最新美国发明专利第2011-05-31期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US07951779B2	Method of protecting cells against damage and pharmaceutical composition comprising leumorphin The present invention relates to a method of protecting cells against damage caused at least in part by apoptosis, comprising administering to subjects a therapeutic dose of leumorphin having cytoprotective activity, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of leumorphin having a cytoprotective activity.
US07951778B2	Use of compounds having the biological activity of vasoactive intestinal peptide for the treatment of sarcoidosis The present invention relates to peptides which are highly biologically and pharmacologically active as therapeutic drug for the treatment of diseases related to sarcoidosis. The peptides which can be used according to the invention for the treatment of said disease comprise at least one specific highly conservative amino acid residue sequence which seem to play an important role in connection with pulmonary and arteriolar hypertension events. It could be shown that the known naturally occurring peptides “vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)” and “pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)”, having these specific sequences are potent drugs which can be successfully used for treatment of sarcoidosis. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a method for the treatment patients suffering from sarcoidosis.
US07951776B2	Methods for treatment of type 1 diabetes The present invention relates generally to the identification of biological markers associated with an increased risk of developing Diabetes, as well as methods of using such biological markers in diagnosis and prognosis of Diabetes. The biological markers of the invention may indicate new targets for therapy or constitute new therapeutics for the treatment or prevention of Diabetes.
US07951775B2	Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for GnRH-I and GnRH-II modulation of T-cell activity, adhesion, migration and extravasation Methods and compositions comprising GnRH-I and GnRH-II, GnRH-I and GnRH-II antibodies, anti-receptor antibodies, polynucleotide constructs and GnRH-I and GnRH-II analogs for immune enhancement and suppression, prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions characterized by abnormal T-cell activity, treatment of viral and prion-related diseases, and treatment of T-cell related neoplastic diseases are disclosed.
US07951774B2	Stereochemically defined dipeptide esters of antiviral agents for enhanced ocular treatment Stereochemically defined dipeptide esters of nucleoside-analogous antiviral agents including acyclovir and ganciclovir are provided. Certain of these stereochemically defined dipeptide esters are found to have unexpectedly enhanced delivery to and uptake by ocular tissues, crossing the blood-ocular barrier more effectively than other stereochemically defined dipeptide esters. For example, (L-Val)-(D-Val)-acyclovir was found to be taken up more effectively into corneal tissue than were underivatized acyclovir, monoesters (L-Val)-acyclovir or (D-Val)-acyclovir, or diester (L-Val)-(L-Val)-acyclovir.
US07951773B2	Ring-closing metathesis process for the preparation of macrocyclic peptides Disclosed is a process for preparing a compound of formula (I) by protecting the secondary amide nitrogen atom in the compound of formula (III) to obtain (IV) wherein PGN is a suitable nitrogen protecting group, ring-closing the compound of formula (IV) by cyclizing it in the presence of a suitable catalyst in a suitable organic solvent to obtain (V), and then deprotecting the resulting compound of formula (V) to obtain (I), as outlined in the following scheme. The compounds of formula (I) are active agents for the treatment of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infections or are intermediates useful for the preparation of anti-HCV agents.
US07951769B2	Non-rinse fabric softener The invention relates to compositions which are suitable as fabric softeners, particularly for softening fabrics that have been washed with highly concentrated detergents. Said compositions are obtainable by esterification of a C6-C22 fatty acid with triethanolamine and subsequent quaternization, said compositions containing non-quaternized di-esteramine, non-quaternized tri-esteramine, quaternized mono-esteramine, quaternized di-esteramine and quaternized tri-esteramine, wherein the weight ratio of non-quaternized tri-esteramine to quaternized tri-esteramine is higher than 1.5.
US07951768B2	Laundry detergent compositions comprising amphiphilic graft polymers based on polyalkylene oxides and vinyl esters A laundry detergent composition comprising an amphiphilic graft polymer based on water-soluble polyalkylene oxides as a graft base and side chains formed by polymerization of a vinyl ester component, said polymer having an average of less than or equal to one graft site per 50 alkylene oxide units and a mean molar mass of from about 3,000 to about 100,000; from about 0.2% to about 8% of organic solvent; and from about 2% to about 20% of a surfactant system; wherein said detergent composition is in a form selected from: liquid; gel; and combinations thereof.
US07951765B2	Photoresist stripper composition for semiconductor manufacturing The present invention relates to a photoresist stripper composition for removing the photoresist in the manufacturing process of the semiconductor device. More particularly, the photoresist stripper composition comprises 3-20 wt % of hydrazine hydrate or amine compound; 20˜40 wt % of polar solvent; 0.01-3 wt % of corrosion inhibitor selected from the group consisting of imidazoline derivative, sulfide derivative, sulfoxide derivative, aromatic compound or aromatic compound with hydroxyl group; 0.01-5 wt % of monoalcohol compound of C2-C10; and 40-70 wt % of deionized water. The photoresist stripper composition for manufacturing the semiconductor can remove the photoresist film thermoset by hard bake, dry etching, ashing or ion implantation and denatured by the metallic by-product etched from the bottom metallic film in said process at low temperature easily and quickly, and minimize the corrosion of the bottom metallic wiring in the removing process of the photoresist.
US07951762B2	Skin or hair washing composition A skin or hair washing composition having excellent foamability and a good feeling upon use in the process from washing to after drying, which comprises: the following components (A), (B) and (C): (A) a compound represented by formula (1): R1O-(AO)n—R2 (1) (B) a surfactant other than the component (A); and (C) a cationic polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the component (A) and the component (C), (A)/(C), is from 0.5 to 60.
US07951760B2	Overbased alkali metal alkylhydroxybenzoates having low crude sediment A process for preparing an overbased alkali metal alkylhydroxybenzoate, said process comprising overbasing an alkali metal alkylhydroxybenzoate or a mixture of alkali metal alkylhydroxybenzoate and up to 50 mole % of alkylphenol, based on the total mixture of alkylhydroxybenzoate and alkylphenol, with a molar excess of alkaline earth metal base and at least one acidic overbasing material in the presence of at least one carboxylic acid having from one to four carbon atoms and a solvent selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, monoalcohols and mixtures thereof.
US07951758B2	Method of increasing hydrolytic stability of magnesium overbased products The hydrolytic stability of magnesium overbased products is significantly improved by the addition or inclusion of a mixture or reaction product of an alkylphenol resin with a mixture of an alkenyl succinic anhydride and the acid thereof, and an alkyl amine. These magnesium overbased products are useful additives to fuel oils to improve their corrosion-causing tendencies. In one non-limiting embodiment, the alkylphenol resin is nonylphenol resin and the succinic anhydride is a partially hydrolyzed succinic anhydride having from 14 to 26 carbon atoms, along with the acid thereof. The mixtures and reaction products also serve as asphaltene inhibitors in the fuel oils.
US07951757B2	Low viscosity functional fluids The fluid compositions of the present invention include an alkoxy glycol component, where the composition includes no more than about 10 wt % of a borate ester based on the weight of the composition. The physical properties of the compositions of include a high dry equilibrium reflux boiling point (ERBP), a high wet equilibrium reflux boiling point (WERBP), and a low temperature viscosity. These compositions are particularly useful because their physical properties (e.g., WERBP, ERBP, and low temperature viscosity) meet or exceed the provisions for DOT 3 brake fluids under the Federal Motor Vehicle Standard No. 116.
US07951755B2	Emulsified polymer drilling fluid and methods of preparation A water-based polymer drilling fluid, containing effective quantities of surfactants having HLB numbers equal to or greater than approximately 7, emulsifies oil and bitumen contained in oil sand cuttings, resulting in the oil and bitumen being dispersed into the mud as an emulsion. This eliminates or significantly reduces the ability of the oil, bitumen, and cuttings to clog the well or stick to drill string components when drilling a well through oil-bearing sands, particularly sands containing highly viscous oil or bitumen. The emulsification process separates the sand particles from the oil and bitumen, such that the sand particles can be removed when the mud is run through a conventional shale shaker or other suitable apparatus.
US07951751B2	Synergistic, crop plant-compatible herbicidal compositions comprising herbicides from the group of the benzoylpyrazoles Synergistic, crop plant-compatible herbicidal compositions comprising herbicides from the group of the benzoylpyrazolesWhat is described are herbicidal compositions comprising A) a compound from the group of the benzoylpyrazoles, B) at least one further herbicide and C) at least one safener as herbicides which are active against monocotyledonous and/or dicotyledonous harmful plants. Compared to the herbicides applied individually, these compositions have superior activity and are at the same time highly compatible with crop plants.
US07951748B2	Method of preparing a shaped catalyst, the catalyst, and use of the catalyst A method of preparing a shaped catalyst, which method comprises molding a dough into shaped particles and drying the shaped particles, wherein the dough comprises a support material, or a precursor thereof, and a silver component; the shaped catalyst, and a use of the shaped catalyst.
US07951744B2	Nano-reagents with cooperative catalysis and their uses in multiple phase reactions Nano-reagents with catalytic activity are provided herein. The nanocatalyst comprises at least one amino acid attached to a nanoparticle, wherein the reactive side chain of the amino acid catalyzes a chemical or biological reaction. Methods of using these nano-reagents to catalyze reactions in solution or in multiple phases are also provided, as are methods of making these nanocatalysts.
US07951742B2	Selective catalytic reduction of N2O A gas stream containing nitrous oxide and ammonia is contacted with a catalyst composition containing a zeolite. N2O is reduced to N2 and H2O at low temperatures in a highly efficient manner. Ammonia-mediated reduction of nitrous oxide can be effectuated from gas streams having N2O concentrations as low as 1%. The gas stream may also contact a catalytic composition selective for the reduction of NOx. In this way, N2O and NOx treatment may be effectuated in a single process stream.
