最新美国发明专利第2011-03-22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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US07910563B2	Antisense oligonucleotide to inhibit melanoma inhibitory activity, MIA An antisense oligonucleotide selected from the group of the sequence 5′-TTG CAT AAA CCC AAG GAG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 1) and modifications thereof a fragment having at least 8 nucleotides of the sequence 5′-TTG CAT AAA CCC AAG GAG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 1) and modifications thereof.
US07910560B2	Method for increasing breast meat yield in poultry A method for increasing breast meat yield in avians by treating the poultry with an effective amount of natamycin. The effective amount of natamycin can be added to the avian's feed wither directly or in the form of a premix containing a carrier.
US07910551B2	Gene differentially expressed in breast and bladder cancer and encoded polypeptides The present invention relates to a novel human gene that is differentially expressed in human carcinoma. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of treating or preventing a disorder in a subject. The invention further relates to uses of C35 polypeptides in immunogenic compositions or vaccines, to induce antibody or T cell-mediated immunity against target cells, such as tumor cells, that express the C35 gene. The present invention further relates to use of C35 polypeptides in diagnosing a pathological condition or susceptibility to a pathological condition in a subject.
US07910549B2	MN gene and protein Identified herein is the location of the MN protein binding site, and MN proteins/polypeptides that compete for attachment to vertebrate cells with immobilized MN protein. Such MN proteins/polypeptides prevent cell-cell adhesion and the formation of intercellular contacts. The MN protein binding site is a therapeutic target that can be blocked by organic or inorganic molecules, preferably organic molecules, more preferably proteins/polypeptides that specifically bind to that site. Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Vectors are provided that encode the variable domains of MN-specific antibodies and a flexible linker polypeptide separating those domains. Further vectors are disclosed that encode a cytotoxic protein/polypeptide operatively linked to the MN gene promoter or a MN gene promoter fragment comprising the HIF-1 consensus binding sequence, and which vectors preferably further encode a cytokine. The MN gene promoter is characterized, and the binding site for a repressor of MN transcription is disclosed. Further, the hypoxia inducibility of the MN gene and the uses of such inducibility are disclosed.
US07910545B2	Combination enzyme replacement and small molecule therapy for treatment of lysosomal storage diseases This invention provides various combinations of enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy, and small molecule therapy for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases.
US07910542B2	Methods for promoting wound healing and muscle regeneration with the cell signaling protein Nell1 The present invention provides methods for promoting wound healing and treating muscle atrophy in a mammal in need. The method comprises administering to the mammal a Nell1 protein or a Nell1 nucleic acid molecule.
US07910531B2	Composition and method for producing colored bubbles Compositions and methods for producing colored bubbles, having a single color uniformly dispersed in the film, are described. The composition comprises at least one surfactant mixed with at least one colorant, the colorant forming at least approximately 10% of the composition. The surfactant, or surface-active agent, forms the bubble while the colorant, or pigment, provides the color. Generally, the composition may comprise 10-99% colorant to produce varying degrees of opacity. In addition, glycerin, fragrance, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, potassium hydroxide, or other additives may be included.
US07910530B2	Method for improving the air release rate of GTL base stock lubricants using synthetic ester, and composition A method for improving the air release rate of a Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base stock and/or base oil by the addition to such base stock and/or base oil of a synthetic ester.
US07910529B2	Functional fluid compositions There is disclosed herein novel functional fluids useful as aircraft hydraulic fluids comprising at least about 50% trialkyl phosphate ester and at least one aryl compound whereby the fluid exhibits in combination the fire resistant properties as indicated by a fire point in excess of 177° C., a flash point of at least 160° C. and an autoignition temperature of at least 400° C. The trialkyl phosphate esters contain between 6 and 18 carbon atoms and preferably between 12 and 15 carbon atoms. The aryl compounds are most preferably polyphenyls, fused ring aryl compound containing from 5 to 24 carbon atoms in the aryl portion such as biphenyl or terphenyl or alkyl substituted polyphenyls wherein the alkyl groups contain from 1 to 5 carbon atom. Other aryl compounds includes fused ring aryl compounds such as naphthalene, anthracene, diphenyl oxide and the like.
US07910527B2	Wear resistant lubricious composite A wear resistant lubricious composite includes a synthetic resin binder, a plurality of transfer film forming particles, and a plurality of hard nanoparticles. The hard nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal carbides and metal nitride nanoparticles. A method of forming wear resistant lubricious composite articles includes the steps of providing a liquid phase synthetic resin precursor, adding a plurality of transfer film forming particles and a plurality of hard nanoparticles selected from the group consisting of metal oxide, metal carbide and metal nitride nanoparticles to the resin precursor to form a mixture, adding a hardener to the mixture, and curing the mixture.
US07910525B2	Grease composition, grease-enclosed bearing, and rotation-transmitting apparatus with built-in one way clutch The present invention provides a grease composition capable of effectively preventing a rolling surface of a bearing from having hydrogen brittleness-caused peeling, a grease-enclosed bearing in which the grease composition is enclosed, and a rotation-transmitting apparatus with a built-in one-way clutch in which the grease composition is enclosed at a sliding portion. The grease composition contains a base grease consisting of a base oil and a thickener; and an additive added to the base grease. The grease composition prevents a frictional wear surface of the sliding portion or a newly generated surface consisting of iron or the like exposed owing to wear from being peeled owing to hydrogen brittleness. The additive contains a bismuth-based additive or a magnesium-based additive. The bismuth-based additive consists of at least one of inorganic bismuth and organic bismuth not containing a sulfur component. The magnesium-based additive consists of at least one of inorganic magnesium and organic magnesium. The grease-enclosed bearing encloses the above-described grease composition.
US07910522B2	Method for the expression of unknown environmental DNA into adapted host cells The present invention relates to methods for the identification or cloning of polynucleotides encoding a selected phenotype, particularly from environmental DNA. In a specific embodiment, the method comprises (i) cloning environmental DNA fragments into E. coli cloning vectors to produce a metagenomic library, (ii) identifying or selecting cloning vectors in the library which contain DNA fragments having a particular characteristic of interest, (iii) modifying the identified or selected cloning vectors into shuttle or expression vectors for transfer and integration in a selected host cell, (iv) transferring the modified cloning vectors into the selected host-cell and (v) identifying or cloning the DNA fragments contained in the modified cloning vectors which encode the selected phenotype in the selected host cell.
US07910515B2	Photocatalyst Silicon titanium mixed oxide powder having the following features: BET surface area of 5 to 300 m2/g, silica content, based on the total amount of the mixed oxide powder, of ≧0.1 to <0.5% by weight, titanium dioxide content, based on the total amount of the mixed oxide powder, of ≧99.0% by weight, sum of the proportions of silica and titanium dioxide, based on the total amount of the mixed oxide powder, ≧99.5% by weight, titanium dioxide content of the primary particles comprising intergrown rutile and anatase phases, silica content of the primary particles amorphous, is prepared by allowing the vapours of one or more, in each case oxidizable and/or hydrolyzable titanium and silicon compounds to react in a high temperature zone with oxygen and/or steam, cooling the reaction mixture after the reaction and separating off the pulverulent solid from gaseous substances.
US07910514B2	Inorganic fiber catalyst, production method thereof and catalyst structure An inorganic fiber catalyst includes an alumina-silica fiber base material, and a plurality of catalyst component particles contained in the alumina-silica fiber base material. A mean particle diameter of the catalyst component particles contained in at least a surface portion of the alumina-silica fiber base material is 50 nm or less, and a standard deviation of particle diameters of the catalyst component particles is 30 or less.
US07910511B2	Method of preparing metallic nanoparticles and materials thus obtained The invention relates to a method of preparing metallic nanoparticles and to the materials thus obtained. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of preparing metallic nanoparticles consisting in: selecting a precursor from the salts, hydroxides and oxides of metallic elements that can be reduced at temperatures below the clay silicate network destruction temperature; and depositing said precursor on a support selected from pseudolaminar phyllosilicate clays. According to the invention the method comprises: (i) a deposition step in which the precursor is deposited on the support: (ii) when the precursor is selected from among salts and hydroxides, a thermal decomposition step in a controlled atmosphere, in which the precursor is subjected to a decomposition process and is transformed into an oxide of the metallic element: and (iii) a reduction step in which the oxide of the metallic element is subjected to a reduction process in a controlled atmosphere. The aforementioned method is performed at temperatures below the clay silicate network destruction temperature.
US07910510B2	Ceramic dielectric or thin and/or thick layers containing at least one ceramic dielectric method for production and use thereof The present invention relates to dielectric ceramics, thin and/or thick layers produced therefrom and a method for the production thereof and the use of the dielectrics and of the thin and/or thick layers.
US07910507B2	Glass ceramic material for plasma display There is provided a glass ceramic material for plasma display, in which glass fine grains (A) having a softening point of 570-640° C. are in 40-70 wt %, and glass fine grains (B) having a softening point of 480-540° C. are in 30-60 wt %, the glass ceramic material for plasma display being characterized in that the glass fine grains (A) comprise 2-12 wt % of SiO2, 50-58 wt % of B2O3, 10-20 wt % of Al2O3, 0-6 wt % of ZnO, 0-2.8 wt % of Li2O, and 10-22 wt % of at least one selected from MgO, CaO, SrO and BaO and that refractive index of the glass fine grains (A) is 1.53-1.56.
US07910504B2	Desert camouflage A thermal camouflage material for use on a tank or other military vehicle in a desert environment includes an outer layer of knitted fiberglass alone or with polyester having an outer coating of PVC and carbon black, and an inner film of aluminum; and an inner layer defined by a three-dimensional decoupling fabric between the aluminum film on the outer layer. The decoupling fabric is formed of outer and inner polyester mesh films with polyaramid sandwiched therebetween.
US07910503B2	Ballistic laminate structure A ballistic-resistant laminate assembly having a pair of films and a pair of first and second interlinear arrays of unidirectionally-oriented bundles of high strength filaments therebetween with filament bundles of the first array each being arranged substantially interlinear with adjacent filament bundles of the second array and further being in at least intermittent contact therewith. Respective surfaces the filament bundles of the second array are coupled to the first film with substantially continuous thin linear deposits of a coupling agent, and respective surfaces of the filament bundles of the first array are coupled to the second film with substantially continuous thin linear deposits of a coupling agent.
US07910501B2	Sheet molding material for fuel cell bipolar plate, method of producing same and bipolar plate or fuel cell The present invention offers sheet molding material for obtaining a thin fuel cell bipolar plate with excellent conductivity and thickness precision, production method thereof, and a fuel cell bipolar plate made by molding the sheet molding material. It relates to sheet molding material for a fuel cell bipolar plate and production method thereof, wherein the sheet molding material has carbon particle layer on at least one surface of the resin sheet, and the percentage of particles of carbon layer in the sheet molding material is 70% to 90% by weight.
US07910500B2	Fiber treatment agent, fiber treated with such fiber treatment agent, fiber fabric, laminate and method for treating fiber A fiber treatment agent contains components (a) and (b). A fiber treated with the fiber treatment agent and a fiber fabric including the fiber are also provided. The component (a) an insoluble egg-shell membrane fine powder with a mean particle size of 0.1 to 10 μm while the component (b) is a synthetic resin emulsion or a synthetic resin solution.
US07910496B2	Technique for forming an interlayer dielectric material of increased reliability above a structure including closely spaced lines By removing excess material of an interlayer dielectric material deposited by SACVD, the gap filling capabilities of this deposition technique may be exploited, while, on the other hand, negative effects of this material may be reduced. In other aspects, a buffer material, such as silicon dioxide, may be formed prior to depositing the interlayer dielectric material on the basis of SACVD, thereby creating enhanced uniformity during the deposition process when depositing the interlayer dielectric material on dielectric layers having different high intrinsic stress levels. Consequently, the reliability of the interlayer dielectric material may be enhanced while nevertheless maintaining the advantages provided by an SACVD deposition.
US07910495B2	Plasma oxidizing method, plasma processing apparatus, and storage medium A plasma oxidizing method includes a step of placing an object to be processed and having a surface containing silicon on a susceptor disposed in a processing vessel of a plasma processing apparatus, a step of producing a plasma from a processing gas containing oxygen in the processing vessel, a step of supplying high-frequency electric power to the susceptor and applying a high-frequency bias to the object to be processed when the plasma is produced, and a step of forming a silicon oxide film by oxidizing silicon in the surface of the object to be processed by the plasma.
US07910494B2	Thermal processing furnace, gas delivery system therefor, and methods for delivering a process gas thereto A gas delivery system for supplying a process gas from a gas supply to a thermal processing furnace, a thermal processing furnace equipped with the gas delivery system, and methods for delivering process gas to a thermal processing furnace. The gas delivery system comprises a plurality of regulators, such as mass flow controllers, in a process gas manifold coupling a gas supply with a thermal processing furnace. The regulators establish a corresponding plurality of flows of a process gas at a plurality of flow rates communicated by the process gas manifold to the thermal processing furnace. The gas delivery system may be a component of the thermal processing furnace that further includes a liner that surrounds a processing space inside the thermal processing furnace.
US07910492B2	Nanowhiskers with PN junctions, doped nanowhiskers, and methods for preparing them Nano-engineered structures are disclosed, incorporating nanowhiskers of high mobility conductivity and incorporating pn junctions. In one embodiment, a nanowhisker of a first semiconducting material has a first band gap, and an enclosure comprising at least one second material with a second band gap encloses said nanoelement along at least part of its length, the second material being doped to provide opposite conductivity type charge carriers in respective first and second regions along the length of the of the nanowhisker, whereby to create in the nanowhisker by transfer of charge carriers into the nanowhisker, corresponding first and second regions of opposite conductivity type charge carriers with a region depleted of free carriers therebetween. The doping of the enclosure material may be degenerate so as to create within the nanowhisker adjacent segments having very heavy modulation doping of opposite conductivity type analogous to the heavily doped regions of an Esaki diode. In another embodiment, a nanowhisker is surrounded by polymer material containing dopant material. A step of rapid thermal annealing causes the dopant material to diffuse into the nanowhisker. In a further embodiment, a nanowhisker has a heterojunction between two different intrinsic materials, and Fermi level pinning creates a pn junction at the interface without doping.
US07910483B2	Trim process for critical dimension control for integrated circuits Methods of etching substrates employing a trim process for critical dimension control for integrated circuits are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method of etching includes providing a first hard mask layer over a target layer; providing a second hard mask layer over the first hard mask layer; providing a photoresist layer over the second hard mask layer; forming a pattern in the photoresist layer; transferring the pattern into the second hard mask layer; and trimming the second hard mask layer with the photoresist layer on top of the second hard mask layer. The top surface of the second hard mask layer is protected by the photoresist and the substrate is protected by the overlying first hard mask layer during the trim etch, which can therefore be aggressive.
US07910474B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device which comprises a barrier film having a high etching selection ratio of the interlayer insulating film thereto, a good preventive function against the Cu diffusion, a low dielectric constant and excellent adhesiveness to the Cu interconnection and a manufacturing method thereof.The barrier film (for instance, a second barrier film 6) disposed between the interconnection or the via plug and its overlying interlayer insulating film is made to have a layered structure made of a plurality of films containing silicon and carbon (preferably, silicon, carbon and nitrogen), with different carbon contents, and, in particular, a low-carbon-concentration film 6a with a small carbon content is set to be a lower layer therein and a high-carbon-concentration film 6b with a large carbon content is set to be an upper layer therein, whereby the effectual prevention against the Cu diffusion, a high etching selection ratio and good adhesiveness to the Cu interconnection can be certainly provided by the presence of the low-carbon-concentration film 6a, while the overall dielectric constant can be well reduced by the presence of the high-carbon-concentration film 6b.
US07910473B2	Through-silicon via with air gap A semiconductor substrate having a through-silicon via with an air gap interposed between the through-silicon via and the semiconductor substrate is provided. An opening is formed partially through the semiconductor substrate. The opening is first lined with a liner and then the opening is filled with a conductive material. A backside of the semiconductor substrate is thinned to expose the liner, which is subsequently removed to form an air gap around the conductive material of the through-silicon via. A dielectric layer is formed of the backside of the semiconductor substrate to seal the air gap.
US07910471B2	Bumpless wafer scale device and board assembly A semiconductor chip having a planar active surface including an integrated circuit; the circuit has metallization patterns including a plurality of contact pads. Each of these contact pads has an added conductive layer on the circuit metallization. This added layer has a conformal surface adjacent the chip and a planar outer surface, and this outer surface is suitable to form metallurgical bonds without melting. The chip contact pads may have a distribution such that an area portion of the active chip surface is available for attaching a thermally conductive plate; this plate has a thickness compatible with the thickness of the conductive pad layer.
US07910470B2	Metallised film for sheet contacting An embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for contacting at least one electrical contact surface on a surface of a substrate and/or at least one component arranged on the substrate, especially a semiconductor chip. The method includes the following steps: at least one insulating film consisting of an electrically insulating plastic material is laminated, under a vacuum, onto the surfaces of the substrate and the component including the contact surface; and the contact surface to be contacted on the surfaces is bared by opening a window in the insulating film. An embodiment of the present invention further comprises sheet contacting the bared contact surface with at least one metallisation on an insulating film.
US07910468B1	Methods and compositions for preparing Ge/Si semiconductor substrates The present disclosure describes methods for preparing semiconductor structures, comprising forming a Ge layer on a semiconductor substrate using an admixture of (a) (GeH3)2CH2 and Ge2H6; (b) GeH3CH3 and Ge2H6; or (c) (GeH3)2CH2, GeH3CH3 and Ge2H6, wherein in all cases, Ge2H6 is in excess. The disclosure further provides semiconductor structures formed according to the methods of the invention as well as compositions comprising an admixture of (GeH3)2CH2 and/or GeH3CH3 and Ge2H6 in a ratio of between about 1:5 and 1:30. The methods herein provide, and the semiconductor structures provide, Ge layers formed on semiconductor substrates having threading dislocation density below 105/cm2 which can be useful in semiconductor devices.
US07910466B2	Method of manufacturing high-voltage semiconductor device and low-voltage semiconductor device A high-voltage semiconductor device and a method for making the same are provided. A high-voltage semiconductor device and a low-voltage semiconductor device are formed in a single substrate, a photolithography process that is required to form a high-voltage well region is omitted, and the well region of the high-voltage semiconductor is formed together with the well region of the low-voltage semiconductor device formed in another photolithography process.
US07910465B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor substrate A surface of a single crystal semiconductor substrate is irradiated with ions to form a damaged region, an insulating layer is formed over the surface of the single crystal semiconductor substrate, and a surface of a substrate having an insulating surface is made to be in contact with a surface of the insulating layer to bond the substrate having an insulating surface to the single crystal semiconductor substrate. Then, the single crystal semiconductor substrate is separated at the damaged region by performing heat treatment to form a single crystal semiconductor layer over the substrate having an insulating surface, and the single crystal semiconductor layer is patterned to form a plurality of island-shaped semiconductor layers. One of the island-shaped semiconductor layers is irradiated with a laser beam which is shaped to entirely cover the island-shaped semiconductor layer.
US07910462B2	Growing [110] silicon on [001] oriented substrate with rare-earth oxide buffer film An assembly and method of making the same wherein the assembly incorporates a rare-earth oxide film to form a [110] crystal lattice orientation semiconductor film. The assembly comprises a substrate, a rare-earth oxide film formed on the substrate, and a [110]-oriented semiconductor film formed on the rare-earth oxide film. The rare-earth oxide film having a [110] crystal lattice orientation. The substrate has a [001] crystal lattice orientation.
US07910460B2	Metallic electrode forming method and semiconductor device having metallic electrode A metallic electrode forming method includes: forming a bed electrode on a substrate; forming a protective film with an opening on the bed electrode to expose the bed electrode from the opening; forming a metallic film covering the protective film and the opening; mounting the substrate on an adsorption stage, and measuring a surface shape of the metallic film by a surface shape measuring means; deforming the substrate by a deforming means so that a difference between the principal surface and a cutting surface is within a predetermined range; measuring a surface shape of the principal surface, and determining whether the difference is within a predetermined range; and cutting the substrate along with the cutting surface so that the metallic film is patterned to be a metallic electrode.
US07910459B2	Method of manufacturing device having a UV-curable adhesive A method of manufacturing a device, including the steps of forming dividing grooves with a predetermined depth along planned dividing lines of a wafer, then grinding the back-side surface of the wafer to expose the dividing grooves on the back side, dividing the wafer into individual devices, attaching a UV-curable adhesive film to the backside surface of the wafer divided into the individual devices, adhering the adhesive film side of the wafer to a dicing tape attached to an annular frame, radiating UV rays from the face side of the wafer to cure those regions of the adhesive film which correspond to the dividing grooves, radiating a laser beam along the dividing grooves to divide the cured adhesive film on a device basis, and releasing the devices from the dicing tape, thereby picking up the devices.
US07910458B2	Method and structure using selected implant angles using a linear accelerator process for manufacture of free standing films of materials A method for fabricating free standing thickness of materials using one or more semiconductor substrates, e.g., single crystal silicon, polysilicon, silicon germanium, germanium, group III/IV materials, and others. In a specific embodiment, the present method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a surface region and a thickness. The method includes subjecting the surface region of the semiconductor substrate to a first plurality of high energy particles provided at a first implant angle generated using a linear accelerator to form a region of a plurality of gettering sites within a cleave region, the cleave region being provided beneath the surface region to defined a thickness of material to be detached, the semiconductor substrate being maintained at a first temperature. In a specific embodiment, the method includes subjecting the surface region of the semiconductor substrate to a second plurality of high energy particles at a second implant angle generated using the linear accelerator, the second plurality of high energy particles being provided to increase a stress level of the cleave region from a first stress level to a second stress level. In a preferred embodiment, the semiconductor substrate is maintained at a second temperature, which is higher than the first temperature. The method frees the thickness of detachable material using a cleaving process, e.g., controlled cleaving process.
US07910449B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same In a semiconductor device according to the present invention, two epitaxial layers are formed on a P type substrate. In the substrate and the epitaxial layers, isolation regions are formed to divide the substrate and the epitaxial layers into a plurality of islands. Each of the isolation regions is formed by connecting first and second P type buried layers with a P type diffusion layer. By disposing the second P type buried layer between the first P type buried layer and the P type diffusion layer, a lateral diffusion width of the first P type buried layer is reduced. By use of this structure, a formation region of the isolation region is reduced in size.
US07910442B2	Process for making a semiconductor device using partial etching A method including partially etching a first portion of a first layer, wherein the first layer is a conductive layer, is provided. The method further includes removing at least a portion of a second layer. The method further includes completing etching of said first portion of the conductive layer so that said first portion of the conductive layer is removed. The method further includes completing formation of the semiconductor device.
US07910437B1	Method of fabricating vertical channel semiconductor device A method for fabricating a semiconductor device may include: forming an outer trench, including: a first trench, and a second trench formed under the first trench, the second trench being formed by etching a substrate, forming a dielectric layer, which fills the second trench, by performing a thermal oxidation process, such that a width of the second trench is less than a width of the first trench, forming a gate dielectric layer along a surface of a semiconductor structure including the dielectric layer, and forming a gate electrode, which fills a remaining portion of the outer trench, over the gate dielectric layer.
US07910434B2	Method of reducing coupling between floating gates in nonvolatile memory A nonvolatile memory array includes floating gates that have an inverted-T shape in cross section along a plane that is perpendicular to the direction along which floating cells are connected together to form a string. Adjacent strings are isolated by shallow trench isolation structures.
US07910431B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device On a surface of a Si substrate, a nonvolatile memory cell, an nMOS transistor, and a pMOS transistor are formed, and thereafter an interlayer insulation film covering the nonvolatile memory cell, the nMOS transistor, and the pMOS transistor is formed. Next, in the interlayer insulation film, there are formed plural contact plugs connected respectively to a control gate of the nonvolatile memory cell, a source or a drain of the nMOS transistor, and a source or a drain of the pMOS transistor. Thereafter, there is formed a single-layer wiring connecting the control gate to the sources or drains of the nMOS transistor and the pMOS transistor via the plural contact plugs.
US07910425B2	Multiple doping level bipolar junctions transistors and method for forming A process for forming bipolar junction transistors having a plurality of different collector doping densities on a semiconductor substrate and an integrated circuit comprising bipolar junction transistors having a plurality of different collector doping densities. A first group of the transistors are formed during formation of a triple well for use in providing triple well isolation for complementary metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors also formed on the semiconductor substrate. Additional bipolar junction transistors with different collector doping densities are formed during a second doping step after forming a gate stack for the field effect transistors. Implant doping through bipolar transistor emitter windows forms bipolar transistors having different doping densities than the previously formed bipolar transistors. According to one embodiment of the present invention, bipolar junction transistors having six different collector dopant densities (and thus six different breakdown characteristics) are formed.
US07910424B2	Semiconductor memory and fabrication method for the same A semiconductor memory includes memory cell transistors including a tunnel insulating film, a floating gate electrode, a first insulating film, a control gate electrode, and a first metal salicide film; low-voltage transistors having a first p-type source region and a first p-type drain region, a first gate insulating film, and a first gate electrode of an n conductivity type having the same dose of a first p-type impurity as with the first p-type source region; and high-voltage transistors having a second p-type source region and a second p-type drain region, a second gate insulating film thicker than the first gate insulating film, and a second gate electrode of an n conductivity type having the same dose of a second p-type impurity as with the second p-type source region.
US07910423B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A semiconductor device includes an SOI substrate, a first STI-type isolation region, a second STI-type isolation region, and an alignment mark region. The SOI substrate includes a support substrate, an insulating layer deposited on the support substrate, and a semiconductor layer which includes a thin film region and a thick film region. The thin film region includes a first semiconductor layer deposited on the support substrate, and the thick film region includes the first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer deposited on a part of the first semiconductor layer. The first STI-type isolation region is disposed at the thin film region. The second STI-type isolation region is disposed at the thick film region. The alignment mark region is disposed at the thick film region. An alignment mark to be used for alignment of the second STI-type isolation region is disposed at the alignment mark region.
US07910419B2	SOI transistor with self-aligned ground plane and gate and buried oxide of variable thickness A method for making a transistor with self-aligned gate and ground plane includes forming a stack, on one face of a semi-conductor substrate, the stack including an organometallic layer and a dielectric layer. The method also includes exposing a part of the organometallic layer, a portion of the organometallic layer different to the exposed part being protected from the electron beams by a mask, the shape and the dimensions of a section, in a plane parallel to the face of the substrate, of the gate of the transistor being substantially equal to the shape and to the dimensions of a section of the organometallic portion in said plane. The method also includes removing the exposed part, and forming dielectric portions in empty spaces formed by the removal of the exposed part of the organometallic layer, around the organometallic portion.
US07910405B2	Semiconductor device having adhesion increasing film to prevent peeling A semiconductor device includes at least one semiconductor constructing body provided on one side of a base member, and having a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of external connecting electrodes provided on the semiconductor substrate. An insulating layer is provided on the one side of the base member around the semiconductor constructing body. An adhesion increasing film is formed between the insulating layer, and at least one of the semiconductor constructing body and the base member around the semiconductor constructing body, for preventing peeling between the insulating layer and the at least one of the semiconductor constructing body and base member.
US07910404B2	Method of manufacturing a stacked die module A method of manufacturing a stacked die module includes applying a plurality of stacked die structures to a carrier. Each stacked die structure includes a first semiconductor die applied to the carrier and a second semiconductor die stacked over the first semiconductor die. The second semiconductor die has a larger lateral surface area than the first semiconductor die. A dam is applied around each of the stacked die structures, thereby forming an enclosed cavity for each of the stacked die structures. The enclosed cavity for each stacked die structure surrounds the first semiconductor die of the stacked die structure.
US07910401B2	Organic thin film transistor, flat panel display apparatus comprising the same, and method of manufacturing the organic thin film transistor An organic thin film transistor that can reduce contact resistance between source and drain electrodes and an organic semiconductor layer and can be readily manufactured, a flat panel display apparatus utilizing the organic thin film transistor, and a method of manufacturing the organic thin film transistor. The organic thin film transistor includes: a substrate; a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed on the gate insulating film; a conductive polymer layer disposed to cover at least a portion of each of source and drain electrodes; a hydrophobic material layer disposed on the substrate and the source and drain electrodes except regions where the conductive polymer layer are formed; an organic semiconductor layer electrically connected to the source and drain electrodes; a gate insulating film disposed to cover the organic semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode disposed on the gate insulating film.
US07910399B1	Thermal management and method for large scale processing of CIS and/or CIGS based thin films overlying glass substrates The thermal management and method for large scale processing of CIS and/or CIGS based thin film overlaying glass substrates. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for fabricating a copper indium diselenide semiconductor film. The method includes providing a plurality of substrates, each of the substrates having a copper and indium composite structure. The method also includes transferring the plurality of substrates into a furnace, each of the plurality of substrates provided in a vertical orientation with respect to a direction of gravity, the plurality of substrates being defined by a number N, where N is greater than 5. The method further includes introducing a gaseous species including a selenide species and a carrier gas into the furnace and transferring thermal energy into the furnace to increase a temperature from a first temperature to a second temperature, the second temperature ranging from about 350° C. to about 450° C. to at least initiate formation of a copper indium diselenide film from the copper and indium composite structure on each of the substrates.
US07910395B2	LED structure An LED structure includes a first substrate; an adhering layer formed on the first substrate; first ohmic contact layers formed on the adhering layer; epi-layers formed on the first ohmic contact layers; a first isolation layer covering the first ohmic contact layers and the epi-layers at exposed surfaces thereof; and first electrically conducting plates and second electrically conducting plates, both formed in the first isolation layer and electrically connected to the first ohmic contact layers and the epi-layers, respectively. The trenches allow the LED structure to facilitate complex serial/parallel connection so as to achieve easy and various applications of the LED structure in the form of single structures under a high-voltage environment.
US07910394B1	Photodiode with improved charge capacity A method for forming a photodiode cathode in an integrated circuit imager includes defining and implanting a photodiode cathode region with a photodiode cathode implant dose of a dopant species and defining and implanting an edge region of the photodiode cathode region with a photodiode cathode edge implant dose of a dopant species to form a region of higher impurity concentration than the photodiode cathode impurity concentration.
US07910393B2	Methods for forming a dual-doped emitter on a silicon substrate with a sub-critical shear thinning nanoparticle fluid A Group IV based nanoparticle fluid is disclosed. The nanoparticle fluid includes a set of nanoparticles—comprising a set of Group IV atoms, wherein the set of nanoparticles is present in an amount of between about 1 wt % and about 20 wt % of the nanoparticle fluid. The nanoparticle fluid also includes a set of HMW molecules, wherein the set of HMW molecules is present in an amount of between about 0 wt % and about 5 wt % of the nanoparticle fluid. The nanoparticle fluid further includes a set of capping agent molecules, wherein at least some capping agent molecules of the set of capping agent molecules are attached to the set of nanoparticles.
US07910392B2	Method and system for assembling a solar cell package Method and system for assembling a solar cell package. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for fabricating solar cells for a solar panel. The method includes providing a first substrate member comprising a plurality of photovoltaic strips thereon. The method also includes providing an optical elastomer material overlying a portion of the first substrate member. The method further includes aligning a second substrate member comprising a plurality of optical concentrating elements thereon such that at least one of the optical concentrating elements being operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic strips, the second substrate member comprising an aperture surface region and an exit surface region. In addition, the method includes coupling the first substrate member to the second substrate member to form an interface region along a first peripheral region of the first substrate member and along a second peripheral region of the second substrate member.
US07910391B2	Getter formed by laser-treatment and methods of making same The present disclosure relates to methods of treating a silicon substrate with an ultra-fast laser to create a getter material for example in a substantially enclosed MEMS package. In an embodiment, the laser treating comprises irradiating the silicon surface with a plurality of laser pulses adding gettering microstructure to the treated surface. Semiconductor based packaged devices, e.g. MEMS, are given as examples hereof.
US07910390B2	Resonant MEMS device that detects photons, particles and small forces A resonant MEMS device that detects photons, particles and small forces including atomic forces is disclosed. The device comprises a planar substrate 1, two electrodes 2 and 3 on top of the substrate, a resonant micro-electromechanical (MEMS) structure 6, such as a cantilever, anchored to first electrode 2 and arranged above the second electrode 3 separated from this electrode with an ultrathin transition layer 5. The resonant MEMS structure is working at its natural resonant frequency. The resonant oscillation of the cantilever can be initiated by applying AC voltage with frequency equaling the resonant frequency of the MEMS structure. A constant voltage is applied between the cantilever and the second electrode. The cantilever oscillates at very small amplitude ranging from few Ångstrom (Å) to several nm. During operation, a constant component of the electrical current is measured between the cantilever and the second electrode 3. The electrical current is a tunnelling current described by quantum mechanical probability with which the electrons can tunnel through the transition layer. The thickness of the transition layer is selected so that at no resonance the constant component of the electrical current is about zero and at resonance the DC electrical current has non-zero value and reaches its maximum. When the cantilever interacts with photons, particles or atoms on surfaces then the MEMS device measures their energies using change in the DC tunnelling current and shift of resonant frequency.
US07910387B2	Phosphor coating method for fabricating light emitting semiconductor device and applications thereof A phosphor coating method for fabricating a light-emitting semiconductor is provided. The phosphor coating method comprises the steps as follows: First a light emitting semiconductor wafer having a plurality of die units formed thereon is provided, and a photoresist is then formed on the light emitting semiconductor wafer to cover the die units. A pattern process is conducted to form a plurality of openings associated with the die units, whereby each die can be exposed via one of the openings. Subsequently, a compound mixed with phosphor is filled into the openings.
US07910386B2	Method of making organic light emitting devices The present invention provides a method for the preparation of organic light-emitting devices comprising a bilayer structure made by forming a first film layer comprising an electroactive material and an INP precursor material, and exposing the first film layer to a radiation source under an inert atmosphere to generate an interpenetrating network polymer composition comprising the electroactive material. At least one additional layer is disposed on the reacted first film layer to complete the bilayer structure. The bilayer structure is comprised within an organic light-emitting device comprising standard features such as electrodes and optionally one or more additional layers serving as a bipolar emission layer, a hole injection layer, an electron injection layer, an electron transport layer, a hole transport layer, exciton-hole transporting layer, exciton-electron transporting layer, a hole transporting emission layer, or an electron transporting emission layer.
