最新美国发明专利第2011-04-12期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US07923233B1	Perhydrolase providing improved peracid stability An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in the ratio of peracetic acid formation to peracetic acid hydrolysis specific activities (PAAF/PAAH ratio). The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.
US07923232B2	Hafnia phytase The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having phytase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The polypeptides are related to a phytase derived from Hafnia alvei, the amino acid sequence of which is shown in the appended sequence listing as SEQ ID NO: 10. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides, in particular within animal feed.
US07923230B2	Neurodegenerative protein aggregation inhibition methods and compounds Methods and compositions are provided for reducing aggregation of neurodegenerative proteins associated with neurotoxicity or other proteins. The compounds comprise a first domain or targeting element for binding to the target proteins linked to a second domain or recruiting element that binds to an aggregation inhibiting protein, e.g. a prolyl isomerase. By associating the aggregating forming proteins or neuronal cells under conditions where aggregating proteins are produced with the compound and the aggregation inhibiting protein, aggregation is reduced. The subject agents can be used in assays, investigating the etiology of the neuronal diseases and for prophylaxis and therapy.
US07923229B2	Method of classifying and counting leukocytes A method for classifying and counting leukocytes, which comprises steps of: staining cells in a sample obtained from a hematological sample by treatment with a hemolytic agent, with a fluorescent dye; introducing the sample containing the stained cells into a flow cytometer to measure first scattered light, second scattered light different from the first scattered light and fluorescence of the respective cells; obtaining scattered light peak intensities and scattered light widths of the respective cells based on the measured first scattered light, obtaining scattered light intensities of the respective cells based on the measured second scattered light, and obtaining fluorescence intensities of the respective cells based on the measured fluorescence light; classifying the cells into a first group and a second group based on the scattered light peak intensities and the scattered light widths, the first group including leukocytes and second group including platelet clumps; classifying the leukocytes included in the first group into at least lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes based on the scattered light intensities and the fluorescence intensities; and counting the classified lymphocytes, the classified monocytes and the classified granulocytes.
US07923226B2	Synthesis of 1,2,4-butanetriol enantiomers from carbohydrates A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of L-1,2,4-butanetriol, D-1,2,4-butanetriol and racemic mixtures thereof from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing L-1,2,4-butanetriol, D-1,2,4-butanetriol and racemic mixtures thereof are also provided. Methods are also provided for converting D-1,2,4-butanetriol and L-1,2,4,-butanetriol to D,L-1,2,4-butanetriol trinitrate.
US07923225B2	Method for the enzymatic production of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl carboxylic acids The present invention relates to a method for the enzymatic production of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl carboxylic acids from 3-hydroxy carboxylic acids, where a 3-hydroxy carboxylic acid is produced in an aqueous reaction solution and/or is added to this reaction solution and is incubated. The aqueous reaction solution comprises a unit having 3-hydroxy-carboxylate-CoA mutase activity which has both 3-hydroxy-carbonyl-CoA ester-producing and 3-hydroxy-carbonyl-CoA ester-isomerizing activity and converts the 3-hydroxy carboxylic acid into the corresponding 2-hydroxy-2-methyl carboxylic acid which is isolated as acid or in the form of its salts. In a preferred embodiment, the unit having 3-hydroxy-carboxylate-CoA mutase activity is a unit which includes an isolated cobalamin-dependent mutase and where appropriate a 3-hydroxy-carbonyl-CoA ester-producing enzyme or enzyme system or a microorganism including them. The invention preferably relates to a biotechnological process for producing 2-hydroxy-2-methyl carboxylic acids, where microorganisms which have the desired activities are cultured in an aqueous system with the aid of simple natural products and convert intracellularly formed 3-hydroxy-carbonyl-CoA esters into the corresponding 2-hydroxy-2-methyl carboxylic acids. The invention likewise encompasses the production of unsaturated 2-methyl carboxylic acids, where the 2-hydroxy-2-methyl carboxylic acids obtained are converted by dehydration into the corresponding unsaturated 2-methyl carboxylic acids (methacrylic acid and higher homologues).
US07923221B1	Methods of making antibody heavy and light chains having specificity for a desired antigen The invention relates to processes for producing an immunoglobulin or an immunologically functional immunoglobulin fragment containing at least the variable domains of the immunoglobulin heavy and light chains. The processes can use one or more vectors which produce both the heavy and light chains or fragments thereof in a single cell. The invention also relates to the vectors used to produce the immunoglobulin or fragment, and to cells transformed with the vectors.
US07923220B2	Process for preparing high levels of interferon beta The present invention relates to a novel process for the production of interferon-beta in improved yields by fermentation.
US07923217B2	Specificity in the determination of antithrombin Methods and reagents for determining antithrombin III (AT) in body fluids by adding an AT binding partner to the sample and determining the free AT binding partner.
US07923216B2	In vivo modulation of neuronal transport A hybrid protein (GFP-TTC) comprising the non-toxic proteolytic C fragment of tetanus toxin fused to green fluorescent protein was used to analyze the functional synaptic organization of neural networks. When injected intramuscularly in vivo, the GFP-TTC hybrid protein binds to tetanus neurotoxin receptors and clusters very rapidly to the active neuromuscular junction. Membrane traffic by GFP-TTC at the pre-synaptic level of the neuromuscular junction is strongly and rapidly influenced by exogenously co-injecting neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF, NT-4, and GDNF, but not by NGF, NT-3, and CNTF. The membrane traffic, directly detected using GFP-TTC in vivo, permits methods of analyzing synaptic functioning as well as methods of modulating neuronal transport using neurotrophic factors and agonists or antagonists thereof.
US07923212B2	Antibodies to cytokine receptor zalpha11 Novel polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zalpha11, a novel cytokine receptor. The polypeptides may be used within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block ligand activity in vitro and in vivo. The polynucleotides encoding zalpha11, are located on chromosome 16, and can be used to identify a region of the genome associated with human disease states. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.
US07923209B2	Allergen peptide fragments and use thereof The present invention relates generally to in vivo methods and compositions designed for allergen specific immunotherapy. The compositions include contiguous overlapping peptide fragments which together form an entire amino acid sequence of an allergen.
US07923208B2	Human cytokine receptor Cytokines and their receptors have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides a new human cytokine receptor designated as “Zcytor16.”
US07923202B2	Layer patterning using double exposure processes in a single photoresist layer A structure and a method for forming the same. The method includes providing a structure which includes (a) a to-be-patterned layer, (b) a photoresist layer on top of the to-be-patterned layer wherein the photoresist layer includes a first opening, and (c) a cap region on side walls of the first opening. A first top surface of the to-be-patterned layer is exposed to a surrounding ambient through the first opening. The method further includes performing a first lithography process resulting in a second opening in the photoresist layer. The second opening is different from the first opening. A second top surface of the to-be-patterned layer is exposed to a surrounding ambient through the second opening.
US07923199B2	Photosensitive composition, compound for use in the photosensitive composition and pattern forming method using the photosensitive composition The invention provides a photosensitive composition for use in the production process of a semiconductor such as IC, in the production of a circuit substrate of liquid crystal, thermal head and the like or in other photofabrication processes, a pattern forming method using the photosensitive composition, and a specific organic acid, which are: a photosensitive composition comprising a compound having a proton acceptor functional group and producing a sulfonic acid group upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation to reduce or lose the acceptor property or change the proton acceptor functional group to be acidic, or a compound capable of generating a specific organic acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; a pattern forming method using the photosensitive composition; and a specific organic acid.
US07923197B2	Lithographic printing plate precursor A lithographic printing plate precursor includes, in the following order: a support; an intermediate layer; and an image-forming layer, and the intermediate layer contains a polymer (A) comprising a repeating unit (a1) represented by the formula (I) as defined herein.
US07923195B2	Positive resist composition and patterning process using the same The present invention provides a polymer suitable as a base resin for a positive resist composition, especially for a chemically amplified positive resist composition, having a high sensitivity, a high degree of resolution, a good pattern configuration after exposure, and in addition an excellent etching resistance; a positive resist composition using the polymer; and a patterning process.The positive resist composition of the present invention is characterized in that it contains at least, as a base resin, a polymer whose hydrogen atom of a phenolic hydroxide group is substituted by an acid labile group represented by the following general formula (1).
US07923194B2	Sacrificial compositions and methods of fabricating a structure using sacrificial compositions Compositions, methods of use thereof, and methods of decomposition thereof, are provided. One exemplary composition, among others, includes a polymer and a catalytic amount of a negative tone photoinitiator.
US07923192B2	Base material for pattern-forming material, positive resist composition and method of resist pattern formation A base material for a pattern-forming material, a positive resist composition, and a method of resist pattern formation that are capable of forming a high resolution pattern with reduced levels of LER. The base material includes a low molecular weight compound (X1), which is formed from a polyhydric phenol compound (x) that contains two or more phenolic hydroxyl groups and satisfies the conditions (1), (2), and (3) described below, wherein either a portion of, or all of, the phenolic hydroxyl groups are protected with acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups: (1) a molecular weight within a range from 300 to 2,500, (2) a molecular weight dispersity of no more than 1.5, and (3) an ability to form an amorphous film using a spin coating method. Alternatively, the base material includes a protected material (Y1), which is formed from a polyhydric phenol compound (y) that contains two or more phenolic hydroxyl groups and has a molecular weight within a range from 300 to 2,500, in which a predetermined proportion of the phenolic hydroxyl groups are protected with acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups.
US07923191B2	Polyester resin toner produced by emulsion aggregation The present disclosure relates to chemically processed toner. The toner may be prepared by an emulsion aggregation method by forming a polyester dispersion wherein the polyester has an acid value of about 5 to about 50 and a particle size of about 50 to about 500 nanometers. The polyester dispersion may then be combined with a pigment and/or release agent dispersion wherein the pigment and/or release agent dispersion may contain a dispersant. This may then be followed by heating and recovering agglomerated toner particles wherein the toner particles may have a mean particle size of about 3 to about 15 microns and an average degree of circularity of between about 0.90 to about 1.0.
US07923189B2	Hydrophobic salts of layered metal hydroxides The invention relates to hydrophobic salts of layer-like metal hydroxides, which are obtainable by adding to a layer-like metal hydroxide salt, which contains trivalent, divalent and optionally monovalent metal cations and one or more organic anions A of the formula (1) X—R—Y (1), wherein X denotes hydrogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, sulfato or sulfo; Y denotes carboxyl, sulfato or sulfo, and R denotes an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic, olefinic, cycloolefinic, heterocycloolefinic, aromatic, heteroaromatic, araliphatic or heteroaraliphatic radical having 2 to 50 C atoms, wherein one or more substituents from the group consisting of hydroxyl, amino, halogen, C1-C22-alkyl, C1-C22-alkoxy, C1-C22-alkylene-(CO)—O—(CH2CH2O)0-50-alkyl, C1-C22-alkylene-(CO)—O—(CH2CH2O)0-50-haloalkyl, carboxyl, sulfo, nitro or cyano can be present, in dispersion, with intensive thorough mixing, one or more hydrophobic compounds from the group consisting of waxes and metal soaps in an amount of from 0.2 to 200 wt. %, based on the metal hydroxide salt, and optionally removing the liquid medium, drying the product and isolating it as a powder. The compounds according to the invention are employed as charge control agents, in particular in electrophotography.
US07923184B2	Photoconductors containing trimellitimide esters The present invention is an electrophotographic photoconductor having a photosensitive layer on a conductive substrate. The photosensitive layer contains trimellitimide esters additives.
US07923181B2	Methods of forming photomasks Some embodiments include methods of forming photomasks. A stack of at least three different materials is formed over a base. Regions of the stack are removed to leave a mask pattern over the base. The mask pattern includes a pair of spaced-apart adjacent segments of the stack. A liner is formed to cover sidewalls of the segments. Some embodiments include photomasks. The photomasks may include a transparent base supporting a pair of spaced-apart adjacent features. The spaced-apart adjacent features may include sidewalls, with inner sidewalls of the spaced-apart features being adjacent one another, and spaced from one another by a gap. A coating layer of from about 5 Angstroms thick to about 50 Angstroms thick may be along the entirety of the sidewalls of the spaced-apart adjacent features. Some embodiments include methods of photolithographically patterning substrates.
US07923174B2	Holographic recording composition and holographic recording medium The present invention provides a holographic recording composition and a holographic recording medium comprising a recording layer formed with the holographic recording composition. The holographic recording composition comprises a bifunctional or greater isocyanate, a polyfunctional alcohol comprising a bifunctional alcohol and a trifunctional or greater alcohol, a titanocene-based radical polymerization initiator, a bifunctional or greater acrylate monomer, and an amidine salt denoted by General Formula (1). In General Formula (1), R1, R2, and R3 each independently denote an alkyl group, aryl group, amino group, or acyl group, R1 and R2 may be bonded together to form a ring, R2 and R3 may be bonded together to form a ring, and A− denotes an anion.
US07923173B1	Photo definable polyimide film used as an embossing surface An embossing surface and a method for creating that surface is provided by a polyimide material which has photodefinable characteristics. One benefit is that the embossing surfaces do not have to be made by data transfer from the photo-definable surface. The polyimide material is cured by heating to a predetermined hardness appropriate for the surfaces to be embossed.
US07923172B2	Structures for gas diffusion materials and methods for their fabrication An improved structure for gas diffusion electrodes and gas diffusion layers whereby fine gradients of porosity and hydrophobicity promote efficient gas transport, water removal and overall enhanced performance of Membrane Electrode Assemblies constructed with these components.
US07923170B2	Fuel cell separator with a vapor-phase grown carbon-based porous material of nanosize structure The degree of freedom in the shape of channels in a separator is increased, enabling an optimum gas channel to be designed, enabling a sufficient supply of gas below gas channel ribs, and improving cell performance through the reduction in diffusion polarization. Drainage property is also improved and flooding is prevented, thereby reducing diffusion polarization and improving cell performance. Cell performance is also improved through the reduction of contact resistance. A fuel cell separator comprises a separator substrate on which gas channel ribs are formed through vapor-phase growth of a carbon-based porous material with a nanosize structure. An electrode structure for a fuel cell, methods of manufacturing the separator and the fuel cell, and a solid polymer fuel cell comprising the electrode structure.
US07923168B2	Microjet reactant delivery system for use in fuel cells A new reactant delivery system for delivering reactants to the membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell. The invention uses a plurality of small holes to propel high-velocity streams of reactant gases (“microjets”) against an impingement plate. The microjets assist in catalyzing the reactant gases and forcing them toward the proton exchange membrane. Reactant gas flow is primarily perpendicular to the orientation of the proton exchange membrane, thereby enhancing diffusion rates. In addition, each microjet acts like an expansion valve, which significantly cools the flowing gas and provides internal heat absorption. This internal heat absorption permits higher energy densities in the fuel cell.
US07923166B2	Separating membrane for fuel cell The present invention discloses a membrane for a fuel cell, comprising: a solid polymer electrolyte membrane composed of a crosslinked ion exchange resin, and a polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 1,000,000 and having a charge group of polarity opposite to that of the ion exchange group of the ion exchange resin, which polymer is adhered onto at least one surface of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane in an amount of 0.0001 to 0.5 mg/cm3, preferably in a state that, when the membrane for fuel cell is immersed in a 50 mass % aqueous methanol solution of 30° C., there is substantially no difference in the adhesion amount of the polymer before and after the immersion; and a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell, comprising the above-mentioned membrane, and a catalyst electrode layer bonded to the membrane, which catalyst electrode layer contains an ion exchange resin having the same polarity as the crosslinked ion exchange resin composing the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and a catalyst substance.
US07923165B2	Electrolyte components for use in fuel cells An electronically insulating proton conductor (C) is adhered or deposited as a film on a dense phase proton permeable material (D) in a thicknees such that the composite C/D has a proton conductivity in a preferred intermediate temperature range of 175-550° C. The composite C/D is incorporated in a high temperature electrolyte membrane electrolyte assembly (MEA), which is incorporated into a fuel cell that can operate in this intermediate temperature range. The fuel cell in turn is incorporated into a fuel cell system having a fuel reformer in the flow field of a fuel mixture entering the fuel cell or in a mode where the fuel cell receives fuel from an external reformer.
US07923157B2	Lithium secondary battery of improved high-temperature cycle life characteristics Disclosed is a lithium secondary battery comprising a cathode including a lithium-containing transition metal oxide, an anode including a carbon-based material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte with addition of a compound of formula (1). Incorporation of the compound (1) into the electrolyte significantly improves the high-temperature performance and cycle life characteristics of the battery.
US07923154B2	Carbon-coated Li-containing powders and process for production thereof The invention provides a new route for the synthesis of carbon-coated powders having the olivine or NASICON structure, which form promising classes of active products for the manufacture of rechargeable lithium batteries. Carbon-coating of the powder particles is necessary to achieve good performances because of the rather poor electronic conductivity of said structures. For the preparation of coated LiFePO4, sources of Li, Fe and phosphate are dissolved in an aqueous solution together with a polycarboxylic acid and a polyhydric alcohol. Upon water evaporation, polyesterification occurs while a mixed precipitate is formed containing Li, Fe and phosphate. The resin-encapsulated mixture is then heat treated at 700° C. in a reducing atmosphere. This results in the production of a fine powder consisting of an olivine LiFePO4 phase, coated with conductive carbon. When this powder is used as active material in a lithium insertion-type electrode, fast charge and discharge rates are obtained at room temperature and an excellent capacity retention is observed.
US07923151B2	High performance energy storage devices A lead-acid battery comprising: at least one lead-based negative electrode; at least one lead dioxide-based positive electrode; at least one capacitor electrode; and electrolyte in contact with the electrodes; wherein a battery part is formed by the lead based negative electrode and the lead dioxide-based positive electrode; and an asymmetric capacitor part is formed by the capacitor electrode and one electrode selected from the lead based negative electrode and the lead-dioxide based positive electrode; and wherein all negative electrodes are connected to a negative busbar, and all positive electrodes are connected to a positive busbar. The capacitor electrode may be a capacitor negative electrode comprising carbon and an additive mixture selected from oxides, hydroxides or sulfates of lead, zinc, cadmium, silver and bismuth, or a capacitor negative electrode comprising carbon, red lead, antimony in oxide, hydroxide or sulfate form, and optionally other additives. The capacitor electrode may be used in asymmetric capacitors and batteries of other types.
US07923144B2	Tunable frangible battery pack system A tunable frangible battery pack system for use in an electric vehicle is disclosed. The tunable frangible battery pack system includes a two piece clamshell housing. The system also includes a plurality of battery cells arranged within the housing and a collector plate secured to each piece of the housing. The system also includes a wire conductor arranged between each of the battery cells and collector plates to create a frangible disconnect system when the battery pack system and electric vehicle are exposed to a predetermined mechanical or thermal force or event.
US07923131B2	Metal based coating composition and related coated substrates A coated substrate is disclosed. The coated substrate includes a substrate and a coating composition over the substrate comprising at least one metal based layer selected from tungsten, chromium, tantalum, molybdenum, aluminum, niobium, and mixtures and alloys thereof; and mixtures and alloys of cobalt and chromium; and at least one dielectric layer including SixNy, where x/y ranges from 0.75 to 1.5, over the metal based layer. The ΔEcmc (1.5:1) (T), ΔEcmc (1.5:1) (R1) and ΔEcmc (1.5:1) (R2) of a non-heat treated, coated substrate as compared to a heat treated, coated substrate according to the present invention are no greater than 8 units.
US07923130B2	Surface-coated cutting tool A surface-coated cutting tool according to the present invention including a substrate and a coating film formed on the substrate is characterized in that the coating film includes a composite super multi-layer film obtained by alternately stacking one or more first super multi-layer film and one or more second super multi-layer film, the first super multi-layer film above is formed by alternately stacking one or more A1 layer and one or more B layer, the second super multi-layer film above is formed by alternately stacking one or more A2 layer and one or more C layer, each of the A1 layer above and the A2 layer above is composed of any of TiN, TiCN, TiAlN, and TiAlCN, the B layer above is composed of TiSiN or TiSiCN, and the C layer above is composed of AlCrN or AlCrCN.
US07923127B2	Direct rolling of cast gamma titanium aluminide alloys A process for producing sheets of γ-TiAl includes the steps of forming a melt of a γ-TiAl alloy; casting the γ-TiAl alloy to form an as-cast γ-TiAl alloy; encapsulating the as-cast γ-TiAl alloy to form an as-cast γ-TiAl alloy preform; and rolling the as-cast γ-TiAl alloy preform to form a sheet comprising γ-TiAl.
US07923124B2	Laminated structure for a fluid A laminated structure is formed by stacking a first block member, an intermediate member, and a second block member together in this order, and then mutually joining each of the members. Further, by setting the elastic constant of the intermediate member to be greater than the elastic constants of the first block member and the second block member, deformation of grooves, which are formed in the first block member, is minimized.
US07923123B2	Decoration panel A large number of small reflection portions are continuously formed over a back face of a base member opposite the light impinging side, in an arbitrary arrangement. The small reflection portions are each formed to have a boundary surface for reflection, interference, and diffraction of incident light impinging onto the base member, to thereby produce random changes in the brightness of reflection light over the entirety of the decoration panel. The small reflection portions have concave boundary surfaces having three-dimensional shape determined though imparting a 1/f fluctuation to a triangular-roof-like basic shape. When at least one of the direction of the incident light in relation to the base member, a viewing point in relation to the base member, and the position of the base member is changed, the small reflection portions generate an irregularly changing light-dark pattern in the brightness of reflection right from the small reflection portions.
US07923117B2	Polymer for an ink receiving layer of an inkjet recording element A polymer for an ink receiving layer of an inkjet recording element includes at least one first monomer chemically bonded to at least one second monomer. The second monomer includes a silane functional group. The at least one second monomer is distributed along a carbon backbone of the polymer at a non-terminal end. The polymer is capable of chemically bonding with an inorganic particulate substance.
US07923114B2	Hydrophilic coatings, methods for depositing hydrophilic coatings, and improved deposition technology for thin films The invention provides certain embodiments that involve sputtering techniques for applying a mixed oxide film comprising silica and titania. In these embodiments, the techniques involve sputtering at least two targets in a common chamber (e.g., in a shared gaseous atmosphere). A first of these targets includes silicon, while a second of the targets includes titanium. Further, the invention provides embodiments involving a substrate bearing a hydrophilic coating, which can be deposited by sputtering or any other suitable thin film deposition technique. The invention also provides techniques and apparatuses useful for depositing a wide variety of coating types. For example, the invention provides thin film deposition technologies in which sputtering apparatuses or other thin film deposition apparatuses are employed.
US07923112B2	Latent heat storage material and process for manufacture of the latent heat storage material The invention relates to a latent heat storage material comprising a first phase change material, at least one second phase change material different from the first phase change material, and an expanded graphite material wherein the first phase change material and the at least one second phase change material are intermixed and the latent heat storage material exhibits a phase transition over a range of temperatures. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of a latent heat storage material comprising combining a mixture of an expanded graphite material and a first phase change material with at least one different second phase change material.
US07923111B2	Treated alumina hydrate material and uses thereof In a particular embodiment, a particulate material includes alumina hydrate. The particulate material has a 500 psi Compaction Volume Ratio of at least about 4.0 cc/cc.
US07923108B2	Built-up roofing surfacing sheets and methods of manufacture Built-up roofing surfacing sheets that include a white, resin coated aluminum foil adhered to one side of an asphalt-impregnated fiberglass mat and sand adhered to the other side of the asphalt-impregnated fiberglass mat, the surfacing sheet being compliant with the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 24 in effect as of Sep. 11, 2006, and methods of manufacturing the built-up roofing surfacing sheets.
US07923107B2	Built-up roofing surfacing sheets and methods of manufacture Built-up roofing surfacing sheets that include a white, resin coated aluminum foil adhered to one side of an asphalt-impregnated fiberglass mat and sand adhered to the other side of the asphalt-impregnated fiberglass mat, the surfacing sheet being compliant with the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 24 in effect as of Sep. 11, 2006, and methods of manufacturing the built-up roofing surfacing sheets.
US07923105B2	Hydrogen separator and process for production thereof A hydrogen separator comprising a porous substrate composed mainly of a ceramic having a large number of pores connecting from one surface of the substrate to other surface, and a hydrogen-separating layer made of a hydrogen permselective metal formed on the porous substrate via an intermediate layer made of an electron-conductive ceramic. The hydrogen separator hardly generates defects such as peeling, cracks or the like in the hydrogen-separating layer and is suitable for use even when the hydrogen separator is exposed to a heat cycle, used under high temperature conditions or/and used for long-term.
US07923104B2	Bimodal cellular thermoplastic materials Methods for reducing the density of thermoplastic materials and the articles made therefrom having similar or improved mechanical properties to the solid or noncellular material. Also disclosed are improvements to foaming methods and the cellular structures of the foams made therefrom, and methods for altering the impact strength of solid or noncellular thermoplastic materials and the shaping of the materials into useful articles.
US07923102B2	Method for making composite material with blend of thermoplastic particles A method for making a pre-impregnated composite material (prepreg) is provided. The prepreg can be cured to form composite parts that have high levels of damage tolerance. The matrix resin includes a thermoplastic particle component that is a blend of particles that have a melting point above the curing temperature and particles that have a melting point at or below the curing temperature.
US07923101B2	Texture-hardened alpha-alumina coated tool The present invention relates to a coated cutting tool insert and a texture-hardened α-Al2O3 layer to be used in metal machining. The alumina layer is characterized by the improved toughness and it adheres to the substrate covering all functional parts thereof. The coating is composed of one or more refractory layers of which at least one layer is a texture-hardened α-Al2O3 having a thickness ranging from 2 to 20 μm being composed of columnar grains with a length/width ratio of 2 to 12. The α-Al2O3 exhibits a strong (0006) diffraction peak. The improved wear resistance and toughness can be obtained when the texture coefficient (TC) for the (0006) reflection is larger than 1.33 ln h+2, where h is the α-Al2O3 layer thickness and when the surface of the α-Al2O3 layer is wet-blasted to an Ra-value <1 μm. The alumina layer with a strong (0001) texture is applied on Binder phase enriched cemented carbide substrates. This combination contributes to enhanced wear resistance and toughness.
US07923099B2	Composition for acrylic artificial stone An acrylic artificial stone composition includes an acrylic resin, metallized polymer film particles, and an inorganic filler.
US07923097B2	Security element with thin-layer element The invention relates to a security element for security papers, documents of value and the like having a thin-layer element (12) with color shift effect, which has a reflection layer (14), an absorber layer (18) and a spacer layer (16) disposed between reflection layer (14) and absorber layer (18). According to the invention the spacer layer (16) is formed by a printed layer having dispersion particles (20) with monomodal or oligomodal size distribution.
US07923092B2	Die cut insulation blanket and method for producing same A blanket is provided including a first panel of material having a honeycombed portion that is expanded to form a second, projecting panel from the first panel material. The invention also includes a method of reducing the material needed to construct a multipanel structure. The method includes the steps of providing a first panel of material; honeycombing a portion of that first panel and expanding the honeycombed portion of the first panel to form a second panel projecting from the first panel. Advantageously, the second panel is formed from material of the first panel and no additional material is required.
US07923090B2	Optical information recording medium and method for manufacturing the same A transparent protective layer (106) having a thickness of 100 μm is formed of a resin film (100), a boundary layer (104) and an adhesive layer (103) on a signal recording layer (102). When nf, ni and na are the indices of refraction of the resin film (100), the boundary layer (104) and the adhesive layer (103), respectively, the relationship among nf, ni, and na satisfies any one of the following equation: nani≧nf; nanf≧ni, and the relationship among nf, ni, and na satisfies the following equation \|nf−ni\|<\|nf−na\|. At this time, a protrusion (111) and a scratch (110) are optically buried within the boundary layer (104), reducing scattering of laser beams and disturbance in the wave front which occur in these portions, and thereby, the error rate can be reduced.
US07923089B1	Integrated shipping label and packing list form An improved integrated shipping label and packing list form. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, such a form comprises a first sheet material, a second sheet material, and a third sheet material. The sheet materials are joined together with the first sheet material between the other two sheet materials. Lines of weakness defining at least one shipping label and packing list label are cut into the joined together sheet materials.
US07923088B2	Frictional holding pad A frictional holding pad for removably attaching items, such as a cell phone or sunglasses, to a vehicle surface, such as a dash or console, to allow storage of items on the pad to prevent the items from shifting or sliding due to the movement of the vehicle. The holding pad includes a top surface having an uppermost contact surface configured to contact and frictionally cling to the item and a bottom surface having a lowermost contact surface configured to contact and frictionally cling to the vehicle surface. The top and the bottom surfaces are configured to provide a greater frictional engagement between the lowermost contact surface and the vehicle surface than the uppermost contact surface and the item. Protrusions or indentation can be formed in the top and bottom surfaces of the pad.
US07923087B2	Dunnage Platform A dunnage platform is in the general shape of a rectangular slab with legs extending form one side. The dunnage platform is made from an expanded polystyrene core. A chemical combination process is used to chemically combine portion of the core proximal to its surface with high impact polystyrene. In a first of two parts of the combination process, the core is placed in a forming mold with one of its two sides and two thirds of its thickness extending therefrom. A heated sheet of high impact polystyrene is brought into contact with the portion of the core extending from the mold. In a similar manner, the other of the two sides of the core is made to extend from the forming mold for contact with a heated sheet of high impact polystyrene.
US07923086B2	Housing and surface treating method for making the same An exemplary housing includes a main body, and a plurality of coatings formed on the main body. The coatings include a plating layer, an outer layer, and an adhesive layer. The plating layer is coated on the main body. The adhesive layer is sandwiched between the plating layer and the outer layer. Surface treating methods for making present housing are also provided.
US07923084B2	Intermediate transfer member, method for producing the same and image forming method An intermediate transfer member for use in an image forming apparatus in which a toner image is formed on a photoreceptor, firstly transferred from the photoreceptor to the intermediate transfer member, and further secondly transferred from the intermediate transfer member to a recording medium, the intermediate transfer member, includes an intermediate transfer belt containing a volatile substance in a range of from 10 to 10,000 ppm as an average concentration of an entire intermediate transfer belt thereof.
US07923082B2	Molecular imprinted material and inkjet recording element comprising said molecular imprinted material The present invention relates to an inkjet recording element having outstanding dye keeping properties in time. Said recording element comprises at least one molecular imprinted polymer having sites of selective recognition of dye molecules corresponding to the dye molecules used in inks for inkjet printing.
US07923081B2	Recording medium for water-based ink and method for determining ink absorbing characteristic thereof A mat type recording medium for ink jet printing is provided which exhibits optimum printability no matter which of dye ink and pigment ink may be used in printing. The recording medium, which is for recording with use of water-based ink containing an ink colorant, comprises a paper base and an ink receptive layer formed on a surface of the paper base, the ink receptive layer comprising a porous layer containing an inorganic pigment and also containing a substance reactive with the ink colorant.
US07923080B2	Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method of same A liquid crystal display which has spacers reliably joined with a pair of substrates of the liquid crystal display by using spacers adapted to the purpose with respect to material, structure, method of joining with the substrates, etc. A pair of substrates can be reliably joined with spacers, and the strength of the liquid crystal display against an external pressure as well as display characteristics can be thereby improved. A manufacturing methods for such a liquid crystal display is also disclosed.
US07923078B2	Light-modulating liquid-crystal element A light-modulating liquid-crystal element comprising two substrates which each have an electrode layer and at least one of which is transparent, and a light-modulating layer supported between these substrates, wherein the light-modulating layer comprises a nematic liquid-crystal material and a transparent solid substance, and the nematic liquid-crystal material comprises a compound represented by the following general formula (I), and/or a compound represented by the following general formula (II), and a compound represented by the general formula (III), the nematic liquid-crystal material being dispersed as independent microdroplets in the transparent solid substance, the microdroplets having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 50 μm. (In the formulae, R1 to R3 each independently is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or the like; A1 and A2 each independently is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; X1 and X2 each independently is a cyano group, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or the like.)
US07923074B2	Method for preparing a vehicle interior material A method for preparing a vehicle interior material comprises the steps of feeding 100 parts by weight of phosphorus and nitrogen-containing non-halogen flame retardant particles and 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of hydrophobic inorganic oxide fine particles having hydrophobic groups and having an average particle size of 0.001 to 5 μm to a mixer equipped with a high-speed agitation means having a revolution capability of about 100 to 5,000 rpm, agitating and mixing the phosphorus and nitrogen-containing non-halogen flame retardant particles and the hydrophobic inorganic oxide fine particles to produce the phosphorus and nitrogen-containing non-halogen flame retardant particles coated with the hydrophobic inorganic oxide fine particles, mixing 100 parts by weight as solids of a synthetic resin emulsion and 1 to 300 parts by weight of the phosphorus and nitrogen-containing non-halogen flame retardant particles coated with the hydrophobic inorganic oxide fine particles to produce a coating composition, coating the coating composition onto the vehicle interior material, and drying the coated vehicle interior material.
US07923069B2	Multi-station deposition apparatus and method A multi-station deposition apparatus capable of simultaneous processing multiple substrates using a plurality of stations, where a gas curtain separates the stations. The apparatus further comprises a multi-station platen that supports a plurality of wafers and rotates the wafers into specific deposition positions at which deposition gases are supplied to the wafers. The deposition gases may be supplied to the wafer through single zone or multi-zone gas dispensing nozzles.
US07923068B2	Fabrication of composite materials using atomic layer deposition Methods of constructing composite films including particles embedded in a filler matrix involve preparing a collection of stacked particles, then depositing a matrix material throughout the particle collection using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method so as to substantially completely fill the spaces between the particles with the matrix material. During matrix deposition, a vapor phase etch cycle may be periodically employed to avoid clogging of small pores in the particle collection. New composite materials formed by such methods are also disclosed.