US07951734B2	Glass plate for substrate A glass plate for a substrate, which contains no B2O3, and which can be as a glass plate for an LCD panel, which comprises, as a glass matrix composition as represented by mass % based on oxide of SiO2: 68 to 80, Al2O3: 0.1 to 5, MgO: 9.5 to 12, CaO+SrO+BaO: 0 to 2, and Na2O+K2O 6 to 14, and which has a density of at most 2.45 g/cm3, an average coefficient of thermal expansion from 50 to 350° C. of at most 75×10−7/° C., a glass transition point of at least 600° C. and a brittleness of at most 6.5 μm−1/2.
US07951733B2	Blue-violet light blocking glass The present invention provides a blue-violet light blocking glass containing copper (I) halide fine particles that satisfactorily transmits light having a wavelength of 450 nm to 600 nm and sharply blocks light having a wavelength shorter than 450 nm. Specifically, the present invention provides a blue-violet light blocking glass containing a copper (I) halide and silver; for example, 20 to 85% by weight of SiO2; 2 to 75% by weight of B2O3; not more than 10% by weight of Al2O3; 2 to 30% by weight of at least one member selected from the group consisting of Li2O, Na2O, K2O, Rb2O and Cs2O; 1 to 15% by weight of at least one member selected from the group consisting of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO and ZnO; not more than 10% by weight of at least one member selected from the group consisting of PbO, Nb2O5, ZrO2, La2O3, Y2O3, Ta2O3 and Gd2O3; not more than 5% by weight of at least one member selected from the group consisting of Sb2O3 and As2O3; not more than 5% by weight of SnO2; 0.01 to 10% by weight of a copper (I) halide; and 0.001 to 1% by weight of silver calculated on a metal basis.
US07951729B2	Semiconductor device including a coupled dielectric layer and metal layer, method of fabrication thereor, and material for coupling a dielectric layer and a metal layer in a semiconductor device A passivating coupling material for, on the one hand, passivating a dielectric layer in a semiconductor device, and on the other hand, for permitting or at least promoting liquid phase metal deposition thereon in a subsequent process step. In a particular example, the dielectric layer may be a porous material having a desirably decreased dielectric constant k, and the passivating coupling material provides steric shielding groups that substantially block the adsorption and uptake of ambient moisture into the porous dielectric layer. The passivating coupling materials also provides metal nucleation sides for promoting the deposition of a metal thereon in liquid phase, in comparison with metal deposition without the presence of the passivating coupling material. The use of a liquid phase metal deposition process facilitates the subsequent manufacture of the semiconductor device. In one example, the passivating coupling material has multiple Si atoms in its chemical composition, which desirably increases the thermal stability of the material.
US07951726B2	Organic/inorganic hybrid thin film passivation layer for blocking moisture/oxygen transmission and improving gas barrier property The present invention relates to an organic/inorganic hybrid thin film passivation layer comprising an organic polymer passivation layer prepared by a UV/ozone curing process and an inorganic thin film passivation layer for blocking moisture and oxygen transmission of an organic electronic device fabricated on a substrate and improving gas barrier property of a plastic substrate; and a fabrication method thereof. Since the organic/inorganic hybrid thin film passivation layer of the present invention converts the surface polarity of an organic polymer passivation layer into hydrophilic by using the UV/ozone curing process, it can improve the adhesion strength between the passivation layer interfaces, increase the light transmission rate due to surface planarization of the organic polymer passivation layer, and enhance gas barrier property by effectively blocking moisture and oxygen transmission.
US07951723B2	Integrated etch and supercritical CO2 process and chamber design A method and apparatus involve providing a substrate having a dielectric layer formed thereon, forming a photoresist mask over the dielectric layer, the photoresist mask defining an opening, etching the dielectric layer through the at least one opening in the photoresist mask, treating a portion of the photoresist mask with an etching species, and removing the treated photoresist mask with a supercritical fluid. The etching, treating, and removing can be performed in one chamber.
US07951722B2	Double exposure semiconductor process for improved process margin A double exposure semiconductor process is provided for improved process margin at reduced feature sizes. During a first processing sequence, features defining non-critical dimensions of a polysilicon interconnect structure are formed, while other portions of the polysilicon layer are left un-processed. During a second processing sequence, features that define the critical dimensions of the polysilicon interconnect structure are formed without the need to execute a photoresist trimming procedure. Accordingly, only an etch process is executed, which provides higher resolution processing to create the critical dimensions needed during the second processing sequence.
US07951721B2	Etching technique for creation of thermally-isolated microstructures There is described a method for creating a thermally-isolated microstructure on a slab of mono-crystalline silicon which uses a hybrid dry-then-wet etch technique that when controlled, can produce microstructures without any silicon adhering underneath, microstructures having small masses of silicon adhering underneath, and microstructures that are still attached to the slab of mono-crystalline silicon via a waisted silicon body. When creating the microstructures with a waisted silicon body, the thermal isolation of the microstructure can be designed by controlling the depth of the etching and the size of the waist.
US07951720B2	Method of forming a contact hole for a semiconductor device Forming contact holes of a semiconductor device includes forming a reaction layer that is provided with a reaction pattern on a semiconductor substrate. Subsequently, a self-assembled monolayer is formed by injecting a polymer from a functional group that is capable of being chemically bonded to the reaction pattern. A coating layer is then formed on substantially all of the structure that includes the self-assembled monolayer. Afterwards, the contact holes are formed on the semiconductor substrate by performing an etching process.
US07951717B2	Post-CMP treating liquid and manufacturing method of semiconductor device using the same Post-CMP treating liquids are provided, one of which includes water, an amphoteric surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a complexing agent, resin particles having carboxylic group and sulfonyl group on their surfaces, a primary particle diameter thereof ranging from 10 to 60 nm, and tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide. Another includes water, polyphenol, an anionic surfactant, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, resin particles having carboxylic group and sulfonyl group on their surfaces, a primary particle diameter thereof ranging from 10 to 60 nm, and tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide. Both of the treating liquids have a pH ranging from 4 to 9, and exhibit a polishing rate both of an insulating film and a conductive film at a rate of 10 nm/min or less.
US07951713B2	Method of forming metal wiring in semiconductor device A method for forming a metal wiring of a semiconductor device capable of efficiently preventing a hillock phenomenon occurred in a subsequent annealing process of a metal wiring process. The method for forming a metal wiring of a semiconductor device includes forming an Al growth stop film on the upper interface of an Al wiring film by reacting implanted reactive ions with a Ti film or the Al in the Al wiring film.
US07951707B2	Etching method for semiconductor element An etching method for semiconductor element is provided. The etching method includes the following procedure. First, a to-be-etched substrate is provided. Then, a silicon-rich silicon oxide (SRO) layer is formed on the to-be-etched substrate. Afterwards, an anti-reflective layer is formed on the SRO layer. Then, a patterned photo resist layer is formed on the anti-reflective layer. Afterwards, the anti-reflective layer, the SRO layer and the to-be-etched substrate is etched so as to form an opening.
US07951705B2	Multilayered cap barrier in microelectronic interconnect structures Structures having low-k multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer having at least one low-k sublayer and at least one air barrier sublayer are described herein. The multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer are diffusion barriers to metal and barriers to air permeation. Methods and compositions relating to the generation of the structures are also described. The advantages of utilizing these low-k multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer is a gain in chip performance through a reduction in capacitance between conducting metal features and an increase in reliability as the multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer are impermeable to air and prevent metal diffusion.
US07951704B2	Memory device peripheral interconnects and method of manufacturing An integrated circuit memory device, in one embodiment, includes a substrate and first and second inter-level dielectric layers successively disposed on the substrate. One or more contacts in the peripheral extend through the first inter-level dielectric layer to respective components. One or more vias and a plurality of dummy vias extend through the second inter-level dielectric layer in the peripheral area. Each of the one or more peripheral vias extend to a respective peripheral contact. The peripheral dummy vias are located proximate the peripheral vias.
US07951693B2	III-nitride light emitting devices grown on templates to reduce strain In a III-nitride light emitting device, the device layers including the light emitting layer are grown over a template designed to reduce strain in the device, in particular in the light emitting layer. Reducing the strain in the light emitting device may improve the performance of the device. The template may expand the lattice constant in the light emitting layer over the range of lattice constants available from conventional growth templates. Strain is defined as follows: a given layer has a bulk lattice constant abulk corresponding to a lattice constant of a free standing material of a same composition as that layer and an in-plane lattice constant ain-plane corresponding to a lattice constant of that layer as grown in the structure. The amount of strain in a layer is \|(ain-plane−abulk)\|/abulk. In some embodiments, the strain in the light emitting layer is less than 1%.
US07951690B2	Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same An image sensor includes circuitry, a metal interconnection, a first substrate, a metal ion-implanted insulating layer, and a photodiode. The circuitry is formed on and/or over the first substrate, and the metal ion-implanted insulating layer is formed on and/or over the metal interconnection. The photodiode is formed in a crystalline semiconductor layer over the metal ion-implanted insulating layer.
US07951681B2	Substrate-triggered bipolar junction transistor and ESD protection circuit An ESD protection circuit using a novel substrate-triggered lateral bipolar junction transistor (STLBJT) for providing a discharging path between power rails. The ESD protection circuit comprises an ESD detection circuit and a STLBJT device. The STLBJT device formed in a P-type substrate includes N-type collector and emitter regions coupled to the power rails, respectively. The substrate region between the collector and emitter regions, on which there is no field oxide device, serves as a base of the STLBJT device. The STLBJT device further includes a first P-type region coupled to the ESD detection circuit and a second P-type region coupled to one of the power rails, which are spatially separated from the collector/emitter regions, respectively. The STLBJT device is turned on by substrate-triggering responsive to the signal coming from the ESD detection circuit and establishes the discharging path between the power rails.
