and an upper-limb traction device connected to a rear portion of the rotary traction device for reciprocatively exercising the patient's upper limbs.
US07878957B1	Multi-functional exercising machine A multi-functional exercising machine has a supporting device, a rotating device and a handle device. The supporting device has a base and a pivotal mount. The pivotal mount is formed on the base and has a positioning panel. The rotating device is connected to the supporting device and has a mounting frame, two guiding bars, a limiting rod and a sliding mount. The mounting frame is connected to the pivotal mount and has a pivotal shaft, a connecting panel and a positioning post. The guiding bars are connected to the mounting frame. The sliding mount is mounted on the guiding bars and has a sliding frame and a hassock. The sliding frame is mounted on the guiding bars and has two rollers, two limiting arms and a connecting pin. The hassock is mounted on the sliding frame. The handle device is connected to the supporting device.
US07878953B2	Leg press exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting seat A leg press machine has a floor engaging main frame, a user support pivotally mounted relative to the main frame and having primary and secondary support portions which support spaced locations on a user's body throughout an exercise, and a leg press exercise arm rotatably mounted relative to the main frame. The exercise arm has a first pivot connection which pivotally links the exercise arm to the user support and a second pivot connection which is associated with the main frame to link movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts.
US07878951B2	Gymnastic machine Gymnastic machine (1) includes a frame (10), a slide (20) carried movable by the frame (10) along a given direction (D) from and to a starting station (30), with the slide (20) being suitable for coupling with a first limb in such a way as to guide it along the given direction (D) and to enable, in use, to control a scissor movement of the first limb with respect to a second limb retained at the starting station (30).
US07878947B1	Crank system assemblies and methods for use thereof An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame; a crank system supported by the frame; a right and left foot members supported by the frame; first and second flexible element coupled to the crank system and foot support members such that downward motion of either foot support member causes rotation of the crank system; and a crank offset assembly configured to prevent the crank system from becoming locked at a top dead center location.
US07878942B2	Method for shifting actuation of an automated transmission A method for shifting an automated transmission situated in a drive train of a motor vehicle between an engine and a drive axle and having at least one multi-speed main transmission and a two-speed range change group rear-mounted thereon. The main transmission has at least one counter-shaft with an transmission brake. A clutch engages the prime mover and the main transmission and the range change group is shifted via unsynchronized dog clutches, which are combined in pairs in a common shift set having two shift positions and one neutral position such that during a range change gearshift, both in the main transmission and in the range change group, a change between two ratio stages occurs. A range change up-shift and down-shift each include active synchronization of the dog clutch by way of the transmission brake and of the separating clutch.
US07878935B2	Continuously variable transmission with external cam A continuously variable transmission includes: (a) at least one external, three-dimensional cam; (b) at least four follower assemblies, each including a planet pulley, a roller shaft, and at least one follower roller, the roller shaft being mounted on the planet pulley, the roller shaft being connected to the follower roller; (c) at least two sun assemblies, each including a sun pulley, at least one sprag clutch, and a differential pulley, the differential pulley being mounted to the sun pulley, the sun pulley driving the sprag clutch; (d) an input assembly including a sun pulley shaft, the sun pulley shaft being connected to the at least two sun pulley assemblies through the respective sprag clutches; and (e) at least one differential mechanism connecting each of the sun pulleys to at least two of the planet pulleys; wherein the cam is external to the follower assemblies.
US07878933B2	Hydraulic coupling with disconnect pump clutch A power transfer assembly for use in a motor vehicle and having a hydraulic coupling operable to transfer drive torque to a driveline in response to slip. The hydraulic coupling includes a transfer clutch, a clutch operator for engaging the transfer clutch, a fluid actuation system including a fluid pump for controlling movement of the clutch operator, and a magnetorheological pump clutch capable of selectively shifting the fluid pump between operative and inoperative states.
US07878928B2	High performance golf ball having a reduced-distance A golf ball including a core and a cover layer, wherein the golf ball has a weight of about 1.39 oz to about 1.62 oz, and at a Reynolds number of about 207,000 and a non-dimensional spin ratio of about 0.095, the golf ball has a lift-to-weight ratio of greater than about 1.7 and a drag-to-weight ratio of greater than about 2.4.
US07878925B2	Golf club head Provided is a golf club head which has the coefficient of restitution within the regulated range and which is easy for hitting balls. The ball-hitting face is made of a material anisotropic in Young's modulus. Preferably the direction of the largest Young's modulus on the face material is perpendicular to the horizontal direction on the face.
US07878923B2	Golf club head The present invention provides a golf club head that can hit a ball with a sufficiently large amount of backspin. The golf club head according to the present invention is an iron type golf club head made of a metal and including a flat face. A plurality of traces are formed by milling on the face. The pitch of the traces is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.
US07878921B2	Interchangeable shaft and club head connection system Disclosed herein is a golf club including a shaft, a club head and several devices for releasably connecting the shaft to the club head.
US07878920B2	Set of iron-type golf clubs having a progressive sole configuration The present invention is directed to a set of iron-type golf clubs having a progressive sole configuration through the set. In particular, the inventive golf clubs include a consistent relationship between the ground contact and center of gravity throughout the set and a progressive sole configuration that provides desired bounce for each club within the set. The progressive sole configuration includes a progressive sole camber throughout the set of iron-type golf clubs.
US07878908B2	Multiplexed secure video game play distribution Multiple video game players access an encrypted video game library stored on a shared mass storage device. A multiplexer multiplexes data read from the mass storage device to provide output streams to multiple video game playing units consuming video game instructions. A secure bus communicates video game instructions from the shared mass storage device to each of the video game playing units. Video game software or other entertainment content is distributed to the shared mass storage device via electronic download in multi-level encrypted form. Before being transported, the content is encrypted and then further encrypted. Once the content has been successfully transported, it is decrypted to remove the further encryption layer—leaving the first encryption layer intact for protecting the video game during storage on mass storage at the remote distribution location.
US07878905B2	Multi-layered interactive play experience Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel.
US07878904B2	Object selecting method When an upper part of a cross key is operated with a controller, a cursor is moved to an object name above an initial position where the cursor was located in a list, and an icon is moved to a corresponding object in an object display area. When a lower part of the cross key is operated, the cursor is moved to an object name below the initial position, and the icon is moved to the corresponding object in the object display area. When a right part of the cross key is operated, the icon is moved to the object to the right of an initial position where the icon was in the object display area, and the cursor is moved to the corresponding object name in the list. When a left part of the cross key is operated, the icon is moved to the object to the left of the initial position in the object display area, and the cursor is moved to the corresponding object name in the list.
US07878903B2	Method and gaming machine for symbol enhancement using a semi-transparent overlay A gaming device and a method displaying symbols on a gaming device. The gaming device displays a plurality of reels of spinning symbols. Selected ones of the spinning symbols are highlighted or otherwise enhanced when shown in the display to the person playing the gaming device.
US07878902B2	Secured verification of configuration data for field programmable gate array devices A method and apparatus for providing automated and secured verification of configuration data for a volatile progrannmable electronic device, such as an FPGA, is disclosed. A configurator including at least one memory unit, such as a ROM or EEPROM, contains a configuration file, which file is transferred to the volatile programmable electronic device or FPGA on demand. Data from the configuration file is compared with data from a separate custodial file, which custodial file is substantially identical to the configuration file and resides in a location separate from the memory unit or units that store the actual configuration file. In some instances the comparison is made before any actual loading of the configuration file into the FPGA occurs, whereby loading is prohibited if no match is confirmed, while in other instances the FPGA is configured using the configuration file and is then shut down if no match is later confirmed.
US07878893B1	Method and device for delivering play incentives at a gaming machine One or more gaming machines include an incentive supply storage, along with at least one play incentive dispenser to deliver play incentives to a player at a gaming machine. Play of each gaming machine includes definition of at least one incentive qualifying event, resulting in dispensing a play incentive to a player. Optionally, some of the play incentives have substantially nominal value and some of the play incentives have non-nominal value. Incentive qualifying events may be random or based on outcomes generated during play of a gaming machine. Optionally, a play incentive may be dispensed along with issuance of a prize awarded through a game of chance. A prize award may be indicated by or on the play incentive, which may be awarded along with the play incentive. Optionally, the play incentives may be concealed in a packaging.
US07878890B2	Game program, game device, and game method A first power property setting unit will set a first power property to a moving object. A power status display unit will display the power status of the moving object, which is defined based on the first power property, in an estimated passage position in an estimated passage display area. A rotational property setting unit will set a rotational property to the moving object which is dispatched from a character. A second power property setting unit will set a second power property to the moving object. A rotational status display unit will continuously display the rotational status of the moving object, which is defined based on the rotational property, in the estimated passage position.
US07878889B2	Data center cooling A system includes a substantially sealed, substantially airtight cabinet sized for housing a vertical array of heat-producing units, the cabinet having an exterior shell and the system including an interior divider wall disposed inside the cabinet, the shell and divider wall providing an equipment chamber adapted to support the array such that the array cooperates with the shell and divider wall in use to define a first plenum, the first plenum having a first inlet defined by the divider wall for receiving a flow of cooling gas and having a first outlet defined by a plurality of openings through the array whereby the first plenum communicates with the openings in use to exhaust substantially all of the flow of cooling fluid through the openings and hence through the array, wherein the divider wall is configured to allow the first inlet to admit the gas to the first plenum in a substantially horizontal direction.
US07878881B2	Pull up nursing garment A nursing garment is constructed with an outer bodice and an inner bodice, wherein the outer bodice is adapted for pulling up to uncover the inner bodice. The inner bodice has breast-feeding openings located for nursing and infant while wearing the inner bodice. The outer bodice provides breast cups. The outer bodice provides a bra-like support. The inner bodice is stretchable and provides a bra-like support.
US07878876B2	Light emitting device and method for producing same A light emitting device 10 includes: a lead frame 12a serving as a mounting portion having a cup 13; a light emitting element 14, mounted on the bottom face 13a of the cup, for emitting light having a predetermined peak wavelength; a layer of first phosphor particles 16, adsorbed and formed on the light emitting element, for absorbing light emitted from the light emitting element and for emitting light having a longer peak wavelength than that of the light emitted from the light emitting element; second phosphor particles 18 for absorbing at least one of light emitted from the first phosphor particles and light emitted from the light emitting element and for emitting light having a longer peak wavelength than that of the at least one of the light emitted from the first phosphor particles and the light emitted from the light emitting element; and a sealing member 20, in which the second phosphor particles are dispersed, for sealing the light emitting element and the layer of first phosphor particles in the cup.
US07878872B2	Steering connection system for connecting two or more marine propulsion devices A steering connecting device for a boat couples the steering of a primary propulsion device and an auxiliary propulsion device. The primary propulsion device has an outer surface and is attached to the transom of the boat and an auxiliary propulsion device. There is a hinge assembly hingeably attached to and essentially parallel to the transom of the boat. There is a mounting plate fixedly attached to the hinge assembly. A tie rod is rotatably attached at a first end to the outer surface of the primary propulsion device and rotatably attached at a second end to the mounting plate. The auxiliary propulsion device is rigidly attached to the mounting plate. As the primary propulsion device is rotated from left to right during steering of the boat, the mounting plate also rotates from left to right thereby rotating the auxiliary propulsion device in unison with the primary propulsion device.
US07878871B2	Weld terminal, switch assembly and methods of attachment A terminal and electrical contact for a pair of leads of an electrical component is provided, the terminal having a pair of terminals each comprising a planar member comprising a conductive material that surrounds an opening in the planar member; and wherein one of the pair of leads is welded to one of the pair of terminals such that the lead traverses the opening and is welded to the terminal at a portion of the terminal adjacent to the opening and the other one of the pair of leads is welded to the other one of the pair of terminals such that the lead traverses the opening and is welded to the terminal at a portion of the other one of the pair of terminals adjacent to the opening.
US07878863B2	Connector system with data communication system using induction and method An electrical connector provides both electrically conductive connection and inductive connection, and includes at least one electrically conductive member adapted to provide electrically conductive connection to another electrically conductive member, an inductive electrical member adapted to provide inductive coupling with another inductive electrical member, and wherein the at least one electrically conductive member and the inductive electrical member being held in positional relation to each other to be positioned with respect to a further electrical connector for electrically conductive connection and inductive coupling with respect thereto. A method of connecting electrical signals uses a pair of electrical connectors, each having an electrically conductive connection portion and an inductive connection portion to provide for both electrically conductive connection and inductive coupling between the electrical connectors.
US07878862B2	Electrical connector rotatably mounted to a portable device An electrical connector (100), includes an insulative housing (10), a plurality of conductive contacts (20) retained in the insulative housing, an insulative base (60) secured to the insulative housing, a subsidiary printed circuit board (30) connecting with the conductive contacts, a flexible printed circuit board (50) electrically connecting with the subsidiary printed circuit board, and a shielding shell (70) shielding peripherally around the insulative housing and the insulative base. The subsidiary printed circuit board is attached to the insulative base. A gap (609) is defined between a portion of the insulative base and an edge of the subsidiary printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board has a first strip portion (503) extending out of the insulative base, a second strip portion (501) connecting with the subsidiary printed circuit board, and a folded portion (505) between the two strip portions. The folded portion is received in the gap.
US07878861B2	Energy storage module including a connector having unique pin configuration An energy storage module includes a motherboard and a connector that may convey power, ground, and I/O signals to and from the motherboard. The connector includes a non-metallic housing that includes a plurality of sections, each having a corresponding connector contact portion. A first contact portion includes a first non-metallic protrusion and a first plurality of metallic blade contacts positioned thereon, and the first metallic blade contacts may convey backup power. A second contact portion includes a second non-metallic protrusion and a second plurality of metallic blade contacts positioned thereon, and the second metallic blade contacts may convey a circuit ground return path for the backup power. Further, a third contact portion includes a third non-metallic protrusion and a plurality of metallic pin contacts positioned thereon, and the metallic pin contacts may convey input/output (I/O) signals, input power, and a circuit ground return path for the input power.
US07878860B1	Modular connector system The present invention provides a modular connector system for, in some embodiments, interconnecting circuit boards. In some embodiments, the modular connector system includes a header assembly for blind mating with an adapter assembly.
US07878855B2	Cable connector assembly with a front shell A cable connector assembly includes an insulative housing (1) having a number of contacts (2) received therein, a shielding member (4) enclosing the insulative housing, a printed circuit board (3) connected with tail portions of the contacts, a cable (5) connected with the printed circuit board, a metallic shell (6) enclosing the printed circuit board and a front shell (7) located in front of the shielding member (4). The front shell is of metallic laminar configuration and comprises a frame-shaped opening (71) in center thereof for the shielding member to be inserted into.
US07878852B2	Single chip universal serial bus (USB) package with metal housing A Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory card includes a tube metal housing that is rectangularly-shaped and a Chip-On-Board (COB)-Universal Serial Bus (USB) device and a carrier substrate having a U-block disposed on one side of thereof and vertically extending upwardly from a bottom surface of the U-block, the COB-USB device positioned on the carrier substrate forming a USB card sub-assembly, the USB card sub-assembly being securely located inside the metal housing with the U-block serving to stop the COB-USB device from slipping out of the metal housing.
US07878847B2	Electrical connector with improved contact arrangement An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a number of first and second contacts retained therein. The insulative housing defines a first receiving cavity with a first tongue extending thereinto and a second receiving cavity with a second tongue extending thereinto. The second receiving cavity communicates with the first receiving cavity in an up to down direction. The first contacts are disposed on opposite first and second surfaces of the first tongue. Each first contact has a first contact portion protruding into the first receiving cavity and a first tail portion. The second contacts are disposed on a mounting surface of the second tongue. Each second contact has a flat second contact portion exposed to the second receiving cavity and a second tail portion. All first tail portions and second tail portions extend out of the insulative housing and are arranged in a row.
US07878845B2	Electrical floor access module system An electrical system (500) is positioned beneath an access floor (30) and includes a number of access floor modules (502) for providing electrical power locations for energizing electrical devices. Cable assemblies (578) electrically interconnect the modules (502) to the power source and to each other. Junction blocks (518) are mechanically connected to the access floor modules (502). Electrical receptacle blocks (562) are electrically interconnected to the junction blocks (518) for supplying power to interconnected electrical devices.