US07910384B2	Method for producing a modulated grating for an optimal reflection spectrum Method for producing a modulated grating for an optimal reflection spectrum, which grating is a multiple wavelength reflector. The method includes the following steps: a) Determining wavelengths to be reflected b) Calculating a preliminary grating c) Comparing the reflection spectrum ro(f) with the characteristics of the wanted modulated grating d) Differences lead to a directional change of ro(f) e) Calculating a target function G(z) f) Changing the grating (zk) depending on the real and imaginary part of G(z) g) Repeating steps c) to f) until the grating reflects the predetermined wavelengths.
US07910382B2	Device and methods for liquid crystal-based bioagent detection The present invention provides liquid crystal-based devices and methods for bioagent detection. In certain aspects, the present invention is directed to devices and methods utilizing liquid crystals and membranes containing polymerized targets that can report the presence of bioagents including, but not limited to, enzymes, antibodies, and toxins.
US07910381B2	Immuno gold lateral flow assay A chromatographic specific binding assay strip device, comprising: a non-permeable platform strip; a permeable membrane testing strip positioned on top of said non-permeable platform strip, with the testing strip comprising at least one capture reagent site containing a capture reagent for at least one specific analyte, a sample receiving pad positioned on top of and at a proximal end of the non-permeable platform strip, with the sample receiving pad having contact with a proximal end of said permeable membrane testing strip, a reservoir pad positioned on top of and at a distal end of said non-permeable membrane testing strip, with the reservoir pad having contact with a proximal end of said permeable membrane test strip; a supporting strip attached to and extending from the proximal end of said non-permeable platform strip; and a conjugate pad positioned on said supporting strip, said conjugate pad comprising a semi-permeable membrane containing a colorant conjugate. The semi-permeable membrane acts as a barrier between the conjugate pad and the sample receiving pad, regulating the flow through the semi-permeable membrane and overall flow of the assay by dipping the conjugate pad into a sample solution, there will be increased binding between the analyte in the sample and the conjugate (preferably colloidal gold), thereby giving improved results on the lateral flow assay.
US07910380B2	Structure for introducing a plurality of solutions, micro fluidic device having said structure and method for introducing solution The present invention relates to a structure (a solution introducing structure) for introducing a plurality of solutions (a sample and/or a reagent solution) in highly accurate volume, in high amount and simply, into a channel, in particular a channel of a micro fluidic device, a micro fluidic device having said structure, a method for introducing a solution using said device, a method for separation of a substance, and a method for separating a complex between an analyte or analogue thereof, and a substance binding to said analyte or analogue thereof (hereinafter may be abbreviated as a complex forming substance or CFS) which is obtained by reacting a plurality of solutions introduced by these, and said CFS or analogue not involved in formation of said complex, rapidly, simply and in high accuracy, along with a method for measuring an analyte or an analogue thereof in a sample in high sensitivity.
US07910377B2	Methods and apparatuses for preparing a surface to have catalytic activity The invention provides methods and apparatuses that utilize mass spectrometry for preparation of a surface to have catalytic activity through molecular soft-landing of mass selected ions. Mass spectrometry is used to generate combinations of atoms in a particular geometrical arrangement, and ion soft-landing selects this molecular entity or combination of entities and gently deposits the entity or combination intact onto a surface.
US07910372B2	Absolute quantitation of protein contents based on exponentially modified protein abundance index by mass spectrometry The present inventor has established protein abundance index (PAI, π) to determine the protein contents in a protein mixture solution using nanoLC-MSMS data. Digested peptides were analyzed by nanoLC-MS/MS and the obtained results were applied to a Mascot protein identification algorism based on tandem mass spectra. For absolute quantitation, PAI was converted to exponentially modified PAI (EMPAI, m π), which is proportional to protein contents in the protein mixture. EMPAI was successfully applied to comprehensive protein expression analysis and performed a comparison study between gene and protein expression in an HCT116 human cancer cells. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and a computer program for quantifying the protein contents based on the protein abundance index.
US07910371B2	Method of monitoring treating agent residuals in water treatment processes A method of monitoring residual treating agent in treated water wherein fluorescent tracers are used to determine the concentration of treating agent in the water at two different treating agent dosages and the difference in the measured concentrations of the fluorescent tracer at the respective doses are correlated with the residual concentration of the treating agent. The fluorescence response at the different treating agent dosages is used to determine whether the system is overdosed or underdosed on a continuous basis and to control treating agent dose accordingly.
US07910368B2	Method of extended culture for antigen-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes The present invention is a method for inducing cytotoxic T cell having an antigen-specific cytotoxic activity, a method for maintaining the cell, a method for continuously culturing the cell or a method for expanding the cell, comprising the step of culturing a cytotoxic T cell in the presence of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of (A) a substance having a binding activity to CD44; (B) a substance capable of regulating a signal emitted by binding a CD44 ligand to CD44; (C) a substance capable of inhibiting binding of a growth factor to a growth factor receptor; (D) a substance capable of regulating a signal emitted by binding of a growth factor to a growth factor receptor; and (E) fibronectin, a fragment thereof or a mixture thereof.
US07910367B2	Cell culture model and applications thereof Described is a multicellular model including at least, as cell type: keratinocytes, melanocytes, and nerve cells, in which the keratinocytes and the melanocytes form a first cell layer, and the nerve cells form a second cell layer devoid of physical contact with the first cell layer, with the first and second cell layers being arranged so as to be compatible with a manifestation of at least one cellular chemical exchange.
US07910366B2	Cell strain capable of being cultured without ingredients derived from animals, method of producing the same, method of producing virus using the same, and method of producing vaccine The invention relates to a cell strain induced from MDCK cells as dog kidney-derived cells, and being able to be cultured without ingredients derived from animals. The cell strain is produced by adapting a MDCK cell to a medium without a serum but with a cell growth factor; and culturing the cell in a medium with an RPMI 1640 medium and a soybean-derived peptone but without ingredients derived from animals.
US07910364B2	Rapidly cleavable sumo fusion protein expression system for difficult to express proteins A recombinant expression system for the expression of a poly amino acid, peptide or protein is provided. The poly amino acid of interest is expressed as a fusion protein that includes an amino acid sequence recognized and cleaved by a Ulp1 protease. The amino acid sequence joined to the poly amino acid of interest is preferably from a SUMO (small ubiquitin-like molecule) protein. This sequence imparts favorable solubility and refolding properties to the fusion protein. A purification tag may also be incorporated into the fusion protein for ease of isolation. This recombinant expression system is particularly advantageous for expression and rapid and highly specific cleavage and purification of poly amino acids that have low solubilities or are difficult to express in other systems.
US07910359B2	Hybrid device for cell therapies A device for receiving implanted biological material includes a porous outer wall defining an inner space, a fluid manifold assembly for selectively infusing at least one of immunosuppressive and growth factor media to said space, and a pump structure operatively coupled to the manifold assembly. The device may comprise an additional plunger body for being disposed in said space and so as to define a peripheral gap between the plunger and the perforated wall of the device.
US07910358B1	Ethanol distillation system An ethanol distillation system that aims to increase the yield from an ethanol distillation process from 17 percent to a number approaching 100 percent through the use of a series of P-traps, condensers, heaters and coolers. A series of 4 P-traps are placed in-line in relation to one another, with exit lines exiting each P-trap. Each P-trap has its own pair of heating elements and a single distillation apparatus, with the distillation apparatus condensing evaporated alcohol into liquid form and placing it into the exit line so it can be collected. Any liquids left over after it has passed through the series of 4 P-traps and a cold condenser will enter into a return pipe to be reused by the yeast in this process.
US07910352B2	Method for assaying a target analyte while reducing interference in an immunosensor system An electrochemical immunosensor system with reduced interference, comprising: a first immunosensor that generates an electrochemical signal based on the formation of a sandwich between an immobilized antibody, a target analyte and a labeled antibody, wherein a portion of the signal arises from non-specific binding of the labeled antibody in the region of the first immunosensor, and a second immunosensor that acts as an immuno-reference sensor and generates a signal that is the same as or predictably related to the degree of non-specific binding which occurs in the region of the first immunosensor, and has an immunocomplex between an immobilized antibody and an endogenous or exogenous protein that is in the sample and that is not the target analyte.
US07910346B2	Human diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) family members and uses therefor The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated DGAT2 family member nucleic acid molecules, which encode diacylglycerol acyltransferase family members. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing DGAT2 family member nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a DGAT2 family member gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated DGAT2 family member proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-DGAT2 family member antibodies. Methods of use of the provided DGAT2 family member compositions for screening, diagnostic and therapeutic methods in connection with obesity disorders are also disclosed.
US07910345B2	Site specific incorporation of keto amino acids into proteins Compositions and methods of producing components of protein biosynthetic machinery that include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases, which incorporate keto amino acids into proteins are provided. Methods for identifying these orthogonal pairs are also provided along with methods of producing proteins with keto amino acids using these orthogonal pairs.
US07910343B2	Device and method for rapidly lysing cells or viruses A cell lysis device for lysing cells or viruses, comprising a cell lysis tube having a sample inlet; a pump connected to the cell lysis tube for transferring a sample into the tube; a sealing unit for reversibly sealing a specific region of the tube; and a laser source for generating a laser is provide. Further, a method of lysing cells or viruses using the cell lysis device is provide. The method comprises introducing a sample containing cells or viruses and optionally magnetic beads to the cell lysis tube through the sample inlet; transferring the sample to a specific region in the cell lysis tube by means of the pump; temporarily sealing the region of the cell lysis tube where the sample is placed with the sealing unit; irradiating the sample with the laser; removing the sealing unit from the cell lysis tube; and discharging the sample from the cell lysis tube by means of the pump.
US07910339B2	Process for producing polysaccharide gum The invention provides a process for producing polysaccharide gum comprising extracting a plant material with an aqueous solvent to produce a polysaccharide gum-containing extract; contacting the extract with at least one proteolytic enzyme to at least partially digest proteins in the extract; adding an organic solvent to the extract to precipitate the polysaccharide gum; and collecting the precipitated polysaccharide gum.
US07910335B2	Methods and compositions for labeling nucleic acids The present invention relates to methods for the labeling of nucleic acid polymers in vitro and in vivo. In particular, the methods include a [3+2] cycloaddition between a nucleotide analogue incorporated into a nucleic acid polymer and a reagent attached to a label. Such methods do not require fixation and denaturation and therefore can be applied to the labeling of nucleic acid polymers in living cells and in organisms. Also provided are methods for measuring cellular proliferation. In these methods, the amount of label incorporated into the DNA is measured as an indication of cellular proliferation. The methods of the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications including clinical diagnosis of diseases and disorders in which cellular proliferation is involved, toxicity assays, and as a tool for the study of chromosomes' ultrastructures.
US07910328B2	Promoter of novel calcium-independent phospholipase A2 Novel calcium-independent phospholipases A2; genes encoding the same; an antibody against them; an inherent promoter or a regulator gene which comprises a base sequence occurring in intron and inducing site-specific expression in response to an external stimulus; a method of expressing a target protein in response to an external stimulus; and an organism having this gene transferred thereinto. Novel calcium-independent phospholipases A2 having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, 3 or 5 or an amino acid sequence derived from such an amino acid sequence by the substitution, deletion or addition of one or more amino acids; a gene having a base sequence occurring in an intron and being capable of initiating RNA transcription due to an external stimulus such as a stimulus with kainic acid or an electrical stimulus; a method of regulating expression by using the gene; and an organism having the gene transferred thereinto.
US07910324B2	Method of screening for compounds which affect the processing of EphA4 by γ-secretase The present invention provides a method of screening for compounds which affect the processing of EphA4 by γ-secretase, which includes the following steps: (i) contacting a first biological composition containing γ-secretase or a biologically active fragment thereof with a second biological composition containing EphA4 in the presence and absence of a candidate compound; (ii) measuring the cleavage of the EphA4 in the presence and absence of the candidate compound; (iii) selecting those candidate compounds which affect the cleavage of the EphA4 by γ-secretase; and (iv) identifying the candidate compounds selected in step (iii) as compounds which affect the processing of EphA4 by γ-secretase.
US07910323B2	Methods for identifying the effect of a drug agent on the metabolism of sugars and fats in an individual Provided herein are methods for determining the metabolism of one or more sugars and/or fatty acids, and applications thereof. Such applications include determining the rate of glycogen synthesis and glycolysis, which are believed to be early markers for predicting elevated risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Other applications include methods for screening drugs that effect sugar and/or fatty acid metabolism. The methods are useful for at least partially characterizing drugs for desirable or undesirable (toxic) characteristics. Drugs that are at least partially characterized using the methods of the invention can then be further developed in pre-clinical testing and clinical trials. Such drugs may be found to be useful in treating obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders of metabolism.
US07910315B2	Early detection of hemangiosarcoma and angiosarcoma A variety of methods, compositions and kits are provided for the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of hemangiosarcoma in dogs and angiosarcomas in humans.
US07910314B2	Shc protein-related methods and compositions for the prognosis of breast, prostate and ovarian cancer This invention provides methods for determining whether a breast, prostate or ovarian tumor or tumor cell is aggressive, based on the quantitative measurement of p66-Shc and phosphorylated Shc. This invention also provides related methods of determining the likelihood of tumor recurrence. This invention further provides a method for determining whether a tumor can be successfully treated using a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Finally, this invention provides antibodies and kits for practicing the instant methods.
US07910313B2	Cytokine protein family The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for zcyto20, zcyto21, zcyto22, zycto24, and zcyto25 proteins which are most closely related to interferon-α at the amino acid sequence level. The receptor for this protein family is a class II cytokine receptor. The present invention includes methods of reducing viral infections and increasing monocyte counts. The present invention also includes antibodies to the zcyto20 polypeptides, and methods of producing the polynucleotides and polypeptides.
US07910310B2	Adipogenic adenoviruses as a biomarker for disease This invention relates to the relationship between infection with an adipogenic adenovirus, such as adenovirus-36, and obesity-related disease. In particular, this invention relates to assaying a subject to determine the adipogenic adenovirus infection status and then determining the subject's predisposition to developing an obesity-related disease based on the adipogenic adenovirus infection status.
US07910308B1	Genetic markers in fatty acid synthase for identification of meat product fatty acid content in cattle Genetic markers associated with fatty acid content in meat products from animals, particularly Angus cattle, are described. The genetic markers are located in the thioesterase-encoding region of the fatty acid synthase gene. The markers allow animals to be characterized for breeding or for identification purposes to indicate animals likely to have a distribution of fatty acids that are healthier, thus generating improved meat products.
US07910305B2	Methods for screening for compounds that modulate insulin promoter activity Compositions and methods are provided for screening for compounds that modulate insulin promoter activity. Vectors that express green fluorescent protein under the control of the human insulin promoter are introduced into mouse and human cells in which the insulin promoter is expressed in a glucose-responsive manner. Such cells are then used to screen for compounds that modulate insulin promoter activity.
US07910303B2	Genetic polymorphisms associated with venous thrombosis, methods of detection and uses thereof The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with coronary heart disease and in particular VT and response to drug treatment. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.
US07910299B2	Methods for diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus The invention relates to methods and materials involved in diagnosing SLE. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and materials involved in diagnosing SLE, diagnosing severe SLE, and assessing a mammal's susceptibility to develop severe SLE. For example, the invention provides nucleic acid arrays that can be used to diagnose SLE in a mammal. Such arrays can allow clinicians to diagnose SLE based on a simultaneous determination of the expression levels of many genes that are differentially expressed in SLE patients as compared to healthy controls.
US07910293B2	Development of prognostic markers from the saliva of head and neck cancer patients The present invention relates to biomarkers that are useful for the detection of cancer. The invention further relates to biomarkers and methods of using biomarkers for the early detection of head and neck cancer.
US07910292B2	Lithographic process The present invention provides a lithographic process for producing high aspect ratio parts from an epoxy-type negative photoresist comprising the steps of: (i) irradiating a prebaked masked epoxy-type negative photoresist on a substrate with light at a total energy density of from 18,000 to 35,000 mJ/cm2, (ii) post-baking the exposed photoresist at elevated temperature, and (iii) developing the exposed photoresist in a solvent, wherein no more than 15% of the energy density is contributed by light having a wavelength of 400 nm or less. The invention also discloses a reciprocating microengine (10) comprising a cylinder (14), piston (12) and crankshaft made by the process.
US07910291B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device using immersion lithography process A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device using an immersion lithography process is disclosed. The immersion lithography process includes forming a photoresist film over an underlying layer of a semiconductor substrate; exposing the photoresist film to light without using an exposure mask; and performing an exposure process using an exposure mask. After exposure using the immersion lithography, a water mark generated from the exposure layer consumes a part of the acid of the exposure layer but the residual acid remains in the exposure layer to prevent generation of pattern defects such as T-top or pattern bridges.
US07910285B2	Positive resist composition for immersion exposure and method of forming resist pattern A positive resist composition for immersion exposure including a resin component (A) which has an acid dissociable dissolution inhibiting group and exhibits increased alkali solubility under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the resin component (A) including a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester having an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group and a structural unit (a3) derived from an acrylate ester having a polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group, the amount of the structural unit (a3) based on the combined total of all structural units constituting the resin component (A) being 3 to 12 mol %.
US07910281B2	Positive resist composition for thin-film implantation process and method for forming resist pattern A positive resist composition for a thin-film implantation process of the present invention includes: a resin component (A) with an acid-dissociable dissolution inhibiting group, whose alkali solubility increases by the action of an acid; an acid generator component (B) which generates an acid by irradiation with radiation; and a compound (C) having a radiation absorbing ability, wherein said resin component (A) comprises a structural unit (a1) derived from a hydroxystyrene and a structural unit (a2) obtained by substituting the hydrogen atom in a hydroxyl group of said structural unit (a1) with an acid-dissociable dissolution inhibiting group, and said acid-dissociable dissolution inhibiting group contains an acid-dissociable dissolution inhibiting group (II) represented by the following general formula (II) as a main component.
US07910276B2	Toner compositions Disclosed herein are emulsion aggregation toner particles having less than about 15 atomic percent oxygen in relation to a total atomic percent of 100 for all elements on the surface thereof. Such toner particles exhibit lower marks on print defects.
US07910274B2	Electrophotographic photosensitive member, method of producing electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus An electrophotographic photosensitive member is provided in which both a potential variation over a long time period and a potential variation within a short time period are suppressed. A method of producing the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus each having the electrophotographic photosensitive member are also provided. In the electrophotographic photosensitive member, an intermediate layer is a layer formed by coating and drying a coating liquid for an intermediate layer, containing an acidic titania sol and an organic resin, and the acidic titania sol is an acidic sol containing anatase-type titanium oxide crystal particles having an average primary particle diameter of 3 nm or more and 9 nm or less.
US07910270B2	Reticle constructions The invention includes reticle constructions and methods of forming reticle constructions. In a particular aspect, a method of forming a reticle includes provision of a reticle substrate having a defined main-field region and a defined boundary region. The substrate has a relatively transparent base and a relatively opaque material over the base. A thickness of the relatively opaque material of the main-field region is reduced relative to a thickness of the relatively opaque material of the boundary region. A reticle construction of the present invention can comprise a relatively transparent base, and a relatively opaque material over the base. The construction can have a defined main-field region and a defined boundary region, and the relatively opaque material of the main-field region can have a reduced thickness relative to the relatively opaque material of the boundary region.
US07910267B1	Method and system for providing optical proximity correction for structures such as a PMR nose An optical mask for providing a pattern for portion of an electronic device, such as a magnetic recording transducer, is disclosed. The optical mask includes a device feature and at least one detached correction feature. The device feature includes a corner corresponding to a device corner of the pattern. The device corner has an angle of greater than zero degrees and less than one hundred eighty degrees. The at least one detached correction feature resides in proximity to but is physically separated from the corner. Each of the at least one detached correction feature is sub-resolution.
US07910266B2	Pattern forming method and mask Hole patterns are repeatedly arranged on a mask at a constant pitch in each of predetermined directions. In the predetermined directions, a first direction with the smallest pitch and a second direction with the second smaller pitch are specified. A Levenson phase shifter is formed corresponding to the hole patterns to cause the phases of transmitted light through the hole patterns adjacent to each other in the first direction to be opposite to each other. An exposure process is performed by two-point illumination which is adapted to improve the resolution property in the second direction.
US07910264B2	Reflective mask blank for exposure, reflective mask for exposure, method of producing a semiconductor device, and substrate provided with multilayer reflective film To provide a reflective mask blank for exposure that can solve a problem of adsorption failure in fixing a reflective mask using an electrostatic chuck and thus can flatten the surface of the mask using the electrostatic chuck, thereby realizing high-accuracy pattern transfer. In a reflective mask blank for exposure having a multilayer reflective film formed on a board and adapted to reflect exposure light and an absorbent layer formed on the multilayer reflective film and adapted to absorb the exposure light, the shape of a surface of the mask blank on its side opposite to its transfer pattern forming surface is a shape having a convex surface.
US07910263B2	Electrode including a heteropoly acid additive for fuel cell, membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell including same, and fuel cell system including the same An electrode for a fuel cell includes an electrode substrate and a catalyst layer on the electrode substrate. The catalyst layer includes an active catalyst and a heteropoly acid additive including a heteropoly acid supported by an inorganic carrier.
US07910257B2	Fuel cell system and fuel cell vehicle A fuel cell system according to the present invention includes a fuel cell; a fuel supply system for supplying a fuel gas to the fuel cell; an injector which drives a valve body with an electromagnetic driving force in a predetermined driving period to detach the valve body from a valve seat, whereby a gas state on the upstream side of the fuel supply system is adjusted to jet the gas to a downstream side; and a control device which controls the operation of the injector. The control device allows the injector to jet the gas with a jet flow rate of a predetermined jet flow rate or less in a case where the demanded amount of a power to be generated with respect to the fuel cell is the predetermined amount of the power to be generated or less, and the control device sets the driving frequency of the injector in accordance with the jet flow rate and the demanded amount of the power to be generated.
US07910250B2	System and method for recharging a metal-air converter used for vehicle propulsion A power supply system for powering an electric motor (16) in an electric vehicle includes a metal-air converter (12) connected to the motor (16) for driving the motor (16) and a generator (10) connected to the metal-air converter (12) for recharging the metal-air converter (12). The generator (10) may also directly provide electricity to the motor (16) simultaneously with the metal-air converter (12). The system further includes a structure for providing a supply of fuel to the generator (10) that in turn converts the fuel to electricity.
US07910243B2	Polymer battery pack A thin polymer battery pack that can withstand a strong external impact includes: a pouch type bare cell having an exposed electrode tab: a circuit electrically coupled to the electrode tab of the pouch type bare cell; a frame case covering an upper part of the pouch type bare cell where the circuit is arranged, two short side parts having a narrow width connected to the upper part of the pouch type bare cell, and a lower part of the pouch type bare cell, two long side parts of a broader width than the two short side parts connected to an exposed upper part of the pouch type bare cell, and a reinforcement label having a metal layer to attach as a single body to both long side parts and the lower part of the pouch type bare cell.
US07910237B2	Polymer electrolyte membrane and method for producing polymer electrolyte membrane The present invention can provide a polymer electrolyte membrane having power generation characteristics with a high output and long life and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the same. The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte membrane having a porous polymer film and a proton conducting component present in a hole of the porous polymer film, characterized in that the proton conducting component has a compound having a proton conducting group and a bicyclo ring structure.
US07910236B2	Electrolyte material, electrolyte membrane and membrane-electrolyte assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells To provide an electrolyte material for polymer electrolyte fuel cells having a high softening temperature and being excellent in durability, and an electrolyte membrane and a process for producing a membrane-electrode assembly using it.An electrolyte material made of a polymer containing a segment A of a polymer containing repeating units based on a perfluoromonomer having an ion exchange group and having a polymerizable double bond, at least one of carbon atoms in the polymerizable double bond being a carbon atom contained in an alicyclic structure, and a segment B of a fluoropolymer containing substantially no ion exchange group, and an electrolyte membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly using it.
US07910233B2	Magnetic recording medium for thermally assisted recording A magnetic recording medium for use in a thermally assisted recording system is disclosed. The magnetic recording medium comprises at least a magnetic layer, a protective layer and a lubricant layer formed on a nonmagnetic substrate, wherein a lubricant of the lubricant layer exhibits such a heat resistance that an amount of volatilization when the magnetic layer is heated to a temperature not lower than a temperature Tw is less than 1% with respect to an initial amount of the lubricant in an unheated condition. The present invention addresses a problem of the heat resistance performance of the lubricant for use in magnetic recording media and provides a magnetic recording medium exhibiting high heat resistance.
US07910232B2	Information storage devices using magnetic domain wall movement and methods of manufacturing the same Information storage devices and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. An information storage device includes a magnetic layer formed on an underlayer. The underlayer has at least one first region and at least one second region. The first and second regions have different crystallinity characteristics. The magnetic layer has at least one third region formed on the at least one first region and at least one fourth region formed on the at least one second region. The third and fourth regions have different magnetic anisotropic energy constants.
US07910224B2	Fine-grained metallic coatings having the coefficient of thermal expansion matched to the one of the substrate Fine-gained (average grain size 1 nm to 1,000 nm) metallic coatings optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein are disclosed. The fine-grained metallic materials are significantly harder and stronger than conventional coatings of the same chemical composition due to Hall-Fetch strengthening and have low linear coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs). The invention provides means for matching the CTE of the fine-grained metallic coating to the one of the substrate by adjusting the composition of the alloy and/or by varying the chemistry and volume fraction of particulates embedded in the coating. The fine-grained metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, automotive parts and components exposed to thermal cycling. The low CTEs and the ability to match the CTEs of the fine-grained metallic coatings with the CTEs of the substrate minimize dimensional changes during thermal cycling and prevent premature failure.
US07910223B2	Planarization films for advanced microelectronic applications and devices and methods of production thereof A planarization composition is disclosed herein that comprises: a) a structural constituent; and b) a solvent system, wherein the solvent system is compatible with the structural constituent and lowers the lowers at least one of the intermolecular forces or surface forces components of the planarization composition. A film that includes this planarization composition is also disclosed. In addition, another planarization composition is disclosed herein that comprises: a) a cresol-based polymer compound; and b) a solvent system comprising at least one alcohol and at least one ether acetate-based solvent. A film that includes this planarization composition is also disclosed. A layered component is also disclosed herein that comprises: a) a substrate having a surface topography; and b) a planarization composition or a film such as those described herein, wherein the composition is coupled to the substrate. Methods of forming a planarization compositions are also disclosed herein that comprise: a) providing a structural constituent; b) providing a solvent system, wherein the solvent system is compatible with the structural constituent and lowers at least one of the intermolecular forces or surface forces components of the planarization composition; and c) blending the structural constituent and the solvent system to form a planarization composition. Methods of forming a film are also disclosed that comprise: a) providing a planarization composition such as those disclosed herein; and b) evaporating at least part of the solvent system to form a film.
US07910212B1	Concrete floor finishing system and method An initial surface is provided. An overlay of colored grout is provided. The colored grout is on the initial surface. In this manner an intermediate surface is created. An acid stain is provided. The acid stain is on the intermediate surface. A two part clear epoxy resin is provided. The epoxy resin is provided on the intermediate surface. In this manner an exterior surface is created.
US07910208B2	Elastomeric bicomponent fibers comprising block copolymers having high flow Bicomponent fibers having a sheath-core morphology where the sheath is a thermoplastic polymer and the core is an elastomeric compound are made which can be continuously extruded from the melt at high production rates. The elastomeric compound comprises a coupled, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having high flow. The block copolymer has at least one polystyrene block of molecular weight from 5,000 to 7,000 and at least one polydiene block of molecular weight from 20,000 to 70,000 and having a high vinyl content of 60 mol % or greater. The bicomponent fibers are useful for the manufacture of articles such as woven fabrics, spun bond non-woven fabrics or filters, staple fibers, yarns and bonded, carded webs. The bicomponent fibers can be made using a process comprising coextrusion of the thermoplastic polymer and elastomeric compound to produce fibers at greater than 800 mpm and having a denier from 0.1 to 50 g/9000 m.
US07910204B2	Antimicrobial composites, films, labelstocks and labels This invention relates to antimicrobial composites, films, labelstocks and labels. The antimicrobial composites comprise a mixture of (A) a terpolymer prepared from a mixture comprising (i) an olefin, (ii) at least one copolymerizable comonomer comprising ethylenically unsaturated organic acids or esters, vinyl esters of saturated carboxylic acids and mixtures of two or more thereof, and (iii) carbon monoxide, and (B) an antimicrobial composition which comprises at least one metal chlorite and at least one hydrophilic material capable of reacting with the metal chlorite when exposed to water. The composites which are described herein are useful in preparing films, labelstocks and labels which exhibit the desirable antimicrobial properties by providing a controlled release of chlorine dioxide gas over an extended period of time.
US07910201B2	Porous resin film and ink jet recording medium A porous resin film which is obtained from a compound prepared by kneading a composition comprising 30 to 100% by weight of a thermoplastic resin comprising a hydrophilic thermoplastic resin and 0 to 70% by weight of an inorganic and/or an organic powder in an intermeshing twin-screw extruder at a screw shear rate of 300 sec−1 or higher and which has a liquid absorbing capacity of 0.5 ml/m2 or more as measured in accordance with the method specified in Japan TAPPI Standard No. 51-87.
US07910199B1	Metal filled porous carbon A porous carbon scaffold with a surface and pores, the porous carbon scaffold containing a primary metal and a secondary metal, where the primary metal is a metal that does not wet the surface of the pores of the carbon scaffold but wets the surface of the secondary metal, and the secondary metal is interspersed between the surface of the pores of the carbon scaffold and the primary metal.
US07910198B2	Resinous porous article and method for production thereof The present invention provides a resinous porous article having a high interconnected hole porosity and capable of retaining a large amount of a lubricating oil and does not rust iron and steel, even though an unextracted portion of a pore-forming substance bleeds out when the resinous porous article is used as parts which contact a metal portion or the like and a method of producing the resinous porous article. The resinous porous article is formed by a producing method of molding a resin containing the pore-forming substance into a molding, and extracting the pore-forming substance from the molding with a solvent which does not dissolve the resin therein. The resinous porous article has an interconnected hole porosity not less than 30%. The pore-forming substance consists of an alkali compound.
US07910194B2	Homogenously branched ethylene polymer carpet backsizing compositions The present invention pertains to carpet and methods of making carpet. In one aspect, the carpet includes (a) a primary backing which has a face and a back surface, (b) a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing, (c) an adhesive backing, (d) an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing, and (e) at least one homogeneously branched ethylene polymer. The method includes extrusion coating at least one homogeneously branched ethylene polymer onto the back surface of a primary backing to provide an adhesive backing. The method can include additional steps or procedures, either separately or in various combinations. Additional steps and procedures include washing or scouring the primary backing and fibers prior to the extrusion step, and utilizing implosion agents. The preferred homogeneously branched ethylene polymer is a substantially linear ethylene polymer. The constructions and methods described herein are particularly suited for making tufted, broad-loom carpet having improved abrasion resistance.
US07910193B2	Three-dimensional auxetic structures and applications thereof Negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) or auxetic structures, including three-dimensional auxetic structures, are disclosed and applied to various applications. One such structure comprises a pyramid-shaped unit cell having four base points A, B, C, and D defining the corners of a square lying in a horizontal plane. Four stuffers of equal length or different lengths extend from a respective one of the base points to a point E spaced apart from the plane. Four tendons of equal length or different lengths, but less than that of the stuffers, extend from a respective one of the base points to a point F between point E and the plane. In three-dimensional configurations, a plurality of unit cells are arranged as tiles in the same horizontal plane with the base points of each cell connected to the base points of adjoining cells, thereby forming a horizontal layer. A plurality of horizontal layers are then stacked with each point E of cells in one horizontal layer being connected to a respective one of the points F of cells in an adjacent layer. Particularly for typical applications, the structure may further including a pair of parallel plates made sandwiching a plurality of horizontal layers of unit cells.
US07910192B2	Optical recording medium The invention is principally to provide an archival optical recording medium of high quality which has satisfactory recording/reading characteristics when used in high-speed recording and high-density recording. The invention accomplishes the object with an optical recording medium comprising a resin substrate, a recording layer comprising an organic dye, and a reflective layer, wherein the reflective layer has a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer in this order from the side close to the recording layer, the second reflective layer has a thermal conductivity lower than the thermal conductivity of the first reflective layer, and the first reflective layer has a film thickness larger than the thickness of the second reflective layer.
US07910188B2	Frictional holding pad A frictional holding pad removably attaches handheld items, such as a cell phone, to a surface, such as a dash, to allow storage of handheld items on the surface with the pad to prevent the items from shifting or sliding due to the movement of the support surface. A smoother application side of the pad clings to the handheld item by specific or mechanical adhesion, and a contoured exposed side of the pad clings to the surface by specific or mechanical adhesion. The smoother application side of the pad can have a greater surface area than the contoured exposed side so the pad remains with the handheld item when removed from the surface. Indicia can be formed on the pad. The pad can be translucent or transparent. The pad can include an expanded vinyl material or a polyurethane material.
US07910171B2	Method of making antibiotic laminating film An antibiotic film comprised of a base adhesive layer of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), a second layer of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and a final layer of an antibiotic, preferably a zeolite contained in a water-based acrylic coating. The antibiotic laminating film is formed by passing a base film layer with water based zeolite and acrylic dispersion coated thereon through an oven to remove all water from the dispersion. The film is then wound into a roll until it is ready for extrusion coating with a thermal adhesive. After extrusion coating, the plain side of the film is corona treated and primed to promote adhesion. The thermal adhesive is then extruded onto the primer side of the film layer and cooled. The adhesive side of the film is then cooled.
US07910170B2	Coating compositions for containers and methods of coating This invention provides a coating composition for use on a food-contact surface of a container (e.g., a food or beverage can) that includes a polymer having one or more segments of Formula I: —O—Ar—Rn—C(O)—O—R1—O—C(O)—Rn—Ar—O— wherein each Ar is independently a divalent aryl group (i.e., an arylene group) or heteroarylene group; R1 is a divalent organic group; each R is independently a divalent organic group; and n is 0 or 1. Containers comprising the polymer and methods of making such containers are also provided.