US07923065B2	Method and apparatus for removing image from recording material, and image peeling member for peeling image from recording material An image removing method including heating a recording material having thereon an image to a temperature so that the image has a plasticity; pressure-contacting an uppermost stream peeling member with the recording material while the image maintains a plasticity; separating the uppermost stream peeling member from the recording material to transfer at least a portion of the image to the uppermost stream peeling member; and repeating the heating, pressure-contacting and separating steps at least one more time using at least one downstream peeling member, wherein the uppermost stream peeling member has a first outermost layer which does not have a plasticity when being pressure-contacted with the recording material, and at least one of the at least one downstream peeling member has a second outermost layer which has a plasticity when being pressure-contacted with the recording material.
US07923056B2	Method and apparatus for dispensing material on a substrate A dispensing apparatus includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame, a gantry coupled to the frame, a first dispensing unit coupled to the gantry, a second dispensing unit coupled to the gantry, and an imaging system coupled to one of the frame and the gantry. The imaging system may be configured to capture at least one image of a first pattern and a second pattern, with the second pattern being identical to the first pattern. The dispensing apparatus further includes a controller configured to verify whether the first pattern and the second pattern are properly positioned on the support with respect to one another based on the at least one captured image to permit simultaneous dispense operations of the first dispensing unit on the first pattern and the second dispensing unit on the second pattern. Other embodiments and methods of dispensing are further disclosed.
US07923055B2	Method of manufacturing a drug delivery system A method of manufacturing a drug delivery system uses gas cluster ion beam irradiation on an outer surface of a member to determine one or more characteristics of the drug delivery system.
US07923054B2	Functional porous substrates for attaching biomolecules A substrate comprising a microporous microstructure, an interlayer over at least a portion of the microstructure and a functional layer attached to the interlayer, the functional layer having functional sites with a density of at least 50 nanomoles/cm2.
US07923053B2	Wettable ePTFE medical devices Methods are provided for surface modifying a hydrophobic polymer substrate to increase wettability comprising the steps of pre-treating the hydrophobic polymer substrate with a radio frequency (RF)-generated first plasma and a RF-generated second plasma wherein the first plasma and the second plasma are applied sequentially, coating the hydrophobic polymer substrate with a hydrophilic coating; and polymerizing the hydrophilic coating on the hydrophobic polymer substrate by exposure to a RF-generated third plasma.
US07923048B2	Segmented pizza crust system Making a pizza crust includes forming a mass of dough into a substantially flattened shape to define an inner crust bordered by an outer crust extending around the inner crust. The outer crust is divided into a plurality of segments without cutting the inner crust by pressing a plurality of cutting fins of a cutting ring through the outer crust to form the plurality of segments. Each of the plurality of segments defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side facing the inner crust, and a second side facing opposite the inner crust. Each of the plurality of segments is turned such that the second end is moved away from the inner crust.
US07923047B2	Seasoning and method for seasoning a food product while reducing dietary sodium intake A seasoning for reducing dietary sodium intake is disclosed. The portion of seasoning has a mean particle size of less than or equal to 20 microns. In one embodiment, the invention is a seasoning comprising a first seasoning component including a salt and a second seasoning component selected for at least one of complementing and reducing the amount of the first seasoning component required for flavoring a food product.
US07923045B2	Compositions for alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress in a mammal An antioxidant-promoting composition that increases antioxidant defense potential in a subject is disclosed comprising Bacopa monniera extract; milk thistle extract, ashwagandha powder, green tea extract, Gotu kola powder, Ginko biloba leaf extract; Aloe vera powder; turmeric extract; and N-acetyl cysteine. The antioxidant-promoting composition of the invention safely induces cellular antioxidant potential to achieve an overall net decrease in oxidative stress without the undesirable side-effects associated with the individual components of the antioxidant-promoting composition. Also disclosed is a method for reducing the undesirable side-effects of free radicals in a subject by administering to a subject in need of such antioxidants an effective amount of antioxidant-promoting composition of the invention.
US07923042B2	Medicated gauze The present invention relates to a medicated gauze containing as active ingredient, aliantoin, a Centella asiatica extract and, optionally, an Urtica dioica extract.
US07923039B2	Biopolymer extraction from plant materials Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the extraction of high molecular weight biopolymers from plants. Specifically, invention described herein relates to the commercial processing of plant material, including that from desert plants native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, such as the guayule plant (Parthenium argentatum), for the extraction of biopolymers, including natural rubbers. More specifically, the invention relates to laboratory to commercial scale extraction of high molecular weight biopolymers from plant materials including the chemical and mechanical processing of the plants and purification of the extracted biopolymer.
US07923037B2	Liquid chalcogenide compositions and methods of manufacturing and using the same The present invention provides novel stable, liquid compositions comprising chalcogenides or salts thereof. These compositions may be used for a variety of purposes, including the treatment and prevention of ischemic or hypoxic injury, as well as in the preservation of biological matter.
US07923034B2	Process for producing microparticles An object of the present invention is to provide a solvent which is able to produce microparticles where content of the drug is still high and no initial burst takes place even when a drug having a low solubility in a halogenated hydrocarbon solvent is used. The present invention provides a process for production by a solvent-evaporation microencapsulation method, of microparticles which are composed of biodegradable polymer and contain a drug having a low solubility in a halogenated hydrocarbon, which is characterized in that the drug and the biodegradable polymer are dissolved in a mixed solvent comprising a first solvent: halogenated hydrocarbon, and a second solvent: a water-immiscible organic solvent in which solubility of the above-mentioned drug is 0.3% (w/v) or more.
US07923031B2	Haemostatic sprays and compositions The present invention is directed to a powder delivery system containing a composition comprising gelatin or collagen powder having a mean particle size of at least 10 μm. The gelatin or collagen powder is typically in dry form, i.e. no liquid components and/or propellants are added to the composition. The present invention is also directed to an improved powder delivery system which contains a protective structure, such as a skirt, located close to the orifice of the delivery system. In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to gelatin- or collagen-based compositions useful in hemostatic applications. In a further aspect of the invention the powder delivery system comprises gelatin or collagen powder in a dry form ready to use. Further the powder delivery system in a dry form might comprise an agent incompatible with moisture and/or water.
US07923028B2	High dose oral formulation of bisphosphonate and a process for making thereof The invention relates to a high dose oral formulation of bisphosphonates and to a process for the preparation of such formulations.
US07923026B2	Embedded micellar nanoparticles The present invention relates to a thermostable solid composition containing nanosized micelles, the micelles containing a poorly soluble chemical substance, such as a biologically active substance, dissolved in an auxiliary material, and the micelles being embedded in a water soluble carrier. The invention further relates to a process for preparing a thermostable solid composition and to a process for preparing pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising the same.
US07923024B2	Mineral composition The present invention relates to a mineral composition, characterized in that the mineral composition comprises 100 parts by weight of a metal salt having a solubility product in water at 25° C. of 1.0×10−7 or less and 0.5 to 50 parts by weight of an emulsifier having an HLB of 6 to 10, wherein the metal salt comprises fine particles having an average particle size of 0.05 to 1 μm.
US07923023B2	Method and composition for delivery of medicants to animals According to the present invention, a vaccine or pharmaceutical-containing composition is applied to the muzzle area of the animal, which will then naturally use its tongue to clean itself. This behavior will cause the animal to deposit applied composition to the mucosa of the nasal and oral cavities, thus meeting the need for a simple, effective, and efficient vaccination or treatment method.
US07923020B2	Composite for implantation in the body of an animal and method for making the same Composites that include a ceramic substance disposed in a polymeric material and associated methods for making the same.
US07923017B2	Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus variant The present invention provides an attenuated virus, which is derived from Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus, wherein the MVA-BN virus, or a derivative thereof, induces at least substantially the same level of immunity in vaccinia virus prime/vaccina virus boost regimes when compared to DNA prime/vaccinia virus boost regimes. It further describes recombinant viruses derived from this virus and the use of the virus, or its recombinants, as a medicament or vaccine. A method is provided for inducing an immune response in individuals who may be immune-compromised, receiving antiviral therapy, or have a pre-existing immunity to the vaccine virus.
US07923014B2	Expression and purification of HIP/PAP and uses therefor The present invention relates to methods of compositions comprising RegIII and HIP/PAP proteins, including the use of such proteins as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
US07923009B2	Medicinal agent and method for curing prostate diseases A medicament based on antibodies contains an activated form of ultra-low doses of monoclonal, polyclonal, or natural antibodies to the prostate-specific antigen, the activated form being prepared by multiple consecutive dilutions and exposure to external factors, preferably according to homeopathic technology. In order to obtain the antibodies, the prostate-specific antigen isolated from the prostatic tissues of cattle or prepared synthetically is employed; a mixture of various, mostly centesimal, homeopathic dilutions is used. The method of treating diseases of the urogenital sphere consists in using activated forms of ultra-low doses of antibodies to prostate-specific antigen prepared by multiple consecutive dilutions and exposure to external factors.
US07923002B2	Composition for coating keratin fibres comprising a tacky wax The disclosure relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, a wax having a tack of greater than or equal to 0.7 N.s and a hardness of less than or equal to 3.5 MPa. The wax may be a C20-C40 alkyl (hydroxystearoyloxy)stearate. The present disclosure also relates to a make-up or care process using the cosmetic composition, and an assembly for packaging and applying a product for coating keratin fibers.
US07922999B2	Administration of growth factors for the treatment of CNS disorders A method and system that is directed to the local delivery of growth factors to the mammalian CNS to treat CNS disorders associated with neuronal death and/or dysfunction is described.
US07922996B2	Zeolite compositions and preparation and use thereof This invention relates to novel compositions of zeolites or microporous metallosilicates characterized by a continuous spatial distribution of the metal and silicon in the crystals and characterized by a crystal surface enriched in silicon relative to the internal part of the same crystals. This invention also relates to a synthesis method of producing these metallosilicates with spatial distribution of the constituting elements. These novel zeolitic compositions can be used in various hydrocarbon conversion reactions. The crystalline metallosilicates can be selected from the group consisting of aluminosilicates, gallosilicates, ferrosilicates, titanosilicates and borosilicates.
US07922994B2	Method for preparing metal oxide particles with a controlled size A method for preparing metal oxide particles having a primary particle size on the order of nanometers is provided. The method comprises subjecting a metal ion present in an aqueous solution and an amino alcohol to an initial stage of reaction with each other at normal temperatures under normal pressures for a given time, and adding at least once either of a metal ion or an amino alcohol or both thereof to the resulting reaction system for carrying out a subsequent stage of reaction for a given time wherein total amounts of the metal ion and the amino alcohol are such that the amino alcohol is used in the range of not less than a molar equivalent to the metal ion.
US07922992B2	Composition and method for producing carbon dioxide The invention is a method and composition for producing carbon dioxide that is based on the reaction or activation of at least one carbon-containing compound with protons. The carbon-containing compound can be in the form of a powder, an impregnated carrier (e.g. zeolite crystals) or an aqueous solution and is preferably selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates or sesquicarbonates. The protons are preferably provided by a proton-generating species such as an acid or metal salt. The method and composition can further include a water-retaining substance and/or a chlorine dioxide-producing compound in accordance with the invention.
US07922991B2	Basic magnesium carbonate, production method and use of the same Basic magnesium carbonate comprising a tubular aggregated particle of flaky fine crystals.
US07922986B2	Reagent cup holder A reagent cup device 1 includes a plurality of individually sealed reagent cup compartments 7, each holding a reagent cup 8 having an open end and an inner surface, at least part of which is coated with a chemical reagent. Each reagent cup compartment 7 is closed and has a first end covered by a first breakable seal 5 and a second end covered by a second breakable seal 10. Since the reagent cup compartments 7 are individually sealed by the breakable seals 5, 10, it is possible to gain access to the interior of a reagent cup compartment 7, and thereby to the reagent cup 8 held therein, without breaking the sealing of the remaining reagent cup compartments 7. Thereby degradation of the chemical reagent in the reagent cups 8 is reduced, and the expected lifetime of the reagent cups 8 is accordingly increased. The breakable seals 5, 10 may be provided with weakened zones in order to easier break the seals 5, 10 when access is desired.
US07922984B2	Apparatus and method for controlled delivery of a gas Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes a sachet constructed in part with a hydrophobic material. The sachet contains one or more reactants that generate a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The apparatus can also include a barrier layer and/or a rigid frame. In another embodiment, the apparatus is combined with a reservoir that can be used to deliver a gas to the reservoir and, optionally, a conduit. In another embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated into a fluid dispersion system that includes a dispersion apparatus, e.g., a humidifier.
US07922981B2	Dispersion-intensified, coalescence-intensified chemical reactor and method Apparatus for intensifying heterogeneous chemical reactions is described. For the case of liquid-liquid reactions, with drops of a reactant distributed throughout the second continuous reactant, the physical phenomena of drop dispersion (break up) and drop coalescence are identified as the main physical steps affecting reaction rates. A basic flow cell structure is described in which the respective actions of dispersion and coalescence can be greatly intensified through the creation of enhanced body forces and shear flow zones. The basic cell structure can be arranged into pipe flow reactors to suit any production or process requirements. The basic cell structure is equally applicable to gas-liquid reactions with drops of one reactant being conveyed by a moving gas stream.
US07922980B2	EB/SM splitter heat recovery Improved methods and related apparatus are disclosed for efficiently recovering the heat of condensation from overhead vapor produced during separation of various components of dehydrogenation reaction effluent, particularly in ethylbenzene-to-styrene operations, by the use of at least a compressor to facilitate azeotropic vaporization of an ethylbenzene and water mixture within a preferred range of pressure/temperature conditions so as to minimize undesired polymerization reactions.
US07922973B2	Combined unit of humidity indicator and desiccant pack A combined unit of a humidity indicator and a desiccant pack is provided in which the humidity indicator (I) has one end portion bonded to one end portion of the desiccant pack (D) and can pivot around between a standby position (Ia) in which the indicator (I) overlaps one face of the desiccant pack (D) and an in-use position (Ib) in which it overhangs outside from one end edge (De) of the desiccant pack (D)), with the pivot center in the bonding portion or the vicinity thereof. This enables the humidity indicator to overlap the desiccant pack in the standby position when it is in an unused state, and after being enclosed within a packaging bag the humidity indicator and the desiccant pack can be kept as far away from each other as possible within the packaging bag, thus enabling detection of the humidity of the interior of the bag to be carried out precisely and appropriately.
US07922969B2	Corrosion-resistant nickel-base alloy The corrosion-resistant nickel-base alloy combines thermal stability with corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. The alloy contains balanced proportions of nickel, molybdenum, chromium, and iron with an effective amount of yttrium to stabilize grain boundaries against unwanted reactions, which might degrade corrosion resistance, and an effective amount of boron to maintain an acceptable level of ductility. The alloy may contain minor amounts of additives or impurities, such as silicon, manganese, and aluminum. The alloy may contain between about 25-45% molybdenum, 2-6% chromium, 2-4% iron, 0.01-0.03% boron, 0.005-0.015% yttrium, and up to a maximum of 1% manganese, silicon, and aluminum, respectively, by weight, the balance being nickel. It is preferred that the combined ratio of molybdenum, chromium, and iron to nickel be in the range of about 25% to 45%.
US07922967B2	High-strength and high-toughness magnesium based alloy, driving system part using the same and manufacturing method of high-strength and high-toughness magnesium based alloy material A high-strength and high-toughness magnesium based alloy contains, by weight, 1 to 8% rare earth element and 1 to 6% calcium and the maximum crystal grain diameter of magnesium constituting a matrix is not more than 30 μm. At least one intermetallic compound (6) of rare earth element and calcium has a maximum grain diameter of 20 μm or less and it is dispersed in a crystal grain boundary (5) and a crystal grain (4) of magnesium of the matrix.
US07922963B2	Method for inspecting honeycomb structured body and method for manufacturing honeycomb structured body A method for inspecting a honeycomb structured body of the present invention is a method for inspecting a honeycomb structured body comprising a pillar-shaped honeycomb fired body having a multitude of cells placed in parallel with one another in the longitudinal direction with a cell wall therebetween, the method comprising: measuring the shape of the honeycomb structured body in the longitudinal direction through preparing a contact measurement apparatus including a reference surface, a rail disposed perpendicularly to the reference surface, and a measurement probe including a contacting probe configured to move along the rail; contacting one end face of the honeycomb structured body with the reference surface; and moving the measurement probe in a direction nearing the reference surface to contact the contacting probe with the other end face of the honeycomb structured body.
US07922961B2	Molded plastic container having insert-molded insert and method of manufacture A plastic container has an open end and an imperforate container wall with a base, an outwardly open pocket in the container wall, and an insert disposed in the pocket. The insert preferably is captured in the pocket by blow molding the container wall around the insert. The pocket and insert preferably are disposed in the base of the container opposite the open end of the container, most preferably centrally of the base, and the insert preferably is visible in the container base through an external opening into the pocket.
US07922960B2	Fine resist pattern forming method and nanoimprint mold structure A light-transmitting mold structure having a mold pattern corresponding to a portion to form a pattern by nanoimprint and a conductive film pattern corresponding to a portion to form a pattern by nonadiabatic near-field exposure is used to irradiate UV light from a back surface of the mold structure and to perform nonadiabatic near-field light exposure in an imprint process so that all patterns having various sizes for simulating various designs can be faithfully transferred by a single imprint process (imprint & UV exposure).
US07922956B1	Vehicular trim component and cover with simulated stitch and/or seam thereon A method for making a cover for a component of a vehicle passenger compartment comprising the steps of molding the cover for the component from a polymeric material, and forming an integrally-formed aesthetic feature in an uninterrupted portion of the cover which simulates a seam between regions of the cover.
US07922955B2	Method for producing a rubber diaphragm, especially for motor vehicle brakes A method for producing a rubber diaphragm, comprising: (a) preparing materials; (b) primary forming: putting a first rubber film into a lower mold cavity of a diaphragm mold, covering the film with a canvas, positioning the canvas via a mold ring, switching on a primary upper mold on a vulcanizer, pushing the mold into a center of a hot plate of the vulcanizer, and performing primary forming for 30-40 seconds under a setting temperature of 152-157° C. and holding pressure of 16-18 MPa; and (c) secondary forming and curing: taking the mold out, removing the upper mold, putting the second rubber film into a mold cavity and switching on a secondary upper mold, pushing the mold into a center of the hot plate, and performing secondary forming and curing for 5-5.5 minutes under a setting temperature of 152-157° C. and holding pressure of 16-18 MPa. A rubber diaphragm produced by this method.
US07922952B2	Simultaneous injection-molding and decorating method In the simultaneous molding and decorating method for forming an image onto the surface of a resin molding simultaneously with resin molding by holding a decoration sheet on which the image is rotary printed in a die, such a decoration sheet as having a predetermined pattern for every revolution of the cylinder of a printing machine wherein the image is formed in the longitudinal direction at a constant interval is used. By holding the decoration sheet longer than one revolution but shorter than two revolutions of that in the die and performing resin molding, the image is formed onto the surface of a long molding exceeding the outer circumference of the cylinder.
US07922951B2	Plugging methods and apparatus for particulate filters Methods and apparatus for plugging cells of honeycomb structures are disclosed. A first method covers the honeycomb structure's end face with a mask having a body and plurality of sized openings positioned to oppose certain cell channels, wherein the outer edge of the body extends radially outwardly from the end face. A film also extends outwardly of the end face, and a plug of material is provided upon the film. The mask and film material are sealed to one another, and a force is applied to the film forcing the material through the mask and into the cells. Also disclosed is adhering a mask to a first end face of the honeycomb structure such that the mask has an outer portion that extends radially beyond an outer edge of the honeycomb; providing a volume of plugging material; clamping the outer portion between a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion; and transferring the plugging material into the honeycomb. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for cutting the plugging material between the mask and a pre-plugging chamber to form a substantially planar surface thereon.
US07922948B2	Method of moulding soles on shoe uppers, a shoe welt and a mould for carrying out the method In a method of moulding a sole of a plastic material and a welt on a shoe upper (1) a mould (3) is used. The mould (3) includes at last (2), upon which a shoe upper (1) is arranged, an upper mould part (5) divided along a longitudinal middle plane and thus includes two halves (5a, 5b) being laterally movable in relation to the lower mould part (4) between an open and a closed mould position, and a lower mould part (4) being vertically movable in relation to the upper mould part (5) between an open and a closed mould position. For carrying out the method an annular shoe welt (6) is provided and arranged in the mould in the mould's open position. The two halves (5a, 5b) of the upper mould part (5) are closed and the lower mould part is moved into its closed position. As a result a circumferential support surface (7) on the upper face of the lower mould part (4) co-acts with a pressure surface (17) on the lower face of a projection (15) on each half (5a, 5b) of the upper mould part such that the portion of the welt (6) facing the shoe upper (1) it tilted inwards and downwards to bring the inner end face of the welt (6) into sealing engagement with the lower side section of the shoe upper (1). The shoe sole is then moulded in a manner known per se by supplying a plastic material to the cavity of the mould.
US07922946B2	PTFE membrane A method for improving the dimensional stability of PTFE membranes by the application of elevated temperature and elevated pressure to a PTFE membrane. The process reduces and/or eliminates the relaxation stress normally associated with PTFE membranes made using previously existing methods.
US07922945B2	Method and arrangement for manufacturing a web-shaped packaging laminate Arrangement for manufacturing a web-shaped packaging laminate, comprising an extruder arranged so as to extrude a film of polymer material down into a nip between a cooling roll and a counter-roll, and also means of introducing at least one other layer of the packaging laminate into the said nip for joining the film together with the layer. According to the invention, the arrangement comprises an arrangement for covering the cooling roll with a surface layer of a water-based composition comprising a dry matter content. The invention also relates to the method for manufacturing the web-shaped packaging laminate, in which the composition is transferred as a thin layer to the film of polymer material in the nip, while the film of polymer material is still hot.
US07922943B2	Method and device for producing substantially endless fine threads The invention relates to a method and a device for producing substantially endless fine threads from polymer solutions, especially spinning material for lyocell, wherein the spinning material is spun from at least one spinning hole or a spinning slot. The spun thread or film is drawn by high-speed accelerated gas flows using a Laval nozzle whose narrowest cross-section is located beneath the point where the spinning material exists. The threads are arranged on a strip in the form of a non-woven or are taken up in the form of a yarn and are subsequently separated in spinning baths by means of solvents.
US07922942B2	Injection mold design, method for in-mold coating of lenses, and coated lenses A method and apparatus for coating lenses within an injection molding machine having a concave optical insert with a perimeter edge that meets the receiver ring in an annular contact region. A channel is formed throughout the annular contact region. When molding a lens with the apparatus, and according to the method, a closed-loop coating containment lip is formed by the channel. After the lens has solidified and the mold is opened, a predetermined volume of coating solution is applied and the mold is re-clamped. A uniformly thin layer of coating is cured on to the convex lens surface by avoiding coating run off and preventing mold contamination.
US07922941B2	Photochromic plastic object A photochromic plastic object which is composed of a transparent polymeric synthetic resin material, into or onto which at least one substantially mesoporous inorganic host structure is introduced or applied containing one or more embedded organic photochromic dye molecules so as to form a photochromic nanocomposite material. In contrast to prior techniques of adding or applying the photochromic organic dyes to the monomer mixture or prepolymer of a transparent synthetic resin material in a molecular form, in the photochromic plastic article of the present invention color is generated by using the photochromic nanocomposite particles or photochromic nanocomposite structures.
US07922935B2	Liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal display device being resistant to display unevenness without loss of responsivity and being capable of securing configurational stability is provided. A liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules and a polymer compound including a structure represented by Chemical Formula 1; and a pair of substrates facing each other with the liquid crystal layer in between, where m and n each are an integer of 1 to 4 both inclusive.
US07922926B2	Composition and method for polishing nickel-phosphorous-coated aluminum hard disks The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition consisting essentially of flumed alumina, alpha alumina, silica, a nonionic surfactant, an additive compound selected from the group consisting of glycine, alanine, iminodiacetic acid, and maleic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and water. The invention further provides a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate comprising contacting a substrate with a polishing pad and the chemical-mechanical polishing composition, moving the polishing pad and the polishing composition relative to the substrate, and abrading at least a portion of the substrate to polish the substrate.
US07922917B2	Porous ferro- or ferrimagnetic glass particles for isolating molecules Porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are described that selectively bind molecules of interest, especially nucleic acid molecules, under appropriate conditions. Methods of preparing the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles and their use for identifying or separating molecules of interest are also described. Kits comprising the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are also provided.
US07922915B2	Wastewater treatment system and method of wastewater treatment A wastewater treatment system including carbon dioxide gas injection means for injecting a carbon dioxide gas into wastewater which takes place during silicon processing to obtain raw wastewater to be treated; a wastewater tank; a filter membrane through which the raw wastewater is filtered; a liquid forwarding pump which forwards the raw wastewater to the filter membrane; and circulation/forwarding control means which can forward concentrated water and/or filtered water to the wastewater tank and which can regulate the pH of the raw wastewater to 4.0 to 6.5 to forward this wastewater to the filter membrane, when the amount of the raw wastewater present in the wastewater tank is below a reference amount.
US07922908B2	Separation system, components of a separation system and methods of making and using them Permeable polymeric monolithic materials are prepared in a column casing. In one embodiment, the permeable polymeric monolithic materials are polymerized while pressure is applied through a piston having a smooth piston head in contact with the polymerization mixture. The pressure eliminates wall effect and changes the structure in the column. Similarly, some columns that have a tendency to swell in the presence of aqueous solutions and pressurized while the solution is applied to prevent swelling and wall effect. This procedure also changes the structure in the column. The size of the separation effective openings can be controlled by the amount of the pressure and pores eliminated. Uniformity in the direction flow is improved by controlling polymerization with radiation rather than with conducted heat.
US07922905B2	Leaf filter system and replaceable filter leaf apparatus Polishing filter and replaceable filter leaf apparatus are provided. The polishing filter includes a housing defining a cavity having fluid inlet and outlet ports and a lid member with a manifold coupled to the outlet port and being adapted to conduct a fluid flow between the outlet port and a plurality of attachment areas. Replaceable filter leafs are selectively movable through an opening into the housing cavity and attachable with the manifold at the plurality of attachment areas. The replaceable filter leafs include a filter envelope consisting of a single substantially rectangular filter panel, a nozzle member on the filter panel and defining a passageway adjacent an opening in the filter envelope for conducting fluids therethrough, and a porous grid member contained within the filter envelope. The nozzle member is selectively attachable onto the manifold of the polishing filter apparatus at one of the plurality of attachment areas. In one form, the filter envelope includes a folded rectangular filter panel with the nozzle member disposed at an outer edge thereof. In another embodiment, the nozzle member is located at a crease line formed in the filter panel. In yet another, a pair of filter panels are connected at their edges with the nozzle member located along a selected edge as desired. The filter leaf apparatus are installed onto the manifold along attachment axes extending through the housing opening.
US07922902B2	Hollow fiber membrane module, hollow fiber membrane module unit, and water treatment method A hollow fiber membrane module, a hollow fiber membrane module unit using the hollow fiber membrane module, and a water treatment method using the module or the module unit enable the efficient contact of microorganisms on the surface of a membrane with a gas, the module and the unit having excellent durability. The hollow fiber membrane module is formed in such a manner that the end parts of sheet-form hollow fiber membranes are formed in a substantially rectangular shape and the end face of the anchoring member on a side where the hollow fiber membranes open is formed in a substantially circular shape. The hollow fiber membrane module unit is formed in such a manner that a plurality of modules is disposed. The water treatment method is used to purify treated water with the microorganisms adhered onto the outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes by using the module or the unit.
US07922901B2	System for water treatment A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the shear gap is the minimum distance between the rotor and the stator, and wherein the high shear mixing device is capable of producing a tip speed of the rotor of greater than 22.9 m/s (4,500 ft/min) and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas selected from oxygen, air, and chlorine to the high shear mixing device.
US07922895B2	Supercritical water processing of extra heavy crude in a slurry-phase up-flow reactor system A method of mixing a catalyst with a heavy oil to create a heavy oil/catalyst mixture. This is followed by combining the heavy oil/catalyst mixture with supercritical water to form light hydrocarbon products and heavy hydrocarbon products. By doing so the light hydrocarbon products can be separated into a gaseous top product, an upgraded liquid hydrocarbon product and a water phase.
US07922892B2	Process for improving the lubricating properties of base oils using a Fischer-Tropsch derived bottoms A method for improving the lubricating properties of a distillate base oil characterized by a pour point of 0 degrees C. or less and a boiling range having the 10 percent point falling between about 625 degrees F. and about 790 degrees F. and the 90 percent point falling between about 725 degrees F. and about 950 degrees F., the method comprises blending with said distillate base oil a sufficient amount of a pour point depressing base oil blending component to reduce the pour point of the resulting base oil blend at least 3 degrees C. below the pour point of the distillate base oil, wherein the pour point depressing base oil blending component is an isomerized Fischer-Tropsch derived bottoms product having a pour point that is at least 3 degrees C. higher than the pour point of the distillate base oil.
US07922889B2	Anodising aluminum alloy An anodic oxide film is formed on an aluminium or aluminium alloy work piece by forming an anodic oxide film on the work piece by AC electrolysis followed by subjecting the work piece to DC electrolysis. The AC anodizing step may be conducted at a voltage of 5 to 30V for 30 seconds to 10 minutes and the DC anodizing step may be conducted at a voltage of 5 to 30V for a period of 1 to 20 minutes. The anodic oxide coating is suitable for adhesive bonding of aluminium alloy work pieces.
US07922884B2	Device for measuring the pressure in a gas mixture A device for measuring the pressure of a gas mixture composed of gas components has an amperometric sensor that works on the limiting current principle, having two electrodes connected to a direct voltage that are situated on a solid electrolyte, of which one electrode is covered by a diffusion barrier, and a measuring element for measuring the limiting current flowing via electrodes as a measure for the gas pressure. For the purpose of error-free measurement of the gas pressure in a gas mixture in which the concentration of the gas components fluctuates with time, means are provided which fix the mole fraction of a gas component, drawn upon for pressure measurement, that is present upstream of the diffusion barrier at a constant 100%, at least during the pressure measuring phase. In one preferred exemplary embodiment, these means include a storage volume that is adjacent to the diffusion barrier which is separated from the gas mixture by a diffusion path, and two electrodes, situated on the solid electrolyte, for pumping of the gas component into the storage volume.
US07922881B2	Sputtering target with an insulating ring and a gap between the ring and the target A sputtering plasma reactors for plasma vapor deposition (PVD) having an improved interface between a PVD target, a ceramic ring and a PVD chamber wall. The reactor includes a PVD chamber wall and a PVD target, wherein the target in conjunction with the PVD chamber wall form a vacuum chamber and wherein at least the portion of the target facing the vacuum chamber is composed of material to be sputtered. The reactor also includes an insulating ceramic ring positioned between the target and the PVD chamber wall. A first O-ring is provided to establish a vacuum seal between the target and the insulating ring and a second O-ring is provided to establish a vacuum seal between the insulating ring and the PVD chamber wall. At least one spacer is positioned between the target and insulating ring to maintain a gap G between the insulating ring and the target. The spacer is made of a suitable low coefficient of friction material and inhibits black marking, scratching or the like that may otherwise occur along the interface between the ceramic ring and the target.
US07922880B1	Method and apparatus for increasing local plasma density in magnetically confined plasma Local plasma density, e.g., the plasma density in the vicinity of the substrate, is increased by providing an ion extractor configured to transfer ions and electrons from a first region of magnetically confined plasma (typically a region of higher density plasma) to a second region of plasma (typically a region of lower density plasma). The second region of plasma is preferably also magnetically shaped or confined and resides between the first region of plasma and the substrate. A positively biased conductive member positioned proximate the second region of plasma serves as an ion extractor. A positive bias of about 50-300 V is applied to the ion extractor causing electrons and subsequently ions to be transferred from the first region of plasma to the vicinity of the substrate, thereby forming higher density plasma. Provided methods and apparatus are used for deposition and resputtering.
US07922879B2	Ion exchange membrane electrolyzer An ion exchange membrane electrolyzer is provided, which is characterized in that a current is passed through at least one electrode in contact with a plate spring member formed at a portion of an electrode retainer member parallel with a flat plate form of electrode chamber partition, wherein said electrode retainer member is joined at a belt junction to the flat plate form of electrode chamber partition with a space between them, said electrode is provided with a floating mount means at a portion thereof other than a portion of contact with the plate spring member, and said floating mount means is provided with an engaging portion that is engaged with a fixed engaging member to enable said electrode to move in a perpendicular direction to an electrode surface and in a range of displacement of said plate spring member.
US07922876B2	Method for processing an etching mixture which is formed during the production of highly pure silicon In a method for recovering acid from an aqueous etching mixture containing HF, HNO3, H2SiF6 and HNO2 which has been used for purifying polycrystalline silicon, the used etching mixture is distilled progressively so that approximately from 20 to 50 wt. % of the mixture is distilled off as dilute acid containing more than 90 wt. % of the silicon dissolved as hexafluorosilicic acid in a first fraction, and the water contained in the used etching mixture having been reduced by approximately 10-30 wt. %, this water-depleted mixture is then concentrated by evaporation to a residue of about 1 to 5 wt. % of the initial amount of used etching mixture during which a second fraction is distilled off, and the residue is disposed of.
US07922870B2	Method and system for the pyrolysis of whole tires A method and apparatus for waste tyres pyrolysis wherein whole tyres are directly heated in a tunnel type furnace with flue gases from the combustion of pyrolysis gases. The process produces thermal energy, carbon black and mineral oil. The cooled flue gases are purified from sulfur oxides before released into the atmosphere.
US07922860B2	Manufacturing inkjet head by adhering with epoxy resins and alkyl imidazole Disclosed are an adhesive agent composition which has high chemical resistance and solvent resistance and is curable at around room temperature, an inkjet head which has good durability and jetting performance even in the case of using solvent ink, and a manufacturing method of the inkjet head. For these characteristics, the adhesive agent composition contains, as an activator, an imidazole derivative in which an alkyl group or a substituted alkyl group is substituted at the 1-postion or at the 1- and 2-positions, and as a base, a compound having three or more epoxy groups.