US07878839B2	Socket connector having bottom hole reinforced with simplified metallic plates An electrical connector (1) comprises a base (10) with a plurality of contacts (19) received therein, a cover (11) slidably mounted on the base (10), a protecting mechanism (12) comprises a cover plate (13) retained in the cover (11) and a bottom plate (14) retained in the base (10), a cam actuator (16) rotatably assembled to the base (10), the cover (11) and the protecting mechanism (12) for actuating the cover (11) to slid on the base (10), the bottom plate (14) comprises a first plate (142) and a second plate (141), the first plate (142) comprises a base portion (1421) and a first engaging portion (1422) extending curvedly from the end of the body portion (1421).
US07878838B1	Dual force single point actuation integrated load mechanism for securing a computer processor to a socket A dual force single point actuation integrated load mechanism for securing a computer processor to a socket, the dual force single point actuation integrated load mechanism including a base mounted around the socket; and a load plate rotatably coupled to the base and secured to the base when an activate lever on a first side of the base and a hinge lever on a second side of the base are secured above the load plate; wherein the activate lever on the first side of the load plate is rotatably coupled with the base and is secured when the activate lever is fully rotated; wherein the hinge lever on the second side of the load plate is rotatably coupled with the base and connected to the activate lever such that rotating the activate lever rotates the hinge lever; and wherein the hinge lever is secured when the activate lever is secured.
US07878834B2	Connector for mating a contact pin with a device A connector device for maintaining a desired spatial relationship for spatially and securely connecting to a platform, such as a circuit board, in an efficient manner. The connector device generally includes a body portion separated from the secondary device, a plurality of legs extending from the body portion for removably attaching the body portion to the secondary device, wherein the plurality of legs each include a foot member insertable within an opening of the secondary device for grasping the secondary device and at least one contact pin extending from the body portion to contact the secondary device on an opposite surface as the foot member. The contact pin maintains the separation between the body portion and the secondary device and includes a spring for providing a counter force against the secondary device with respect to the foot member.
US07878830B2	Electrical connector organizer An electrical connector assembly includes a housing, a receptacle and a receptacle contact. The housing has an interior chamber between a cable end and an interface of the housing. The interface is configured to receive a mating end of a mating electrical connector. The receptacle contact is disposed within a slot of the receptacle and is configured to engage a corresponding contact in the mating electrical connector. The receptacle contact is pivotally mounted in the receptacle and configured to pivot about a pitch axis and along the slot of the receptacle to align with the corresponding contact in the mating electrical connector. Optionally, the receptacle is mounted so as to pivot in the interior chamber and is configured to pivot about a yaw axis within the interior chamber over a predetermined limited range of travel to align the receptacle contact with the corresponding contact in the mating electrical connector.
US07878829B2	Floatable electrical connector assembly A floatable electrical connector assembly comprises a fixed housing (10) defining a front receiving frame (112) having an edge section (113). A movable housing (20) is discretely and movably attached to the fixed housing (10) in an up-to-down direction and adapted to be rested on the edge section of the receiving frame. One of the movable housing and the fixed housing defines a mating bar (217) while the other one of the movable housing and the fixed housing has a receiving slot (119) defining an enclosed boundary for receipt of the mating bar so as to permit the movable housing stably movable relative to the fixed housing in the up-to-down direction.
US07878826B2	Card connector There is provided a card connector having a metallic ejection member. A card connector, in which a card accommodating space is formed by a base member and a cover member, comprises a plurality of contacts arranged on the base member, an ejection member capable of moving relative to the base member in a longitudinal direction, a compression coil spring biasing the ejection member rearward, and a heart cam mechanism including a heart cam and a cam groove. The ejection member includes a card push portion, a body, on a forward portion of which a coil spring accommodating space is formed, on a rear portion of which a swinging space is formed, and a coupling portion. The ejection member is formed integrally from a metallic sheet. The coil spring accommodating space and the swinging space are arranged in a row on the same line in a longitudinal direction.
US07878824B2	Shielded cassette for a cable interconnect system A cassette includes a housing having a plurality of plug cavities that are separated from adjacent plug cavities by shield elements. The cassette also includes a contact subassembly having a circuit board and a plurality of contacts arranged in contact sets coupled to the circuit board. The contact sets are configured to mate with different plugs. The contact subassembly is loaded into the housing such that the contact sets are received in different plug cavities, wherein the contact sets are separated from adjacent contact sets by the shield elements.
US07878823B2	Electrical connector having improved contact terminal An electrical connector (100) is soldered to a circuit board (4) via a number of solder members (3) and includes an insulative housing defining a number of passageways (12), and a number of contact terminals (2) inserted in the passageways respectively. Each contact terminal has a body portion (21) secured in the passageway, and a tail portion (23) extending from the body portion and inserted through the solder member then into the circuit board. The tail portion of the contact terminal has an interfering portion (231) interlocked with the solder member and a blocking portion (232) extending from the interfering portion and restricting the solder member above the blocking portion.
US07878822B2	Sealed compact power distribution module A sealed power distribution module includes a nonconductive body defining a terminal receptacle, a barrier seal engaged to and surrounding the body adjacent the receptacle on an exterior surface of the body, a terminal element grid fitted within the receptacle, and provisions for installing commercially available sealed terminals to complete the wiring. The grid is engaged to the body at a location interior to the barrier seal. The power distribution module may also include one or more bus bar assemblies oriented such that simultaneous switching of relay packages is possible.
US07878820B2	Connector device for interconnecting circuit substrates A connector device for interconnecting circuit substrates is obtained, in which a pitch for electrically conducting paths can easily be aligned with a pitch for electrodes on the side of circuit substrates. The connector includes a rectangular parallelepiped connecting element (9) and a connector housing (11). The rectangular parallelepiped connecting element (9) has a plurality of electrically conducting paths disposed on a rectangular parallelepiped insulating base thereof at an insulating interval and the connector housing (11) is mounted on a first circuit substrate (1) with the rectangular parallelepiped connecting element (9) received therein. The connector housing (11) allows an electrically conducting path portion of the rectangular parallelepiped connecting element (9) to be electrically connected to first connecting electrodes disposed on the first circuit substrate (1), receives a substrate portion of a second substrate (5) where second connecting electrodes are disposed, and brings the electrically conducting path portion of the rectangular parallelepiped connecting element (9) and the second connecting electrodes of the second circuit substrate (5) into contact with each other.
US07878818B2	Electrical socket having contact terminals arranged in fan-out pitch arrangement An LGA socket used for connecting a chip module and a print circuit board includes an insulative housing and a number of terminals received in the housing. The housing has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to each other. Each of the terminals includes an upper arm extending beyond the top surface of the housing and a lower arm extending beyond the bottom surface of the housing. The upper arms and the lower arms of the terminals extend from the base portion with different lengths so as to form different pitches at top and bottom surfaces of the housing.
US07878817B2	Electrical contact with X-Y offsets An electrical contact (1) includes an upper extending portion (11), a lower extending portion (12) and a bridge portion (13). The upper extending portion includes a first contact portion (111), a C-shaped connecting portion (1121) connecting with the first contact portion and a tail portion (1122) extending downwardly from a free end of the C-shaped connecting portion. The lower extending portion includes a second contact portion (121), a vertical portion (1222) and an inclined portion (1221) connecting with the second contact portion and the vertical portion. The bridge portion is integrally formed between the tail portion and the vertical portion. One of the upper extending portion and the lower extending portion is rotated around the bridge portion to form an angular relationship between the planes of the upper and lower portions.
US07878815B2	Electrical connector assembled into a hinge An electrical connector (100) assembled into a hinge (200), includes an insulative housing (1) defining a receiving cavity (110) running through a mating face (114) thereof and a plurality of contacts (2, 3) received and retained in the housing. The housing defines a plurality of receiving grooves (1251, 1252, 1253) running through a rear face (125) opposite to the mating face and communicating with the receiving cavity and at least one arc shaped side face (113) connecting with the mating face. The contacts are received and retained in the corresponding receiving grooves. Each of the contacts (2) defines a retaining portion (21), a contacting portion (22) extending forwards from the retaining portion and projecting into the receiving cavity, and a soldering portion (23) extending downwards from the retaining portion and received in the hinge.
US07878813B2	Connection apparatus for transmitting electric current, in particular for a steering wheel heater of a vehicle The invention relates to a connection device for transmitting electric current, in particular for a steering wheel heater of a motor vehicle, between a stationary housing part and a rotor which can rotate with respect to the housing part, comprising a flat ribbon cable and end plug connectors which are provided in the region of the free ends of the flat ribbon cable. The invention is characterized in that the flat ribbon cable has a central plug connector which is placed between the end plug connectors and is intended to be arranged on the rotor side or housing side, from which central plug connector at least one line runs to one end plug connector and one line to the other end plug connector, wherein the two end plug connectors are intended to be arranged on the housing side or rotor side. The invention also relates to a steering column/steering wheel transmission unit with a connection apparatus of this type.
US07878809B2	Headwall for training patient care providers The training headwall is a self-contained unit that delivers air and vacuum to medical gas outlets. Each training headwall contains a minimum of two motors, one a compressor to provide simulated gas flow, and the other a vacuum pump to provide a vacuum run off of electricity supplied from a standard electrical outlet. Because the training headwalls are not used on actual patients there is no need to deliver actual medical gases. Instead, the compressor pumps air to medical gas outlets that are labeled as desired, and may be attached to the appropriate secondary medical equipment, while the vacuum delivers a vacuum to the appropriately labeled gas outlet. Students may use the training headwall to practice patient care procedures.
US07878808B1	Multiple application interactive tutorial player Methods and systems, including computer program products, for playing tutorials. The techniques include receiving a tutorial for a computer program, playing the tutorial using a first player, the first player allowing interaction with the computer program while playing the tutorial, and executing a second player from the first player, the second player simulating operation of the computer program while playing the tutorial. The first player plays the tutorial in a tutorial window that overlaps the application window and that remains on top of the application window.
US07878807B2	Apparatus and method for removing enamel from a person's tooth According to one embodiment, an apparatus for removing enamel from a person's tooth includes a blade portion and a handle portion. The blade portion includes an abrasive surface adapted to remove enamel from the tooth in response to reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface against the enamel of the tooth. The handle portion is coupled to the blade portion, has a substantially solid cross-section, and is adapted to be inserted into a corresponding opening in a driver mechanism that is adapted to drive reciprocating movement of the blade portion to provide the reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface.
US07878806B2	Apparatus and method for indirect orthodontic bonding of brackets and/or tubes The illustrated embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for use in bonding a plurality of brackets and/or tubes to a specific patient's teeth which includes a resilient orthodontic indirect bonding tray having at least one lingual surface. The plurality of brackets and/or tubes is selectively arranged and configured in the tray for bonding to the specific patient's teeth. At least one standoff is disposed in the tray to urge the lingual surface of the tray away from the teeth while the lingual surface is passing over the teeth and prior to the tray assuming an intended final position.
US07878805B2	Tabbed dental appliance Embodiments include dental appliances, dental appliance systems, and methods of making and using such appliances. In one embodiment, a dental appliance includes a number of tooth apertures for the placement of teeth therein and a tab representing a position of a tooth that has not fully erupted and oriented to be received over the position of the tooth that has not fully erupted.
US07878801B2	Systems and methods for dental appliance compliance indication An apparatus for monitoring orthodontic treatment compliance includes an appliance adapted to be worn over one or more teeth; and a compliance indicator mounted on the appliance to indicate compliance.
US07878800B2	Gas burner with separate feeding of the flame crowns A gas burner for cookers of the type fitted to a cooking hob includes a central body having a first flame distribution ring and at least one external body, fluidly separated from the central body and substantially concentric with it, having at least one second flame distribution ring. In addition, structure is provided for separately feeding the mixture of primary air and gas to the central body and to the external body. This structure includes at least one horizontal mixing chamber with a radial Venturi effect.
US07878799B2	Multiple burner arrangement for operating a combustion chamber, and method for operating the multiple burner arrangement What are described are a multiple burner arrangement and a method for operating such a multiple burner arrangement with a multiplicity of individual burners which are designed as premix burners and which serve for firing a combustion chamber of a thermal engine and each have a swirl space into which combustion supply air and fuel can be introduced so as to form a swirl flow, the swirl flow forming downstream of the premix burner, within the combustion chamber, a backflow zone in which a burner flame is formed.
US07878798B2	Coanda gas burner apparatus and methods A gas burner apparatus for discharging a mixture of fuel gas, air and flue gas into a furnace space of a furnace wherein the mixture is burned and flue gas having a low content of nitrous oxides and carbon monoxide is formed is provided. The burner tile includes at least one gas circulation port extending though the wall of the tile. The interior surface of the wall of the tile includes a Coanda surface. Fuel gas and/or flue gas conducted through the gas circulation port follows the path of the Coanda surface which allows more flue gas to be introduced into the stream. The exterior surface of the wall of the tile also includes a Coanda surface for facilitating the creation of a staged combustion zone. Also provided are improved burner tiles, improved gas tips and methods of burning a mixture of air, fuel gas and flue gas in a furnace space.
US07878790B2	Tool to crimp non-metallic tubing onto fittings A low-cost crimping tool is provided for crimping non-metallic tubing such as PEX tubing connections. The tool includes two primary pieces which fit together forming an integral pivot without being pinned together about which the tool may be closed with pliers to form a secure tubing connection.
US07878789B2	Multi-chamber vibrating valve for cementitious material A nozzle for extruding cementitious material may include an outlet sized and configured to extrude the cementitious material, a material flow pathway configured to channel the cementitious material to the outlet, and a vibration-actuated valve interposed in the material flow pathway. The valve may include a plurality of spaced-apart plates configured to form a plurality of flow channels, and a vibration-generating device coupled to the plates and configured to controllable cause the plates to controllably vibrate. The vibration-actuated valve may be configured such that the cementitious material must flow through the channels formed by the plates in order to reach the outlet, The spacing between the plates and the surface of the plates may be in amounts which collectively cause the flow of the cementitious material though the plurality of flow channels to be blocked when the vibration-generating device is not vibrating, and the cementitious material to flow through the plurality of flow channels simultaneously when the vibration-generating device is vibrating.
US07878786B2	Apparatus for producing tissue scaffold having aligned fibrils An apparatus for producing a tubular tissue scaffold having aligned biopolymer fibrils including a biopolymer gel dispersion feed pump that is operably connected to a tube-forming device having an exit port, where the tube-forming device is capable of producing a tube from the gel dispersion while providing an angular shear force across the wall of the tube, and a liquid bath located to receive the tubular tissue scaffold from the tube-forming device.
US07878783B2	Gear pump with components constructed as a homogenous workpiece A gear pump has two engaging gearwheels disposed between a suction chamber and a pressure chamber, with the gearwheels borne on bearing axles that are connected to the gearwheels. The gearwheels and the bearing axles are each manufactured of the same material as a homogenous workpiece. This provides for both simple construction of the gear pump and good pump operating properties. Preferably the gearwheels and bearing axles are made of a synthetic material.
US07878782B2	Screw compressor The present invention relates to a screw compressor and a method for operating the compressor primarily for gaseous refrigerants, comprising a compressor housing (4) and a male (8) and a female (10) screw rotor arranged in screw rotor bores in the compressor housing (4), which male and female rotor are co-rotatingly drivable and interacting for compressing the refrigerant, which screw compressor comprises at least one slider (22) movable in relation to the male and the female rotor, where movement of the slider controls the internal volume ratio of the screw compressor, which slider is moveable in a slider housing (20) in a direction sideways to the plane formed by the rotational axes of the male and the female rotor, which slider, interacting with the male and the female rotor, comprises at least two surfaces (152, 154) cooperating with subsequent surfaces (156, 158) placed in conjunction with the slider housing for controlling the angular and linear placement of the slider in its forward position.
US07878781B2	Gear pump cavitation reduction A gear pump for operating with reduced likelihood of cavitation occurrences in the fluid being pumped thereby, the pump having a pair of gears each supported on a corresponding one of a pair of gear with teeth provided in each gear that mesh with at least one tooth of the other when such teeth have been rotated into a meshing region in the gear plane, and with one of the gear shafts being rotatably connectable to a motor. Bearing structures rotatably support corresponding ones of each of the pair of gear shafts with the bearing structures having bearing surfaces adjacent those gear sides. A pressurized fluid passageway is provided in at least one of the bearing structures across from the meshing region and extending between surface openings at the bearing surface of that bearing structure that are positioned on opposite sides of an alignment axis in that bearing surface, the surface openings being separated from one another by at least the width of a tooth provided in the pair of gears.