US07910168B2	Method for forming a film on a substrate A method for forming a film on a substrate includes steps of: blending precursor, dissolvent, de-ionized water and catalyst in proportion to make sol solution; standing the sol solution for a period of to form gel solution; mixing the gel solution with diluent in proportion to form the coating solution; and coating the coating solution onto the substrate and then drying the coating solution to form a film on the substrate. The ratio of the gel solution and the diluent in the coating solution can be controlled to change the thickness of the film formed on the substrate. The ratio of the gel solution and the diluent is adjusted, the thickness of the film is adjusted according to the ratio to realize controlling the thickness of the film, therefore, the method for forming the film on the substrate is simply, and the thickness of the film can be controlled exactly, so the method can be used in industry field.
US07910163B2	Method for producing an adhesive strip comprising a thermally cross-linked acrylate hot-melt adhesive layer A process for producing an adhesive tape with single- or double-sided crosslinked pressure-sensitive acrylate hotmelt adhesive layer, wherein a crosslinker is added in the melt to a polyacrylate copolymer (“polyacrylate”) based on acrylic and/or methacrylic esters, the polyacrylate with crosslinker is conveyed to a coating unit, where it is applied to a web-form layer and following application is homogeneously crosslinked, where the crosslinker is a thermal crosslinker and some of the acrylic and/or methacrylic esters contain primary hydroxyl groups and addition takes place preferably in an extruder.
US07910156B2	Method of making circuitized substrate with selected conductors having solder thereon A method of making a circuitized substrate in which conductors are formed in such a manner that selected ones of the conductors include solder while others do not and are thus adapted for receiving a different form of connection (e.g., wire-bond) than the solder covered conductors. In one embodiment, the solder may be applied in molten form by immersing the substrate within a bath of the solder while in another the solder may be deposited using a screening procedure.
US07910154B2	Nitride-based light emitting devices and methods of manufacturing the same A light emitting device may include an n-clad layer formed on a crystalline wafer; a porous layer formed by processing the n-clad layer in a mixed gas atmosphere of HCl and NH3. The light emitting device may further include an active layer and a p-clad layer formed on the porous layer.
US07910148B2	Apparatus and method for beating and rolling a food dough belt A method and apparatus for beating and rolling a fermented dough belt between rolling members to release surplus fermentation gases in the dough belt has a first rolling member having a plurality of rolling rollers. Each rolling roller of the plurality moves sequentially upstream from downstream and beats and rolls the dough belt. A second large diameter conveying rolling member conveys and moves the dough belt between the first and the second rolling members.
US07910146B2	Tool to facilitate the consumption of ingestible substances Tool (1) to facilitate the consumption of ingestible substances, provided with a container (2) adapted to store an additional ingestible product (3), such as a food flavoring or a pharmaceutical product, and provided with an end (4) suitable to facilitate the handling of the ingestible substance (3) together with the additional product once this has been added to the ingestible substance (3), the container (2) comprising at least one end portion (5) constituted by a flexible, tearable material whereby the container (2) is joined to the tool body (6), designed to be torn when the container (2) is separated from the tool body (6), being able to pour its additional product content into the ingestible substance (3).
US07910143B2	Soluble dietary fibre from oat and barley grains, method for producing a fraction rich in B-glucan and use of the fraction in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics The present invention relates to a process for the extraction of soluble dietary fiber from oat and barley grains using enzymatic hydrolysis treatment, wherein the grain is milled and any endosperm depleted fractions thereof being rich in B-glucans are recombined, without further heat treatment, dispersed in water and then subjected to sequential enzymatic treatment with starch degrading enzymes, followed by an optional step of enzyme inactivation by wet heat treatment, and a subsequent step wherein the hydrolysate mixture is spontaneously or centrifugally separated into at least 3 distinct fractions: a first fraction, which comprises the soluble dietary fiber complex, containing more than 20% B-glucan on a dry matter basis, a second aqueous fraction, and a third fraction comprising most of the protein and oil together with the insoluble fibrous material from the milled grain.
US07910138B2	Use of a polyphenol for the treatment of a cancerous or precancerous lesion of the skin A method for treating cancerous or pre-cancerous lesions of the skin by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a polyphenol to a patient as well as to the production of a medicament thereto is described herein.
US07910136B2	Nutritional supplement for osteoarthritis The present invention relates to a method of treating osteoarthritis by administering a mineral composition in the form of a nutritional supplement, where the mineral composition may contain Smectite, Gypsum, Quartz, Feldspar, Jarosite, Kaolinite and/or Zeolite.
US07910134B2	Alloplastic injectable dermal filler and methods of use thereof A composition comprising an alloplastic injectable suspension for use as a dermal filler comprising a biocompatible and pliable material and a physiologically acceptable suspending agent is provided. A method of making a composition comprising an alloplastic injectable suspension for use as a dermal filler comprising a biocompatible and pliable material and a physiologically acceptable suspending agent, said method comprising admixing a biocompatible and pliable material with a physiologically acceptable suspending agent, is also provided. A method of augmenting soft tissue to provide long-term reduction of a skin defect, said method comprising stimulating collagen beneath the skin defect is further provided. In an embodiment of the method of augmenting soft tissue, the stimulation of collagen production is effected by injecting into the deep reticular dermis an a dermal filler, said dermal filler being an alloplastic injectable suspension and comprising a biocompatible and pliable material and a physiologically acceptable suspending agent.
US07910131B2	Method of treating seizures using modified release formulations of oxcarbazepine Controlled-release preparations of oxcarbazepine and derivatives thereof for once-a-day administration are disclosed. The inventive compositions comprise solubility- and/or release enhancing agents to provide tailored drug release profiles, preferably sigmoidal release profiles. Methods of treatment comprising the inventive compositions are also disclosed.
US07910129B2	Carbodiimide crosslinking of functionalized polyethylene glycols A synthetic composition is provided which includes an acid-functional polymer having at least one pendant acid group, an amine-functional polymer having at least one pendant amine group, and a coupling agent. The synthetic composition can be used in human and animal medical applications as an adhesive or sealant.
US07910128B2	Use of a mixture of two or more enteric materials to regulate drug release via membrane or matrix for systemic therapeutics Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions, particularly oral dosage forms, which comprise two or more enteric coating materials, either as a coating or as part of a matrix dosage form, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions are characterized by having a sustained release profile at lower pH and an accelerated dissolution profile at higher pH.
US07910123B2	Methods of treating a trauma or disorder of the knee joint by local administration and sustained-delivery of a biological agent Methods and apparatus of providing a subject with post-operative, sustained-release of a biological agent within a synovial joint is disclosed. These methods involve securing a depot containing the biological agent to a ligament, tendon, muscle within the joint to provide sustained-release of the agent while allowing for normal joint articulation. This methodology may be utilized to provide for sustained-release of a biological agent useful in treating various traumas and disorders of the joint. Such biological agents include antagonists of inflammation-related proteins, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, NF-κB, High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMG-B1), IL-2, IL-15 and steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Other biological agents include anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, IL-4, IL-13, and TGF-β. The biological agents also include osteogenic and cartilage producing growth factors such as, but not limited to, BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, BMP-7, BMP-8, and MIA CD-RAP. Finally, the biological agents include siRNA and/or therapeutic antibodies.
US07910122B2	Active compound-containing solid moulded bodies for external use against parasites on animals The present invention relates to active compound-containing moulded bodies for external use against parasites on animals.
US07910121B2	Soluble cosmetic article with a thermal effect An article having a support in the form of at least one sheet containing fibers that are water-soluble at a temperature of 0-30° C., the support having a density less than or equal to 0.1 g/cm3, and a composition carried by the support, containing at least one compound with a thermal effect. The article can have a hot or cold effect depending on the nature of the compound(s) with thermal effect that is(are) present.
US07910119B2	Cosmetic emulsions with long-term stability Low-viscosity, finely divided oil-in-water emulsions with long-term stability, comprising an emulsifier combination of noncarbohydrate polyol partial esters of linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated fatty acids having 6 to 22 carbon atoms (emulsifier component A) and emulsifiers based on carbohydrate (emulsifier component B), one or more oils, and preservative are provided. Additionally, the present invention provides for the preparation of the emulsions from concentrates, the corresponding concentrates, and the use of the emulsions according to the invention for producing cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical preparations, in particular for producing impregnation emulsions for wet wipes.
US07910116B2	Use of a botulinum toxin to improve gastric emptying and/or to treat GERD Methods for treating gastric disorders, such as GERD and delayed gastric emptying, by intramuscular administration of a botulinum toxin to a head, neck and/or shoulder muscle of a patient with a gastric disorder.
US07910112B2	Feline vaccines against avian influenza The present invention encompasses influenza vaccines, in particular avian influenza vaccines. The vaccine may be a recombinant poxvirus vaccine or an inactivated vaccine. The invention also encompasses recombinant poxvirus vectors encoding and expressing avian influenza antigens, epitopes or immunogens which can be used to protect animals, in particular felids, against avian influenza.
US07910109B2	MHC class II epitopes of 5T4 antigen There is provided an MHC class II peptide epitope from 5T4 antigen. In particular, there is provided a peptide epitope of 5T4 which comprises one of the following: (i) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 2; (ii) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 3; (iii) a minimal epitope from the region 281-420 of 5T4. There is also provided a vaccine comprising such a peptide (or precursor thereof) and its use to treat and/or prevent a disease, in particular a cancerous disease.
US07910108B2	Sheddase inhibitors combined with CD30-binding immunotherapeutics for the treatment of CD30 positive diseases The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical methods for the treatment of CD30 positive diseases, such as Hodgkin's disease, by administration of a combination of at least one sheddase inhibitor and at least one anti-CD30 immunotherapeutic.
US07910104B2	Modified anti-CD52 antibody The present invention provides for modified forms of anti-CD52 antibodies with reduced numbers of potential T-cell epitopes that are expected to display decreased immunogenicity.
US07910103B2	Immunotherapy of B-cell malignancies using anti-CD22 antibodies B-cell malignancies, such as the B-cell subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, are significant contributors to cancer mortality. The response of B-cell malignancies to various forms of treatment is mixed. Traditional methods of treating B-cell malignancies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have limited utility due to toxic side effects. Immunotherapy with anti-CD20 antibodies have also provided limited success. The use of antibodies that bind with the CD22 or CD19 antigen, however, provides an effective means to treat B-cell malignancies such as indolent and aggressive forms of B-cell lymphomas, and acute and chronic forms of lymphatic leukemias. Moreover, immunotherapy with anti-CD22 and/or anti-CD19 antibodies requires comparatively low doses of antibody protein, and can be used effectively in multimodal therapies.
US07910094B2	Composition exhibiting a von willebrand factor (vWF) protease activity comprising a polypeptide chain with the amino acid sequence AAGGILHLELLV The invention relates to vWF cleaving entities having a molecular weight of 180 kD, 170 kD, 160 kD, 120 kD or 110 kD and an N-terminal amino acid sequence of AAGGILHLELLV, vWF cleaving complexes and methods for their production.
US07910090B2	Non-irritating compositions The present invention provides a base composition that allows for the formulation of non-irritating cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions. The base composition includes one or more of electrolyte, buffer, mild preservative, lubricant, or any combinations thereof. It is preferred that one or more of the above components are eye-safe and/or eye-compatible. The present invention also provides photoprotective cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions that include the base composition and one or more sunscreen active components and are non-irritating to mammalian eyes.
US07910089B2	Sialogogue, oral composition and food product containing the same A sialogogue characterized by comprising polyglutamic acid or its salt. This sialogogue is blended into an oral composition and a food product. This sialogogue is capable of rendering the oral mucosa pleasant even in the case of severe xerostomia.
US07910087B2	Luciferins Novel luciferins, methods of making luciferins, and uses of the same are disclosed.
US07910086B1	Nanoparticles for protein drug delivery The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of bioactive nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and a bioactive agent for oral delivery. The chitosan-based nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability for oral drug delivery.
US07910085B2	Process for production of iron oxyhydroxide particles The process for production of iron oxyhydroxide particles according to the invention is characterized by comprising a step (A) in which a suspension containing iron(II) is prepared, and a step (B) in which fine bubbles with diameters of 0.05-500 μm are generated in the suspension to form a reaction mixture, and the iron(II) in the reaction mixture is oxidized by the bubbles to produce iron oxyhydroxide particles.
US07910083B2	Coloured diamond A diamond layer of single crystal CVD diamond which is coloured, preferably which has a fancy colour, and which has a thickness of greater than 1 mm.
US07910081B2	Process for the production of fumed silica The invention provides a process for the production of fumed silica. The process comprises providing a silicon halide feedstock comprising about 80% to 100% methyltrichlorosilane, combining the silicon halide feedstock with hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to form a reactant mixture, discharging the reactant mixture out of a burner, and combusting the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas of the reactant mixture so as to hydrolyze the silicon halide feedstock to produce fumed silica. Hydrogen (H2) is present in a mole fraction of about 0.11 or less based on the reactant mixture, and/or the velocity of the reactant mixture upon exiting the burner is about 25 m/s or more.
US07910077B2	Configurations and methods for SOx removal in oxygen-containing gases Sulfur oxides are removed from an oxygen-containing acid gas in configurations and methods in which oxygen is removed from the acid gas using reducing gases at relatively high temperature. The so treated acid gas is then fed to a direct reduction reactor in which the sulfur species are converted to elemental sulfur. Contemplated configurations are particularly effective and economically attractive as they are generally not limited by reaction equilibrium as present in a Claus reaction and do not require solvent and solvent-associated equipment.
US07910073B2	Microfluidic system The microfluidic system is constituted of modules that comprise one microfluidic unit and one corresponding electric control unit each and that are retained on a rear panel unit next to each other in a row. To prevent the formation of accumulation of ignitable or toxic gas mixtures a fluid conduit for a rinsing fluid extends through the rear panel unit. Branches lead from said fluid conduit to the modules, and said branches flowing into respective distributor compartments that extend vertically across the module height in the modules. Said distributor compartments are delimited in relation to the interior of the respective module by a distributor panel that is provide with openings. The interior of the respective module comprises, on its lower or rear surface, an exit opening for the rinsing fluid.
US07910072B2	Apparatus for deactivating instruments and devices An apparatus for deactivating medical instruments and devices, comprised of a decontamination chamber dimensioned to receive medical instruments and devices to be microbially deactivated. A circulation system is provided to circulate a deactivating fluid through the deactivation chamber. The circulation system has a first fluid path connected to the decontamination chamber and a second fluid path is connected to the first fluid path. A water inlet line introduces water into the apparatus. The water inlet line is connected to the second fluid path. A filter is disposed within the second fluid path to filter fluid within the apparatus. A first pump is disposed in the first fluid path to circulate fluid in the first fluid path. A second pump is disposed in the second fluid path to circulate fluid in the second fluid path.
US07910071B2	Optimized liquid-phase oxidation Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.
US07910070B2	Process for reducing benzene concentration in reformate A process and system for separating and saturating benzene from a reforming reactor effluent begins with introducing the reforming reactor effluent to a combined stabilizer and naphtha splitter. An overhead stream comprising light ends, a sidecut stream comprising C4− C5 compounds, a bottoms stream comprising C7+ compounds and a heart cut stream comprising C4, C5, C6 compounds including benzene are all removed from the combined stabilizer and naphtha splitter. The heart cut stream is introduced to a side stripper to produce a side stripper overhead stream reduced in benzene and a side stripper bottoms stream enriched in benzene. At least a portion of the side stripper bottoms stream enriched in benzene is introduced into a hydrogenation zone to saturate benzene and generate a hydrogenation zone effluent reduced in benzene. The side stripper overhead stream may be recycled to the combined stabilizer and naphtha splitter.
US07910065B2	Reaction sensing in living cells Chemical reactions occurring within a living cell are measured in a manner that does not affect the viability of the cell or the reaction under study. In one embodiment, one or more sensors are introduced into the cell and/or covalently associated with the exterior cell membrane. The sensor(s) emit an observable signal indicating a value of a parameter associated with the chemical reaction, e.g., the concentration of a reaction product. Because cell viability is not compromised, the cell may be stimulated (e.g., by subjection to an agonist or antagonist, a pathogen, a pharmaceutical compound, or a potential toxin) so as to affect the reaction under study.
US07910063B2	Drift compensated magnetic permeability detector A device for detection of magnetic permeability μ or, alternatively, relative magnetic permeability μr or, alternatively, relative magnetic susceptibility (μr−1) of a sample, wherein said device contains a sample chamber and at least two coils, one coil surrounding said sample chamber and one coil placed so as to be in thermal contact by being physically connected to the material which constitutes the sample chamber, but without surrounding the cavity of the sample chamber, said sample chamber having at least one opening for introduction of a sample or a sample container holding a sample, said device also provided with an electronic circuit which measures the difference in inductance between the two coils.
US07910059B2	Methods compositions and kits pertaining to analyte determination This invention pertains to methods, kits and/or compositions for the determination of analytes by mass analysis using unique labeling reagents or sets of unique labeling reagents. The labeling reagents can be isomeric or isobaric and can be used to produce mixtures suitable for multiplex analysis of the labeled analytes.
US07910056B2	Portal apparatus and method for its use A portal apparatus in the form of an arch-shaped pipe fitting (10) for use with a fumigation chamber that in part incorporates a flexible canopy. The pipe fitting (10) can be seated on the ground (12) so as to be positioned between the canopy and the ground (12). A sealing surface (22) on the pipe fitting (10) is contactable with the flexible canopy so as to provide a gas-tight seal. An assembly for directing the flow of gas in general, the assembly being operable in various configurations, and comprising first and second gas inlets and outlets respectively. An assembly for operatively coupling gas extraction, treatment and recirculation apparatus, and comprising first and second gas inlets and outlets respectively that can be selectively coupled in first and second configurations. A method of fumigating a product in a fumigation chamber, and comprising the operative coupling of fumigant introduction, extraction, absorption and recirculation apparatus in a stepwise fashion, thus enabling fumigant to recirculate during fumigation while, at the conclusion of fumigation, allowing the gas carrying the fumigant to recirculate while fumigant is absorbed. A method of fumigating a product in a fumigation chamber, and comprising the steps of providing an inlet and outlet port, providing fumigant via the inlet port, controlling a flow of displacement gas to selected parts of the chamber and extracting the fumigant.
US07910052B2	Near β-type titanium alloy A near-beta titanium alloy having higher strength than ‘Ti-17’ is provided, while suppressing cost increase. Such a near-&bgr; titanium alloy consists of, in weight percent, 0.5-7% of V, 0.5-2.5% of Fe, 0.5-5% of Mo, 0.5-5% of Cr, 3-7% of Al, and the balance of Ti and impurities. When the weight % of V content is expressed as XV, the weight % of Fe content is expressed as XFe, the weight % of Mo content is expressed as XMo, and the weight % of Cr content is expressed as XCr; the value of XV+2.95XFe+1.5 XMo+1.65XCr is 9-17%.
US07910051B2	Low-energy method for fabrication of large-area sputtering targets In various embodiments, large-area sputtering targets are formed by providing a plurality of sputtering targets each comprising a backing plate and a refractory metal layer disposed thereon, and spray depositing a refractory metal powder on an interface between the sputtering targets, the refractory metal powder consisting essentially of the same metal as each refractory metal layer, thereby joining the refractory metal layers of the sputtering targets.
US07910050B2	Stopper for a metallurgical melting pot The invention relates to a stopper for a metallurgical melting pot with. Stoppers of this type serve to control the discharge of a molten metal in the area of an outlet of an associated melting pot, for example, a tundish.
US07910049B2	System employing generation of controlled furnace atmospheres without the use of separate gas supplies or stand-alone atmosphere generators In a system for processing metal, a furnace is provided which receives the metal being processed. At least one heating burner is provided in the furnace together with at least one atmosphere burner of substantially a same construction as the heating burner. An exhaust of the atmosphere burner at least partially provides an atmosphere within the furnace for the metal processing. An exhaust of the heating burner is separate from the exhaust of the atmosphere burner. A fuel feed for the atmosphere burner and a fuel feed for the heating burner are each separately controllable.
US07910046B2	Method of laminating articles A method of laminating a sheet or sheets to a substrate and a method of laminating a plurality of articles. The substrate is inserted into a press. The sheet is inserted into the press over the substrate. Liquid thermoset polymer is injected into the press. Heat and pressure are applied forcing the liquid thermoset polymer against the sheet and forcing the sheet against the substrate. The liquid thermoset polymer is allowed to cure under heat and pressure forming a cured silicone rubber sheet. The cured silicone rubber sheet is removed from the press. A plurality of articles may be laminated by laminating the second of the articles while the first article is cooling.
US07910044B2	Method and device for producing profiled, at least sectionally elongated elements A method and an injection mold for the production of profiled and at least partially elongated components out of liquid or viscous solidifying molding compounds, by said injection mold, the molding compound being injected into the mold cavity and transported away under steady extension of the mold cavity and under steady elongation of the component to be formed after the initial filling of the mold cavity. The molding compound transported away is transported out of the mold while molding compound is continuously being injected until the forming component reaches its final length. The mold has at least one mold insert whose surface is part of the peripheral surface of the mold cavity and which is supported in the mold in a movable way in longitudinal direction of the component to be formed so that the mold cavity forming the component can be expanded to the desired size and shape of the component inside and outside of the mold by a movement of the mold insert. Thus the invention makes it possible to produce components that have complex contours, are elongated, at least partially, and have a finite size in a high quality at a low expenditure.
US07910041B1	Build materials containing nanofibers for use with extrusion-based layered depositions systems A method for building a three-dimensional object, the method comprising extruding a build material having a temperature profile between a surface and a central region of the extruded build material in which the surface has a higher temperature than the central region of the build material. The build material comprises a carrier material and nanofibers.
US07910034B2	Injection-molding arrangement and method of molding on a molded part and use of an injection-molding arrangement An injection-molding arrangement for molding a molded part is disclosed. In particular a grommet can be molded onto a cable. The arrangement has at least two injection-molding tools, which are arranged in a holding device offset in relation to each other along a longitudinal extent of a cable located in the injection-molding arrangement and enclose at least certain portions of the cable during the injection-molding operation. Furthermore, a method of molding on a molded part and use of the injection-molding arrangement for molding on a molded part is disclosed.
US07910028B2	Resin composition for direct vapor deposition, molded articles made by using the same, and surface-metallized lamp housing The direct vapor depositing resin composition of the present invention comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of (A-I): a graft copolymer obtained by graft-polymerizing one or more monomers or a monomer mixture to a complex rubber-like polymer (G) composed of a polyorganosiloxane and a (meth)acrylate-based polymer and (A-II): a graft copolymer obtained by graft-polymerizing one or more monomers or a monomer mixture including an alkyl (meth)acrylate as an essential component to a rubber-like polymer (R) in which the content of diene units is 30% by weight or less in 100% by weight of the whole rubber-like polymer. The direct vapor depositing resin composition of the present invention can provide a beautiful bright appearance after direct vapor deposition of a metal, further, has high level mechanical strengths such as impact strength and the like, and weather resistance, and is also excellent in hot plate welding property with a transparent resin such as PMMA resins, PC resins and the like.
US07910027B2	Semiconductor ceramic composition and method for producing the same It is intended to provide a semiconductor ceramic composition capable of shifting the Curie temperature to a positive direction as well as of obtaining an excellent jump characteristic while suppressing an increase in room temperature resistivity to a minimum value. There is provided a semiconductor ceramic composition in which a portion of Ba of BaTiO3 is substituted by Bi—Na, the semiconductor ceramic composition being obtained by sintering a mixed calcined powder of a BT calcined powder containing (BaR)TiO3 or Ba(TiM)O3 (wherein each of R and M is a semiconductive dopant), wherein a part of BaCO3 and TiO2 are remained therein; and a BNT calcined powder containing a (BiNa)TiO3 powder.
US07910024B2	Corrosion inhibition compositions and methods for using the same Compositions and methods are described for inhibiting corrosion of corrodible metals present in contact with water in cooling water and other water storage systems. The compositions include concentrated stannous salts and agents to solubilize such salts.
US07910023B2	Lithium-containing sialon phosphor and method of manufactring the same According to the invention, a highly crystalline α-sialon is synthesized to emit highly intense light and a white LED showing an excellent color rendering characteristic is provided by shifting emitted light to the short wavelength side (blue shift). Such an α-sialon is designed so as to be expressed by general formula (Lix, Cay, Euz) (Si12−(m+n)Alm+n) (OnN16−n) wherein the numerical ranges of x, y, z, m and n are respectively 0
US07910021B2	Polymerizable optical active compound and polymerizable composition containing the same A polymerizable optically active compound of formula (1) has high helical twisting power. When added to a liquid crystal (LC) composition it achieves required helical pitch without largely impairing the physical and optical properties of the LC composition. The compound is suited to be compounded with a LC material, particularly a cholesteric LC material for making an optically anisotropic element excellent in heat resistance, solvent resistance, transparency, optical characteristics, and LC alignment fixing ability. The compound is also useful to form a LC alignment layer, a LC alignment controlling agent, a coating material, a protective film, etc. X1 and X2 each represent a (meth)acryloyloxy group; Y1 and Y2 each represent a single bond, an optionally branched C1-8 alkylene group, an ether linkage, a thioether linkage, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCO—O—, —S—CO—, —CO—S—, an optionally substituted 6-membered ring, an optionally substituted naphthalene ring, or a combination thereof.
US07910020B2	Liquid crystal compositions comprising mesogen containing compounds Liquid crystal compositions comprising compounds including at least one mesogenic substructure and at least one long flexible segment and a compound selected from a photochromic compound, a dichroic compound and a photochromic-dichroic compound and methods of synthesizing the same and their use in articles of manufacture and ophthalmic devices are disclosed.
US07910017B2	Low temperature heat transfer fluid composition comprising alkylbenzene and dibutyl ether A two component low temperature heat transfer composition comprising 18% to 76% by volume of an ether component and 82% to 24% by volume of an alkylbenzene component which composition transfers thermal energy to itself from a material which is to be cooled and maintains a prolonged liquid phase in the temperature range from room temperature of about 68° F. to a very cold −175° F.; said composition being continually rejuvenated by exposure in alternating cycles to cryogenic or refrigerant materials, such as liquid nitrogen which removes thermal energy from the ether alkylbenzene composition which is maintained in a prolonged liquid phase throughout said temperature range which makes it suitable for use in very cold applications.
US07910016B2	Piezoelectric ceramic composition and piezoelectric ceramic electronic component A main component has a general formula of {(1−x)(K1-a-bNaaLib)m(Nb1-c-dTacSbd)O3−x(M10.5Bi0.5)nM2O3} (wherein M1 is Ca, Sr or Ba, M2 is Ti, Zr or Sn, 0.005≦x≦0.5, 0≦a≦0.9, 0≦b≦0.3, 0≦a+b≦0.9, 0≦c≦0.5, 0≦d≦0.1, 0.9≦m≦1.1, and 0.9≦n≦1.1). At least one specific element selected from the group consisting of In, Sc, Y, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb and Lu is contained at as in sample numbers 46 to 48, 0.1 to 10 mol in total per 100 mols of the main component (preferably, 1.5 to 10 mol). This provides a piezoelectric ceramic composition and a piezoelectric ceramic electronic component that can have a desired high piezoelectric d constant in a consistent and highly efficient manner in both a very low electric field and a high electric field.
US07910008B2	Sealed sterile system and method for filtering biological or medical fluids, in particular whole blood The invention relates to a sealed, sterile system for filtering fluids, in particular whole blood. The system comprises a first collapsible container for receiving the fluid to be filtered and a second collapsible container for receiving the filtered fluid, both containers interconnected by a fluid line, in which a filter and a third container, for deaeration, are located. The first collapsible container contains a predetermined quantity of air, which is sufficient to ensure that no blood remains in the filter and the adjacent tube line sections when the whole blood is transferred from the first container into the second container. The air that is present in the second container, after the whole blood has been filtered, is transferred to the deaeration container.
US07910005B2	Method for removing mercury and/or arsenic from contaminated water using an intimate mixture of organoclay and elemental sulfur The use of a sulfur-impregnated organoclay provides a mercury or arsenic removal media having increased reactivity, stability, and mercury removal ability. The Hg/As removal media described herein is prepared by impregnating an organophilic clay with elemental (free state) sulfur. Alternatively, the clay can be made organophilic by onium ion reaction prior to or simultaneously with impregnating the organoclay with sulfur.
US07910004B2	Method and system for monitoring reverse osmosis membranes A monitoring system and a method for monitoring a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane in an RO unit is capable of detecting the formation of mineral salt crystals on the surface of the RO membrane. The monitoring system includes a reverse osmosis monitoring cell coupled to the RO unit so as to receive a sample stream taken from either the feed stream to, or the concentrate stream from, the RO unit. The cell has a visually observable RO membrane that is visible to an imaging system that creates and collects images of the visually-observable RO membrane, and that conveys an image data signal to a data processing system that is operable to translate the image data signal into visual images for display, and to correlate the data in the image data signal with a scaling condition on the RO membrane in the RO unit.
US07909998B2	Encapsulated water treatment system A water treatment system is provided having an encapsulate manifold with a reverse osmosis cartridge and one or more filter cartridges. The filter cartridge includes a detent for being received within a slot in the manifold head for secure locking engagement. The water treatment system further includes a single probe conductivity monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a reverse osmosis membrane. The water treatment system is also provided in a modular arrangement wherein manifold heads are physically and fluidly coupled together via a clip which interfaces with the modular manifold heads. The water treatment system also allows for a retrofit application to include a permeate pump. The cartridges are also designed to provide a minimum annular inlet gap to minimize spillage during changing of the cartridges.
US07909990B2	Filter device A filter device is made up of: a filter portion having a fluid outlet at its axis, and a fluid inlet in a position away from the axis, in which a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed from the fluid inlet to cause a swirling, particles are moved outward in a centrifugal state and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged from the fluid outlet, and the particles separated by slowing down the swirling are allowed to sink; and a settlement portion in which the particles that settle in the filter portion are allowed to settle. Thus, a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed to cause swirling, the particles are separated by a centrifugal force caused by the swirling and allowed to sink and settle, and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged. A large amount of particles can be allowed to settle and be reliably removed in a short time with this small-sized and simple device. The filter device does not clog, does not need washing and exchanging work and keeps the costs low.
US07909985B2	Fragmentation of heavy hydrocarbons using an ozone-containing fragmentation fluid A method for recovering valuable chemical products from heavy hydrocarbons such as tar sand or petroleum waste products is disclosed and described. Heavy hydrocarbons can be contacted with a fragmentation fluid which includes ozone and a solvent carrier. The fragmentation fluid can be provided at supercritical conditions. For example, supercritical CO2 can be an effective liquid solvent carrier for ozone. During contact with the fragmentation fluid, the heavy hydrocarbons are reduced in size to form a product mixture of chemical compounds. This product mixture typically includes chemical species which are more suitable than the original heavy hydrocarbons to commercial uses and/or further separation to provide useful starting materials for a wide variety of synthesis and industrial applications.
US07909982B2	Treatment process for concrete A single anode system used in multiple electrochemical treatments to control steel corrosion in concrete comprises a sacrificial metal that is capable of supporting high impressed anode current densities with an impressed current anode connection detail and a porous embedding material containing an electrolyte. Initially current is driven from the sacrificial metal [1] to the steel [10] using a power source [5] converting oxygen and water [14] into hydroxyl ions [15] on the steel and drawing chloride ions [16] into the porous material [2] around the anode such that corroding sites are moved from the steel to the anode restoring steel passivity and activating the anode. Cathodic prevention is then applied. This is preferably sacrificial cathodic prevention that is applied by disconnecting the power source and connecting the activated sacrificial anode directly to the steel.
US07909980B2	Process for the production of hydrogen Process for production of hydrogen of high purity by photoelectrochemical means with low energy consumption. The process is carried out in an electrochemical cell which comprises at least one anodic chamber with an anode and at least one cathodic chamber with a cathode, in which the two chambers are separated by an ion-exchange membrane, where: i) the anodic chamber contains an aqueous anodic solution which comprises the Fe2+ion, and the aqueous solution is adjusted to a pH less than or equal to 5; ii) a sacrificial substance is added to the anodic chamber; iii) the anodic solution is irradiated with ultraviolet light and/or visible light; iv) the cathodic chamber contains an aqueous cathodic solution which has a proton concentration equal to or higher than 10−3 M; and v) electric current is fed between the anodic chamber and the cathodic chamber separated by the membrane, this membrane being a proton-selective ion-exchange membrane impermeable to the iron and impermeable to the sacrificial substance.
US07909977B2	Method of manufacturing a substrate for a microelectronic device, and substrate formed thereby A method of manufacturing a substrate for a microelectronic device comprises providing a dielectric material (120, 220, 920) as a build-up layer of the substrate, applying a primer (140, 240, 940) to a surface (121, 221, 921) of the dielectric material, and forming an electrically conductive layer (150, 250, 950) over the primer. In another embodiment, the method comprises providing the dielectric material, forming the feature extending into the dielectric material, forming the electrically conductive layer over the dielectric material, applying the primer to a surface of the electrically conductive layer and attaching a dielectric layer (960) to the primer.
US07909974B2	Layer composition of an electrowetting system A layer composition of an electrowetting system with a first electrode layer, an insulator layer on the first electrode layer, and a fluid layer over the insulator layer, wherein the fluid layer comprises at least two immiscible fluids which, under the influence of an applied voltage, reversibly change their wetting behavior of a surface allocated to the insulator layer, wherein the insulator layer being at least in part built of a material with a permittivity of ∈r≧20. The fluid layer is adjacent to at least one layer being repellent for the at least one of the fluids. On the surface of the repellent layer pointing away from the fluid layer is provided an adhesion enhancing layer before the subsequent layer.
US07909972B2	Electrochemical sensor and method of manufacture An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing having an outer wall, an axial bore circumscribed by the outer wall, and a barrier wall that aids in defining a reference cavity. The housing further including a plurality of cross members in spaced relation to one another disposed between the axial bore and the outer wall, each cross member defining an aperture. A junction plug is disposed at the distal end of the housing. The junction plug comprises a porous material that enables ionic flow through the junction plug. The sensor enables ionic communication between the target fluid and the reference electrode within the reference cavity through the apertures of the plurality of cross members. In this manner, the sensor provides generally a long, tortuous flow path, or salt bridge, between the target fluid and the reference electrode, resulting in a high resistance factor for the sensor.