US07951680B2	Integrated circuit system employing an elevated drain A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit system that includes: providing a substrate including an active device; forming a drift region in the substrate, the drift region bounded in part by a top surface of the substrate and spaced apart from a source; and forming a drain above the drift region.
US07951679B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device First, on a semiconductor region of a first conductivity type, a trapping film is formed which stores information by accumulating charges. Then, the trapping film is formed with a plurality of openings, and impurity ions of a second conductivity type are implanted into the semiconductor region from the formed openings, thereby forming a plurality of diffused layers of the second conductivity type in portions of the semiconductor region located below the openings, respectively. An insulating film is formed to cover edges of the trapping film located toward the openings, and then the semiconductor region is subjected to a thermal process in an atmosphere containing oxygen to oxidize upper portions of the diffused layers. Thereby, insulating oxide films are formed in the upper portions of the diffused layers, respectively. Subsequently, a conductive film is formed over the trapping film including the edges thereof to form an electrode.
US07951677B2	Corner rounding in a replacement gate approach based on a sacrificial fill material applied prior to work function metal deposition In a replacement gate approach, a top area of a gate opening has a superior cross-sectional shape which is accomplished on the basis of a plasma assisted etch process or an ion sputter process. During the process, a sacrificial fill material protects sensitive materials, such as a high-k dielectric material and a corresponding cap material. Consequently, the subsequent deposition of a work function adjusting material layer may not result in a surface topography which may result in a non-reliable filling-in of the electrode metal. In some illustrative embodiments, the sacrificial fill material may also be used as a deposition mask for avoiding the deposition of the work function adjusting metal in certain gate openings in which a different type of work function adjusting species is required.
US07951676B2	Semiconductor device and method for the production of a semiconductor device The semiconductor device has a semiconductor body with a semiconductor device structure. The semiconductor device structure has a first electrode, a second electrode and a gate electrode. The gate electrode is designed to form a conductive channel region. An insulating layer at least partially surrounds the gate electrode. A semi-insulating layer is provided between the gate electrode and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The semi-insulating layer is located outside the conductive channel region and has an interface state density which is greater than the quotient of the breakdown charge and the band gap of the material of the semiconductor body.
US07951672B2	Measurement and control of strained devices A method that includes measuring stress on at least one of a monitor substrate, a production substrate, and a proxy device on a production substrate to produce stress data, measuring shape on at least one of a proxy device on a production substrate and a production device on a production substrate to produce shape data, and inputting the stress data and the shape data into an elastic deformation calculation to determine a stress value for a production device.
US07951671B2	Method of fabricating non-volatile memory device having separate charge trap patterns A method of fabricating a non-volatile memory device includes forming an isolation trench in a semiconductor substrate, and the isolation trench defines first and second fins. The method further includes forming an isolation layer partially filling the isolation trench, forming first and second charge trap patterns respectively covering parts of the first and second fins projecting from the isolation layer, and forming a control gate electrode covering the first and second charge trap patterns and crossing the first and second fins.
US07951670B2	Flash memory cell with split gate structure and method for forming the same A split gate memory cell. A floating gate is disposed on and insulated from a substrate comprising an active area separated by a pair of isolation structures formed therein. The floating gate is disposed between the pair of isolation structures and does not overlap the upper surface thereof. A cap layer is disposed on the floating gate. A control gate is disposed over the sidewall of the floating gate and insulated therefrom, partially extending to the upper surface of the cap layer. A source region is formed in the substrate near one side of the floating gate.
US07951668B2	Process for fabricating crown capacitors of dram and capacitor structure A process for fabricating crown capacitors is described. A substrate having a template layer thereon is provided. A patterned support layer is formed over the template layer. A sacrifice layer is formed over the substrate covering the patterned support layer. Holes are formed through the sacrifice layer, the patterned support layer and the template layer, wherein the patterned support layer is located at a depth at which bowing of the sidewalls of the holes occurs and is bowed less than the sacrifice layer at the sidewalls. A substantially conformal conductive layer is formed over the substrate. The conductive layer is then divided into lower electrodes of the crown capacitors.
US07951667B2	Method for fabricating semiconductor device A method of fabricating a vertical transistor in a semiconductor device improves integration of the semiconductor device according to a design rule. After a semiconductor substrate is etched to form a buried bit line, a gate electrode pattern that surrounds a cylindrical channel region pattern of the vertical transistor is formed, thereby preventing damage to the gate electrode pattern due to an etching process. The gate electrode pattern surrounds the channel region pattern where a width is narrower than second source and drain regions. The second source and drain regions are then deposited over the channel region pattern and the gate electrode pattern. As a result, a neck-shaped channel region does not collapse due to the weight of the second source and drain regions.
US07951666B2	Deep trench capacitor and method Disclosed herein are embodiments of a deep trench capacitor structure and a method of forming the structure that incorporates a buried capacitor plate contact that is simultaneously formed using an adjacent deep trench. This configuration eliminates the need for additional photolithographic processing, thereby, optimizing process windows. This configuration further eliminates the need to form the deep trench capacitor through an N-doped diffusion region connector and, thereby, allows for greater design flexibility when connecting the deep trench capacitor to another integrated circuit structure (e.g., a memory cell or decoupling capacitor array). Also, disclosed herein are embodiments of another integrated circuit structure and method, and more specifically, a memory cell (e.g., a static random access memory (SRAM) cell)) and method of forming the memory cell that incorporates one or more of these deep trench capacitors in order to minimize or eliminate soft errors.
US07951665B2	Semiconductor device having capacitor formed on plug, and method of forming the same A semiconductor device includes a silicon substrate, a capacitor element having a lower electrode, a capacitor dielectric film, a TiN film, and a W film, and an interlayer insulation film covering the end and a portion of the upper surface of the lower electrode and disposed with a concave portion at a position corresponding to the lower electrode. The lower electrode is disposed selectively at the bottom of the concave portion, the upper surface of the lower electrode is exposed from the interlayer insulation film in the region for forming the concave portion, the side wall for the concave portion of the interlayer insulation film situates to the inner side of the lower electrode from the end of the lower electrode, and the capacitor dielectric film is disposed so as to cover the upper surface of the lower electrode and cover the interlayer insulation from the side wall for the concave portion to the upper surface of the interlayer insulation film.
US07951661B2	Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same A semiconductor device includes a device isolation structure having a grounded conductive layer to define an active region, and a gate formed over the active region and the device isolation structure.
US07951656B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device A stack including at least an insulating layer, a first electrode, and a first impurity semiconductor layer is provided over a supporting substrate; a first semiconductor layer to which an impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added is formed over the first impurity semiconductor layer; a second semiconductor layer to which an impurity element imparting the one conductivity type is added is formed over the first semiconductor layer under a condition different from that of the first semiconductor layer; crystallinity of the first semiconductor layer and crystallinity of the second semiconductor layer are improved by a solid-phase growth method to form a second impurity semiconductor layer; an impurity element imparting the one conductivity type and an impurity element imparting a conductivity type different from the one conductivity type are added to the second impurity semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode layer is formed via a gate insulating layer.
US07951652B2	Mask layout method, and semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same Provided are a mask layout method and a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same. The semiconductor device can include a main pattern, a first dummy pattern, and a second dummy pattern. The main pattern can be disposed on a substrate. The first dummy pattern and the second dummy pattern can be disposed around a side of the main pattern. The first dummy pattern can have an inner open region. The second dummy pattern can be disposed on the inner open region of the first dummy pattern, such that the first dummy pattern surrounds the second dummy pattern.
US07951647B2	Performing die-to-wafer stacking by filling gaps between dies An integrated circuit structure includes a bottom semiconductor chip; a top die bonded onto the bottom semiconductor chip; a protecting material encircling the bottom die and on the bottom semiconductor chip; and a planar dielectric layer over the top die and the protecting material. The protecting material has a top surface leveled with a top surface of the top die.
US07951646B2	Solder ball landpad design to improve laminate performance A method and apparatus for improving the laminate performance of the solder balls in a BGA package. Specifically, the ball pads on the substrate are configured to increase the shear force necessary to cause delamination of the solder balls. Conductive traces extending planarly from the pads and arranged in specified configurations will increase the shear strength of the pad.
US07951642B2	Diamond-like carbon electronic devices and methods of manufacture Materials, devices, and methods for enhancing performance of electronic devices such as solar cells, fuels cells, LEDs, thermoelectric conversion devices, and other electronic devices are disclosed and described. A diamond-like carbon electronic device can include a conductive diamond-like carbon cathode having specified carbon, hydrogen and sp2 bonded carbon contents. In some cases, the sp2 bonded carbon content may be sufficient to provide the conductive diamond-like carbon material with a visible light transmissivity of greater than about 0.70. A charge carrier separation layer can be coupled adjacent and between the diamond-like carbon cathode and an anode. The conductive diamond-like carbon material of the present invention can be useful for any other application which can benefit from the use of conductive and transparent electrodes which are also chemically inert, radiation damage resistance, and are simple to manufacture.
US07951640B2	Low-cost multi-junction solar cells and methods for their production Solar cells fabricated without gasification of metallurgical-grade silicon. The substrates are prepared by: melting metallurgical grade silicon in a furnace; solidifying the melted metallurgical grade silicon into an ingot; slicing the ingot to obtain a plurality of wafers; polishing and cleaning each wafer; depositing aluminum layer on backside of each wafer; depositing a layer of hydrogenated silicon nitride on front surface of each wafer; annealing the wafers at elevated temperature; removing the hydrogenated silicon nitride; and, removing the aluminum layer. The front surface may be textured prior to forming the solar cell. The solar cell structure comprises a metallurgical grade doped silicon substrate and a thin-film structure formed over the substrate to form a p-i-n junction with the substrate. The substrate may be doped p-type, and the thin film structure may be an intrinsic amorphous layer formed over the substrate and an n-type amorphous layer formed over the intrinsic layer.