US07878775B2	Scroll compressor with housing shell location A scroll compressor includes a feature for location of a housing shell section off of one of the scroll compressor bodies. According to this aspect, a scroll compressor comprises a housing including a shell section; scroll compressor bodies having respective bases and respective scroll ribs that project from the respective bases and which mutually engage about an axis for compressing fluid; and a drive unit operative to facilitate relative movement between the scroll compressor bodies. The shell section is located axially relative to a remainder of the housing off of one of the scroll compressor bodies.
US07878773B2	Dynamically tensioned peristaltic tubing pump An improved peristaltic pump whereby the elastomeric tubing communicates with the peristaltic pump in a way that allows for axial movement of the tubing thereby extending the flex life of the pump tubing. A tubing element is fitted with a flange that allows tension to be applied to the tubing in a way that changes depending upon the location of the rotor at any given time. The tension can be applied via an elastic material located between the flange and the housing or between the housing and a device that communicates with the flange. The dynamic tension reduces the amount of stress on the tubing material when the rollers first engage the tubing on the suction side of the pump and when they depart the tubing on the discharge side of the pump. The invention is particularly useful for materials that have limited axial flexibility and for those with very large axial flexibility.
US07878771B2	Hermetic type compressor with wave-suppressing member in the oil reservoir A plurality of vertically standing plates are assembled in a lattice form to a divided member 101 as a floating type wave-suppressing members. The divided member 101 is allowed to float in an interface 24 between working fluid and refrigeration oil of an oil reservoir 21. The interface 24 is prevented from rippling by turning flow, oil drops torn from the interface 24 by the turning flow is reduced, and oil drops of the refrigeration oil are prevented from being supplied from the interface 24 to the working fluid.
US07878770B2	Hydraulic circuit of construction machine A hydraulic circuit for actuating an electromagnetic proportional pressure reducing valve by a command current outputted from a controller based on an operation amount of a remote control valve, and by a secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve, actuating a common bleed-off valve which is a hydraulic pilot type spool valve is provided. In the controller, as a correction processing for correcting characteristics of a proportional valve command value which is a current value given to the pressure reducing valve and the opening area of the spool valve, at an inflection point at which the degree of change of a pump pressure increases, an actual proportional valve command value at a time of obtaining the pump pressure is compared to a theoretical proportional valve command value of a case of no tolerance, and a correction to compensate for a difference between the both command values is performed.
US07878768B2	Vacuum pump with wear adjustment A vacuum pump having components that are subject to wear may be adjusted to compensate for the wear. In some instances, a vacuum pump may include a housing and an impeller disposed at least partially within the housing. A gap between the housing and the impeller may be adjustable to compensate for wear. In some cases, the housing may include a ring that may be moved to adjust a tolerance (or gap) between the ring and the impeller. In some instances, the ring may be rotated to adjust this gap. In other instances, the ring may be translated to adjust the tolerance.
US07878765B2	System and method for monitoring operation of a pump Systems and methods for monitoring operation of a pump, including verifying operation or actions of a pump, are disclosed. A baseline profile for one or more parameters of a pump may be established. An operating profile may then be created by recording one or more values for the same set of parameters during subsequent operation of the pump. The values of the baseline profile and the operating profile may then be compared at one or more points or sets of points. If the operating profile differs from the baseline profile by more than a certain tolerance an alarm may be sent or another action taken, for example the pumping system may shut down, etc.
US07878760B2	Method for operating a wind power plant A method for operating a wind power plant, in which the wind power plant (10) has a multiplicity of components, but at least one rotor (18) with at least one rotor blade (22) and a generator for converting the mechanical energy of the rotor (18) into electrical energy and possibly a tower (14) on which the rotor (18) is arranged. Counterforces which counteract forces acting on the component (22), particularly wind loads, can be introduced into at least one component during the movement of rotation of the rotary blade (22).
US07878751B2	Rear eject body for off-highway haulage units A rear eject body for a truck is provided. The body includes a floor and a pair of opposing sidewalls. A tailgate extends between the opposing sidewalls at a rear end of the rear eject body. The tailgate is pivotally supported for movement between an open position and a closed position. An ejector is supported in the rear eject body for movement between a retracted position at a forward end of the body and an extended position at the rear end of the body. A tailgate actuation assembly moves the tailgate between the open and closed positions in response to movement of the ejector between the retracted and extended positions. An ejector guide assembly includes sleds that slide in guide tracks to thereby guide the ejector as the ejector moves between the retracted and extended positions.
US07878749B2	Breakaway W-base fastener A w-base fastener that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, combines the functionality of a w-base fastener with the serviceability of other fasteners. The w-base fastener of the invention provides the ability to service the w-base fastener without damaging the panel or hole in which the fastener is inserted. This is accomplished by incorporating a break joint configured to break at a predetermined load. This break joint permits the fastener to be easily extracted when it breaks under the predetermined load. As the two sections of the fastener are separated, hooks on the fastener body engage tabs on the legs and pull the legs of the w-base fastener inward to prevent interference between the legs and the panel as the fastener is extracted from the hole.
US07878747B2	Insulating cover for fasteners used in high temperature environments A method and apparatus for an insulating cover for fasteners. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a washer and a cover. The washer is capable of receiving a fastener. The cover is capable of being secured to the insulating washer, wherein an insulating volume is created with the cover secured to the washer.
US07878742B2	Device for handling unit loads The present invention relates to a device for gripping a unit load during handling of same, said device comprising an attachment portion for attaching the device to the unit load, a gripping portion (for engaging with a handling means) which is embodied in the form of a container corner, and a set of at least two said gripping devices adapted in a certain way to the unit load or at least to elements of the unit load. The invention also relates to a transport vehicle for the unit load, comprising a towing vehicle and a trailer that are connected to each other via the unit load during transportation thereof, and which have holding devices for the unit load on their facing ends, comprising a set of said gripping devices. The holding devices comprise container brackets, the arrangement of said container brackets being adapted to the unit load or at least to elements of the unit load, by means of gripping devices adapted and fastened to said unit load, in such a way that the container brackets can clamp onto the container corners of the devices fastened to the unit load.
US07878741B2	Method for shaving the inside of barrels The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for shaving the inside of barrels. In particular, the present invention relates to reconditioning used wine barrels by shaving the inside surface to a predetermined depth, ready for re-crozering, toasting, and re-use. Conventional shaving methods typically involve routing the internal surface by hand, but this technique is problematic in that it is a very slow process, the quality of the wood is often adversely affected, and there is no way of ensuring that the surface will be shaved to the same depth across the entire surface. Therefore, the resultant internal dimensions of the barrel are not reflective, relatively, of the original barrel surface. The apparatus of the present invention includes a scanning device adapted to scan the internal dimensions of the barrel, and a cutting device adapted to shave the internal surface to a predetermined depth relative to the scanned internal dimensions.
US07878740B2	Drill guide jig A drill guide jig for guiding a drill orthogonally to a curved surface of a workpiece is disclosed. The jig is provided with a guide member having a guide hole for passing a drill and a holding member for holding the guide member. The holding member has a contact part for making contact with a curved surface of the workpiece on the lower side. The contact part has two contact points for making contact with the curved surface. The two contact points are symmetrical in relation to a center axis orthogonal to a midpoint of a line segment that connects the contact points. The drill is perpendicular in relation to the curved surface of the workpiece because the guide hole is disposed along the center axis.
US07878738B2	Milling cutter and a cutting insert for a milling cutter A milling cutter, such as a surface or face milling cutter, and a cutting insert for a milling cutter. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US07878725B2	Image forming apparatus having removable units An image forming apparatus is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a first unit to be attached inside the apparatus main body, a rotatable part attached to the apparatus main body and rotatable between an open position for opening the apparatus main body and a closed position for closing the apparatus main body, and a second unit removably attached to the rotatable part. When the rotatable part is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the first unit is allowed to be attached to or removed from the apparatus main body by being moved horizontally. By removing the second unit from the rotatable part, the first unit is attached to or removed from the apparatus main body without coming into contact with the second unit.
US07878724B2	Printer A roll paper printer having a cover movable between an open and closed position with the printer having hooks on locking levers disposed to the cover to hold the cover in the locked position upon engaging pins located on the printer body side and having an opening lever to unlock the cover. The printer also includes a paper cutter device having a stationary knife which is attached to the cover and contact plate parts which extend from the stationary knife for contacting the front panel part on the printer body and having extension springs disposed in tension for pulling the stationary knife towards the back of the printer such that upon closing the cover the contact plate parts push the cover to the front of the printer. This causes the hooks of the locking levers to press from the back against the engagement pins to eliminate any play in the cover when in cover is in the locked position and to assist in opening the cover when the cover opening lever is operated.
US07878721B2	Light amount adjuster, lens barrel, and image pickup device A light amount adjuster for adjusting a size of a diaphragm aperture on an optical axis of an optical system, includes: a pair of straight moving diaphragm blades so provided at a portion to which the diaphragm aperture is opposed as to slide along a plane orthogonal to the optical axis in a direction of getting close to or separated from the optical axis; a pair of swing diaphragm blades so provided at a portion to which the diaphragm aperture is opposed as to swing about a center axis in parallel to the optical axis in a direction of getting close to or separated from the optical axis; and a drive mechanism for adjusting the size of the diaphragm aperture by sliding the pair of straight moving diaphragm blades and by allowing the pair of swing diaphragm blades to swing.
US07878719B1	Sliding lens cap A sliding lens cap has a base, a driven cover, a driving cover, a linking bar and a sliding bracket. The base is mounted in front of the lens and has a lens hole aligning with the lens. The driven and driving covers are mounted pivotally to each other and selectively cover the lens hole. The linking bar and the sliding bracket are mounted pivotally to each other and are connected to the driven and driving covers. With such connection, a user opens and closes the covers by actuating the sliding bracket without touching the covers. Therefore, contact with the lens is prevented.
US07878716B2	Ferrule connector assembly A ferrule connector assembly including a housing having a base member and a nose member is disclosed. The base member includes a bore having a first diameter portion that receives the nose member and a second diameter portion. A split sleeve cooperates with the base member and has first and second ends. The split sleeve has an outer diameter that varies based upon forces applied thereto. A fiber stop is disposed within the split sleeve and includes an optical path for light propagating through the assembly. A member mounts within the second diameter portion of the bore and is fixed within the second diameter portion by the nose member. The member mounts to the first end of the split sleeve and fixes the outer diameter of the split sleeve at the first end and allows the outer diameter of the second end to vary based upon forces applied thereto.
US07878715B2	Thrust roller bearing A cage of a thrust roller bearing includes: a pair of crank-shaped bent portions arranged in a circumferential direction of the cage; a pair of inner wall surfaces arranged in a radial direction of the cage; and a pocket for housing a roller defined by the pair of bent portions and the pair of inner wall surfaces and formed by punching the cage. Radially inner one of the inner wall surfaces is formed as a guiding surface for guiding a substantial roller PCD position of an end surface of the roller. Each of the pair of bent portions includes a first extended portion extending in one of cage thickness directions and a second extended portion extending in the other cage thickness direction. A roller retaining pawl for retaining the roller is provided at each of the first and second extended portions so as to protrude into the pockets.
US07878713B2	Sensor-equipped bearing for wheel A sensor-incorporated wheel support bearing assembly, enabling a load sensor to be compactly installed on the vehicle and capable of detecting a load on a wheel with good sensitivity includes a ring member, affixed to a stationary member, which has at an intermediate portion thereof a first non-contact ring portion not in contact with the stationary member, at one end a first contact ring portion in contact with the stationary member, and at the other end the following (A) or (B): (A) a second non-contact ring portion having a wall thickness greater than that of the first non-contact ring portion; (B) a second contact ring portion in contact with the stationary member. A strain sensor is fitted to; in (A), the first non-contact ring portion, and in (B), the first non-contact ring portion or first contact ring portion, which has smaller wall thickness.
US07878711B2	Storage bag Contour of a storage section of a three-sided bag is formed of (1) two side inner lines in a longitudinal direction, (2) two tilt inner lines which tilt inside with forming an obtuse angle with each side inner line from a lower end of each side inner line, and (3) one lower side inner line in a lateral direction which connects lower ends of respective tilt inner lines. A longitudinal size “a” of an intersection IPa of the side inner line and tilt inner line on the basis of an intersection BP of a side outer line or its extension, and a lower side outer line or its extension is preferably within a range of 0.08A to 0.71A, and a lateral size “b” of an intersection IPb of the tilt inner line and lower side inner line on the basis of an intersection BP is preferably within a range of 0.12B to 0.48B.
US07878709B2	Retaining apparatus for retaining a flexible connecting element on a device A retaining apparatus having a fastening element for fastening to a device, a first retaining element which is arranged on the fastening element in such a manner that it can be pivoted about a first axis, and a second retaining element which is arranged in such a manner that it can be pivoted about a second axis that is oriented perpendicular to the first axis and is designed to retain a flexible connecting element such that it can be moved forwards and backwards ensures a definable profile of the connecting element with little mechanical loading. A medical device, in particular in the form of a C-arc X-ray device, is provided with this retaining apparatus in a particularly advantageous manner.
US07878708B2	Temperature sensor arrangement in an automatic gearbox A temperature sensor arrangement in an automatic transmission in which the temperature sensor (1) is arranged such that oil leaked from the hydraulic system permanently flows around it.
US07878701B2	Apparatus for preparing food The present invention is concerned with an apparatus for preparing food (10), in particular baby food made from fresh vegetables or the like, the apparatus comprising a body (12) and heating means (32) adapted to heat and/or cook food placed within the body, preferably by steaming, the apparatus (20) also comprising a blending assembly (18) which is operable to blend food located within the body (12), preferably after said food has been cooked using the apparatus (10).
US07878698B2	Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device A backlight unit and a liquid crystal display device improve uniformity of a luminance and a color of a display surface. The backlight unit includes a light source device and a circuit board, the light source device including a first board and a plurality of point light sources connected in series, the plurality of point light sources being arranged on the first board, and the circuit board including a second board, a driving circuit for the plurality of point light sources, and a variable resistance device, the driving circuit for the plurality of point light sources and the variable resistance device being arranged on the second board, wherein a resistance adjusting element of the variable resistance device is exposed to an outside, and at least one point light source arranged on an end side among the plurality of point light sources is connected in parallel to the variable resistance device.
US07878696B2	Optical component, light converting member, and light emitting device An optical component that can be attached to an end portion of an optical guiding member, and a light converting member used in the optical component. The optical component comprises a cap having an engaging portion defining a bore engaged with an end member of a light guiding member, and an arranging portion defining a opening connected to the bore in the engaging portion, and a light converting member disposed in the opening formed in the arranging portion.
US07878695B2	Lighting unit for vehicle headlamp including convex lens arranged between light source and shade A lighting unit with a projection lens, a light source, a reflector, a shade, and a convex lens. The projection lens is arranged on an optical axis extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle. The light source is arranged on a rear side of a rear side focal point of the projection lens. The reflector reflects forward light from the light source toward the optical axis. An upper end edge of the shade passes through a vicinity of the rear side focal point. The shade shields part of a reflected light from the reflector. The convex lens is arranged between the light source and the shade, and converges light from the light source into the vicinity of the upper end edge of the shade.
US07878693B2	Approach light with light pattern The invention is related to a rear view mirror assembly with a mirror base attached to a vehicle and a mirror head. The mirror head is formed to host a reflective element and an approach light, the approach light is positioned in the lower side of the mirror assembly to light up an area adjacent to the vehicle. The approach light includes a mask to allow the projection of the pattern adjacent to the vehicle. In more detail the invention is related to a way to project a pattern adjacent to a vehicle.