US07922855B2	Method for guiding everting form employed to carry repair material into pipe or conduit A method and apparatus for guiding an everting form employed to carry formed-in-situ repair material into a pipe or conduit comprising passing a guiding means through the interior and along the full length of the everting form in its un-everted state; fixing a first end of the guiding means to a substantially closed end of the everting form; attaching the guiding means in a readily detachable way to the interior surfaces of the everting form and the repair material substantially throughout the length of the everting form; and, during eversion of the everting form, applying tension to the guiding means to assist in guiding the transition of the zone of eversion through directional changes and discontinuities in the pipe or conduit and prevent localised axial differential movement between the everting form and the repair material immediately upstream of the zone of eversion.
US07922851B2	Method of manufacturing closure tabs for absorbent articles A closure tab is provided and includes a first substrate. A second substrate is adhesively attached to the first substrate. The second substrate has mechanical closure material formed thereon. A compression bond pattern is applied to the first substrate and the second substrate. The compression bond pattern includes at least one outwardly extending protrusion. The compression bond pattern may include, for example, circular bond points, stripes, or a decorative element. A method is also provided wherein the second substrate is compressed onto the first substrate by a patterned roller. The second substrate may be compressed onto the first substrate by a plurality of pins spaced in alternating offset rows.
US07922850B2	Closure element for absorbent sanitary products, manufacturing process, process of use, and product thus obtained A process is provided for making a fastening element for absorbent sanitary products having first and second parts that are symmetrical with respect to an intermediate plane, each part including a base branch connectable to the first part, and a distal branch connectable to the second part. The base branch and the distal branch are connected together according to a general book-like configuration. A dorsal part of the book-like configuration for connection between the base and the distal branches is set at a distance from said intermediate plane, the base branch connects the two parts to form a single body, each of which can connect mutually facing edges of the end parts of an absorbent sanitary product and to ensure the fastening of the flaps set on the sides. The fastening element can enable releasing and refastening the product and/or adjusting the fit of the product to the wearer's body.
US07922843B2	Method and system for laminating optical elements A strip-shaped polarizing film has a protective film strip conformably adhered to one surface thereof and a releasable liner conformably adhered to the other surface thereof and delivered from a film delivering station 1. After an appearance inspection, a lamination of the protective film strip and the polarizing film strip F is half-cut using a laser unit 11 to form an array of laminations each consisting of a protective film and a polarizing film F, with the releasable liner being left intact. Then, the polarizing films F are fed to a peeling mechanism 4. The peeling mechanism 4 feeds a forwardmost one the polarizing films F to a laminating mechanism 5 while peeling off the releasable liner therefrom by a knife-edged member. The forwardmost polarizing film F is laminated to a liquid-crystal panel W conveyed to the laminating mechanism by a panel transport apparatus 18 in synchronization of the feeding of the forwardmost polarizing film F.
US07922841B2	Method for preparing high-temperature nanophase aluminum-alloy sheets and aluminum-alloy sheets prepared thereby An aluminum or aluminum-alloy material sheet comprised of an aluminum material having an ultra-fine, submicron grain structure. The strength and physical properties of the aluminum or aluminum-alloy material sheet are improved over previous aluminum and aluminum-alloy material sheets because the aluminum is produced by cryomilling the aluminum or aluminum-alloy materials into a metal powder with ultra-fine, submicron grain structure. The powder is consolidated and rolled into the form of a sheet.
US07922837B2	Steel sheet for vitreous enameling and method for producing the same The present invention relates to a steel sheet for Vitreous enameling excellent in enameling properties (bubbling and black spot resistance, enamel adhesiveness and fish scale resistance) and workability, and a method for producing the same, and is characterized in that the steel sheet contains, in mass of, C: 0.010% or less, Mn: 0.03 to 1.3%, Si: 0.03% or less, Al: 0.02% or less, N: 0.0055% or less, P: below 0.035%, and S: over 0.025% to 0.08%; and the density change of the steel sheet from before an annealing to after an annealing at 850° C. for 20 hours, in a hydrogen atmosphere is 0.02% or more.
US07922833B2	Gas regulator for thermal energy machining A thermal energy machining (“TEM”) machine gas handling system in which the improvement is a fluid-controlled pressure regulation subsystem for controlling the dispensing of a TEM process gas via the regulation of the pressure of the TEM process gas. Such subsystems include a pressure regulator, a pressure transducer, and a digital controller working in combination to control the process gas outlet pressure of the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator's diaphragm that controls the valve that regulates the process gas outlet pressure is mechanically acted upon by the piston of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. Controlling the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder regulates the output pressure of the process gas. The pressure transducer and the digital controller work in combination to adjust the feed pressure of the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, which in turn regulates the pressure of the process gas at the outlet of the pressure regulator.
US07922831B2	Sump for dishwasher A sump for a dishwasher includes a sump case for collecting washing fluid, a pump housing on the sump case, a filtering assembly provided on an upper portion of the pump housing, and a sealing member disposed around the pump housing. The pump housing is provided with a pump case therein.
US07922830B1	Immersion cleaner for print rollers What is contemplated is a printing cylinder washer having a removable or portable drive assembly, or a series of portable drive assemblies of different lengths to accommodate different sizes of print rollers. The drive assemblies have a drive mechanism enabled by a dynamic flow of cleaning solution within the washer reservoir. What is also contemplated is the use of an elevation system, an agitation platform, under-immersion spray bars, an ultrasonic wave cleaning system, and a hatch or door equipped with a thermal breaker in conjunction with the hydro-driven portable drive assembly. What is also contemplated is a method of washing printing rollers within the above-described printing cylinder washer by aligning a nozzle with the drive assembly.
US07922829B2	Cleaning system for flat-plate membrane cartridges A cleaning system and method remove localized caked or dewatered solids from flat-plate membranes in a sewage treatment plant. The caked sludge on the membranes is removed by intense coherent water sprays directed into the spaces between cartridges of a cassette, without removing the cartridges from the cassette. The sprays can be delivered from the top and/or bottom of the cassette, or the side panels of a cassette can be removed for spraying from at least one side, preferably both sides, using a mechanical device with movable spray bars and motor-driven advancing of the spray bars. In one preferred form of the system the apparatus includes horizontal cutting jets followed by angled cutting jets that further break up and wash away the loosened sludge. Jet diameter, velocity and pressure are controlled so as not to damage the membranes or cartridges but to achieve efficient cleaning.
US07922826B2	Substrate treating apparatus and method A substrate treating apparatus includes a treating unit for treating substrates, a piping for supplying a treating liquid to the treating unit, a heater mounted on the piping, an electronic thermal unit mounted on the piping in series with the heater, a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the treating liquid, and a controller for controlling the heater and the electronic thermal unit. The controller sets a first temperature control mode for performing a room temperature control using the electronic thermal unit when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is below a predetermined boundary temperature between room temperature and high temperature, and for performing a high temperature control with the heater when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is above the predetermined boundary temperature between room temperature and high temperature. The controller sets a second temperature control mode for performing a heating control using the heater and the electronic thermal unit to heat the treating liquid when a difference between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a target temperature at least corresponds to a first specified value set beforehand. Further, the controller sets the first temperature control mode when, after the second temperature control mode is set, the difference between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the target temperature becomes less than a second specified value set beforehand.
US07922824B2	Oxidizing aqueous cleaner for the removal of post-etch residues An oxidizing aqueous cleaning composition and process for cleaning post-plasma etch residue and/or hardmask material from a microelectronic device having said residue thereon. The oxidizing aqueous cleaning composition includes at least one oxidizing agent, at least one oxidizing agent stabilizer comprising an amine species selected from the group consisting of primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines and amine-N-oxides, optionally at least one co-solvent, optionally at least one metal-chelating agent, optionally at least one buffering species, and water. The composition achieves highly efficacious cleaning of the residue material from the microelectronic device while simultaneously not damaging the interlevel dielectric and metal interconnect material also present thereon.
US07922821B2	Source, an arrangement for installing a source, and a method for installing and removing a source The invention relates to an arrangement for installing a source into a gas deposition reactor. The arrangement comprises at least one source fitting for the source such that the source fitting is connected to a reaction space of the gas deposition reactor, and a source installable at least partly inside the source fitting or a source space connected to the source fitting. According to the invention, the arrangement further comprises reception means in the source fitting for receiving the source, and charging means for installing the source in place in the source fitting for use, and a chamber (1), provided in the source, for a solid or liquid source material (3), and isolating means (7, 19) for isolating the chamber (1) substantially from environment.
US07922820B2	Heating crucible and deposition apparatus including the same A heating crucible and a deposition apparatus are provided that have a uniform deposition rate and good reproducibility. The heating crucible of the deposition apparatus includes a titanium body with an internal cavity to contain a material to be deposited and an opening to emit the material to be deposited, a wire to heat the body, and an insulator to insulate the body from the wire.
US07922819B2	Semiconductor manufacturing device Reduction in a space of a manufacturing line, improvement of efficiency, improvement of utilization efficiency of materials, additionally, reduction in the manufacturing cost is realized by applying a means for describing a wiring pattern or a resist pattern directly on a substrate, a means for locally performing a vapor phase process such as film formation or etching under atmospheric pressure or adjacent to atmospheric pressure.
US07922817B2	Method and device for feeding arsenic dopant into a silicon crystal growing apparatus A feed assembly and method of use thereof of the present invention is used for the addition of a high pressure dopant such as arsenic into a silicon melt for CZ growth of semiconductor silicon crystals. The feed assembly includes a vessel-and-valve assembly for holding dopant, and a feed tube assembly, attached to the vessel-and-valve assembly for delivering dopant to a silicon melt. An actuator is connected to the feed tube assembly and a receiving tube for advancing and retracting the feed tube assembly to and from the surface of the silicon melt. A brake assembly is attached to the actuator and the receiving tube for restricting movement of the feed tube assembly and locking the feed tube assembly at a selected position.
US07922813B2	Epitaxially coated silicon wafer and method for producing epitaxially coated silicon wafers Epitaxially coated silicon wafers, are produced by epitaxially coating a multiplicity of wafers polished at least on their front sides, successively and individually in an epitaxy reactor, by placing a silicon wafer on a susceptor, pretreating under a hydrogen atmosphere followed by addition of an etching medium to the hydrogen atmosphere, coating epitaxially on the polished front side and removing the water from the epitaxy reactor. The susceptor is then heated, in each case, to a temperature of at least 1000° C. under a hydrogen atmosphere, and furthermore an etching treatment of the susceptor and a momentary coating of the susceptor with silicon are effected after a specific number of epitaxial coatings. Silicon wafers characterized by a parameter R30-1 mm of −10 nm to +10 nm, determined at a distance of 1 mm from the edge of the silicon wafer are produced.
US07922807B2	Method of producing pigment dispersion The present invention provides a method of producing a pigment dispersion, comprising the steps of: preparing a solution in which two or more color pigments and a dispersant are dissolved in a solvent containing an aprotic organic solvent in the presence of an alkali; preparing a medium that decreases a solubility of the two or more color pigments by being added to the solution; feeding the solution and the medium to respective microchannels; and depositing the two or more color pigments by merging the solution and the medium transported through the respective microchannels.
US07922804B2	Method for preparing sol-gel solution for CIGS solar cell A method for preparing a sol-gel solution is provided. During a first stage mixture preparation process, a metal compound mixture is obtained by mixing compounds of Cu, In, Ga, and Se, a diluting dispersant is obtained by adding a diluent into a dispersant, a stabilizing adhesive is obtained by mixing a stabilizer, a leveling agent, and an adhesive together, an anti-freezing coagulant is obtained by mixing an anti-freezer with a retarding coagulant, and a metallic reducing agent is obtained by mixing a reducing agent, a metal complexing agent with a metal abstracting solvent. Then, the metal compound mixture, the diluting dispersant, the stabilizing adhesive, the anti-freezing coagulant, and the metallic reducing agent are mixed, heated and stirred, and then cooled down to obtain a sol-gel solution. The sol-gel solution can be provided for the ink coating technology for configuring the CIGS light absorbing layer of the CIGS solar cell.
US07922803B2	Coating composition and resin multilayer body A transparent cured film including organic fine particles having an ultraviolet absorbing group and an average particle diameter of 1 to 200 nm, the particles being dispersed in a matrix having an Si—O bond, and having a transmittance of visible light of 80% or more and a haze value of 10% or less. The coating composition can be produced, for example, from a coating composition containing (1) an alkoxysilane compound or polyalkoxysilane compound; (2) an aminosilane compound; (3) an epoxysilane compound; (4) a polymer ultraviolet absorber; (5) a curing catalyst; and (6) a solvent.
US07922801B2	Carbon black aqueous dispersion and method of producing the same A carbon black aqueous dispersion which has excellent dispersibility in an aqueous medium and is suitable as an aqueous black ink, such as an inkjet printer ink and a method of producing the same. The carbon black aqueous dispersion includes an aqueous medium and a carbon black pigment dispersed in the aqueous medium, wherein some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the acidic groups produced by liquid-phase oxidation of the carbon black are replaced with a basic amino acid salt group by neutralization with a basic amino acid. The method of producing a carbon black aqueous dispersion includes subjecting carbon black to liquid-phase oxidation, removing reduced salts from the resulting slurry, neutralizing the slurry with a basic amino acid to replace some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the acidic groups with a basic amino acid salt group to form a basic amino acid salt compound, and purifying the resulting product.
US07922798B2	Granulator device A granulator device (1) for the treatment of powdered material, in particular pharmaceutical powdered material, comprises a substantially cylindrical container (2), in which there is a chamber (4) for treatment of the powdered material using a fluid flow fed into the chamber (4); filtering means (5) for filtering the inside of the chamber (4), the filtering means (5) being located in the chamber (4) and comprising at least one filter (5) with a cylindrical metal mesh filtering wall (6); and means (P) for cleaning the filtering means (5) which can be activated during maintenance operations, the cleaning means comprising at least one element (7) rotating about each filter (5) and supporting diffuser means (8) designed to diffuse a service fluid on the cylindrical wall (6) in order to eliminate any impurities trapped in the filter (5) wall (6); the cleaning means (P) also comprise means (9) for temporarily opening at least one portion (10) of the filter (5) to allow the service fluid to flow out of the filter (5) together with the impurities.
US07922796B2	Chemical and particulate filters containing chemically modified carbon nanotube structures A carbon nanotube filter. The filter including a filter housing; and chemically active carbon nanotubes within the filter housing, the chemically active carbon nanotubes comprising a chemically active layer formed on carbon nanotubes or comprising chemically reactive groups on sidewalls of the carbon nanotubes; and media containing the chemically active carbon nanotubes.
US07922777B2	Lightening and dyeing of human keratin fibers using an anhydrous composition comprising a monoethyanolamine/basic amino acid mixture, and device therefor The present disclosure relates to a process for lightening human keratin fibers using at least one anhydrous composition (A) comprising at least one fatty substance, at least one surfactant, monoethanolamine and at least one basic amino acid, and at least one composition (B) comprising at least one oxidizing agent. The disclosure relates to a multi-compartment device comprising the abovementioned compositions (A) and (B).
US07922774B2	Method for aligning a prosthesis A computerized prosthesis alignment system includes a transducer that can measure socket reactions in the anterior/posterior plane and the right/left planes, while canceling or reducing the transverse forces on the measurements of these socket reactions. In addition, the transducer is also capable of determining the axial load or weight experienced by the prosthesis. The computerized prosthesis alignment system is in communication with a host computer. The moment data from the transducer is interpreted by the user via a computer interface. The host computer includes memory for storing one or more applications. These applications receive data from the transducer, interpret the data with discrete algebraic or fuzzy logic algorithms, and display the output numerically and graphically. Applications may also interpret the data to provide analyses to the user for aligning the prosthesis.
US07922769B2	Modular glenoid prosthesis and associated method A glenoid implant assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first component for attachment to the glenoid fossa of a scapula. The component defines an assembly face of the component. The assembly also includes a second component removably secured to the first component. The second component includes an assembly face of the second component. The assembly face of the second component is in close approximation to the assembly face of the first component. The second component is attachable to the first component in a direction generally normal to the assembly faces.
US07922768B2	Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and deformable spinal disc annulus stent A spinal disc annulus repair device for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, which may incorporate suture closure or other means of stent insertion and fixation, designed to reduce the failure rate of conventional surgical procedures on the spinal discs.
US07922767B2	Disk fusion implant An embodiment provides an implant prosthesis. In some cases, the prosthesis can take the form of an implant strip that may be implanted through the use of a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical spinal implant procedures. In one aspect, a method of implanting a prosthesis may include making an incision in a patient, inserting a tube into the incision and between two adjacent vertebrae, inserting an implant strip through the tube, ejecting the implant strip from the tube between the two adjacent vertebrae, coiling the implant strip between the two adjacent vertebrae, and resisting compressive and tensile forces by deflecting an intermediate portion of the implant strip.
US07922764B2	Bioprosthetic heart valve with polyphosphazene This disclosure encompasses a bioprosthetic heart valve having a polyphosphazene polymer such as poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene], which exhibits improved antithrombogenic, biocompatibility, and hemocompatibility properties. A method of manufacturing a bioprosthetic heart valve having a polyphosphazene polymer is also described.
US07922760B2	In situ trapping and delivery of agent by a stent having trans-strut depots A method of delivering an agent into a bodily lumen, the method comprising: implanting an implantable medical device into a treatment site of a lumen, the device having an abluminal face and a luminal face, wherein the device includes depots that extend from an open end at a luminal face to an open end at an abluminal face; and introducing an agent into the open end of the depots at the luminal face such that the agent is delivered to the treatment site through the open end at the abluminal face.
US07922756B2	Stent A stent with strut bands and connectors, wherein the strut bands have long and short struts with a junction positioned between the short struts. Each junction defines a reservoir, wherein the reservoirs of a strut band are substantially circumferentially aligned. The connectors each have arms, wherein each arm includes an opposing U-shaped link. The opposing links have a shared portion disposed between a peak on one strut band and a longitudinally adjacent trough of an adjacent strut band.
US07922755B2	Apparatus and methods for delivery of multiple distributed stents Delivery catheters and systems are adapted for delivering multiple discreet prostheses in body lumens. An exemplary delivery catheter comprises a sheath, a pusher for moving the prostheses relative to the sheath, and a valve member for selectively retaining the prostheses in the sheath. For balloon expandable stents, an elongated shaft and an expandable member are slidably disposed in the sheath, and the prostheses are positionable on the expandable member for deployment in the body lumen. The valve member allows a selected number of prostheses to be deployed from the sheath while retaining other prostheses within the sheath.
US07922748B2	Removable polyaxial housing for a pedicle screw A polyaxial body is selectively removable from a pedicle screw in a spinal fixation system without disruption of the screw's placement in the patient's spine. The polyaxial body according to various embodiments of this invention may be locked relative to the screw head and coupled to the spine rod without deformation of the screw or body components while still allowing for subsequent removal of the body from the screw head. The head of the pedicle screw is threadably engaged with a retainer ring on the polyaxial body thereby permitting selective removal of the body from the screw head without disrupting the placement of the screw in the spine. This allows for the pedicle screw to remain in the spine as the fixation system is adjusted as required by the surgeon for subsequent and reliable reanimation.
US07922747B2	Cross connector apparatus for spinal fixation rods A cross connector apparatus for retaining a pair of spinal rods in spaced relation, including: a middle portion having a first end, a second end, and an extendable member which is able to extend beyond the second end a specified amount; a first side portion positioned adjacent to the first end of the middle portion, wherein the first side portion is rotatably coupled to the middle portion in at least a first plane; and, a second side portion positioned adjacent to the second end of the middle portion, wherein the second side portion is rotatably coupled to the extendable member in at least a second plane. The first and second side portions each further include a mechanism for both retaining the respective side portion in a desired position with respect to the middle portion and retaining a spinal rod member to the respective side portion.
US07922745B2	Posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine An interspinous vertebral implant comprises a resiliently compressible body that is adapted for position between adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes, and an anchoring member that is affixed to the superior and the inferior spinous processes posterior to the resiliently compressible body. The anchoring member provides a compressive force while the resiliently compressible body provides a distraction. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the combination of the distraction and compressive forces created by this type of interspinous vertebral implant results in a rotational moment, which alleviates compression on the intervertebral disk.
US07922738B2	Devices and methods for accessing the epidural space An apparatus for accessing the epidural space in a mammal has a cutting sheath with a distal end adapted to transition from a closed cutting configuration to an open configuration. A tissue engagement device is in a hollow portion of the sheath. The tissue engagement device has a blunt distal end and an engagement feature. A method of accessing an epidural space includes the step of forming an opening to a position at or near the ligamentum flavum using the cutting sheath. Another step of the method is positioning a tissue engagement device within the hollow portion of the cutting sheath. Another step of the method is transitioning the cutting sheath from the closed cutting configuration to the open configuration. Another step of the method is manipulating the tissue engagement device to controllably advance the tissue engagement device at least partially through the ligamentum flavum.
US07922734B2	Methods for forming an anastomosis with a vessel having everted tissue Compression plate apparatus enables vessels to be joined together in various anastomosis configurations. The compression plates are guided to each other in a parallel orientation by guides. The compression plate apparatus may be utilized with an intraluminally directed anvil apparatus or an externally positioned anvil apparatus. One of the compression plates assists in the eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour. One of the compression plates enables a graft vessel to be pre-everted so that the anastomosis fenestra contours are everted. The apparatus provides a structure that enables the vessels to be joined without being penetrated.
US07922729B2	Instrumentation for inserting and deploying an expandable interbody spinal fusion implant Instruments for inserting and expanding interbody spinal implants having an expandable height are disclosed. The Instruments are provided for engaging expanders of the implants to increase the heights thereof. The instruments include an implant holder and an expander driver. The implant holder has a longitudinal axis, a passage along the longitudinal axis, and a distal end with an implant engagement area adapted to cooperatively engage the implant. The expander driver has a shaft adapted to pass through the passage of the implant holder, and a distal end adapted to engage the expander of the expandable implant.
US07922724B2	Rod reducer An instrument is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, such as for reduction of spinal rods. In one embodiment, a shaft is pivotably connected to a plate with an aperture, and a sleeve is slidable over the shaft and plate. A base member can be provided for ease in handling the instrument, which may include a ratchet mechanism connected to the sleeve. The plate is moved so that its aperture is oriented to allow an orthopedic implant, such as a Schanz-type screw, to be inserted into the aperture. After insertion, the shaft is moved so as to pivot the plate so that the plate grips or holds the implant. The sleeve is then slid over the shaft, plate and implant in contact with an elongated member, such as a spinal rod, or other implanted device or tissue. Further sliding the sleeve forces the elongated member toward or past the implant.
US07922722B2	Contoured reamer teeth and method of manufacture An acetabular reamer (10′) for cutting a required cut shape is described. The reamer (10′) has a cutting shell (12′) having a series of doubly curved cutting teeth (16′) thereon of a quantity to substantially reduce a cutting pressure on each tooth as well as to reduce a size of a typical chip generated upon cutting. Substantially all of the teeth have a matched arc cutting edge (20′) of substantial length that has a cutting profile which substantially matches a profile of a shape to be cut. The apertures in which the cutting edges are formed have at least one straight edge (80) by which a punch, used in the process of forming the edge, may be oriented. Such a configuration reduces the number of teeth required to cut the shape.
US07922719B2	Adjustable angle pawl handle for surgical instruments A two piece, adjustable angle handle for a surgical instrument, capable of easy adjustment to a number of angles, permitting the handle of the instrument to be grasped with one hand, and the other hand to guide the operating end of the instrument, said handle permanently affixed to an instrument, or capable if attachment to a number of different instruments by means of a firm but releasable fastening to the shaft of the instrument, as with a Hudson fitting; the adjustable angle fastening comprising a radial array of teeth as in a ratchet wheel and a reverse scissor pawl.
US07922717B2	High-frequency treatment tool for endoscope A high-frequency treatment tool for an endoscope, having an electrically insulating flexible tube, an operating wire, a high-frequency electrode, which is provided at a distal end of the operating wire and configured to be protrusible and retractable from a distal end of the flexible tube in the axial direction of the flexible tube, and a tubular member, is provided. The tubular member is fitted on the operation wire and immovably attached thereon by plastic deformation, which is caused as at least a part of the tubular member is deformed to interfere with an inner circumferential surface of the flexible tube so that the operating wire is halted with respect to the flexible tube at an arbitrary position in the flexible tube by frictional resistance caused between an interfering part of the tubular member and the inner circumferential surface of the flexible tube.
US07922716B2	Energy based devices and methods for treatment of anatomic tissue defects Methods and apparatus for treatment of anatomic defects in human tissues, such as patent foramen ovale (PFO), atrial or ventricular septal defects, left atrial appendage, patent ductus arteriosus, blood vessel wall defects and certain electrophysiological defects, involve positioning a distal end of an elongate catheter device at the site of the anatomic defect, engaging tissues at the site of the anatomic defect to bring the tissues together, and applying energy to the tissues with the catheter device to substantially close the anatomic defect acutely. Apparatus generally includes an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a vacuum application member coupled with the distal end for engaging tissues at the site of the anatomic defect and applying vacuum to the tissues to bring them together, and at least one energy transmission member coupled with the vacuum application member for applying energy to tissues at the site of the anatomic defect to substantially close the defect acutely.
US07922711B2	Sterile docking apparatus and method An improved sterile docking apparatus for a medical-liquid, male connectors includes a holding member having an opening for matably receiving a nozzle end of a medical-liquid, male connector therethrough, and a deformable member disposed across the opening, wherein the deformable member is deformable to envelop and thereby isolate a nozzle end of a medical-liquid, male connector that is inserted into the opening of the holding member. The deformable member may be resilient, wherein it substantially returns to an initial configuration after removal of a nozzle end of a medical-liquid, male connector from the opening of the holding member. An interconnection surface may be provided on the holding member of the docking apparatus to interface with a complimentary interconnection surface of a medical-liquid, male connector so as to maintain the nozzle end of the medical-liquid, male connector in an enveloped position during docking.
US07922710B2	Catheter accessory devices and methods of use A wire station is disclosed for securing and managing multiple wire members used in a catheter system. The wire management system includes means for securing the proximal portion of two wire members in a spatially separate arrangement. The wire station of the present invention additionally provides a physician with the flexibility of either directly attaching the wire station of the present invention to the catheter system directly, or positioning the wire station at a remote location.
US07922705B2	Densified fibrous structures and methods for making same Differentially densified fibrous structures, methods for making same, and processes for treating fibers used in the fibrous structures are provided. More particularly, fibrous structures comprising two or more regions, at least one of which exhibits a density that is at least 1.6 times greater than another region within the fibrous structure, methods for making such fibrous structures and non-naturally occurring fibers useful in such fibrous structures are provided.
US07922704B2	Nursing pad The present invention provides a disposable nursing pad having a layered structure of a liquid-permeable sheet, an absorbent body, and a liquid-impermeable sheet. The liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet are adhered to each other. This prevents the liquid-permeable sheet from becoming detached from the absorbent body, and provides a nursing pad having an improved capacity to maintain its three-dimensional shape. A pair of pad pieces 2 and 3, each of which has a layered structure of a liquid permeable sheet piece, an absorber, and a liquid-impermeable sheet piece, is joined so as to form a nursing pad 1 having an approximately conical shape. With the nursing pad 1, a connection portion 4 where pad pieces are joined forms a ridge which serves as the center line of the nursing pad 1. The nursing pad 1 can be folded along the ridge.
US07922701B2	Catheter cleaning devices The present invention provides catheter cleaning devices that are effective at reducing microbial contamination of a catheter port entry. For example, the invention provides a catheter, a catheter cleaning device and a catheter cleaning injection port cap, each of which reduces potential microbial contamination at a catheter port entry.
US07922700B2	Pinch valve mechanism for a medical fluid injection device In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area.
US07922699B2	Administration instrument for medical use An administration instrument for medical use performs injection of a drug solution with stability and with great reliability. The administration instrument includes a needle that does not wobble, thereby alleviating physical and mental pain of the administration patient. The structure includes an injection button that is pressed at an angle that is not parallel to the needle with respect to a direction in which the needle is inserted into the skin. Thus, it is possible to prevent the force of pressing the injection button from being transmitted in a direction of insertion of the needle so that the needle is inserted deeper into the skin than the initial insertion of the needle, thereby achieving administration under a stable state.
US07922698B2	Spring launched needle safety clip A hypodermic needle assembly configured such that the movement of a needle shield into position to block the needle tip occurs as a direct consequence of a longitudinal force applied by insertion of a syringe plunger is provided. The hypodermic needle assembly according to the present invention includes a needle, a needle hub, and a safety spring clip assembly, the safety spring clip assembly being configured to automatically launch from the needle hub and slide along the needle to shield the needle tip, thus preventing accidental contact with the needle tip. Additional mechanisms for launching the safety spring clip are also provided, which include using a trigger ring for rotating and launching the safety spring clip. Methods for making and using the hypodermic needle assemblies are also disclosed.
US07922689B2	Device and method for locating anatomical cavity in a body A device (1) is designed for locating a region which is situated in a body (10). The device has a fluid-filled reservoir (30) which is closed off in a sealed manner by a displaceable plunger (32) and is connected to a hollow puncture needle (20). To measure the pressure prevailing in the fluid, the device has a pressure gauge (40). A signal converter (50) is used to convert a continuous pressure-measurement signal provided by the pressure gauge (40) into a form which is suitable for further processing. A synthesizer (60) is designed to process the converted pressure-measurement signal into a continuous sound signal which is representative of the pressure. If, during a displacement of the puncture needle (20), a needle point (21) reaches the anatomical cavity (15), the result is a readily perceptible change in the sound signal. The device records the pressure-measurement signal over the course of time.
US07922685B2	Self adjusting hydrocephalus valve A self adjusting hydrocephalus valve that continuously drains cerebrospinal fluid at a rate which is proportional to the average pressure difference across the valve. The valve employs a ball-in-cone mechanism having an associated biasing element that is insensitive to high frequency pressure variations for regulating the opening of the valve mechanism. The biasing element includes flexible bellows having a preset tension.
US07922682B2	Method of providing compressive forces to a human torso A method of providing compressive force to a person. In one embodiment, a first level of compression is applied adjacent the axillae of the person, a second level of compression is applied to a side torso region of the person, and a third level of compression is applied to a chest region of the person. The second level of compression is greater than the first level of compression and the third level of compression is greater than the fourth level of compression. The compression may be applied using a compression garment having one or more layers of compression fabric. The garment may be configured using specific compression fabric to provide the desired levels of compression to various regions of the torso of a person.
US07922680B2	Method of making wrist support for joint positioning A method of making a wrist support includes molding a first section such that it is configured to receive a forearm, molding a second section such that it is configured to receive a hand, and molding a bridging section that is integrally formed with the first section and extends between and connects together the first section and the second section. The bridging section is generally flexible and recoverable and permits flexing of the second section relative to the first section in a radial-ulnar plane when a forearm is received by the first section of the wrist support and a hand is received by the second section of the wrist support, the bridging section biasing the first section and the second section toward a particular disposition relative to each other.
US07922679B1	Blood-draw finger restraint An apparatus for drawing blood from a finger includes a flexible band, at least a portion of which is adapted to surround a portion of a finger. A remaining portion of the apparatus is disposed under at least one joint of the finger. The apparatus provides sufficient strength along its longitudinal length to restrict a child or other person from excessively bending the joint when the finger restraint is in position. After a puncture is provided near the tip of the finger, the apparatus is then squeezed to help force an additional quantity of blood to flow out through the puncture. After the blood sample is taken, the apparatus continues to “restrain” the finger until a required bandage is applied. A few of the many possible modifications are also shown.
US07922678B2	Wound treatment device A limb wound treatment device is described having a first end, a second end and an interior therebetween for accommodating a treatment gas. The device can include a flexible housing that can be inflated or a rigid housing. The first end can include an inflatable cuff seal for hermetically sealing against the limb being treated. The second end can include a closed end or an access port that is releasably sealed with a clamping mechanism. Further, the device can include a controller that can inflate that housing, inflate the cuff seal and provide treatment gas to the interior, in response to pressures within the cuff seal and the housing. Further, the device can accommodate different types of wound treatments, such as hyperbaric therapy, compression therapy or negative pressure therapy.
US07922675B2	Advanced handable skin care device and operating method thereof An apparatus for maintaining and supplying stable power to a skin care device comprising a DC-DC converting unit (20) for escalating the voltages from a charged battery power source (1), a skin-stimulating unit (50) with a supersonic element or an ion-inducting element, a switch unit (30) having a main switch (SW1) and various functional switches, an LCD displayer (40) for indicating various operating modes, a CPU (2) for controlling each component, a main switch initiating unit having a function when the main switch (SW1) is turned on, the CPS is activated by a switching signal inputted to an analogue input port from said CPU, the first switch unit (31) is activated by the CPU through an analogue output port, then the FET (D4) is switched to supply battery power to the DC-DC converting unit (20), and a function of the PWM control signal, which prolongs the switching-on stage for gradually increasing the voltage up to the operating voltage during the step-up stage, and inversely shortens the switching-off stage for gradually decreasing the operating voltage during the step-down stage. A strength-adjusting switch (SW3) for controlling the strength of output voltage of the DC-DC converting unit (20), and a mode switch (SW2) for operating various modes of supersonic vibrations controlled by each vibrating frequency. An LED displayer being equipped with a minimum number of connecting pins for indicating various operating modes. Each LED is independently activated to turn on and off according to each signal of the input-output terminal from a controlling unit of the CPU.
US07922673B2	Guide wire A guide wire includes a first wire disposed on the distal side of the guide wire and a second wire disposed on the proximal side from the first wire. The first wire and the second wire are joined to each other by welding. A welded portion formed by welding has a projection projecting in the outer peripheral direction. The height of the projection may be in a range of 0.001 to 0.3 mm. The first wire may be made from a superelastic alloy, and the second wire be made from a stainless steel. The first wire and the second wire are welded to each other by a butt resistance welding process. Such a guide wire has a high joining strength between the first wire and the second wire, to thereby improve the operationality.