US07951639B2	Method of zinc oxide film grown on the epitaxial lateral overgrowth gallium nitride template A growth method is proposed for high quality zinc oxide comprising the following steps: (1) growing a gallium nitride layer on a sapphire substrate around a temperature of 1000° C.; (2) patterning a SiO2 mask into stripes oriented in the gallium nitride <1 100> or <11 20> direction; (3) growing epitaxial lateral overgrowth of (ELO) gallium nitride layers by controlling the facet planes via choosing the growth temperature and the reactor; (4) depositing zinc oxide films on facets ELO gallium nitride templates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Zinc oxide crystal of high quality with a reduced number of crystal defects can be grown on a gallium nitride template. This method can be used to fabricate zinc oxide films with low dislocation density lower than 104/cm−2, which will find important applications in future electronic and optoelectronic devices.
US07951636B2	Method for fabricating micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device includes a substrate, having a first side and second side, the second side has a cavity and a plurality of venting holes in the substrate at the second side with connection to the cavity. However, the cavity is included in option without absolute need. A structural dielectric layer has a dielectric structure and a conductive structure in the dielectric structure. The structural dielectric layer has a chamber in connection to the cavity by the venting holes. A suspension structure layer is formed above the chamber. An end portion is formed in the structural dielectric layer in fix position. A diaphragm has a first portion of the diaphragm fixed on the suspension structure layer while a second portion of the diaphragm is free without being fixed.
US07951633B2	Light emitting diode and method of making the same A light emitting diode (LED) and a method of making the same are disclosed. The present invention uses a metal layer of high conductivity and high reflectivity to prevent the substrate from absorbing the light emitted. This invention also uses the bonding technology of dielectric material thin film to replace the substrate of epitaxial growth with high thermal conductivity substrate to enhance the heat dissipation of the chip, thereby increasing the performance stability of the LED, and making the LED applicable under higher current.
US07951628B2	Pixel structure, display panel, photoelectric device and manufacturing method thereof A pixel structure includes a substrate, a first and a second patterned conductive layers, and a pixel electrode. The first patterned conductive layer, disposed on the substrate, includes at least one scan line, at least one gate, and at least one common electrode line. The second patterned conductive layer, disposed on the first patterned conductive layer, includes at least one data line, at least one source/drain, and at least one first patterned layer partly disposed on the common electrode line. The pixel electrode, disposed on the second patterned conductive layer, includes at least one first part and one second part. The first part partly covers the first patterned layer and the common electrode line. The second part, connected to the source/drain, covers the other part of the first patterned layer. The first and second patterned layers compose at least one first capacitance.
US07951626B2	Light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same The present invention relates to a light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the light emitting device. According to the present invention, the light emitting device comprises a substrate, an N-type semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, and a P-type semiconductor layer formed on the N-type semiconductor layer, wherein a side surface including the N-type or P-type semiconductor layer has a slope of 20 to 80° from a horizontal plane. Further, the present invention provides a light emitting device comprising a substrate formed with a plurality of light emitting cells each including an N-type semiconductor layer and a P-type semiconductor layer formed on the N-type semiconductor layer, and a submount substrate flip-chip bonded onto the substrate, wherein the N-type semiconductor layer of one light emitting cell and the P-type semiconductor layer of another adjacent light emitting cell are connected to each other, and a side surface including at least the P-type semiconductor layer of the light emitting cell has a slope of 20 to 80° from a horizontal plane. Further, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing the light emitting device. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the characteristics of a light emitting device such as luminous efficiency, external quantum efficiency and extraction efficiency are enhanced and the reliability is secured such that light with high luminous intensity and brightness can be emitted.
US07951625B2	Semiconductor light emitting element and method for manufacturing semiconductor light emitting device In a semiconductor light emitting device, light is lost from a side surface of a substrate; therefore, if a substrate side surface occupies a large area, it decreases light extraction efficiency. The area of the substrate side surface may be reduced by reducing a thickness of the substrate. However, a thin substrate has low mechanical strength and is cracked by a stress during work process, and that decreases the yield.A light emitting layer is formed on a substrate. After fixed to a grinding board with wax, the substrate is ground to thin. A support substrate is then bonded to the substrate for reinforcement. The substrate is fixed to an electrode and others, with the support substrate bonded to the substrate. The support substrate is lastly removed.
US07951618B2	Luminescent semi-conductive polymer material, method of preparing the same and organic light emitting element having the same The present invention is related to a luminescent material generated by polymerization of a pyrromethene complex by glow discharge. The polymer material of the present invention exhibits semi-conductive properties and has a luminescence maximum in a spectrum region in the range of about 540 nm to about 585 nm with a half-width of the luminescence band in the range of about 55 nm to about 75 nm, a quantum yield of photoluminescence in the range of about 0.6 to about 0.8, and an electric conductivity at a temperature of about 20° C. in the range of about 1×10−10 S/cm to about 5×10−10 S/cm. The resultant polymer layer has a thickness in the range of about 0.01 μm to about 10 μm on a substrate placed between or on any of the electrodes. The starting pyrromethene complex may be a 1,3,5,7,8-pentamethyl-2, 6-diethylpyrromethene difluoroborate complex (pyrromethene 567). Additionally, the luminescent polymer material may be formed as a layer on a substrate having conductive coating, such as a metal, a dielectric material or semi-conductive material, for example.
US07951610B2	Reaction method and reaction apparatus A reaction method of performing an adsorption reaction in which a subject substance of analysis is specifically adsorbed in a first channel, the method includes: flowing a specimen liquid to a second channel connected to the first channel so that the specimen liquid is fed to the first channel, the specimen liquid containing the subject substance and a labeled substance that can be bonded to the subject substance; stopping feeding of the specimen liquid by detecting an event that a rear end of the specimen liquid flows into the first channel; joining a washing liquid to the rear end of the specimen liquid which stops in the first channel by flowing the washing liquid to a third channel that is converged to a connection portion of the second channel; and feeding the washing liquid to the first channel after the washing liquid is joined to the rear end.
US07951607B2	Compositions and methods for detecting nerve agents The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting, identifying and measuring the abundance of chemical nerve agents. Methods and compositions of the present invention are capable of providing selective detection of phosphorous based nerve agents, such as nerve agents that are esters of methyl phosphonic acid derivatives incorporating a moderately good leaving group at the phosphorus. Selectivity in the present invention is provided by a sensor composition having an alpha (α) effect nucleophile group that undergoes specific nucleophilic substitution and rearrangement reactions with phosphorus based nerve agents having a tetrahederal phosphorous bound to oxygen. The present invention includes embodiments employing a sensor composition further comprising a reporter group covalently linked to the alpha effect nucleophile group allowing rapid optical readout of nerve agent detection events, including direct visual readout and optical readout via spectroscopic analysis.
US07951604B2	Mixtures for assaying nucleic acid, novel method of assaying nucleic acid with the use of the same and nucleic acid probe to be used therefor To provide a novel mixture for assaying a target nucleic acid, characterized by enabling a nucleic acid assay while: 1) requiring no step of diluting the target nucleic acid; 2) requiring no procedure of changing a probe concentration depending on a concentration of the target nucleic acid.1) A mixture which comprises one internal standard nucleic acid and two nucleic acid probes labeled with a fluorescent dye; 2) a mixture for measuring Km value which comprises one internal standard nucleic acid having a partial mutation and one nucleic acid probe labeled with a fluorescent dye; 3) a mixture which comprises one internal standard nucleic acid and one double nucleic acid probe labeled with two fluorescent dyes; and a method for assaying a nucleic acid by making use thereof.
US07951601B2	Oxide layers on silicon substrates for effective confocal laser microscopy Methods of performing confocal laser microscopy on a polymer array disposed on a silicon wafer substrate, the method comprising the steps of providing a silicon wafer substrate having a top side and a bottom side, coating the top side of the silicon wafer with an oxide coating to provide an oxide coated wafer, covalently coupling a plurality of probes to the top side of the coated wafer to provide a fixed polymer array, hybridizing the fixed polymer array with a plurality of labeled ligands, and assaying for one or more hybridized ligands using confocal laser fluorescence microscopy to detect hybridization are provided.
US07951592B2	Compositions and methods for inducing cell dedifferentiation The present invention provides compounds, compositions and methods for dedifferentiating lineage committed mammalian cells into stem cells. The present invention also provides methods of inducing dedifferentiation of lineage committed mammalian cells into stem cells, which can be further differentiated into various lineage committed cells. Methods of identifying additional compounds useful for inducing dedifferentiation of lineage committed cells into stem cells are also provided.
US07951590B2	Storage agent for preservation of an animal cell, tissue or organ, and preserved process of the same The present invention relates to a storage agent for preservation of an animal cell, animal tissue or organ and a method of preserving an animal cell, animal tissue, animal blood or an organ. The storage agent has polyphenol as an effective ingredient. The storage agent stabilizes protein or is added to blood, corpuscles or platelets. Also, the storage agent prevents or treats an organ injury caused by a transplant operation.
US07951584B2	Method for production of biological organic material and culture vessel Disclosed is a method for producing a biological organic material in a liquid droplet comprising a culture medium composed of specified ingredient. The method comprises the steps of: providing a substantially spherical liquid droplet on a substrate in an unadhered state, the substrate preferably having such a water-repellent surface that the water contact angle becomes 150° or greater; and culturing a biological organic material in the liquid droplet.