US07909971B2	Microfluidic electrochemical reactors A microfluidic electrochemical reactor includes an electrode and one or more microfluidic channels on the electrode, where the microfluidic channels are covered with a membrane containing a gas permeable polymer. The distance between the electrode and the membrane is less than 500 micrometers. The microfluidic electrochemical reactor can provide for increased reaction rates in electrochemical reactions using a gaseous reactant, as compared to conventional electrochemical cells. Microfluidic electrochemical reactors can be incorporated into devices for applications such as fuel cells, electrochemical analysis, microfluidic actuation, pH gradient formation.
US07909964B2	Pulp mould and use of pulp mould This invention relates to a porous pulp mold comprising sintered particles and a plurality of drainage channels. The pulp mold of the invention can be produced in a fast and cost effective way. The molding surface of the invention comprises small pore openings, to evacuate fluid and prevent fibers from entering the pulp mold. Furthermore the pulp mold of the invention comprises drainage channels improving the drainage capabilities of the pulp mold. The molding surface can be heated to at least 200° C., due to high heat conductivity of the pulp mold and its ability to withstand high temperatures.
US07909961B2	Method and apparatus for photomask plasma etching A method and apparatus for etching photomasks are provided herein. The apparatus includes a process chamber with a shield above a substrate support. The shield comprises a plate with apertures, and the plate has two zones with at least one characteristic, such as material or potential bias, that is different from each other. The method provides for etching a photomask substrate with a distribution of ions and neutral species that pass through the shield.
US07909957B2	Process for producing an optical recording medium with several stages and medium obtained thereby The recording medium comprises at least a first (L1) and a second (L2) micro-structured stage assembled by an adhesive layer (4) and arranged between micro-structured bottom (2) and top substrates. A polymerizable layer forming the adhesive layer (4) is deposited on the first stage (L1). Then a micro-structured transparent matrix (5) is provisionally placed on the adhesive layer (4) so as to micro-structure the adhesive layer (4). Polymerization of the adhesive (4) is performed by exposure, through the matrix (5), with a polymerization light. Then the matrix (5) is removed and the second stage (L2) is deposited on the micro-structured adhesive layer (4). Then an additional adhesive layer (9) is deposited on the second stage (L2) and the micro-structured matrix (5) is definitively placed on the additional adhesive layer (9) so as to form the top substrate.
US07909943B2	Method for hardening stainless steel and molten salt bath for realizing said process A process for hardening a work piece of stainless steel through diffusion of the elements carbon and/or nitrogen into the work piece surfaces. The work piece is submerged into a molten salt bath and subjected to the molten salt bath for a period ranging from 15 minutes to 240 hours at temperatures below 450° C. In addition to potassium chloride and lithium chloride, the molten salt bath contains an activator substance consisting of barium chloride, strontium chloride, magnesium chloride and/or calcium chloride, and a free or complex cyanide as carbon-donating substance.
US07909937B2	Process for water stripping of photoreceptors The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to methods for the removal of coatings from an imaging member for use in electrostatographic, including digital, apparatuses. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to a method for removing at least one electrophotographic imaging layer from an electrophotographic imaging member using ultra-high pressure water.
US07909935B2	Method for cleaning a fluid delivery system The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning an interior surface of a fluid delivery system. The method comprises introducing a first liquid into the fluid delivery system and contacting the interior surface with the first liquid; forming a slurry by introducing a particulate into the first liquid and contacting the interior surface with the slurry; introducing a second liquid into the fluid delivery system and contacting the interior surface with the second liquid; and introducing a third liquid into the fluid delivery system and contacting the interior surface with the third liquid. The first liquid is substantially soluble or substantially insoluble in the second liquid, the second liquid is substantially insoluble in the third liquid, and the particulate is substantially insoluble in the first and second liquids and substantially soluble in the third liquid.
US07909933B2	Plasma processing method The invention provides a plasma processing method capable of reducing particle caused by flinging up of particles by airflow due to the pressure fluctuation in the processing chamber during the time the sample is carried into the processing chamber, subjected to plasma processing and carried out of the processing chamber. The invention provides a plasma processing method using a plasma processing apparatus comprising multiple plasma processing chambers for processing samples, a transfer chamber connected to the processing chambers for transferring samples, and a supply system for supplying gas which is the same gas as a transferring gas supplied to the transfer chamber to both the processing chambers and transfer chamber or to only the processing chambers, wherein the process comprises (b) a step of transferring the sample into the processing chamber with the transferring gas supplied to the processing chamber; (c) thereafter, generating plasma from the transferring gas supplied to the processing chamber while maintaining the supply of transferring gas to the processing chamber; (d) a step of switching the gas supplied to the processing chamber from transferring gas to processing gas while maintaining plasma by supplying processing gas continuously to the processing chamber; and (e) a step of subjecting the sample to plasma processing.
US07909932B2	Mask, mask manufacturing method, film forming method, electro-optic device manufacturing method, and electronic apparatus A mask includes: a base plate having an opening; a chip having an aperture pattern positioned at the opening in the base plate; a plug detachably arranged to the base plate; and a joining member joining the chip and the plug.
US07909930B2	Method for producing a silicon single crystal and a silicon single crystal A method for producing a silicon single crystal by the Czochralski method with carbon-doping comprising: charging a polycrystalline silicon material and any one of a carbon dopant selected from the group consisting of an organic compound, an organic compound and a silicon wafer, carbon powder and a silicon wafer, an organic compound and carbon powder, and an organic compound and carbon powder and a silicon wafer into a crucible and melting the polycrystalline silicon material and the carbon dopant; and then growing a silicon single crystal from the melt of the polycrystalline silicon material and the carbon dopant. And a carbon-doped silicon single crystal produced by the method. Thereby, there is provided a method for producing a silicon single crystal with carbon-doping in which the crystal can be doped with carbon easily at low cost, and carbon concentration in the crystal can be controlled precisely.
US07909929B2	Dispersoid having metal-oxygen bonds, metal oxide film, and monomolecular film The invention provides dispersoids having metal-oxygen groups which are suitable for the production of metal oxide thin-films at a low temperature of 200° C. or below and for the production of homogeneous organic-inorganic hybrid materials. The invention also provides metal oxide thin-films and organic-inorganic hybrid materials endowed with various capabilities, particularly organic-inorganic hybrid materials having a high refractive index and high transparency. Use is made of a dispersoid having metal-oxygen bonds which is obtained by mixing a metal compound having at least three hydrolyzable groups with at least 0.5 mole but less than 2 moles of water per mole of the metal compound in an organic solvent, in the absence of an acid, a base and/or a dispersion stabilizer, and at a temperature at or below the temperature at which the metal compound begins to hydrolyze, then raising the temperature to at least the temperature at which hydrolysis begins.
US07909928B2	Reactive coatings for regioselective surface modification Reactive polymer coatings that undergo regioselective reactions with target biomolecules are provided. The polymers of the coatings are deposited via chemical vapor deposition and comprise one or more functional groups that exhibit regioselective bonding with a functional group or a target molecule. Such polymers include poly-xylylenes having functional groups such as alkynes or azides. The regioselective bonding of the reactive polymers provide stable immobilization of target molecules and/or ligands and can create biofunctional surfaces having a wide range of applications.
US07909926B2	Ink composition and colored product The present invention relates to an ammonium salt or a sodium salt of an anthrapyridone compound represented by the following the formula (1): and an ink composition containing these; said compound has a hue with high vividness and high brightness suitable for inkjet recording; recorded matters recorded with an ink composition containing said compound is excellent in fastnesses such as light fastness and ozone fastness, and also particularly water fastness.
US07909923B2	Protective coatings and coating compositions A protective coating on a metal surface comprises a particulate material produced by a method including heating an animal skeletal material to a temperature of at least 1000° C. for a time sufficient to convert at least part of the calcium carbonate in the skeletal material to calcium oxide and produce a calcined product; and then contacting at least part of the calcined product with water to produce the particulate material containing calcium hydrate.
US07909921B1	Pollution control device A pollution control device that provides an external air filtration system for pollutants and other undesirable materials. The system includes a pipe which is attached to the external wall of a building and which provides water to each of the filtration units. An air flow chute is associated with the pollution control device and allows incoming air to pass through a replaceable filter and adjacent to an ultraviolet light setup that are located within each air filtration unit. The air being drawn into the system and subsequently filtered is drawn in by a rooftop device that draws air upward through the device and expels it through the top of the air flow chute.
US07909920B2	Desiccant box for dehumidifying air The invention concerns a desiccant box for dehumidifying air, with a cylindrical outer housing (10), a lid (11) that closes the outer housing, and an inner housing (12) to accommodate desiccant (13). The lid (11) features at least one inflow opening (14) and at least one outflow opening (15), the contour of the outer housing opposite the lid being curved. Moreover, another inner housing (17) is provided which is located in the area of the contour (16) and runs approximately along this contour, this inner housing being also filled with desiccant (18), and the two inner housings (12 and 17) being connected to each other.
US07909912B2	Method and device for enhancing condensation and separation in a fluid separator A method is disclosed for enhancing condensation and separation in a fluid separator, wherein: —a fluid mixture is accelerated to a transonic or supersonic velocity in a throat section of a flow channel and thereby expanded and cooled such that at least some initially gaseous components become supersaturated and condense; —at least some condensed components are removed from the fluid mixture in the flow channel at a location downstream of the throat section; and —condensation of at least some supersaturated components is enhanced by illuminating the fluid mixture flowing through the flow channel by a radiation source (10), such as an Ultraviolet (UV) light source which excites and/or ionizes and induces mercury, water, aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and/or other components to condense thereby forming condensation nuclei for other supersaturated fluid components.
US07909907B1	Methods for high volume production of nanostructured materials A system and method for high volume production of nanoparticles, nanotubes, and items incorporating nanoparticles and nanotubes. Microwave, radio frequency, or infrared energy vaporizes a metal catalyst which, as it condenses, is contacted by carbon or other elements such as silicon, germanium, or boron to form agglomerates. The agglomerates may be annealed to accelerate the production of nanotubes. Magnetic or electric fields may be used to align the nanotubes during their production. The nanotubes may be separated from the production byproducts in aligned or non-aligned configurations. The agglomerates may be formed directly into tools, optionally in compositions that incorporate other materials such as abrasives, binders, carbon-carbon composites, and cermets.
US07909905B2	TiCN-base cermet and cutting tool and method for manufacturing cut article using the same A cermet comprises a binding phase made of a binding metal including Co and/or Ni. The binding phase is 5 to 30 mass %. The cermet further comprises a plurality of hard particles bound each other with the binding phase. The hard particles comprise core-containing structure particles having cores and shells both including TiCN. The core-containing structure particles comprise first core-containing structure particles of which shells contain the binding metal and second core-containing structure particles of which cores and shells both contain the binding metal.
US07909904B2	Face finished honeycomb structures and methods of manufacturing same A method for producing a ceramic honeycomb structure comprises providing a honeycomb body having a side surface, a first cut end surface, a second cut end surface opposite the first end surface, and a maximum width (W), and removing material from at least one of the cut end surfaces of the honeycomb body to reduce the length (L), wherein the step of removing material comprises abrasively removing material from at least one of the ends with a rotating abrasive tool, such as by grinding, and wherein L/W is greater than 0.75. The method may achieve end flatness, parallelism, surface roughness and length accuracy, or combinations thereof which heretofore, were unachievable. Face finished ceramic honeycomb structures having low surface roughness (Ra), high degree of parallelism and accurate lengths are also disclosed.
US07909900B2	Method of making a modified abrasive compact A method of treating the working surface of an abrasive compact having a working surface. The working surface, or a region adjacent the working surface, of the abrasive compact is contacted with a halogen gas or a gaseous environment containing a source of halide ions, preferably at a temperature at or below 800° C., in order to remove catalysing material and any foreign metal matrix material from the region adjacent the working surface.
US07909899B2	Method and apparatus for automated, modular, biomass power generation Method and apparatus for generating a low tar, renewable fuel gas from biomass and using it in other energy conversion devices, many of which were designed for use with gaseous and liquid fossil fuels. An automated, downdraft gasifier incorporates extensive air injection into the char bed to maintain the conditions that promote the destruction of residual tars. The resulting fuel gas and entrained char and ash are cooled in a special heat exchanger, and then continuously cleaned in a filter prior to usage in standalone as well as networked power systems.
US07909896B2	Process for production of low temperature char during production of low temperature tars An improved process for the production of smokeless (low CO2—CO emitting) boiler fuels which have been obtained by careful temperature control and the addition of waste, trash or other carbonaceous material during carbonization of various coal materials such as tar sands, bituminous coal, peat lignite, and oil shale.
US07909894B2	Systems and methods of improving diesel fuel performance in cold climates Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward systems and methods of providing a low-emissions diesel fuel for use in cold climates. Such fuels may be prepared by a Fischer-Tropsch process and include a pour point depressant. Furthermore, the fuel is used in conjunction with a heated fuel delivery system so that low cloud points are not necessary. Fuels prepared according to embodiments of the present invention may be produced in higher yields than otherwise possible because a higher paraffin wax content can be tolerated, thus obviating the need to remove or exclude the wax. These fuels are characterized by a sulfur content less than 1 ppm, a cetane number greater than 60, an aromatics content less than 1 wt %, and a difference between the cloud and pour points that is greater than about 5° C. The present fuel may be prepared by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis from any number of carbon-containing sources such natural gas, coal, petroleum products, and combinations thereof.
US07909893B2	Electrode for a lithium battery, method for production of such an electrode and lithium battery comprising said electrode The invention relates to a lithium battery, comprising at least one lithium intercalation compound, made up of crystallites and obtained by a production method, comprising at least the following steps: formation of a homogeneous mixture of at least one precursor for the lithium intercalation compound with a given adjunct, chemically stable with relation to crystallites and designed to limit the growth of crystallites or crystallite precursors during the formation thereof, thermal treatment of the homogeneous mixture for the synthesis of the lithium intercalation compound in the form of crystallites and to give a composite material comprising at least two phases formed respectively by the lithium intercalation compound and the adjunct and forming of the composite material to give said electrode. The invention further relates to an electrode obtained by said method and lithium battery comprising such an electrode.
US07909892B2	Aqueous dye solutions The present invention relates storage stable aqueous dye solutions comprising a) 5 to 30% by weight of a dye of the formula in which K is a residue of a coupling component of the acetoacetanilide, pyridone, pyrazolone or pyrimidine series and M is hydrogen, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, ammonium or alkyl ammonium, b) 0.05 to 5% by weight of one or more compounds of the formula or a residue of the formula in which A, X, Y, R, P and Q are defined herein, c) an organic or an inorganic base or mixtures thereof, d) if desired, further additives and e) water, a process for their preparation and the use thereof for the dyeing, in particular of paper.
US07909891B2	Azo dyes for dyeing and printing hydrophobic materials The invention relates to a dye of the general formula (I) where D is the residue of a diazo component; R1 is hydrogen, (C1-C6-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, hydroxyl, halogen, —NHCHO, —NHCO(C1-C6)-alkyl, —NHCOaryl, —NHSO2(C1-C6)-alkyl or —NHSO2aryl; R2 is hydrogen, (C1-C6)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, phenoxy or halogen; R3 is hydrogen, (C1-C6)-alkyl, substituted (C1-C6)-alkyl, (C3-C4)-alkenyl or substituted (C3-C4)-alkenyl; or R2 and R3 combine to form the radical —CH(CH3)CH2C(CH3)2—, where the carbon atom marked is attached to the phenyl nucleus; R4 is hydrogen, (C1-C6)-alkyl or phenyl; R5 is vinyl or a group of the formula —CHR6COR7, where R6 is hydrogen, (C1-C6)-alkyl or phenyl; R7 is (C1-C6)-alkyl, substituted (C1-C6)-alkyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl; and X is C1-C5)-alkylene. The invention for relates to a process to prepare the dye and their use.
US07909890B2	Shading compositions The present invention relates to new compositions comprising compounds, which are molecular combinations of a phthalocyanine and a mono-azo dyestuff linked via specific linking groups. Further aspects are an improved shading process for textile materials and also use of these shading compositions for shading textiles.
US07909888B2	Process for dyeing or lightening human keratin fibers using an anhydrous composition and a monoethanolamine/basic amino acid mixture, and suitable device therefor Provided is a process for dyeing or lightening human keratin fibers, comprising applying to the keratin fibers: a) at least one anhydrous composition (A) comprising at least one fatty substance and at least one surfactant; b) at least one composition (B) comprising monoethanolamine and at least one basic amino acid; and c) at least one composition (C) comprising at least one oxidizing agent; provided that when the process is a dyeing process, the at least one anhydrous composition (A) is free from organic amines and the at least one composition (B) comprises at least one oxidation dye and/or at least one direct dye fiber. Also provided is a multi-compartment device comprising: a first compartment comprising at least one an anhydrous composition (A) comprising at least one fatty substance and at least one surfactant; a second compartment comprising at least composition (B) comprising monoethanolamine and at least one basic amino acid; and a third compartment comprising at least one composition (C) comprising at least one oxidizing agent.
US07909885B2	Swing-phase controller with an artificial joint An artificial joint including a stance-phase control means having a flexing axis and a control axis and a swing-phase control means adapted to engage the stance-phase control means. The perpendicular distance between the flexing axis and the swing-phase control means and the perpendicular distance between the control axis and the swing-phase control means are equal when the artificial joint rotates about the flexing axis up to 65°.
US07909869B2	Artificial spinal unit assemblies An artificial functional spinal unit is provided comprising, generally, an expandable artificial intervertebral implant that can be placed via a posterior surgical approach and used in conjunction with one or more artificial facet joints to provide an anatomically correct range of motion. Expandable artificial intervertebral implants in both lordotic and non-lordotic designs are disclosed, as well as lordotic and non-lordotic expandable cages for both PLIF (posterior lumber interbody fusion) and TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) procedures. The expandable implants may have various shapes, such as round, square, rectangular, banana-shaped, kidney-shaped, or other similar shapes. By virtue of their posteriorly implanted approach, the disclosed artificial FSU's allow for posterior decompression of the neural elements, reconstruction of all or part of the natural functional spinal unit, restoration and maintenance of lordosis, maintenance of motion, and restoration and maintenance of disc space height.
US07909864B2	Implantable medical devices having adjustable pore volume and methods for making the same The present invention is directed to implantable medical devices which may be used for controllably releasing a therapeutic agent within a patient and methods for making the same. These medical devices may include porous coatings, which may be polymer-free, located on an outer surface or abluminal surface of the medical device. The medical device may be a stent. The pores of the porous coating may be expandable to facilitate loading of the therapeutic agent. The medical device may be triggerable upon implantation of the medical device such that the volume of the voids shrinks to eject the therapeutic agent. The voids may be slots in the stent. Expandable materials or structures may be positioned in the voids to expand upon implantation and eject the therapeutic agent.
US07909863B2	Retention of exposed stent loops A stent graft (10) is retained on an introducer (38) by retention of an exposed stent (16) of the stent graft to the introducer with trigger wires (44). The introducer has a trigger wire catheter (40) and four trigger wires and each trigger wire extending in a loop from the trigger wire catheter. The stent graft has a tubular body (12) of a graft material and an exposed stent joined to and extending from one end of the tubular body. The exposed stent is a self expanding Z stent with struts (20) and bends (22, 28, 30) between them. A pair of struts and a bend between define an apex a selected distance to the bend away from the tubular body. Adjacent apices of the exposed stent are different distances to the bends from the tubular body so that they stack under the trigger wires in an neat fashion. Distally extending barbs (26) on alternate struts of the exposed stent are spaced selected distances from their respective apices to prevent tangling during deployment.
US07909859B2	Bone plate system and methods Bone plate systems and retainers are provided for surgical implants and bone repair. The bone plate is multi-tiered for receiving bone anchors or screws for securing multiple bones or bone fragments in a desired relationship. The plate includes bores for receiving the screws, and the bores may permit and define a translation path for the screws relative to the plate. The retainers are held in a recess in the bores to prevent screw back-out. Once the screw is seated with the plate, the retainer rests over a top surface of the screw to impede screw back-out from the plate. The retainer may expand to permit driving a screw therethrough and may contract once the screw is seated within the plate so the retainer is in a configuration for preventing back-out. Tools and methods are also provided for implantation and removal of the plates and the screws.
US07909853B2	Interspinous process implant including a binder and method of implantation Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an implant comprising a spacer for defining a minimum space between adjacent spinous processes, a distraction guide for piercing and distracting an interspinous ligament during implantation, and a binder for limiting or preventing flexion motion of the targeted motion segment. The binder can be secured to a brace associated with the implant during implantation by a capture device. In one embodiment, the capture device includes a fixed piece extending from the brace and a slidable piece associated with the fixed piece. A fastener can be rotated to pinch the binder between the slidable piece and a wall of the brace, securing the binder. A physician need not know the length of the binder prior to implantation, reducing the time required to perform a procedure.
US07909852B2	Adjustable-angle spinal fixation element A spinal fixation device is provided having first and second elongate members that are angularly adjustable relative to one another. Each elongate member can include a connecting feature formed on a terminal end thereof, and each connecting feature can be coupled to one another to allow angular movement of the first and second elongate members. The device can also include a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the connecting feature on each of the first and second elongate members to lock the elongate members in a fixed position relative to one another.
US07909848B2	Tissue retractor and guide device A tissue retractor and guide device for use in securing a spinal fixation plate to a spine is provided. In general, the device includes an elongate member having a guide member formed thereon or mated thereto with at least one pathway for receiving a tool. The guide member is adapted to be juxtapositioned on a spinal implant, while the distal portion of the elongate member is effective to retract tissue disposed adjacent to the guide member.
US07909846B1	Access platform for internal mammary dissection An access platform having a first and a second blade interconnected to a spreader member that laterally drives the blades apart or together and a sternal pad interconnected to a blade. The superior blade is preferably pivotally coupled to the spreader member such that it naturally rises as the blades are separated. Alternatively, a vertical displacement member is operably interconnected to a blade and the spreader member and is used to vertically displace the interconnected superior blade and, thus, increase a surgeon's working space and visual access for the dissection of an internal mammary artery. A tissue retractor is interconnected to the blades to draw the soft tissue around an incision away from the surgeon's working area.
US07909844B2	Catheters having actuatable lumen assemblies A catheter comprises a first catheter shaft comprising a wall. The wall comprises at least one section of electroactive polymer having an actuated state and a non-actuated state and defines a first lumen. In the actuated state the first lumen haves a first diameter and in the non-actuated state the first lumen haves a second diameter, the first diameter being different than the second diameter.
US07909842B2	Lancing devices having depth adjustment assembly Lancing devices are provided for use with a lancet. The lancing device includes a housing and a carriage assembly slidably disposed within the housing. A depth adjustment mechanism is coupled to the carriage to move the carriage and lancet carrier forward and backward in response to user movement of the depth adjustment mechanism.
US07909839B2	Gastric bypass band and surgical method An inventive method for performing gastric bypass surgery and a gastric bypass band that is used in conjunction with the surgical method is disclosed. The inventive method involves separating a top portion of the stomach along with the esophagus from the remainder of the stomach, and re-connecting the separated portion to the small intestine to form a gastric pouch of about 20-30 cc in size. The inventive gastric band is placed midway along the gastric pouch to act as a restrictor valve to limit the amount of food passing through the valve. The band also retains food within the gastric pouch to give the patient a feeling of satiety. The band is comprised of an expansion-resistant section combined with a one-way latch mechanism. The latch has a curved orientation so that the band is formed into a radial profile when placed around the gastric pouch.
US07909835B2	Auxiliary instrument for fixing rod An auxiliary instrument for fixing a rod places a detent pin on a head portion of the screw. The auxiliary instrument comprises an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, a first lever and a second lever. The inner cylinder has a plurality of claw portions and an opening employed to introduce the detent pin into an interior thereof. The outer cylinder is arranged to surround the inner cylinder and has a claw pressing portion. The first lever is rotatably connected to the inner cylinder and arranged in substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the inner cylinder. The second lever is rotatably connected to the fist lever and the outer cylinder and arranged in substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the outer cylinder. When the first and second levers are operated, the claw portions are pressed inward by the claw pressing portion to hold the head portion of the screw.
US07909832B2	Retractor for percutaneous surgery in a patient and method for use thereof A lordotic guard and method for guiding a bone removal device to form an implantation space in the human spine and, if desired, for inserting a spinal implant into the implantation space.
US07909829B2	Tissue retractor and drill guide A tissue retractor and guide device for use in securing a spinal fixation plate to a spine is provided. In general, the device includes an elongate member having a guide member formed thereon or mated thereto with at least one lumen extending therethrough for receiving a tool. The guide member is adapted to couple to a spinal implant, while the distal portion of the elongate member is effective to retract tissue disposed adjacent to the guide member.
US07909827B2	Systems and methods for creating cavities in interior body regions A tubular member is sized and configured to establish an access path to bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone. The tubular member includes a distal end portion having at least one opening. A structure is sized and configured to be carried by the tubular member and controllably advanced through the at least one opening to define a cutting surface that projects outside the distal end portion. The cutting surface has a dimension capable of cutting cancellous bone in response to rotation of the tubular member within the cancellous bone.
US07909820B2	Electrosurgical generator and bipolar electrosurgical device adaptors Adaptors for electrically coupling between an electrosurgical generator and a bipolar electrosurgical device are provided. In one preferred embodiment, the adaptor comprises a power input connector for coupling the adaptor with a monopolar mode power output connector of the electrosurgical generator, a ground connector for coupling the adaptor with a ground connector of the electrosurgical generator, a first and a second power output connector, each for coupling the adaptor with a first and a second bipolar mode power input connector of the bipolar electrosurgical device, respectively, a monopolar hand switch connector for coupling the adaptor with a monopolar mode hand switch connector of the electrosurgical generator, and at least one bipolar mode hand switch connector for coupling the adaptor with a bipolar mode hand switch connector of the electrosurgical device.
US07909818B2	Jointed mirror arm A jointed mirror arm includes at least two tubular pieces, connected to each other by a joint with a reflecting mirror, which, as a result of the joint, may be arranged in varying configurations and which form a beam path for the radiation, with a fixed inlet on a first tube piece for the introduction of radiation from a stationary optical source and a position different from the position of the inlet for the outlet from the intermediate joint arm on a final tube piece for emitting said radiation. The jointed mirror arm is characterized in that a scanner for the radiation is arranged before the inlet into the intermediate jointed arm and an optical imaging system is provided in the at least two tube pieces of the intermediate jointed arm, for imaging the scanner after the output from the intermediate jointed arm.
US07909817B2	Lateral laser fiber for high average power and peak pulse energy An improved optical fiber comprising a waveguide with an input for coupling focused laser energy into the waveguide and communicating electromagnetic radiation in a propagation direction to an internally reflective tip of the waveguide, a tissue contacting surface wherein the light path from the reflecting surface to the transmitting surface in substantially homogenous in refractive index and cooled by fluid flow. In minimizing the variations in refractive index within the lateral light path, while providing active cooling directly below the tissue contact surface, the invention prevents internal reflections and beam distortion and greatly improves the efficiency and durability of the laterally directing probe. Free rotation of the tissue contact surface, about the lateral tip, may be provided and tissue vaporization efficiency may be improved by providing a morcellating tool on the tissue contact surface.
US07909816B2	Directional probe treatment apparatus A treatment apparatus includes a cannula with a cannula lumen. The cannula has a first average diameter. A probe is positionable in the cannula lumen. The probe has a first section with a second average diameter and a second section with a third average diameter that is less than the second average diameter. At least a portion of the second section has a curved section with at least one radius of curvature. The radius of curvative is selected to provide that as the second section passes through the cannula lumen a first side of the second section is tangential to a first side of the cannula lumen, and a second opposing side of the second section is tangential to a second opposing side of the cannula lumen.
US07909814B2	Drainage catheter hub with rotatable lever handle A drainage catheter hub having a rotatable lever handle adapted to secure a suture thread to maintain the anchor configuration of the distal end of the catheter to secure the position of the catheter within the patient's body. The rotatable lever handle has a released position for allowing movement of the suture and a secured position for preventing movement of the suture. A suture securement ridge adapted to secure the proximal portion of the suture that may otherwise remain loose during the procedure. The rotatable lever handle and associated rotatable barrel can be depressed relative to hub body in a locked configuration to prevent inadvertent rotational movement of the rotatable lever handle and a release slot or release button that can be actuated by the practitioner to allow for rotational movement of the rotatable lever handle.
US07909809B2	Devices and methods for agent-assisted medical procedures Various embodiments of bulking or cushioning agents or material and related medical devices and methods are disclosed. For example, a method of performing a medical procedure in a tract of a body may include injecting a material in a liquid phase proximate a target site between a first tissue layer and a second tissue layer, allowing the material to transition from the liquid phase to the gel phase in response to a raise in temperature of the material to approximately at or above the predetermined temperature, and performing a surgical procedure on the target site. The material may have the liquid phase at temperatures below a predetermined temperature and a gel phase at temperatures approximately at or above the predetermined temperature.
US07909804B2	Vascular access port with integral attachment mechanism An implantable port with an integral attachment mechanism. The implantable port includes one or more suture needles enclosed within a port body, the suture needle(s) coupled to a movable member such that movement of the movable member results in movement of the suture needle(s) out of the port body and into the tissue of a body into which it is implanted. The movable member can be a cam or tensioning member that rotates about a central port axis. The movable member can be coupled to a gear to permit movement of the movable member following implantation of the port within a subcutaneous pocket.
US07909803B2	Enhanced pneumostoma management device and methods for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease A partially-implantable pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. A tube of the pneumostoma management device is placed through the chest wall into the lung. The tube comprises a plurality of holes in the distal end to allow the entry of gases and non-gaseous discharge from the lung. A contact surface prevents over-insertion of the tube while releasably securing the device to the chest of the patient. The contact surface has features to reduce irritation of the skin of the chest.
US07909802B2	Device for inserting a drain and handle for such a device A device for inserting a drain (5) into a wound includes a needle (1) and a handle (2) for holding the needle. The needle (1) has a sharp front end (3) and a rear end including a connector (4) for connection to a drain (5) for leading the drain (5) through a perforation in skin tissue made with the needle (1). The handle (2) projects in a longitudinal direction and detachably mountable to a portion (8) of the needle (1) extending in an axial direction. If the handle (2) is in mounted condition, the longitudinal direction in which the handle (2) projects is oriented at an angle (α) to the axial direction of the portion (8) of the needle (1) to which the handle (2) is mounted, so that operation of the needle (1) is facilitated.
US07909799B2	Rotate-to-advance catheterization system A system of rotate-to-advance medical devices including catheters, dilators, occluders, stents, suprapubic catheters and camera introducers configured with external screw threads and depending substantially on rotation for means of advancement and emplacement in mammalian genitourinary and gastrointestinal passages and organs.
US07909795B2	Dialysis system having disposable cassette and interface therefore A medical fluid flow control system includes an interface including a first pump area, the first pump area of the interface including a pneumatic actuator port and a gasket seal port; and a membrane gasket including a second pump area for mating with the first pump area, the second pump area including a blind section which covers the pneumatic actuator port when the gasket is mated with the interface, the second pump area further including an aperture, the aperture sized and positioned to seal around the gasket seal port, allowing a negative pressure to be applied through the gasket seal port to a flexible sheet of a pumping cassette.
US07909794B2	Catheter with autoinflating, autoregulating balloon An autoinflating catheter and balloon assembly having an autoregulating structure to prevent overinflation of the balloon as a result of variable fluid flow rates through the catheter lumen. A tight-fitting elastomeric balloon is provided on the distal end of the catheter body, and the assembly is constructed so that at least a portion of the fluid flow through the lumen is directed to the balloon to inflate it. As the balloon is inflated, more and more of the fluid flow through the catheter is discharged from the catheter, thereby preventing overinflation of the balloon.
US07909792B2	Phaco thermal control system Control apparatus for an ultrasonic phacoemulsification handpiece utilizes flow rates and temperature measurements as well as power provided to a handpiece for calculating a matrix of power level duty cycle combination that would not generate sufficient heat to create a burn in eye tissue and either prevent operation of handpiece in the matrix or alert a surgeon of such use.
US07909791B2	Insertion device for infusion sets An insertion device for infusion sets, including a housing for generally enclosing an infusion set placed in the insertion device and a drive device for displacing the infusion set, wherein the displacing is as friction-free as possible with respect to the housing.
US07909778B2	Method and apparatus for penetrating tissue A tissue penetrating system includes a plurality of penetrating members each having a tip. A penetrating member driver is coupled to the plurality of penetrating members. A support is provided with a plurality of openings. Each opening receives a penetrating member. Each tip of a penetrating member is uncovered during launch of a penetrating member by the penetrating driver member. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, skin penetrating performance or a skin penetrating setting.
US07909773B2	Post-operative bacteria test strip spool and method A media-dispensing apparatus for testing body fluids and a method of using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a lower portion and an upper portion, and an elongated tubular member having a distal opening adjacent a distal end thereof. The elongated tubular member includes a first lumen within the elongated tubular member extending from the lower portion of the housing to the distal opening and includes a second lumen within the elongated tubular member extending from the upper portion of the housing to the distal opening. A media strip is dispensable from the lower portion of the housing, through the first lumen, out the distal opening of the elongated tubular member, through the second lumen and into the upper portion of the housing.
US07909770B2	Method for using a wireless pressure sensor to monitor pressure inside the human heart A method for measuring pressure within a heart includes the steps of: (1) providing a passive wireless pressure sensor having a characteristic impedance and a deflectable surface, the characteristic impedance changing in response to deflection of the deflectable surface; (2) inserting the sensor to a location within the body of a patient at which the sensor can detect pressure within the heart; (3) affixing the sensor relative to the heart; (4) interrogating the sensor with an electromagnetic field; (5) receiving a signal from the sensor corresponding to a sensed pressure; and (6) leaving the sensor in situ so that future pressure measurements can be made.
US07909766B2	Systems and methods for improving the imaging resolution of an imaging transducer The present invention is generally directed towards an imaging transducer assembly. Generally, the imaging transducer assembly includes an imaging transducer located within the lumen of a sheath, wherein the sheath is configured such that an energy beam emitted from the imaging transducer narrows as it exits the sheath, resulting in an image with a higher resolution.