US07922672B2	Skin testing-device system Embodiments of the invention are directed to a skin testing-device system. The system includes a tray, a well holder that snaps into the tray and that holds a plurality of rows of test-solution wells, and a well holder-assembly lid that snaps into the tray over the well holder. The well-holder may include see-through windows such that a test-solution level is visible for substantially each of the test-solution wells from one or more single viewpoints, which may be elevated, and offset, from the well holder. The well holder-assembly lid may include areas that prevent skin-test devices in the test-solution wells from being dislodged from the test-solution wells while the well holder-assembly lid is snapped into the tray. Embodiments of the invention are directed to a clamshell-package system for holding skin-test devices. The system includes a clamshell package having generally crescent-shaped receptacles in an offset pattern and a clamshell-package lid.
US07922670B2	System and method for quantifying and mapping visual salience A system for quantifying and mapping visual salience to a visual stimulus, including a processor, software for receiving data indicative of a group of individual's ocular responses to a visual stimulus, software for determining a distribution of visual resources at each of at least two times for each of at least a portion of the individuals. The system further including software for determining and quantifying a group distribution of visual resources at each of the at least two times and software for generating a display of the group's distribution of visual resources to the visual stimulus.
US07922664B2	Method and system for improving physiologic status and health via assessment of the dynamic respiratory arterial pressure wave using plethysmographic technique The present invention specifies a method and system for assessing the dynamic respiratory arterial pressure wave using plethysmographic sensing techniques. The dynamic respiratory arterial pressure wave is measured and plotted for purposes of diagnosis and or remedial biofeedback.
US07922662B2	Multi stage beamforming Beamforming for N elements in performed in log(N) steps of complexity O(N). The signals measured at each element are treated as a receive beam formed by that element with a beam width equal to the element pattern or the width of the transmit illumination. In each of multiple stages, the number of elements is halved by effectively doubling the pitch. The number of beams formed by each element is doubled by narrowing the beam width by a factor of 2 in sin(θ). Since steering and focusing are separated, a single set of delays are applied to each element signal individually prior to the multi-stage beam forming for each finite depth. The data is in a sector format, but by using two beamforming steps, data in a Vector® format is provided.
US07922660B2	Methods of prenatal screening for trisomy 21 Methods for prenatal screening for trisomy 21 employ examination of the fronto-maxillary facial (FMF) angle of a fetus. The methods may comprise obtaining a two or three dimensional image of a fetal face, measuring the FMFbone angle and/or FMFskin angle on the image, and comparing the measured FMFbone angle and/or FMFskin angle with an FMFbone angle and/or FMFskin angle characteristic of chromosomally normal fetuses. A measured FMFbone angle and/or FMFskin angle greater than the FMFbone angle and/or FMFskin angle characteristic of chromosomally normal fetuses provides an indication of an increased likelihood of the occurrence of trisomy 21 in the fetus.
US07922657B2	Surgical retractors and method of operation A first surgical retractor (302) according to the invention includes a handle (308) that defines an axis (320) and has first and second ends. A retractor blade (306) is secured to the second end of the handle. The blade is of a size and shape to engage the mitral valve of a heart so as to be able to retract the mitral valve and adjacent tissues. A second retractor (304) according to the invention has a relatively narrow, elongate blade (352) that can extend deep into the heart to engage the heart in the region of the atrial appendage so as to be able to retract the atrium and expose the pulmonary veins. The retractors are especially adapted to perform an atrial fibrillation surgical procedure.
US07922648B1	Myocardial infarction patch for minimally invasive implant A fixation section and a rim form a myocardial patch for implant in the pericardial space. The fixation section is adapted to promote fibrosis to secure the patch in place. The rim is secured to and surrounds at least a portion of the fixation section and has a lumen. The patch is adapted to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state. A stylet is passed through the lumen to force the patch into a collapsed state and is removed when the patch is positioned to allow the patch to expand and engage the epicardial surface.
US07922646B2	Plastic brachytherapy sources An implantable source (40) of therapeutic radiation for brachytherapy is provided as a sealed, biocompatible capsule (410) of plastic (e.g. polyethylene or PEEK) transparent to the radiation. The capsule contains a radiation source (400) comprising particles of a radioactive isotope (e.g. Pd103, I125, Cs131) in a fluid carrier that is resistant to radiation polymerization but solidifies at elevated temperature. It also has a marker (420), and desirably has a socket (430) which accommodates attaching spacers (660) and makes possible linear strands and planar arrays of the capsules. The spacers may be functional, e.g. heat-generating or medication-releasing.
US07922645B2	Deflectable implantation device and method for use Systems, apparatus, components and methods are disclosed that allow the clinician to circumvent the pubic arch in instances where it interferes with insertion of instrumentation into the prostate or periprostatic tissue. The systems, apparatus and components disclosed herein employ structures, such as needles and trocars, of shape memory alloys, such as nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti) for the purpose of avoiding the pubic arch when accessing the prostate from the perineum.
US07922641B2	Machine for the production of tubes by winding strips of weblike material The machine for producing tubes includes a winding spindle around which strips of weblike material are wound to form the tube, which is made to advance along the spindle; a device for supply and winding of the strips around the spindle, and at least one knife for cutting lengths of the tube being formed. The knife is provided with a reciprocating movement parallel to the spindle. There is moreover envisaged a counter-knife within the tube being formed, provided with a movement of translation synchronized to the movement of translation of the knife. The counter-knife is magnetically constrained to a mover member, which transmits the motion to the counter-knife.
US07922640B2	Machine for making bags A machine for making bags from sheet material of indeterminate length, especially thermoplastic material, has a pair of spaced folders of special construction for folding the material lengthwise. The entry end of the machine can be adjusted as to height. An applicator for adhesive tape can be positioned between the folders. A special construction thermowelds the folded layers together along transverse lines and severs or perforates them along those lines.
US07922639B2	Taco shell nesting apparatus and method The present invention is, in one embodiment, an apparatus for placing an insert within a nested group of taco shells. The insert placement apparatus comprises a vertical shaft, a horizontal shaft, a first pillow block, a second pillow block, a vacuum cup, a horizontal timing belt, an air cylinder, and a servomotor. The vacuum cup is adapted to transport the insert. The first pillow block has a bore therethrough for receiving the horizontal shaft. The second pillow block is supported off of the first pillow block and has a bore therethrough for receiving the vertical shaft. The vacuum cup is suspended off of the vertical shaft. The horizontal belt is routed around a drive pulley and a second pulley and is interconnected to the first pillow block. The servomotor is interconnected to the drive pulley. The servomotor causes the timing belt to displace the first pillow block along the horizontal shaft, thereby causing the vacuum cup to displace horizontally. The air cylinder is adapted to vertically displace the vertical shaft through the second pillow block. This causes the vacuum cup to displace vertically.
US07922635B2	Adjustable-load unitary multi-position bench exercise unit An exercise unit that is a bench-based, has an easily adjustable load exercise system using a resistance engine that can provide a constant load level through the entire range of motion to approximate the use of free-weights, is portable, and reconfigures easily to several different shapes for different exercises. The exercise unit is compact, has a minimal vertical height, and weighs much less than the maximum resistance load that it can create. The bench unit can be stood on its end for compact storage.
US07922629B1	Multi-station exercise gym A multi-station exercise gym comprises a frame, a sectored cable system that reduces the cable portion used during exercise, two high pulleys that are adjustable in width, two arm assemblies that can be selectively adjusted to alter the path of travel, two swiveling outer mid pulleys, two swiveling low pulleys, a centered mid pulley for exercises such as abdominal crunches, a leg extension-curl station, a pivoting seat assembly that provides proper pad support for all exercise movements, an adjustable hold down roller assembly for pull downs, a pair of adjustable arm pad assemblies for seated bicep curls and a low cost equally balanced, low friction incremental weight system.
US07922628B2	Martial arts practice assembly An assembly structured to facilitate the practice of various martial art techniques by an individual such as kicks, punches and other physically delivered blows associated with various forms of the martial arts. At least one elongated stanchion is operatively supported by a base, preferably having a stabilizing assembly, in a substantially vertical, upright position. The stanchion comprises a plurality of support assemblies extending outwardly therefrom and being adjustable at various heights along the length thereof. Each or a predetermined number of the support assemblies include a mounting structure secured to an outer end thereof at a predetermined orientation. Each of the mounting structures is dimensioned, disposed and configured to have a striking target, such as a Thai pad, or like structure disposed in an exposed, accessible location to facilitate the delivery, by the individual, of different types of martial art blows.
US07922626B2	Exercise apparatus having a surface for sliding An exercise apparatus including: a pair of platforms, each of the pair of platforms having: a base including a lower surface and a pair of opposed flanges extending upwardly from the lower surface; roller units received side-by-side in the base and being independently rotatable, each of the roller units extending between the pair of opposed flanges of the base and including at least two roller bodies spaced from one another by a groove, each of the at least two roller bodies including an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface being in continuous contact with the lower surface of the base; a retainer coupled to the base for maintaining the rollers units on the base; and a connector for coupling the pair of platforms to one another to provide a surface for sliding.
US07922624B1	Multi-function exercise platform Exercise platforms are adapted for aiding a user in performing aerobic exercises, such as step aerobics, as well as resistance and weight exercises. The embodiments of the present invention include a deformable surface, and detachable weight modules that allow a user to perform weight exercises using the weight of the device. Further, the exercise platforms of the present invention are stackable to allow for cooperative use of multiple platforms at once to perform a variety of different exercises. In some embodiments of the present invention, a platform is packaged with at least two sets of weight modules having different weights, and at least one resistance device.
US07922616B2	Apparatus for controlling a hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle, an industrial truck in particular An apparatus for controlling a hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle, an industrial truck in particular, with an internal combustion engine BKM, an accumulator for electric energy, an apparatus for acquiring the charge condition SOC of the accumulator, at least one electric engine E1/E2, which is connectable to the electric accumulator, and at least one gearbox arrangement, via which the internal combustion engine BKM, the electric engine E1/E2 and at least one wheel of the vehicle can be coupled to each other, with the following features: a desired value transmitter for the travelling speed v, an actual value transmitter for the travelling speed v, a first controlling device for the travelling speed v, and a speed controller for the desired wheel torque; a torque calculation stage, which establishes the desired torque values for the internal combustion engine BKM as well as the desired values for the electric engine E1/E2 from the desired driving torque M-soll or a signal corresponding to the same, a second controlling device, which drives the internal combustion engine BKM such that the deviations become sufficiently small, and a third controlling device, which drives the electric engine E/1/E2 such that the deviations become sufficiently small.
US07922614B2	Chain for a machine drive, transport of material in a machine or the like, and packaging machine comprising one such chain The invention proposes a chain for a machine drive, transport of material in a machine or the like, and also a packaging machine comprising one such chain, this chain being better than known link chains at meeting requirements in respect of hygiene conditions during operation and cleaning. This is achieved according to the invention in that flexible chain links (4) are provided between rigid chain links (2), the flexible chain links (4) being fixed to the rigid chain links (2).
US07922611B2	Power transmission system A power transmission system including an integrally molded hub and elastic member, where stress is inhibited from concentrating at the gate marks remaining after integral molding. In a pulley driven by a belt, a plastic pulley side relief section 1a provided at a pocket section of the pulley and a plastic hub side relief section provided on an iron outer ring of the hub engaged at the pocket section whereby power is transmitted from the pulley to the shaft. The hub side relief section and outer ring forming parts of the hub, the iron inner hub to be fastened to the shaft, and the plastic cylindrical part are integrally molded so that the gate mark for plastic injection is formed near to or further to the outer circumference of the outer ring.
US07922608B1	Tennis ball retrieval, storage and dispensing device A tennis ball retrieval, storage, and dispensing device is disclosed having a hollow tube with a diameter that may be larger than balls that are to be picked up and stored within the tube. With the larger diameter tube the balls are staggered therein so more balls may be held in a given length of tube. Positioned at the top of the hollow tube is a closed end cap that is opened to remove balls stored inside the tube. Attached to the bottom of the hollow tube is an entrance end cap that has an opening that may be of different shapes but a round tennis ball entering the device tube through the entrance end cap opening must be squeezed to a non-round shape to get past the opening and enter the device tube. A retainer is mounted inside the entrance end cap past the opening that also squeezes tennis balls entering therein. The retainer assures that tennis balls that have been retrieved with the device do not hang out below the entrance cap opening. The end caps and the tube may have a triangular cross sectional shape which prevents the device from rolling on the ground. In addition, when the device tube has a circular cross section two tubes may be utilized that can telescope inside each other and their position held by a locking device.
US07922607B2	Noncontact printing on subsurface layers of translucent cover golf balls The present invention relates to a noncontact printing method for applying indicia, such as insignia or stripes, on at least one subsurface layer of a transparent or translucent cover golf ball, e.g. the core, or one or more intermediate layers. The indicia may be visible in ambient light or are only visible when exposed to specific non-ambient light wavelengths, e.g. ultraviolet wavelengths. Advantageously, this method of noncontact printing on subsurface golf ball layers substantially improves the durability of indicia because such indicia are protected from direct abrasion and club impacts by the cover. Moreover, unlike pad printing, noncontact printing forms indicia that are not susceptible to ink degradation because the indicia are solid markings created by very small discrete dots. In one embodiment, both the cover and the intermediate layer(s) may be transparent or translucent and thusly decorated to achieve previously unattainable image depth effects.
US07922604B2	Multi-material golf club head A golf club head formed of multiple materials is disclosed. Those portions of the club head that are subject to high stresses during normal use of the golf club head are formed of a metallic material. Most of the material beyond what is required to maintain structural integrity, however, is removed and replaced with a lightweight material. This freed-up mass that can be redistributed to other, more beneficial locations of the club head. The lightweight material also damps vibrations generated during use of the golf club. This vibration damper may be retained in a state of compression to enhance the vibration damping. One or more weight members may be included to obtain desired center of gravity position, moments of inertia, and other club head attributes.
US07922600B1	Golf club weight system and method An adjustable weight system for golf clubs improves a golfer's swing and feel as the club strikes the ball. The weight system includes a golf club having a shaft attached thereto which includes an internal channel for receiving cylindrical weights. The golf club head attached to the shaft includes a weight port which is in communication with the shaft channel and is closed, preferably with a threaded fastener. The method of use includes removing the fastener and inserting the desired weights to enhance the golfer's swing.
US07922596B2	Putter and golf ball deformity measuring apparatus A putter and golf ball deformity measuring apparatus is described. A putter head comprises a front portion, a rear portion, a bottom portion defining an oblong through hole, and a containment area above the oblong through hole sized and shaped to surround at least a portion of a golf ball without gripping the golf ball, the containment area defined between the front portion and the rear portion.
US07922595B2	Golf training aid A golf training aid utilizes a sliding ball assembly enabling sensory feedback for training golfers to make correct golf swings.
US07922589B2	Electronic game table with multifunction legs Electronic game tables with multifunction legs are described. In one implementation, an electronic multiplayer game table includes a tabletop with player stations for an electronic betting game. Multifunction legs physically support the periphery of the tabletop, while electronic components for playing the betting game are mounted in the multifunction legs. For example, a multifunction leg may contain multiple currency detectors and coinless slot machine-style ticket printers/readers, so that each player at the game table has an exclusive currency detector and an exclusive ticket printer in close proximity. The multifunction legs may also include magnetic or smart card readers for transferring player, banking, and monetary information. In a variation, central control components of the electronic game table are also mounted in the legs. The multifunction legs can eliminate the need for a central support pedestal. This enables efficient under-table cooling schemas and other innovations, such as under-table lighting and a central tabletop holograph space.
US07922586B2	Active play interactive game system A system featuring a server communicating with the network with game hosting software programmed on the server, a terrain database and a time sequence GPS position linked message database each stored on the server and accessed by the game hosting software is disclosed. The terrain database stores a plurality of three dimensional renderings of golf courses created from digital aerial photographs of each golf course, wherein each photo includes elevational and slope data for each aerial photo. The time sequence GPS position linked message database contains a plurality of messages collected by a portable computing device and transmitted to the server by the device during an actually played round of golf. Each message is: transmitted by the device to the server; associated with an elapsed time from the beginning of the play of the round of golf, and linked to a GPS determined position from where the message was transmitted.
US07922585B2	Methods and systems for communicating parimutuel wager details and results Methods and systems of conducting parimutuel wagering activities are disclosed. A method of sending a message to a patron of a parimutuel gaming system includes providing the patron an opportunity to establish an identity on the parimutuel gaming system. Responsive to the patron establishing the identity, the patron is provided an opportunity to associate a virtual address with the identity, and a message may be sent to the virtual address. A method of communicating a result of a parimutuel gaming activity to a player includes providing the player with an opportunity to place a parimutuel wager and to associate a virtual address with the parimutuel wager. A message is sent to the virtual address, wherein the message includes a result of the parimutuel wager. A parimutuel gaming system including a computer is operatively configured with software operatively configured to enable the computer to conduct the parimutuel gaming activities.
US07922583B2	Digital signal processor based generation and control of electronic signals in a gaming machine An apparatus and method for generating and controlling electronic signals in a gaming machine is disclosed. The provided apparatus and method include a gaming machine having a CPU or master gaming controller and a digital sound system. The digital sound system comprises one or more speakers, at least one memory unit storing data, a digital signal processor adapted to control and generate audio output, and a programmable logic device interposed between the master gaming controller and the digital signal processor, such that the digital signal processor is unable to communicate to the master gaming controller. The programmable logic device includes at least an address decoder and an event sequencer, with the event sequencer being able to convert instructions from the master gaming controller to instructions that can be executed by the digital signal processor.
US07922580B2	Gaming machine A gaming machine is provided so as to comprise: a display device for displaying symbols variably and statically; a starting device for an operation to start a variable display of the symbols; a storage device for storing a plurality of predictive effect images corresponding to respective payout levels; and a processor being operable to: conduct an internal lottery to determine a combination of symbols to be displayed statically; select one of the predictive effect images corresponding to a predetermined winning combination when it is determined that the determined combination to be displayed statically matches the predetermined winning combination; and cause the selected one predictive effect image to be displayed as well as the variable display of symbols, wherein the plurality of predictive effect images indicate a degree of the payout levels such that a payout level to be awarded can be expected before an operation to stop the variable display.
US07922579B2	Method and apparatus for collecting indicia for a secondary game from a primary wagering game A method and apparatus for a wagering game is described that allows a player to collect indicia from a series of individual primary games to form a winning game outcome in a single secondary game. In one embodiment, the secondary game is won through the collection of a specified number and/or type of indicia. The primary game may have its own pay table with, for example, traditional winning game outcomes for card type games. The number of primary games available to contribute toward a winning secondary game outcome may be limited to a predetermined number of primary game outcomes or a period of time during which game outcomes may be obtained. Alternatively, or in addition, collected indicia obtained from a series of primary game outcomes may expire after a predetermined duration.
US07922577B2	Gaming device and secure interface A printing and dispensing bonusing system for gaming devices has been developed. The system includes a gaming device with a main processor unit containing that generates event signals according to the gaming logic, a signal transmission device that detects the event signals, and a peripheral device processor that receives the event signals from the signal transmission device. The peripheral device processing unit is isolated from the main processor unit and cannot influence the generation of the event signals.
US07922575B2	Slot machine game having individual line-win multipliers A video slot game is described that increases a multiplier associated with each active pay line of the game independently of the multipliers associated with other pay lines of the game. Each line multiplier acts to multiply the winnings based on that particular line only. A multiplier for a particular line may be incremented for a current spin based on a wager outcome on that line in an immediately previous spin. A line multiplier may continue to increase as long as the player continues to win on that line. The increased line multiplier may have the side effect of acting as an incentive for a player to keep playing the game of chance, so as not to leave an unused line multiplier for another player. According to one variation, if the player does not win on a particular line, then the multiplier associated with that particular line may revert to a default level.
US07922573B2	Gaming device having concentric reels including an outer reel with display areas having different sizes and positions A gaming device including a plurality of reel sets connected where at least one of the reel sets includes concentric reels having an inner reel and an outer reel. The inner reel includes a plurality of symbols and a plurality of symbol positions where at least two of the symbols are displayed by one of the symbol positions. The outer reel defines a plurality of different viewable areas where one of the outer reel is positionable to enable a player to view at least one of the symbols through a first viewable area and a different number of the symbols through a second viewable area. A processor causes the inner reel and the outer reel to move and provides any outcome to the player based on the number of winning symbol combinations which are displayed on the reels (i.e., not based on any paylines that would have passed through such displayed winning symbol combinations).
US07922571B2	Methods and systems for facilitating a secondary card game According to an embodiment, a player of a game (e.g., video poker) wagers on a game in which a first set of cards represents a bonus hand having a high value (e.g., royal, straight). The player is also dealt a second set of cards. In one embodiment, an indication of a first set of cards may be output by a first display device and an indication of a second set of cards may be output by a second display device.The player selects one or more cards from the second set of cards that are to be discarded, and the player is dealt a replacement card for each such discarded card.Each card in the first set which matches a replacement card is removed. The value of each hand of the modified first set of cards is then determined. A credit balance is adjusted based on the determined values of the modified first set of cards.
US07922561B2	System for providing quantitative process control of finesse polishing A system for providing quantitative process control of a finesse polishing based upon feedback to the operator as to whether he/she is meeting the one or more predetermined key control characteristics (KCCs). One or more sensors provide data to a controller, wherein the controller provides the operator feedback regarding his/her operational compliance with respect to the KCCs, and disables operation in the event of operator noncompliance, with the intention to promote proper operator procedure and prevent operator error when polishing a flawed painted surface.
US07922553B2	Organic electroluminescent display device and production method thereof An organic electroluminescent display device has a structure which suppresses a leakage current generated in an organic electroluminescent layer and achieves a low power consumption and excellent light-emitting characteristics. The organic electroluminescent display device includes a first electrode, an organic electroluminescent layer, and a second electrode, stacked in this order on a substrate, wherein the organic electroluminescent layer includes a conductive layer and a light-emitting layer, the conductive layer has a trapezoidal cross section which widens downwardly, and the light-emitting layer covers upper and side surfaces of the conductive layer.
US07922552B2	Organic light emitting display device and laser based method of manufacturing the same Provided is a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device in which a laser beam is used. The method includes forming an organic light emitting unit on a substrate; forming a sealing unit that seals the organic light emitting unit; forming an protective film which is opaque on the sealing unit to protect the organic light emitting unit or the sealing unit by blocking the transmission of the laser beam; forming an optical pattern on the opaque protective film using the laser beam; and forming a transparent film from the opaque protective film by oxidizing the opaque protective film.
US07922551B2	Pre-chamber spark plug A method and apparatus to maximize spark plug life in pre-chamber spark plugs operating with ultra-lean mixtures and/or elevated engine BMEP is presented. Electrode erosion is reduced by spreading discharge energy over a wider surface area, maintaining fuel concentration in the spark gap, controlling gas static pressure during discharge, and maintaining safe electrode temperature. Energy is spread via a swirling effect created by periphery holes in an end cap, resulting in a lower specific energy discharge at the electrodes. Divergently configured electrodes reduce the spark voltage at high operating pressures and the energy required for ignition. The flow field generated at the electrodes prevents electrical shorts due to water condensation and avoids misfire. The center electrode insulation provides an effective heat transfer path to prevent electrode overheating and pre-ignition. The volume behind the electrodes provides a volume for burnt products from previous combustion cycles and leads to more reliable ignition.
US07922548B2	Electrical connector having floatably arranged contact An electrical connector includes a number of contacts and an insulative housing. Each contact includes a main body, a spring portion extending upwardly from the main body, and a tail portion defining a receiving space in a vertical plane. The insulative housing has a plurality of passageways retaining the contacts. An inner sidewall of each passageway has a protrusion extending into the receiving space to limit a movement of the contact, such that the contact can float upwardly and downwardly in the vertical direction without being drawn out of the passageway.
US07922545B2	Press-fit terminal A press-fit terminal is adapted to be press-fitted in an through-hole of board for electrically conducting with the press-fit terminal. The press-fit terminal includes a terminal-base portion and a board inserting portion at least partially plated with tin. A thickness of the plated tin is from 0.1 to 0.8 μm.
US07922544B2	Pogo pin, the fabrication method thereof and test socket using the same Disclosed is a pogo pin including: a hollow body having a spring structure by spirally cutting at least a portion of an outer surface thereof; and a conductive material filling at least an inside of the body. According to the present invention, when testing a semiconductor package, error rate in contact between the package, the pogo pin and a test board can be remarkably reduced, and simultaneously can enhance rigidity and electrical conductivity of the pogo pin. Further, simple componentry of the pogo pin can facilitate its fabrication, reduce fabrication costs, and even foresee fabrication of a micro-pogo pin.
US07922540B2	Power plug having backup fuse tube A power plug having backup fuse tube, its major objective is that, when a fuse tube is damaged, a replaceable backup fuse tube can be obtained readily and promptly. The power plug has a backup fuse tube with pins and a casing, lead-out wires. A cavity is provided in the casing. The cavity is covered with a matching backup fuse tube holder. On a backside of the backup fuse tube holder a retainer is provided, and a backup fuse tube is placed in the retainer.
US07922539B2	Floating connector with an impedance adjusting member A floating connector is provides that enables impedance matching in the entire contact without hindrance of the movement of a movable housing. The floating connector having a contact, a movable housing, a fixed housing, and an impedance adjusting member. The contact includes a contact portion to be mated with a mating contact, a board connecting portion to be connected to a circuit board, and a flexible coupling portion that is flexible and that couples the contact portion and the board connecting portion. The impedance adjusting member is arranged and receives the flexible coupling portion, which is formed in such a way to include a first curved portion, a second curved portion, and a linear coupling portion. The second curved portion bends in a reversed direction from a direction that the first curved portion bends, while the linear coupling portion connects the first curved portion and the second curved portion.
US07922532B2	Cable connector having improved grounding means A cable connector (100) for soldering at a predetermined position with a cable (4) including a number of first wires (41) each having a conductor (412). The cable connector includes an insulative housing (1), a number of contact terminals (2) mounted in the insulative housing, and a pair of shielding shells (3) assembled to the insulative housing. Each contact terminal has a contact portion (21) and a tail portion (22). Each shielding shell is formed with a grounding portion (35) extending toward the tail portion of one of the contact terminals. The grounding portion, the tail portion of one of the contact terminals arrive at the predetermined position and are soldered with the conductor of an associated first wire at the predetermined position.
US07922523B2	Vertically stackable sockets for chip modules The socket system comprises a set of vertically-stackable sockets. A first socket mounts on a printed circuit board to receive a first chip module, and a second socket stacks on the first socket to receive a second chip module. The first socket includes a first set of embedded contacts to electrically connect the first chip module to the printed circuit board, and a second set of embedded contacts to electrically connect the second socket to the printed circuit board. The second socket includes a third set of embedded contacts to electrically connect the second chip module to the printed circuit board. System upgrades are enabled by replacing the chip modules.
US07922521B1	DIN rail terminal block A DIN rail terminal block essentially includes a plastic main body, a resilient plate, and a terminal. The resilient plate and the terminal are coupled together by multiple fastening structures and are simultaneously secured in position to the plastic main body, wherein the multiple fastening structures prevent the resilient plate and the terminal from shifting leftward, rightward, upward, or downward with respect to each other. With the terminal configured for ground connection, and the resilient plate configured for pressing tightly against a DIN rail, the terminal block is stably positioned, provides good electrical connection, and allows easy operation.
US07922516B2	Piercing connector for continuous flexible bus A continuous flexible bus comprises, for example, a plurality of metal clad flexible conductors. A device, such as a switch for example, is connected to the continuous flexible bus. In order to connect the device to the continuous flexible bus, at least one piercing connector is used, for example. The at least one piercing connector is configured, for example, to pierce one of the plurality of flexible metal clad conductors. Once the one of the plurality of flexible metal clad conductors is pierced, the at least one piercing connector causes, for example, an electrical connection between an electrical conductor in the pierced one of the plurality of flexible metal clad conductors and the switch.
US07922515B2	Devices for connecting conductors of twisted pair cable to insulation displacement contacts A termination device to facilitate interconnection of a twisted pair communications cable to IDCs includes: a housing having an aperture and a pair of first and second IDCs extending within the aperture; a twisted pair communications cable having a twisted pair of first and second conductors; and a termination device. The termination device comprises: a body having an outer surface; a channel in the outer surface of the body, the channel being sized and configured to receive a twist of the first and second conductors and to maintain the twist in position; and IDC guide structure configured to guide the first IDC into engagement with the first conductor at a first engagement location and the second IDC into engagement with the second conductor at a second engagement location, the first and second engagement locations being positioned within the channel and within the twist of the first and second conductors. A splitting structure is positioned in the channel that separates at least a portion of the first and second conductors as they reside in the channel.
US07922510B2	Electronic module having a prestressed flat plug connection and method for mounting such an electronic module A module, particularly an electronic module of a commercial vehicle, includes at least one plug connection, having a plug element and a mating plug element, by which an electrical connection can be established when plugged together. At least one of the plug elements is mounted floatingly or movably within a clearance. A method for assembling the module plugs together the plug elements, at least one of the plug elements moving within a clearance relative to the mounting thereof.
US07922507B2	Electrical card connector with a flange-like plane portion for guiding insertion of a card A card connector, comprising: an insulative housing having a base, first and second sidewalls extending upwardly from two opposite sides of the base, a card receiving space defined by the base and the first and second sidewalls; a plurality of contacts held within the housing, the contacts having contact sections extending beyond the base; a pair of detecting switches including a stable switch and a movable switch both around a region located backwardly of the first sidewall; and a flange-like plane portion on said first sidewall and essentially vertical to said first sidewall, a front guiding entrance defined by said flange-like plane portion, the first sidewall, the second sidewall and the base.
US07922506B1	Card edge connector A card edge connector for receiving a module and includes an insulative housing having a mounting face, a pair of side walls with a central slot formed therebetween, a tower portion extending upwardly from the side wall; a number of contacts mounted to the housing and each defining a retaining portion to fix with the housing, a deflectable contacting arm extending upwardly from the retaining portion and a soldering portion extending downwardly from the retaining portion and projecting beyond the mounting face; and an ejector rotatably mounted on the tower portion of the housing. The ejector includes a base portion, an ejecting portion extending inwardly from the base portion and protruding into the central slot to eject the memory module from the central slot and a cam lobe extending inwardly from the base portion to drive the module down, the cam lobe is located above the ejecting portion.
US07922505B2	Card connector A card connector 1 includes a slide member 21 movable along an inserting/withdrawing direction of a card, an urging member 22 for urging the slide member 21 toward a card insertion opening, and a pin member 26 having a slide end 26a slidable within and relative to a cam groove 25 provided in the slide member 21 and a support shaft end 26b supported to the body 2 side. As the slide end 26a is retained at a lock portion L formed in the cam groove 25, the card is retained at an appropriate position. The card connector 1 includes a switch mechanism M which is operated by the support shaft end 26b when the slide end 26a is pushed by the slide member 21 along the urging direction of the urging member 22 at the time of retention of the slide end 26a at the lock portion L.
US07922496B2	Motherboard A motherboard includes a motherboard substrate and an external interface module including a plurality of external interfaces. The external interface module is detachably and electrically connected to the motherboard substrate.
US07922493B1	Methods and systems for training sales representatives and conducting online sales calls Disclosed herein are integrated training and sales methods and systems for training sales representatives in making an online sales call to customers and for conducting the online sales call. The system includes a Web co-browsing tool, a voice channel between the customer and the sales representatives and a training and sales Web site that is simultaneously accessible, viewable and controllable by both the customer and the sales representative through the Web co-browsing tool. The training and sales Web site is structured so as to guide the sales representative and the customer through each step of the online sales call. The system may further include scripted talking points visible only to the sales representative, the scripted talking points prompting the sales representative to communicate information to the customer as the sales representative and the customer navigate through the training and sales Web site.
US07922492B2	System of staging props for simulating staging furniture and method of using same A method of involving the erection of foldable flat blanks to construct tubes of predetermined configurations for assembly in combination to form respective mannequin devices to, when draped with a selected cover, simulate furniture to stage a property.The device of the present invention includes one or more blanks in the form of flatten tubes, erected into tubular components and assembled together to simulate the shape of furniture pieces and which may be draped with a fitted cover to mock the desired furniture piece.
US07922489B2	Procedure for determining the form of a residual tooth area The invention relates to a process for determining the form a duplicate of a residual tooth area, which is to be fitted with a dental restoration whereby the duplicate sections to be fitted with the restoration are removed from the duplicate and the form data to be allocated to their forms has to be determined and stored in a computer, by means of which the form of the restoration is calculated taking into consideration the spatial allocation of the duplicate sections. In order to be able to determine the shape of the residual tooth area to be fitted with the restoration, and thereby determine the shape of the restoration itself with high precision, it is proposed that the duplicate sections are or are being individually referenced to each other in their spatial allocation to each other according to a referencing stored in the computer.
US07922488B2	Method and apparatus for isolating a work object A method for isolating a work object to achieve a predetermined operational objective, the method including the steps of encapsulating at least a portion of the work object in a housing in a work position so as to establish a zone of isolation relative to the portion of the work object; releasibly interconnecting the housing and the portion of the work object so as selectively to maintain said zone of isolation for a period of time sufficient to achieve the predetermined operational objective; and occluding an area proximate to the housing to resist incursion into the area during the period of time. An apparatus for isolating a work object, the apparatus including a housing having an interior dimensioned to permit the housing to be disposed in a work position with the work object received in the interior of the housing; and means for retaining the housing in the work position.
US07922485B2	Vertical type heat processing apparatus and vertical type heat processing method Disclosed is a vertical type heat processing apparatus and a vertical type heat processing method, which can prevent fall down of the boat on a boat carrier mechanism to be caused by an external force, such as an earthquake or the like, by employing a simple structure, while taking a form of the two-boat system. The vertical type heat processing apparatus 1 includes a heating furnace 5 having a furnace port 5a, a cover 17 adapted to close the furnace port 5a, a pair of substrate holding tools 4 each adapted to hold multiple substrates W in a multistage fashion and configured to be placed on the cover 17 via a heat insulating mount 19, and a lifting mechanism 18 adapted to raise and lower the cover 17 so as to carry in and carry out each substrate holding tool 4 relative to the heating furnace 5. When one substrate holding tool 4 is in the heating furnace 5, the other substrate holding tool 4 is placed on a substrate-holding-tool table 22 for loading the substrates W thereon. Each substrate holding tool 4 is carried between the-substrate-holding-tool table 22 and the heat insulating mount 19 due to the substrate-holding-tool carrier mechanism 23. To the substrate-holding-carrier mechanism 23, a fall-down prevention member 37 adapted to control each substrate holding tool 4 is provided.