US07878687B2	Light-emitting diode illuminating equipment The invention discloses a light-emitting diode illuminating equipment, including a heat-dissipating plate device, a plurality of heat-conducting devices, a plurality of diode light-emitting apparatuses, a plurality of optical devices, and a hollow barrel. The hollow barrel is engaged to the heat-dissipating plate device to form a space for accommodating the heat-conducting devices, the diode light-emitting apparatuses, and the optical devices. Each of the diode light-emitting apparatuses corresponds to one of the heat-conducting devices. Each of the optical devices corresponds to at least one of the diode light-emitting apparatuses and modulates a light pattern of the corresponding diode light-emitting apparatus. In an embodiment, each of the optical devices includes a cat's-eye-like lens. The cat's-eye-like lens includes a surface, where a groove is formed along an ellipse minor axis of the lens, such that the light transmitted through the lens can form a light pattern for a specific request.
US07878686B2	Light emitting device having a plurality of stacked radiating plate members A light emitting device has a light source having a light emitting element; and a radiator having plural plate members formed of a thermally-conductive material. The plural plate members are stacked on each other while allowing formation of a space between each other at an end portion thereof. The light source is mounted on a side surface of the plural stacked plate members.
US07878681B2	Illumination device Disclosed is an illumination device comprising a radiation-emitting front side and a multiplicity of light sources (R, G, B), wherein said multiplicity of light sources (R, G, B) is divided into light source groups (LG) and the light source groups (LG) are arranged on the grid points of a first regular grid.
US07878679B2	Self leveling bracket/stabilizer for fluorescent lighting fixtures with controlled uplight capability A fluorescent light fixture is suspended by a longitudinally extending trapezoidal pendant bracket/stabilizer. The trapezoidal pendant bracket/stabilizer includes a horizontally extending top brace and a pair of obliquely extending arms extending downward in opposite directions from the top brace in a trapezoidal crossection. Each obliquely extending arm has a flat, horizontally and outwardly extending attachment foot extending longitudinally along a flat top surface of the fluorescent lamp fixture, wherein each attachment foot is attached to the flat top surface of the fluorescent lamp fixture. The horizontally extending top brace is attachable to a ceiling mounted fastener, such as a toggle hanger or other downwardly extending fastener.
US07878678B1	Illuminating safety and notification device The safety beacon of the present invention includes an arrangement of light emitting diodes (LEDs) controlled by a controller circuit and preferably powered by a rechargeable battery source. The rechargeable battery source will recharge when coupled to any appropriate power source, including a power outlet within a vehicle and a conventional wall power outlet. Further, when coupled to such a power source, the safety beacon will draw power for operation from the power source without using the battery source. The safety beacon encases the LEDs with a base preferably of a hard rubber casing and an outer housing forming a lens and preferably made of a high impact clear plastic. The safety beacon includes a port and connecting cable so that multiple safety beacons can be strung together. In such a configuration, the multiple safety beacons are configured to share power with all safety beacons within the chain. Preferably, the safety beacon includes a magnet within its base for affixing the safety beacon to metal surfaces, such as the surface of an automobile. The safety beacon also preferably is operated either manually or by a remote control device.
US07878677B1	Novelty ceiling fixture A novelty ceiling fixture includes a housing mounted within a ceiling having a hub depending therefrom. The hub is formed of two independently rotating segments each having an angled, truncated end adjoining the other. Attached to the lower segment is a fixture configured to resemble a skateboard mounted on wheels. Each wheel includes a translucent or transparent outer surface superimposed on a plurality of peripherally-disposed LED'S. A remote unit controls the operation of the LEDs and hub segments so that the fixture simulates the movement of a conventional skateboard.
US07878676B2	Cosmetic housing A cosmetic housing (100) includes a first member (101) and a second member (103) couplable with the first member (101), such that a cosmetic (501) is enclosed between the first member (101) and the second member (103), wherein a surface of the first member (101) extends partially and not completely along a part of the outer surface of the second member (103), wherein the first member (101) retains the second member (103).
US07878672B2	Door knob having illuminative lighting The door knob contains a body assembly having a transparent cap member, a touch-sensitive member, and a connection member, joined together in this order along an axial direction of the door knob. The cap member is filled with a fluid of high viscosity dispersed with spangles. The touch-sensitive member contains a power element, a switch element that is turned on by electrostatics or vibration, and at least a light generating element. When the door knob is touched by hand, the switch element is closed by the electrostatics of the hand or the vibration of the door knob. By the received electricity from the power element, the light generating elements are turned on and the light penetrates through the transparent cap member to provide illumination.
US07878665B2	Holding apparatus for holding optical element above a base, exposure apparatus including the holding apparatus, and device manufacturing method using the exposure apparatus A holding apparatus adapted to hold an optical element above a base includes at least two held members provided at different positions on an outer periphery of the optical element; and holding members provided above the base for respective held members, the holding members being supported above the base by flexure members. Each held member is held by the corresponding holding member in a kinematic coupling.
US07878664B2	Projector with image sensor A projector includes a projecting module for projecting a projecting image on a screen panel, an image sensor for capturing an image of an object which is located outside of the projecting module and faces toward the lens module, a light director, and a controlling unit. The projecting module has a lens module and a light source for emitting light transmitting through the lens module. The light director is movable between a first position where the light director is located outside of a light path associated with the lens module, and a second position where the light director is configured for directing light of the object through the lens module to be incident on the image sensor. The controlling unit controls the light director to move between the first and second positions.
US07878661B2	Temperature adjusting apparatus for use in LCD projector and related method A projector includes a projecting lens configured for projecting an image, a controlling unit configured for analyzing a color temperature of the image, and an adjusting unit electrically connected to the controlling unit. The adjusting unit adjusts the color temperature of the image to be identical to a preset color temperature of the projector by changing transmittance of light through the adjusting unit.
US07878660B2	Method for controlling a cooling device of a projecting system and the projecting system thereof A method for controlling a cooling device within a projecting system is provided. The cooling device cools the projecting system with a predetermined period after the illumination device of the projecting system is turned off. Then, after the projecting system is restarted, it is detected that whether the illumination device is lighted or not. As the illuminating device is not lighted, the predetermined period is extended.
US07878657B2	Servo feedback control based on invisible scanning servo beam in scanning beam display systems with light-emitting screens Scanning beam display systems that scan at least one invisible servo beam and an excitation beam onto a screen that emits visible light under excitation of the light of the excitation beam and control optical alignment of the excitation beam based on positioning of the servo beam on the screen via a feedback control.
US07878652B2	Adaptive photoscreening system Briefly described, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a computer control system and an environmental light source that is controlled by the computer control system such that an amount of light provided by the environmental light source is adjusted by the computer control so that ocular parameters of an examinee are within a targeted range. Further, the system includes an irradiation system that provides multiple angle and axial eccentricity illuminations and selective wavelength irradiation based upon instructions received from the computer control system, wherein the computer control system instructs the irradiation system to provide different irradiation characteristics for different screening procedures. Also, the system includes an image detection system that captures ocular images of the examinee, wherein the computer control system analyzes captured images and provides results of in-situ analysis. Other systems and methods are also provided.
US07878644B2	Light cure of cationic ink on acidic substrates This invention is an advance in coating chemistry, curing technology, related apparatus and the products made thereby. The invention encompasses a substrate bonded to a coating cured, at least in part, cationically by a light having a wavelength in a range of 100 nm to 1200 nm and an intensity in a range of 0.0003 W/cm2/nm to 0.05 W/cm2/nm. Methods and systems for coating substrates and curing the coated products are encompassed. The invention encompasses apparatus and ink jet printers utilizing this curing technology.
US07878643B2	Aqueous ink, ink jet recording method, ink cartridge, recording unit, and ink jet recording apparatus An aqueous ink contains at least an aqueous medium, a surfactant, and a dye. The aqueous medium includes only water and at least one water-soluble organic compound(s) and the static surface tension of the aqueous medium is from 45 mN/m or more to 57 mN/m or less. The dynamic surface tension of the aqueous ink satisfies the following conditions: (1) The dynamic surface tension of the aqueous ink at a lifetime of 50 milliseconds is from 42 mN/m or more to less than 49 mN/m; (2) The dynamic surface tension of the aqueous ink at a lifetime of 500 milliseconds is from 28 mN/m or more to 38 mN/m or less; and (3) A difference between the dynamic surface tension of the aqueous ink at a lifetime of 50 milliseconds and the dynamic surface tension of the aqueous ink at a lifetime of 500 milliseconds is 7 mN/m or more.
US07878642B2	Image forming method, actinic radiation curable ink-jet ink, and inkjet recording apparatus A method of producing an image including the steps of: (a) ejecting droplets of at least two actinic radiation curable ink-jet inks from an ink-jet recording head so as to deposit onto a recording medium; and (b) irradiating the deposited droplets of the actinic radiation curable ink-jet inks with actinic radiations, wherein the two actinic radiation curable ink-jet inks being different in hue with each other; and an absolute value of ΔS(Slow−Shigh) is 5-1,000 mPa·s, where Slow represents a viscosity of the actinic radiation curable ink-jet ink measured with a share rate of 11.7 l/s at 25° C., Shigh represents a viscosity of the actinic radiation curable ink-jet ink measured with a share rate of 1,000 l/s at 25° C., and ΔS(Slow−Shigh) represents a difference between the viscosities of Slow and Shigh.
US07878641B2	Solid ink stick with reversible keying and interlocking features An ink stick for use in an ink delivery system of a phase change ink imaging device comprises an ink stick body having first and second opposed end surfaces and first and second opposed lateral side surfaces. The ink stick body is rotationally symmetric about a vertical central axis of the ink stick body. The ink stick body includes an interlocking face on the first end surface and a complementarily shaped interlocking face on the second end surface. A key is on each of the first and second side surfaces. The keys of the first and second side surfaces are similarly shaped. The key on the first side surface and the key on the second side surface are rotationally symmetrically positioned with respect to each other about the vertical central axis.
US07878639B2	Printer comprising multiple color channels with single air pump for printhead priming A printer comprising: an inkjet printhead having a plurality of ink inlets, a plurality of ink outlets and an array of nozzles; a plurality of ink chambers, each ink chamber having an outlet port connected to a corresponding ink inlet via a respective upstream ink conduit; a single air pump having a pump outlet communicating with a headspace in each ink chamber, the pump being configured to positively pressurize each headspace during a printhead priming operation; and a plurality of downstream ink conduits, each downstream ink conduit being connected to a corresponding ink outlet, and each downstream ink conduit communicating with a pump inlet of the pump.
US07878638B2	Liquid ejecting head The invention provides a liquid ejecting head which is capable of introducing liquid from a liquid storage member to a pressure chamber through a liquid flow channel and discharging the liquid in the pressure chamber from a nozzle opening as liquid drops by an operation of pressure generating means including: a filter chamber in the middle of the liquid flow channel, the filter chamber having a diameter larger than other portions of the liquid flow channel and having a filter disposed therein for filtering the liquid in the liquid flow channel, wherein the filter chamber includes a liquid repellent area having a static contract angle with respect to liquid larger than that of the inner wall on the downstream side of the filter formed on the inner wall in the vicinity of the filter on the upstream side thereof.
US07878636B2	Solid ink stick chute for printer solid ink transport with mating solid ink stick chute An ink stick for use in solid ink printers is provided. The ink stick is for use in a solid ink delivery system for delivering ink to a melting unit to melt the solid ink. The ink stick has opposed first and second stick external surfaces. At least one of the first and second stick external surfaces is arcuate.
US07878631B2	Liquid jet head, a liquid jet apparatus and a piezoelectric element A piezoelectric layer held between a first electrode on a substrate side and a second electrode formed on a surface of the piezoelectric layer facing away from the first electrode is formed of a ferroelectric material with a perovskite crystal structure, and the ratio of the surface roughness of the piezoelectric layer to the surface roughness of the first electrode falls within the range of 0.58 to 1.60.
US07878626B2	Printing method, printing apparatus, printing control apparatus and storage medium A printing method includes: preparing a printing apparatus provided with a carry unit that carries a medium in a carrying direction, and a plurality of nozzle groups that have respectively a plurality of nozzles lined up in the carrying direction; and printing an image to be printed on the medium by alternately repeating a dot forming process for forming dots on the medium by ejecting ink from each nozzle of a plurality of the nozzle groups that move in a moving direction, and a carrying process for carrying the medium in the carrying direction, and forming a plurality of rows of dots, lined up in the carrying direction, that are configured by a plurality of dots lined up in the moving direction, wherein in a case a certain row of dots is formed by a plurality of the nozzles, if, of a plurality of the nozzles that form the certain row of dots, the number of nozzles of a certain nozzle group is smaller than, of a plurality of the nozzles that form the certain row of dots, the number of nozzles of another nozzle group, each nozzle of the certain nozzle group forms a larger number of dots configuring the certain row of dots than each nozzle of the another nozzle group.
US07878622B2	Ink jet recording apparatus An ink jet recording apparatus incorporating a plurality of ink tanks that is independently exchangeable. An amount of ink suction for a suction recovery operation is changed and controlled based on the ink tank being exchanged. In this way, a small-sized apparatus operating at a low running cost is possible by saving and decreasing the ink amount discharged by controlling the ink discharge more than necessary during the suction recovery process after exchanging the ink tank.
US07878620B2	Liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus A liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus has a drawing mechanism and an ejection head. The ejection head has a nozzle face and a protection plate. The protection plate has a frame portion and a first end positioned at a first widthwise plane, and a second end positioned at a second widthwise plane. The protection plate has a first and a second opening formed therethrough. The first opening is in fluid communication with the nozzles, and the second opening provides fluid communication with the nozzles and an exterior of the ejection head. A cap member selectively contacts the nozzle face and the protection plate, and the drawing mechanism operates in a first mode in which the cap member covers the first and the second opening, and a second mode in which the cap member covers only one of the first and the second opening.
US07878610B2	Information recording apparatus An information recording apparatus into which an information recording medium is loaded, in which a label can be printed on a label surface of the loaded information recording medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes: an information recording means positioned on the recording surface side of the information recording medium; a print head positioned on the opposite side of the information recording means and the information recording medium and configured to print a label; and a print head moving means for moving the print head at a position shifted from the rotational center of the information recording medium in parallel with the radial direction of at least in the part of the information recording medium.
US07878606B2	Slide assembly having an automatic retractable device A slide assembly having an automatic retractable device includes a sliding member, a fixture, a locator, a guiding member provided on a sliding rail, and a stationary rail. The sliding member is slidably disposed in the stationary rail. The fixture is secured at the end of the stationary rail. The locator is disposed in the stationary rail. The sliding member is linked to a first elastic member which urges the sliding member back to the fixture. An engaging plate is provided on the sliding member. The engaging plate has a first end and a second end. The first end of the engaging plate is pivotally connected to the sliding member. An engaging rod is provided on the second end of the engaging plate. The engaging rod is guided to engage with the guiding member of the sliding rail or the locator of the stationary rail.
US07878604B2	Damping force generating mechanism A damping force generating mechanism (V) comprises a front valve body (6) which allows working oil to flow from a first oil chamber (R1) to a second oil chamber (R2) under a predetermined resistance when lifted, and a rear valve body (7) which is disposed on the rear side of the front valve body (6) and allows working oil to flow from the second oil chamber (R1) to the first oil chamber (R1) under a predetermined resistance when lifted. An oil passage (5c) and a check valve (10) are provided to serve as a part of a flow path from the second oil chamber (R2) to the first oil chamber (R1). By disposing the oil passage (5d) in parallel with a center axis of the front valve body (6) and the rear valve body (7), the size of the damping force generating mechanism (V) can be reduced.
US07878600B2	Mechanical fastener for polyurethane wheels Wheels including one or more retention elements for affixing a polyurethane tire to a hub of the wheel are disclosed. The polyurethane tires of the wheels disclosed are manufactured separate from the hub and affixed to the hub via the retention elements thereby enabling additional manufacturing processes for the polyurethane tires and reuse of the hub portion of the wheels. Such manufacturing processes also allow for more complex polyurethane tire design and combinations of polymers to produce composite wheels allowing for increased comfort and durability. The wheels are particular suitability for use with industrial vehicles, such as lift trucks.
US07878597B2	Height adjustable head restraint for a vehicle seat A vehicle seat and vehicle seat head restraint are disclosed having a stop adapted to be mounted to a rod extending from a vehicle seat back. A frame is adapted to be mounted to the rod to slide along the rod. A head restraint foam padding and cover are mounted to the frame for supporting a head of an occupant. A locking mechanism cooperates with the stop and the frame for permitting incremental locking positions of the frame relative to the stop. An actuator cooperates with the locking mechanism for releasing the locking mechanism to slide the head restraint and frame along the rod.