US07909764B1	Methods and systems to monitor venous blood oxygen saturation Methods and system are provided for monitoring a patients venous blood oxygen saturation (SvO2). At least one signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart is obtained. Such a signal can be, e.g., an IEGM or ECG signal. In specific embodiments, such a signal(s) can be obtained from implanted electrodes, and thus, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by an implantable system. Additionally, there are measurements of at least one metric of cardiac cycles represented in the at least one signal indicative of electrical activity of the patient's heart, where the metric changes with changes in SvO2. Examples of such metric include T-wave metrics and PR intervals. SvO2, and changes therein, are monitored based on the measured metric(s).
US07909755B2	Endoscope applicator and endoscope apparatus The endoscope applicator according to the present invention allows lubricant to be supplied uniformly to the entire inner surface of the endoscope applicator without increasing the diameter of the endoscope applicator because the lubricant supply path is laid on the outer surface of the endoscope applicator extending from the base end portion to the tip portion of the endoscope applicator and a plurality of openings are formed in the lubricant supply path and endoscope applicator at predetermined intervals in such a way that their opening areas of the opening increase from the base end portion to the tip portion. Moreover, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention can improve the maneuverability of the insert portion and applicator during pull-in operation. Furthermore, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention makes it possible to determine pull-out force quantitatively.
US07909749B2	Boxing device and related methods A boxing device may include a substrate, at least one impact sensor carried by the substrate for detecting impacts from the at least one user, a user input device for receiving personal characteristic data for the at least one user, and a controller coupled to the impact sensor and the user input device. The controller may be for determining performance data based upon detected impacts, and weighting the performance data based upon the personal characteristic of the at least one user.
US07909746B2	Push-up exercise apparatus A Push-Up Exercise Apparatus includes a swiveling base, a handle, and an arcuate member. The swiveling base is connected with the arcuate member. The arcuate member base is comprised of a housing and a housing base. The housing is sized to accept the arcuate member. The handle is connected with the swiveling base.
US07909745B2	Adjustable resistance exercise device A resistance exercise device enables resistance training by using one or more retractable cables that provide resistance to the user when the user pulls on the cable(s). The resistance exercise device provides a retraction force to retract the cable(s), which is independent of a resistance force applied to the cable(s). The resistance exercise device may thus allow adjustment of the resistance force without affecting the retraction force.
US07909741B2	Devices, systems and methods for receiving, recording and displaying information relating to physical exercise Devices, systems and methods for receiving, recording, and/or displaying information related to physical exercise are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an instrumented weight pin for use with a stacked weight exercise machine includes a shaft portion extending outwardly from a handle portion. In this embodiment, the shaft portion is configured to be removably positioned adjacent to one or more weights of the exercise machine to selectively engage the one or more weights during use of the exercise machine. The weight pin can further include a load sensor and/or an accelerometer. The load sensor and/or the accelerometer can provide information associated with an exercise set to a data storage device carried by the weight pin. The data storage device can be operably coupled to a user computer or other display device so that information relating to the exercise set can be displayed for viewing by the user.
US07909739B2	Pedal exercise machine having arc trajectory A pedal exercise machine with pedals and arm levers operated in conjunction with each other. A base, a front frame and a center frame are coupled to each other and a pair of pedals move upwards and downwards in alternating directions. Pedal links connect the pedals to the base, arm levers couple to the front frame, and lever link units include a first lever link coupled to the corresponding arm lever and a second lever link connecting the first lever link to the corresponding pedal. Subsidiary pedal links connect the pedals to the center frame, a resistance pulley is provided in the center frame, and a crank having crank arms is coupled to the resistance pulley. A first actuating link is coupled to each pedal link at a predetermined angle. A second actuating link is rotatably coupled at both ends to the first actuating link and the corresponding crank arm.
US07909738B2	Trampoline swing A trampoline swing has a swing assembly, a trampoline assembly and a trampoline to swing connection member connecting the horizontally oriented trampoline frame to a trampoline connection end of the swing assembly. The trampoline swing has a top bar having a pair of apexes, namely a left apex and a right apex. The left apex is at a left side of the swing assembly and the right apex is at the right side of the swing assembly. There are four main body leg supports, namely a front left leg support, a front right leg support, a rear left leg support, and a rear right leg support. The left apex receives the front left leg support and the rear left leg support. The right apex receives the front right leg support and the rear right leg support. A plurality of swing connectors are mounted on the top bar.
US07909736B2	Systems and methods for simultaneously contracting body core muscles and computerised instructional unit for facilitating same An exercise apparatus is described herein. The exercise apparatus can have a body forming a first yoke. The first yoke includes a first longitudinal channel extending therethrough and a first slide member is positioned in the first channel. The first slide member is slidable therein in a reciprocating manner and has an abdominal engagement end extending from the channel. The exercise apparatus can further include a second yoke pivotally attached to the body and has a second longitudinal channel extending therethrough. A second slide member is positioned in the second channel and is slidable therein in a reciprocating manner. The second slide member has an upper body engagement end extending from the second channel. The exercise apparatus can include a vibration unit operable to cause all or portions of the exercise apparatus to vibrate.
US07909734B2	Method for operating a vehicle Vehicle operation is controllable and/or regulatable by specifying a driver request describing a setpoint rotational speed or a setpoint torque via an accelerator pedal, detecting the instantaneous position of the accelerator pedal and controlling and/or regulating the internal combustion engine such that the setpoint rotational speed or setpoint torque is achievable. To provide for a sustained-action brake to be easily operated in the vehicle, and increase the vehicle's range of use, one of possible braking actions of the vehicle is specified by selecting a determined position of the pedal. As a function of an instantaneously detected position of the accelerator pedal, the operation of the vehicle is controlled and/or regulated such that braking power specified via the accelerator pedal is achieved. A variation in the braking power specified via the accelerator pedal is also converted as continuously as possible to a corresponding braking power by suitably activating additional components or devices.
US07909730B2	Method for vehicle creep torque control A vehicle and a method of operation. The method of operating the vehicle may include a method of controlling a creep torque in a vehicle having a powertrain configured to provide variable creep torque. The method may comprise the steps of: detecting a vehicle creep torque condition, determining a brake torque, and adjusting a creep torque applied by the powertrain based on the brake torque.
US07909728B2	Vehicle drive device controller A vehicle drive apparatus is disclosed having a differential mechanism and an electric motor provided in the differential mechanism for miniaturizing the drive apparatus or improving fuel consumption while suppressing the occurrence of shifting shocks. A switching clutch C0 or switching brake B0 is provided for placing a shifting mechanism 10 in a continuously variable shifting state and a step variable shifting state, enabling the drive apparatus to have combined advantages including a fuel economy improving effect of a transmission, enabled to electrically change a speed ratio, and a high transmitting efficiency of a gear type transmitting device enabled to mechanically transmit drive power. During a shifting of an automatic shifting portion 20 with a differential portion placed in a continuously variable shifting state, engaging pressure control means 84 controls a engaging pressure of a engaging device of the automatic power shifting portion 20 such that a rotational speed N18 of a transmitting member achieves a given variation so as to provide a compromise between a rapid shifting response on a feeling and a slow shifting response on the shifting shocks, thereby suppressing the occurrence of the shifting shocks.
US07909725B2	Automatic transmission An automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set; a second planetary gear set; a third planetary gear set; and at least five friction elements. The at least five friction elements includes a first clutch adapted to selectively connect a first carrier with a second carrier; a first brake adapted to selectively stop a rotation of the second carrier; a second brake adapted to selectively stop a rotation of a rotating member having a first sun gear, a second ring gear, and a third carrier; a third brake adapted to selectively stop a rotation of a third sun gear; and a second clutch adapted to selectively connect the first carrier with a second sun gear. Each of at least seven forward speed-ratios and one reverse speed-ratio is achieved by engaging two friction elements selected from the first and second clutches and the first to third brakes.
US07909723B2	Adjusting device with a CVT planetary roller transmission An adjusting device including a CVT planetary roller transmission having two axially-spaced sun wheels that are rotatable about a common axis of rotation and at different speeds of rotation. Planet wheels contact and ride against peripheral surfaces of each of the sun wheels, and an axially displaceable ring wheel lies radially outwardly of the sun wheels and engages a peripheral groove formed in the sun wheels. When the ring wheel is axially displaced relative to the sun wheels the axes of rotation of the planet wheels tilt relative to the sun wheel axis resulting in a difference in the rotational speed of the sun wheels changes. The device can be employed as an adjusting device for adjusting the rotational speed of connected units, and also as a drive line component having a variable transmission ratio and situated in a power train of a motor vehicle.
US07909720B2	Fabric adhesion improvement for EPDM based low cost timing belt The present invention is directed to timing belts having improved fabric adhesion to the tooth facing can be achieved by the use of a combination of a RFL treated fabric and an EPDM body provided the RFL treatment or the body include ZDA or the RF latex is an X-HNBR latex.
US07909718B2	Seal chain and manufacturing method thereof A seal chain in which a sealing member having a shape of a “plus” in section is steadily twisted (turned) and deformed into a shape of an “X” and whose abrasion resistance and flexing torque are improved. The sealing member is formed such that inner diametric side end faces of third and fourth lip portions extending in a transverse direction from a center base portion extend in a direction orthogonal to a radial direction and outer diametric side end faces thereof are formed as tapered faces such that width of the lip portion is widened from an edge face toward the base portion. A diagonal distance of the center base portion is within a range of 0.8 to 1.0 of a clearance between inner and outer link plates.
US07909717B2	Tensioning roller device or winder Tensioning roller device including a non-rotating central part around which is rotatably mounted a pulley-forming rotating part, and a protective cap mounted on one end of the central part and extending radially outwards so as to form a narrow passage and/or a baffle with the rotating part, the cap including means for axial fastening to the non-rotating central part and means for angular fastening to the non-rotating central part.
US07909713B2	Shaft for a sports stick such as a hockey stick A handle is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object A structure for a hockey stick is described by using multiple composite tubes bonded to one another, wherein apertures, or “ports,” are molded between the tubes to improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of the hockey stick.
US07909708B2	Golf club head A golf club head having a multi-material face. The golf club head has a hard, wear resistant material as the ball-impacting face surface coupled to a softer material, allowing the multi-material face to be joined to a soft body material such that the body can be bent and customized. The multi-material face allows for improved playing characteristics by allowing the club designer to use a thinner face and lighter body material while still providing improved face wear resistance and durability.
US07909706B2	Golf club head with hosel weight A golf club head includes a body having a front face for impacting a golf ball and a hosel having a bore for receiving one end of a golf club shaft. The body including the hosel may be made of a material such as steel. A hosel weight mounted on the hosel may be made of another material such as tungsten which has a greater density than the material forming the body.
US07909705B2	Variable mass grip A variable mass cap 20 for a shock imparting implement grip has a butt element 22 connected to a tubular portion 24 constructed to receive a selected mass 26, 28. The tubular portion 24 fits snugly within a recess 34 of a body 32, and is retained therein by the engagement of an annular ridge 36 with a first annular groove 30 disposed in an outer surface of the tubular portion 24. In an alternate embodiment, threaded portion 31 is received by and engaged by a corresponding threaded recess 34. The cap 20 is mechanically secured to the body 32 for providing a grip with a variable mass.
US07909702B2	Shaft mounting structure of constant velocity joint A shaft mounting structure of a constant velocity joint is capable of ensuring sufficient strength of a fitting portion between an inner ring and a shaft. In the shaft mounting structure, a groove is formed on the shaft middle side compared to the position of a male spline of a shaft and the outside diameter of a bottom portion of the groove is set at a value larger than the root diameter of the male spline.
US07909699B2	Scan based configuration control in a gaming environment This invention provides automated systems and methods for configuring and reconfiguring gaming machines and games playable on a gaming machine. The automated systems and methods employ a complementary gaming machine configuration device, such as a paper-based ticket, and interface operably associated with a gaming machine, such as a note acceptor or bill validator that receives and reads the paper-based ticket. The gaming machine configuration device stores game parameter configuration information in the form of configuration indicia. The indicia may contain the content required to effect configuration directly or may do so indirectly by containing a reference to a location where a set of configuration parameters have been stored. This location may reside within the gaming machine or external to it, but accessible via. a communications link. The interface reads the indicia from the configuration device, and provides a signal to a processor responsible for managing the gaming machine. The processor has access to software or memory that stores associations between the configuration indicia and configuration and reconfiguration commands for the parameters. The processor and software are then designed or configured to convert the signal provided by the interface to commands that act on appropriate mechanisms of the gaming machine to configure or reconfigure the games and/or gaming machine components responsible for expression of the affected game parameters.
US07909698B2	Input device, input determination method, game system, game system control method, program, and information storage medium With a game system, a timing fetch section fetches an input-timing for input data determined to be valid by an input-determination section, and an evaluation section compares the fetched input-timing and a reference-timing, and evaluates an operation with an operation section by a player or a sound-input action performed in answer to a first or second direction-mark. An input-reception section receives first and second input data generated based on an operation-detection of the operation section a sound-detection of the sound-detection section, respectively, and an input-determination section compares the first and second input data, determines that the first input data is valid when it is determined that the operation with the operation section by the player and the sound-input action by the player overlap within a given period, based on the first and second input data, and determines that the first and second input data are valid in other cases.
US07909695B2	System and method for interactive entertainment The present invention relates to a system and a method for interactive entertainment involving a game. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for playing a game involving interactive generation of a visual image and a lingual definition of a precursor constructed phrase and image portion by a plurality of participant-users, and a method and system for sharing the same via a world wide interactive computer system. The computer system enables different participant-users, or teams of participant-users, to post generated visual and lingual definitions for the same precursor constructed phrase and image portions enabling comparison entertainment of the same and supporting selection of a preferred construction for awarding a prize.
US07909694B2	Wagering game with player banking of positive expectation situations A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a disbursement of potential awards in a wagering game that have not been fully awarded yet. In a wagering game that comprises multiple states, a value of a favorable state relative to a prior state can be banked for later redemption by a player.
US07909693B2	Gaming system for tracking player activity during virtual sessions at a gaming machine A gaming system has a central authority connected to a plurality of gaming machines. Player activity is tracked at the gaming machines during regular gaming sessions and during virtual gaming sessions. Such data is transmitted to the central authority for providing player points in a player account file of a central database. Regular gaming sessions occur between player card insertion and player card removal. Virtual gaming sessions may occur prior to player card insertion as well as after player card insertion. For example, a coin-in event prior to player card insertion will establish a virtual session, and credits remaining on the credit meter at a card-out event will establish a virtual gaming session.
US07909684B2	Automotive front post garnish with integral defroster duct A molded plastic garnish assembly (10) for a front post of an automotive vehicle, the garnish assembly having a duct portion (16) integrally molded with an overlying portion (18) that has a vent opening (14) therein. The duct portion and the overlying portion are molded together in alignment and are subsequently brought into overlying relationship by bending them relative to one another about a molded-in hinge (20). The duct portion and the overlying portion are secured to one another by engagement of a hook portion (22) at the end of a finger (24) that depends from the overlying portion into an opening (26) in a finger (28) that depends from the duct portion.
US07909683B1	Knife and method of using same A knife for producing a butterfly cut of meat, the knife having a handle and a first knife blade attached at one end thereof to the handle, the first knife blade having a first distance between the top and the bottom thereof and being sharpened on the bottom thereof. A second knife blade is operatively attached at one end thereof to the handle, the second knife blade having a fixed position disposed generally parallel to the first knife blade, the second knife blade having being sharpened on the bottom thereof, the bottom of the second knife blade being disposed above and at a predetermined distance to one side of the bottom of the first knife blade over a major portion of the first and second knife blades when the second blade is attached to the handle in the fixed position thereof.
US07909677B2	Method of transferring a wafer A method of transferring a wafer is disclosed. The method comprises providing a pedestal and at least one spray orifice extending through the pedestal; disposing a wafer above the pedestal using a first robot, wherein the wafer has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface faces the pedestal, a fluid is sprayed onto the first surface simultaneously to avoid a contact of the first surface with the pedestal, and the fluid contains a charge-forming chemical substance dissolved therein; and taking the wafer using a robot for delivery. Due to the charge-forming chemical substance dissolved in the fluid, the waterfall effect to cause discharge damage on the wafer is avoided in the spraying of the fluid.
US07909672B2	Organic light-emitting display device A scanning line, a signal line, a first current supply line, and a second current supply line are formed on a glass substrate, a first electrode is formed on the wiring layer comprising the above members, an organic layer comprising a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer is formed on the first electrode, a second electrode is formed as cathode on the electron injection layer, the first electrode as anode is connected to a plus terminal of a power source through the driving devices and the first current supply line, whereas the second electrode as cathode is connected to a minus terminal of the power source, and is connected to the second current supply line in the display region of each pixel, with a contact hole serving as a feeding point, whereby wiring resistance due to the second electrode is reduced, and variations in the brightness of a panel is reduced.
US07909669B2	Differential displacement device under simultaneous and repetitive electromagnetic repulsive forces A differential displacement electromagnetic device providing motion over a support frame. Permanent electromagnets are fixedly mounted to a carriage and angularly oriented relative to the support frame lengthwise axis. Upright anchor columns project transversely from the support frame, and are interconnected by tension springs. A movable block is slidingly carried over both rails including a pair of opposite side spring loaded arms, carrying floating electromagnets. A bracket mount carries two spaced pivotal axles, and pivotally mounted rocker arms carrying corresponding permanent magnet. The rocker arms are sized in such a way as to be pivotably movable between a first limit position, where the permanent magnets abut against the angularly oriented electromagnets, and a second limit position, where the permanent magnets abut against the floating electromagnets.
US07909667B1	Crimp contacts and electrical connector assemblies including the same A crimp contact that includes an elongated contact body having loading and mating ends and a central axis extending therebetween. The contact body includes a contact wall that extends around the central axis and that defines a conductor-receiving passage of the contact body proximate to the loading end. The contact wall has an outer surface. The crimp contact also includes a sleeve wall that extends around the central axis and the outer surface of the contact wall proximate to the loading end of the contact body. The sleeve wall is sized to engage a crimping tool and the contact wall is configured to grip a conductor within the conductor-receiving passage when the sleeve and contact walls are deformed by the crimping tool.
US07909666B2	Solder attached contact and a method of manufacturing the same There are provided the steps of preparing a contact (10, 20), which is formed from a metallic sheet including a base portion (11, 21), an elastic deformation portion (12, 22), and a contact portion (13, 23), and in which a recess (15, 25) is formed on a bottom surface of the base portion and a plurality of through-holes (16, 26, 27) are formed to be arranged above the recess and in parallel to the bottom surface of the base portion to extend through the base portion, and holding solder on the through-holes formed on the contact. A desired, solder-attached contact (10a, 20a) is fabricated by the manufacturing method. Further, the solder is a solder ball (90) and the step of holding solder includes the step of preparing the solder ball and the step of press fitting the solder ball into the through-hole.
US07909660B2	Right angle type spring connector To provide a right angle type spring connector in which a caulking work is not necessary, the number of components is small, and electric connection is reliably maintained.The right angle type spring connector is configured as follows. A tube is formed with a narrowed portion so as to allow a distal end portion of a pin to project therefrom and prevent the pin from coming out. A connecting portion disposed on the tube and extending to a mounting surface and amounting surface abutting portion extending along the mounting surface are formed integrally with each other, and an engaging portion is provided on the mounting surface abutting portion. A holder is formed with a bottomed hole so as to allow the tube to be inserted. A locking portion is formed on the holder so as to engage the engaging portion in a state in which the tube is inserted into the bottomed hole.
US07909656B1	High speed data communications connector with reduced modal conversion A plug including first, second, third, and fourth pairs of contacts connected to first, second, third, and fourth wire pairs, respectively. The first pair of contacts is positioned between first and second contacts of the third pair of contacts, the second pair of contacts is positioned alongside the first contact, and the fourth pair of contacts is positioned alongside the second contact. A first and second capacitive coupling member each including a sleeve and contact member are spaced from the plug contacts. The second wire pair extends through the sleeve of the first coupling member and the contact member of the first coupling member is electrically connected to the wire connected to the second contact. The fourth wire pair extends through the sleeve of the second coupling member and the contact member of the first coupling member is electrically connected to the wire connected to the first contact.
US07909651B2	Multifunctional connection cord for multimedia device A multifunctional connection cord having data and power interfaces for a personal computer and audio interface for an earphone is provided. A multifunctional connection cord of the present invention includes a stem; an audio plug mounted to protrude from one side of the stem for establishing audio signal lines with a multimedia device; a data/power connector mounted near the audio plug to protrude from the stem for establishing data lines and power charge lines with an external device; a USB connector electrically connected to the audio plug and the data/power connector through a cable by means of the stem; and a socket holder mounted on one side of the USB connector and having an audio socket for receiving an audio plug.
US07909647B2	Shielded connector A shielded connector achieving sufficient contact load between a shielded conductor and a crimp portion of an outer conductor shell without influence such as deformation of cross sections on signal wires when the crimp portion is crimped onto the conductor, and enhanced pull-out strength of a shielded cable against the shell. The shell includes a tubular connection portion having an arc-shaped cross section and arranged to be inserted into the conductor end portion exposed by stripping off a sheath portion at the cable end portion, shielded conductor crimping portions opposed to the connection portion and arranged to be crimped onto the conductor end portion into which the connection portion has been inserted, and fitting spaces provided to an inside of the conductor crimping portions at positions opposed to the tubular connection portion. Upper ends of the connection portion and the conductor are inserted into the spaces during crimping process.
US07909646B2	Electrical carrier assembly and system of electrical carrier assemblies A male coaxial connector includes at least one termination device having a tubular shield surrounding and isolated from a pin that is configured to electrically connect with a socket of a female termination device, and a plate extending from one of a leading end of the tubular shield and a leading end of the female termination device. Upon electrical interconnection, the plate forms a ground circuit extending between the at least one termination device and a ground of the female termination device.
US07909634B2	Electrical connection structure of a connecting terminal An objective is to provide a connection structure of a connecting terminal by which it becomes able to perform a connection of any of pieces for piercing as assuredly without being bended that is piercing through an electrically conductive flat square body, and to provide a method of connecting such the terminal. A unit for connecting a pierced terminal (1) comprises a pierced terminal (20) which comprises a plurality of blades on a pierced terminal (21) that are designed to pierce individually through a flat cable (100) and which is designed to be connected as electrically to such the flat cable (100) due to each of such the blades on the pierced terminal (21) that is piercing therethrough; and a back up plate (30) which comprises an opening for insertion (31) by which an insertion of any of the blades on the pierced terminal (21) is allowed that is piercing through the flat cable (100), wherein such the opening for insertion (31) is designed to be contacted to individual corresponding parts of such the blades on the pierced terminal (21) as not less than two pieces that are facing to each other and that are individually inserted into such the opening for insertion (31), respectively.
US07909632B2	Cable assembly with latching mechanism An cable assembly includes an insulative housing with a plurality of terminals; a cable having a plurality of wires respectively connected to the plurality of terminals; a latching member mounted to the insulative housing, the latching member including two latching arms spaced apart from each other along a transversal direction and a connecting portion with two opposite ends thereof joined with the two latching arms, at least one resilient tab extend downwardly from the connecting portion; and an external cover enclosing the insulative housing and the latching member, the external cover having a deformable button disposed proximate to the connecting portion of the latching member.
US07909630B2	Electrical connector having contact portion An electrical connector is to be connected to a flat conductive member. The electrical connector includes a housing; a terminal held in the housing; and a pressing member supported on the supporting portion to be rotatable for pressing the flat conductive member against the terminal. The terminal includes a base portion, a contacting arm extending from the base portion, and a supporting portion facing the contacting arm. The contacting arm is arranged to form a space for receiving the flat conductive member between the contacting arm and the supporting portion. The contacting arm includes a first contacting portion and a second contacting portion. The first contacting portion is situated at a position closer to the supporting portion than the second contacting portion. The second contacting portion is situated at a position closer to the base portion than the first contacting portion.
US07909629B2	Computer device with retractable connector A computer device comprising a connector configured to be coupled to an external device, the connector configured to be disposed flush with an opening in a housing of the computer device in an extended position, the connector configured to retract from the opening in a retracted position.
US07909628B2	Card connector having an improved spring member A card connector (100) for insertion of an electrical card (200) includes an insulative housing (1) defining a receiving space (12) for insertion of the electrical card; a set of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing; and an ejecting mechanism (3) including a slider (31), a coil spring (33) for urging the slider, a connecting rod (34) for restraining the slider, and a spring member (32) retained in the slider. The spring member has a retaining portion (322) retained in the slider, an arcuate cantilever locking arm (324) extending from the retaining portion and protruding towards the receiving space for retaining the electrical card, and a restricting portion (326) extending from a front free end portion (325) of the locking arm and being restricted in a cavity (316) of the slider.
US07909623B2	Wedge of a cable connector grounding device A wedge of a cable connector grounding device includes a body. One side of the body is formed with a spirally conjunct seat inside which a concave spirally conjunct slot is formed. Two concave slots opposite to each other are formed. At the bottom of spirally conjunct slot, a position limiting groove is formed from the concave slots towards the center and a concave camber is formed along the circumferential wall toward the center. A wedge crest line is defined at a section of connection between the concave camber and the position limiting groove. A packing unit is provided and spirally connected to the spirally conjunct slot. The packing unit may be used to tighten the lead wire passing through the position limiting groove for achievement of the longitudinal position limiting. The wedge crest lines are used to wedge the lead wire transversally and tighten the lead wire.
US07909621B1	Socket connector having contact terminal tail with split solder ball retained thereon and method fabricating the same An electrical connector includes an insulative housing with a number of passageways, a number of electrical contacts received in the passageways and a number of solder balls disposed on the electrical contacts respectively. Each electrical contact includes a contacting portion projecting out of the insulative housing, a retention portion retained in the passageways, and a solder portion. Each solder ball defines a gap which can be deformed to close the solder portion of the electrical contact by external force.
US07909620B2	Socket contact A low-profile socket contact is provided that is mountable on a print substrate and has a high contact pressure. The socket contact includes a base portion provided on a print substrate, and a contact connecting portion connecting to the tab-shaped contact provided on a central portion of the base portion. The base portion has an opening in which the tab-shaped contact passes through, and a plurality of lead portions solderable to the print substrate. The contact connecting portion has a pair of first bending fragments, a pair of first inverted arms, a pair of second bending fragments, and a pair of second inverted arms. A contact point in contact with the tab-shaped contact is provided on each front ends of the pair of first inverted arms, and a guiding face in which the tab-shaped contact slides is provided on the pair of second inverted arms.
US07909619B2	Cassette with locking feature A cassette includes a shell having a housing and a cover mated together to define an inner chamber. The housing has a plurality of plug cavities configure to receive plugs therein. A contact subassembly is received in the inner chamber. The contact subassembly has a circuit board and a plurality of contacts coupled to the circuit board. The contacts are arranged in contact sets that are received in corresponding plug cavities to mate with different corresponding plugs. A latch member couples the housing to the cover. The latch member has a latch element configured to secure the shell to a panel.
US07909613B2	Coaxial connecting device A coaxial connecting device is provided for making an electrical connection between a coaxial cable and a device under test. A coaxial connecting device electrically connects a coaxial cable to a signal pad and a ground pad. The coaxial contractor of the present invention includes a signal pin for electrically connecting a signal conductor of the coaxial cable to the signal pad; a ground connector for electrically connecting a ground conductor of the coaxial cable to the ground pad; a cylindrical guide tube surrounding the ground conductor for elastically contacting the ground connector while maintaining a predetermined distance with the signal pin; and a dielectric member surrounding a part of the signal pin for electrically isolating the cylindrical guide tube and the signal pin from each other and coaxially maintaining the guide tube and the signal pin. The coaxial connecting device of the present invention minimizes a contact path between the ground conductor of a coaxial cable and a ground pad and provides impedance matched coaxial signal transmission link, resulting in improvement of frequency characteristics.
US07909607B2	Method for designing a digital abutment for dental implant A method for designing a digital abutment for a dental implant includes the steps of: a) implant planning where implant planning is initiated based on digital data obtained from the patient and loaded into a computer system to enable an implant fixture to be implanted at the implant site in the best position, b) establishment of digital reference abutment where a digital reference abutment is established at the implant site and positioned on the implant fixture, c) adjustment of the digital reference abutment where the digital reference abutment has a subgingival part and a supragingival part at the top side of the subgingival part, and the angle between the subgingival part and the supragingival part is adjusted based on the best prosthesis position, and d) finish of digital abutment where the digital reference abutment becomes a digital abutment for placement after the adjustment.
US07909605B2	Screw implant apparatus and method An enossal screw implant is inserted cortically into the jawbone as an implant base and a mount for the superstructure of a tooth replacement or a substructure. A break point is provided in the abutment head above a bending zone. Key surfaces are above and below the break point. Solutions to ease adjustment of the inserted implant to the natural tooth position and which can reduce the danger of loosening of the inserted implant in the jawbone are coated on the implant.
US07909600B2	Gate of die and mold, die and mold for injection molding, and method of manufacturing the same A die and mold for manufacturing a mold product is provided. The die and mold includes a body having a cavity that has a shape corresponding to the mold product. The body includes an upper body plate, and a lower body plate facing the upper body plate and combined with the upper body plate. The die and mold also includes a gate. The gate includes an upper gate plate, a plurality of recesses formed on a lower surface of the upper gate plate, and a lower gate plate facing the upper gate plate. A plurality of protrusions is formed on an upper surface of the lower gate plate in a location corresponding to a location in which the plurality of recesses is formed. The gate also includes a resin injection portion through which a resin is injected into the cavity.
US07909599B2	Injection nozzle for guiding hot-melt plastic within a mold Among other things, the invention relates to an injection nozzle for guiding hot-melt plastic within a mold, particularly an injection mold. Said injection nozzle comprises a nozzle housing (11) and a nozzle needle (13) which is mounted in a translationally movable manner and is used for opening and closing a melt opening that leads to a mold cavity. The nozzle needle (13) can be moved by means of a driving mechanism (V) to which a transmitting device (14) is assigned that allows a movement of the driving mechanism (V) to be converted into a movement of the nozzle needle (13). The invention is characterized, inter alia, in that the transmitting device (14) is assigned to an attached unit (22) which can be releasably connected to the injection nozzle (10) and inside which a rod assembly (30) is disposed at least in part. Said rod assembly (30) is connected to the driving mechanism (V) at an input end while being connected in a rigid, tenacious, and compression-resistant manner to the nozzle needle (13) at an output end.
US07909598B2	Hot runner nozzle for an injection molding device The embodiments of invention relate to a hot runner nozzle including at least one nozzle duct for a plasticized plastic, which ends in a nozzle tip and which can be temperature-controlled by a heater, wherein the hot runner nozzle can be attached to an injection molding tool or the like and wherein the heater and the nozzle duct are provided in a common housing of the hot runner nozzle laterally next to one another. The housing encompasses at least one material recess, which divides the housing adjacent to the nozzle duct and adjoining to the heater into housing regions, which are spaced apart from one another.
US07909595B2	Apparatus and method for exposing a substrate to UV radiation using a reflector having both elliptical and parabolic reflective sections Embodiments of the invention relate generally to an ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber for curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and to methods of curing dielectric materials using UV radiation. A substrate processing tool according to one embodiment comprises a body defining a substrate processing region; a substrate support adapted to support a substrate within the substrate processing region; an ultraviolet radiation lamp spaced apart from the substrate support, the lamp configured to transmit ultraviolet radiation to a substrate positioned on the substrate support; and a motor operatively coupled to rotate at least one of the ultraviolet radiation lamp or substrate support at least 180 degrees relative to each other. The substrate processing tool may further comprise one or more reflectors adapted to generate a flood pattern of ultraviolet radiation over the substrate that has complementary high and low intensity areas which combine to generate a substantially uniform irradiance pattern if rotated. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US07909593B2	Power transfer device with torque limited pump A lube pump is provided for supplying lubricant to various components of a power transmission unit of the type used in motor vehicles. The lube pump includes a pump assembly and a coupling mechanism for releaseably coupling the pump assembly to a driven shaft. The coupling is operable to release the pump assembly when the rotary speed of the shaft exceeds a threshold value.
US07909592B2	Scroll compressor A scroll compressor is provided which has favorable assembling property, does not require a thrust bearing, has a bearing structure for bearing a compression section at both sides thereof and has a simple structure of a scroll. The scroll compressor includes a compression section constituted of an orbiting scroll which is provided in a closed container, and in which volutes are substantially symmetrically formed on both surfaces of an orbiting base plate, and a main shaft is penetrated through and fixed to a center portion thereof, and a pair of fixed scrolls and that have the main shaft penetrated through and are placed on both the surfaces of the orbiting scroll, and have volutes which correspond to the respective volutes to respectively form compression chambers, and a motor which is provided in the closed container and drives the main shaft, a suction pipe which is provided in the closed container, and after a suction gas is introduced into the closed container and cools the motor, causes the gas to be sucked into the compression section, and a discharge pipe which is provided in the closed container and discharges the suction gas compressed by the compression section.
US07909591B2	Eccentric screw pump equipped with erosion-resistant rotor An eccentric screw pump or an eccentric screw motor has a rotor formed from at least a tubular jacket with at least two layers. The outer layer of the jacket consists of a material that is abrasion-resistant and/or corrosion-resistant.
US07909588B2	Modular rotor assembly Portions of the drive system for a piece of rotating equipment are pre-assembled into a subassembly. The subassembly can be held together by a carrier that is fabricated to accept the components in a proper alignment so that the carrier can be installed as a unit. In one embodiment, the carrier becomes a gearbox housing component that is installed, saving the need for individual component alignment. This modular approach allows an assembly having a single part number to apply to a given compressor unit and further allows standardization of air ends of compressors with specific impellers and inlets added to meet requirements of a specific application.
US07909586B2	Fan and rotor thereof A fan includes a frame, a stator and a rotor. The stator is disposed in the frame, and the rotor is disposed in the frame and coupled with the stator. The rotor includes a connecting element, an impeller and a shaft. The connecting element has a flange. The impeller is disposed on a periphery of the connecting element. The flange is embedded with the impeller. One end of the shaft is connected to the connecting element and the impeller is rotated when the shaft rotates.
US07909584B2	Air compressor An air compressor assembly can include a support structure with a compressor mechanism, at least one fluid tank, a pair of wheels, and a handle attached thereto. The air compressor assembly can be configured with the compressor mechanism having a perpendicular orientation relative to the at least one fluid tank so as to provide a relatively narrow assembly and to facilitate servicing and/or maintenance of the assembly. Furthermore, the wheels and handle can be configured so that the assembly can be relatively easily located in a balanced transport position. Additionally, an accessory support plate can be attached to the top of the assembly to serve as a dolly.