US07922482B2	Candle and wick holder therefor The present invention relates to melting plate candles that employ heat conductive materials to distribute heat from a burning flame at a wick to a plate for melting a meltable fuel. Such melting plate candles more rapidly liquefy the meltable fuel, such as paraffin wax. Further, such melting plate candles more uniformly and intensely heat the meltable fuel thereby increasing the efficiency of consumption thereof and more rapidly releasing volatile materials contained within the fuel. The heat conductive plate is configured so as to have a capillary recess or a capillary pedestal upon the surface thereof, which cooperatively engages a wick holder assembly comprising a wick and a heat conductive fin that conducts heat from a flame upon the wick to the plate. The wick holder further engages the fuel and the plate so as to cause the flow of liquefied fuel to the wick. The fuel may be provided in various forms, configured to cooperatively engage the wick holder and plate, and may comprise various volatile materials. The capillary recess or pedestal, in conjunction with the wick holder, causes rapid and complete flow of the liquefied fuel to the wick.
US07922477B2	Rotating machine with a fluid supply rotating column The invention concerns a rotating machine such as a carrousel comprising a rotating frame driven in rotation about an axis of rotation, several working stations supported by the rotating frame, a fluid supplying rotating column, coaxial to the axis of rotation of the rotating frame. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a column element (50, 250) provided with two assemblies (52, 252, 53) mobile in rotation relative to each other, about said axis of rotation, a first assembly (52, 252) including an axial tubular body (80, 280) provided with at least two tiers of radial through holes (81-86, 281-286), the axial conduits of the first assembly (52, 252) extending over different lengths in the space delimited by said tubular body (80, 280), each conduit (65a, 70-73, 75) emerging perpendicularly to one specific tier of radial through holes (81-86, 281-286), the column element (50, 250) thereby defining a rotating connection dispensing at least two fluids towards the working stations of the machine, and in that a sleeve C is interposed between said tubular body (80, 280) of the second assembly (53) and said first assembly (52, 252).
US07922472B2	Mold for use in injection molding process A mold for use in an injection molding process includes a molding plate, a molding block and a plurality of mold cores. The molding plate defines a receiving cavity, a plurality of through holes and a plurality of elongate gates. The through holes surround the receiving cavity, and each of the elongate gates communicates with the receiving cavity and the corresponding through hole. The molding block is detectably received in the receiving cavity. The molding block defines a cold slug well and a plurality of runners. Each runner communicates with the cold slug well and the corresponding elongate gate. Each mold core is received in the corresponding through hole.
US07922470B2	Apparatus for automatic control of cage size in an extruded film production line A system and controller for positioning an adjustable sizing cage for use with a blown film extrusion apparatus. A cage sizing subsystem is used to position the cage relative to the film tube. At least two non-contact sensors arranged on the sizing cage to provide signals to an automatic controller, which in turn positions the sizing cage a predetermined distance from the extruded tube. Two different modes of operation are provided for the controller when the size of the tube is to be changed: a forecast mode in which relatively large cage movements of the cage are made, and a contact mode in which the cage is maintained either in contact with the extruded tube, or at an operator selected distance from the extruded tube.
US07922466B2	Radial fan The invention relates to a radial fan (1), preferably a high-speed radial fan, comprising a blower wheel (8), a housing (2) which receives a rotor (6) and a stator (5) of an electrical drive (4) of the blower wheel shaft (7), and a cooling system. The aim of the invention is to develop one such radial fan in terms of the cooling system required. To this end, paths (30, 37) for a first cooling medium (K1) and a second cooling medium (K2) are provided in the housing (2), the second cooling medium (K2) being cooled by the first cooling medium (K1) as provided for by the housing (2), and the paths (30, 37) are separated from each other by intact material walls (40) of the housing (2).
US07922465B2	Cooling fan A cooling fan includes a fan housing (10) having a central tube (11) extending upwardly therefrom, a bearing (20) received in the central tube, a stator (40) mounted around the central tube, a rotor (30) having a shaft (37) extending into the bearing, and a magnetic ring (38) being fixedly mounted to the rotor to rotate with the rotor during operation of the cooling fan. The bearing is made of iron-copper alloy. The magnetic ring is made of hard magnetic material and exerts a magnetic attraction on the bearing, whereby the rotor is pulled downwardly by a magnetic attraction of the bearing on the magnetic ring to lessen the floating problem of the rotor during operation of the cooling fan.
US07922463B2	Linear compressor Disclosed herein is a linear compressor wherein a compression unit, including a cylinder and a linear motor, is supported by a frame mounted in a hermetic container. The frame is die cast using diamagnetic zinc having a high forming accuracy, thereby preventing an electromagnetic force of the linear motor from being leaked therethrough, and enabling a reduction in the number of machining times thereof after die casting.
US07922462B2	Actuator system comprising lever mechanism The invention provides a pump assembly comprising an actuator lever, a supporting structure, a pump comprising a pump member moveable by actuation of the actuator lever, and an actuator for moving the actuator lever. A first stationary pivoting joint is formed between the actuator lever and the supporting structure, and a second floating pivoting joint is formed between the actuator lever and the pump member allowing the pump member to float relative to the actuator lever, the floating pivoting point providing a constant-length actuator arm defined between the first pivoting joint and the second pivoting joint.
US07922455B2	Steam-cooled gas turbine bucker for reduced tip leakage loss A bucket for a steam turbine includes an airfoil portion having a radially outer tip, the radially outer tip having a thermal barrier coating applied thereto, and wherein the thermal barrier coating is resurfaced to form at least one ridge along the radially outer tip.
US07922452B2	Eolic converter A windmill converting wind forces into rotational energy that can be used to drive a generator or other apparatus requiring rotational energy to work. The windmill includes panels for capturing the wind arranged around a vertically rotating shaft. The panels are able to move from a vertical position when receiving the force of the wind to a horizontal position when rotated to the upwind side of the rotation, thus minimizing their aerodynamic resistance. The panels can also be moved toward or away from the vertical shaft and the area of the panels can be changed so as to maintain a constant speed of rotation of the vertical shaft.
US07922451B1	Turbine blade with blade tip cooling passages A turbine blade for use in an industrial gas turbine engine, the blade having a squealer pocket with a plurality of discrete curved cooling channels to cool the blade tip and to reduce the hot gas flow leakage across the tip. The curved cooling channels include a side wall cooling channel, a tip rail crown cooling channel and an inner tip rail wall cooling channel all discharging cooling air from a cooling supply channel within the airfoil. Both the pressure side and suction side tip rails include this arrangement of cooling channels.
US07922444B2	Chamfer rail pockets for turbine vane shrouds A shroud rail for retaining a feather seal in a vane shroud of a gas turbine engine comprises a slot for, receiving the feather seal, and a chamfer rail pocket for lightening the shroud rail. The slot traverses the vane shroud and includes a slot base extending from a leading edge to a trailing edge of the shroud rail, and a slot wall extending generally perpendicularly from the slot base. The chamfer rail pocket comprises a pocket wall extending along the slot wall, and a chamfer wall extending from the pocket wall at an angle oblique to the slot base.
US07922441B2	Method and system for determining gas turbine tip clearance A system for sensing at least one physical characteristic associated with an engine including a turbine having a plurality of blades turning inside a casing, the system including: a pressure sensor coupled substantially adjacent to the casing and including at least one output; a port in the turbine casing for communicating a pressure indicative of a clearance between the blades and casing to the pressure sensor; a cooling cavity substantially surrounding the pressure sensor; and, an inlet for receiving fluid from the engine and feeding the fluid to the cooling cavity to cool the pressure sensor; wherein, the pressure sensor output is indicative of the clearance between the blades and casing.
US07922439B2	Industrial robot A robot comprises a fixed member that has a lower end, a movable member, and an elastic sheet member. The movable member is supported by the fixed member to be movable between an uppermost position and a lowermost position of a movable range given to the movable member in a vertical direction relative to the fixed member. This movable member has a lower end at which an operation tool is provided The elastic sheet member has both ends. Of these ends, one end is fixed to the lower end of the fixed member and the other end is fixed to the lower end of the movable member. This sheet member droops when the movable member moves up to the uppermost position of the fixed member.
US07922435B2	Sheet collecting device and bookbinding apparatus comprising the same A sheet collecting device includes a tray on which sheets are placed, a sheet discharging roller for transferring sheets to the tray, an abutment regulating device for regulating a leading end and a trailing end of the sheets on the stacking tray in a conveying direction, and an aligning device for aligning the sheets relative to the abutment regulating device. The stacking tray includes a tray base supported by an apparatus frame and a plate member disposed on the tray base for placing and supporting at least some of the sheets. The plate member is supported on a top surface of the tray base so as to be movable toward an abutment regulating member. A biasing device is provided between the plate member and the tray base to bias the plate member toward the abutment regulating member.
US07922434B2	Laminated nut with center tension sleeve A laminated nut includes a conical spring, top disc and a conical spring, bottom disc stacked upon each other defining a laminated stack having a common central bore and an outer wrench engaging surface. A generally cylindrical tension sleeve is located in the central bore. The tension sleeve has an outer wall shaped to substantially conform with the shape of the central bore and an inner wall which is threaded. The tension sleeve has a first end and a second end, the first end of the tension sleeve includes an outwardly extending upper flange and the second end includes an outwardly extending bottom flange, the upper flange and the bottom flange are shaped and dimensioned to retain the top disc and the bottom disc in a stacked relation with the tension sleeve fixedly secured to the laminated stack, such that the conical spring discs and tension sleeve rotate together as a unit.
US07922429B2	Spade bit The drill bit comprises a cutting blade formed at one end of a shank. The cutting blade has a pair of cutting shoulders that extend inwardly from the outer sides of the blade toward the bit axis. A tip having converging sides that create a point extends from the shoulders. The cutting edge of each shoulder is beveled with respect to the plane of the face of the blade. A flute is provided on the leading portion of each blade face adjacent the cutting edges. Each flute is a smooth curve that creates a substantially uninterrupted recess on each face of the blade that facilitates chip removal, increases the drill rate and lowers the power required to drill a hole. A non-stick coating may be applied to the blade to further facilitate chip removal.
US07922427B2	Toolholder and toolholder assembly with elongated seating pads A toolholder has a pocket adapted to receive a double-sided on-edge cutting insert, wherein the corners of each side of the insert are radially shifted with respect to one another and has mounting pads preferably mounted about the sides of the cutting insert. The relief area for the corners of the insert is selectively fabricated to maximize the length of the support pads within the pocket of the toolholder.
US07922425B2	Apparatus, system and method for recovery of artifacts and eradication of invasive species in aquatic environments An apparatus, system and method for recovery of artifacts and eradication of invasive species in aquatic environments. The structure may comprise an elongate flexible bladder blanket divider having first and second ends. The structure may have an open bore vertical support operably coupled to the first and second ends. Each end extends into the open bore vertical support and rests on at least one apron bladder of an apron bladder bundle. The at least one apron bladder is contained in the open bore vertical support and at least one apron bladder is between the end of the vertical support and the bottom of the body of water. A method of using the apparatus, comprising providing an apparatus having variable volume first and second compartments separated by a flexible bladder blanket divider; and introducing agents through openings in the bladder to control the growth of or kill the invasive organisms.
US07922423B2	Method of constructing a secondary containment area The method of the present invention results in a secondary containment area for above ground storage tanks. The method involves leveling the site, laying a foundation bed, building a retaining barrier around the site, covering the foundation bed and retaining barrier with a liner cloth, and applying a layer of polyurea to the liner cloth and retaining barrier.
US07922419B2	Combination mounting ring A combination mounting ring of resilient material, for connecting a shaft within a bore of a housing, has a hollow cylindrical part having radially extending projections. This part is for locating between the outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the bore, the radially extending projections being under compression and thus securing the shaft within the bore. The combination mounting ring further has an axial spring element extending radially inward from the cylindrical part and having two portions at different axial positions. The axial spring element is for locating between the shaft and a body axially displaced from the shaft, and serves to minimize axial movement of the shaft within the bore of the housing. The axial spring element may either be an annular part or a tab extending from an axial edge of the cylindrical part.
US07922418B2	Mounting assembly A mounting assembly comprising mating inner and outer components (36, 38) mounted together using a tolerance (20) is disclosed. The tolerance ring (20) has radially extending projections (28) that are configured to cause the tolerance ring (20) to operate into the plastic phase of its compression force/retention force characteristic. This can be achieved by using softer projections than those found in conventional tolerance rings. The force required to mount the tolerance ring and a range of retention forces exhibited by it for a given variance in sizes of mating components is thereby stabilized.
US07922414B2	M-link The present invention relates to a link for joining mooring lines having an eye at their joining end, characterized in that the link comprises two side plates joined by two hollow, cylindrical or non-cylindrical shafts, which shafts have a diameter which allows the bending of a polymer line around it without causing breakage to the strands of the polymer line.
US07922406B2	Image generating apparatus In this image generating apparatus, a driving gear portion is so formed that the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of a first toothless portion is smaller than the tip diameter of a first toothed portion, and so arranged that the first toothless portion thereof slides on a second toothed portion of a driven gear portion of a print head rotating member in the vicinity of a position where a print head presses a platen roller with a pressing portion.
US07922401B2	Camera rig with center-of-gravity correction system A camera rig with a center-of-gravity correction system, which includes an adjustable shoulder platform, a camera platform connected to the shoulder platform, and an abdominal support system connected to the camera platform. The camera platform is vertically, horizontally, and pivotably movable relative to the shoulder platform, and includes a mechanism for providing center-of-gravity correction for a camera mounted thereon. The abdominal support system is horizontally and vertically adjustable relative to the camera platform.
US07922397B2	Bump stop with controlled torque and suspension strut for vehicle steering wheel A bump stop device comprises a bearing 20 provided with two bottom 22 and top 24 metal washers between which rolling bodies 26 are arranged. A friction ring 34 is fixed to the first of the bottom and top metal washers and rubs against the other metal washer in order to create a static frictional torque that is greater than that of the rolling bodies and, in practice, greater than 1 Nm. The friction ring 34 makes it possible to generate a controlled resisting torque that limits the transmission to the steering column of the torque generated when driving the vehicle on a convex road.
US07922395B2	Wheel bearing device A wheel bearing device, in which a swaged portion of a wheel hub abuts against a shoulder portion of a joint outer ring, is provided to positively prevent a stick slip noise from being generated at the time of the vehicle being pulled away from a parked position. The wheel bearing device includes an outer ring having double rows of race surfaces formed on its inner circumference; a wheel hub having one of the double rows of race surfaces formed on its outer circumference; an inner ring press-fitted over a reduced diameter step portion of the wheel hub and having the other of the race surfaces formed on its outer circumference; and double rows of rollers interposed on the respective race surfaces between the outer ring and the wheel hub and between the outer ring and the inner ring. The wheel bearing device is configured such that an end portion of the reduced diameter step portion of the wheel hub is swaged to thereby integrate the wheel hub with the inner ring, and a joint outer ring of a constant velocity universal joint is fitted into an inner diameter of the wheel hub via torque transmission means, allowing the swaged portion of the wheel hub to abut the shoulder portion of the joint outer ring. The swaged portion of the wheel hub is left non-quenched, whereas the surface-hardened abutted portion of the shoulder portion of the joint outer ring has a surface roughness of Ra 5.0 or more.
US07922391B2	Determining calibration information for an x-ray apparatus A device and method are provided that enable calibration information to be determined for an x-ray apparatus that performs a three-dimensional x-ray scan. The calibration information is determined using an adapting method, wherein the adapting method is based on a position of an x-ray source relative to an x-ray unit marker device during image acquisition, an x-ray unit data set that describes the position of the x-ray unit marker device during image acquisition, and a two-dimensional calibration data set that describes at least one and preferably two actual two-dimensional x-ray images produced by irradiating a calibration object.
US07922390B2	Method and apparatus to facilitate forming detector-level calibration information for a high energy-based scanner The provision of calibration information for a given high energy-based scanner having a plurality of detectors can comprise forming (103) detector-level calibration information for that scanner. This can comprise calculating (201) a theoretical trajectory as pertains to relative movement as between the plurality of detectors and a calibration object as a function of known geometry parameters for this particular scanner and then causing (202) relative movement as between this plurality of detectors and a calibration object to develop a corresponding observed trajectory for the calibration object. These teachings then provide for determining (203), for each of at least some of the plurality of detectors, a value that corresponds to a difference between the theoretical trajectory and the observed trajectory to thereby provide the detector-level calibration information.
US07922389B2	Substrate based on temperature sensing A method for providing accurate temperature sensing of a substrate utilizing the PN junction of a transistor formed on the substrate is described.
US07922388B2	Detection device and process for detecting a temperature of an object A detection device is provided for detecting a temperature of an object, especially of a living being. The detection device may be connected to at least one temperature sensor and is designed to send a current for detecting the temperature to the temperature sensor and to receive at least one temperature signal, which represents a temperature of the temperature sensor. The detection device is designed to generate a temperature signal, which represents the temperature of the object, as a function of the temperature signal of the temperature sensor, and to send same on the output side. The detection device is designed to generate a heating current and to send the heating current to the temperature sensor during a heating time period, so that a total current, comprising the current for detecting the temperature and the heating current, is greater than the current for detecting the temperature, and thus to heat the temperature sensor.
US07922387B2	Performance testing apparatus for heat pipes A performance testing apparatus for a heat pipe includes a heating set, a cooling set, and a supporting set supporting the heating set and the cooling set thereon. Position and orientation of the heating and cooling sets on the supporting set are adjustable. The heating set includes a first immovable portion and a first movable portion cooperatively defining a first channel therebetween for receiving an evaporating section of the heat pipe. A temperature sensor is exposed to the first channel for detecting temperature of the evaporating section. A cooling set includes a second immovable portion and a second movable portion cooperatively defining a second channel therebetween for receiving a condensing section of the heat pipe. A temperature sensor is exposed to the second channel for detecting temperature of the condensing section of the heat pipe.
US07922386B2	Thermal analysis apparatus A thermal analysis apparatus includes: a sample temperature control device for surrounding a sample placed on a measurement position and controlling the temperature of the sample; a balance beam for supporting the sample and capable of tilting about a pivot point; and a sample moving device that allows the balance beam to slide between a first position at which the sample is situated at the measurement position and a second position at which the sample is situated at a distant position which is a position outside the sample temperature control unit. The distant position is a position which is deviated laterally from a line trajectory extending from the measurement position to the outside of the sample temperature control device. When the sample is at the measurement position, the balance beam is allowed to linearly slide and subsequently to rotationally slide about an axial line, to thereby transport the sample from the measurement position to the distant position.
US07922385B2	Piezoelectric drive device and electronic device A piezoelectric drive device has a piezoelectric actuator that has a vibrator with a piezoelectric element, and a rotor that is rotated by the vibrator, an elastic device that can store the rotational energy of the rotor as elastic energy, and a driven body that is rotated by the elastic energy stored by the elastic device.
US07922384B2	Device for transporting sticky or wet material The invention concerns a device for transporting sticky and/or wet material in horizontal direction comprising a shaftless spiral or screw having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, a stationary trough having a prismatic shape with at least at its underside a cylindrical part with a liner for supporting the outside diameter of the shaftless spiral or screw, and drive means for rotating the shaftless spiral or screw around a stationary straight centerline, the stationary trough having an inlet opening for receiving transportable material and at its underside an outlet opening for discharging transported material. According to the invention the shaftless spiral or screw is provided over its active length between the inlet opening and the outlet opening along the centreline with a pipe which is rotatable in the inside diameter of the shaftless spiral or screw.
US07922379B2	Backlight module A backlight module including a back cover, a reflector, a lamp supporter, and a number of lamps is provided. The back cover includes a number of holes, an inner face, and an outer face. The reflector is disposed on the inner face and has a number of openings. The openings expose parts of the holes. The lamp supporter has a base substrate and a number of carriers that are connected to the base substrate. The base substrate is assembled to the outer face of the back cover, and the carriers penetrate the holes of the back cover and the openings of the reflector. The lamps are disposed in the carriers, such that the lamps and the base substrate are located at two opposite sides of the back cover.
US07922378B2	Medical illumination unit A medical illumination unit (1) has an LED chip (15) and a rod-shaped body (5) with a proximal end (11) and a distal end (7). A distal hollow section (9) begins before the distal end (7) and reaches the distal end (7), and a supply lead section (12) begins at the proximal end (11) and reaches the distal hollow section (9). The LED chip (15) is in the distal hollow section of the rod-shaped body (5) and is supplied with energy through the supply lead (12). A luminescent converter is between the LED chip (15) and the distal end (7) of the rod-shaped or tubular body or at the distal end of the rod-shaped body (5), the converter properties of which are selected to convert light emitted by the LED chip (15) into light with a desired wavelength distribution.
US07922375B2	Vehicle lighting device having light transmitting member with annular mirror-finish Light having entered a light transmitting member through a predetermined point on an optical axis undergoes internal reflection in a front surface perpendicular to the optical axis, then undergoes internal reflection again in a rear surface composed of a paraboloid of revolution having a focal point at a position of plane symmetry with the predetermined point, and then exits the front surface. A mirror-finished annular region around the optical axis in the front surface has an outer peripheral edge set to be near a position where the incident angle of the light emitted from the light emitting element is equal to a critical angle, and an inner peripheral edge near a position where the light having undergone internal reflection in the front surface enters a position immediately behind the outer peripheral edge in the rear surface.
US07922372B2	LED street lamp A combined LED street lamp (100), comprises a lamp body and a LED bulb (107); the lamp body comprises a head portion (101), a middle portion (102), and a tail portion (103); a first gasket (104) is set between the head portion (101) and the middle portion (102), a second gasket (105) is set between the tail portion (103) and the middle portion (102); the head portion (101) and the tail portion (103) connect to the middle portion (102) with fasteners; the middle portion (102) is a profile which has the same cross section in different position along its length direction. Products with different size can be made by the same group of moulds.
US07922371B2	Thermal module for light-emitting diode A thermal module for LED includes a base in direct contact with an LED module; a first radiating fin assembly consisting of a plurality of parallelly spaced radiating fins and being connected at one side to the base opposite to the LED module; at least one second radiating fin assembly consisting of a plurality of parallelly spaced radiating fins, so that an air passage is provided between any two adjacent radiating fins of the second radiating fin assembly; and at least one heat pipe having a conducting section extended through and closely bearing against an interface between the base and the first radiating fin assembly, and at least one radiating section outward extended from an end of the conducting section to extend through the second radiating fin assembly. The second radiating fin assembly and the air passages thereof largely upgrade the heat dissipating efficiency of the thermal module.
US07922369B2	Complex optical lens apparatus for creating rectangular light output distribution A device having an inner surface with a combination of reflective and refractive surface facets swept about an axis of revolution perpendicular to the optical axis of the device. The outer surface has a non-planar, non-circular, non-spherical shape. This outer surface generates an appropriate intensity distribution in a direction generally parallel to the major axis of the output rectangle and may also distribute energy generally parallelly to the minor axis of the output rectangle as well.
US07922366B2	LED light source with light refractor and reflector A light source including a refraction body, a metal cup, a metal reflecting lampshade, an LED lamp body. Light emitted from the LED lamp body is reflected by the metal cup to be vertically incident into the refraction body so that the light is refracted by the refraction body; the refraction body is installed at a focus of the cambered tapered surface of the metal reflecting lampshade so that the light is reflected to have a predetermined reflected shape.
US07922359B2	Liquid-filled LED lamp with heat dissipation means An LED lamp includes a container having a cavity containing a liquid, a light source module with a high power LED source to emit light through the liquid, and an thermal conductor having a first portion proximate the light source module and a second opposite portion extending in an axial direction of the cavity in front of the light source module.
US07922354B2	Solid-state lighting fixtures A high performance, high efficiency solid state electronic lighting device, having a sealed fixture body for use outdoors or in environments requiring IP rated sealed fixtures, uses light emitting diodes for producing light from AC current that operates on an as needed basis dependent upon occupancy, ambient light levels and facility load requirements. The high performance, high efficiency solid state electronic lighting device can also be used to replace the internal workings and reflective surfaces of a standard fluorescent fixture, a high-intensity-discharge (HID) lamp, or other arc-based lamps using light emitting diodes for producing light from AC current that operates on an as needed basis dependent upon occupancy, ambient light levels and facility load requirements.
US07922352B2	Device and method for emitting output light using multiple light sources with photoluminescent material A device and method for emitting output light utilizes multiple light sources to produce original light having different peak wavelengths. A first light source of the device is configured to generate first light having a peak wavelength in the blue wavelength range, while a second light source of the device is configured to generate second light having a peak wavelength in the red wavelength range. Some of the original light emitted from at least the first light source is converted into light having a peak wavelength longer than the peak wavelength of the original light using a photoluminescent material to produce the output light.
US07922351B2	Fixture The present invention relates generally to the field of lighting. More particularly, the present invention relates to decorative, reconfigurable or energy and maintenance efficient fluorescent light fixtures that use energy efficient lamps and ballasts, and to an apparatus for new fluorescent light fixtures and for replacing an existing fluorescent light fixture for energy efficient use. Further, the present invention relates to a system that integrates light fixtures with a suspended grid ceiling or a solid ceiling.
US07922347B2	Surgical light provided with a light emission control The inventive surgical light comprises a body provided with main light-emitting diodes and additional light-emitting diodes arranged therebetween, which are spaced on said body and fixed thereto, wherein said additional light-emitting diodes are grouped and are characterised in that the spatial orientation thereof differs from the spatial orientation of the main light-emitting diodes. A light field control device comprises a control unit to which the groups of light-emitting diodes are connected by means of adjusters each of which is connected to a power supply unit. The main light-emitting diodes are fixed to the light body in such a way that the optical axes thereof cross the light axis in the center of a light spot. The additional light-emitting diodes are fixed to the light body in such a way that the optical axes thereof form a concentric light spot in the form of a ring around the main light spot.
US07922346B2	Medical lighting apparatus and medical imaging apparatus An object of the preset invention is to provide a medical lighting apparatus capable of illuminating an affected part with proper illuminance while assuring a work space for an operator near the affected part. A medical lighting apparatus for irradiating an affected part with light includes: a light source (a light emitting element); a light condenser (a collimate lens and a condenser lens) for condensing light emitted from the light source; an image forming unit (an image lens) for forming an image on the affected part from the light condensed by the light condenser; and an aperture portion provided between the light condenser and the image forming unit and regulating passage of the light condensed by the light condenser.
US07922345B2	Rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle with an interior mountable bracket An outside rear view mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a mirror housing including a circumferential lateral wall defining an opening, an insertion opening and a back wall. The outside rear view mirror assembly also includes a mirror mounting bracket insertable into the mirror housing through the insertion opening. A snap-in tongue, defining a free end, extends out from the back wall for engaging the mirror mounting bracket when the mirror mounting bracket is inserted into the mirror housing to lock the mirror mounting bracket therein.
US07922343B2	Lens-shifting device A lens-shifting device including a base, two fixing rods, a sliding plate, a first and a second gear set is provided. The sliding plate is slidably mounted on the fixing rods via the fixing rods. A lens is fixed on the sliding plate and the sliding plate has a rack disposed on one side thereof. The first gear set has a first gear and a worm gear co-axial therewith. One of the fixing rods passes through the first gear such that the first gear and the worm gear may rotate relative to the fixing rod. The second gear set having a worm wheel and a second gear co-axial therewith is disposed between the fixing rod and the rack. The worm gear is for driving the worm wheel and the second gear is used for driving the rack such that the sliding plate moves relative to the fixing rods.
US07922342B2	Rotational member of projector with improved retention A rotational member inhibitable from coming off a support member is obtained. This rotational member includes a rotational portion rotatably mounted on a support member, a pair of arcuate portions provided on a side of the rotational portion closer to the support member to extend from the rotational portion and opposed to each other and a hook portion so provided as to extend from a circumferential end of at least one of the pair of arcuate portions in an outward direction intersecting with a mounting direction for the rotational portion for engaging with the support member.
US07922339B2	Compact rear projection display A compact rear projection display which can be used in mobile devices is provided. The compact rear projection display includes a main body unit which generates image signals, an image providing unit which forms and projects an image according to the image signals received from the main body unit, a transparent light guide plate, and a screen disposed at a surface of the transparent light guide plate. The transparent light guide plate guides the image incident from the image providing unit to be displayed on the screen.
US07922337B2	Method for establishing a light beam with substantially constant luminous intensity The invention relates to a method for establishing a light beam (CLB) with substantially constant luminous intensity comprising the steps of establishing a light beam (LB) by means of a light source (SAL) and controlling an attenuation of said light beam (LB) on the basis of occurrences of luminous intensity peaks (IP) in said light beam (LB).
US07922332B2	Compensation element adjustment mechanism and projector A compensation element adjustment mechanism used with a light modulation device and a polarization plate includes: an optical compensation element disposed between the light modulation device and a polarization plate; a frame for supporting the optical compensation element, and having a pair of shaft members disposed at positions opposed to each other on a periphery of the optical compensation element; a support holder to be fixed with respect to the light modulation device, and for rotatably supporting the pair of shaft members; and a fixing section for restricting a displacement of the frame to the support holder by an elastic contact.
US07922325B2	Optical article and method for producing the same An optical article includes: an optical substrate, and a functional layer that is light-transmissive and is laminated to the surface of the optical substrate, the period Pk (nm−1) of reflectance of the functional layer in the k-space being not more than 3.66×10−5.
US07922324B2	Synthetic resin lens and eye lens article thereof The synthetic resin lens has a function to generate heat by selectively absorbing infrared rays with wavelengths of 780 to 3000 nm. The synthetic resin lens includes an infrared absorber. Selective absorption of infrared rays allows the synthetic resin lens itself to generate heat and thus the lens of the present invention has the same function as being electrically heated to prevent fogging.
US07922322B2	Display for mounting on a pair of eyeglasses The invention relates to a display (1) for mounting on a pair of eyeglasses (2), the display comprising an electronic and optical system for generating light beams (20A) and an imager (20B) for shaping the light beams coming therefrom, the display including a releasable securing arrangement for releasably securing it on the pair of eyeglasses, and an adjustment arrangement for adjusting the position of said imager relative to the eye of the wearer. According to the invention, the display comprises two elements, a first element (10) carrying said removable securing arrangement, and a second element (20) including said electronic and optical system and said imager, and connectable to said first element via said adjustment arrangement for adjusting the pupillary distance and including position-locking means for locking it in the adjusted position.
US07922320B1	Eyegear with a mountable frame A frame seat unit of an eyegear includes a pair of frame seats and a bridge interconnecting the frame seats. Each of the frame seats defines an accommodation space that opens downwardly and has a frame strip that defines a top side of the accommodation space. The eyegear further includes a pair of lens units, each removably retained in the accommodation space of a respective one of the frame seats and including a lens frame and a lens. The lens frame has a ring portion for holding the lens therein. For each pair of the frame seat and the respective one of the lens units, one of the frame strip and the lens frame includes a releasably lockable tab, and an other one of the frame strip and the lens frame is formed with an engaging slot for engagement with the releasably lockable tab.
US07922316B2	Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method An inkjet recording apparatus is provided, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus contains a recording head with a filter, an ink that comprises a colorant, a humectant, a surfactant, and a wetting agent is discharged from the recording head, the viscosity of the ink at 25° C. is 6 mPas to 13 mPas, and the fluid resistance of the filter against the ink is 4.4×109 Pas/m3 and 2.2×1010 Pas/m3.
US07922310B2	Modular printhead assembly A modular printhead assembly includes an elongate substrate member that defines a plurality of holes. An ink conduit is mounted longitudinally on one side of the substrate member and defines a plurality of ink holes to be in fluid communication with the ink holes defined by the elongate substrate member. A plurality of printhead module assemblies is mounted along an opposite side of the substrate member. Each module assembly includes an ink feed structure in fluid communication with the ink holes defined by the elongate substrate member and a printhead integrated circuit in fluid communication with the ink feed structure. A bus bar assembly is arranged on the substrate member for providing the printhead integrated circuits with power.
US07922306B2	Print ink transport mechanism for selectively transporting different colored inks A print ink transport mechanism includes a first ink pipe for transporting a first colored ink, and a second ink pipe for transporting a second colored ink, a rotary module including a first protruding component with a first cavity disposed in a position corresponding to the first ink pipe, and a drive means connected to the rotary module for driving the rotary module. When the drive means drives the rotary module to rotate to a first position, the first protruding component presses the second ink pipe, and the first ink pipe passes through the cavity on the first protruding component, so that the second ink pipe is unable to transport the second colored ink and the first ink pipe is able to transport the first colored ink.
US07922302B2	Piezoelectric actuation mechanism Embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed.
US07922301B2	Liquid transport apparatus and method for producing liquid transport apparatus A piezoelectric actuator includes a vibration plate, a plurality of individual electrodes, wiring sections each extending from corresponding one of the individual electrodes and passing between the other individual electrodes other than the corresponding individual electrode, a piezoelectric layer arranged on the vibration plate to cover the individual electrodes, and a common electrode arranged on a surface of the piezoelectric layer disposed on a side opposite to the piezoelectric layer. At least portions of the plurality of wiring sections, each of which is allowed to pass between the another individual electrodes, are covered with a second insulating layer. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the strain of the piezoelectric layer in the area between the individual electrodes through which the wiring section is allowed to pass, without providing any complicated shape of the common electrode in which the common electrode is partially cut out.