US07878595B2	Pivot mechanism Operation force required for pivot operation of a movable body can be set almost constant independent of variation in the angular position of the pivoting. A pivot mechanism (tumble mechanism (10A)) has a floor-side member (B) fixed to a predetermined position; a seat-side member (12) connected to the floor side member (B) by hinge coupling so as to be pivotable in a predetermined angle range; and a torsion spring member (14)provided to urge the seat side member (12)in the opposite direction to gravity that acts on the seat side member (12). The pivot mechanism is constructed such that weight moments about a pivot center (13a) acting on the seat-side member (12) as the pivot mechanism move varies. The torsion spring member (14) has an urging the section (14b) for urging the seat seat member (12) and a support section (14a) that is supported by the floor side member (B). The support section (14b)is disposed at a position between a pivot track of the urging section (14b) produced by the pivoting of the pivot mechanism and the pivot center (13a).
US07878589B2	Occupant restraint device An occupant restraint device having a high degree of freedom in attachment of an airbag is provided. A retainer 16 is applied to the inner surface of a lower portion of an airbag 12. A stub bolt 20 projecting downward from the lower surface of the retainer 16 is inserted in a bolt insertion hole 12a of the airbag 12, and a first nut 24 is screwed on the stud bolt 20 via a backing plate 22 from outside the airbag 12. Thereby, the airbag 12 is connected to the retainer 16. A gas generator 14 is connected to the retainer 16 by a bracket 30. The stud bolt 20 is disposed on the rear side from a center line of the airbag 12.
US07878588B2	One-piece adjustable seat cover The present invention relates to a unitary seat cover for accommodating a child safety seat upon a vehicle seat having an adjustable upper protective panel and a lower protective panel which are integrally attached by a fold line forming a unitary elongated cover.
US07878587B1	Seat liner for a child's seat A washable seat liner for use in high chairs and grocery carts. The liner comprises a bottom panel, a back panel, left and right side panels, and a front panel. A wide body belt is attached to the inside of the back panel that encircles the child's torso like a cummerbund helping to keep the child upright and centered. The body belt includes two overlapping straps with hook-and-loop fasteners. A secondary, child-resistant connector overlies the body belt and prevents the child from releasing the body belt. A crotch connecter on the front of the liner attaches to the crotch bar on the chair or cart. This prevents the bottom of the liner from being pulled up inadvertently when the child is lifted out of the seat. A back flap wraps around the back of the seat. Side flaps have convenient pockets, and a front flap doubles as a crumb catcher.
US07878585B2	Foldable chair with forced air cooling system A foldable chair, which includes a forced air cooling system. The foldable chair includes a frame member. A flexible seat, which includes a meshed back rest suspends from the frame member. A fan bag, which has a pocket, is attached to the meshed back rest of the flexible seat. A fan is located at the bottom of the fan bag and is electrically disconnectable to a re-chargeable power source that is housed in a housing, which has an ON/OFF toggle switch so as to supply power to the fan.
US07878581B2	Vehicle roof comprising a cover that can be displaced above a fixed roof section The invention relates to a vehicle roof comprising a liftable covering element that can be displaced above a fixed roof section. A control mechanism for the covering element is respectively provided on both sides of the covering element. According to the invention, the control mechanism comprises a drive carriage, a rear release lever which is connected to the covering element in the region of the rear edge thereof in an articulated manner, a front release lever which is connected to the covering element in the region of the front edge thereof in an articulated manner, and a coupling lever which is rotatably connected to the front release lever, co-operates with the drive carriage, and can be displaced in a release position in relation to the drive carriage in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The displacement of the drive carriage in the direction of the rear of the vehicle causes firstly an outward pivoting of the rear release lever from a closing position of the covering element, and an outward pivoting of the front release lever when an abutment is reached between the drive carriage and the coupling lever.
US07878571B2	Windshield device for motorcycle A windshield device for a motorcycle includes a front cowl located at a front side of the vehicle body to cover a vehicle body; a windscreen disposed at an upper part of the front cowl so as to be vertically movable; an air introducing port for introduction of air from the front side being formed between a lower end of the windscreen and a front surface of the front cowl; and an air guide for guiding the air introduced through the air introducing port to flow rearwards along a rear surface of the windscreen, wherein the air guide is firmly attached to the rear surface of the windscreen.
US07878567B2	Center console for a motor vehicle A center console for a motor vehicle has a basic body between the front seats with an upwardly open storage compartment over which a support part having an armrest which is displaceable with respect thereto is arranged. The armrest is displaceable from a pushed-back position between the front seats in the direction of the dashboard into a front position, wherein the support part is mounted pivotably on the basic body. The locking mechanism is provided with an actuating element via which, by an different actuation, a pivoting movement of the armrest together with the support part and a displacement movement of the armrest relative to the support part can be released. The locking mechanism is configured such that it permits a pivoting movement of the armrest together with the support part exclusively if the armrest is in its completely pushed-back position.
US07878565B2	Disc picking device and disc processing apparatus having the same A disc picking device having an engaging member for engaging a disc includes: a contact portion having a contact face for contacting an upper face of the disc; an arm which movably supports the engaging member and has the contact portion; and a moving mechanism moving the arm in a contacting direction for contacting the upper face of the disc, wherein the moving mechanism supports the arm such that the contact portion can be moved in a direction opposite to the contacting direction.
US07878558B1	Gate latch The present apparatus relates to a gate latch mechanism. The gate latch comprises at least two housings wherein the first housing is mountable to a stationary object such as an existing fence or structure and the second housing is mountable to a moveable object such as a gate. In some cases it may useful to mount the first housing to the moveable object and likewise mount the second housing to the stationary object. In one embodiment, the first housing comprises a back plate hingedly connected to two front plates angled outwardly from the back plate and the second housing comprises a latchable mechanism comprising a rod.
US07878556B2	Safety release adapter A safety release adapter for making a sealed fluid connection with a male connector that is disconnected when a pulling force is applied between the adapter and the connector. The safety release adapter includes a base and a socket. The base receives and secures a first male connector. The socket includes a cavity with a lip at the distal end of the socket. The socket releasably secures a second male connector with the lip inside the socket opening engaging a neck of the second male connector. The first male connector extends into the socket in a sealed interface with the socket such that when the second male connector is secured in the socket with a sealed interface with the socket, the valve buttons of each connector are mutually depressed so the two connectors are in sealed fluid communication.
US07878551B2	Subsea choke insert locking apparatus A connection for sub-sea use employs locking dogs that are isolated from seawater and a backup system for operating the backup sleeve to the dogs. The normal actuation system for the backup sleeve is also isolated from seawater exposure. The set position of the backup sleeve is positively retained against the prospect of axial movement that could be triggered by transmitted vibration into the connection.
US07878550B2	Apparatus, system, and method for joining and sealing conduits An apparatus and a system for joining and sealing conduits are provided. The apparatus includes an edge trim positioned proximate to an end of a first conduit, and a sleeve positioned between the first conduit and a second conduit. The sleeve includes a flexible end positioned adjacent to the edge trim such that a portion of the flexible end of the sleeve overlies at least a portion of the edge trim, a semi-rigid end opposite the flexible end and positioned over at least a portion of the second conduit, and a flexible medial portion extending between the flexible end and the semi-rigid end. The apparatus also includes a retaining element configured to be secured over the flexible end of the sleeve such that a portion of the flexible end of the sleeve is sandwiched between the retaining element and the edge trim.
US07878547B2	Seatbelt anchor assembly A seatbelt anchor assembly for a motor vehicle seatbelt restraint system. The anchor assembly includes an anchor and a separate ferrule component. The anchor forms an engagement for the seatbelt and has an extending plate end. The ferrule component is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle through various means such as cable or direct mechanical fastener attachment. The ferrule forms a U-shaped cross-section which engages with the anchor and interlocks with it. In one embodiment, a retaining clip is provided enabling the anchor and ferrule components to be assembled without tools. A pair of holes is provided to enable final connection to be provided through a threaded fastener. Features are provided to prevent to make it apparent that the components are improperly assembled.
US07878540B2	Knee protecting airbag device In a knee protecting airbag device (M1), an airbag (26) folded and housed below a steering column (3) is expanded and inflated while rising from the lower side of the steering column (3) along a column cover lower surface (9a) during an inflation process. The shape of the airbag having completed the inflation is in a generally plate shape capable of covering at least the lower surface of the column cover. Even if the knee of the driver comes close to the column cover when the driver depressing a brake pedal, therefore, the airbag being expanded and inflated goes smoothly into the clearance between the knee of the driver and the column cover lower surface. The airbag having completed the expansion and inflation protects the knee of the driver properly so that the knee may not interfere with the column cover.
US07878538B2	Airbag and airbag apparatus An airbag is constructed such that a gas-discharging amount from a venthole becomes largest when an occupant contacts a center portion, in the left and right direction, of an occupant-facing surface of the expanded airbag. In the airbag, a hanging strap couples a center portion of a front panel and a rear panel. A lid body covers an open-and-close venthole from outside the airbag, and the hanging strap is coupled by a tether. In a case that the airbag is expanded, the hanging strap and the tether are tensed, and the lid body is brought to a state to close the open-and-close venthole. A loosening amount of the hanging strap and the tether becomes largest when an occupant contacts the center portion of the front panel to retreat, and an opening amount of the open-and-close venthole also becomes largest.
US07878532B2	Knee-protecting airbag apparatus A knee-protecting airbag apparatus is mountable on a door of a glove box that has a box body provided with an opening at the rear and the door. The airbag apparatus includes an airbag, a generally columnar inflator housed in the airbag, a case housing the airbag and inflator, and an airbag cover constituting a rear face of the glove box door and being openable at airbag deployment. The inflator includes a body that discharges inflation gas and a fixing section that secures the body and the airbag to the case. The fixing section includes a projecting portion and the projecting portion extends at an upward or downward angle to the thickness direction of the glove box door.
US07878530B2	Rear-impact airbag apparatus A rear-impact airbag apparatus for use in a vehicle has an inflator and an airbag accommodated in an accommodation portion formed in the roof of the vehicle. When supplied with gas from the inflator, the airbag pops out of the accommodation portion and is inflated and deployed. A lateral inflatable cell and a pair of left and right vertical inflatable cells are defined in the airbag. The lateral inflatable cell guides gas from the inflator to flow outward in the vehicle width direction. Each vertical inflatable cell guides gas flowing therein from a corresponding end of the lateral inflatable cell to flow substantially downward. The gas flowing path cross-sectional area of a boundary between the lateral inflatable cell and each vertical inflatable cell is larger than the gas flowing path cross-sectional area of the lateral inflatable cell. This permits gas to smoothly flow through the boundaries between the lateral inflatable cell and the vertical inflatable cells, at which the gas flowing direction is greatly changed.
US07878528B2	Knitted fabric comprising inlaid yarns for airbag flap A hinge for an airbag flap in a motor vehicle. The hinge is formed of a knitted fabric which is connected in a form-fitting manner both to the airbag flap and to regions surrounding the airbag flap. The knitted fabric has a plurality of inlaid or standing yarns arranged at an angle of at least 15° in relation to the longitudinal extension of the hinge-side edge of the airbag flap. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing the hinge is provided where the knitted fabric is arranged in relation to the airbag flap and also the regions surrounding the airbag flap in such a manner that the inlaid or standing yarns are arranged at an angle of at least 15° in relation to the longitudinal extension of the hinge-side edge of the airbag flap. The knitted fabric and at least parts of both the airbag flap and the regions surrounding the airbag flap are sheathed with plastic material so as to form a form-fitting connection.
US07878526B1	Magnetic trailer hitch pin A trailer hitch pin of the present disclosure has a magnet disposed on an end of a shaft for coupling the shaft to an opening in a trailer hitch, the shaft for insertion into the opening to retain the trailer hitch in a receptacle coupled to a vehicle. In addition, the trailer hitch pin has a lever pivotally attached to the shaft for disengaging the magnet and decoupling the shaft from the opening to remove the trailer hitch from the receptacle.
US07878524B1	Gooseneck trailer hitch convertible to a lifting boom A gooseneck trailer hitch assembly convertible to a lifting boom is disclosed. The gooseneck assembly is convertible between a tow configuration and a boom configuration. The gooseneck trailer hitch assembly comprises a base mount configured to mount on a trailer, a stanchion structure extending upwardly from the base mount, and a boom structure mounted on the stanchion structure above the base mount. The boom structure is movable between a tow configuration in which the boom structure functions as a gooseneck for a hitch and a boom configuration in which the boom structure functions as a lifting boom. A trailer system includes a trailer and a gooseneck trailer hitch assembly convertible between a tow configuration and a boom configuration mounted on the trailer.
US07878523B1	Wheelchair position control A positioner means co-operable with a collapsed wheelchair frame, including a front frame, and configured, for selectively retaining the wheelchair in collapsed position, in one position of said positioner means, and for allowing expansion of the wheelchair in another position of the positioner means relative to the frame, and for positioning said frame to space the wheelchair front wheels to allow free swiveling thereof, and comprising, in combination, a clamp attached to said frame at two spaced apart locations associated with the two front wheels, to lock the wheels at predetermined spacing, for swiveling, the clamp including brackets sized to releasably push-connect to the front frame at said two locations.
US07878519B2	Electric slide step for recreational vehicle An electric slide step for a recreational vehicle assists users in entering and existing the vehicle. A step housing is mounted to the vehicle beneath the exterior door. The housing has steps that are movable on inclined slides between a retracted position when not in use and an extended position for assisting uses while entering and exiting the vehicle through the exterior door.
US07878515B1	Infant stroller A collapsible stroller is configured to allow an infant to sit, stand or lie down in the stroller. The frame of the stroller has outer frame members and inner frame members that interconnect to form a protective enclosure for the infant.
US07878514B1	Self leveling mop bucket cart A mop bucket cart that allows a mop bucket to be used on a relatively flat surface and allows a user to traverse one or more stairs with a mop bucket containing fluid by maintaining the bucket in a level position as the mop bucket cart is inclined to traverse one or more stairs.
US07878513B2	Knee protector dolly An embodiment of this invention is an apparatus for floor installation, repair, cleaning or ground proximity work. This apparatus is comprised of a curved base board with the curvature towards the ground covered by a protective cushion with massaging surface for comfort of knees, three or more independently lockable wheels, an adjustable angle and height seat covered by spring loaded matt and cushion for comfort and a brake system with handle for manual braking and exertion of force to the work surface. This apparatus also includes an adjustable length and angle truss covered with cushion for comfortable positioning of legs while working on the work surface.
US07878512B2	Alignment changing control device An alignment changing control device that includes: a motor drive section which adjusts electrical power supplied to a motor of the electric actuator according to an operation command and, when receiving an operation inhibiting signal, limits or stops supplying the electrical power to the motor; a motor temperature estimating section for calculating an estimated temperature of the motor from at least a current supplied to the motor, an outside air temperature and a vehicle speed, based on heat balance relationship; and a comparator which transmits the operation inhibiting signal to the motor drive section when the estimated temperature of the motor calculated by the motor temperature estimating section is higher than a predetermined temperature, which is equal to or lower than an operation allowable temperature of the motor.
US07878511B2	Wheel suspension A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle is described, in which at least a first and at least a second control arm (1, 2) are coupled in an articulated manner to a wheel carrier (4) carrying a vehicle wheel (3). The wheel suspension has a compensating device (5, 6) for correcting wheel positions, and each control arm (1, 2) has a portion of the compensating device (5, 6) or is connected to a portion of the compensating device (5, 6). The compensating device portions (5, 6) of one wheel are connected to one another by at least one coupling member (7, 8).
US07878506B1	Wheel indicators In an exemplary embodiment a game includes a rotating wheel and illumination effects, both under microprocessor control. In another exemplary embodiment, a wheel indicator includes a wheel, a motor for rotating the wheel, a plurality of lamps, and a microprocessor providing commands capable of causing the motor to rotate the wheel and the lamps to illuminate the display. In another exemplary embodiment, a method for controlling a wheel and illumination display includes providing a motorized wheel, providing a plurality of lamps, and providing a microprocessor and program instructions stored in ROM coupled to said microprocessor for controlling a rotational position of said wheel and for generating light effects from said lamps.