US07909581B2	Layer system, use and process for producing a layer system Layered systems, which are used at high temperatures, often degrade rapidly when a layer has been lost, leading to the damage or loss of the component that consists of said layered system. A described layered system comprises at least one cooling safety orifice, which is e.g. covered by an intermediate layer and an outer layer. The cooling safety orifice opens if the layers are damaged, in such a way that the layered system is additionally cooled by a coolant that flows through the cooling safety orifice.
US07909571B2	Centrifugal fan and frame thereof A frame for a centrifugal fan. The frame includes an air inlet and an air outlet. A first barricade is formed on one side of the air inlet and extends outwardly, preventing impurities from entering the air inlet. A second barricade is formed on part of the periphery of the air outlet and extends outwardly and axially, contacting a guide plate of a system and reducing reflow of air.
US07909560B1	Flatbed tow truck pivoting platform assembly A flatbed vehicle carrier assembly comprising a carrier body subassembly including a carrier floor supported by a carrier body slide enabling sill frame. An intermediate subframe subassembly is capable of sliding and being pivotally integrated with a slide enabling tilt and pivotal control subassembly, which is pivotally secured therebetween to a mounting platform support assembly. A pivot control device provides a means to rotate and rearwardly transfer and posture the intermediate subframe. The carrier body sill frame is slideably assembled to the intermediate subframe, being driven by a longitudinal control actuator. A ramp can be pivotally integrated into a loading end of the carrier body subassembly. The carrier and ramp floors are fabricated of a series of interlocking extrusion members.
US07909559B2	System for feeding storing units The invention relates to a system for operating storage units. The inventive system enables quick storage and removal therefrom and exhibits an optimum redundancy capacity. In order to counteract shortfalls in individual shelf operation devices, the inventive load receiving means acts as a support for a system for operating storage units, especially high shelf storage units, comprising means for mechanical connection to shelf unit, a lift device and a device arranged thereon for the transversal movement of loads, whereby the means for connection to a shelf unit has an electric drive unit with a pinion gear, driving a toothed rack and the toothed rack is arranged and embodied in such a way that when the pinion gear is rotated said toothed rack moves laterally outside the load receiving means, and the toothed racks are respectively provided with means which protrude from the ends thereof above the load receiving means, engaging into corresponding receiving devices on the shelf units.
US07909556B2	Charging device and distribution chute for a shaft furnace A charging device for a shaft furnace comprises a distribution chute for bulk material and a drive mechanism for the distribution chute. The distribution chute has a trough-shaped main part with an open impact section and an outlet section. The main part provides a sliding channel between the impact section and the outlet section. The drive mechanism for the distribution chute is capable of rotating the distribution chute about an essentially vertical axis and pivoting the distribution chute about an essentially horizontal axis so as to allow distribution of bulk material on a charging surface of the shaft furnace. According to the present invention, the distribution chute comprises a circumferentially closed funnel portion which tapers in the direction of flow and is arranged downstream of the impact section and with its outlet at the downstream end of said trough-shaped main part.
US07909553B2	Cargo bed storage structure for a vehicle A cargo bed storage structure is provided for a vehicle. The cargo bed storage structure includes a cargo bed having a floor and a wall. The wall has a first portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the floor and a second portion extending inboard from the first portion. An attachment member is fixed to a lower surface of the second portion of the wall. A tie-down device has a first end that is fixed to the first portion of the wall. The tie-down device is operative in a stowed configuration and a usage configuration. The second end of the tie-down device is releasably engaged with the attachment member when the tie-down device is in the stowed configuration such that the tie-down device is disposed entirely outboard of an inboard distal end of the second portion of the wall.
US07909551B2	Apparatus and method for shaving the inside of barrels An apparatus and method for shaving the inside of barrels. The 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. The resultant internal dimensions of the barrel are not reflective, relatively, of the original barrel surface. The invention includes a scanning device to scan the internal dimensions of the barrel, and a cutting device to shave the internal surface to a predetermined depth relative to the scanned internal dimensions and where the scanning device and the cutting device may be supported by different robotic arms.
US07909550B1	Swivel spindle head with gear device driven by multiple torque motors A swivel spindle head with gear device driven by multiple torque motors is disclosed, which comprises: a tool spindle, having a first shaft and a second shaft being radially disposed at two opposite sides of the tool spindle while sharing a common axial line; a plurality of torque motors, radially disposed at a side of the tool spindle; and a reduction gear set, radially disposed at a side of the tool spindle opposite to the plural torque motors, composed of a plurality of driving gears and a driven gear; wherein the amount of the plural driving gears is the same as that of the plural torque motors while enabling each of the plural driving gears to connect with a rotor shaft of its corresponding torque motor, and the same time, connecting the driven gear on the second shaft of the tool spindle.
US07909547B2	Replaceable tip for a bit or auger bit Tool elements, such as, bits, auger bits, concrete bits, etc. are provided. The tool elements include a body and a cutting element removably connected to the body. The cutting element may be removably connected to the body in a variety of manners. The body and the cutting element may be made from a similar material or from different materials. The tool element may also include a second cutting element removably connected to the body or to the first cutting element. In some aspects, the second cutting element is a feed screw. In other aspects, the second cutting element is a continuation of the first cutting element.
US07909546B2	Thread cutting insert In this thread cutting insert, on a common edge section of front and back faces of an insert main body, there is formed a pair of cutting edge sections that project from the edge section when seen from a direction facing the front and back faces, and on at least two of four projecting faces that respectively face the front and back face sides of the pair of these cutting edge sections, there is formed a thread cutting edge with the projecting face serving as a rake face.
US07909540B2	Portable surface air supply system A portable air supply system includes a main frame for nesting paired air SCUBA cylinders therein. Saddle arms are connected for engaging the frame to pontoons of an inflatable boat. A pair of baskets are connected for carrying umbilical lines. A control box controls air flow, monitors diver status, and provides a communication link.
US07909535B2	Soil drainage system A soil drainage system which comprises a core pipe (10) having a plurality of perforations (12). A geocomposite core jacket (14) having a plurality of perforations (16) surrounds the core pipe (10). A geotextile filter fabric (18) wraps around and surrounds the geocomposite core jacket (14). The geotextile filter fabric (18) is permeable to water (20) or other fluids and filters out soil particles (22), or other particles, whereby the water (20) readily permeates the geotextile filter fabric (18), the geocomposite core jacket (14) and the core pipe (10) to provide for a rapid and improved flow of the water (20) and subsequent drainage of the water (20) through the core pipe (10).
US07909534B1	Apparatus and method for endgate with angle adjustment An endgate comprising a mounting bracket adapted to be attached to a screed assembly, a pivoting plate adapted to be pivotally attached to the mounting bracket, a sliding plate, a pavement contacting surface and a support adapted to be pivotally moved with the pivoting plate, a means for applying force to the pavement contacting surface disposed between the support and the sliding plate, a first adjustment means adapted to adjust the amount of force applied by the means for applying force to the pavement contacting surface and a second adjustment means adapted to adjust the angle of the pavement contacting surface. A method comprising providing such an endgate, adjusting the angle of the pavement contacting surface and adjusting the amount of force applied by the means for applying force to the pavement contacting surface.
US07909523B2	Sheet bundle printer and method of controlling sheet bundle printer A sheet bundle printer includes a platen roller facing a sheet bundle having peelably adhered multiple sheets of sheet and pulling up an uppermost sheet thereof, a print head feeding the sheet and performing printing thereon while peeling it off with the platen roller, a platen moving device reciprocally moving the platen roller between a pull up position and a print position, and a control device controlling the platen roller, the platen moving device and the print head, and executing a print processing operation including operations of pull up, platen upward movement, print and feed, and platen downward movement. The control device sets a state where the platen roller is located at a predetermined intermediate position in a path from the pull up position to a non-contact position immediately before the print position, to an operation start position of the print processing operation and executes the operation from that position.
US07909521B2	Direction adjustable camera with magnetic mounting A monitoring camera includes a camera portion that senses image of an object, a base and a shooting angle change device that connects the camera portion and the base with magnetic force. The shooting angle change device can change the shooting direction of the camera portion along X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The shooting angle change device includes a curved rotation guide surface that is formed on the base, a rotation surface that is formed on the camera portion, a magnet that is provided inside one of the camera portion and the rotation guide surface and an attaching member that is provided inside the other of the camera portion and the rotation guide surface. The rotation surface contacts the rotation guide surface. The rotation surface can be rotated relative to the base. The attaching member is made of magnetic substance.
US07909519B2	Single-lens reflex camera including mirror driving device A single-lens reflex camera including a mirror driving device comprises: a mirror; a first biasing spring that biases the mirror downward; a drive lever for performing charge drive and a mirror drive; a second biasing spring that biases the drive lever in a mirror up direction; a locking lever that swings around a pivoting shaft on the drive lever; a mirror up and down lever engaged with the locking lever, the mirror up and down lever pivoting with the drive lever to raise the mirror by the second biasing spring against the first biasing spring, the mirror up and down lever releasing the engagement with the locking lever, and the mirror up and down lever pivoting in a direction opposite the direction during the mirror up by the first biasing spring to thereby lower the mirror; a locking spring that engages and biases the locking lever to the mirror up and down lever; and a charge gear that includes a charge abutment that pivots the drive lever in a charge direction against the second biasing spring and a release abutment that releases the engagement between the locking lever and the mirror up and down lever.
US07909518B2	Optical assembly connecting a laser with optical fibre An optical assembly includes an optical package having a wall with an aperture and includes a laser device capable of emitting a laser beam through the aperture and a collimator including a sleeve defining a first and a second end, the collimator including a terminating portion of an optical fiber. In addition, the assembly includes a joint element having a first and a second surface, the first surface contacting the wall around the aperture in a first contact area, and the second surface including a convex surface contacting a portion of the surface of the sleeve in correspondence of its first end in a second contact area, the convex surface being at least partially inserted in the sleeve, so that the collimator is aligned with respect to the laser beam.
US07909517B2	Wheel support bearing assembly and manufacturing method thereof A wheel support bearing assembly with a hub axle of enhanced strength and a durability under a rotational bending condition as well as weight reduction, and without changing a shape and a dimension of a wheel mounting flange nor deteriorating a surface runout, and a manufacturing method thereof. A surface hardness is set to 20 HRC or more and than 35 HRC or less by applying an air cooling or a thermal refinement after hot forging a raw material of the hub axle, and a shot peening treatment is applied to an inner diameter portion of the hub axle.
US07909516B2	Shaft bearing attachment system A mounting system is disclosed for mounting a bearing assembly or other mechanical element to a shaft. The mounting system uses a tapered sleeve mechanism to secure the bearing assembly on the shaft. Specifically, a plurality of screws point load the tapered sleeve and drive it from a pre-assembled position to an initial position. Once the initial position has been reached a plurality of fasteners then drive the sleeve from the initial position to a final position. The difference between the initial position and final position determined by the width of a removable spacer used in the mounting system. The system also incorporates a jack screw mechanism used to dismount the bearing assembly from the shaft.
US07909514B2	Bearing arrangement for a rotating shaft, and turbine engine equipped with such an arrangement A bearing arrangement with rolling elements is arranged between an outer bearing race and an inner bearing race. The inner bearing race includes a first half-race fastened to the rotating shaft and a second half-race. The bearing arrangement includes a maintaining unit which maintains the two half-races together. The maintaining unit is designed to break or deform when the bearing is subjected to a misalignment or a moment above a predetermined value, so as to allow an axial displacement of the second half-race with respect to the first half-race. The invention may be applied to a bearing for a rotating shaft of a turbine engine.
US07909511B2	Tray for portable digital radiography cassette An apparatus for digital radiography has a cassette adapted to obtain a digital image of a subject in response to incident radiation when receiving source power through an input power connector and adapted to provide the obtained digital image as output from a first data connector. A support tray is adapted to removably seat the cassette and has a second data connector that releasably engages with the first data connector on the cassette when the cassette is seated in the support tray. A wireless communication circuit in the support tray is energizable to transmit the digital image obtained from first data connector of the cassette to a host processor. A battery in the tray provides source power to at least the wireless communication circuit on the support tray circuitry and the input power connector of the seated cassette.
US07909508B2	Sensor assembly for a power bus A sensor assembly is provided for a power bus. The power bus exhibits a number of characteristics, such as a temperature. The sensor assembly includes an enclosure having a housing and a base. At least one sensor such as, for example, a temperature sensor, is housed within the enclosure. The sensor (e.g., temperature sensor) senses a corresponding one of the number of characteristics (e.g., temperature) of the power bus. A power supply is housed within the enclosure, and cooperates with the power bus to provide electrical power to the sensor. An elongated fastener fastens the enclosure to the power bus. The base of the enclosure is adjustable with respect to the housing of the enclosure in order to secure the power bus between the housing and the base. The elongated fastener extends around the enclosure and the power bus in order to secure the enclosure to the power bus.
US07909507B2	Thermal inspection system and method A thermal inspection method is provided for a component comprising at least one complex internal passage arrangement defining at least one opening. The thermal inspection method includes flowing a fluid through the at least one complex internal passage arrangement. The fluid has an initial temperature that differs from an initial temperature of the component. The thermal inspection method further includes measuring a thermal response of the component to the fluid flow and analyzing the thermal response to determine a number of heat transfer coefficients {hlmn} corresponding to respective locations {l,m,n} within the complex internal passage arrangement. The thermal inspection method further includes using the heat transfer coefficients {hlmn} to determine at least one of (a) a flow rate through respective ones of the at least one opening, and (b) a cross-sectional area for respective ones of the at least one opening.
US07909501B2	Safety system preventing rotation of unprotected cutting tool This invention provides a safety system for electrically operated kitchen appliances such as blenders, food processors and the like, to protect users from contact with cutting or macerating implements which, in operation of such appliances, are rotated at reasonably high speeds by powerful electric motors. In order to provide a reliable and robust safety system which is economical to manufacture, the invention utilises a detent member (30, 50) which is rotatable with either the motor or the implement (80). A trapping member (110, 130), which is mobile between two positions along the motor's axis of rotation, but which cannot rotate, traps or releases the detent member, depending upon the trapping member's position. The trapping member (110, 130) is moved into the position at which the detent member (30, 50) is released only when a container (100) is correctly inserted into place to contain the implement. The invention also provides an electrically powered kitchen appliance incorporating such a safety system.
US07909498B2	Lamp holding tool, lighting device for display device using the same, display device using the same and liquid crystal display device using lighting device for display device A lamp holding apparatus for mounting a lamp to a base member includes a mounting plate having a pair of locking portions protruding to a base side. The locking portion is inserted into a mounting hole provided at the base and capable of being locked to a peripheral edge on its back side. Abutting portions, which protrude to the base side and are capable of abutting the base at the time of mounting, are provided on a bottom surface of the mounting plate that is an opposing surface to the base. The abutting portions are provided at three spots with one of the locking portions interposed therebetween. At the time of mounting, each of the abutting portions abut the base, and the mounting plate is elastically deformed so as to be warped, whereby the locking surface of the locking portion is kept in the state in which it is locked to a peripheral edge of a back side of the mounting hole by its elastic force.
US07909493B2	Vehicle headlamp A vehicle headlamp is provided with: a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in a front and rear direction of a vehicle; a light source disposed rearwardly of a rear-side focal point of the projection lens; a reflector configured to reflect direct light from the light source forward to converge reflected light toward the optical axis; a movable shade disposed between the projection lens and the light source and configured to blocking a part of the reflected light from the reflector and a part of the direct light from the light source to form a cutoff line in a light distribution pattern; and a bracket formed from a metal plate member and disposed between the projection lens and the light source, wherein the movable shade is rotatably supported on the bracket. An opening portion is formed in the bracket and configured to pass a part of the reflected light from the reflector along the optical axis. A shade portion is provided on the opening portion and configured to cover a gap between the movable shade and an opening edge of the opening portion.
US07909492B2	Reflector mounting apparatus A mounting apparatus for reflectors such as reflector umbrellas for lighting used in motion picture and still photography. The apparatus secures the reflector by retaining elements and the reflector may be removed efficiently from the apparatus and replaced by another reflector if desired by rotating one of the retaining elements about a hinge. The angular position of the reflector may be adjusted by rotating supports for the retaining elements to desired angular configurations by activation of a gear mechanism in a housing. The apparatus includes an indicator that indicates the position or angular orientation of the reflector and allows a user to orient the reflector into one or more desired angular configurations and remove the reflector while maintaining the orientation of the supports.
US07909488B2	Lamp holder A lamp holder comprising a lamp holder base, a lamp holder housing and a microswitch. In a preferred embodiment, the lamp holder base is substantially cup-shaped around a longitudinal axis and has an arcuate actuator finger coupled to and shielded within the lamp holder base. The lamp holder housing is removably coupleable to the lamp holder base, and the microswitch is mounted within the lamp holder housing, wherein the microswitch is activated by the arcuate actuator finger when the lamp holder housing is coupled to the lamp holder base.
US07909485B2	Light distribution board A light distribution board used as an illuminating cover for a lamp set and having on a transparent board of it saw toothed light gratings, each saw toothed light grating is composed of a convex lens surface and a bevel plane lens surface the saw toothed light gratings are arranged at two lateral sides of a central line of the transparent board to form mirror images one side to the other side, the bevel plane lens surfaces are arranged to face respectively to two lateral sides of the transparent board, while the convex lens surfaces are arranged to face to the central line; the top surface is a light receiving surface of the lamp set. The bottom surface of the transparent board is formed thereon a plurality of convex-lens strip like light gratings and the bottom surface is an illuminating surface of the lamp set. With this structure, light beams can be uniformly distributed and can avoid the phenomenon of Gauss distribution that makes the area below the lamp especially bright, and avoid the phenomenon of dazzling of eyes during looking at the light emitting member in the lamp set, and the light beams become more tender under the condition that lose of brightness is minimum.
US07909484B2	LED-based incapacitating apparatus and method Apparatus and method for using a light source to incapacitate a subject by a pattern of temporal flashing and/or color flashing of the light source. The light source is preferably an array of light emitting diodes. A rangefinder may be used to control the light output from the light source to avoid exposing a subject to light energy beyond a maximum permissible exposure threshold.
US07909483B2	Lighting system The present invention relates to a lighting system comprising a base part (12) with at least one primary coil (18), and at least one light module (13, 14) with a secondary coil (26) adapted to inductively interact with the primary coil (18). The lighting system is characterized in that said base part (12) comprises a substrate (50) carrying said primary coil (18), the winding of which lying in one plane and forming a flat coupling area (16); the winding of the second coil (26) lies in one plane; and said light module (13, 14) comprises at least one light element (20) and a flat bottom surface, so that the light module (13, 14) is placeable with its flat surface on the flat coupling area (16).
US07909480B2	Light source module, method of fabricating the same, and display device having the light source module A light source module includes a mounting substrate including at least two exposed metal lines, a light-emitting diode (LED) including two electrodes disposed corresponding to the at least two exposed metal lines, and an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) provided on the mounting substrate, the ACF electrically connecting the at least two exposed metal lines to the two electrodes, wherein the ACF comprises an insulation body, and a plurality of conductive particles dispersed in the insulation body and insulated from each other, and an insulation of the conductive particles disposed between the two exposed metal lines and the two electrodes of the LED is prevented in at least a first direction.
US07909478B2	Multi battery type flashlight The invention relates to a portable lighting device including a body having a battery compartment, a head coupled to the body, a light source coupled to the head, the light source requiring a first voltage, and a circuit coupled to the light source. The battery compartment is configured to selectively receive batteries of different sizes. The circuit converts voltages of different magnitudes to the first voltage.
US07909476B2	Light source module of light emitting diode A light source module of light emitting diode includes a substrate having circuits, a light-converted component, and several of light emitting diodes. The light-converted component includes a transparent substrate and a fluorescence material layer positioned on the transparent substrate. The fluorescence material layer is divided into a central region and several of surrounding regions surrounding the central region. The central region has a greatest concentration of fluorescence material. The concentration of fluorescence material in the surrounding regions decreases from the center to the outer periphery of the fluorescence material layer. The light emitting diodes form an array and are positioned on the substrate between the substrate and the fluorescence material layer. Each of the light emitting diodes is electrically connected to the circuits.
US07909475B2	Apparatus for rotating lamp set An apparatus for rotating a lamp set is provided. The apparatus includes: a motor; a shaft which is rotatable by the motor and includes screw threads formed thereon; a sliding unit which includes a hole having screw threads formed therein that are engaged with the screw threads of the shaft and an insertion ball, the sliding unit being movable along the shaft upon rotation of the shaft; and a holder unit which includes a groove, the insertion ball being inserted into the groove.
US07909472B2	Projection-type image display apparatus A projection-type image display apparatus includes an image display element, a light source unit, an enlarging projection optical unit, and a display controller portion. The enlarging projection optical unit, includes a projection lens, a group of lenses which are disposed on a same optical axis, sequentially arranged from a side of the image display element and which include at least one lens having a lens surface, and a reflection mirror having a reflection surface which is disposed between the group of lenses and a display portion. The image display element has a display surface larger than a display surface of the display portion, when an entirety of the image display element is enlargedly projected on the display portion through the enlarging projection optical unit; and the display controller portion enables movement of the image on the display surface of the image display element.
US07909466B2	Project equipped with ultrasonic speaker, and method for displaying sound reproduction range in projector A projector includes an ultrasonic speaker, a visual information generation unit that generates visual information relating to a sound reproduction range of the ultrasonic speaker, and an image projection unit that displays the visual information generated by the visual information generation unit on a screen.
US07909460B1	Apparatus for measuring downward rotation amount of eyeball and method for measuring downward rotation amount of eyeball An apparatus for measuring a downward rotation amount of eyeball that measures a length from a distance-vision eye point to a near-vision eye point of a spectacle lens actually worn by a wearer and attached to a frame having an upper side portion and a lower side portion, includes: a line-of-sight position detecting unit that detects a position of a line of sight corresponding to the distance-vision eye point of the wearer and a position of a line of sight corresponding to the near-vision eye point; and a computing unit that computes a distance between the position of the distance-vision eye point and the position of the near-vision eye point detected by the line-of-sight position detecting unit, wherein the line-of-sight position detecting unit has an arm member that is rotatable at one end and positioned at a lateral position of an eyeball of the wearer, a front detecting mechanism that is disposed on the other end side of the arm member and detects a front position of the eyeball of the wearer, and an arm rotation angle detecting unit that detects a rotation angle of the arm member.
US07909459B2	Soft multifocal contact lens A multifocal contact lens (10, 50) made of flexible material is able to translocate on an eye by virtue of a lower end (22) of the contact lens (10, 50) being truncated so as to provide a relatively wide surface. The lower end (22) engages with the lower eyelid of a wearer. The lower end (22) may be provided with a forwardly projecting ledge (52).
US07909457B2	Eyewear assembly for attachment to headwear An eyewear assembly for attachment to headwear such as a sun hat, the headwear including a main body and a visor, the eyewear assembly including at least one eyewear member, at least one mounting means to attach the set of eyewear to the headwear and a pair of rotation mechanisms associated with the mounting means and the eyewear to movement relative to the at least one mounting means between a use position in front of a wearer's eyes and a stored position adjacent the visor of the headwear.
US07909453B2	Ultraviolet irradiation device and ink ejection device An ultraviolet irradiation device includes: a light source which irradiates ultraviolet curable ink with ultraviolet rays; and a jetting port which jets gas to form a gas film facing the light source in an irradiation direction.
US07909452B2	Recording apparatus and recording material A recording apparatus includes an intermediate transfer member, a supply unit that supplies onto the intermediate transfer member a curable solution containing a cationic curable material that is cured by a cationic curing reaction upon application of an external stimulus, a discharge unit that discharges an ink containing a recording substance to a layer to be cured that has been formed by the curable solution supplied onto the intermediate transfer member, a transfer unit that transfers, from the intermediate transfer member to a recording medium, the layer to be cured to which the ink is discharged, and a stimulus supply unit that supplies a stimulus that cures the layer to be cured.
US07909451B2	Printing apparatus and method for forming printed material In a printing section, inks of four colors and a transparent ink are jetted onto an image formation area of a recording paper on which an image is recorded, and a transparent ink is jetted onto an adhesion area at which the recording paper is adhered to the other recording paper. Thereafter, the ink on the image formation area is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the image formation area, and with the transparent ink in the adhesion area not cured as the ultraviolet rays are not irradiated to the adhesion area, the recording paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray of an adhering section. When all the recording papers to be adhered are aligned in the paper discharge tray, the adhesion area of the plurality of recording papers is pressed and heated by a heating plate, and the recording papers P are adhered to each other.
US07909449B2	Ink jet recording apparatus and ink jet recording method An ink jet recording apparatus is provided with a plurality of inks and includes a unit configured to perform a recovery operation by suction of inks from a plurality of ink ejection portions using a suction cap, wherein the plurality of inks include an ink set including a combination of at least a first ink and a second ink, the first ink containing (i) a self-dispersion pigment having at least one hydrophilic group directly or through another atomic group bonded to the surface of the pigment, and (ii) ammonium ions, the second ink containing a pigment, a polymer having an acid value of 160 mg KOH/g or less, and alkali metal ions, and the suction cap used in the recovery operation is individually provided for each of the first ink and the second ink.
US07909445B2	Solid ink stick delivery system with static constraints, strategic barriers and breakage controls A system for an ink delivery system of a phase change ink imaging device comprises a feed chute having an insertion end and a melt end. An ink stick transport is configured to move at least one ink stick between the insertion end and the melt end of the feed chute. At least one sensor is positioned in the feed chute for detecting a coded sensor feature of the at least one ink stick moving along the feed chute between the insertion end and melt end. The system includes at least one nudger positioned in the feed chute that is configured to influence a position of the at least one ink stick moving along the feed chute so that the coded sensor feature of the at least one ink stick is in a sensing position with respect to the at least one sensor.
US07909443B2	Inkjet recording apparatus An inkjet recording apparatus includes: an inkjet head that ejects a liquid functional material toward a recording medium based on image signals; a recording medium conveying unit that conveys the recording medium to a position opposing the inkjet head; a supply path that supplies the liquid functional material to the inkjet head; a reservoir that communicates the supply path, and that reserves the liquid functional material; and a degassing mechanism that is provided in one of the inkjet head, the supply path and the reservoir, and that includes a degassing device and a vacuum pump, wherein the liquid functional material comprises compounds having minimum boiling point of approximately 110° C. or more, and the degassing vacuum degree of the degassing mechanism is approximately 0.06 atm or less.
US07909441B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus including a housing; a recording head which ejects droplets of one or more sorts of inks; a carriage which is provided in the housing and which carries the recording head and reciprocates in opposite directions; one or more ink supply tubes which are connected, at respective one ends thereof, to a tube connection portion of the carriage so as to supply the sorts of inks to the recording head, and is fixed, at respective fixed portions thereof, to the housing such that respective intermediate portions thereof located between the respective one ends thereof and the respective fixed portions thereof forms respective curved portions that are each convex in one of the opposite directions, wherein the ink supply tubes have respective flexibilities assuring that when the carriage reciprocates, the ink supply tubes follow reciprocation of the carriage while the respective curved portions thereof change respective shapes thereof; a pivotable support member which is supported by the housing such that the pivotable support member is pivotable about a supporting point, wherein the pivotable support member includes an arm portion which extends from the supporting point and has a support portion that supports respective portions of the respective curved portions of the ink supply tubes; and a biasing device which biases the pivotable support member in a biasing direction to cause the pivotable support member to pivot in a direction to decrease respective radii of curvature of the curved portions of the ink supply tubes.
US07909440B2	Liquid container A liquid container of the invention has a container body including a storage space and a liquid feed port and a liquid injection port which are installed on the container body. The liquid feed port is structured so as to interconnect the storage space and the liquid ejecting head with each other, when the liquid container is mounted on a liquid ejecting unit. The liquid injection port is structured so as to interconnect the storage space of the container body and a liquid tank of a stationary unit with each other, when the liquid ejecting unit is united with the stationary unit. The invention provides a liquid container effective in realization of a liquid ejecting apparatus which can meet two needs for executing a large amount of printing and transporting when necessary.
US07909439B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting head includes: a flow passage forming substrate which is provided with a plurality of liquid passages each having a pressure generating chamber communicating with a nozzle opening for ejecting a liquid and a communication section communicating with the plurality of liquid passages; an elastic film which is formed on one surface of the flow passage forming substrate and has an opening in an area opposed to the communication section; a pressure generating unit which applies pressure to the inside of the pressure generating chambers; and a reservoir forming substrate which is adhered onto the surface of the flow passage forming substrate on a side of the pressure generating unit and is provided with a reservoir section communicating with the communication section to form a part of a reservoir. An intermediate layer patterned inward from the opening of the elastic film is formed in an area which is a periphery of the communication section on the elastic film and corresponds to the liquid passages, and the flow passage forming substrate and the reservoir forming substrate are adhered to each other through the intermediate layer. An end portion of the intermediate layer on a side of the opening of the elastic film is formed as a tapered portion of which a thickness is gradually smaller, and a cross-section shape in a direction which the thickness of the tapered portion is gradually smaller is a concavely curved plane.
US07909438B2	Piezo-electric type inkjet printhead A piezoelectric type inkjet printhead includes an upper substrate including a pressure chamber to be filled with ink that is to be ejected, a reservoir to store ink that flowed in from an ink container, a restrictor connect the reservoir to one end of the pressure chamber, an intermediate substrate comprising a damper formed on a portion of the intermediate substrate, which corresponds to other end of the pressure chamber, a lower substrate comprising a nozzle to eject ink and formed in a portion of the lower substrate, which corresponds to the damper, a hydrophobic layer formed on a bottom of the lower substrate, and a piezoelectric actuator formed on the upper substrate to supply driving power to eject ink to the pressure chamber, wherein the nozzle is formed in the lower substrate at a predetermined depth from a bottom surface of the lower substrate.
US07909434B2	Printhead and method of printing A printhead having a plurality of drop generators formed on a substrate. Each drop generator includes a nozzle, and the nozzles are arranged in a dual inline architecture. In one embodiment, a column of nozzles includes a first group of nozzles located at a first axial position relative to a scan axis and a second group of nozzles located at a second axial position relative to the scan axis so that all nozzles in the column are located at either the first axial position or the second axial position. The distance along the scan axis between the first axial position and the second axial position is set to reduce dot placement error.
US07909432B2	Liquid ejection head A print head that ejects ink supplied through an ink supply port can prevent the size of satellites from being reduced while inhibiting an increase in resistance to an ink flow. In the print head, ink supply ports are arranged on both sides of a plurality of channels. A predetermined number of ink supply ports are arranged at least at one side of the ink channel all over the range of the arrangement of the channels. One side of each of the plurality of channels is connected via the common liquid chamber to the liquid supply port located so as to extend in a direction in which the channels are arranged.
US07909431B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus includes liquid ejection heads, wipers, and a movement means. The liquid ejection heads respectively have ejection faces, and are arranged in such a manner that the ejection faces form two rows extending in one direction and in addition two of the ejection faces included in different rows do not overlap each other along a direction perpendicular to the one direction. The liquid ejection heads are divided into one or more head groups each including two of the liquid ejection heads corresponding to the different rows. The movement means moves two of the wipers associated with two liquid ejection heads belonging to each head group, from inner end portions of the ejection faces in opposite directions along the perpendicular direction while keeping the two wipers in contact with the ejection faces.
US07909428B2	Fluid ejection devices and methods of fabrication A fluid ejection device includes a fluidic layer assembly mounted to a substrate, the fluidic layer assembly having a raised portion formed on a side that faces away from the substrate. A first nozzle is formed through a portion of the fluidic layer assembly other than the raised portion, and a second, larger nozzle is formed through the raised portion. A method of fabricating a fluid ejection device includes applying a first layer of a photoresist material to a substrate and a second layer of a photoresist material to the first layer. A sequence of exposures defines a first region of soluble material in the first layer that becomes the first nozzle and second and third regions of soluble material in the first and second layers, respectively, that jointly become the second nozzle. A region of insoluble material in the second layer becomes the raised portion.
US07909427B2	Device for printing droplet or ink on substrate or paper A device for printing a droplet onto a substrate includes: a droplet generating member which is needle-shaped and comprises a receiving portion disposed vertically to receive a solution, and a discharge hole connected to the receiving portion and formed on a bottom of the receiving portion so that the solution can be discharged from the receiving portion; a substrate disposed below the droplet generating member, the substrate includes a target portion to which the droplet discharged from the discharge hole of the droplet generating member is dropped and attached; a voltage applier applying a voltage to the droplet so that the droplet can be dropped onto the target portion of the substrate; a volume measuring unit measuring the volume of the droplet; and a droplet control unit maintaining the volume of the droplet at a predetermined level based on the measured volume of the droplet.
US07909424B2	Method and system for dispensing liquid A method and an apparatus for dispensing liquid are disclosed. The method includes the steps of storing one or more liquids in a thermal inkjet print head and providing a well plate having at least one well. At least one of the liquids is dispensed from the thermal inkjet print head into at least one well. The volume of the dispensed liquid is a fraction of the total required volume of the liquid in the at least one well, and the dispensing step is performed multiple times to dispense the required volume of the at least one liquid in at least one well.
US07909421B2	Furniture system enclosing entertainment electronics in range of widths An entertainment center includes a base that expands horizontally to accommodate different width home theater displays; and, a light bridge that rests on top of one or more cabinets placed on either side of the base. The side cabinets provide a vertical column of open space for accommodating wiring among the entertainment system components and ventilation for heat generated by those components. The base includes casters to facilitate moving the base in and out from between the side cabinets. Sliding portions of the base extend horizontally yet continue to transfer all load weight onto the casters. The front woodwork of the base presents a pleasing seamless appearance as a consequence of overlapping trim pieces.
US07909416B2	Vehicle braking/driving force control apparatus According to the present invention, when at least one of a target braking/driving force and a vehicle target yaw moment required to a vehicle cannot be achieved by a braking/driving forces of wheels, a target braking/driving force after a modification and a target yaw moment after a modification are calculated to be values attainable by the braking/driving forces of the wheels. When the magnitudes of the target braking/driving force after a modification and the target yaw moment after the modification exceed the corresponding limit value, these magnitudes are limited to the limit values. Alternatively, when the magnitudes of rates of change of the target braking/driving force after a modification and the target yaw moment after the modification exceed the corresponding limited rates of change, these magnitudes of the rates of change are limited to the limited rates of change.