US07951582B2	Systems and methods for analyzing and manipulating biological samples A system for qualifying cells of a cell sample labeled with a magnetic or magnetizable moiety is provided. The system includes a cell sample holder for holding a cell of the cells and a first cell analyzer which includes a magnetic field source for applying a magnetic field to the cell and a sensor for qualifying and/or quantifying an effect of the magnetic field on the cell.
US07951581B2	Method and reagent system with non-regenerable enzyme-coenzyme complex The present invention is generally directed towards a reagent system for detecting an analyte in a sample. The reagent system has a detection reagent comprising an enzyme-coenzyme complex in a form such that no regeneration of the coenzyme takes place, whereby the enzyme-coenzyme complex is employed in an at least stoichiometric amount relative to the analyte present in the sample, and a support to receive the detection reagent.
US07951579B2	Method for bacteriophage delivery and amplification Disclosed are methods of selecting wide host range bacteriophage capable of growing in a plurality of bacteria including pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria and bacteriophage selected by the methods. Also disclosed are methods of treating a subject infected with a pathogenic bacterium using bacteriophage and methods of decontaminating objects using bacteriophage. Also disclosed are methods of producing vaccines. In another aspect, methods of determining bacterial viability and methods of improving the sensitivity of a biosensor using wide host range bacteriophages are disclosed.
US07951578B2	Bacterial strain for a metal biosorption process This invention is referred to a new bacterial strain of Bacillus sp., to be applied in a metal biosorption process, which was deposited in the Agricultural Research Culture Collection (NRRL) International Depositary Authority, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria Ill. 61604, USA, having an accession number NRRL-B-30881. It is described, also, a sporulated and non-sporulated industrial inoculant of said bacterium, a method to produce said inoculant, and a process to remove metals by said bacterium.
US07951577B2	Liquid crystals with reduced toxicity and applications thereof Liquid crystal compositions that exhibit little or no toxicity with respect to cells include liquid crystals with chemical functional groups such as fluorine atoms, fluorophenyl groups, or difluorophenyl groups. Liquid crystals with little or no toxicity to cell lines may be added to cell culture media or added to components used in cell culture media. Cells may be grown in cell culture media that includes liquid crystals that exhibit little or no toxicity to cells.
US07951575B2	Isolated phages and their use in food or pet food products The present invention relates to phage isolates having a strong lytic activity against pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli and/or Salmonella strains and their use in various human or pet food products for the treatment or prevention of bacterial diseases caused by pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli , in particular for phage therapy of pediatric gastroenteritis, or Salmonella infection. It also relates to human or pet food products prepared thereof.
US07951574B2	Subtilases The present invention relates to novel JP170 like subtilases from wild-type bacteria, hybrids thereof and to methods of construction and production of these proteases. Further, the present invention relates to use of the claimed subtilases in detergents, such as a laundry or an automatic dishwashing detergent.
US07951570B2	CBH1 homologs and variant CBH1 cellulases Disclosed are a number of homologs and variants of Hypocrea jecorina Cel7A (formerly Trichoderma reesei cellobiohydrolase I or CBH1), nucleic acids encoding the same and methods for producing the same. The homologs and variant cellulases have the amino acid sequence of a glycosyl hydrolase of family 7A wherein one or more amino acid residues are substituted and/or deleted.
US07951569B2	Thermostable duplex-specific nuclease The present invention provides a thermostable duplex-specific nuclease (DSN) and a method for digesting a nucleic acid using said DSN, namely, a protein having a Brachyura-derived duplex-specific nuclease activity, a gene encoding for said protein, a recombinant vector comprising said gene and a transformed cell or transduced cell comprising said vector and a method for producing a protein having a duplex-specific nuclease activity, which comprises culturing said transformed cell or transduced cell using a medium and collecting the protein having a duplex-specific nuclease activity from the cultured mixture, a method for digesting a nucleic acid using said protein having duplex-specific nuclease activity, a method for detecting RNA using said DSN and a reagent kit to be used in the aforementioned methods.
US07951568B2	Bi-directional selection markers with improved activity The present invention discloses a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO 3, a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO 6, a polypeptide having an amino acid that is substantially homologous to the sequence of SEQ ID NO 3 and a polypeptide having an amino acid that is substantially homologous to the sequence of SEQ ID NO 6, the polypeptide displaying acetamidase activity and providing a reverse selection on fluoroacetamide with an efficiency of at least 95%, preferably at least 96%, more preferably at least 97%, more preferably at least 98%, more preferably at least 99%, most preferably 100%. The gene encoding the polypeptide of the invention is used as an efficient bi-directional selection marker in the construction of selection marker free strains, in particular for processes for the production of a compound of interest.
US07951565B2	Process for the production of fine chemicals The present invention relates to a process for the production of methionine in an organism such as a microorganism, a non-human animal or plant. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, antisense molecules, antibodies, host cells, plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material, plants, microorganisms as well as agricultural compositions and to their use.
US07951562B2	Method for glycosylating hydroxylysine residues in polypeptides or peptides This invention relates to a multifunctional enzyme having lysyl hydroxylase and glycosyltransferase activity and to the use of the enzyme in glycosylating hydroxylysine residues. In particular this invention relates to a method for producing glycosyltransferase activity, which comprises that a nucleotide sequence encoding lysyl hydroxylase and glycosyltransferase activity is introduced and expressed in a chosen host and the protein product is recovered from the host cell or from the culture medium.
US07951558B2	Method for extracellular production of target proteins by co-expression of OmpF and Target proteins The present invention relates to a method for secreting and producing a target protein into cell culture broth. More particularly, the invention relates to a microorganism co-transformed with a recombinant expression vector containing E. coli outer membrane protein F (OmpF) and a recombinant expression vector containing a target protein to be secreted into cell culture broth, as well as a method of secreting and producing the target protein into cell culture broth by culturing the microorganism. According to the invention, the target protein can be secreted into cell culture broth in a pure form without fusion with other proteins so that the efficient isolation and purification of the target protein is possible.
US07951557B2	Human lysosomal proteins from plant cell culture A device, system and method for producing glycosylated proteins in plant culture, particularly proteins having a high mannose glycosylation, while targeting such proteins with an ER signal and/or by-passing the Golgi. The invention further relates to vectors and methods for expression and production of enzymatically active high mannose lysosomal enzymes using transgenic plant root, particularly carrot cells. More particularly, the invention relates to host cells, particularly transgenic suspended carrot cells, vectors and methods for high yield expression and production of biologically active high mannose Glucocerebrosidase (GCD). The invention further provides for compositions and methods for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases.
US07951556B2	Mutated prokaryotic cells with high secretion-levels A mutated prokaryotic cell, which secretes higher amounts of at least one heterologous polypeptide of interest and which has a reduced expression-level of YusZ or YusX, or homologues thereof, when compared with an otherwise isogenic but non-mutated cell, and methods for constructing and using such a cell in the production of polypeptides.
US07951554B2	Kit for enzymatic deposition of a metal The present invention provides compositions, kits, assemblies of articles and methodology for carrying out processes that permit biological enzymes to act directly on metals and metal particles. In particular, the invention concerns using enzymes to selectively deposit metal to the vicinity of a target molecule. The invention also relates to linking of metals to enzyme substrates, control of enzymatic metal deposition and applications of enzymatic metal deposition to sensitively and selectively detect target molecules such as biomarkers in various biological samples, such as chromogenic immunohistochemical (IHC) detection in situ by using microscopy.
US07951553B2	Method of assaying glycated protein The present invention provides a convenient, efficient method for assaying glycated protein, fructosyl peptide, or fructosyl amino acid which can be performed with reduced effect of fructosyl lysine compounds. The invention also provides a reagent for the assay.The invention is directed to a method for reducing the effect of a fructosyl lysine compound in an assay of fructosyl peptide or fructosyl amino acid contained in a sample, characterized by including causing an enzyme for assaying fructosyl peptide or fructosyl amino acid to act specifically on fructosyl peptide or fructosyl amino acid at a pH of 4.0 to 7.0 and measuring the product at a pH of 4.0 to 7.0; and a method for assaying glycated protein through the above method.
US07951549B2	Methods for the identification of agents that inhibit mesenchymal-like tumor cells or their formation The present invention provides tumor cell preparations for use as models of the EMT process for use in the identification of anti-cancer agents, wherein said tumor cell preparations comprise cells of the epithelial tumor cell line H358, which are stimulated by receptor ligands to induce EMT, or which have been engineered to inducibly express a protein that stimulates EMT. The present invention also provides methods of identifying potential anti-cancer agents by using such tumor cell preparations to identify agents that inhibit EMT, stimulate MET, or inhibit the growth of mesenchymal-like cells. Such agents should be particularly useful when used in conjunction with other anti-cancer drugs such as EGFR and IGF-1R kinase inhibitors, which appear to be less effective at inhibiting tumor cells that have undergone an EMT.
US07951545B2	Method for detecting lysosomal storage diseases A method for detecting lysosomal storage diseases including the steps of performing an assay for a single species of glycosaminoglycan contained in a specimen and correlating results of the assay with lysosomal storage diseases. A body fluid such as urine or blood can be employed as a specimen. The assay can be performed by use of a polypeptide that is capable of specifically binding to a glycosaminoglycan-containing molecule. The polypeptide may be an antibody, or a polypeptide having an antigen-binding site of an antibody.
US07951541B2	Assay kit for use in method of detecting a target nucleic acid Kits for use in a method of detecting an amplification product by hybridizing it with a probe, the amplification product is amplified from a target nucleic acid with the primers, including placing F3, F2 and F1 regions in this order from a 5′ terminal side and B3c, B2c and B1c regions in this order from a 3′ terminal side, and additionally an FP region in the region from the F2 to F1 regions and/or a BPc region in the region from the B2c to B1c regions in the target nucleic acid, determining the respective regions in such a manner that the FP and F2 regions and/or the BPc and B2c regions have an unoverlapping region of at least 10 bases or more and overlapping regions of 10 bases or less, and designing the primers according to the regions.