US07922295B2	Electrostatic attraction fluid ejecting method and apparatus An ink jet apparatus electrifies ink in a nozzle, and ejects the ink from an ink ejecting hole onto a printing medium by a first electric field generated between the nozzle and the printing medium. The apparatus includes an ink catching device including an ink catching portion adjacent to the nozzle that catches an ejected substance. Between the nozzle and the ink catching portion, the apparatus applies a voltage for generating a second electric field which (i) causes an ejected substance, formed from the ink or the ink whose viscosity is changed, to be ejected from the nozzle, and (ii) causes the ink catching portion to attract the ejected substance. The apparatus, utilizes an electrostatic force to eject fluid, removes a clogging of an ejection head at any position, realizes less initial ejection fluctuation and improves the reliability of ejection.
US07922278B2	Image printing apparatus and method for calibrating image printing apparatus The invention provides an image printing apparatus including: a printing unit that performs printing on a print target medium; a moving unit that can move in a predetermined main scan direction; an edge-detecting unit that is mounted on the moving unit and outputs, by utilizing photoelectric conversion, a voltage that changes across each edge of the print target medium; a position-detecting unit that detects the position of the moving unit; a reference stage that has one edge and another edge in such a manner that the reference stage has a predetermined reference width therebetween, the reference stage being formed in such a manner that the edge-detecting unit outputs a voltage that changes across each edge of the reference stage; and a calibrating unit that commands the moving unit to move in such a manner that the edge-detecting unit passes through each edge of the reference stage, commands the position-detecting unit to detect the position of the moving unit at a point at which a voltage outputted by the edge-detecting unit changes during the movement of the moving unit as each measured position, calculates a measured width on the basis of the measured positions, and calibrates the edge-detecting unit on the basis of the measured width and the reference width.
US07922272B2	Method for application and accurate positioning of graphics on a surface There is provided a method of applying an accurately positioning at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface using an apparatus comprising a flexible-rail positioning system mounted on a portion of the surface on which the graphic image is to be applied, a graphic image application system, software to operate the positioning system, and software to operate the graphic image application system.
US07922266B2	Chain tensioning device A device for tensioning chains on crawler-type or tracked vehicles, in particular the chains of hydraulic excavators, comprises a first cylinder arranged in an area of the chassis for the tracked vehicle, and operatively connected via a piston rod to a guide wheel to tension the chain. A second cylinder forms a spring cylinder and is operatively connected to the first cylinder. The second cylinder concentrically encloses the first cylinder to form a double cylinder and each cylinder is provided with a separate hydraulic connection. At startup of the tracked vehicle, the hydraulic connections of the double cylinder are admitted with a specifiable pre-tensioning pressure. The spring cylinder can be moved with maximum spring travel to its end position because of its larger cross-sectional surface, and the tensioning cylinder pre-tensions the chain with a force that corresponds to the pre-tensioning pressure.
US07922259B2	Vehicular wheel with replaceable protective ring A vehicular wheel includes a wheel having a rim with first and second flanges respectively extending radially outward from first and second ends of the rim. The first flange includes inner and outer faces and an interconnecting face extending between the inner and outer faces. An annular groove extends from the outer face towards but spaced from the inner face and is in communication with a plurality of fixing holes formed in the interconnecting face. A protective ring includes an annular body covering an inner surface of the first end of the rim and the outer face of the first flange. An annular extension extends from an end of the annular body and is received in the annular groove. The annular extension includes a plurality of positioning holes aligned with the fixing holes, respectively. A fastener extends through each fixing hole and one of the positioning holes.
US07922258B2	System for attaching a wheel to a motor vehicle A system for attaching a wheel to a motor vehicle, having a wheel hub which bears on a drive shaft stub of the motor vehicle and to which the wheel to be attached is attached by way of a central fastening element. On one section the central fastening element has an external thread, by way of which the bolt is screwed to an internal thread of a wheel hub stub of the wheel hub, a slotted cone interacting with the central fastening element in such a way that when attaching the central fastening element to the wheel hub the slotted cone can be pressed against the wheel. The slotted cone here being braced on an outer face of the wheel hub stub and entering into a frictional connection with the wheel hub stub.
US07922252B2	Vehicle seat with adjustable head restraint A vehicle seat is disclosed with a seat bottom and a seat back. A guide is pivotally mounted to a frame of the seat back. A head restraint extends from the seat back and is mounted to the guide for translation along the guide at a first pivotal position of the guide and for being secured to the guide at a second pivotal position of the guide. A slider is disclosed for sliding upon the guide and for supporting the head restraint. A biasing member is disclosed for urging the head restraint to a retracted position. A release mechanism is provided for rotating the guide shaft and retracting the head restraint for manual adjustment or for tilt of the seat back.
US07922251B2	Vehicle seats According to this invention, there are provided a stopper stopping forward pivoting of a seat back at the position of a forwardly tilted state, a stopper operation mechanism, a reclining mechanism switching the seat back between a free state in which it can be pivoted with respect to a seat cushion and a lock state in which it cannot be pivoted with respect thereto, a reclining lever, and a connection lever. Through operation of operation levers the seat back is placed in the free state via the stopper operation mechanism, the connection lever, and the reclining lever, and the stopper is moved via the stopper operation mechanism. And, between the stopper operation mechanism and the reclining lever is provided a retention mechanism that retains the stopper at a position to which the stopper is moved.
US07922244B2	Tray latch mechanism for high chair A latch mechanism for child's high chair tray assembly having a tray post and socket mounting arrangement has a central, front actuation button that moves a slide link mounted underneath the tray assembly. The slide link is connected to an actuation arm slidably mounted within each respective tray post. The actuation arm includes a cam surface that pivots a latch member having a rectangular lock pin that extends below the tray post into engagement with openings in the socket receiving the tray post. The latch member is spring loaded into engagement with the socket openings. The front surface of the arm rests are sloped to cam the lock pin into the tray post to permit a passive mounting of the tray onto the high chair, but the lock pin engages the first socket opening to require a non-passive manipulation to affect positional adjustment or removal from the high chair.
US07922241B2	Sunshade with adjustable slide portion A sunshade for a vehicle having a first guide and a second guide spaced from the first guide. The sunshade has a pair of edges and includes a substrate layer and an aesthetic layer fixed to the substrate layer to present a show surface. Slide portions are disposed along each of the edges and are adapted to move within the first and second guides as the sunshade moves between an open position and a closed position. The slide portions define a generally corrugated configuration to provide a force that must be overcome to move the sunshade between the open position and the closed position.
US07922237B2	Guide-rail structure of front window in working vehicle A vehicle includes a cab; a front window that is capable of moving between a closed position where a window opening at a front surface of the cab is closed and an open position where the front window is housed in a ceiling portion of the cab and the window opening is open; and a guide structure for the front window that guides the front window between the closed position and the open position.
US07922236B2	Volume-filling mechanical assemblies and methods of operating the same A method of operating a volume-filling structure, comprising sensing an impact event and expanding the volume-filling structure from a non-expanded state to an expanded state upon the sensed impact event. The volume-filling structure comprises an open celled material, a first end cap connected to one end of the open celled material and a second end cap connected to a second end of the open celled material. The volume-filling structure further includes an activation mechanism regulating expansion of the open celled material from the non-expanded state to expanded state in response to an activation signal, and the activation mechanism includes an actuator interfaced with the end caps. Embodiments may include triggering a pneumatic device to force the second end cap from the first end cap. Additionally, embodiments may include triggering a mechanical event to force the second end cap from the first end cap.
US07922235B1	Drag reduction system for vehicles A drag reduction system generally comprises a pair of deflectors that conjunctively compensate for the angular designs typical of currently existing vehicles. In one embodiment, the pair of deflectors includes a first deflector positioned proximate the interface between the vertical grille and the hood, for example, near the upper end of the grille crown at the forward end of the hood and a second deflector positioned on the upper hood surface toward the rearward end of the hood, forwardly of the windshield. The first and second deflectors and function in concert, twice maneuvering an air stream to both avoid direct impact with the vehicle and to displace the stream laterally in such a manner that minimizes the amount of work energy expended in its redirection. In one example, the drag reduction system tailors the air stream around the hood and cab sections of the vehicle.
US07922230B2	Vehicle seat with a seat tilt adjustment A foldable vehicle seat assembly includes a pivotable seat back that is can be positioned into an upright position and a folded position. The pivotable seat back may optional also be able to be positioned in one or more additional positions thereby allowing a reclining or forward positioning of the seat back. The seat bottom cushion subassembly is positioned over the seat bottom reinforcement member. The pivotable seat bottom reinforcement member provides structural support to a forward section of seat bottom cushion subassembly when this section is raised during seat repositioning.
US07922225B2	Serving tongs Serving tongs that include handles are movable with respect to each other. The serving tongs include a cutting mechanism, a scooping mechanism, and a locking mechanism.
US07922222B2	Engaging apparatus and electronic equipment utilizing the same The invention provides an engaging apparatus utilized in equipment which includes a cover and a base. The engaging apparatus includes a pivotal device and an engaging device. The pivotal device includes a retaining portion. The cover is pivotally connected to the base by the pivotal device. The engaging device is disposed on the cover, and includes an operating portion and an engaging portion. The engaging portion cooperates with the retaining portion. When the cover is positioned at a closed position with respect to the base, the engaging portion is capable of cooperating with the retaining portion to form a locked engagement.
US07922221B2	Latch assembly A latch assembly having adjusting backset includes a casing, a latch bolt and a latch rear section. The latch bolt includes a bolt body and a fixed member connected with the bolt body. The top of the fixed member includes two positioning notches adapted to different backsets. A positioning member and the fixed member are disposed in a slide. The positioning member includes a positioning projection corresponding to the positioning notch at the front portion thereof. The latch includes a pin that can lift the positioning member to disengage the positioning projection from the positioning notch. Then, the positioning projection is moved to another positioning notch, thereby changing the backset. The latch assembly includes a positioning spring to keep the positioning projection fixed in the positioning notch. The latch assembly may include an upper connecting member, a lower connecting member and an assembly member to strengthen the latch assembly.
US07922220B2	Safety hook A safety mechanism for a gate having first and second ends, a first fulcrum point intermediate the first and second ends and a first rotational axis proximate the second end, the safety mechanism including a first force resisting means intermediate the first fulcrum point and the first rotational axis, wherein a force applied to the first end is transmitted toward the first rotational axis via the first fulcrum point and the first force resisting means prevents transmission of the force to the first rotational axis. The present invention also comprises a safety mechanism for a gate having first and second ends, a locking means and a first rotational axis proximate said second end, wherein a force applied to the first end is transmitted toward the first rotational axis via the locking means, the safety mechanism including a first force resisting means intermediate the first rotational axis and the force, wherein the first force resisting means prevents transmission of the force to the first rotational axis.
US07922219B2	Connecting clip A connecting clip for connecting two members to each other at apertures through the two members. The connecting clip includes a first section connected to a second section by a living hinge. The first section includes a general ring shaped portion forming a hole, a first stationary projection extending away from the general ring shaped portion at a rear side of the general ring shaped portion, and a movably second projection connected to the general ring shaped portion by another living hinge. The second projection is movable to a deployed position extending out of the hole with an end of the second projection extending in a direction different from the first projection. The second section includes a pushing portion adapted to push against the second projection when the second section is moved from an open position to a closed position to thereby move the second projection to the deployed position.
US07922213B2	Barb clamp with smooth bore A barb clamp for use with a flexible tube is taught, the flexible tube having an inner bore defined by a predetermined inner diameter for providing a fluid flow path. The barb clamp includes a barb connector having the same predetermined inner diameter as the flexible tube and a tapered end insertable into the tube. A sleeve and collet lock over the tubing and barb connector to prevent liquid material entering between the barb and tube. The tapered end of the barb connector terminates at a point so that there is no transition between the inner diameter of the tube and the inner diameter of the barb connector to provide no pressure differential in the tube between the outside and inside of the barb clamp.
US07922211B2	Method and device for interconnecting, sealed against contamination, the ends of elongate elements such as tubes or pipes A method and a device are provided for interconnecting, sealed against contamination, the ends of tubes by two cooperating connecting components, each having an inlet and an outlet for connection to each other. The connecting components each have a connecting plane, into which the outlets open, each covered by a protective component, and which are movable into engagement with each other with the outlets facing each other. A locking element, which is slidably arranged on one connecting component, is, in a controlled manner and without interruption of the sliding movement, movable onto the other connecting component to a distinct end position. The protective components are removable by means of the locking element when this is moved, and the outlets are sealingly pressable against each other. The locking element is prevented from moving until a predetermined force is applied in the moving direction.
US07922209B1	Metamerism-based security patterns An article bears an HVS-perceivable security pattern based on metamerism. The metamerism causes the security pattern to be perceived differently when viewed under two different light sources.
US07922208B2	Method and system for protecting privacy of signatures on mail ballots An envelope used in voting by mail includes a signature area on which the signature is affixed and a concealing portion structured to cover the signature area thereby concealing the signature. The concealing portion includes a concealing layer that is preferably positioned on top of a protective layer. The protective layer is positioned between the signature area and the concealing layer when the concealing portion covers the signature area. The concealing layer is formed from a material that is normally opaque but becomes at least partially transparent when one or more chemicals are applied to the concealing layer. The protective layer protects the signature from the one or more chemicals since the protective layer is impermeable to the one or more chemicals.
US07922198B2	Airbag and method of manufacture thereof An airbag includes a circumferential plane, a margin, a receiving plane and a second seam line. The circumferential plane is formed by being seamed to form a first seam line from its base end to its farthest end and has a closed cross section. The margin for the first seam line is provided on the circumferential plane. The receiving plane extends integrally from the circumferential panel and receives a passenger at an impact. The circumferential plane and the receiving plane are seamed together to form the second seam line. The second seam line crosses the first seam line and goes across the margin in a width direction of the margin. According to the airbag, its manufacturing efficiency can be improved.
US07922196B2	Sensor integration for airbag deployment A system and method for deploying one or more airbags in a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a passive detection device, an active detection device and a controller. The passive detection device is configured to present one or more passive signals indicative of the motion of the vehicle after the vehicle has experienced an impact. The active detection device is configured to present suspension information related to the vehicle that is indicative of the motion of the vehicle prior to the vehicle experiencing an impact. The controller is configured to predict vehicle impact and deploy the airbags in response to the suspension information and the one or more passive signals.
US07922194B2	Air-bag cover arrangement An air-bag cover arrangement is disclosed which comprises a moveable cover element (25) for covering an air-bag module (5), and design element (15) which is positioned adjacent the cover element. The design element has an overlapping part (16) which overlaps part of the cover element. The arrangement is characterised in that the cover element is moveable relative to the design element but is held by a stop element (18) in a rest position in which the cover element does not contact the overlapping part of the design element but rather a space from the design element.
US07922192B2	Side curtain air bag The present invention provides a side curtain air bag facilitating the control of tension with the air bag. The side curtain air bag includes chambers expanded by gas supplied from a gas generator, and expands and develops into a curtain shape along a side part of a vehicle so as to protect vehicle occupants. The side curtain air bag includes primary chambers which expand to form the side curtain air bag, and a secondary chamber which expands after the primary chambers to apply additional tension across the expanded side curtain air bag. The secondary chamber includes an opening communicating with the primary chamber.
US07922191B2	Airbag cushion with multiple chambers An airbag cushion has multiple chambers of which the expansion order and speed are controlled. The airbag cushion can expand in a predetermined order at a predetermined speed to optimally protect a passenger. Therefore, the airbag cushion can rapidly expand between the steering wheel and the passenger, without injuring the passenger.
US07922189B1	Vehicle grip assist handle A vehicle grip assist handle is provided with a grip assist body and a first gap hider. The grip assist body includes a gripping portion and a first attachment portion. The first gap hider is attached to the first attachment portion of the grip assist body. The first gap hider is configured to at least partially cover a first assist grip opening in a vehicle interior trim panel when the first attachment portion of the grip assist body is positioned in the first assist grip opening.
US07922184B2	Steering mechanism, particularly for short vehicles Steering mechanism for orienting the steered wheels (1a-d) of a short vehicle with respect to the chassis, comprising one first vertical axis (2) per steered wheel, allowing each steered wheel (1a-d) to pivot with respect to said chassis and a first link (5a-d) allowing a torque to be applied to each steered wheel to make it pivot around said first vertical axis.The inner end of the link is able to slide along a straight rail (11a-d) which in turn is rotatably mounted with respect to the chassis 60. A second link (6a-d) not parallel to the wheels forces the first link (5a-d) to slide in a defined manner along a rail (11a-d). This makes possible the differentiated orientation of the left and right wheels.Advantage: very small turning radius. Particularly applicable to electric chairs for the disabled.
US07922183B2	Stretcher having hand actuated wheel braking apparatus A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the frame and supporting the frame above a floor, a wheel, a push handle that is coupled to the frame and that is gripable to maneuver the patient support apparatus along the floor, and a brake handle coupled to the push handle and movable to move a brake to impede rotation of the wheel.
US07922180B2	Device for locking and releasing a screw bit A screwdriver bit holder structure, whose holder body has a polygon hole, and inside the polygon hole set an inner spring and a sliding tube. The holder body is clipped by a c-clamp, ahead of which are symmetric front balls and holes, and behind which are symmetric middle and back balls and holes. A fixing cap is capped on the holder body. In the back of inner hole of the fixing cap sets a limiting ring, and in the front sets a front recess and a back recess that is designed, by sliding the cap forward and backward along the holder body, to push front balls to fit into the fitting concaves of the bits so as to fix them tightly with the holder body or loose front balls from fitting concaves to release the bits.
US07922177B2	Ticket strips that encourage multiple ticket purchasing Strips of two-ply instant lottery tickets are provided that have features which encourage multiple ticket purchases. Strips of purchased tickets can be opened in one motion, revealing the ticket results without needing to scratch off any material. Ruler markings along edges of the strips of tickets, and ticket indicia that spans multiple tickets further encourage multiple ticket purchases. Security panels flank one or more edges of the tickets which discourage tampering with unpurchased tickets.
US07922174B2	Vacuum transport device with non-uniform belt hole pattern An apparatus comprises a vacuum belt having belt edges and a contact surface between the belt edges. The contact surface is adapted to contact sheets of print media and the sheets of print media have sheet edges and a central sheet region. The contact surface has a central belt region located where the central sheet region of the sheets of print media contacts the contact surface of the vacuum belt. The contact surface has border regions located where the sheet edges of the sheets of print media contact the contact surface of the vacuum belt. The central belt region is located between the border regions. The contact surface has vacuum holes, and the vacuum holes comprise an irregular pattern, such that a different density of holes is located within the border regions relative to the central belt region.
US07922171B2	Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus A slide cassette is slidably provided in a main cassette of a sheet cassette. When a sheet with a size larger than that of a sheet which may be stored in the main cassette is stored, the slide cassette is sled and moved to extend the sheet cassette. There is provided a fixing portion which may fix the slide cassette and the main cassette in a state in which the sheet cassette is in a shortened or an extended state by sliding the slide cassette. The fixing portion releases the fixing by an operation in which the slide cassette is sled in a shortening direction or extending direction.
US07922168B2	Method and device for transporting a sheet The invention relates to a method and a device for transporting a sheet, in particular after a sheet has been picked off a stack and separated therefrom, preferably for the feeder-side use in a printing machine, wherein the sheet is brought to a transport speed, preferably for transfer to another transport path. The object of the invention is to provide a more controlled method of the aforementioned type and a device allowing this method. In accordance with the invention, considering the method, this object is achieved in that the sheet is initially accelerated to a speed that is greater than the desired transport speed and only later, after a phase of this higher speed, said sheet is slowed to the desired transport speed, in which case the phase of the higher speed is dimensioned such that the affected sheet is in a nominal position at the appropriate time.
US07922160B2	Sheet finisher, image forming apparatus using the same, and sheet finishing method A sheet finisher of the invention includes a saddle stitch unit configured to stitch a center of a sheet bundle in which printed sheets are bundled, a fold unit configured to fold the center stitched by the saddle stitch unit and to form a fold line, and a fold reinforcing unit configured to reinforce the fold line formed by the fold unit, and the fold reinforcing unit includes a placement table on which the sheet bundle transported from the fold unit is placed, a band-like elastic member that is extended to face the fold line of the placed sheet bundle and is formed to be longer than the length of the fold line, and a roller unit that includes a reinforce roller and moves the reinforce roller along the direction of the fold line while pressing it to the fold line through the intervening elastic member.
US07922155B2	Steam-generator temperature control and optimization A control method for boiler outlet temperatures includes predictive control of SH and RH desuperheater systems. The control method also includes control and optimization of steam generation conditions, for a boiler system, such as burner tilt and intensity, flue-gas recirculation, boiler fouling, and other conditions for the boiler. The control method assures a proportional-valve control action in the desuperheater system, that affects the boiler system.
US07922151B2	Valve actuator The present invention relates to a valve actuator comprising a support member for supporting a rotatable positioning element operatively connected to a valve rod. The valve actuator further comprises a track follower adapted to follow at least part of a track provided in the positioning element. The track follower is biased against at least part of the track by a resilient member. The rotatable positioning element comprises a curved outer portion arranged in an associated bearing formed in the support member.
US07922148B2	Electronically activated access valve An electrically activated access valve arrangement having a male connector, a female connector, and a valve. In certain embodiments, the male connector includes a conductive element, and the female connector includes contacts. Insertion of the male into the female connector completes a circuit and sends an electrical signal to the valve. This transitions the valve from the normally closed position to the opened position. In certain embodiments, the male connector has a connection port that connects to a connection port of the female connector. A pump, such as an infusion pump, sends an electrical signal through the connection ports, which causes the valve to transition from the normally closed position to the opened position. The electrically activatable valve of the connectors is prevented from opening if mated with conventional male and female luers.
US07922146B2	Optical element forming metal mold and method of manufacturing optical element forming metal mold A method of forming an optical element forming metal mold to form an optical element, having steps of: laminating a heat insulation layer 13 on a surface of the base member 11 where the optical element is formed; laminating an intermediate metal layer 14 on a surface of the heat insulation layer 13 by thermal spraying; laminating a surface forming layer 15, on which a surface shape to be transferred to the optical element is formed, on the intermediate metal layer 14; wherein the intermediate metal layer 14 is laminated in a way that parts of the heat insulation layer 13 are exposed substantially evenly from the intermediate layer 14.
US07922137B2	Laptop holder for extension arm The present invention provides a device for holding a laptop computer or other portable devices. The laptop is placed on a support having a generally planar surface. A pair of adjustable arm members is pivotally connected to the support. The user may adjust one or both of the arm members to accommodate portable devices of different sizes. Clips or other connectors are used to secure the laptop to the holding device. The clips connect to the arm members and to the support. The clips may have one or more components, and may be configured to slide along the arm members and the support. The support may include a number of projections that can be arranged in an X-shaped configuration. A release plate or other connector couples the holding device to an extension assembly. The release plate provides a quick release from a tilting device of the extension assembly.
US07922132B2	Accessory holder The present invention is directed to an accessory holder capable of supporting a plurality of accessories and positioning those accessories in three-dimensions. A preferred embodiment supports the accessories in a curvilinear shape that optimizes the viewing position by the user. The accessories include flat panel displays, touch screens, telephones, and other devices used in an office or home office environment.
US07922130B2	Mounting device A support device is provided herein and includes a pliable support structure. The support device further includes a plate structure for use with the pliable support structure. The plate structure is disposed on the support structure. A coupling member is associated with the plate structure allowing for other members to be coupled to the support device. Elevating assemblies are optionally further included to elevate elongate structure supported by the support device.
US07922129B2	Cable routing devices with integrated couplers A fitting for a cable trough system, the fitting including a bottom wall and side walls extending from at least a first terminal end to a second terminal end and forming a trough therebetween, the side walls being curved in a longitudinal direction, and an end portion formed at each of the first and second terminal ends, the end portion including first and second guiding surfaces defining a space therebetween, and a spring member positioned in the space. The space is sized to receive a terminal end of a trough member of the cable trough system, and wherein the spring member is positioned to engage the terminal end of the trough member to couple the trough member to the fitting. Other cable routing devices can also be used.
US07922125B2	Launching vehicle and satellite connection-separation apparatus A launcher and satellite connection-separation apparatus for launching and satellite vehicles has a band-clamp assembly of a band with an inner channel in which clamps are located in a sliding manner for application to rings interfacing between the vehicles, and a union-separation device on ends of the band for radially tightening the band and controlling opening of the band in first and second phases such that the ends of the band shift in contact with the rings for dissipating by friction elastic energy corresponding to the tightening of the band and separate from the rings until reaching a parking position.
US07922122B2	Systems and methods for distributing loads from fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits Systems and methods for distributing loads from fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits. An aircraft configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fuselage portion, a wing portion, and a fuel tank carried by least one of the fuselage portion and the wing portion. The aircraft also includes a spar carried by at least one of the fuselage portion and the wing portion. The spar includes a first spar rib and a second spar rib spaced apart from the first spar rib. The aircraft further includes a fluid conduit proximate to the spar and operably coupled to the fuel tank. A support member carrying the fluid conduit is operably coupled to the spar. The support member can be positioned to transfer at least approximately all of the axial loads from the fluid conduit to at least one of the first spar rib and the second spar rib.
US07922121B2	Power distribution architecture for an ice protection system An ice protection system for a vehicle is disclosed which includes a plurality of de-ice power distribution units positioned proximate to a leading edge surface of the vehicle that is susceptible to ice accretion, at least two anti-ice power distribution units located within the vehicle, spaced from the de-ice power distribution units, and a point of power regulation located within the vehicle, spaced from the power distribution units, from which power is fed to the power distribution units through independent feeder wire bundles so as to distribute line current across the system in a manner that optimizes wire weight.
US07922115B2	Modular unmanned air-vehicle The present invention is an unmanned air vehicle designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, data acquisition, and general research. The air vehicle is a monoplane that consists of several pieces that can easily be assembled using a minimal amount of tools. The air vehicle consists of a forward and aft fuselage section, two identical horizontal stabilizers, and four identical wing sections. The aircraft can fly with all four wing sections, or with just two wing sections (the short wing configuration). Each of the four wing sections of the air vehicle can be interchanged with any of the other wing sections for the purpose of minimizing assembly time and spare parts.
US07922113B1	Central shaft controlled braking of fishing reel In a fishing reel, the combination operable for braking the reel, comprising a reel spool having an axis, two axially spaced brake discs on the spool, a brake pad between the discs, and the discs interconnected to rotate together and move relatively toward the pad, a braking lever movable by the user to effect the disc relative movement, and pad engagement by the discs, a shaft extending axially, and bodily movable to effect the discs relative movement, the shaft being non-rotatable, and means including an actuator for displacing the shaft axially in response to lever movement, thereby to cause braking engagement of the discs, with the pad.
US07922111B2	Refining apparatus of disc-type A disc refiner is disclosed, including a shaft, a rotatable disc and a stationary disc, both with refiner elements. Between the stationary refiner elements and the stationary disc, axially deformable chambers are arranged, filled with an incompressible hydraulic medium, whereby the stationary refiner elements can move angularly in order to adjust themselves tangentially in parallel to the refiner elements of the rotatable disc, and the incompressibility of the hydraulic medium prevents stationary refiner elements from moving axially and impairing the axial stiffness.
US07922108B2	Method for industrial production of especially fine powders A method for industrial production of especially fine powders and mineral powders, where the material to be ground is mixed to a gas-solid matter suspension, which through acceleration nozzles (12) is led at least to two counter jets, which meet in grinding chamber (13) for further grinding of the powders. The ground gas-solid matter suspension is led in its turn by means of working gas at least to two intermediate containers (2a);(2b) in the grinding circulation, in which containers the gas is removed from the mixture and into intermediate container (2) a certain quantity of solid matter is collected, which quantity is returned to be ground and led to the other container (2) and the said quantity is circulated through the grinding process among intermediate containers (2a);(2b) until in some container the quality is established sufficient for removal off the process.
US07922105B2	Atomizer adapter for paint sprayer An atomizer adapter for application of heavy viscous material from an airless paint sprayer. The adapter includes a housing that is coupled to the output of the sprayer through one housing port by an elongated tube that delivers viscous material and to the output of an air compressor through another housing port that delivers compressed air through a conduit. A nozzle within the housing directs pressurized air into an internal chamber where it is directed at and atomizes the flow of viscous material prior to output through an aperture in a tip fixed to the housing.
US07922103B2	Decorative waterfall The present invention relates to a decorative waterfall apparatus and more particularly to a decorative waterfall having a decorative image on a backboard which can be rapidly changed by removing the removable mounted backboard and changing a polymer film having a decorative image thereon extending thereover.
US07922090B2	Information gathering system A set of forms and information gathering system comprising a questionnaire check having a place to insert answers to questions that are sent to a person along with the check is provided. Once the answers to the question from the questionnaire have been inserted in the supplied area the person taking the survey can cash the check. Once the check is cashed and processed through an Automated Clearing House (ACH) the cancelled check with the answers to the questions. Once the cashed check is received by the sending party, the answers to the questionnaire by the endorsed party will also be received. The data can then be processed and reports generated for the client requesting the data.
US07922085B2	System, method, apparatus, and computer program product for monitoring the transfer of cargo to and from a transporter Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for monitoring the transfer of cargo, such as a shipping container, to and from a transporter, such as a truck. Identification codes are provided on the cargo and the transporter to aid in the identification of the cargo and the transporter. One or more identification code receiving devices, such as a camera, may be associated with a cargo moving apparatus, such as a crane, and configured to automatically capture the transporter identification code and the cargo identification code as the cargo is being transferred to or from the transporter. The transporter identification code and the cargo identification code can be associated with each other along with other information about the transfer in order to monitor the transfer. In this regard, identification information may be communicated to a shipping terminal's operating system to provide real-time information about one or more transfers occurring within a shipping terminal.
US07922084B2	System, apparatus, method and computer program for processing information An information processing apparatus installed at a ticket gate for performing a ticket inspection process, includes an authentication unit for authenticating a communication terminal mounted on a passenger passing through the ticket gate by communicating the communication terminal, the communication terminal communicating using as a communication medium a dielectric material including the human body of the passenger, a ticket inspection unit for performing the ticket inspection process on the communication terminal, a registration unit for registering an identification of the communication terminal, an identification determination unit for determining whether the identification of the communication terminal acquired in communication with the communication terminal is registered by the registration unit, an information acquisition unit for acquiring subscription information of a content stored on the communication terminal, and a delivery unit for delivering the content to the communication terminal in accordance with the subscription information acquired by the information acquisition unit.
US07922083B2	Payment programs for healthcare plans The invention is a computer-implemented method and system to facilitate a purchase utilizing a tax-advantaged account. A request for payment for an item is received from a requester. A determination is made whether the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment. If the item qualifies for pre-tax treatment at least a partial payment amount for the item is determined. The tax-advantaged account is debited for at least a portion of the purchasing amount of the item based on the payment authorization; and the at least partial payment amount for the item is transmitted to an account of the requestor.
US07922073B2	Vial printing method and apparatus A container label printing method and apparatus, the method comprising the steps of providing a label having first section and a second section spaced apart from the first section and oppositely facing front and back surfaces, providing a container with an external surface, securing the first section of the label to a portion of the external surface of the container with the second section of the label extends from the first surface, providing a printer, using the printer to print indicia on the a the front surface of the second section of the label and securing the second section of the label to the external surface.
US07922070B2	Carton with carrying handle and blank therefor A carton (130) for packaging cylindrical articles, the carton (130) including a plurality of primary panels (120, 122, 124, 125) for forming the walls of the carton (130), end flaps (118a, 118b, 126a, 126b, 128a, 128b, 119a, 119b) for forming end closure structures (132, 134) of the carton (130), and handle panels (160, 162) and handle end flaps (182a, 182b, 183a, 183b) for forming a handle structure (160/162). The handle structure (160/162) and a panel (125) define a pocket that can be engaged by a user's hand (H1) to carry the carton (130). The carton (130) further including features that facilitate flexing of the handle structure (160/162) including fold lines (178) and cut lines (C2, C3).
US07922069B2	Reinforced container A container having interior columns on its end walls which are between the sides of the end walls. Each column is formed by a first column panel attached to an inner end panel, a second column panel attached to the first column panel and an attachment panel fastened to the inner end panel. A blank for the container.
US07922068B2	Welding railway lines This invention relates to a thermite welding process for joining sections of a railway line in situ, the process including the preliminary step of mounting a suitable welding mould about the aligned sections of railway line to be welded together and sealing the mould to prevent run out; mounting a vibration means on the railway line at a suitable distance from the mould and operating it at a suitable frequency; heating the sections of railway line to a desired temperature; igniting an ignitor means and allowing it to drop into the mould to react with molten steel in the mould and fill a weld area about and between the sections of railway line in the mould; and when solidified, to vibrate the railway line for a further period of time until stress relieving of the cast weld area has occurred.
US07922067B2	Tailor welded blank assembly and method A tailor weld blank assembly and method for making the blank assembly include providing a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet having at least one different characteristic from the first sheet. Complementary interlocking structures are provided on adjoining edges of the first and second sheets and the sheets are mechanically interlocked together by making a weld along the adjoining interlocked edges. Thereafter the permanently affixed together sheets are formed to make a formed sheet metal product. The provision of both a mechanical interlock and a weld provide a blank assembly that is strong for forming into a stamped product, and a metal product that is strong for its intended use.
US07922063B2	Powered surgical instrument A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a first endoscopic portion, a motor, and a first end effector is disclosed. The first endoscopic portion is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The first endoscopic portion includes a housing adjacent its proximal portion and includes an actuation member. The motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing of the first endoscopic portion and is operatively connected to the actuation member for moving the actuation member substantially along the longitudinal axis. The first end effector is selectively connectable to a distal portion of the first endoscopic portion and is configured to perform a first stapling function.
US07922062B2	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.
US07922061B2	Surgical instrument with automatically reconfigurable articulating end effector A surgical instrument, such as a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, with an automatically articulatable end effector. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector, a shaft, and an articulatable joint assembly connected between the end effector and the shaft. The joint assembly comprises at least one motor for articulating the end effector relative to the shaft. The joint assembly comprises at least one articulation sensor for sensing articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft. The instrument further comprises a control unit in communication with the articulation sensor and the motor. The control unit comprises at least one memory unit for storing articulation data from the at least one articulation sensor. When activated, the control unit sends control signals to the motor of the joint assembly to articulate automatically the end effector to a desired position based on the articulation data from the articulation sensor that is stored in the memory unit of the control unit.