US07909414B2	Hydraulic circuit for spring applied-hydraulically released brake and hydraulic motor A hydraulic circuit includes a spring applied-pressure released brake, a hydraulic motor, and a control in fluid communication with the brake and the motor. The control is operative between a first position and a second position. When in the first position the brake receives pressure from a first brake pressure source. When in the second position the brake receives pressure from a second pressure source and the motor is short circuited in relation to a motor pressure source. The control can be automatically reset upon pressurization of the hydraulic circuit.
US07909413B2	Hydraulic unit The brake actuation device of a motor vehicle brake system includes a pneumatic brake booster 1, the interior of which is subdivided into at least one vacuum chamber and one working chamber, a master brake cylinder 2 and a pneumatic motor-and-pump assembly 3 for providing the vacuum in the vacuum chamber, which has a vacuum pump 6 and a motor 7 driving the vacuum pump 6. A vacuum level in the vacuum chamber or a difference in pressure between the vacuum chamber and the working chamber is sensed using a sensor 9, and the motor-and-pump assembly 3 is enabled by an electronic control unit 12 when the vacuum falls below a first defined bottom vacuum level Pe in the vacuum chamber and is disabled when a second defined top vacuum level Pa is reached.The rotational speed np of the motor-and-pump assembly 3 is controlled depending on driving conditions of the vehicle.
US07909411B2	Cycle rim using a sleeve connection and a method of manufacturing such rim The invention is directed to a rim such as a rim for a cycle. The rim includes a circularly extending hollow box-shaped element, in the form of a radial profile of revolution about a transverse axis, with two end surfaces of such element being joined end-to-end at a junction and affixed via a sleeve that is positioned within the hollow box-shaped element, on each side of the junction. The sleeve includes a pair of bearing portions, which exert an internal force inside and against the walls of the hollow box-shaped element, such force being generated by a relative spacing apart of the bearing portions via a spreading device, such as at least one spacing member. The spacing member can be a wedging member or a screw, configured and arranged in association with the bearing portions so as to direct the bearing forces along an essentially transverse direction toward the side walls of the rim. The invention is also directed to a wheel having such a rim, as well as to a method of manufacturing such rim and wheel.
US07909410B2	Roofing saw A roofing saw assembly and corresponding method of use for cutting into a roof a predetermined depth. The saw assembly may or may not include the saw itself. But it otherwise includes a frame having a base and a handle. Front and rear wheel sets are carried on the frame for supporting the frame in rolling movement above a roofing surface. A dead-man brake assembly is associated with at least one of the wheel sets wherein the brake is engaged with the wheel set until it is released to permit wheel rotation. A saw platform is carried on the frame, with the platform being adapted to support the power saw a predetermined height above the roofing surface. A height adjuster is disposed between the frame and the platform for adjusting the saw platform relative to the frame. The assembly can be used to cut roof sections of a predetermined size for easy and tidy removal.
US07909408B2	Easy lift mechanism for vehicle seats A method and apparatus for actuating a folding vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a handle remotely and functionally connected to the vehicle seat for moving the seatback from a folded position to an upright or design position. The handle is pivotally mounted on a support bracket and attached to an actuator member interconnecting the handle and the seatback. The actuator member transfers the motion of the handle to a generally “L-shaped” arm which is pivotally mounted to the vehicle seat below the seatback. The L-shaped arm rotates toward the back of the seat as the handle is lifted. As the L-shaped arm moves, it catches a stop or extension member located on the seatback and moves the seatback toward the upright position.
US07909405B2	Arrangement of operation unit in seat back An arrangement of operation unit in one upper corner portion of seat back of automotive seat is disclosed, in which an operating lever of the operation unit is accommodated in a housing fixed to a connecting bracket disposed in such one upper corner portion, and a shape retaining bracket is fixed to the connecting bracket to retain the peripheral edge region of opening of a trim cover assembly through which an operating lever of the operation unit projects outwardly. The peripheral edge region is inserted between the shape regaining bracket and a bezel, and further, the connecting bracket, housing and trim cover assembly are connected with one another at a connecting point, thereby effectively retaining the peripheral edge region of opening of the trim cover assembly in a predetermined shape conforming to outer contour of the one upper corner portion of seat back.
US07909403B2	Manipulable seat bolster utilizing active material actuation A manipulable seat bolster including an active material actuator configured to selectively cause or enable a condition, such as the geometric configuration, or position of the bolster to be modified, when the active material is activated.
US07909399B2	Back support for seat An orthopedic back support for displacing a person's weight from the lower area of the spine by providing support for the upper torso and for use with a chair or seat having a seat base and a seat back. A flexible fabric cross piece is connected between vertical axillary support members to provide back support. The cross piece may include vertical channels or sleeves at opposite sides to receive and support the vertical members. The entire unit is portable and when in use facilitates unobtrusive intermittent use and easy ingress and egress from the seat to relieve discomfort after long periods of use. A rib band may be attached to the flexible fabric by means of hook and loop fabric strips such as Velcro to form a detachable connection. A hook strip is disposed on the back of the rib band and is adapted to cooperate with a mating soft loop strip on the forward side of the flexible fabric member which supports the user in a seated position by the combined action of the flexible fabric and rib band. Alternatively, the rib band may be used separate from flexible fabric back support in which case the detachable connection is made between the rib band and the seat back. The connections are such that the force of connection is greater in sheer than in tension.
US07909389B2	Protection device for a pivotable cab structure A work vehicle includes a frame, a cab structure pivotably connected to the frame and an implement connected to the frame. A body is disposed between the cab structure and the implement to sufficiently limit pivotal movement of the cab structure with respect to the implement to prevent damage to the cab structure by the implement.
US07909388B2	Device for protection against impact, motor vehicle pillar, and motor vehicle door A device for protection against an impact includes at least one energy absorption body, which is arranged behind an interior car body component, so that a force (F) in effect during an impact is transferred from an exterior car body component through an opening of the interior car body component to the energy absorption body.
US07909386B2	Rail system of a mounting and guide device for a motor vehicle sliding door A rail system of a mounting and guide device for a sliding door of a motor vehicle is provided with a drawn-in rear part, by which the sliding door is displaceable between a closed position in which the sliding door closes a door opening and an open position in which the door is located laterally adjacent to the door opening. The rail system has a guide rail connected to the vehicle body, which is provided with an arc section, which is curved toward the vehicle middle following the drawn-in rear part and a first assembly assigned to the guide rail having a mounting unit engaging in the guide rail, which is displaceable along the guide rail with the aid of a least one displacement element. The rail system also has a support element rigidly connected to the mounting unit and projecting from the mounting unit in front of the displacement element, to which the sliding door is attached so it is pivotably movable.
US07909383B2	Mirror module for vehicle component and method of assembling a mirror module A mirror module for a vehicle component, for example a sun visor, includes a module frame, a mirror connected to the module frame and a having a mirrored surface and a mirror cover supported at the mirrored surface of the mirror. The mirror cover includes a guide that allows the mirror cover to be selectively displaced along a track that is separate from the mirror module between a first position in which the mirrored surface is substantially covered by the mirror cover and a second position in which the mirrored surface is at least partially not covered by the mirror.
US07909381B2	Tailgate assemblies and vehicles including same A tailgate assembly is provided for a cargo bed of a vehicle. The tailgate assembly includes a support panel and a tailgate panel. The support panel is configured for attachment to a vehicle such that the support panel is selectively pivotable between horizontal and vertical positions. The tailgate panel is attached to the support panel. The tailgate panel is configured to selectively define an end wall for the cargo bed when the support panel is in the horizontal position. The tailgate panel is configured to selectively define a step when the support panel is in the vertical position. A vehicle including a cargo bed having such a tailgate assembly is also provided.
US07909380B2	Skip for granular materials A skip for the transport, storage and handling of granular materials (such as sand, gravel and earth) including a base and lateral walls. At least part of the base is a sheet of metal that has been imprinted with one or more relief patterns on one face thereof, with the sheet being disposed such that the pattern is in contact with the granular material during the transport or unloading of the granular material.
US07909378B2	Apparatus for carrying multiple fishing poles An apparatus for carrying multiple fishing poles includes a connecting rod with a first end and a distal second end and a first supporting member affixed to the first end of the connecting rod and a second supporting member affixed to the distal end of the connecting rod. A plurality of recesses is in the supporting members, each of the recesses sized to accept one of the fishing poles. A cloth strap is affixed individually to one end of each supporting member and adapted to removably cover the outer circumference of the given supporting member, thereby removably holding the fishing poles within the recesses of each supporting member.
US07909376B1	Lineman's pole and hook assembly An electrical lineman's pole having a top end and a bottom end. A post extends laterally from the pole proximate its top end. A slot receptacle is provided proximate the post. The slot receptacle has an open top that faces the post and extends in a line perpendicular to the post. To utilize the lineman's pole, the top end is brought into contact with a swinging conductive arm of a protective cutout device. The post extending from the pole is passed through the loop on the swinging conductive arm. A portion of the loop is positioned into the slot receptacle. A lineman pushes on the pole assembly to rotate the swinging conductive arm. The portion of the loop in the slot receptacle prevents the swinging conductive arm from rotating out of a selected plane. Consequently, the cutout protective device does not turn from side to side.
US07909374B2	Handling device and handling method for wafers The invention relates to a handling device and to a handling method for wafers, in particular for wafers with a thickness of less than 100 μm. According to the invention it is provided that an adhesive membrane is arranged so as to delimit at least one workspace, the volume of which can be changed by supplying or removing pressurising medium, and in that the size of the contact surface between the adhesive membrane and the wafer can be adjusted by changing the workspace volume.
US07909369B2	Coupling for joining two pipes A coupling for joining two pipes having end sections, each of which is provided with a circumferential locking rib and can be inserted into the coupling, wherein the coupling has at least one elastic ring that joins at least two elongated webs, and wherein the coupling has stop projections, which lock in place behind the locking ribs when the end sections are inserted in the coupling and can be unlocked to release the connection of the pipes by expanding the at least one ring. Each ring is a separate element from the webs.
US07909368B2	Pipe coupling assembly and method for lined and unlined pipe A coupling assembly includes a first pipe having a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion and a second pipe having a threaded and non-threaded portion. The non-threaded portion of each of the pipes is located at a free end of the first pipe and the second pipe. The coupling assembly also includes a coupling member for fixedly connecting the first pipe and the second pipe. The coupling member includes a first threaded inlet for receiving the first pipe, a second threaded inlet for receiving the second pipe and a non-threaded portion extending between the first inlet and the second inlet. The non-threaded portion of the coupling member includes an annular recess. A cross-section of the annular recess includes a vertical leg, a first angled leg extending from the vertical leg, a horizontal leg extending from the first angled leg, a second angled leg extending from the horizontal leg and a third angled leg extending from the second angled leg to the first threaded inlet of the coupling member.
US07909367B2	Capillary interconnection fitting and method of holding capillary tubing The present invention is a capillary interconnection fitting and method of clamping a capillary in the fitting that separates a forward ferrule that holds the capillary from a secondary clamping device. The fitting comprises a sealing ferrule, a compression screw and a clamping device. The ferrule is fitted in a compression screw that mates to a fluidic component. The clamping device is decoupled from the ferrule and coupled to the compression screw.
US07909366B1	Universal mounting coupler for pools and swim treadmills A universal mounting coupling may be inserted into and through the support structure of a self-contained swimming pool to allow for use of a removable externally driven hydraulic propulsion system to produce a self-contained swimming pool for containment of water and generation of water currents therein for exercise, therapy and or rehabilitation of a user.
US07909363B2	Destructively removable barcode A label is provided having three parts separated by separation lines. Two of the three parts have pull tabs to allow them to be easily removed. The third part is a narrow strip between the separation lines that does not have a pull tab. When the label parts that have pull tabs are lifted off a product, the label separates at the separation lines, leaving the third narrow strip on the product. This narrow strip is then removed with a scraping action that tends to destroy the narrow strip. This makes it difficult to reconstruct the label after it has been removed from a product. In other embodiments, the label has two parts made of material that stretches when the parts are removed from a product. The stretching distorts a barcode graphic printed on the label making the barcode unreadable.
US07909362B2	Manufacturing method of airbag cushion, and the airbag cushion An airbag cushion is manufactured with a rear fabric panel and two front fabric panels. Each front fabric panel has a projecting tether portion to be sewn to an inner face of the rear fabric panel. The front fabric panels are, firstly, superimposed each other. A back end of the projecting tether portion is sewn to a part of a periphery of the front fabric panel, to form a second stitch portion in a recessed shape. A front end of the tether portion is then sewn to the inner face of the rear fabric panel. A periphery of the rear fabric panel is, in addition, sewn to a periphery of the front fabric panel corresponding to the periphery of the rear fabric panel, to form a third stitch portion.
US07909357B2	Airbag apparatus An airbag 33 has a plurality of vertical inflatable cells 37 to 40 each serving as an inflatable portion and non-inflatable portions 41, 45, each of which is arranged between a corresponding adjacent pair of the vertical inflatable cells 37 to 40 and formed by a fabric sheet 34B. The vertical inflatable cells 37 to 40 are deployed and inflated by inflation gas at positions beside corresponding headrests 14L, 14R of the rearmost seat. In contrast, the non-inflatable portions 41, 45 deploy behind the headrests 14L, 14R without inflating. The vertical inflatable cells 37 to 40 include vertical inflatable cells 38, 39 located at the center of the direction of the width of the vehicle and side vertical inflatable cells 37, 40 arranged at both sides of the direction of the width of the vehicle. A slit 43 and a slit 47, each serving as a displacement permitting portion that permits outward displacement of the corresponding side vertical inflatable cell 37, 40 in the direction of the width of the vehicle, are defined in the non-inflatable portion 41 and the non-inflatable portion 45, respectively. The slits 43, 47 each extend from a distal edge 42, 46 of the corresponding non-inflatable portion 41, 45 toward a proximal portion 33A of the airbag 33.
US07909354B2	Wheel chair A wheelchair includes a chassis with rear wheels and front wheels mounted thereto. A support is pivotally coupled by a pivot axis to the chassis. A seat mount is pivotally coupled to the support. An electric actuator can move the support to cause the seat mount to be moved between raised and lowered positions. A clearance is provided between one or more power supply units and suspension mounts to enable the support to move therein during movement of the seat mount to and from the lowered position. The support and actuator are mounted by a mounting assembly that is mounted by guides so that the mounting assembly can be raised by the actuator to further elevate the seat mount.
US07909353B2	Stroller frame having a spine assembly for folding and extending the stroller frame A stroller frame has a front, a back, and a ready for use configuration. The stroller frame includes a spine having a forward end, a rear end, an underside, and a top side. The spine is positioned generally along a center lengthwise axis of the stroller frame with the forward end coinciding with the front of the stroller frame and the rear end elevated above the forward end and coinciding with the back of the stroller frame. A pair of rear legs each has a proximal end coupled to the spine and a distal end located below, laterally outward, and rearward of the respective proximal end. The proximal ends are laterally spaced apart from one another. A pair of support arms each has a proximal end coupled to the spine. Each support arm has a distal end portion located above, laterally outward, and forward of the respective proximal end. A seat is frame coupled to the stroller frame and positioned on the top side of the spine. The stroller can be collapsible in three dimensions. The spine can be lengthwise extendable or retractable, which in turn can move the legs and support arms in concert between the ready for use configuration and a folded or collapsed configuration.
US07909346B2	Bicycle with asymmetric steerer tube A bicycle steerer tube assembly having an oblong asymmetric cross section formed along a portion of the steerer tube. The asymmetric portion of the steerer tube has a first diameter that is generally aligned with an axis of rotation of the front wheel and a second diameter that is generally aligned with a plane of rotation of the front wheel. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter and provides lateral stiffness to the wheel assembly and the second diameter accommodates longitudinal impact absorption of the fork and wheel assembly.
US07909344B1	Adjustable vehicle step An adjustable vehicle step that attaches to the vehicle's frame or body via a downward facing c-channel that extends longitudinally along the lower edge of the side of the vehicle. One or more step assemblies can be attached to the c-channel so that the step assemblies extend outward and downward from under the vehicle. The step assemblies are attachable along the length of the c-channel, making the step assemblies adjustable longitudinally relative to the vehicle so that they can be positioned below the doors of the vehicle. The supporting c-channel is hidden from view by a decorative side bar that attaches to the exposed side of the c-channel making the step assemblies appear to be supported by the decorative side bar. The step assemblies used with the step can be made of various lengths and heights.
US07909342B2	Coupling mechanism for anti-roll bar Coupling mechanism for a vehicle anti-roll bar comprising a first piece able to be fixed to a first half-bar, a second piece able to be fixed to a second half-bar, the second piece being so arranged as to be moveable in rotation about an axis of rotation A relative to the first piece. The mechanism includes at least one elastically deformable elongate element coupled to the first and second pieces so that relative rotation of the first and second pieces about the axis of rotation A causes elastic flexion deformation of the at least one elongate element, the mechanism including an actuator able to position the at least one elongate element in a first state in which the said at least one elongate element presents a first flexion stiffness for the said elastic flexion deformation, and a second state in which the said at least one elongate element presents a second flexion stiffness for the said elastic flexion deformation.
US07909340B2	Vehicle with improved integrated steering and suspension system A three wheeled vehicle that has an improved dual front wheel integrated steering and suspension system that allows the vehicle to be maneuvered by a combination of arm and leg steering movements coupled with front end leaning that shifts the center of mass of the vehicle down and toward the inside wheel. This transfer of mass counteracts a conventional cornering vehicle's tendency to fling its mass to the outside wheel and lift the inner wheel off the ground as well as changing the angle of the line of force exerted through the tires, and enhancing the vehicles's grip on the ground. The vehicle has a reduced amount of sliding and potential of flipping when turning sharply. The steering system is compatible with traditional ACKERMAN steering geometry wherein the inner wheel turns in a smaller diameter circle than the outer wheel.
US07909330B2	Soccer training aid A rebound wall (10) for a ball game includes a base unit (12) and a wall unit (14). The wall unit may be located in at least two different positions relative to the base unit to change how the ball rebounds from the device.
US07909323B2	Skew correction device and recording apparatus with rotating member included in a guide member A skew correction device including a first guide member which supports the sheet transported from a lower side thereof in a vertical direction by the transport roller and which guides the sheet to the gate member and a second guide member which is provided on an upper position from the first guide member in a vertical direction and which guides the sheet to the gate member. Here, the second guide member includes at least one rotating member which faces a transport passage of the sheet interposed between the first guide member and the second guide member and is rotatably provided at least in the center of the second guide member in a width direction intersecting a transport direction of the sheet.
US07909313B2	Bush bearing with bearing body having an axial profile An elastomer bush bearing, wherein the bearing body (2) is encapsulated through axial flanges (4, 4′) of the outer bearing sleeve (3), with the bush bearing having an elastomer bearing body (2) with a special profile in the axial direction. The bearing body (2) is employed in constructing the bush bearing of the invention, which is capable of supporting high radial loads even with low radial stiffness and without adversely affecting its stability and service life. The two axial end faces (5, 5′) of the bearing body (1) each have undulated contours which extend in the circumferential direction (u) in the same direction, both with respect to one another and also over the entire region of the material thickness (d) of the bearing body (2). The end faces (5, 5′) of the bearing body (2) thus have wave troughs (6, 6′, 7, 7′) and wave crests (8, 8′, 9, 9′), whereby the corresponding wave troughs (6, 6′, 7, 7′) of both end faces (5, 5′) and their wave crests (8, 8′, 9, 9′) are formed so as to face one another, and each extend radially over the entire material thickness (d) of the bearing body (2) in the respective circumferential segment.
US07909309B2	Antipersonnel barrier system An antipersonnel barrier system includes at least one concertina coil and a plurality of spaced support members. Each of the support members includes a base section and a vertical section. Each of the concertina coils is secured to the support members to provide a horizontally and vertically stabilized barrier. A length limiting cable is provided to limit the length of spacing between adjacent support members. The support members can include anchoring structure for securing the support members to a support surface. In one embodiment, the concertina coils include two small diameter base coils and a top coil positioned on the base coils.
US07909307B2	Tab winch for stage use A winch with adjustable arms allowing the length to be adjusted. The winch can have a very thin drum to allow it to fit in confined spaces.
US07909304B1	Fuel pump nozzle holding device A fuel pump nozzle holding device for allowing a user to engage a trigger handle of a fuel nozzle and pump gas without having to hold the trigger handle comprising a ring having a first half and a second half, wherein the first half and the second half are connected via a hinge at one end. At the second end, the first half and the second half can be connected by inserting a locking mechanism. A magnet is disposed on the ring that allows the device to be temporarily attached to a fuel tank cover of a car.
US07909301B2	Grip with bipod A grip including at least two hinged monopods, each having an independent telescoping leg, the monopods in the closed position forming a hand grip, and a mounting assembly for mounting the grip on a device, and a method for forming the grip. Preferably, the telescopic leg includes a housing in each of the monopods and at least one spring biased leg telescopingly mounted in the housing.
US07909298B2	Child seat fixing device A device is provided for fixing a child seat to a support structure of a motor vehicle, including a plastically deformable holding device, which is fixed to the support structure and has a holding element to which a fixing element, which is attached to the child seat, can be fixed. In order to permit a defined movement of the holding element during deformation of the holding device, the holding device has at least one bending axis along which the holding device can be deformed when a force, such as a tensile force, acts on the holding element.
US07909297B1	Flexible, low-profile hardware for mounting non-linear structures Flexible mounting brackets and support structures can be used to mount substantially linear panels to substantially non-linear support structures without undue stress. For example, at least one implementation comprises a flexible mounting bracket having an attachment interface located on a proximal portion of the bracket, and a mounting interface on a distal portion of the bracket. The proximal and distal portions of the bracket are pivotally connected with one or more torsion springs, so that the proximal and distal portions can move or otherwise adjust to accommodate any stressing. A system for creating a nonlinear support structure thus includes the flexible mounting bracket, as well as vertical support structure components that can be configured to maintain a non-linear shape. Panels mounted to a plurality of flexible brackets maintain the non-linear shape of the support structure components without undue stress or damage.
US07909296B2	Display with adjustable bracket A display system includes a housing and a support bar. The housing has a front face and a rear face. The support bar includes an elongate body and a first bracket. The elongate body has a front face and a channel. The first bracket is secured within the channel of the elongate body and is adjustable relative to the housing in two substantially perpendicular directions. The rear face of the housing is secured to the front face of the support bar.
US07909294B2	Modular railroad switch stand A switch stand for a railroad switch permits the switch to be locked against unauthorized movement of the switch. The switch stand permits trailing operation, even if locked. Passage of the rolling stock through the locked switch is permitted by allowing temporary movement of switch points of the switch when contacted by wheels of the rolling stock. The switch stand can also be unlocked and the position of the switch points changed manually to an alternate position from the normal or set position and then locked against unauthorized movement of the switch.
US07909291B2	Detection system and method for ice and other debris A system and method for detecting debris on the surface of a member are provided, for example, for detecting ice or other debris on an outer surface of an aircraft. The detection system includes a heating device in thermal communication with the member, an infrared sensing device configured to sense infrared radiation emitted from the member, and a monitoring device in communication with the sensing device. The monitoring device is configured to monitor a change in emission from the member and thereby detect the presence of debris on the surface of the member.
US07909288B2	Crashworthiness structure and method What is described is a locally yielding structure (1) with high energy absorption for aeronautical applications, the said structure being substantially closed and substantially rigid, characterized in that at least one wall (3) of the said substantially closed structure comprises at least one vent valve (8) which can be opened when a pressure exceeding a predetermined value is present within the substantially closed structure (1). In a particularly advantageous application, the invention is used in connection with a helicopter tank and enables the subfloor to be used to absorb energy by being deformed during any impact on the ground. The present invention is also advantageous for limiting the damage caused by explosions in an aircraft fuselage.
US07909280B1	Fishing reel winding apparatus A fishing reel winding apparatus for use with a fishing reel includes a spool-retaining structure in which a spool is mounted and the spool connects to a spool handle hub from which a spool winding handle radially extends for removably interconnecting a fishing reel winding handle and the chuck of an electric drill, so that operation of the electric drill rotates the chuck and the reel to wind fishing line onto the spool, the fishing reel winding apparatus including: a chuck gripping stem for insertion into and engagement by a drill chuck and a handle hub engagement assembly drivably connected to the chuck gripping stem. The handle hub engagement assembly preferably includes a hub receiving cup having a cup side wall with a lateral handle receiving notch and a cup bottom wall drivably connected to the chuck gripping stem.
US07909277B2	Comminution device A comminution device including at least one comminution cylinder supported rotating in a machine frame with at least one comminution tool arranged on it, and at least one counter cutter interacting with the comminution tool, and at least one sieve device for the comminuted material the housing of which encircles the comminution cylinder at least partly, the sieve device and the counter cutter forming a common structural component. The counter cutter is designed like a plate and has recesses designed corresponding to the shape of the comminution tools of the comminution device.
US07909273B2	Shredder with gas detection system A shredder is disclosed having a gas detection system. According to one embodiment, one or more sensors may be placed inside the housing of the shredder to detect the presence of gases, and in particular, flammable or combustible gases. If a gas is sprayed into the shredder, the sensor(s) will detect the gas and the shredder may be deactivated. In addition, an exhaust fan may also be activated to purge the gas from the housing. Further, one or more indicators may be provided to alert the user that the sensor has detected gas. For example, a visible signal and/or audible sound may be generated to alert the user that the sensor has detected a flammable or combustible gas.
US07909272B2	Milling process Process for milling a substance selected from sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and sodium sesquicarbonate or trona, in which a cleaning agent is introduced into a mill for the purpose of obtaining a powder with a mean diameter of less than 100 μm and of inhibiting the formation of incrustations in the mill.
US07909271B2	Fuel injector nozzle for an internal combustion engine A direct injection fuel injector includes a nozzle tip having a plurality of passages allowing fluid communication between an inner nozzle tip surface portion and an outer nozzle tip surface portion and directly into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A first group of the passages have inner surface apertures located substantially in a first common plane. A second group of the passages have inner surface apertures located substantially in at least a second common plane substantially parallel to the first common plane. The second group has more passages than the first group.
US07909270B2	Valve assembly for an injection valve and injection valve A valve assembly (80) of an injection valve (82) has a valve body (4) including a central longitudinal axis (L), the valve body (4) having a cavity (8) forming an inner surface (18) of the valve body (4), the cavity (8) having a fluid inlet portion (42), and a fluid outlet portion (44), a valve needle (10) axially movable in the cavity (8), the valve needle (10) preventing a fluid flow through the fluid outlet portion (44) in a closing position and releasing the fluid flow through the fluid outlet portion (44) in further positions, the valve needle (10) and/or the inner surface (18) of the valve body (4) having a surface layer (48) with a tungsten carbide layer (70) and a carbon layer (72).
US07909267B2	Hand triggered tissue sealant spray apparatus and system An applicator includes a bore for containing a sealant component, a piston moveably positioned in the bore, a plunger member connected to the piston with a distal end disposed within the bore and a proximal end depending from the bore, a distal outlet communicating with the bore and connectable to a gas source, and an actuating member carried by the proximal end of the plunger member to move with the plunger member as the plunger member moves along the bore. The applicator may be used in a system with a gas source connected to the distal outlet, and a control unit connected to the actuating member and the gas source, the control unit adapted to supply gas to the distal outlet from the gas source essentially simultaneous with a force applied to the actuating member.
US07909264B2	Discharge device and method for evaporating a liquid and evaporator A discharge device and a method for evaporating a liquid to the atmosphere are proposed. The liquid pressurized by gas is supplied to an evaporator via a flow restriction device which restricts the flow rate of the liquid such that continuous release and evaporation of the liquid is possible. Further, an evaporator is proposed. The evaporator comprises an evaporation surface which is designed preferably by microstructuring such that the surface area is increased and/or the liquid forms an essentially uniform film on the evaporation surface.
US07909259B2	Pressure activated passive RFID tag Provided is an RFID tag. When no external pressure is applied to a packaging structure, a wire for transmitting power and data from an antenna is separated from an RFID chip by an air layer. When external pressure is applied to the packaging structure, the wire is connected to the RFID chip to transmit the power and data between the antenna and the RFID chip.
US07909258B2	RFID card using Korea paper and the manufacturing method thereof The present invention provides an RFID card using Korean paper and a method of manufacturing the same. The RFID card has a base sheet provided with a chip accommodation portion in which an RFID chip is accommodated, protective sheets stacked on top and bottom surfaces of the base sheet, and transparent film sheets stacked on outside surfaces of the protective sheets and provided with advertisements. The base sheet is made of strawboard that is manufactured by breaking the bark of a paper mulberry tree and straw into pieces and mixing them together. The protective sheet is made of oiled floor paper that is manufactured by coating Korean paper with perilla oil. The transparent film sheets are made of Chinese drawing paper that is manufactured using paper mulberry as raw material. The loop antenna is printed on the strawboard in conductive ink, and is connected to the RFID chip.
US07909257B2	Apparatus having coordinated exposure period and illumination period The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.
US07909256B2	Method and system for automatically focusing a camera A method and system for automatically focusing an image received by an image capturing unit (100) relative to a target is disclosed. The target is present in a sequence of one or more scanned frames. The method includes dividing (302) each frame from the sequence of one or more scanned frames in a plurality of sections. The method further includes iteratively determining (304) a relative focus of the target within each section of the plurality of sections. The method further includes adjustment (306) of a position of at least a first light path adjustment element in response to the determined relative focus.
US07909253B2	Image detection system and methods An image detections system comprising an image detection system configured to detect images. The system also comprises a controller that synchronizes the image detection system to capture a reflected laser beam over a first integration time and to capture an environment image detected by the image detection system over a second integration time that is greater than the first integration time.
US07909252B2	Terminal, method and computer program product for interacting with a signaling tag A terminal for interacting with a signaling tag includes a controller capable of selecting a signaling tag and thereafter receiving a tag type from the signaling tag at least partially over an air interface. The controller is also capable of determining if the terminal is actively operating an application. In this regard, the controller is capable of performing a predefined action based upon the tag type, such as based upon a tag type of “Read Only,” “Read/Write” or “Transceiver in Show Mode.” And when the controller is actively operating an application, the controller is capable of performing the predefined action further based upon the application and a state of the application.
US07909250B2	Memory card slot door unit and digital mobile apparatus having the same A memory card slot door unit selectively opens and closes an entrance of a memory card slot used in a digital mobile apparatus. The memory card slot door unit includes a door for closing an entrance of a memory card slot. A plurality of hinges supporting a pivoting motion of the door against lateral walls of the memory card slot, so that the door selectively opens and closes the entrance of the memory card slot.
US07909249B2	Medical device tracking system with capsule and method Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for tracking a medical device. Systems configured for such tracking may include the capability to either or both detect tampering with the medical device and to effectively expose an encapsulated medical device to sterilization substances and associate the medical device with an identifying characteristic.
US07909248B1	Self checkout with visual recognition A system and method is disclosed for using object recognition/verification and weight information to confirm the accuracy of a UPC scan, or to provide an affirmative recognition where no UPC scan was made. In the preferred embodiment, the checkout system comprises: a universal product code (UPC) scanner configured to generate a product identifier; at least one camera for capturing one or more image of an item; a database of features and images of known objects; an image processor configured to: extract a plurality of geometric point features from the one or more images; identifying matches between the extracted geometric point features and the features of known objects; generate a geometric transform between the extracted geometric point features and the features of known objects for a subset of known objects corresponding to matches; and identify one of the known objects based on a best match of the geometric transform; and a transaction processor configured to execute one of a predetermined set of actions if the identified object is different than the product identifier.
US07909246B2	System and method for establishment of rules governing child accounts A system and method for establishment of rules governing child accounts may include associating, in a database, a first transaction card through which access to monetary funds is extended with a second transaction card through which access to the monetary funds is extended. Also, in the database, the second transaction card is associated with one or more rules governing access to the monetary funds by the second transaction card. Finally, an individual owning the first transaction card is permitted to specify the rules governing access to the monetary funds by the second transaction card.
US07909245B1	Network based method of providing access to information A computer implemented method of providing access to information includes issuing a secure identification element to a user. Such secure identification element is then submitted to a requesting entity in order to access the user's personal information. The requesting entity may access the user's personal information using the secure identification element by way of the processing agent. The processing agent may map the secure identification element to an information segment including personal information of the user by way of an identification element of the user and the information is transmitted to the requesting entity. The method provides a secure way to access personal information without divulging a user's identification number.
US07909244B2	Methods of operating an image-based self-service check depositing terminal to provide enhanced check images and an apparatus therefor A method of operating an image-based self-service check depositing terminal having an optical character recognition (OCR) reader comprises the steps of (a) receiving from a self-service depositor a check to be deposited, (b) illuminating the check with infrared radiation, (c) capturing a first image of the check while the check is illuminated with infrared radiation, (d) processing the first check image to provide an enhanced image of the check, and (e) applying OCR techniques to read a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline from the enhanced check image.
US07909239B2	Attributing harvest information with unique identifiers Systems and methods allow units of produce to be traced back to the fields in which the produce was grown. In the field, a harvest form is completed with harvest information at the time of the harvest. In some instances, labels having unique codes are used to label the produce in the field, and two additional labels are placed on the harvest form to associate a range of unique codes with the harvest information on the form. In other instances, the produce packages arrive at the field already marked with the unique codes. The empty marked packages are themselves packed in boxes, where each box has a unique box code. The unique codes on the empty marked packages are associated in advance with the unique box code on the box, and in the field the unique box code is associated with the harvest information.
US07909233B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor package with fine pitch lead fingers A method for manufacturing a semiconductor package system includes: providing a die having a plurality of contact pads; forming a leadframe having a plurality of lead fingers with flat tops of predetermined lengths, the plurality of lead fingers having a fine pitch and each having a trapezoidal cross-section; attaching a plurality of bumps to the plurality of lead fingers, the plurality of bumps on the tops, extending beyond the widths of the trapezoidal cross-sections, and clamping down on the two sides of each of the plurality of lead fingers; attaching a plurality of bond wires to the plurality of contact pads; attaching the plurality of bond wires to the plurality of bumps; and forming an encapsulant over the plurality of lead fingers, the die, and the plurality of bond wires, the encapsulant leaving lower surfaces of the plurality of lead fingers exposed.