US07951528B2	Use of transthyretin as a biomarker for colorectal adenoma and/or carcinoma; method for detection and test system The invention is directed to a method for detecting colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma comprising the steps: a) providing an isolated sample material which has been taken from an individual, b) determining the level of transthyretin in said isolated sample material, and c) comparing the determined level of transthyretin with a reference value. The invention is further directed to a method for discriminating between colorectal adenoma and colorectal carcinoma as well as to a method for monitoring the course of colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma and/or the treatment of colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma. Moreover, the invention is directed to a test system and an array for use in these methods. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the use of transthyretin as a biomarker for a detection of colorectal adenoma and/or colorectal carcinoma in an individual.
US07951527B2	Method of forming an integrated optical polarization grid on an LCD substrate and liquid crystal display manufactured to include the grid A method of forming a wire grid polarizing pattern across the relatively large surface area of a display substrate includes using a nano imprint lithograph process wherein wire grid polarizing patterns are formed by bonding a stamp having a stamping area substantially smaller than that of the substrate with successive reticle areas of the substrate, where the substrate has a photosensitive film deposited thereon and where the stamping is such that recesses having a predetermined depth are formed in the photosensitive film, and then filling the recesses with an insulating film and etching it using the insulating film as a mask. Since mechanical misalignment margin is acceptable from one reticle area to the next, a wire grid polarizing pattern with a uniform line width and spacings in each reticle area can be formed on a substrate having a large area.
US07951518B2	Polyester resin for toner, toner composition and resin particle Disclosed is a heat-fusible electrostatic image developing toner which has an excellent balance between fixability at low temperatures and grindability and is excellent in glossiness after fixing. Also disclosed is a resin for toners.A polyester resin for toners which is obtained by polycondensing a polyol component and a polycarboxylic acid component is characterized by containing 20-100 weight % of one or more polyester resins (A1) having a storage elastic modulus from 2.5×103 Pa to 5×106 Pa at 150° C. wherein the molar average cohesive energy of the polyol component is between 7.0×104 and 1.4×105 J.
US07951511B2	Fuel cell with proton conducting membrane and with improved water and fuel management The present invention provides a cathode and a fuel cell, which are built to prevent escape of liquids, e.g. water and fuel solution, from the cell. Thus, according to a first aspect thereof, the present invention provides a cathode suitable for use in a fuel cell having a proton conducting membrane, the cathode comprising a plurality of layers including a catalyst layer and a hydrophobic porous support layer, wherein at least one of said plurality of layers is a liquid water leak-proof layer, which allows gas to pass through it and prevents passage of liquid water and/or aqueous fuel solution.
US07951508B2	Fuel cell A fuel cell is formed by stacking a membrane electrode assembly and separators alternately. Each of the separators includes first and second metal plates. A coolant flow field is formed between the first and second metal plates. The coolant flow field is connected to inlet buffers and outlet buffers. Protrusions for limiting the flow of a coolant are provided at the inlet buffers and the outlet buffers on upper and lower opposite end positions of the coolant flow field.
US07951506B2	Bipolar plate and direct liquid feed fuel cell stack A bipolar plate for fuel cells includes a plurality of flow paths in which fuel flows. The flow paths include a first flow path formed by a plurality of flow channels and a second flow path formed by a plurality of islands. A direct liquid fuel cell stack comprises the bipolar plate.
US07951504B2	Fuel cartridge Provided is a fuel cartridge in which a follower is prevented from being deformed and from separating even when heavy vibration is exerted onto the fuel cartridge. The fuel cartridge is detachably connected with a fuel cell main body and assumes a construction in which the fuel cartridge is equipped with a fuel-storing vessel for storing a liquid fuel, a fuel discharge part, and a follower which seals the liquid fuel and moves as the liquid fuel is consumed at a rear end part of the liquid fuel. The follower is provided with a follower auxiliary member and a cap member both of which have no fluidity and are insoluble in the liquid fuel.
US07951501B2	Fuel cell system and method for controlling current A fuel cell is provided, which includes a first plenum around an anode for receiving fuel, and a second plenum around a cathode for receiving oxygen. A fluid controller controls the supply of fuel to the first plenum or oxygen to the second plenum. A sensor detects the load on the fuel cell, and a controller controls the fluid controller in response to the load detected by the sensor.A method for controlling the output of a fuel cell is also provided, which includes the step of providing a fuel cell having a reaction area with an effective area where reactions may occur. The demand on the fuel cell is detected and the effective area of the reaction area is varied in response to the demand. Alternatively, the fuel cell may have an internal resistance, and the method may include varying the internal resistance in response to the demand.
US07951499B2	Fuel cell system which cools condenser and mixes air without requiring separate power units A fuel cell system comprises: a fuel container for storing fuel liquefied with pressure; a reformer for generating hydrogen from the fuel through a catalyst reaction based on heat energy; an electric generator for generating electricity by transforming energy of an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen into electric energy; a condenser for condensing water produced in the electric generator; and a heat exchanger passing through the condenser for cooling the condenser by latent heat of the fuel. With this configuration, cooling water cooled by latent heat of a fuel container is employed to cool the condenser without using a separate cooler. Furthermore, air is mixed with butane fuel without using a separate power unit, so that it is possible to achieve a more compact and highly efficient fuel cell.
US07951497B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system of the present invention comprises a fuel cell (13), a load value detecting means (16) configured to detect a load value of a load of electric power or heat which is generated by equipment (14) supplied with the electric power or the heat from the fuel cell system, a load value storage means (17) configured to store a history of the load value which is detected by the load value detecting means (16), a load value predicting means (18) configured to predict a load value which is going to be generated, based on the history of the load value, and to store the predicted load value as load value data, and scheduled start-up time of a fuel cell (13) is decided based on the load value data.
US07951496B2	Model based real-time optimization of fuel cell clusters A power generation system is provided. The power generation system includes a fuel cell controller, at least one fuel cell cluster operably connected to the fuel cell controller and a data server operably connected to the fuel cell cluster. The data server is configured to obtain operational data from the fuel cell cluster. In addition, a model server operably connected to the data server. The model server is configured to model the operational characteristics of the fuel cell cluster during the actual operation of the fuel cell cluster and modify the operation of the fuel cell cluster in real-time, based on the operational data obtained by the data server.
US07951490B2	Positive electrode active matter and secondary battery using this A secondary battery both having a cathode and an anode with a separator in between. The cathode comprises a stable complex oxide LixNi1-y-zMnyMIzO2 and a highly conductive complex oxide LisMIIl-t-uMntMIIIuO2. Each of MI and MIII includes at least one kind selected from the group consisting of elements in Group 2 through Group 14, and MII includes at least one kind selected from the group consisting of Ni and Co, and the values of x, y, z, s, t and u are within a range of 0.9≦x≦1.1, 0.25≦y≦0.45, 0.01≦z≦0.30, 0.9≦s≦1.1, 0.05≦t≦0.20, and 0.01≦u≦0.10, respectively.
US07951488B2	Cathode and battery including same A cathode and a battery including the cathode are provided. The cathode includes a cathode mixture layer with a cathode active material and a binder. The binder can include, for example, a synthetic rubber latex and a thickener, polyvinylidene fluoride denaturalized by maleic acid and/or the like.
US07951487B2	Electrode group for nonaqueous battery and method for producing the same, and cylindrical nonaqueous secondary battery and method for producing the same A positive electrode 2 includes a positive electrode current collector lead 70 connected to a core exposed part 78 formed at a longitudinal center of a current collector core 72. A negative electrode 3 includes a double-coated part 14 including an active material layer 13 and a porous protective film 28 formed on each surface of a current collector core 12, a core exposed part 18, and a single-coated part 17 which is located between the double-coated part 14 and the core exposed part 18, and includes the active material layer 13 and the porous protective film 28 formed only on one of the surfaces of the current collector core 12. A plurality of grooves 10 are formed in each surface of the double-coated part 14, while the grooves 10 are not formed in the single-coated part 17. A negative electrode current collector lead 20 is connected to the core exposed part 18. The negative electrode 3 is wound in such a manner that the core exposed part 18 constitutes a last wound end.
US07951485B2	Lithium rechargeable battery having an insulating case A lithium rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly arranged in a can and an insulating case positioned at an upper portion of the electrode assembly. The insulating case includes at least one protrusion protruding toward an inner wall of the can.
US07951481B2	Separator and cell using the same for use in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell A separator for use in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, including a membrane/electrode assembly including a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode disposed on either side of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane; a first separator superposed against a surface of the oxidant electrode forming an oxidant gas flow passage; and a second separator superposed against a surface of the fuel electrode forming a fuel gas flow passage. The first separator and the second separator are composed of rectangular thin metal plates, with outer peripheral edges of the first separator and the second separator each bending inclined towards a secondary face thereof on an opposite side of a primary face thereof that is superposed against the membrane/electrode assembly, thereby integrally forming a reinforcing rib.
US07951478B2	Battery pack A battery pack includes battery modules; battery module stacked members including the stacked battery modules; a battery module group including the battery module stacked members arranged in a plane; and a lower plate arranged to hold the battery module group. The lower plate includes a main body made from a resin, the main body supporting the battery module stacked members arranged in parallel, and including mounting surfaces each of which one of the battery module stacked members is mounted on; and metal frames each inserted and molded in one of the mounting surfaces, the metal frames being arranged in an arrangement direction of the battery module stacked members, and electrically insulated with each other.