US07922060B2	Stapler A staple leg cutting mechanism 5 is composed of a fixed cutter 6 interposed between staple legs S1 penetrated through binding sheets and a pair of movable cutters 7 disposed movable from the outside of the staple legs S1 to the inside thereof, and a clincher mechanism 10 is composed of a pair of movable clinchers 11 respectively disposed on the lower surface side of their associated movable cutters 7, whereby the staple legs S1 penetrated through the binding sheets are formed in an inwardly curved manner by the movable clinchers 11 and are then guided into and between the movable cutters 7 and fixed cutter 6, the movable cutters 7 are moved from the outside of the staple legs S1 to the inside thereof to thereby cut the leading end portions of the staple legs S1, and the staple legs S1 are bent along the binding sheets by the movable clinchers 11.
US07922059B2	Hand-held drive-in power tool A hand-held drive-in power tool for driving-in fastening elements includes a drive-in ram (13) displaceably arranged in a guide (12), a drive (30) for driving the drive-in ram (13) and having at least one driving spring member (31) for displacing the drive-in ram (13) and formed of a fiber-reinforced plastic material, and a device (70) for preloading the driving spring member (31).
US07922058B2	Nail gun with an angle-adjustable magazine A nail gun includes a body, a handle, a nail ejection member, a magazine member connected pivotally to the nail ejection member, and a connecting rod having an upper end connected pivotally to an end of the handle. One of the connecting rod and the magazine member is connectable with a selected one of first and second positioning portions of the other of the connecting rod and the magazine member to allow the magazine member to change between horizontal and inclined positions. In the horizontal position, a free end of the magazine member is spaced apart from the end of the handle. In the inclined position, the free end of the magazine member is adjacent to the end of the handle, and the connecting rod abuts against the magazine member along a full length thereof.
US07922057B2	Stapler with built-in staple remover Embodiments include a stapler with a built-in staple remover, the staple remover movable between a non-operational position where it is retracted in a stapler body of the stapler and locked by a locking device and an operational position where it is partly extended from the stapler body, the staple remover being acted upon by a first elastic unit which is tensioned when the staple remover is in the non-operational position and which pushes the staple remover to the operational position when the locking device is released in the non-operational position.
US07922054B2	Nail gun with integrated safety device A device for impacting a fastener in one embodiment includes a trigger. A trigger disabling mechanism changeable between a first condition wherein operation of the trigger is not disabled and a second condition wherein operation of the trigger is disabled is also included. The device includes a nose piece configured to change the trigger disabling mechanism from the second condition to the first condition. The nose piece includes including a first nose portion removably coupled to a second nose portion. The first nose portion and the second nose portion define a channel therebetween through which a fastener is driven.
US07922053B2	Feeder for a surface mount placement system A feeder for a surface mount placement system includes a feeder body comprising a shaft, a front cover, and a rear cover. The front cover has one end pivotally installed on the feeder body via the shaft, a free end, and a pair of sidewalls respectively extending from two sides of the free end towards the feeder body. The rear cover pivotally installed on the feeder body, including a blocking portion, and the free end of the front cover overlap. The blocking portion is wider than the distance between the sidewalls of the front cover.
US07922051B2	Apparatus for transporting bicycles and method of use A system and device therefor that provides a large vehicle the ability to house up to ten bicycles on the bumper of the vehicle wherein the device is retractable against the vehicle when not in use and that provides a fast and easy way to load and unload the bicycles. The device includes a main frame portion with two support arms on either side. Each support arm has variable height options. Attached to each support are one or more springed grips with one end of each springed grip having two crescent-shaped hooks for attachment around the handlebars of a bicycle and on the other end is a j-shaped hook for attachment around the seat post of a bicycle.
US07922046B2	Brassiere cleaning and storage container A container for supporting a brassiere or a similar garment for cleaning and storage includes opposed flat plate members connected by a hinge, and opposed container cup members connected to the respective plate members at hinge connections for folding the container cup members over the plate members and for folding the plate members with respect to each other to form a closed container for supporting a brassiere. The plate members include hinged support members, each having an arcuate cross shape, for supporting brassiere cups between the plate members and the container cup members. Spaced apart clips secure the brassiere straps to the plate members. Spaced apart latches releasably secure the cup members to the plate members and the plate members to each other for placing the container in a compact folded position.
US07922045B2	Condiment packet A condiment packet is configured to be supported on a surface in a free-standing and upright position. The condiment packet is also configured to be easily opened and manipulated with one hand. The body of the condiment packet preferably has a generally pyramidal or conical shape and a generally flat base. The condiment packet may include a resilient band disposed on the condiment packet that flexes when the condiment packet is squeezed and springs back when pressured is released. Also, the condiment packet may be provided with a closure comprising a frangible bubble disposed in the opening of the condiment packet that can be ruptured by squeezing between the thumb and forefingers to open the condiment packet.
US07922039B2	Toy water gun with selectable pulse and stream discharge nozzles A toy gun is disclosed that may have a pressurized elastomeric supply bladder in fluid communication with an elastomeric pulse bladder via a trigger valve. The pulse bladder may also be in fluid communication with a pulse nozzle via a pulse valve that is operatively connected to the pulse bladder so that the pulse valve moves from a closed position to an open position when the pulse bladder expands. When the supply bladder is filled with pressurized liquid and the trigger valve is opened, pressurized liquid from the supply bladder is forced into the pulse bladder. As the pulse bladder expands, the expansion eventually causes the pulse valve to open and cause a burst of liquid to be discharged from the pulse bladder through the pulse nozzle. As the pulse bladder contracts during the burst of liquid, the pulse valve returns to the closed position so that the pulse bladder can continuously cycle through the sequence of filling with pressurized liquid and opening the pulse valve to release a burst of liquid as long as the trigger valve remains opened and the supply bladder forces pressurized liquid to the pulse bladder.
US07922038B2	Lottery ticket machine having function of preventing tickets from being illegally drawn out A lottery ticket machine having function of preventing tickets from being illegally drawn out includes a machine base provided thereon with a driving device, two press rollers and a control device. One of the two press rollers is disposed with a shaft extending out of the machine base for assembling the control device, which consists of a rotary gear with engage holes, a bushing and a control wheel bored with a bushing hole to be fitted on the bushing and provided with engage teeth and projecting bars to be respectively engaged with the engage holes of the rotary gear. An outer cover covered on the control device is disposed inside with engage teeth to be correspondingly engaged with the engage teeth of the control wheel, and a spring has its opposite ends respectively pushing against the control wheel and the inner wall of a bushing cover.
US07922034B2	Paper dispenser A paper dispenser includes a casing for housing a roll of paper, the casing having a front face, with a dispensing nozzle through which the paper is dispensed, wherein the front face has a hatch for access to the inside of the casing, through which a free end of the roll can be extracted.
US07922033B2	Universal lid for underground access boxes A universal lid closure for underground landscape and other utility access boxes uses flexible tongues depending from the underside of the lid and adapted to engage the interior of the access box, which box may have any one of various constructions. In one embodiment, the tongues have a plurality of diametrically opposed pairs of locking detents, each pair defining a different vertical position, to engage an annular locking shoulder on the interior of the box to secure the lid in the closed position.
US07922031B1	Insulator sleeve for a beverage container An insulating sleeve combination for a frusto-conical beverage cup having an outer peripheral surface is disclosed, as well as a method of use thereof. The combination includes an opaque frusto-conical inner sleeve and a frusto-conical outer sleeve. At least a portion of the outer sleeve is transparent or translucent, such that indicia on the inner sleeve is visible or at least partially visible therethrough. The outer surface of the outer sleeve may includes a textured gripping surface, facilitating the manual grasping of the combination by the user. As such, a customized inner sleeve may be marked to indicate a favorite drink of the user, for example, with the markings being visible through the outer sleeve. The combination of the present invention is designed for repeated use, rendering prior art disposable sleeves unnecessary.
US07922026B2	Degassing container The present invention discloses a container comprising a circular end wall, a peripheral body wall, and an annular rolled end seam. A channel is created in the rolled end seam and is in communication with the interior of the container. A one-way valve forms a seal between the rolled end seam and an outer surface of the body wall. The one-way valve allows gases from the interior of the container to escape from the container during packaging.
US07922025B2	Easy open can end with high pressure venting An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.
US07922023B2	Receptacle for a contaminant An apparatus for receiving and storing a soiled item has a container and a cover, which can be rotated about spindles. The cover comprises a casing in which a movable body can move to and fro. The moveable body is placed inside a compartment at the closed end of a flexible holder. A soiled item can be put inside the casing and subsequently the cover can be rotated around spindles. The moveable body will fall downwards under the force of gravity, pushing the soiled item inside the container. The flexible holder is fixed inside the casing with a firm closed elastic band at the location of the rim of its open end.
US07922016B1	Rotary shelf system A shelf system is shown and described. A post has an aperture. A pin is configured to extend through that aperture. The pin has a head having a first circumference and a body having a second circumference. A collar is configured to encircle the post and rest on the pin head and body. In operation the collar, and any associated shelf, is able to rotate smoothly and stably around the post.
US07922010B2	Product management display system A product management display system for merchandising both larger and heavier products includes using a pusher mechanism along with one or more roller assemblies that, in combination, improve the merchandising of products on the shelves, especially on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the product management display system includes a pusher mechanism configured to urge product forward and toward the front of the shelf. At least one roller assembly is positioned beneath the product to be merchandised to assist the pusher mechanism in urging the product toward the front of the shelf.
US07922007B2	Separation membrane with selective permeability and process for producing the same The present invention relates to a permselective separation membrane that can be used in blood purifying treatment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a polysulfone-based permselective separation membrane which has well-balanced separation properties, highly stable safety and performance, and also can be smoothly assembled into a module, and a method for producing the same.
US07922006B2	Circumferentially pleated filter assembly and method of forming the same A filter assembly is provided which includes an outer filter sleeve formed at least in part by a plurality of pleats, an inner filter sleeve formed at least in part by a plurality of pleats, wherein the inner and outer filter sleeves define a passage therebetween. An inlet cap is secured to a first end of the inner and outer filter sleeves and it has at least one inlet port communicating with the passage, and an end cap is secured to a second end of the inner and outer filter sleeves and it has an end surface closing the passage. Methods of forming such a filter assembly are also provided.
US07922005B2	Removable shield in an engine oil strainer An oil strainer assembly is used to filter oil in an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The oil strainer assembly includes a strainer element and a housing. The housing has a first shell and a second shell. The housing has an inlet formed in one of the first and second shells and an inlet formed in the other of the first and second shells. The strainer element is disposed between the first shell and the second shell for filtering debris from oil passing between the inlet and the outlet of the housing. Each of the first and second shells has an outer wall. The first shell having a first flange for retaining the outer wall of the second shell. The first shell further having an outwardly extending tab for retaining a portion of the outer wall of the second shell opposite the first flange. The tab being movable away from the outer wall of the second shell to allow removal of the outer wall of the second shell from the first flange of the first shell along a generally radial direction.
US07922003B2	Magnetic screen clamping A magnetic claiming system for a shale shaker including at least one screen having at least two side ends extending between a first side and a second side and at least one attachment surface, at least one mating surface of a shale shaker configured to receive at least one screen, wherein the shale shaker has a first end and a second end, and at least on magnet disposed between the at least one screen and the shale shaker, wherein the at least one magnet is configured to magnetically couple the at least one screen to the shale shaker is disclosed. A method for replacing a screen in a shale shaker including activating at least one decoupling apparatus, wherein a magnetic clamping system includes the at least one decoupling apparatus, removing at least one screen from the shale shaker, deactivating the at least one coupling apparatus, and installing at least one screen into the shale shaker is also disclosed.
US07922002B2	Kit for producing jewelry with coded messages A kit for making jewelry encoded with a secret message. The kit includes a plurality of beads, each bead having an indicator corresponding to an alpha-numeric symbol. The beads are grouped together and held in a container having separate compartments for each grouping. Threads for stringing together the beads are provided and may be elasticized. A first user chooses beads and assembles them in a predetermined order onto a thread to make an article of jewelry. The predetermined order is chosen to encode a secret message. A second user utilizes a decoder to decode the secret message. Two different decoders may be utilized to decode the message. The first is a card depicting each color bead with its corresponding symbol. The second is a device having an individual keyboard key for each alphanumeric symbol where a depiction of each of the beads is shown on the keyboard key.
US07922000B2	Thin plate container with a stack of removable loading trays A thin plate container includes: a tray stack for holding and housing semiconductor wafers in spaces between a plurality of stacked, removable loading trays; and an external container for housing the tray stack. At opposite ends of each of the loading trays, a pair of grips for engagement by a processing arm of an external apparatus is provided. The external container includes: a container body; a lid; a sealing material provided between the lid and the container body to seal the inside; a pair of tray stack supporters for supporting the tray stack; and tray stack retainers for holding and supporting the tray stack housed in the container body from above and below.
US07921998B2	File organizer with divider bar A file divider is provided for dividing a series of file folders having hanging rods with opposed ends slidably supported for movement on a file support edge of a file organizer. The file divider includes a body having opposed ends slidably supported for movement on the file support edge between a pair of file folders. The opposed ends have fingers projecting therefrom that are engageable with certain of the hanging rods of the file folders to maintain the stability of the divider bar when the file folders and the file divider bar are slidably moved on the file support edge.
US07921987B2	Belt drive device and image forming apparatus A belt drive device includes a plurality of rollers and an endless belt stretched around the rollers, and configured to drive the endless belt by rotating the rollers. The belt drive device further includes a roller-shaft shifting member that shifts at least one end of a shaft of at least one roller of the above described rollers in accordance with the movement of the endless belt in the axial direction of the roller.
US07921984B2	Conveying arrangement for conveying packages or groups of beverage bottles or containers, and a method of operation thereof A conveying arrangement for conveying packages or groups of beverage bottles or containers, and a method of operation thereof. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US07921983B2	Apparatus for marshalling objects on a driven conveyor The invention relates to an apparatus for marshalling objects into groups on a single, driven conveyor. The conveyor has two end rollers and at least one deflector roller positioned at the lower part of the conveyor. The apparatus also includes an end stop positioned at the one end roller of the conveyor as well as a stop plate disposed to move up and down, at 90° in relation to the conveyor. The conveyor further has a deflection point placed at the upper part of the conveyor. The conveyor is disposed to be slanted downwards from this deflection point in that the end roller is moved downwards.
US07921980B2	Device and method for vertical adjustment in container processing machines A device for processing containers with a lip on container support units arranged at regular intervals on a support frame and having at least a container support and a container dish, with the distance from the container support unit to a conveyance plane being changed through variation of the overall height of the container support unit. Also, a method for labeling containers with a support ring, with multiple container support units arranged at regular intervals on the rotating support frame, the container support units having at least a container support and a container dish, with the containers being at least partially clamped between a container support unit and a centering bell during their conveyance through a processing track, and with the distance from a transport plane to the container support unit being varied by changing the overall height of the container support unit according to the size of the containers to be processed.
US07921973B2	Adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. The adaptive energy absorption system achieves the aforementioned objectives for a wide range of occupant weights and load levels. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed.
US07921969B2	Restriction of output of electrical drive and protection of an elevator A method for restricting the output of an electrical drive and for protection of an elevator are provided. The electrical drive includes a motor as well as a power supply appliance of the motor. In the method for restricting the output of an electrical drive the stator voltage vector is restricted to its limit value restricting only the component of the stator voltages in the direction of the q axis. In the protection of an elevator, the elevator includes a machinery brake, a safety brake of the elevator car, and also an electrical drive. The protection method includes determination of at least one limit value, restriction of the output of the electrical drive on the basis of at least one determined limit value, and restriction of the movement of the elevator car on the basis of at least on determined limit value.
US07921965B1	Soundproof assembly and methods for manufacturing same An improved acoustical floor/ceiling, or wall assembly affixed to a support structure, the assembly using laminar panels. A first one of the laminar panels includes a constraining layer of material with a layer viscoelastic glue on the constraining layer and a layer of material of a first composition on the layer of viscoelastic glue. A second one of the laminar panels includes a constraining layer of material with a layer of viscoelastic glue on the constraining layer of material and a layer of material of a composition different than that of the layer of material in the other laminar panel. In one assembly the material in the first laminar panel is cellulose-based material or wood, and the material in the second laminar panel is gypsum board. Constraining layers of material of metal, cellulose-based material, wood and petroleum-based products such as plastic, vinyl or rubber, ceramic, composite are employed.
US07921963B2	Internal combustion engine equipped with intake silencer An intake system for an internal combustion engine has an intake silencer 30 provided with an expansion chamber 33, and a connecting pipe 40 having an inlet 46 through which air from the expansion chamber flows, and an outlet 47 through which air flows toward combustion chambers. The connecting pipe 40 is made of an elastic material having rubber elasticity, and has a connecting part 41 connected to the intake silencer 30, an inner tubular part 42 extending from the connecting part 41 into the expansion chamber 33 and having the inlet 46, and an outer tubular part 43 connecting to a throttle device 50. The wall 42w of the inner tubular part 42 is provided with a communication opening 44 for connecting the expansion chamber 33 and the air passage 45 to make the expansion chamber 33 serve also as a resonance chamber. The outer tubular part 43 of the connecting pipe 40 is shorter than the inner tubular part 42 of the same. The intake silencer is compact and has a combined effect of expansion silencing and resonance silencing.
US07921962B2	Silencing arrangement In an appliance, such as a cyclonic vacuum cleaner, a motor is arranged to drive an impeller fan located in a motor and fan unit. The rotation of the impeller may cause nuisance tones to be generated. A silencing arrangement is provided to control such noise and includes a plurality of discrete passive silencers in the form of tube silencers arranged in a first set and a second set. The tube silencers have open end portions arranged to face the fan and the silencers of the first set are spaced from the silencers of the second set in both axial and radial directions. This combination gives the same effect as an array of closely spaced tube silencers—however, by spacing the silencers in two directions, fluid is allowed to flow freely.
US07921961B2	Chromate-free resin-composite vibration deadening material A chromate-free resin composite damping material is provided having a multilayer structure. The material can include an viscoelastic resin composition provided between two metal plates as an intermediate layer, where the viscoelastic resin composition can include a thermosetting resin further including an amorphous copolymerizable polyester resin and a curing agent. A surfaces of each metal plate contacting the resin composition can be provided with a chromate-free adhesion boundary film which includes between about 5 and 50 mass % of silica, between about 5 and 50 mass % of a polyester resin, between about 1 and 50 mass % of tannic acid, and between about 0 and 30 mass % of a silane coupling agent. Such damping material can provide excellent durable adhesion properties.
US07921960B2	Acoustic cabinet The present invention is an acoustic cabinet for the storage of musical instruments. Acoustic cabinet can have a storage portion having a plurality of individual storage units contained therein. One or more grill doors can cover the open end of acoustic cabinet. The size, shape, and arrangement of grill bars of door can be configured to reduce the effect of resonance. Rear panel of acoustic cabinet can include one or more sound-absorbing panels that absorb sound as it passes through acoustic cabinet. A protective backing can also be disposed between sound-absorbing panels and individual storage spaces to protect the panels from damage when instruments and other objects are inserted into the storage spaces. A combination of a grill door and sound-absorbing panels can allow acoustic cabinet to have a net-absorptive effect on a rehearsal room. One or more acoustic cabinets can be strategically positioned throughout a rehearsal room for optimal acoustic performance.
US07921953B2	Personal mobility device A personal mobility device comprising an open frame having a front structure, a rear structure, and a side structure. The side structure has an upper rail and a lower rail coupleable to the front structure and the rear structure. In one embodiment, a main mobility wheel is coupled to the side structure, and a knee rest is rotatably coupled to the front structure. The knee rest is adjustable from a first substantially-vertical position coupled to the front structure to a second rearwardly and downwardly-angled position from the front structure.
US07921949B2	All wheel drive electrically-variable transmission A transaxle (200) operatively connects a first associated rotational connection and a second associated rotational connection with an associated vehicle axle. An electrically-variable transmission includes an engine (108), a first electric machine (110) operatively connected to the engine, second and third electric machines (130 and 132), a first transaxle (126) operatively connecting the engine and second electric machine to an associated vehicle axle (104A), and a second transaxle (128) operatively connecting the first and third electric machines to another associated vehicle axle (104B). A method (300, 400, 500) is also included.
US07921946B2	System and method for cooling a battery A system is provided for cooling an energy storage system of a hybrid electric vehicle. The energy storage system includes at least one energy storage device, including a maximum temperature storage device with a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature storage device with a minimum temperature. The system includes a cooling fluid duct in flow communication with an inlet and the at least one energy storage device, and a blower positioned within the cooling fluid duct to draw cooling fluid into the inlet and through the cooling fluid duct. The system further includes a controller coupled with the at least one energy storage device to increase the temperature of the at least one energy storage device having a temperature below the maximum temperature reduced by at least a predetermined threshold. The cooling fluid duct and blower are coupled to form a common cooling system for the at least one energy storage system.
US07921944B2	Compression system for internal combustion engine including a rotationally uncoupled exhaust gas turbine As one example, a vehicle propulsion system is provided. The system includes: an with an intake air compressor and an exhaust gas turbine. Further, a control is provided to operate the compressor at a different speed than the turbine, at least under an operating condition, and to adjust an amount of opening overlap between engine valves in response to a rotational speed of the compressor.
US07921943B2	Hybrid vehicle and control method thereof In a hybrid vehicle according to the invention, upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition with regard to a gearshift position or a drive mode, a virtual gearshift position according to a driving condition is set to a tentative target gearshift position SPtmp (steps S471 and S472). An object gearshift position SP* is set based on the tentative target gearshift position SPtmp and a boundary value Srt to have a gentle change with a variation of smaller than 1 (step S473). A torque demand Tr* and a target rotation speed Ne* of an engine corresponding to the object gearshift position SP* are then set based on tentative torque demands Tra and Trb and tentative rotation speeds Nea and Neb in correlation to virtual gearshift positions immediately below and immediately above the object gearshift position SP* (steps S474 to S476)
US07921942B2	Amphibious all terrain vehicle with track assemblies An amphibious all terrain vehicle having a body and at least three wheel and axle assemblies on each side and a pair of ground engaging track assemblies which are mounted on tires on either side of the vehicle. Each of the wheel and axle assemblies include an axle shaft supported by and positioned transverse to the vehicle body so that the wheel and axle assemblies form a front assembly, a rear assembly and at least one middle assembly. Each of the axle shafts has an axle extension with the axle extensions of the front and rear wheel and axle assemblies being fixed extensions and the axle extensions on at least the middle assemblies are idler axle extensions to permit the wheels on such assemblies to move in a free wheeling mode relative to their respective axle shafts.
US07921940B2	Casing hammer power swing-out apparatus for drilling rig A swing-out apparatus for a drill rig, typically for drilling water wells. It includes a sled which is formed to be driven vertically on a drill mast of a vehicle carrying the sled, a casing hammer, and a hinge securing the casing hammer on the sled. To provide for displacement of the casing hammer relative to the sled, a drive is provided for swinging the casing hammer on the hinge from a deployed position to an inactive position. The drive comprises a motor connected for driving one relative to another.
US07921936B2	Method and system for controlling an excavating apparatus A method for controlling a drilling apparatus comprising the steps of applying a rotation force to a drilling part of the drilling apparatus, applying a feed force to the drilling part with the feed force comprising a predetermined modulating frequency signal and predetermined feed force, wherein optimum predetermined feed force is determined periodically from sensed data relating to at least one of the rotation force and feed force to optimise the penetration rate of the drilling apparatus.
US07921935B2	Handheld power tool with vibration-damped handle The invention is based on a portable power tool having a vibration-damped handle (10) which has two legs (12, 14) running in the longitudinal direction (48) of the portable power tool and which is motionally coupled to its housing (28), wherein at least one lever (20, 22; 20a, 22a; 20b, 22b) oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction (48) is coupled to each of the two legs (12, 14) at an articulation point (16, 18; 16a, 18a), and wherein the levers (20, 22; 20a, 22a; 20b, 22b) are coupled to a joint region (50) lying between the two legs (12, 14) of the handle (10). It is proposed that each lever (20, 22; 20a, 22a; 20b, 22b) have a bearing point (24, 26; 24a, 20 26a; 24b, 26b) between the joint region (50) and the respective articulation point (16, 18; 16a, 18a).
US07921933B2	Impact driving tool In a driving tool, a diameter of an intermediate member is enlarged to increase a mass of the intermediate member and an outside diameter of a cylinder at a position where the intermediate member is internally provided is enlarged in accordance with the enlarged diameter of the intermediate member. Further, in the driving tool, a bearing thickness of a ball bearing is reduced correspondingly to a dimension of the enlarged outside diameter of the cylinder and a washer is provided at a part where the ball bearing abuts on the cylinder in the forward and backward moving direction thereof.
US07921932B2	Implement frame with front folding wings and transport wheels An agricultural implement arrangement is disclosed that may provide wheel assemblies that are stored in front of wing assemblies and row units mounted thereon. The arrangement may include actuators to extend the wheel assemblies in order to lift the row units off the ground to move to a transport position. When in a fully-folded position, the wing wheel assemblies may interleave. The arrangement may also shift the weight of the wing assemblies while in transport position to the hitch of the tractor and center the rearward weight over the central wheel assembly.
US07921930B2	Method and apparatus for installing a shank within a ripper assembly of a tractor/crawler involving a rotating shank installer An apparatus and method of installing a shank onto a ripper assembly of a tractor or crawler. A rotating shank installer (RSI) is welded onto a front face of a ripper assembly of a tractor, e.g., on the outside surface of a pocket beam. A portion of the RSI is allowed to rotate with respect to the pocket beam. With the shank in a substantially horizontal position with respect to the ground, the shank is secured between two plates of the RSI using pins wherein the plates can rotate with respect to the pocket beam. The shank is locked in place by two pins placed through the plates and the shank's weight is unbalanced with respect to the RSI. The ripper assembly is elevated causing the shank to rotate within the RSI to a substantially vertical position. The crawler is moved forward while lowering the ripper assembly in order to rip a groove into the ground with the bottom portion of the shank where the shank lowers into the ground. The RSI is disconnected from the shank wherein the shank is held in place by the grove. The bottom of the pocket is positioned over the top of the lowered shank and the pocket is lowered so that the shank is installed within the pocket and secured therein.
US07921929B2	Apparatus and method for extinguishing fires in a multi-floored building An improved apparatus for treating a fire in a multi-floored building where the fire is located on an upper floor vertically displaced from a lower floor from which the fire is treated, and where the upper and lower floors each have a selectively openable environmental access along an external wall of the multi-floored building. The improved apparatus includes a tubular structure having an inlet, an intermediate portion, and an outlet and a bracing system. The bracing system has a frame, a first pivot point, and a second pivot point. The frame provides support against a sturdy surface. The tubular structure is supported on the first pivot point and rotates thereon to elevate or hoist the outlet towards the upper floor environmental access. The tubular structure is further supported on a second pivot point and further rotates thereon to elevate the outlet.
US07921923B2	Casing mandrel for facilitating well completion, re-completion or workover A casing mandrel for an independent screwed wellhead includes a seal bore for receiving a fixed-point packoff connected to a high-pressure mandrel of a pressure isolation tool, and a pin thread adapted for engagement with a box thread of a tubing head supported by the casing mandrel.
US07921921B2	Downhole backup system and method A downhole backup system includes, a tubular positionable within a downhole structure such that an annular space exists between the tubular and the downhole structure. The downhole backup system also includes, a plurality of wedges that are radially movably positioned within the annular space, and each of two opposing ends of the plurality of wedges are configured to completely cover the annular space at all possible radial positions of the plurality of wedges.
US07921919B2	Subsea well control system and method A system comprising a surface installation in position above a plurality of subsea wells disposed within the watch circle of the surface installation. A plurality of flowlines directly couple at least one of the plurality of subsea wells to the surface installation. A control station, a hydraulic power unit, and an injection unit are disposed on the surface installation. A distribution body is disposed on the seafloor and is coupled to each of the control station, hydraulic power unit, and the injection unit via one or more umbilicals. A first wellhead component is disposed on one of the subsea wells and is coupled to the distribution body via one or more flying leads that provide electrical, hydraulic, and fluid communication. A second wellhead component is disposed on another one of the subsea wells and coupled to the distribution body via one or more flying leads that provide electrical, hydraulic, and fluid communication. The control station is operable to provide control functions to the first and second wellhead components during drilling, workover, and production activities.
US07921912B2	Non-acid acidizing methods and compositions Methods of acidizing subterranean formations or well bores, and more specifically, to acidizing systems involving acid-generating fluids that comprise acid-generating compounds and associated methods are provided. An example is a method that comprises: providing an acid-generating fluid that comprises an acid-generating compound; placing the acid-generating fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing an acid to generate from the acid-generating fluid.
US07921909B2	Method for breaking fracture fluids A method includes identifying application parameter(s) including a subterranean formation temperature, determining a breaker particle size in response to the application parameter(s), providing a treatment fluid including a carrier fluid and a granular breaker sized according to the breaker particle size, and treating the subterranean formation with the treatment fluid. The granular breaker is a metallic peroxide which may be an alkaline peroxide and/or zinc peroxide. The application parameter(s) may further include a flowback wait time, a composition of the metallic peroxide, a gel loading of the carrier fluid, and a permeability of the subterranean formation. The breaker particle size may include a breaker large particle size that is not greater than 25% larger than a breaker small particle size. At least 90% of the breaker particles may be sized between the breaker small particle size and the breaker large particle size.
US07921908B2	Gas restrictor for horizontally oriented pump A downhole pumping system includes a submersible pump assembly having a pump and a motor, and an inlet apparatus operably coupled to the submersible pump assembly. The inlet apparatus includes a tubular housing for connection to an intake of the pump, the housing having an axis and defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart apertures, a plurality of valve members, each valve member positioned within a corresponding aperture, and a plurality of spring members coupled to the housing, each spring member coupled to a corresponding valve member. At least a portion of one or more of the spring members and the valve members extend above the outer surfaces of the housing.
US07921907B2	In situ method and system for extraction of oil from shale A system and process for extracting hydrocarbons from a subterranean body of oil shale within an oil shale deposit located beneath an overburden. The system comprises an energy delivery subsystem to heat the body of oil shale and a hydrocarbon gathering subsystem for gathering hydrocarbons retorted from the body of oil shale. The energy delivery subsystem comprises at least one energy delivery well drilled from the surface of the earth through the overburden to a depth proximate a bottom of the body of oil shale, the energy delivery well extending generally downward from a surface location above a proximal end of the body of oil shale to be retorted and continuing proximate the bottom of the body of oil shale. The energy delivery well may extend into the body of oil shale at an angle.
US07921906B2	Temperature control method and temperature control device In a temperature control method, a controlled part is arranged to contact a first principal surface of a heat conduction part. The heat conduction part has the first principal surface and a second principal surface opposite to the first principal surface. The first principal surface has a configuration corresponding to a configuration of the controlled part. The second principal surface is larger in surface area than the first principal surface. At least one of a heating unit and a cooling unit is driven to set the controlled part at a predetermined temperature. The heating unit and the cooling unit are disposed on the second principal surface of the heat conduction part so that the heating unit and the cooling unit are arranged side by side.
US07921905B2	Plastic intercooler A plastic intercooler assembly includes a plurality of plastic tubes that extend between plastic end plates. The plastic tubes are secured to the end plates to provide the desired seal between the end plates and the ends of the tubes. The plastic tubes are attached utilizing plastic welding methods that reduce assembly time and cost.
US07921903B2	Heat exchange system A heat exchange system for electronic devices, preferably data processing devices which include high-performance processors or have a high processor density, includes essentially a primary cooling circuit and a secondary cooling circuit both being thermally associated to the one or more processor units. The secondary cooling circuit is configured as a completely closed system, the coolant in the secondary cooling circuit being driven exclusively by mechanical or inductive coupling with the flow drive of the primary cooling circuit.
US07921893B2	Method and apparatus for welding of polymer composite components A method and apparatus is disclosed for joining of composites with thermoplastic surfaces. The process includes the location of the said components within a load bearing frame, and bringing the thermoplastic surfaces to be joined into contact. Pressure application devices, in the form of fluid filled bladders, are also located within the frame, and are located such that pressure is applied evenly to said thermoplastic surfaces. Where components have a high level of curve or twist, form blocks that have the approximate shape of the component surface are located between the frame and bladders. Pressure and heat are applied to the joint area, and heat removed while the joint area is maintained under some pressure. A feature of the present invention is the option of using opposing pressure application devices, reducing the need for substantial tooling in order to maintain component location accuracy. A distinct advantage of this invention is the flexibility to join curved or twisted components, or complete the welding of closed assemblies such as wing boxes.
US07921889B2	Modular router with base sensor A power tool comprises a base unit and a motor unit. The base unit includes a handle and a first electrical connector. The motor unit includes an electric motor and a second electrical connector. The motor unit is configured to be releasably connected to the base unit. An electrical connection is established between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector when the motor unit is properly connected to the base unit. A sensor is configured to determine whether the motor unit is properly connected to the base unit.
US07921882B2	Feed line for a hydraulic system and hydraulic system The feed line for a hydraulic system, in particular of a motor vehicle, is formed, at least over part of its longitudinal extent, by a dimensionally variable body. The wall of the dimensionally variable body is elastically deformable, at least in regions, so that, when the flow passes through the dimensionally variable body, the cross section of the dimensionally variable body can be varied as a function of the pressure of the hydraulic medium.
US07921881B2	Fluid conduit assembly The present invention is directed to a fluid conduit assembly. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive fluid conduit assembly includes a fluid conduit having an inlet, at least one outlet and a fluid flow passageway therebetween configured to allow for fluid to be communicated between said inlet and said at least one outlet. The inventive fluid conduit assembly further includes at least one damper disposed within the passageway of the fluid conduit. The damper includes a sealed vent configured to vent gases captured by the damper during a brazing process performed on the fluid conduit when unsealed.