US07878503B2	Alignment of media sheets in an image forming device Methods and devices for aligning a media sheet in a media feed path of an image forming device. One embodiment includes a drive shaft with skew correction rollers spaced apart on the drive shaft. The media sheet contacts a first skew correction roller and then contacts a second skew correction roller. The drive shaft is then rotated, driving the second skew correction roller and aligning the media sheet to the media feed path.
US07878502B2	Slowing device for a machine for working elements in sheets A slowing device includes a flexible slowing member that extends transversely to the trajectory of sheets being fed. The member is movable between at least two limit positions, one in which its trajectory encounters that of the sheets, the other in which the slowing member is moved aside from the trajectory of the sheets. A drive device moves the slowing member between its limit positions. The drive device for the slowing member includes a pneumatic actuator which acts on a linear cam that pivots about a transverse shaft. A roller rolls along the surface of the linear cam. The roller and the slowing member are supported by a support that pivots about a transverse shaft.
US07878500B2	Sheet storing device and image recording apparatus comprising sheet storing device A sheet storing device includes a container including a first holding surface configured to hold a first sheet thereon, and a tray positioned at an upper side of the container. The tray includes a second holding surface configured to hold a second sheet thereon. The tray is configured to selectively move between a first position and a second position downstream from the first position in a first direction. The sheet storing device further includes a positioning unit configured to selectively position the tray in one of the first position and the second position, and a linking unit configured to link the tray to the container and to pivot about a particular pivot axis which extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the first holding surface of the container. The linking unit pivots to selectively move the tray between the first position and the second position.
US07878496B2	Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet processing apparatus for binding a sheet bundle by a binding member having a curved shape, including: a support portion configured to support, as a sheet bundle, a plurality of sheets having punch holes formed therein; an adjustment portion configured to adjust a position of each of punch holes formed in the sheet bundle so that a locus of centers of the punch holes continuing in a thickness direction of the sheet bundle supported by the support portion is aligned with the curved shape of the binding member; and an attaching portion configured to attach the binding member to the punch holes of the sheet bundle in which the position of each of the plurality of sheets is adjusted by the adjustment portion.
US07878493B2	Cutting board scoop A cutting board has a main cutting surface and a handle extending from the main cutting surface and vertically spaced above the main cutting surface.
US07878492B2	T-slot clamp A T-slot clamp including a base and a bar member pivotally connected to the base. A link pivotally connected to the bar member. A handle pivotally connected to the link, wherein the handle is rotatable about an axis of the handle.
US07878491B2	Clamp with driving unit An exemplary clamp includes a holder, a moving unit, a fixing arm, and a driving unit. The moving unit includes a push block, a connecting member, and a guiding member. The guiding member is fixed on the holder. The connecting member connects the push block and the guiding member. The push block includes a slanted side surface. The push block is guided to move by the guiding member. The slanted side surface of the push block interacts with the connecting member. The fixing arm is fixed to the connecting member. The driving unit is connected to the push block. The driving unit is capable of moving the push block of the moving unit.
US07878482B2	Jack stand and jack combination and method of elevating a load A jacking system is disclosed in which a hydraulic jack, having a raisable piston, is used, in combination with a jack stand having a raisable support column, to raise a load. In a preferred embodiment, the support column has two components that may telescope into each other and that may be held in fixed position by two ratchet mechanisms. The jack stand is configured so that, when the hydraulic jack is positioned alongside the jack stand, the piston of the hydraulic jack is able to interact with and raise the support column along with the load.
US07878481B2	Method for triggering a plurality of valves, and control block having a plurality of valves A plurality of valves are triggered so that a first valve is triggered by a first trigger signal and a second valve is triggered by a second trigger signal, the first trigger signal and the second trigger signal are each generated by generating a pulse width modulated frequency signal of the first frequency f1 and a dither signal of the second frequency f2, where f1>f2, the trigger signal is generated by modulating the clock pulse duty factor of the frequency signal with the dither signal, and the dither signals of the first trigger signal and of the second trigger signal are synchronized with one another at chronological intervals.
US07878480B2	System and method for controlling a solenoid valve, particularly for a system for variable actuation of the valves of an internal combustion engine according to a multi-lift mode A solenoid valve, particularly of the type to be used for controlling a hydraulic system for variable actuation of the valves of an internal-combustion engine, has a valve element co-operating with a valve seat and a pusher element, separate from the valve element, which is pushed against the valve element by the movable core of the solenoid valve when the solenoid of the solenoid valve is energized in order to bring the valve element into contact with the valve seat. After de-energization of the solenoid, the time necessary for bringing back the pusher element into the resting condition in contact with the valve element is reduced thanks to the application of a braking current to the solenoid of the solenoid valve during the stage in which the movable core and the pusher element associated thereto displace in the direction opposite to the direction of the movement generated by the magnetic field of the solenoid, following upon de-energization of the solenoid valve.
US07878476B2	Apparatus for mounting a plurality of monitors having adjustable distance to a viewer An apparatus and method for mounting a plurality of display monitors is disclosed, wherein the apparatus is provided at a user's desk or workstation. The apparatus can be easily moved toward and away from the user such that all the monitors mounted on the apparatus move in unison in the direction indicated by the user. Accordingly, the apparatus accommodates the visual preferences of virtually all users of the desk or workstation so that eye and skeletal muscle fatigue are reduced.
US07878471B2	Support for assembly with flat panel video monitors, coupler for attachment of the support to an extension arm, and assembly methods A unitary support for a flat panel video monitor includes a yoke that may be attached to a back side of the monitor in two or more different orientations, and handles extending from opposite side ends of the yoke. The handles may extend diagonally from the side ends of the yoke, imparting the support with a general appearance of the letter “W.” The yoke is also configured to be secured directly to a coupler at the end of an extension arm. A coupler attachment element of the yoke and a support attachment element of the coupler may have engagement features that are configured complementarily to each other to prevent undesired movement of the support relative to the coupler and the extension arm. The complementary engagement features may also enable attachment of the coupler to the support in two or more discrete orientations.
US07878469B2	Quick release screed bar holder A novel adjustable screed bar holder used to support screed bars used in concrete finish work. The holder moves along a supporting device such as a stake, pin, or post. A lever on the holder is coupled to a cam wheel such that movement of the lever will disengage the cam wheel from the stake. When the cam wheel is in the disengaged position the holder is free to move along the stake until the lever is released and the cam wheel secures against the stake. Typically the holder will be used to hold a piece of lumber, pipe, rebar, or tubing parallel to the forms used in concrete placement. A screed may then be run over the concrete while it rides on the screed bar supported by the adjustable holder.
US07878468B2	Slide bracket A slide bracket includes a main body having an end plate and at least one hanging block. The end plate is provided with a locating holder and a corresponding opening. The locating holder contains a chamber containing a spring. The hanging block has a first post and a second post, and is disposed into the chamber to hold against the spring to expand in relation to the opening and the chamber so to allow the first and second posts penetrating through the opening of the end plate for securing the bracket to a support without relying upon tools.
US07878463B2	Shaft seal mounting and method A shaft seal mounting assembly and method including a pair of semicircular ring segments assembled onto a shaft with a seal held therein engaging the shaft. A flat surface on the base structure holding the ring segments is held against a wall surface extending around a hole through which the shaft passes by a camming arrangement comprised of slotted studs fixed to the wall and received in openings in the base structure. A slotted locking slide bar is received in each stud slot and captured by a cross pin extending through the slot in a respective bar, the side bar slot sloping so as to cam the base structure towards the wall surface when the locking slide bar is driven through the stud slot.
US07878460B2	Aircraft wing slat An aircraft wing slat for mounting to a leading portion of an aircraft wing includes a main body section and a forward section, wherein the forward section is demountable from or releasably secured to the main body section. The forward section may have a nose skin with an electrically powered heater. The electrically powered heater may be integral with the nose skin and may be microporous such that it is integrated into surrounding dielectric to contribute to the mechanical strength of the nose skin. A demountable forward section of an aircraft wing slat, a main body section of an aircraft wing slat arranged to receive a demountable forward section, an aircraft wing and an aircraft wing slat with a nose skin with an electrically powered heater are also disclosed.
US07878449B2	Mass transfer system for stabilizing an airship and other vehicles subject to pitch and roll moments The invention relates to a mechanism to control the pitch and/or roll and/or center of gravity of a vehicle. The first embodiment is a track-based mass transfer system in which pathways are positioned along or radially terminate at a central horizontal plane of the vehicle to move one or more mass transfer devices to a desired location to control the pitch and/or roll and/or center of gravity of the vehicle. A second embodiment is a fluid mass distribution system in which one or more conduits selectively distribute a fluid to one or more tanks positioned near a central horizontal plane of the vehicle to control the pitch and/or roll and/or center of gravity of the vehicle.
US07878445B2	Dispenser for wipe materials A dispensing device for dispensing wiping material includes a feeding mechanism for controlling the dispensing of the web. The feeding mechanism comprises a rotatable drum with a web guide arranged spaced from and surrounding the drum around a major part of its periphery. The web is fed from a first roll, over at least part of an outer surface of the web guide and into the feeding mechanism. An actuator is at least partially supported in a first position by the web, such that, if the first roll is depleted, the actuator is arranged to be displaced into a second position, and to actuate a loader for a second roll.
US07878436B2	Shredder support and waste receptacle The present invention relates generally to the support system and waste receptacles for shredders. By removing certain supports in a shredder, the waste receptacle can be enlarged. In addition, openings in the shredder support walls allow the size of the waste receptacle to be increased, as well as facilitate disposal of other waste through the opening.
US07878431B2	Separator rotary feeder and method of using the same A rotary feeder for feeding a particulate material including: a cylindrical housing comprising a feeder inlet, a first feeder outlet, and a second feeder outlet; a rotor mounted in the cylindrical housing including a plurality of substantially impeller blades defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets alignable with the feeder inlet, first feeder outlet, and second feeder outlet, and adapted to sweep a wall of the cylindrical housing as the rotor rotates in the cylindrical housing; a device for rotating the rotor; and a separating screen in the first feeder outlet to substantially prevent oversize material from exiting through the first feeder outlet, wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets will align with the feeder inlet to receive therein a particulate material and an oversize material through the feeder inlet, rotate in the cylindrical housing to align with the first feeder outlet and discharge the particulate material therefrom, and rotate in the cylindrical housing to align with the second feeder outlet after alignment with the first feeder outlet and discharge the oversized material therefrom is provided as well as a method of using the same.
US07878429B2	Solar powered irrigation machine An apparatus and method of moving a mobile tower using solar power are disclosed for use with an irrigation system. The disclosed improvement includes a solar panel with a collecting surface to convert light energy to electrical energy, an electrical charge source in communication with the solar panel to receive electrical energy, and a motor to drive a ground-engaging wheel in communication with the electrical charge source. The improvement also includes a direction control system for regulating rotation of the solar panel and a tilt assembly for adjusting the angle of the solar panel to maintain the disposition of the collecting surface in alignment with the direction of incoming sunlight. The method of moving the mobile tower includes collecting light energy with a solar panel, converting the light energy into electrical energy, and driving a wheel of the mobile tower with a motor powered by the converted electrical energy.
US07878428B2	Device and method for loading a chamber with a divided solid The invention relates to a device for filling a chamber with a divided solid comprising a divided solid feeder hopper (1), an exhaust chimney (2) fixed to said hopper or connected thereto by a supply conduit (3), a motor unit (4) rotatably driving a shaft (5) which is substantially disposed in the direction of the exhaust chimney and at least one deflector member (8) which is mounted downstream of the output orifice(s) (6, 7) of the exhaust chimney and is pivotable about sail shaft (5) in such a way that it angularly moves away therefrom due to a centrifugal force when said shaft (5) rotates. The shaft (5) is embodied in such a way that it is hollow and shaped in the form of a tube whose internal diameter is sufficient for passing a functional device (9) therethrough.
US07878426B2	Sanitary outlet unit A sanitary outlet unit (1) is provided, including an outlet armature (2), with a flow regulator (4) in a region of the water outlet (3) thereof, wherein an aeration device is provided for aeration of the water flow. The outlet unit (1) provides that the aeration unit (5) is located in the outlet armature (2) and/or in at least one water line leading to the outlet armature (2) separately from the flow regulator (4). Through the spatial separation of the functions of flow shaping or water discharge and the aeration of the water flow, there are many possible embodiments for optionally providing the water outlet (3) of the sanitary outlet unit (1) with an extremely thin design.
US07878425B2	Liquid supply attachment for spray gun A conventional liquid spray gun having a compressed air supply equipped with a liquid, e.g. paint, container for supplying the liquid to be sprayed onto a target surface. The container has a closed bottom, an open top and a cylindrical sidewall. A removable cover is attached over the open top of the container, and the cover has a pair of apertures extending through it, one of which holds a proximal end of a rigid tube whose distal end extends to a point close to the container's bottom. Slidingly mounted on the rigid tube is a generally circular, movable plunger whose periphery engages the cylindrical sidewall of the container. Pressurized air injected through the second aperture in the cover forces the plunger against the liquid's surface and causes the liquid to flow through the lumen of the rigid tube to the liquid inlet port of the spray gun.
US07878424B2	Personal misting device with manually-operated and retractable folding fan A compact personal misting device with no motors or batteries. The device includes a liquid container and a spray pump assembly with a fluid inlet tube that extends into the container. The pump assembly includes an atomizer nozzle operable to output mist using the liquid. The misting device also includes a folding fan pivotally mounted on the container that is selectively positioned in a storage position in which a flexible fan blade is retracted upon itself and also in a cooling position with the fan blade unfolded to extend outward from the container. The fan blade is formed of a flexible material that in the cooling position is substantially planar, e.g., a semi-circular shape. The atomizer nozzle outputs the mist in a target direction that is transverse to the plane containing the unfolded fan blade with the nozzle targeted about 90 degrees from the fan blade in some cases.
US07878418B2	Integrated, essential-oil atomizer An atomizer provides a control of duty cycle or a motor driving a diaphragm pump. By providing precise, high-speed flow through an eductor nozzle, improved atomization occurs. However, to control the total volume of atomized liquid discharged, the delay time between operational time periods may also be controlled. Thus, a very effective atomizer provides economical use of essential oils by control duty cycle. Precision modeling provides highly integrated subsystems providing superior performance and reliability.
US07878415B2	Segmented circular bar code A segmented circular bar code is made-up of inner and outer locator rings, one or more data rings, two large orientation cells, an even number of radially-extending gaps dividing the bar code into a corresponding number of segments, and gap locator cells straddling each radially-extending gap. Each of the locator rings and the data rings is circular and has a finite width. All rings are concentric and there is no circumferential space between the rings.
US07878411B2	Wheel bearing device and its quality management method To provide a wheel support bearing device, in which the status of actual use is detected and stored as a history, an IC tag (9) capable of a contactless communication is affixed to the wheel support bearing device. This IC tag (9) is rendered to be a sensor incorporated IC tag integrated with or electrically connected with a sensor for detecting an object to be detected of the wheel support bearing device and a detection of the sensor is inputted through an input channel separate from a channel for the contactless communication. The sensor referred to above may be, for example, a coil and a magnet (10) capable of passing in the vicinity of the sensor incorporated IC tag (9) by the effect of a relative rotation.
US07878407B2	POS-based digital image capturing and processing system employing automatic object motion detection and spectral-mixing based illumination techniques A POS-based digital image capturing and processing system for illuminating objects using automatic object detection and spectral-mixing illumination technique. The system comprises an area-type illumination and imaging station for projecting a coextensive area-type illumination and imaging field (i.e. zone) into a 3D imaging volume during object illumination and imaging operations. The area-type illumination and imaging station includes an illumination subsystem for producing a first field of visible illumination from an array of visible LEDs, and producing a second field of invisible illumination from an array of infrared (IR) LEDs. wherein the first and second fields of illumination spatially overlap and intermix with each other and are substantially coextensive with the FOV of the image sensing array. An automatic object motion detection subsystem automatically detects the motion of an object moving through the 3D imaging volume, while an illumination control subsystem controls the relative power ratio (VIS/IR) of visible illumination and invisible illumination during system operation so as to minimize the amount of visible illumination energy required to capture sufficiently high-contrast images of said objects and successfully process the same.