US07951476B2	Rechargeable battery using an electrode assembly having at least one insulating plate An electrode assembly for a rechargeable battery resists external impacts applied to the rechargeable battery, and includes a sealing tape attached to an outer circumference of the rechargeable battery, which extends toward an upper part and a lower part to prevent the electrode assembly from unfastening, and a top insulating plate and a bottom insulating plate may be attached to the extended portion of the sealing tape. A shock resistant electrode assembly for a rechargeable battery has an insulating plate attached thereto by an extended portion of a sealing tape, thereby preventing the electrode assembly from moving in a battery housing when an external impact is applied.
US07951475B2	Vent valve for acid batteries The present invention concerns a vent valve for acid batteries comprising a substantially cylindrical plug portion (28) which is designed for being brought into engagement with a cell opening of the acid battery (1) and which has at least one passage opening communicating the cell interior of the acid battery with the ambient atmosphere, wherein provided in the passage opening is a valve arrangement (29) having an inlet communicating with the cell interior and an outlet connected to the ambient atmosphere. In order to provide a vent valve for an acid battery, in particular an acid battery with fixed electrolyte, which is simple and inexpensive to produce and which affords improved protection against the escape of battery acid, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that at least one turbulence chamber (30) follows the passage opening of the plug portion (28) in the direction of the cell interior and a gas-permeable filter unit (31, 31′) follows the turbulence chamber (30).
US07951474B2	Gas release valve A gas release valve to be mounted in an access port of a battery cell includes a housing, the upper side of which is closed by a lid. The lower side of the lid has an opening leading into the battery cell and is in communication, via degassing passageways closed by an elastic sealing element, with at least one vent provided in the lid. The elastic sealing element is a preloaded non-return element, the inner surface of which is urged into sealing contact with a seat provided in the housing by it s own elasticity and, in addition, by a pressure differential with the outer pressure that acts through the vent against the outer surface of the sealing element.
US07951470B2	Light emitting element, light emitting device, and lighting system According to the present invention, a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device, and a lighting system, each of which has a broad spectrum like sunlight and has high color rendering properties, can be obtained. One embodiment of the present invention has a light-emitting device which includes at least two kinds of luminescence center materials, and at least one kind of the luminescence center materials is a quinoxaline derivative represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 to R4 are individually hydrogen or an alkyl group having 4 carbon atoms (a straight-chain structure or a branch structure).
US07951465B2	Joined body of dissimilar materials comprising steel material and aluminum material, and joining method therefor To provide a steel-aluminum welded material and a spot welding method therefor having high weld strength.The steel-aluminum welded material 3 includes a steel material 1 and an aluminum material 2 having predetermined widths. The area of a nugget 5 of a spot-welded part is determined as a function of the thickness of the aluminum material 2, and the area of a part of the nugget 5 corresponding to a part having a thickness in a range between 0.5 and 10 μm of an interface reaction layer 6 is defined as a function of the thickness of the aluminum material 2.
US07951464B2	Composite material with fiber alignment A composite material may be provided with unique alignment characteristics. The composite material may include a matrix material and a plurality of fibers disposed in the matrix material, wherein the plurality of fibers is magnetically aligned in a uniform spacing within the matrix material.
US07951456B2	Two-component epoxy adhesive composition A two-component epoxy adhesive composition comprises a) a first component comprising a first epoxy resin and a second epoxy resin being flexibilized by an elastomer, and b) a second component comprising at least one amine compound with one or more primary and/or secondary amino groups having a molecular weight of less than 450 g/mole. The ratio of the total number of amino groups of the amine compound to the total number of epoxy groups of the epoxy resins is from 0.01:1 to 0.5:1. The mixing of components a) and b) results in a wash-off resistant composition upon heat-curing in a crash-stable structural adhesive.
US07951450B2	Red color filter element A red color filter having a red filter layer comprising a pigment having a maximum absorption at a wavelength within the range of from 450 to 575 nm, wherein the red filter layer has chromaticity coordinates (x, y) in the 1931 CIE XYZ calorimetric system, calculated using CIE Standard illuminant D65, that satisfy the expressions 0.665≦x≦0.68 and 0.30≦y≦0.34.
US07951446B2	Constraining green sheet and manufacturing method of multi-layer ceramic substrate There is provided a hard-to-sinter constraining green sheet and a method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic substrate using the same. The hard-to-sinter constraining green sheet disposed at least one of top and bottom surfaces of a non-sintered multi-layer ceramic substrate, the hard-to-sinter constraining green sheet including: a first constraining layer having a surface to be positioned on the multi-layer ceramic substrate, the first constraining layer including a first organic binder and a first inorganic powder having a spherical shape or a quasi-spherical shape; and a second constraining layer bonded to a top surface of the first constraining layer and including a second organic binder and a second inorganic powder having a flake shape, the second constraining layer having a powder packing density lower than that of the first constraining layer.
US07951444B2	Multi-stage enamelled dial The dial with an enamel coating (2) includes a base plate (1) made of ceramic material with portions in relief (4, 8) obtained by partial or through shaping or machining, formed by an insert (10) also having an enamel coating (12) and whose thickness defines a recess (4) or an embossment (8).
US07951441B2	Compound flooring and manufacturing method thereof The present invention relates to a compound flooring material. The compound flooring such as thermoplastic/wood compound flooring is produced by adhering two layers through adhesive cementing. According to an embodiment, a first sheet is a high quality wood veneer and the second sheet is a low foaming, environment friendly, UPVC board. The sheets are bonded by incorporating a high quality polyvinyl acetate polymer adhesive that contains no formaldehyde, thus providing a strong, safe, odorless product. The UPVC/wood compound flooring has a very low shrinking and swelling rate and is convenient and accurate to install.
US07951439B2	Chlorinated rubber composition and hose A chlorinated rubber composition including a chlorinated rubber, a metal deactivator, an acid acceptor, and an antioxidant respectively at a particular amount is provided. The chlorinated rubber composition is capable of providing a chlorinated rubber composition which can be used in producing a hose exhibiting excellent resistance to degradation by zinc together with the sufficient physical properties such as resistance to thermal aging, oil resistance, and adhesion, as well as a hose produced by using such chlorinated rubber composition for the rubber layer.
US07951437B2	Multilayer film dry lamination of airbag fabrics An inflatable automotive protective cushion and method of formation. The protective cushion includes a multilayer film coating with an adhesive layer and an overlying barrier layer. The adhesive layer is adapted to bond to a textile substrate and the barrier layer is adapted to block air permeability.
US07951435B2	Inkjet recording material Disclosed is an inkjet recording material comprising at least a base layer and an ink receiving layer. The ink receiving layer is composed of a mixture of a hydrophilic component containing a hydrophilic resin and a hydrophobic resin having hot-melt property. And the mass ratio between said hydrophilic component and said hydrophobic resin having hot-melt adhesive property in the mixture is from 60:40 to 20:80 (the hydrophilic component:hydrophobic resin). The inkjet recording material is excellent in moisture resistance, while exhibiting high ink absorption capacity.
US07951434B2	Polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device A polarizing plate is provided and is excellent in characteristics of optical compensation, small in a change of polarization performance over time and excellent in moisture and heat resistance. The polarizing plate contains a polarizing film and two transparent protective films provided one on each side of the polarizing film, in which at least one of the two protective films is an optical compensatory sheet containing a cellulose acylate film. The polarizing plate has specified single-plate transmittance and polarization degree P and has specified ranges of variations of the transmittance and the polarization degree P after a passage of a specified period of time under a high-temperature high-humidity atmosphere and a high-temperature low-humidity atmosphere. The liquid crystal display device of VA mode using the polarizing plate is provided.
US07951430B2	Cellulose acylate film, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device A cellulose acylate film comprising a retardation developing agent consisting of a rod-shaped compound, wherein Re is 50 to 100 nm, Rth is 130 to 250 nm, and the thickness is 40 to 90 μm. A liquid crystal display device comprising the film shows reduced the corner irregularity.
US07951429B2	High energy curable coatings comprising thermoplastic polymers A radiation curable coating composition comprising: (i) a thermoplastic polymer; (ii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated adhesion-promoting monomer or oligomer; (iii) at least one other ethylenically unsaturated radiation polymerizable reactant; and (iv) at least one initiator for initiating cure.
US07951424B2	Selective placement of carbon nanotubes on oxide surfaces The present invention provides a method for the selective placement of carbon nanotubes on a particular surface. In particular, the present invention provides a method in which self-assembled monolayers formed on an unpatterned or patterned metal oxide surface are used to attract or repel carbon nanotubes from a dispersion containing the same. In accordance with the present invention, the carbon nanotubes can be attracted to the self-assembled monolayers so as to be attached to the metal oxide surface, or they can be repelled by the self-assembled monolayers bonding to a predetermined surface other than the metal oxide surface containing the self-assembled monolayers.
US07951423B2	Surface-structured substrate and production thereof The invention relates to a method for production of a surface-structured substrate, comprising the steps: (i) production of a first substrate, nanostructured with inorganic nanoclusters on at least one surface, (ii) application of a substrate material for a second substrate, different from the first material to the nanostructured surface of the first substrate as obtained in step (i) and (iii) separation of the first substrate from the second substrate of step (ii), including the inorganic nanoclusters to give a second substrate nanostructured with the nanoclusters. The invention further relates to a surface-structured substrate obtained by said method and the use of the surface-structured substrate for application to a stent or implant material for the adhesion of cells, viruses and/or bacteria and the serum-free culture of cells, for example, for skin replacement and, furthermore, all applications of said substrate in which biological systems can be imitated, modified, examined or quantified by the structured application of biologically-active molecules and the application thereof in optical or electronic components and chemical and biological sensor systems.