US07921878B2	Control valve with load sense signal conditioning A control valve comprises a valve body having a fluid inlet and at least one work fluid outlet for supplying pressurized fluid to the fluid operated device. A valve member is movable in the valve body in a first direction from a null position to a full flow or open position for supplying flow of pressurized fluid from a feed passage to a work fluid outlet. The valve member has a load sense signal shaping device that provides for initial flow from the feed passage to the work fluid outlet through a metering orifice during movement of the valve member from the null position to the full flow open position so as to shape an initial boost pressure signal.
US07921873B2	Service valve assembly having a stop-fill device and a liquid level indicating dial A combination overfill protection device, fluid level gauge, includes a service valve having a body defining a set of wrench flats, an input port, and a tank port wherein the overfill protection device has a float that rotates a shaft in response to a change in fluid level, the shaft transitioning the overfill protection device between opened and closed configurations and rotating a magnet within the service valve body proximate the wrench flat and wherein a gauge dial has a dial magnet housing sized to fit proximate to the wrench flat such that rotation of the magnet within the service valve actuates a dial magnet housed substantially in the dial magnet housing.
US07921865B2	Stand-alone mechanical device for controlled watering The invention concerns an exclusively mechanical stand-alone device for controlled watering by sprinkling, wherein a soil simulating member, having an absorbent body associated with a reclinable cup arranged beneath, contributes to determination of the interval between two watering operations. A balance arm, bearing the absorbent body and an annular magnet, is mounted and balanced by a compressed spring, contributing to the determination of the opening and closing times of a valve. The valve includes a hydraulic relay with a nozzle triggering its opening or closure, in response to the displacement of the magnet field. An impermeable sleeve encloses the core and the nozzle. A sliding canopy enables one of the parameters determining the duration of the watering operation to be adjusted. A thermostatic element has an adjustable position preventing watering in sunshine. The device is mounted rotating on a pivot including the base of the sleeve and a tail unit.
US07921864B2	Erectable shelter with collapsible central roof support A telescoping pole assembly for an erectable, collapsible shelter, includes first and second hollow telescoping sections slidably connected together, the first telescoping section being slidably disposed within the second telescoping section, and a spring loaded detent pin mounted to the second telescoping section. A weighted internal stop member is slidably disposed within the first telescoping section for movement between a first position and a second position. The internal stop member blocks the spring loaded detent pin in the first position, and the internal stop member does not block the spring loaded detent pin in the second position.
US07921862B1	Tent frame and tent apparatus An improved frame for tents and structures comprising a generally circular base plate, a plurality of main frame support struts, each including a lower leg section, a generally upright center section, and an upper section such that each of the support struts is generally C-shaped in side elevational view and an indexing ring mounted on the lower face of the base plate which includes a plurality of lower leg section retaining notches circumferentially spaced around the indexing ring to releasably engage and retain the lower leg sections of the main frame support struts. Upper and lower strut connectors pivotably connect the upper ends and lower ends of the struts to one another. A generally circular frame extension ring engages retaining notches of the main frame support struts between the center section and upper sections thereof such that the base plate and frame extension ring retain the main frame support struts in an upright, circumferentially spaced orientation.
US07921860B1	Combined jazzy stick purse assembly and associated method A combined jazzy stick carrying case assembly includes a plurality of top pockets located about a top section of a carrying case and situated exterior of an outermost surface of the carrying case. A plurality of bottom pockets are located about a bottom section of the carrying case and situated exterior of the outermost surface of the carrying case. In this manner, a first one of the top pockets is isolated from a corresponding first one of the bottom pockets such that the corresponding first bottom pocket has a top opening overlapping about a closed bottom end of the first top pocket. Conversely, a second one of the top pockets is in fluid communication with a corresponding second one of the bottom pockets such that a corresponding second bottom pocket has a top opening in continuous communication with an open bottom end of the second top pocket.
US07921859B2	Method and apparatus for an in-situ ultraviolet cleaning tool The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for an ultraviolet cleaning tool. The cleaning tool includes ultraviolet source spaced apart from a surface having contaminant particles. The ultraviolet source can create ozone between the surface and the ultraviolet source which breaks the chemical bonds between particles and the surface. The apparatus includes a gas feed which introduces a gas to aid the chemical bond. Additionally, the gas feed can introduce a gas to remove the particles from the surface.
US07921855B2	Method for treating an asthma attack A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.
US07921854B2	Endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins Improved devices and methods for removing blood from a blood vessel in preparation for endovenous laser ablation are described. The improved methods include one or more of: placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position, applying external compression around the vein, massaging the vein, cooling the vein externally, encouraging spasming of the vein, and removing blood with a suction device.
US07921845B2	Muffler of linear compressor Disclosed herein is a muffler of a linear compressor. In the present invention, a center of an entry pipe of the muffler is in line with that of an inhale port of a piston. Therefore, a flow loss occurred when fluid is inhaled into the inhale port from the entry pipe can be reduced, and inhale efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, the plurality of inhale ports is eccentrically disposed in a front of the piston, and each center of the plurality of entry pipes is formed to be in line with that of the inhale ports. Not only the center but also the number of the inhale port and the entry pipe are agreed, on this account, the flow loss can be decreased and the inhale volume can be increased.
US07921844B1	Breath-activated fluidic switch and method for drug delivery A drug inhaler of the type having an air jet entraining liquid medicine at an entrainment region from a medicine reservoir and nebulize or atomize entrained liquid by impacting a liquid medicine-laden air jet on a flat surface, and deliver the atomized medicine to a patient via a medicine delivery channel. A breath-activated fluidic switch has a power nozzle coupled to a source of air under pressure. The fluidic breath-activated switch has a pair of diverging legs, one of the diverging legs has a control port connected to sense inhalation of the patient, the other of the legs is coupled to the medicine entrainment region, whereby the entrainment of medicine at the medicine entrainment region is prevented by air supplied to the medicine entrainment region from the other of the legs in the absence of sensed patient inhalation at the control port. The fluidic control port is located downstream of the power nozzle a predetermined distance downstream of the wall attachment point.
US07921842B2	Water-cooled barbecue system Disclosed is a water-cooled barbecue system with a cooling fluid circulation system which avoids meat from sticking to a grill and from burning. The water-cooled barbecue system comprises: a body, the upper portion thereof being open to provide heat from the supplied fuel, a receiving space being defined by the body; a grill with a frame, the frame having a first communicating hole and a second communicating hole to introduce and/or discharge fluid, a fluid circulation tube communicating between the first communicating hole and the second communicating hole being provided inside of the frame; and a cooling device connected with the fluid circulation tube through the first communicating hole and the second communicating hole, and cooling fluid which circulates inside of the fluid circulation tube. The water-cooled barbecue system, which has the body at the upper portion thereof and the cooling device inside thereof, can further a housing, which can be moved and assembled.
US07921836B2	Dual feed adapter of paintball marker A paintball marker includes a main body and a dual feed adapter coupled to the main body. The dual feed adapter has a hollow interior, a top feed port and a bottom feed port. A top feed storage hopper is detachably connected to the dual feed adapter at the top feed port, and a bottom feed storage magazine is detachably connected to the dual feed adapter at the bottom feed port. A sleeve with an opening is rotatable within the dual feed adapter between a first position where the sleeve opening aligns with the top feed port for feeding therethrough a first group of paintballs from the hopper, and a second position where the sleeve opening aligns with the bottom feed port for feeding therethrough a second group of paintballs from the magazine.
US07921828B2	Modulating flow through an exhaust gas recirculation cooler to maintain gas flow velocities conducive to reducing deposit build-ups A heat exchanger of motor vehicle processes a gas flow including combustion exhaust gas. Combustion by-product deposit build-up within the heat exchanger is reduced by maintaining a minimum gas flow velocity within the heat exchanger by reducing heat exchanger total gas flow cross section to locally increase a gas flow velocity.
US07921825B2	Engine comprising balance shafts locked by a pin A heat engine including at least one engine block that rotatably receives a crankshaft and a cartridge fixed to the engine block and that rotatably receives a pair of parallel balance shafts, namely a primary shaft and a secondary shaft, which are rotated by the crankshaft. A ring gear is rotationally connected to the crankshaft, permanently meshing with a first pinion borne by one end of the primary balance shaft. In addition, a second pinion, borne by the end of the primary balance shaft, meshes with a pinion borne by one end of the secondary balance shaft. Transverse holes extend through the ends of the primary and secondary balance shafts and are configured to be aligned with one another, before the cartridge is mounted to the engine block, to receive a pin.
US07921823B2	Hydraulic play compensation device The hydraulic play compensation device, having an outer cylinder part which is closed on one side by a base and in which a piston element which lies on its inside is guided so as to be longitudinally displaceable, with a guide gap, having an oil pressure space having an oil inlet which supplies the oil supply space, and having a connecting duct controlled by a nonreturn valve between the oil supply space and the oil pressure space. For optimized removal of air which is introduced via the oil inlet, it is proposed that a ventilation path which connects the oil supply space and the guide gap is formed in the piston element downstream of the oil inlet and upstream of the connecting duct.
US07921822B2	Switchable dual lifter The switchable dual lifter has two hydraulic lash adjusters, one which is fixed within the common housing, and the other which is movable to allow for deactivation of one of the two valves acted on by the dual lifter. Using the dual lifter with a switchable hydraulic lash adjuster allows for closing of one of the adjacent valves while allowing the other of the adjacent valves to operate.
US07921821B2	Switchable finger lever of a valve train of an internal combustion engine A switchable finger lever (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said finger lever (1) comprising an outer lever (2) between whose arms (3) an inner lever (4) extends, a support (9) for at least one gas exchange valve being arranged on one end (7), said inner and outer levers (4, 2) extending on a common axle (10) in the region of said one end (7), said finger lever (1) further comprising a lost motion spring means (11) acting between said inner and outer levers (4, 2), said outer lever (2) possessing on the undersurface (8) on another end (12), a contact surface (13) for a support element, a coupling element (14) is arranged above or laterally of said contact surface (13), which coupling element (14), for realizing coupling, can be brought partially into engagement with an entraining surface (15) of an adjoining crossbar (16) of the inner lever (4), wherein the inner lever (4), starting from its crossbar (16) on the another end (12), merges into a box-like open center portion (17) having two bar-shaped arms (18).
US07921818B2	Valve control for reciprocating piston internal combustion engine Valve controller for reciprocating piston internal combustion engines with at least two intake and/or exhaust gas-exchange valves for each piston/cylinder unit, wherein the gas-exchange valves are guided by valve stems in a cylinder head (8) of the reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, loaded in a closing direction by valve springs, and can be controlled via a common bridge (10) by an activation device, wherein the bridge (10) is guided over a sliding surface parallel to the movement of the gas-exchange valves, the bridge (10) has at least one hydraulic valve clearance compensation element (14 or 15) that connects to a gas-exchange valve, and a device is provided that prevents rotation of the bridge (10) about the sliding surface.
US07921812B1	Portable animal bathing apparatus A portable animal bathing apparatus (10) that comprises an enclosure (12) having a front panel (14), a rear panel (16), a right panel (18), a left panel (20), a bottom panel (22), an upper edge (24) and a lower edge (26). The enclosure (12) is preferably rectangular shaped an extending downward from each corner of the enclosure is a preferably height adjustable leg (68). A curtain (104) extends upward for the upper edge (24) of the enclosure (12). The curtain (104) is supported by four curtain posts (112). A combination swing ramp and cover (116) extends downward from the right panel (18) of the enclosure (12). The swing ramp and cover (116) allows an animal to be walked up and into the enclosure (12), and also functions as a cover for the enclosure (12) when not in use. A water pump (136) and water reservoir (140) are located in the enclosure (12), within a protective enclosure (144). A shower hose (152) is attached to the water pump (136) to provide directional water spraying during an animal bathing session.
US07921811B2	Selective access electronics pet door Described is an electronic pet door for automatically granting a selected animal access to a through-way defined by the electronic pet door and denying a non-selected animal access to the through-way. The selected animal carries a transmitter. The electronic pet door includes a corresponding receiver and a frame that defines the through-way, which has a tapered contour. A flap, which has a tapered contour corresponding to the through-way, is disposed within the through-way and is capable of a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the flap denies access to the through-way. When unlocked, the flap grants an animal access to the through-way. The flap is locked and unlocked by way of a locking mechanism that shifts the flap longitudinally between the less tapered and most tapered portions of the through-way. The locking mechanism shifts the flap in response to the receiver.
US07921808B2	Bird feeder A bird feeder comprises a feed container, a connector having an open passage therethrough, a feeding tray, a funnel and a collection container. The feeding tray includes a sleeve into which the connector extends to provide a self refilling feed mound from which birds eat. Discarded seeds and seed hulls fall into the funnel and into the collection container. The feeding tray includes a disk located below an upper edge of the funnel to maximize collection of seed hulls and discarded seeds. In some embodiments, the feeding tray is pivotally attached to the connector.
US07921805B2	Deposition from liquid sources A liquid injector is used to vaporize and inject a silicon precursor into a process chamber to form silicon-containing layers during a semiconductor fabrication process. The injector is connected to a source of silicon precursor, which preferably comprises liquid trisilane in a mixture with one or more dopant precursors. The mixture is metered as a liquid and delivered to the injector, where it is then vaporized and injected into the process chamber.
US07921793B2	Airborne tugboat for emergency aid for seagoing vessels An airborne tugboat with three hulls (4): an underbody (4), surface body (5) and inflatable body (6). When stationed on shore the inflatable body is not activated, but is folded up against the surface body. Gas turbine (1) drives the propeller (3) via the reduction gear (2). The rotatable ring (8) round the propeller makes the airborne tugboat maneuverable, and when the disabled ship is towed, it will be able to influence towing direction without the risk of the airborne tugboat heeling over. By its design the airborne tugboat should be regarded as a slow-moving towing boat where the speed is low but the power in the towing direction is great. The design is characterised by low weight in all machinery and equipment. The amount of fuel restricts the operating time, but the helicopter and airborne tugboat, for example, use the same fuel, thus providing the advantage that the helicopter can refuel the airborne tugboat before it returns to base.
US07921790B2	Ship buoyancy control system A tank (10) of a ship (1) is provided with an inflow port (6) and an outflow port (7) opening through a bottom of the ship (13). The inflow and outflow ports are spaced apart from each other in a headway direction of the hull. The ports are equipped with closure means (9), which closes the ports so as to ensure hull buoyancy by means of air in the tank. The ports allow seawater outside the ship to flow into the tank through the inflow port and the seawater in the tank to flow out of the ship through the outflow port, with use of headway motion of the ship. A partition (2) provides a weir extending in a widthwise direction of the hull in the tank, and divides a region in the tank into an inflow area (3) and an outflow area (4). The tank, partition, inflow port, outflow port and closure means constitute a ship buoyancy control system.
US07921788B2	Sewing machine A sewing machine comprising: vertical movement actuator that vertically moves the presser bar having a presser foot; a control unit, that controls the vertical movement actuator to selectively execute a first mode or a second mode; a mode switch unit capable of selectively switching between the first mode and the second mode; and the control unit, when switched to the first mode, controls the vertical movement actuator so as to retain the presser foot at a cloth pressing position irrespective of an operational status of a sewing process; and when switched to the second mode, controls the vertical movement actuator so as to retain the presser foot in a slightly lifted position while a sewing operation is ongoing, whereas when the sewing operation is stopped, the presser foot is moved and retained in the cloth pressing position.
US07921786B2	Grating system and sidewall seal arrangement for oscillating grate stoker The invention includes a grate system for a boiler. The grate system includes a grate unit and a side header guard. The grate unit supports fuel during combustion thereof, and has an upper surface, a lower surface, and upturned lateral edges. The side header guard is arranged along a side wall of the boiler and has upwardly and downwardly projecting fin portions. The upwardly projecting fin portion is adapted and configured to extend over and protect the boiler side wall from abrasion by fuel. The downwardly projecting fin portion is adapted and configured to extend over the upturned lateral edge of the grate unit, inhibiting passage of fuel therebetween.
US07921785B1	Furniture with foldable support Furniture with a foldable support is provided. The furniture includes a top plate constituting an upper surface of the furniture, a support hinged to support the top plate, a folding part including first and second folding parts hinged to fold the support, and a resilient part for resiliently supporting the second folding part in an unfolding direction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a volume of the furniture by folding the support into a lower space of the top plate during storage, and improve an unfolding support force of the support by installing the resilient part for applying a resilient force to the folding part upon unfolding of the support.
US07921781B2	Amusement park ride with vehicles pivoting about a common chassis to provide racing and other effects A ride system is provided that allows selective relative positioning of vehicles in an amusement or theme park ride to simulate racing or other effects. The ride system includes a chassis that is adapted to be supported by and to travel on or along a length of track of a particular ride. A support is attached to the chassis and moves with the chassis during operation of the ride. The ride system includes first and second passenger vehicles that are spaced apart on and supported by the support. A drive assembly is linked to the support and configured to rotate the support about its central axis. During support rotation, the first and second vehicles are moved concurrently relative to the track to alter their relative positioning. The vehicles are each rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotation may be independent or concurrent.
US07921776B2	Detonating cord with protective jacket This invention relates to a detonating cord (10) having a core (12) of reactive material and a composite jacket around the core, and the method of its manufacture. The composite jacket includes an interior jacket (14) in contact with the core and a sacrificial jacket (20) disposed over the interior jacket. The sacrificial jacket prevents the cord from being cut off by the detonation of another detonating cord of like core load disposed adjacent thereto. The sacrificial jacket is separable from the interior jacket beneath it under the force of the adjacent detonating cord, thus absorbing energy and allowing the first detonating cord to remain intact. The detonating cord may have a core load of not more than 3.2 grams/meter (15 grains/ft) or, optionally, less than 1.25 g/m (6 grains/ft). The interior jacket may be free of metal jacket layers. Optionally, the outer cross-sectional diameter of the cord may be not more than about 3.8 mm (0.15 inch) so that it can be inserted into a standard detonator. The sacrificial jacket may be made from polyethylene and may have a thickness of about 0.25 mm (0.01 inch).
US07921766B2	Cartridge for the preparation of beverages A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials. The cartridge comprises an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge, and an outlet for a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients. The cartridge comprises means for producing a jet of the beverage having an aperture in a beverage flow path linking the inlet to the outlet, and one or more microscopic projections at or in the vicinity of the aperture for contacting the beverage flow path.
US07921765B2	Piston for automatic transmission To prevent effects of small amplitude oscillations caused by pressure fluctuation, eccentric attachment of a cancel plate and biased load application of a return spring, and to achieve a long service life of the inner peripheral seal portion, a BPS (1) with a piston member (20) moving in an axial direction inside a cylinder (10) and defining a compression chamber (M) together with the cylinder (10) and a cancel plate (30) opposing to a bottom portion (11) of the cylinder (10) beyond the piston member (20) is provided with an inner peripheral seal portion (50) with a seal lip (52) slidably contacting an inner peripheral tube portion (13) of the cylinder (10) and a fitting portion (53) fitted to the inner peripheral tube portion (13) in an inner peripheral end portion (35) of the cancel plate (30).
US07921761B1	Dual elecation weapon station and method of use A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) is disclosed having a sighting system, a control unit, a weapon cradle and an operator interface for the GWS located remotely from the weapon cradle and the sighting system. The weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive. The weapon cradle is co-located with the sighting system as a unit in the GWS. The GWS includes a second elevation drive elevating the sighting system independently of the elevation of the weapon cradle by the first elevation drive. A network of multiple, mobile target sensors located remotely from the GWS provide coordinates or location of a target to the control unit of the GWS.
US07921758B2	Impact panels A technique enables improved performance of oilfield service operations. A protective shield is formed with a portable stand and at least one lightweight impact panel. The one or more lightweight impact panels enable easy movement of the safety shield from one location to another at a given well site or between different well sites, thus affording protection with a minimum of labor and set up time. The safety shield can be used to provide protection during individual operations and/or to segregate and protect independent operations from each other during multiple, simultaneous operations.
US07921753B2	Screw locking tool A screw locking tool includes a main body composed of a shank to be combined with a hand tool and a sleeve. The shank has front end continually connected with the sleeve having its surface disposed with an annular recess with an O-shaped ring fitted therein and bored with insert holes communicating with an accommodating cavity of the sleeve for receiving positioning steel balls, with an elastic element fixed in the accommodating cavity. A screwing element secured with the accommodating cavity has a shank with a minor-diameter and a medium-diameter annular recess for receiving steel balls to prevent the screwing element from slipping off. A receiving groove at the front end of the screwing element is bored with insert holes respectively for fitting a positioning steel ball and has an annular recess fitted therein with an O-shaped ring for positioning the steel balls.
US07921749B2	Case A case includes an assembling hole portion and a snap ring preassembled hereto. When fixing a bearing to the case, a first distance between both ends of the snap ring can be expanded within the assembling hole portion. The bearing is used for supporting a rotational shaft of the case. The assembling hole portion includes dual hole portions, which open at respective positions where the both ends of the snap ring can be expanded within the dual hole portions.
US07921748B2	Pedal device with function of adjusting pedal effort and hysteresis An object of the present invention is to provide a pedal device which can alleviate fatigue of a driver's ankle due to a frequent acceleration by differently setting the amount of reaction force applied when the driver presses and releases a pedal, by adjusting pre-compression force against a return spring disposed at a hinged portion of a pedal arm and adjusting a friction force on a hinged portion of the pedal arm, and satisfying a user's preference by properly adjusting the reaction force. In order to accomplish the above-mentioned object, the invention provides a pedal device with a function of adjusting a pedal effort and hysteresis that includes: a housing fixed to a car body; an arm hinged to the housing; an elastic member disposed between the housing and the pivot end of the pedal arm, and providing a return force to the pedal arm; a pedal effort adjusting unit disposed in the housing and pressing an end of the elastic member to adjust a pre-compression force to the elastic member force; and a hysteresis adjusting unit movably disposed in the housing to press the hinged portion of the pedal arm and adjusting the amount of change in stroke-to-pedal effort while the pedal arm operates.
US07921747B2	Collapsible control lever A collapsible control lever suitable for use on a motorcycle includes a handlebar mount, an intermediate section and a lever section. The intermediate section and lever section are capable of rotation with respect to the handlebar mount between a relaxed position and an actuated position in order to provide control lever functions, such as disengaging a manual clutch. The lever section is capable of rotation with respect to the intermediate section between a normal position and a fully deflected position in order to avoid damage in the event of the motorcycle overturning. The lever section may be biased to its normal position.
US07921746B2	Actuating device with shift lock An actuating device (1) for a technical system, especially for selecting gears of a shift-by-wire speed-change gear includes an actuating element (2) with at least two shift positions and a locking device (8). The locking device (8) has at least one actuator (7) driven with auxiliary energy and is used to reduce the shifting path of the actuating element (2) or to lock the actuating element (2). The actuator (7) has at least three different shifting states to make it possible to embody the necessary locking functions of the actuating lever with a reduced number of actuators and hence with a comparatively low design effort. Space, weight and costs can thus be saved.
US07921744B2	Rolling screw Rolling screw (1) comprising a first threaded male member (6), a second threaded member (3), means (5) that permit said second threaded member (3) to rotate freely in relation to the housing (2), as well as means (7) that permit to maintain fixed and constant the position of the axis of said first threaded member (6) in relation to the housing (2). Means of synchronization are also foreseen for the relative rotation between said first member (6) and said second member (3). Said screw is characterized in that at least one of the two threaded members presents a threading conformation such to permit the transmission of the rotation motion to another element without relative tangential sliding action.
US07921742B2	Mounting and suspension system for sliding non-contact displacement and speed measurement A mounting and suspension system for mounting non-contact sliding measurement devices to the side of objects that slide on snow or ice like skis, snowboards, sleds, luges, and ice skates. A base component permanently attached to the sliding object allows a quick disconnect of the rest of the device. A linkage component permits the retraction of the measurement device relative to the sliding object in such a way that the measurement device remains aligned with the surface being measured while minimizing lateral displacement and fully retracted vertical height such that accurate measurement is obtained at any angle of sliding object relative to the surface of snow or ice. A bias device keeps the measurement device in firm contact with the surface without interfering with the use of the sliding object. A safety device prevents injury to user and damage to measurement device in case of impact with an external obstacle or fall.
US07921738B2	Device for identifying the location of coal ropes An apparatus (100) operative for purposes of detecting the presence of a coal rope within a coal delivery pipe (200) is provided. The apparatus (100) includes a rod (105) that is operative to flex when struck by a coal rope that is present inside the coal delivery pipe (200), a strain gauge (115) that is operative to produce an electrical signal based upon the amount of flexing that the rod (105) is subjected to when struck by a coal rope that is present in the coal delivery pipe (200), and a processor that is operative to determine based upon the electrical signal that is received thereby from the strain gauge (115) at least one of either the location of the coal rope within the coal delivery pipe (200) or the density of the coal rope within the coal delivery pipe (200).
US07921736B2	Magneto-inductive flow measuring device The invention relates to a magneto-inductive flow measuring device (1), including: A measuring tube (2), through which a medium (11) flows essentially in a direction of a measuring tube axis (16); a magnet arrangement (6, 7), which produces a magnetic field (H) passing through the measuring tube (2) and extending essentially perpendicularly to the measuring tube axis (16); a first measuring electrode (3) and a second measuring electrode (4); wherein the measuring electrodes (3, 4) are positioned in the measuring tube (2) on a connecting line, which is directed essentially perpendicularly to the measuring tube axis (16) and to the magnetic field (H); and an evaluation/control unit (12), which ascertains, on the basis of a measurement voltage tapped on the measuring electrodes (3, 4), the volume- and/or mass-flow of the medium (11) through the measuring tube (2).In order to increase the measuring accuracy of the multi-parameter flow measuring device (1), the first measuring electrode (3) is made of a first material (A) and the second measuring electrode (4) is made of a second material (C) different from the first material (A); the control/evaluation unit (12) ascertains the direct voltage portion (UD) of the voltages (U3, U4) tapped on the two measuring electrodes (3, 4) relative to a reference potential (ΦR), and makes available, on the basis of the direct voltage portion (UD), medium-specific information.
US07921733B2	Magnetic flowmeter with coil ground path detection A magnetic flow meter includes a flowtube arranged to receive a flow of process fluid and a coil proximate the flowtube arranged to apply a magnetic field to the process fluid. A sense electrode is arranged to sense a voltage potential in the flowtube in response to the applied magnetic field. The sensed voltage is indicative of flow rate of process fluid through the flowtube. Diagnostic circuitry provides an output related to an electrical path between the coil and electrical ground.
US07921731B2	Two-axis direct fluid shear stress sensor A micro sized multi-axis semiconductor skin friction/wall shear stress induced by fluid flow. The sensor design includes a shear/strain transduction gimble connected to a force collecting plate located at the flow boundary surface. The shear force collecting plate is interconnected by an arm to offset the tortional hinges from the fluid flow. The arm is connected to the shear force collecting plate through dual axis torsional hinges with piezoresistive torsional strain gauges. These gauges are disposed on the tortional hinges and provide a voltage output indicative of applied shear stress acting on the force collection plate proximate the flow boundary surface. Offsetting the torsional hinges creates a force concentration and resolution structure that enables the generation of a large stress on the strain gauge from small shear stress, or small displacement of the collecting plate. The design also isolates the torsional sensors from exposure to the fluid flow.
US07921723B2	Membrane unit, housing of a pressure measuring unit and pressure measuring unit A membrane unit configured for use in a housing of a pressure measuring unit, preferably for measuring pressure in an extra-corporal blood circuit, has a flexible membrane and a fixing ring which is integral with the membrane so that the membrane and the fixing ring form a one-piece element. The fixing ring has a lower flexibility than the membrane, and has fixing elements for fixing the fixing ring to the pressure measuring housing.
US07921720B2	Dial-type flow-restriction gauges Dial-type flow-restriction gauges are used for indicating flow-restriction conditions of fluid filters, such as automobile air and fuel filters. Prior versions of these type filters have been more complicated and costly to manufacture than desirable. Accordingly, the present inventors have devised, among other things, an exemplary dial-type flow-restriction gauge that is inexpensive to manufacture and performs reliability and consistently over a wide temperature range. One exemplary gauge includes an external dial that rotates relative a restriction scale in response to a differential pressure. Placement of the dial on the exterior of the gauge eliminates the need to use clear material and allows embedding of the restriction scale into an exterior surface of the gauge.
US07921716B2	Method and system for measuring energy expenditure and foot incline in individuals A method and system for measuring energy expenditure of individuals by measuring force from a plurality of foot-borne force sensitive resistors and calculating incline from a foot-borne tri-axial accelerometer.
US07921714B2	Annular region evaluation in sequestration wells Methods and related systems are described for making measurements at multiple locations in an annular region of a cased sequestration well. A first tool module is positionable within the well and adapted to directly or indirectly measure changing pressure at a first location in the annular region of the well. A pressure change is induced at the first location in the annular region. A second tool module is positionable within the well and adapted to directly or indirectly measure changing pressure at a second location in the annular region. The measured pressure changes at the second location are in response to the induced pressure change at the first location.
US07921710B2	Two-step oil control valve diagnostic systems A diagnostic system includes a first pressure monitoring module, a second pressure monitoring module, and a fault determination module. The first pressure monitoring module determines low-lift pressures and high-lift pressures in a cam phaser when a first oil control valve (OCV) moves first valve lifters to the low-lift state and the high-lift state, respectively. The second pressure monitoring module determines low-lift pressures and high-lift pressures in the cam phaser when a second OCV moves second valve lifters to the low-lift state and the high-lift state, respectively. The fault determination module diagnoses a fault in one of the first OCV and the second OCV based the low-lift pressures and the high-lift pressures.
US07921701B2	Diagnostic systems and methods for variable lift mechanisms of engine systems having a camshaft driven fuel pump A lift mechanism diagnostic system comprises a fuel pump disabling module, a pressure module, and a diagnostic module. The fuel pump disabling module selectively disables a fuel pump that is driven by a camshaft. The pressure module determines a first pressure of fluid provided to a variable valve lift mechanism when the variable valve lift mechanism is operated in a first lift mode while the fuel pump is disabled and determines a second pressure of the fluid when the variable valve lift mechanism is operated in a second lift mode while the fuel pump is disabled. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in the variable valve lift mechanism based on the first and second pressures.
US07921700B2	Method for determining cylinder-specific combustion features of an internal combustion engine A method for determining cylinder-specific combustion features of an internal combustion engine, the cylinder-specific combustion features being ascertained from a variable which represents the crankshaft speed, especially being ascertained from a signal of a crankshaft sensor or camshaft sensor. The cylinder-specific combustion features include a combustion position of at least one cylinder and/or a torque of the crankshaft.
US07921689B2	Pneumatic biasing of a linear actuator and implementations thereof An improved method and apparatus are provided for constructing and operating a linear actuator, and equipment incorporating a linear actuator, by operatively connecting a pressure biasing pneumatic arrangement between the driving member and the driven member of a mechanical linear actuator for applying a unidirectional biasing force between the driving and driven members, along an axis of motion, regardless of the location or movement of the driving and driven elements with respect to one another along the axis of motion. The pneumatic biasing arrangement is also configured, connected and operated to reduce the force which must be exerted by the driving and driven members in extending and retracting the linear actuator. The pneumatic biasing arrangement may further be configured for preferentially aiding extension or retraction of the actuator.
US07921688B2	Square tube forming roll, square tube forming method, and forming device Roll forming a round tube to a square tube without applying excessive load to the raw tube scheduled portions to become corner portions and shoulder portions. This invention structures the curvature of the rotation axis direction of the forming roll surface in a way that in relation to other raw tube locations (straightening precedes for the raw tube locations adjacent to the corner portion scheduled locations of the square tube. It disposes stands of four-direction roll structure at the forming roll stand furthest upstream and furthest downstream sides and disposes stands of upper-lower and left-right two-direction roll structure between the upstream and downstream roll stands, and by adopting forming roll with a structure having a curvature for constricting the raw tube locations to become the shoulder portions adjacent to the corner portions of the square tube at a smaller curvature than that constricting the raw tube portions to become the side portion centers of the square tube cross section.
US07921687B2	Wheel reconditioning method and apparatus A wheel reconditioning apparatus provided. The wheel reconditioning apparatus includes a support frame upon which a base support plate is attached. A rotatable adapter plate is supported on the base support plate by a precision bearing for supporting the rotation of the adapter plate about the vertical axis of a mounted wheel. Adjustable chucks are set in place on the adapter plate. The disfigured wheel is mounted on the adjustable chucks and held in place by the chucks during the reconditioning process.
US07921685B2	Latch assembly with security bracket A latch assembly for releasably securing a closure element with a striker element in a closed position. The latch assembly consists of first and second latch elements mounted to a housing for movement relative to each other and the housing, with the first latch element being movable relative to the housing between a latched position and a release position, and cooperating structure on the release lever for moving the second latch element relative to the housing and, in response thereto, causing the first latch element to move from its latched position to its release position. A guard plate is positioned between the housing and the first latch element to more securely retain the striker element and prevent tampering or theft.
US07921683B2	Locking container The locking container is a selectively lockable container for the storage of used cooking oil and the like. The locking container includes a reservoir and both front and side locking mechanisms. The front and side locking mechanisms selectively retain a screen within the reservoir. The container is adapted for the disposal of oils, solvents, acids and various other liquid wastes. The pair of locking mechanisms allow access for storing the liquid waste in the container, but prevent unauthorized removal of the liquid waste. The container includes a lid to cover the screen, with the lid being secured by the front locking mechanism. The side locking mechanism locks the screen to the reservoir.
US07921679B2	Washing/drying machine Disclosed is the washing/drying machine having a pedestal, including: a washing/drying machine main body performing a washing or drying operation of laundry; and a pedestal for mounting the main body thereon, wherein a base having legs is coupled at a lower end of the main body, and a supporter having coupling ribs for fixing the base to the pedestal is mounted at an upper surface of the pedestal, thereby preventing a damage to the surface of the pedestal or the washing/drying machine and facilitating mounting/dismounting the supporter or the pedestal.

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