US07878404B2	Bar code reading method A method of recovering a waveform representing a linear bar code, the method including the steps of: moving a sensing device relative to the barcode, said sensing device having a two-dimensional image sensor; capturing, using the image sensor, a plurality of two-dimensional partial images of said bar code during said movement; determining, from at least one of the images, a direction substantially perpendicular to the bars of the bar code; determining, substantially along the direction, a waveform fragment corresponding to each captured image; determining an alignment between each pair of successive waveform fragments; and recovering, from the aligned waveform fragments, the waveform.
US07878399B2	Systems and methods for acquiring media assets In one aspect, the invention provides a device for facilitating the acquisition of media assets. In some embodiments, the device includes: a housing; a USB connector projecting outwardly from an end of the housing; a card reader housed in the housing; non-volatile memory housed in the housing and coupled to the USB connector and the card reader; and a barcode disposed on a major surface of the housing, said barcode encoding an identifier that is associated with customer information.
US07878395B2	Alerting a smart card reader of probable wireless communication A wireless device may alert a wireless smart card reader that communication of data between the wireless device and the wireless smart card reader is probably imminent by sending an activation alert. Upon receipt of the activation alert, if the wireless smart card reader is in a low-power state, the wireless smart card reader may enter a higher-power state. If the wireless smart card reader is in the higher-power state upon receipt of the activation alert, the wireless smart card reader may remain in the higher-power state until a timeout period has expired. The wireless device may instruct the wireless smart card reader to enter the low-power state by sending a deactivation alert if the wireless device identifies that communication of data between the wireless device and the wireless smart card reader is not likely to occur within a specified period of time.
US07878392B2	Tracking removal or processing of debris material A method of performing debris clean-up following a disaster event can include creating an electronic load ticket for a pre-registered debris transporter to transport a load of debris from a site of debris origin to a site where the load of debris is to be emptied from the transporter; following transport of the load of debris to the second site, reading, from the electronic information storage device and to a portable computing device, the information uniquely identifying the debris transporter and the electronic load ticket; and upon verification that no alteration has been made to the transporter, receiving at the portable computing device information describing the load of debris that has been transported. In some implementations, the electronic load ticket includes information identifying the geographic location of debris origin, and is electronically stored on a portable electronic information storage device that contains information uniquely identifying the debris transporter.
US07878386B2	Method and device for heat treatment, especially connection by soldering The present invention relates to a method and device (10) for the temperature treatment of workpieces (19) or components, in particular for producing a solder connection between a solder material and at least one component or workpiece used as a solder material carrier by means of melting the solder material arranged on the solder material carrier, where a heating and, in a subsequent method step, a cooling of at least one component is carried out in a process chamber (13, 14) which is sealed from the surrounding area, wherein the heating and the cooling of the component (19) are carried out in two chamber regions (13, 14) of the process chamber (12), which can be separated from one another by means of a condensation device (15).
US07878378B1	Multi-purpose liquid applicator One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of applying a liquid to a surface from a wheeled receptacle that is disposed on the surface. The wheeled receptacle, itself, includes a circumferential sidewall, a bottom wall connected to the circumferential sidewall, at least two wheels, a steering handle for guiding the wheeled receptacle on the surface, and a spigot; and the wheeled receptacle contains a liquid. The method includes the steps of: opening the spigot, thereby dispensing a liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle and onto the surface; and guiding the wheeled receptacle across the surface via the steering handle, thereby dispensing the liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle onto a selected area of the surface.
US07878375B2	Chemical liquid supply device A chemical liquid supply device applies chemical liquid from a nozzle to a processed object. The nozzle is provided in a moving head, which reciprocates between an applying position and a waiting position and includes an application valve operating so as to take an applying state of applying the liquid from the nozzle and a stopped state of stopping the application. Chemical liquid is pumped from a tank through a filter to a valve chamber of the application valve via a supply tube. The valve chamber is connected to a buffer tank through a circulation tube. The circulation tube is provided with a circulation valve for opening/closing its flow path.
US07878371B2	Controllable door handle sanitizer A controllable door handle sanitizer includes a base and an outer housing coupled to the base and movable between an open and a closed position. The sanitizer also includes a holder that receives and holds a container that stores a germicide and includes a first valve member. The holder is coupled to the base such that when the outer housing is opened, the container can be inserted and removed. The holder includes a biasing mechanism for applying a biasing force against the container to maintain the container in a fully loaded position. The sanitizer also includes an electronic valve module that includes a housing that is coupled to the base by engaging locating and support members integrally formed as part of the base. The module is positioned relative to the holder such that in the fully loaded position, the first valve member is actuated and opened, whereby discharge of the germicide is determined by an operating state of a second valve member of the electronic valve module.
US07878366B2	Unit for filling containers with products, in particular, pharmaceutical products A unit (100) for filling containers (2) with products (1), in particular pharmaceutical products (1), includes a hopper (3,3a) containing a mass of products (1) in bulk, conveying means (5,6) aimed at feeding the products (1) leaving the hopper (3) along a predetermined path (P) up to a station (SR), where the containers (2) are filled with the products (1). The containers (2) are fed to the filling station (SR) by transporting means (4,C). A checking station (SC) for checking the products (1) is situated along the path (P) upstream of the filling station (SR). The conveying means (5,6) include first means (51,52,53) consisting of vibrating planes and second conveying means (6). The second conveying means (6) are situated at the checking station (SC) between the conveying vibrating planes means (51,52,53) and the filling station (SR). The second conveying means (6) are equipped with holding means (65) for holding single products (1) thus forming, on the second conveying means (6), a series of single products (1), spaced apart and moving forward to the filling station (SR) along a portion of the path (P).
US07878364B1	Caddy for toting cleaning tools on a trash pail A caddy for toting cleaning tools on a trash pail which comprises a container having an open top to hold the cleaning tools therein. A mechanism is for attaching the container to a side of the trash pail, wherein a person can easily remove the cleaning tools from within the container, so as to fill the trash pail with refuse when the need arises.
US07878361B2	Locking device for fixing a lid In a locking device for the fixation of a lid (1) on an opening (8) of a pressure container with at least two locking segments (5) displaceable at right angles to the axis of the opening 98), which segments (5) bear protrusions (6) and groove-like recesses along their circumference, which in the locked position cooperate with recesses (7) and protrusions along the brim of the opening (8), the displacement actuator (4) of the segments (5) is linked to the segments (5) and to at least one point of application that is on the lid (1) or on a member (3) connected to the lid (1). The segments (5) are arranged in the direction of the circumference of the lid (1) and are pivotably supported on the lid (1) by a swivel arm (16), separate from the displacement actuator (4), being interposed.
US07878359B1	Trash can with a deodorizing mechanism A trash can with a deodorizing mechanism comprises a body having an opening formed at the top of the body, a lid pivotally coupled to the top of the body for performing an opening or closing movement, and a deodorizing mechanism installed on the body and including a bottle and a nozzle. The nozzle includes an actuating element propped by an elastic body to provide a restoring elasticity, such that if the lid is closed and covered onto the opening, the actuating element will be pressed by the lid to compress the elastic body, and the nozzle will suck a deodorant stored in the bottle and spray the deodorant towards the interior of the body. If the lid is closed and covered onto the opening, the elastic body will be compressed to slow down the closing movement of the lid.
US07878358B2	Multiple container cart with individual foot pedal/lid actuation A refuse receptacle system comprising a frame and a plurality of refuse containers supported by the frame is provided. Each of the refuse containers have a receptacle and a complimentary lid reciprocally movable with respect to the receptacle. The receptacle of each of the containers is supported by the frame and is disposed at an angle in a range from about 10 to about 20 degrees from a vertical axis. A plurality of linkages are associated with the frame, whereby each linkage is coupled to the complimentary lid of one of the containers and is configured for reciprocation of the complementary lid between an open position and a closed position with respect to the receptacle.
US07878354B2	One touch-type stopper and a container having the same A one touch-type stopper operable with one hand is provided. The one touch-type container stopper comprises a hermetically sealing part which has, at a lower end thereof, first supporting protrusions formed to protrude inwardly such that they are elastically supported along an outer peripheral surface of a mouth of the container and is fitted around the mouth to seal the container: and a cover part which has a hinge part formed integrally with and extending from the first supporting protrusions and then bent, and second supporting protrusions at a lower end thereof to protrude inwardly therefrom and is positioned outside of the sealing part. The second supporting protrusions are connected to one another through a band member.
US07878353B2	Opening device for a sealed package containing a pourable food product An opening device for a sealed package containing a pourable food product and having at least one removable portion includes a frame defining a pour opening and having a fastening portion fixable to the package about the removable portion. A cap is adapted to be fitted to the frame to close the pour opening and is removable from the pour opening to permit pour-out of the food product. An anchoring portion which engages the pour opening is fixable directly to the removable portion, and is removable from the pour opening to at least partly detach the removable portion from the package. The anchoring portion is connected integrally to the frame by a breakable connecting mechanism, and is connected to the cap so as to move together with the cap when removing the cap from the pour opening.
US07878352B2	Opening devices for foil closures Disclosed is an opening device for a foil closure can be fitted to a container body. The device comprises a spout (4) with a removable disc (10) attached to a pull-ring (12). The disc (10) is secured to the spout (4) by means of a frangible region (30). A foil (8) is sealed to a raised land (34) on a base of the disc (10). The pull ring is mounted to the disc (10) by means of legs so that it applies a force on a peninsula (50) of the disc, thereby reducing the length of the arc over which an initial pulling force is dissipated when the initial tear is being initiated reducing the force required to tear the foil (8) by up to 40%.
US07878351B2	Cap arrangements A Cap arrangement comprises an opening-indicator device that has an outer edge wherefrom leads away fin members which in use extends towards the inside of said cap arrangement, said fin members comprising, in one of their portions nearest said edge, an elongated element having a substantially rectilinear extension, said fin members further comprising, in one of their portions further away from said edge, a flexible appendage elements; a cap arrangement comprises an opening-indicator device that has an outer edge wherefrom leads away fin members comprising a first portion suitable for interacting with a surface of a first collar arrangement extending radially from a neck of container arrangement, a second portion suitable for interacting with a further surface of a second collar arrangement extending radially from said neck and a third portion suitable for interacting with a yet further surface of said first collar arrangement.
US07878348B2	Robotic-movement payload lifter and manipulator A payload lifter/manipulator module includes a rotatable joint supporting spreader arms angularly spaced with respect to one another. A rigid arm is fixedly coupled to the joint and extends out therefrom to a tip. A tension arm has a first end and a second end with the first end being fixedly coupled to the tip of the rigid arm. The tension arm incorporates pivots along the length thereof. Each pivot can be engaged by or disengaged from the outboard end of a spreader arm based on a position of the spreader arm. A hoist, positioned remotely with respect to the module and coupled to the second end of the tension arm, controls the position of the spreader arms to thereby control the position of the rigid arm's tip. Payload lifter/manipulator assemblies can be constructed with one or more of the modules.
US07878346B1	Adaptable boom extension for a mobile crane having a telescoping boom A mobile crane includes a boom extension assembly carried alongside a telescoping boom assembly in a stowed position. The boom extension assembly includes a fly section with a first portion adapted for being connected to the head end of the boom assembly in an operative position while a second portion of the fly section adapted for being connected to the first portion remains in the stowed position. The first portion of the fly section may: (1) be shorter in length than the corresponding second portion of the fly section; (2) include sheaves for supporting a hoist line; (3) include a tapered end; or (4) be used in combination with two additional sections of the boom extension assembly. A related method includes connecting a first, shorter portion of a fly section to a head end of a telescoping boom assembly while a second portion remains in a stowed position.
US07878341B2	Apparatus for storing accessory cases The present invention provides an apparatus that comprises multiple cases capable of storing power tool accessories and a carousel. The carousel may comprise support plates with grooves on it and retaining covers. The accessory cases are pivotal with respect to the support plates. Each accessory case can be dismounted when the accessory case pivots to align with the grooves. In accordance with the invention, the use of accessory cases become very convenient. An accessory case can be straightforwardly dismounted from the apparatus and be carried by the user without the need for the whole apparatus to be carried.
US07878339B2	Merchandise display hook for fishing rods A merchandise display hook for fishing rods has an elongated shaft originating in a hanger fixture for hanging or arranging on a vertical support surface and extends from there to a terminal end formed or affixed with hook formation for carrying a fore section of rod handle. The display hook includes a retainer attached to the shaft in between the hanger fixture and hook formation for retaining a section of the rod handle that is in between the fore section and the rod's butt end. The shaft is arranged to project from the hanger fixture generally horizontally. The hook formation and retainer are cooperatively arranged to cantilever the fishing rod in a suspended projecting disposition. Preferably the hook is hung about head high or higher. A row of such display hooks carrying a procession of fishing rods forms sort of a picket canopy in a retail setting over aisles.
US07878338B2	Transport and storage container for scaffold frames and braces An OSHA compliant container for scaffold frames and cross braces includes a floor bordered by recessed channels into which legs of scaffold frames may be placed. A central upright frame includes rest surfaces against which the upper ends of the first scaffold frame placed into the container may rest. A stop element in each channel prevents the lower ends of the scaffold legs from being placed against the upright frame. Upright posts at the corners of the base of the container support side rails which provide fall protection for a worker inside the container. Lanyard rings attached to the upright posts provide connection points for safety harness and for a gate to provide additional fall protection for a worker within the container. Underlying fork tubes extending longitudinally as well as transversely allow the container to be lifted by a fork lift from either end and either side.
US07878334B2	Sifter shovel An example sifter shovel assembly includes a handle and a scoop secured to the handle. The scoop includes an outer edge portion. An apertured area of the scoop has a plurality of apertures extending through the scoop and an unapertured area of the scoop extends from the outer edge to the apertured area. An example method of assembling a sifter shovel includes creating a plurality of apertures in a sheet of material and forming the sheet of material into a general scoop shape. The example method then secures a handle to an unapertured area of the sheet of material.
US07878327B2	Pallet container A pallet container for liquids (1) comprises a pallet (10), a metal jacket (3) mounted to the pallet (10) and fastener means (30) for fastening the metal jacket (3) to the pallet (10). The pallet (10) has a base frame (11), two central feet (14, 15), located centrally on either side (12a, 12b) of the base frame (11) and mounted to the base frame (11), a support member (22) having two opposite end portions (23, 24), each connected to its respective central foot (14, 15) and a platform (25) mounted to the support member (22). The support member (22) has a central portion (26) which supports a corresponding central portion (27) of the platform (25) and the two end portions (23, 24) connected to the base of the two central feet (14, 15).
US07878319B2	Conveyor switch A sorting switch for diverting articles from one or more infeed conveyors to two or more outfeed conveyors. A cannulae pre-alignment conveyor receives articles from one or more infeed conveyors and selectively diverts individual articles into two or more lateral regions for delivery to an alignment conveyor downstream. The alignment conveyor more precisely aligns the articles within each of the regions for delivery to outfeed conveyors at the downstream end of the alignment conveyor. The alignment and pre-alignment conveyors are realized as belt conveyors with rollers arranged to rotate universally or on axes in specific orientations. In some versions, a belt's rollers roll on bearing surfaces whenever the belt is advancing. In other versions, rollers are selective actuated by moving bearing surfaces. In yet other versions, rollers are not contacted by bearing surfaces at all.
US07878318B2	Cassette for storing bills and the like A cassette for storing bills is described. The cassette includes a shutter, a link which engages the shutter; and a helicoidal drive shaft which engages the link. As the cassette is inserted or removed from a chassis, an actuator fixed to the chassis actuates the drive shaft such that the shutter opens or closes. In some embodiments, the cassette may prevent persons without proper authorization from accessing bills inside the cassette.
US07878315B2	Spring clutch A spring clutch is provided for which durability is improved by preventing a clutch spring from breaking due to fatigue. A cylindrical clutch spring made from a wire having a square section is mounted between a pulley and a pulley hub mounted in the pulley. An end of the clutch spring is coupled to the pulley hub. A clutch surface is formed on the inner periphery of the pulley and is formed with a large-diameter recess at a position opposite to the end portion of the clutch spring including the torque transmission end. When the pulley rotates in one direction, the clutch spring expands. At this time, the end portion of the clutch spring including the torque transmission end expands in the large-diameter recess, thus relaxing sharp torque produced in the clutch. This prevents local stress concentration on the clutch spring and breakage of the clutch spring and improves the durability of the clutch.