US07909229B2	Method for joining material A method for joining materials in which a second material is overlapped over a first material preliminarily formed with a joining hole so as to cover the joining hole. A joining tool arranged in alignment with the joining hole is pressed, while rotated, onto the second material so as to locally soften and enter the second material in solid phase state into the joining hole of the first material through frictional heat generated between the joining tool and the second material. The joining tool is pulled out after a geometric engaging part is provided by the second material in relation with the first material and the engaging part is allowed to harden to join the first and second materials.
US07909226B2	Device for producing a longitudinally welded hollow profile using a holding-down device A method for producing a longitudinally welded hollow profile from a sheet metal blank having defined longitudinal edges, in which the sheet metal blank is initially preformed into an open seam profile with the aid of at least two tool parts allows for the economical production of accurately formed hollow profiles. This is achieved in that to produce the open seam profile, the sheet metal blank, by a change in the relative position of the tools parts, is placed freely around a mandrel positioned between the tool parts and extending in the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal blank, the outer shape of which mandrel determines the inner shape of the hollow profile to be produced, and in that the shaping of the open seam profile obtained is then completed in one or more stages in each case by a further change of the relative position of the tool parts.
US07909224B2	Interlocking buttress material retention system A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post.
US07909222B2	Endoscopic stapling devices and methods Described herein are endoscopic staplers used to apply one or more fasteners to body tissue. In one embodiment, a fastener-applying device, which is preferably a stapler, is passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed staplers allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver staples for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications are formed, medical devices may optionally be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.
US07909221B2	Battery powered surgical instrument A surgical stapler has a handle assembly including a stationary handle and a trigger. The stapler also has a drive assembly with a body having a working end and a cam member supported on the working end. The cam member is positioned to translate relative to the anvil to maintain the anvil in the closed position during firing of the stapler. The trigger is operatively connected to a power cell. The power cell is operably connected to a motor of the drive assembly. The manipulation of the trigger actuates the power cell such that the power cell powers the drive assembly to effect translation of the cam member relative to the anvil. The stapler also has a channel for supporting the staple cartridge and the motor of the drive assembly controls the actuation sled supported within the cartridge. The actuation sled urges the plurality of staples from the cartridge when the anvil is in the closed position and in cooperative alignment with the staple cartridge.
US07909218B2	Safety apparatus for spring powered staplers This invention provides a safety apparatus for a spring powered stapler, the safety apparatus comprising a lock plate holding up a power spring for storing energy when in a first position, and releasing the power spring when the lock plate being moved substantially horizontally to a second position, a safety pin substantially vertically movable between a third and fourth position, the safety pin being in the third position when the stapler is not pressed against an object, and the safety pin being in the fourth position when the stapler is pressed against an object, wherein when in the third position, the safety pin stops the lock plate from being moved to the second position, and when in the fourth position, the safety pin makes room for the lock plate to be moved to the second position.
US07909216B2	Device and method to feed and align a web with increased web stability for printing A web alignment method and apparatus for a printing system that includes a friction drive, wherein the alignment device provides one or more of the following: a) a stable medium path with reduced web-walk, b) an alignment system that is not sensitive to the mechanical alignment of an upstream device such as a roll unwinder, c) an alignment system having a lower complexity and lower cost than active controlled systems, and d) an alignment system that is compatible with a wide range of media, ranging from lightweight papers (for example 60 gsm) to heavyweight stock (such as 300 gsm) including high weight high gloss coated grades. The alignment device includes an arrangement for supporting the web in an arcuate form between adjustable side guides.
US07909214B2	Shoulder strap and waist belt bag The present interlocking bag and waist belt invention assists the user that must carry weight comfortably while being able to access the contents. The embodiment of the present invention teaches a soft bag, a waist belt, an optional detachable shoulder strap, and a connecting system that includes a rigid member or semi-rigid member interlocking between the waist belt and the bag through placement in looped pieces which are fixed alternatively on bag and waist belt. This invention will be of importance to walking delivery people, but the utilization will be more expansive. People young and old who are attracted by the informality of messenger bags but who want more comfort, may use the present interconnecting bag and waist belt invention for school, work, and travel.
US07909211B2	Dispensing cartridge with vented piston A dispensing cartridge with a vented piston is disclosed. The piston includes a piston shell and a bleed plug. The arrangement of the piston shell and the bleed plug allows air to be vented through the piston until all of the air is vented out of the dispensing cartridge. With the air vented out of the dispensing cartridge, the piston self-into actuates into a closed sealed position in which the bleed plug forms a seal with the piston shell to prevent further fluid from flowing between the two elements.
US07909210B2	Flavoring component holding dispenser for use with consumable beverages A dispenser for a bottle that is adapted to contain a consumable beverage. The dispenser includes a dispenser body defining a chamber therein. The chamber is adapted to hold a flavoring component. The dispenser body has a first dispenser end, suitable for drinking therefrom, and has a second dispenser end, adapted to be positioned within the bottle when the dispenser is engaged with the bottle. The plunger is slidably disposed at least partially within the dispenser body for movement from a first plunger position to a second plunger position, in which the plunger penetrates a portion of the dispenser body to create a passageway. When the plunger is in the second plunger position and a cap is in a first cap position, the plunger end cooperates with the cap to seal the cap opening.
US07909206B2	Dispensing apparatus system and method An automatic dispensing apparatus system and method for dispensing predetermined objects is disclosed. More particularly, the invention is an automatic bottled water dispensing apparatus system and method having a housing which houses various sizes of bottled water and a conveyor system for transporting the bottled water to a dispensing member for a customer. The dispensing apparatus system also includes a return machine for returning empty bottles, a plurality of selection members, a payment member and an inventory monitoring member.
US07909204B2	Resealing overcap for a container An overcap is provided for fitting over a top end of a container of the type having a top end closure including an inner rim defining an opening for access to the inside of the container. The overcap includes a body portion having an outer peripheral flange for attachment to the top end closure. The overcap further includes a downwardly depending flange adapted to engage the inner rim of the top end closure with a friction fit. The downwardly depending flange includes a vent that is active during engagement of the flange with the inner rim, prior to forming the friction fit between the flange and the rim.
US07909194B2	Thermoplastic vulcanizates and sealing devices made therewith An article for sealing the contents of a container, the article comprising a member adapted for sealing the container, where the member includes a thermoplastic vulcanizate including a dynamically cured butyl rubber, a thermoplastic polyurethane having a glass transition temperature of less than about 60° C., and a synthetic oil.
US07909193B2	Packaging cap A cap for a package containing granular or particulate food, such as pet food, for example includes a measuring cup portion, which is shaped to cover a sealable cap on the container, and a holding portion designed to be held in one hand while filling the measuring cup portion with the granular food. The holding portion includes a wall thickness, which is the same wall thickness found in other portions of the cap. The top and bottom surfaces of the holding portion have top and bottom protrusions, respectively. The top and bottom protrusions are aligned with each other to provide added thickness in the holding portion that makes it easier to grip the holding portion and that conveys a more substantial feel to the hand to make it easier to hold the cap.
US07909190B2	Storage, transporting, stacking and order-picking container For a storage, transport, stacking, and order-picking box (1) having a floor (2) and four walls (3a and 3b; 4a and 4b), of which at least one wall (4b) is designed as a movable element and in such a way that it can be latched to the adjacent walls (3a and 3b), wherein after being unlatched the one wall (4b) can be moved away to open up a large unloading opening (18) into the box interior, the movable box wall (4b) on at least one of its two outer edges has latching and unlatching means (9; 119) that are integrated into the wall structure, are freely accessible from the front, can be pivoted in a vertical plane in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and can be latched to the respective associated adjacent wall (3a and 3b).
US07909185B1	Wrap and roll light cord holder A lightweight storage device for objects strung on a cord or cords includes an elongated rod having two ends and being made of lightweight material, a foot on each end of the elongated rod; and a plurality of separating elements spaced along the elongated rod where each plurality of separating elements includes a number of pegs circumferentially disposed about a plane intersecting with the elongated rod and wherein the length of each peg in each separating element is approximately the same and is of a length so that at least two of the pegs are capable of holding the elongated rod stationary and the length of each peg is such that a string of objects wrapped about the elongated rod are spaced from the ground when the lightweight storage device is placed on the ground.
US07909183B2	Hanger with a display light bar A hanger includes a display light bar and a hanging bar defining a support portion pivotally connected to the display light bar. The display light bar may be raised and lowered via the hinge pin. The display light bar defines a channel in which one or more LEDs may be arranged to emit lights of a desired color or colors, providing a method for identifying goods hung on the hanging bar at a distance. A tagger is provided at an opposed end of the display light bar for hanging a tagging plate providing additional information regarding the goods.
US07909179B2	Modified polyamide matrices and methods for their preparation The invention provides novel polymer matrices and methods for preparing polymer matrices.
US07909176B2	Drinking straw including an ice trapping net The invention includes a drinking straw with an inverted funnel-shaped net retained near a lower end of the straw. The net traps ice at the lower end of the straw to cool liquid drawn into the lower end of the straw.
US07909171B2	Single vane slat A single vane slat design for use in a sieve or chaffer of a harvester combine. The single vane slat has a weld pocket, preferably on its bottom surface, for receiving a wire on a frame. The single vane slat may be formed of a 26 gage material, and may be attached to the wire using two small welds. The weld material is configured to flow into the weld pocket upon being welded, and achieve direct and incidental contact between the wire and the slat. The weld pocket of the slat is configured such that the slat is self-fixturing to the wire, which lends to the ability to weld the slats to the wires while fixed in the frame. This facilitates accommodating a large number of frame types and sizes.
US07909158B2	Walking-beam conveyor A walking-beam conveyor has a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel, and transversely spaced fixed support rails, at least one walking beam between and generally parallel to the rails, and at least two lifters underneath the walking beam and operable to raise the walking beam from a return position generally below the rails to a conveying position generally above the rails. In accordance with the invention a first longitudinally extensible hydraulic actuator has opposite longitudinal ends one of which is secured relative to the rails. A second longitudinally extensible hydraulic actuator has opposite longitudinal one of which is secured to the other end of the first actuator and the other of which is secured to the walking beam.
US07909154B2	Pallet exchanger A pallet exchanger capable of providing a sufficient operation space on an operator's access side, for example, in front of a machining space, without increasing the size of the exchanger is provided. An arm is formed in a chevron shape in a plane view including two forks as pallet supporting parts, which are arranged radially from a turning spindle with less than 180° angle between them such as 120° . Further, by means of a table, the arm is slidable between a stand-by position in front of a machining space and a retreating position laterally separated by a predetermined distance from the stand-by position in a horizontal position. By moving the arm on the retreating position side, an operation space can be provided in front of the machining space.
US07909150B2	Expandable bag An expandable bag includes a body having a lower portion defining a closed bottom and a generally upstanding lower sidewall having an upper rim and an upper portion defining an upper sidewall having a lower edge coupled adjacent to the upper rim of the lower portion and having an upper rim defining a top opening. The upper portion is movable between a folded position, in which the upper sidewall is folded within the lower sidewall such that the upper rim of the upper portion and the top opening thereof is disposed generally adjacent to the upper edge of the lower portion to define an interior compartment of a certain size, and an extended position, in which the upper portion is unfolded and extended upwardly, thereby extending the height of the body and creating an interior compartment of greater size.
US07909148B1	Combination food cooler and table assembly A combination food cooler and table assembly includes a cooler base having an insulated cavity covered by a removable lid and a table assembly overlying the cooler lid. A table sub-panel has two legs that slide within table leg sleeves at opposite ends of the cooler base. A table top mounted over the sub-panel includes a central panel and a pair of drop leaves hingedly attached to opposite sides of the central panel. A pair of handhold openings in the sub-panel, accessed through hinged covers at the ends of the central panel, permit the user to raise the table assembly to a desired height. The central panel is mounted atop the sub-panel by means of a swivel mechanism that permits the table top to be rotated about its central axis 90 degrees with respect to the sub-panel when the drop leaves are raised outwardly and upwardly from a vertical or transport position to a horizontal position. A locking handle/pawl mechanism associated with each of the table leg sleeves engages a selected one of a plurality of recessed notches in the table leg sleeves to thereby lock the table assembly in a raised position of desired height above the cooler base.
US07909140B2	Lubricating structure of planetary gear mechanism There is provided a lubricating structure of a planetary gear mechanism which can simplify the outer shape of an introducing section formed by an oil catch plate, for introducing lubricating oil, and ensure a high degree of design freedom. In a double pinion type planetary gear mechanism, the distance from the axis of a carrier to the outermost edge of an opening in the direction of the carrier's diameter in an lubricating oil introducing hole formed in an outer diameter side pinion shaft and the distance from the axis of the carrier to the outermost edge of an opening in the direction of the carrier's diameter in an lubricating oil introducing hole formed in an inner diameter side pinion shaft are equal to each other. Therefore, lubricating oil can be supplied to the inner diameter side pinion shaft through the introducing section irrespective of the amount of lubricating oil that can be supplied to the outer diameter side pinion shaft. Also, the shape of a centrifugal cancel piston as the oil catch plate forming the introducing section can be simplified to increase the degree of design freedom.
US07909139B2	Powered lift platform The present invention is a powered lift platform including a platform, at least one guide rail section in operative contact with the platform, each of the at least one guide rail sections comprising at least one guide rail and in which a first end of each of the guide rail sections is configured to removably attach to a second end of a second guide rail section. The invention also includes a lift mechanism supported by the platform, a lift guide in operative contact with the lift mechanism and attached to the upper portion of the upper guide rail, a power supply to operate the lift mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, at least one wheel is operatively attached to the powered lift platform. Also presented is a method for securing the powered lift platform to a columnar-like support. Also presented is an extendable standoff.
US07909137B2	Support harness A harness system for supporting a person off of a ground surface. The harness system may include a seat supported by a strap attached to the seat. The strap may form one or more leg containing loops for keeping a person securely positioned in the harness. The harness may also include a climbing strap for securing the harness loosely to a support device, such as a tree, while a person climbs a support device. The harness may be secured to a person by tightening a waist strap around the person's waist. The harness system may include a fall restraint device and should straps enabling the harness system to qualify as a fall arrest system.
US07909127B1	Wheel hub cartridge and carrier A two piece wheel hub assembly includes a hub cartridge assembly and a vehicle-mounted carrier. The cartridge assembly can be readily attached to and removed from the carrier without removal of the carrier from the vehicle.
US07909122B2	Methods of steering heavy mobile medical equipment Methods for steering mobile medical equipment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes supporting medical equipment with a base above a floor over which a left steerable wheel, a right steerable wheel, and a pair of front wheels roll; receiving an input steering angle other than zero; linearly sweeping a long link in response to the input steering angle, pivoting a pair of short links in response to the linearly sweeping of the long link; pivoting a pair of cam plates in response to the pivoting of the pair of short links; transferring the pivoting of one of the pair of cam plates to a left wheel assembly to position the left steerable wheel at a left wheel angle; and transferring the pivoting of another one of the pair of cam plates to a right wheel assembly to position the right steerable wheel at a right wheel angle.
US07909121B2	Polycrystalline ultra-hard compact constructions Polycrystalline ultra-hard compact constructions comprise a polycrystalline ultra-hard compact having a polycrystalline ultra-hard body attached to a substrate. A support member is attached to the compact by a braze material. The support member can have a one-piece construction including one or more support sections. The support member has a first section extending axially along a wall surface of the compact, and extending circumferentially along a portion of the compact. The support member can include a second section extending radially along a backside surface of the compact, and/or a third section extending radially along a front side surface of the compact. In one embodiment, the support member includes a second and/or third section and the compact disposed therein is in an axially compressed state. The support member is interposed between the compact and an end-use device.
US07909117B2	Downhole adjustable bent-angle mechanism for use with a motor for directional drilling A housing including longitudinally extending tubular members interconnected to allow controlled relative bending thereof, during a drilling operation, a rotary drive transmitting torsion bar extending generally longitudinally within the housing to controllably bend in response to relative bending of said members, a rotary drill bit operatively connected to said torsion bar to be rotated as the bar rotates, a rotary drive operatively connected to the torsion bar to rotate the bar, means for controlling relative bending of the said members during torsion bar rotation and as a function of such rotation.
US07909109B2	Anchoring device for a wellbore tool An anchoring device for tool is disclosed that can be positioned downhole and used in casing. The anchoring device can have an architecture that supports installation by running downhole and into engagement with a recess formed in the casing. The anchoring device can support the use of weak materials such as plastic.
US07909107B2	High capacity running tool and method of setting a packoff seal A high capacity running tool sets and internally tests a casing hanger packoff during the same trip. The running tool has a stem and a body. The body is secured by threads to the stem of the running tool so that rotation of the stem relative to the body will cause the stem to move longitudinally. An engagement element connects the tool body to the casing hanger by engaging the inner surface of the casing hanger. Longitudinal movement of the stem relative to the body moves the engaging element between inner and outer positions and lines up ports in the stem and in the body for setting and testing functions.
US07909103B2	Retrievable tubing hanger installed below tree A subsea wellhead assembly has a tubing hanger landed in a wellhead housing. A spool lands on the wellhead housing and has a bore with a laterally extending production flow outlet. A tree cap having an axially extending flow passage and a laterally extending production flow outlet lands within the bore of the spool. Upper and lower seals on the tree cap seal between the tree cap and the bore of the spool above and below the production flow outlet of the spool. An isolation tube on a lower end of the tree cap sealingly engages the production flow passage of the tubing hanger. The tree cap may be ran with the spool as an assembly and retrieved from the spool for workover operations.
US07909096B2	Method and apparatus of reservoir stimulation while running casing A method for stimulating a reservoir formation while running a casing string into the wellbore includes the steps of: connecting a stimulation assembly to a casing string, the stimulation assembly including a packer actuator in operational connection with a packer and a logging sensor; running the casing string into the wellbore and positioning the logging assembly proximate to a selected reservoir formation; logging the reservoir formation; positioning the stimulation assembly proximate to the reservoir formation; actuating the packer to substantially isolate the reservoir formation from the wellbore; performing the stimulation operation; releasing the packers from sealing engagement with the wellbore; positioning the logging assembly proximate to the reservoir formation; logging the reservoir formation; and disconnecting the stimulation assembly from the casing string.
US07909094B2	Oscillating fluid flow in a wellbore A system for oscillating compressible working fluid in a wellbore defined in a subterranean formation includes a fluid supply and a fluid oscillator device. The fluid supply communicates compressible working fluid into a conduit disposed within the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device is configured to reside in the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device includes an interior surface that defines an interior volume of the fluid oscillator device, an inlet into the interior volume, and an outlet from the interior volume. The interior surface is static during operation to receive the compressible working fluid into the interior volume through the inlet and to vary over time a flow rate of the compressible working fluid from the interior volume through the outlet.
US07909092B2	Downhole separator The desander (10) for positioning downhole includes a generally tubular desander body (16) and a generally sleeve-shaped vortex body (39, 94). The desander with a seal or packer may be positioned in a well below the casing perforations. The desander with an ESP may be used with gas separator (60), which may include a seal (24) for positioning above the producing formation. The separator (60) may be used independent of the desander for some applications.
US07909091B2	Apparatus having improved interlocking units for flexibly restraining service loops in an oil derrick to prevent entangling of the loops An apparatus for flexibly restraining service loops in an oil derrick to prevent entangling of the loops, including a plurality of identical apparatus wherein each apparatus is positioned at different longitudinal level to restrain the service loops. The apparatus contains multiple improved interlocking units having a shape of the sleeve. Each unit includes first and second members and intra-unit affixing members in addition to an adhesive to affix the members and service loop together. Each member is an insert steel enhanced rubber structure. A transverse interconnecting ring is connected to the inner insert steel through which service loops are retained together by a cable.
US07909090B2	System, method and apparatus for scale resistant radial bearing for downhole rotating tool components and assemblies Radial bearing designs for electrical submersible pump components and assemblies reduces scale build up on the bearing components. Scale resistant and abrasive resistant sleeves and bushings may be used. The axial lengths of the sleeves are kept within the axial length of the AR bushings, or vice versa, with regard to the axial stroke of one component relative to the other. In addition, sharp corners may be formed on the sleeve or bushing axial faces at their respective interfacing diameters. As the shaft moves axially, the sharp corner on one component scrapes off the scale on the other component. This design discards the scale rather than force it into the clearance between the sleeve and bushing. Small spacer sleeves also may be used adjacent the sleeves so that scale build up on the spacer sleeves is farther away from the bearing to reduce scale-related problems.
US07909086B2	Method for continuously casting billet with small cross section Continuously casting a billet with a small cross section by pouring molten steel into a mold using a cylindrical immersion nozzle is characterized by measuring the molten steel level in the mold using an eddy current sensor. The level is controlled based on the thus-measured value, motion of steel in the mold is adjusted by electromagnetic stirring, a cooling zone during the final period of solidification is disposed within a certain region ranging from the meniscus to the specific site, and casting speed is adjusted so that the region in which the solid phase ratio at the billet center is 0.3-0.99 may be included in the cooling zone during the final period of solidification. The secondary cooling water amount and the billet surface temperature at the entrance to the cooling zone the density of cooling water in the cooling zone during the final period of solidification are optimized.
US07909082B2	Two-component shower curtain A zippered together shower curtain and valance in which the valance remaining on the shower support rod after the curtain is unzipped for laundering masks the upper zipper track from view and has other attendant benefits.
US07909079B2	Radio frequency welding system for flexible work pieces and apparatuses for same A radio frequency welding system for flexible work pieces having a top-side and an underside. The welding system includes a fixed weld platform, a mobile radio frequency welder adapted to move over the fixed weld platform, movable welding electrodes configured over the fixed weld platform and adapted to engage the underside of the flexible work pieces and movable grounding apparatus adapted to engage the fixed weld platform and the mobile radio frequency welder so as to provide a return radio frequency electrical circuit.
US07909075B2	Pneumatic tire with tread having narrow groove A pneumatic tire comprising a shoulder land portion and a narrow groove, the narrow groove comprises a first enlarged portion enlarging a groove width at a groove bottom only on the sacrificed portion side, a second enlarged portion being formed adjacently on the tread face side of the first enlarged portion and enlarging a groove width only on the sacrificed portion side, a projection portion being formed between the first enlarged portion and the second enlarged portion while projecting toward the main body land portion from an inner wall on the sacrificed land portion side, and a flat face portion having a depth, from the tread face, of 30% or more of a groove depth of the narrow groove, and having an inner wall on the sacrificed land portion side and an inner wall on the main body land portion side.
US07909074B2	Floor engaging device for workbench A workbench includes a wheel device secured to a work table, four floor engaging extremities attached to the work table, four rotary members rotatably attached to the work table and engaged with the floor engaging extremities respectively for adjusting the work table up and down relative to the floor engaging extremities, and a coupling device for coupling the rotary members together and for allowing the rotary members to be rotated relative to the floor engaging extremities simultaneously and thus for allowing the work table to be adjusted up and down relative to the floor engaging extremities simultaneously. A hand wheel may be coupled to the coupling device for operating the coupling device.
US07909072B2	Micro-adjustment device for the angle stop plank of a planar An adjustable stop plank for a power tool includes a drive mechanism connected to the stop plank for continuous adjustment of the angle of the stop plank with respect to the work surface and has a display for indicating the current angle of the stop plank. In one form, the micro-adjusting device for the stop plank of a power tool includes a hand wheel unit provided on the holding frame operable to continuously adjust the angle of the stop plank. The power tool may include indicia to indicate a plurality of angles for the stop plank and an index for indicating on the indicia the current angle of the stop plank.
US07909071B2	Method for the contamination-preventing emptying and filling of bulk containers A method for the contamination-preventing transferring bulk material between a container having a flexible opening and a connecting tube using a tubular film is placed around the connecting tube; the tubular film is tied beyond the connecting tube leaving a free end of the tubular film beyond the tying point; the flexible opening and the tubular film are connected; the tying points of the outlet and the tubular film are untied, and the bulk material transferred; the free end of the tubular film, is constricted and additional tubular film is pulled from a tubular film supply until clean tubular film is available beyond the connecting tube; the tubular film is closed at two points in the clean section and cut in two between them; additional tubular film is pulled from the tubular film supply, and tied at a tying point located at a distance from the cutting point.
US07909063B2	Microchip inspection system and program employed for the same There is described a microchip inspection system, which makes it possible not only to correct the influence of the viscosity change of the liquid, but also to accurately conduct the liquid conveyance controlling operation. The microchip inspection system includes: a micro pump to inject a driving liquid from a liquid flow path into a microchip; a liquid temperature adjusting section to adjust a liquid temperature of the driving liquid; a driving liquid detecting section to detect presence or absence of the driving liquid at two predetermined positions located in the liquid flow path, so as to output detection signals; a fluid velocity calculating section to calculate a fluid velocity based on the detection signals outputted by the driving liquid detecting section; and a liquid temperature controlling section to control the liquid temperature adjusting section, based on the fluid velocity calculated by the fluid velocity calculating section.
US07909061B2	Magnetic coupling for sprayheads A faucet including a faucet head, a body and a magnetic coupling releasably coupling the faucet head to the faucet body.
US07909057B1	Valve insert A valve insert including a ring made of a resilient material. The ring has a shape that is defined by the rotation of an irregular polygon around a central axis. Superposing a quadrilateral and a circle forms the irregular polygon.
US07909056B2	Connector for transferring fluid and method of use A connector for transferring fluid and method therefor. The connector may have a first port, a second port, and a third port which may be coupled together at a main channel with a first valve element therein controlling fluid flow through the first port. The first valve element is supported by a valve element support positioned between the first port and the third port, and the second port joins the main channel to provide a fluid path around the first valve element and through the third port.
US07909052B2	Apparatus and method for controlling gas flow A gassing system includes a gassing device, a pressure regulator in communication with the gassing device and a gas source and a PLC electrically connected to the pressure regulator. In addition, the system includes a removable orifice in communication with the pressure regulator, wherein the pressure regulator controls gas flow responsive to a signal sent from the PLC and wherein gas exiting the pressure regulator flows directly into and through the orifice and directly into the gassing device.
US07909046B2	Steam dish washing machine with effective positioning and orientation of items to be washed Dish washing machine that includes a steam generator, which supplies steam during a washing operation, to aid in the washing of dishes and other items in the dish washing machine. The dish washing machine further including one or more dish washing racks that effectively orient the dishes, and other items to be washed, in such a way so as to avoid inhibiting the steam from being evenly distributed around each of the dishes and other items to be washed. The dish washing machine also including a steam zone indicator to aid in effectively positioning the dishes and other items to be washed by visually distinguishing the region or zone within the dish washing machine that corresponds with high-intensity steam.
US07909045B2	Adding device for dishwashers for tablet-type detergents or rinsing agents and dishwasher provided with said adding device An adding device for dishwashers includes a fillable supply chamber for receiving a tablet-type detergent or rinsing agent. The supply chamber is arranged and configured in such a way that, when the adding device is in an operational position in the dishwasher, the detergent or rinsing agent can escape from the supply chamber into the rinsing area in a non-impeded manner in the direction of gravity. As a result, no substantial detergent residues remain in the supply chamber after the cleaning or rinsing program has come to an end. This results in the addition of cleaner into the dishwasher in an improved, reliable manner.
US07909037B2	Tethered airway implants and methods of using the same An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods of using the device are also disclosed. The airway implant device includes a deformable element to control the opening of an air passageway and a tether. Preferably the deformable element is an electroactive polymer element. Energizing of the electroactive polymer element provides support for the walls of an air passageway, when the walls collapse, and thus, completely or partially opens the air passageway. Also disclosed is an implant for stabilizing the tongue, the implant having an anchoring portion for securing a first end of the implant with the mandibula; a control portion connected with the anchoring portion, configured for selectively activating the implant; a flexible portion connected at its proximal end with the control portion, where the flexible portion has three-dimensional flexibility in a first state and where the flexible portion has a lesser three-dimensional flexibility in a second state, and where the flexible portion is selectively switchable between the first and second state by the control portion; and an anchoring portion for connecting the implant with the base of the tongue connected with the distal end of the flexible portion. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein.
US07909033B2	Breathing treatment apparatus The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating a variety of breathing disorders experienced by patients. The invention is particularly suited to the treatment of atelectasis, the partial or total collapse of the lung, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that it has applications in treating other disorders as well. Treating patients with breathing disorders traditionally has required the use of multiple types of apparatus in order to provide the multiple types of treatment used. The present invention provides for a treatment apparatus that is enabled to provide multiple types of treatment, depending on the needs of the patient.
US07909031B2	Process for transient and steady state delivery of biological agents to the lung via breathable liquids The present invention includes a transient method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The present invention includes a steady state method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The steps of both the transient delivery method and the steady state delivery method can be controlled by a servo-control unit. A supplementary biological agent delivery step can be performed in both the transient method of delivering a biological agent and the steady state method of delivering a biological agent.
US07909021B2	Fuel damper fixing clip A fuel damper fixing clip includes a clip main body formed from a sheet member having a plurality of flat portions, and formed in a generally square cylindrical shape. The clip main body surrounds portions of the outer peripheries of a cup portion and a fuel damper and deforms in a tightening direction. The clip main body includes two ends overlapped on an outside and an inside surface thereof. Slits are disposed in the plurality of flat portions of the clip main body, and the collar portions of the cup portion and the fuel damper are disposed therein and locked in a diameter-reduced state of the clip main body in which the clip main body is tightened. A receiving hole is formed in one of the ends of the clip main body. A claw portion is disposed on the other end of the clip main body obliquely projecting in a direction opposite to the tightening direction. The claw portion is disposed in the receiving hole in the diameter-reduced state in which the clip main body is tightened, and locks the clip main body in the diameter-reduced state in which the collar portions are fixed.
US07909020B2	Controller for internal combustion engine At least one of a petroleum fuel and an alcohol fuel stored in a fuel tank is supplied to an internal combustion engine. Specifically, the fuel in the fuel tank is supplied to an injector by a fuel pump module. The injector injects the fuel into an intake pipe. An ECU adjusts a fuel injection quantity according to an alcohol concentration of the fuel. When the fuel-supply-pressure to the injector is less than or equal to a threshold pressure, the ECU determines the fuel pump module has a malfunction. Especially, the ECU varies the threshold pressure according to the alcohol concentration of the fuel.
US07909019B2	Direct injection alcohol engine with boost and spark control Boosted engine operation and spark timing of an engine may be adjusted with alcohol content of the fuel in a direct injection engine. Further, various adjustments may be performed in numerous related systems to account for increased maximum engine torque, such as traction control, transmission shifting, etc.
US07909016B2	Valve timing control apparatus for internal combustion engine A valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a variable valve timing mechanism. The valve timing control apparatus sets target valve timing based on an operational state of the engine. The valve timing control apparatus detects actual valve timing. The valve timing control apparatus computes a control amount based on a deviation between the target valve timing and the actual valve timing, and based on a hold control amount. The valve timing control apparatus determines whether a learning execution condition for executing a learning operation of the hold control amount is satisfied based on a change direction of the detected actual valve timing. The valve timing control apparatus executes the learning operation when the learning execution condition is satisfied.
US07909013B2	Hybrid cycle rotary engine An internal combustion engine includes in one aspect a source of a pressurized working medium and an expander. The expander has a housing and a piston, movably mounted within and with respect to the housing, to perform one of rotation and reciprocation, each complete rotation or reciprocation defining at least a part of a cycle of the engine. The expander also includes a septum, mounted within the housing and movable with respect to the housing and the piston so as to define in conjunction therewith, over first and second angular ranges of the cycle, a working chamber that is isolated from an intake port and an exhaust port. Combustion occurs at least over the first angular range of the cycle to provide heat to the working medium and so as to increase its pressure. The working chamber over a second angular range of the cycle expands in volume while the piston receives, from the working medium as a result of its increased pressure, a force relative to the housing that causes motion of the piston relative to the housing.
US07909012B2	Pulling rod engine The piston is connected to the crankshaft via a connecting rod, while the crankshaft is disposed between the wrist pin and the combustion chamber. This way the combustion is shifted to the slow dead center, enabling the diesel to perform at higher revs, improving the spark engine efficiency and making HCCI combustion easier. Though the crankshaft is of one piece, more connecting rods can be used for a piston. As opposed piston, the PRE engine further combines top specific power, top thermal efficiency, built in scavenging pumps, and compactness.
US07909010B2	Intake pipe of internal combustion engine An intake pipe of an internal combustion engine includes a main flow passage allowing air introduced into the engine to flow therethrough, an upper branch flow passage branching off from the main flow passage and communicating with #2 cylinder, #4 cylinder, and #6 cylinder, a lower branch flow passage branching off from the main flow passage and communicating with #1 cylinder, #3 cylinder, and #5 cylinder, and a partition wall allowing the upper branch flow passage and the lower branch flow passage to be apart. The partition wall has an end portion that faces the main flow passage. The end portion is formed of a spherical surface. With such a configuration, the intake pipe of the internal combustion engine, which intake pipe provides sufficient improvement in intake efficiency, is provided.
US07909007B2	Roller finger follower for valve deactivation The finger follower has an inner and outer body and a torsional lost motion spring positioned at its lash adjuster end of the outer body. The torsional lost motion spring has two helical parts each with a short leg that abuts the outer body and a long leg that contacts the inner body. The torsional spring is located above the pivot point of the finger follower so as to provide a low mass moment of inertia and to reduce the weight over the valve stem end of the follower.
US07909006B2	Variable valve mechanism Disclosed is a variable valve mechanism for an internal combustion engine. The variable valve mechanism accurately adjusts the valve operating angle although its structure is simple. The variable valve mechanism includes a control pin 48, which is inserted into a pin insertion hole 38 in a control shaft 16; a bearing hole 44, which is formed in a control member 26; and an adjustment pin 50, which is rotatably supported by the bearing hole 44. The adjustment pin 50 comes into surface contact with the control pin 48 to inhibit the control member 26 from rotating relative to the control shaft 16. The valve operating angle is adjusted by replacing the adjustment pin 50 with another having a different dimension B. Such adjustment pin replacement changes the distance A between the center line of the bearing hole 44 and the center line of the control pin 48, thereby changing the relative angle θ between the control shaft 16 and control member 26. When the adjustment pin 50 rotates within the bearing hole 44, the surface contact between the adjustment pin 50 and control pin 48 is maintained irrespective of the magnitude of the relative angle θ.

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