US07878314B2	Power transfer device having sensor circuit with dual sensors for identifying locking state An apparatus for transferring power includes a sensor circuit for identifying a position of an axially-movable locking element. The axially-movable element is movable between a first position, which inhibits transmission of rotary power through the apparatus, and a second position that permits transmission of rotary power through the apparatus. The sensor circuit includes two Hall-effect sensors that are employed to sense a position of the axially-movable locking element and produce sensor signals that are employed to control a magnitude of the current that is output from the sensor circuit. A method of detecting an operating mode of a power transfer device that is configured to transmit rotary power is also provided.
US07878312B2	Adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses using both VPEA and fixed load energy absorbers (FLEAs) that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed. A semi-active control absorption system, comprising a VPEA and FPEA configured to work in series, is also disclosed.
US07878311B2	Piston with an integral electrically operated adjustment valve for a hydraulic vibration damper A vibration damper includes a cylinder within which a piston is slidably received thereby defining compression and rebound chambers. The piston has a bore with a valve seat through which fluid flows between those chambers. A poppet selectively engages the valve seat and forms a pilot chamber an opposite side of the poppet from the valve seat. The greater pressure within the compression or rebound chambers is applied by a first logic arrangement to the pilot chamber and a pilot spool control a fluid flow between the pilot chamber and a pressure cavity in the piston body. A second logic arrangement connects the pressure cavity to either the compression and rebound chamber which has the lesser pressure. A solenoid that moves the pilot valve element to control pressure in the pilot chamber and thus the amount that the poppet moves to allow fluid flow through the piston.
US07878310B2	Bicycle damper A damper including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively alter the compression damping rate of the shock absorber. The valve may include a groove feature at the location of the openings in the valve shaft which operates to accumulate the flow of hydraulic fluid through the openings and to equalize the pressure exerted by the fluid on the other components of the valve.
US07878309B2	Quick release hand brake A brake mechanism comprises a housing, a first handle, a first shaft mounted in the housing having at least one gear rotationally fixed thereon, a second gear rotatably mounted in the housing in operative engagement with the first shaft, a locking mechanism, and a clutch operatively disposed between the first handle and the second gear. The locking mechanism comprises a second shaft mounted in the housing, a second handle rotationally fixed to the second shaft, a first pawl rotatably received on the second shaft and in operative engagement with the first shaft at least one gear, and a second pawl having a first portion in operative engagement with the first pawl and a second portion. The clutch is in engagement with the second pawl second portion and is moveable between a first position in which the first shaft is rotationally coupled to the second gear and a second position in which the second gear rotates with respect to the first shaft.
US07878303B2	Lubrication scavenge system A method and apparatus for scavenging lubricant is disclosed herein. In the invention, a rotating structure is encircled within a sump housing and subjected to lubrication. The sump housing collects high-momentum lubricant flow and low-momentum lubricant flow. The interior of the sump housing is separated into a plurality of chambers with at least one dynamic seal. The at least one dynamic seal extends between the sump housing and the rotating structure to isolate the high-momentum lubricant flow from the low-momentum lubricant flow.
US07878300B2	Integrated modular exhaust system A customizable integrated modular exhaust system is provided having a hollow shell muffler body formed from two symmetrical stamp formed shell members that sealably attach to a tailpipe that transverses the hollow shell, and extends through each end of the hollow shell. Exhaust gases are delivered to the muffler body from an engine, by at least one inlet tube communicably attached to the muffler body and connected to the engine via a flange. The muffler body may have various internal configurations, including a disc baffle or catalytic converter configuration.
US07878298B2	Fuel-cell exhaust system One embodiment of the invention includes a product including a fuel-cell exhaust diffuser; an air funnel; and at least two exhaust tubes attached to the diffuser.
US07878297B2	Acoustic transducer made of pure beryllium with directed radiation, with a concave-shaped diaphragm, for audio applications, in particular for acoustic enclosures A loudspeaker for acoustic enclosure, in particular a tweeter or a medium-frequency loudspeaker, which consists of a spherical diaphragm with direct radiation, with a front side that is concave in relation to the spool, and onto which is attached at a certain level, for example at mid-height or approximately at mid-height, the moving spool so as to achieve an optimal mechanical coupling capable of reproducing frequencies lower than 1 kHz with a high efficiency. Material such as pure beryllium or a Be/Al alloy or similar alloys is used to make the diaphragm.Loudspeakers of the tweeter or medium type, especially for very high-fidelity acoustic enclosures.
US07878295B2	Vehicle steering apparatus A vehicle steering apparatus 1 includes an EPS actuator 17 and an EPS ECU 18 that controls the EPS actuator 17. The EPS actuator 17 applies an assist force that assists a steering operation. A microcomputer 43 of the EPS ECU 18 determines whether the currently executed oversteer control (OS control) is being intensified or converged. In the OS control intensification state, in which the vehicle stability is low, the microcomputer 43 reduces a damper compensation current command Idp* (Idp**), which is a damper compensation component for attenuating a steering wheel turning speed ωs.
US07878294B2	Variable gear ratio steering apparatus A variable gear ratio steering apparatus has a steering operating member, a turning unit to turn a vehicle wheel and a gear ratio varying unit arranged between the steering operating member and the turning unit. The gear ratio varying unit comprises a differential gear mechanism, a gear ratio control motor and a steering torque assistance motor. The differential gear mechanism has a first internally toothed gear coupled to the steering operating member, a second internally toothed gear coupled to an input shaft of the turning unit and arranged coaxially with respect to the first internally toothed gear, at least one inside gear meshing with both the first and second internally toothed gears, and an inside gear support member rotatably supporting the inside gear. The gear ratio control motor is connected to the inside gear support part. The steering torque assistance motor is connected to the second internally toothed gear.
US07878290B2	Saddle riding type vehicle A saddle riding type vehicle capable of making turns by leaning a vehicle body includes a pair of rear wheels provided at opposite sides of the vehicle body, a pair of support mechanisms arranged to support the pair of rear wheels to be movable, independently of each other, up and down about a pivot axis relative to the vehicle body, an engine disposed forward of the pivot axis to produce a drive force, a differential mechanism arranged to distribute the drive force of the engine to the pair of rear wheels and to absorb a rotating speed difference between the pair of rear wheels at a time of making a turn, the differential mechanism including drive shafts arranged between the engine and the pivot axis, a pair of shaft drive mechanisms provided for the pair of rear wheels, respectively, and arranged to transmit the drive force of the differential mechanism to the pair of rear wheels, and a pair of constant velocity universal joints provided for the pair of shaft drive mechanisms, respectively, each including a pair of universal joints connected by a coupling yoke, the coupling yoke being located on the pivot axis, and the pair of universal joints being arranged in a positional relationship of point symmetry.
US07878286B2	Front structure of vehicle A tunnel-expansion portion is provided at a front portion of a tunnel portion. The tunnel-expansion portion projects upward greatly and widely so as to provide components of an exhaust system that extend rearward from an exhaust manifold therein (outside a vehicle compartment). Accordingly, there can be provided a front structure of a vehicle, in which an engine is laterally disposed in an engine room at a front portion of the vehicle, an intake pipe is disposed in front of the engine, and an exhaust pipe is disposed in back of the engine, which can improve an exhaust efficiency and a vehicle safety against a vehicle crash, without providing an improperly-large longitudinal space between the engine and the dash panel.
US07878282B2	Control device for hybrid vehicle A control device for hybrid vehicle is provided with property alter means 88 that is operative based on whether or not an EV running mode is set and alters a given property used for determining demanded output torque TOUTt of a transmission mechanism by referring to an accelerator opening Acc. This suppresses occurrence of engine startup to meet a requirement for the EV running mode to be initiated. The property alter means alters the given property such that during an EV running mode turn-on state, demanded output torque TOUTt determined based on the accelerator opening Acc has a lower value than that set for an EV running mode turn-off state. That is, this causes a drop in sensitivity of demanded output torque TOUTt determined based on the accelerator opening Acc. Thus, the occurrence of engine startup induced upon depressive operation of an accelerator pedal during the EV running mode is suppressed.
US07878280B2	Low pressure hydrogen fueled vehicle and method of operating same A hydrogen fueled vehicle includes a vehicle body, a hydrocarbon fuel tank, and a low pressure hydrogen gas storage vessel.
US07878279B2	Hybrid golf car A hybrid golf car type vehicle powered by a gasoline engine or an electric motor in the forward direction and by the electric motor in the reverse direction with the gasoline engine charging the batteries when the batteries fall below a threshold charge either with a motor generator or an alternator.
US07878271B2	Drill bit A drill bit (20) for connection to a casing string (R), wherein the bit (20) comprises an annular bit face (21) which is built-up by a matrix and which comprises a sintered diamond-metal powder mixture, wherein the bit face (21) includes a plurality of radially orientated liquid delivery slots (16, 23, 26) for cooling and cleansing the bit face (21), wherein at least one of the liquid delivery slots is comprised of an inner slot (23) which extends radially outwards from the inside (24) of the bit face (21), wherein the slot (23) is terminated with an inner bottom (24) in the bit face (21), wherein a further liquid delivery slot comprises an outer slot (26) that extends radially inwards from the outside (27) of the bit face, and wherein said outer slot is terminated with an outer bottom (28) in the bit face (21).
US07878267B2	Rotary directional drilling apparatus and method of use An apparatus for steering a drill string is disclosed herein, the apparatus comprising a drilling motor comprising a rotor, a stator, and at least one fluid passage for flowing drilling fluid to the stator. A blade is fixedly disposed on the exterior surface of the stator. A diverter valve controls the flow rate of drilling fluid to the stator, to provide counter rotational movement to the stator with respect to the rotor. Placement and movement of the blade is thereby controlled. When the blade is rotated such that it remains stationary with respect to a fixed point in a borehole, the drill bit is turned. When the blade is counter-rotated in a constant motion with respect to the rotor, the drill bit continues to drill in a straight direction.
US07878264B2	Hand-held power tool A hand-held power tool includes two vibration-damped handles (21), two handle attachment axles (31) for securing the two handles (21) on the tool outer housing (12), respectively, and extending at an angle to respective longitudinal axes (23) of respective handles (21), each handle attachment axle being surrounded, at least in some areas, by the mounting section (24) of the respective handle (21), a damping sleeve (31) formed of an elastic material and provided between the mounting section (24) of the respective handle (21) and the respective handle attachment axle (30), with the damping sleeve (31) forming a first damping element, and a damping body (36) provided on a free end (26) of each handle (21) and forming a second damping element and having an extension (D) in a radial, with respect to the handle longitudinal axis, direction that is greater than a minimal radial extension (T) of the handle (21) at its free, second end.
US07878263B2	Pressure-fluid-operated percussion device A pressure-fluid-operated percussion device includes a frame allowing a tool to be arranged movably in its longitudinal direction. Pressure liquid is fed to the percussion device and returned to a pressure liquid tank. A stress pulse is produced in the tool utilizing pressure of the pressure liquid. A pressure liquid source maintains pressure in the working pressure chamber. Pressure liquid is intermittently fed to the percussion device such that the pressure liquid pushes a transmission piston into a predetermined backward position. Pressure liquid is alternately discharged rapidly from the percussion device so that the pressure of the pressure liquid in the working pressure chamber and the pressure liquid flowing from the pressure liquid source pushes the transmission piston towards the tool, generating a stress pulse in the tool.
US07878254B2	Systems, apparatus, and methods for autonomous tripping of well pipes A robotic system coupled to a racking platform of an oil well service or drilling rig comprising a base coupled to the racking platform at a fixed location, a mast pivotally coupled to the base by a mast pivot joint allowing rotation of the mast about a mast axis, a mast actuator for controllably rotating the mast about the mast pivot joint, an arm coupled to the mast and moveable along a radial direction with respect to the mast axis, an arm actuator for controllably moving the arm along the radial direction, an end effector pivotally coupled to an end of the arm by an end effector pivot joint allowing rotation of the end effector about an end effector axis oriented generally parallel to the mast axis, and an end effector actuator for controllably rotating the end effector about the end effector pivot joint. The end effector comprises at least one grabbing member operable to selectively grab an elongated object under control of a grabbing member actuator.
US07878251B2	Multiple stage tool for use with plunger lift A multiple stage tool for use with plunger lift is disclosed. The disclosed device can be removably positioned at a desired position in a well's tubing, thus providing an upper limit for the travel distance of a first plunger. Subsequent well tubing partitions can be established with the introduction of subsequent plungers followed by the disclosed device.
US07878247B2	Methods for cleaning out horizontal wellbores using coiled tubing Methods for cleaning out horizontal wellbores using coiled tubing are provided for use during downhole operations. A coiled tubing having a bottom hole assembly is deployed into a horizontal wellbore. Fluid is circulated down the annulus of the wellbore and up the bottom hole assembly while the bottom hole assembly is moved upward at a selected rate and distance. This method may be used to remove downhole solids, such as formation sands and proppant.
US07878246B2	Methods of perforation using viscoelastic surfactant fluids and associated compositions The invention provides a method for perforating a well with a perforating fluid comprising a viscoelastic surfactant that essentially stops fluid leak-off after perforation in an overbalanced condition. Another aspect of the invention provides the perforating fluid in itself. The well has a wellbore defined by a generally cylindrical casing in at least a portion of the wellbore (i.e., the wellbore is cased, although it is not necessary cased in its entire length). The wellbore passes through a subterranean formation that comprises hydrocarbon formation fluids (such as oil and/or gas), at least in certain strata. The method comprises placing a perforating device in a wellbore which includes at least one explosive perforating charge that can be detonated in order to perforate the casing and allow the formation fluids to enter the wellbore. The casing is located between the subterranean formation and the perforating device. A perforating fluid including at least one viscoelastic surfactant is placed in the wellbore between the perforating device and the casing, in at least a portion of the wellbore. In other words, the perforating fluid is present in the wellbore adjacent to the perforating device. The explosive charge(s) in the perforating device is detonated, such that the perforating device forms at least one perforation in the casing that permits the flow of hydrocarbon formation fluids from the subterranean formation into the wellbore. As a result of the detonation, at least a portion of the perforating fluid is put in communication with the subterranean formation.
US07878245B2	Cement compositions comprising a high-density particulate elastomer and associated methods A variety of methods and compositions, including, in one embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising introducing a treatment fluid into a well bore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a particulate elastomer having a specific gravity of at least about 1.6. Another method of treating a subterranean formation comprises introducing a treatment fluid into a well bore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a particulate elastomer having a specific gravity of at least about 1.05, wherein the particulate elastomer comprises a halogenated thermoplastic.
US07878244B2	Apparatus and methods to perform focused sampling of reservoir fluid Apparatus and methods to perform focused sampling of reservoir fluid are described. An example method couples a sampling probe to a subterranean formation and, while the sampling probe is coupled to the subterranean formation, varies a pumping ratio of at least two displacement units to reduce a contamination level of a formation flu id extracted via the sampling probe from the subterranean formation.
US07878242B2	Interface for deploying wireline tools with non-electric string Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and/or apparatus for deploying wireline tools with a non-electric string. In one embodiment, a method of determining a free point of a tubular string stuck in a wellbore includes deploying a tool string in the stuck tubular with a non-electric string. The free point assembly includes a battery, a controller, and a free point tool. The method further includes activating the free point tool by the controller. The free point tool contacts an inner surface of the stuck tubular string. The method further includes applying a tensile force and/or torque to the stuck tubular string; and measuring a response of the tubular string with the free point tool.
US07878239B2	Fluid collecting apparatus A fluid collecting apparatus inserted in a borehole for collecting fluid in the borehole. The fluid collecting apparatus may include a first packer and a second packer which are selectively adhered to an inside of the borehole, a first supply pipe and a second supply pipe which supply expansion fluid to each of the first packer and the second packer, and a guide tube which guides fluid in a collecting space between the first packer and the second packer to an outside of the borehole. Also, the second supply pipe moves with the second packer in a longitudinal direction of the borehole, and a passage which does not communicate with the first supply pipe is formed. Accordingly, the fluid collecting apparatus may independently control the first and second packers, and thus fluid in a desired depth and region within the borehole may be easily collected.

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