US07951416B2	Polyamide fluidized-bed-coating powder for thin-layer fluidized-bed coating One embodiment of the present invention provides a polyamide powder, which includes polyamide particles having a median grain size d 50 of from 20 to 90 μm, a content of fines <5 μm of below 1% by weight, and at least 75% by weight of spherical particles in which all three spatial axes x, y and z of the individual particles have the same dimensions to within ±10%. Other embodiments of the invention provide a process for making and using the powder, and articles coated articles obtained thereby.
US07951413B2	Catheter balloon having a lubricious coating A balloon for a catheter and a method of making the balloon, having a layer of a porous polymeric material with a modified outer surface and a lubricious coating bonded to the modified outer surface. In one embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a polymer impregnated in the porous polymeric material, and the subsequently applied lubricious coating bonds to the impregnating polymer. In another embodiment, the modified outer surface is formed by a functionality deposited on the porous polymeric material which bonds to the subsequently applied lubricious coating. The modified outer surface provides an improved strong bond between the lubricious coating and the balloon, for improved catheter performance.
US07951412B2	Laser based metal deposition (LBMD) of antimicrobials to implant surfaces A method is provided for depositing a hard wear resistant surface onto a porous or non-porous base material of a medical implant. The wear resistant surface of the medical implant device may be formed by a Laser Based Metal Deposition (LBMD) method such as Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS). The wear resistant surface may include a blend of multiple different biocompatible materials. Further, functionally graded layers of biocompatible materials may be used to form the wear resistant surface. Usage of a porous material for the base may promote bone ingrowth to allow the implant to fuse strongly with the bone of a host patient. The hard wear resistant surface provides device longevity, particularly when applied to bearing surfaces such as artificial joint bearing surfaces or a dental implant bearing surfaces. An antimicrobial material such as silver may be deposited in combination with a metal to form an antimicrobial surface deposit.
US07951407B2	Ruminant feed containing N-carbamoyl glutamate A method of stimulating or enhancing an ornithine-urea cycle in ruminant gut tissues, which entails either feeding to a ruminant an effective amount of a ruminant feed or feed supplement containing an effective amount of a compound which stimulates activity of one or more enzymes required in the ornithine-urea cycle.
US07951406B2	Therapeutic compounds isolated from Calomeria amaranthoides The present invention relates to extracts and compounds which are isolated from Calomeria amaranthoides, and to derivatives and analogues of such compounds, which demonstrate cytotoxic activity against a variety of cell types exhibiting hyperproliferative cell division.
US07951405B2	Combined treatment with cisplatin and an epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor The present invention provides a method for treating tumors or tumor metastases in a patient, comprising administering to the patient simultaneously or sequentially a therapeutically effective amount of an EGFR kinase inhibitor and cisplatin combination, with or without additional agents or treatments, such as other anti-cancer drugs or radiation therapy. The invention also encompasses a pharmaceutical composition that is comprised of an EGFR kinase inhibitor and cisplatin combination in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A preferred example of an EGFR kinase inhibitor that can be used in practicing this invention is the compound erlotinib HCl (also known as Tarceva™).
US07951403B2	Method of making pharmaceutical multiparticulates A process for forming drug multiparticulates having improved drug crystallinity is disclosed, comprising modifying a conventional melt-congeal process by adding a volatile cospecies either to the molten mixture or to the process atmosphere, or to both.
US07951400B2	Coated tablet formulation and method A coated tablet formulation is provided which includes a medicament such as the DPP4-inhibitor, saxaglipitin or its HCl salt, which is subject to intra-molecular cyclization, which formulation includes a tablet core containing one or more fillers, and other conventional excipients, which tablet core includes a coating thereon which may include two or more layers, at least one layer of which is an inner seal coat layer which is formed of one or more coating polymers, a second layer of which is formed of medicament which is the DPP4-inhibitor and one or more coating polymers, and an optional, but preferable third outer protective layer which is formed of one or more coating polymers. A method for forming the coated tablet is also provided.
US07951397B2	Oral dosage form containing a PDE 4 inhibitor as an active ingredient and polyvinylpyrrolidon as excipient Dosage forms for oral administration of a PDE 4 inhibitor whose solubility is slight are described. They contain PVP as binder.
US07951396B2	Preparation of nanoliposome-encapsulating proteins and protein-encapsulated nanoliposome Preparing a nanoliposome for encapsulating a protein includes preparing a dispersion by dispersing a phospholipid in an aqueous solution containing the protein, applying a shearing force to the dispersion; adding an additional amount of the phospholipid to the result of the step of applying the shearing force to the dispersion and then applying a shearing force higher than that of the step of applying the shearing force to the dispersion, and repeating the step of adding the additional amount of the phospholipid and applying the higher shearing force with an additional amount of the phospholipid and a shearing force higher than the prior step to obtain a nanoliposome having a desired diameter and encapsulation efficiency.
US07951395B2	Dermal application system for aminolaevulinic acid The invention relates to a dermal for aminolaevulinic acid, wherein a self-adhesive matrix system is used containing crystalline aminolaevulinic acids.
US07951389B2	Mycoattractants and mycopesticides The present invention utilizes extracts of the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination.
US07951382B2	Methods for treatment of type 2 diabetes The present invention relates generally to the identification of biological markers associated with an increased risk of developing Diabetes, as well as methods of using such biological markers in diagnosis and prognosis of Diabetes. The biological markers of the invention may indicate new targets for therapy or constitute new therapeutics for the treatment or prevention of Diabetes.
US07951381B2	Method of stimulating epithelial cell proliferation by administration of gastrointestinal proliferative factor The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising gastrointestinal proliferative factor (GIPF) polynucleotides and polypeptides. The invention further relates to the therapeutic use of GIPF to prevent or treat conditions or disorders associated with the degeneration of the epithelial mucosa.
US07951380B2	Methods of stimulating bone growth using ZVEGF4 polypeptides Polypeptide growth factors, methods of making them, polynucleotides encoding them, antibodies to them, and methods of using them are disclosed. The polypeptides comprise an amino acid segment that is at least 70% identical to residues 52-179 of SEQ ID NO:2 or residues 258-370 of SEQ ID NO:2. Multimers of the polypeptides are also disclosed. The polypeptides, multimeric proteins, and polynucleotides can be used in the study and regulation of cell and tissue development, as components of cell culture media, and as diagnostic agents.
US07951372B1	Method of treating psoriasis by administering IL-22 antibodies, or binding fragments thereof Inhibitors of IL-22 are disclosed as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using same. The inhibitors include IL-22 antibodies and are useful for treating inflammatory disorders.
US07951365B2	Method for expansion of tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes for immunotherapy of patients with specific cancer types Methods for treating a patient suffering from a neoplastic disease are disclosed and described. A number of diseases can be treated under the present methods, including without limitation gall bladder cancer, hepato cellular cancer, ovarian cancer, small intestine cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, breast cancer, kidney cancer, pancreas cancer, prostate cancer, carcinoid cancer, leiomyosarcoma, or metastasis thereof. A general method for providing such treatment may include: 1) identifying in a patient one or more sentinel and/or metinel lymph nodes draining the neoplasm; 2) resecting the one or more nodes and, optionally all or part of the tumour or metastasis; 3) isolating tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes from said lymph nodes; 4) in vitro expanding said tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes; and 5) administering the thus obtained tumour-reactive T-lymphocytes to the patient.
US07951361B2	Bacterial vaccine A bacterial cell which expresses three or more coli surface (CS) antigens and methods of making such a cell. The cell is useful in making vaccines against diarrhea.
US07951359B2	Compositions and methods for therapy or prevention of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy The present invention relates to the use of IL-6 in compositions and methods for therapy or prevention of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN). More specifically, the invention relates to the use of a low dose of IL-6 for the treatment and/or prevention CIPN.
US07951358B2	Antiperspirant aerosol composition comprising inert silicones According to a first aspect, antiperspirant concentrate compositions are disclosed comprising particulates of antiperspirant active agent and a silicone component, wherein: (a) the particulates of antiperspirant active agent are the only particulates in the antiperspirant concentrate composition; (b) the silicone component comprises one or more silicones, the or each silicone in the silicone component is inert in relation to the antiperspirant active agent. According to a second aspect, an antiperspirant aerosol composition is provided comprising the antiperspirant concentrate composition according to the first aspect and a propellant. According to a third aspect of the invention, packaged antiperspirant aerosol compositions according to the first aspect are disclosed.
US07951356B1	Tissue factor compositions and kits for coagulation and tumor treatment The invention embodies the surprising discovery that Tissue Factor (TF) compositions and variants thereof specifically localize to the blood vessels within a vascularized tumor following systemic administration. The invention therefore provides methods and compositions comprising coagulant-deficient Tissue Factor for use in effecting specific coagulation and for use in tumor treatment. The TF compositions and methods of present invention may be used alone, as TF conjugates with improved half-life, or in combination with other agents, such as conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted immunotoxins, targeted coaguligands, and/or in combination with Factor VIIa (FVIIa) or FVIIa activators.
US07951352B2	Method for the production of alpha-calcium sulfate hemihydrate from calcium sulfate dihydrate Disclosed is a method for producing alpha-calcium sulfate hemihydrate from calcium dihydrate. Said method has the following features: a) calcium dihydrate is fed to an agitated autoclave (1); b) the agitated autoclave (1) is indirectly heated; c) water is added and incorporated in a controlled manner; d) the feedstock is prevented from adhering to surfaces of the reaction chamber by means of moved chains (3) that are mounted on the paddles and/or the drive shaft (16) of the agitated autoclave (1); e) the pressure in the reaction chamber is regulated at intervals or in a continuous manner by discharging vapor when a certain pressure has been reached in the interior, the vapor being conducted via a centrifugal separator (17) and a control valve (18); f) cold air is delivered for residual drying purposes; g) the process material is removed. Also disclosed is a corresponding apparatus for carrying out said method.
US07951350B1	Fuel-gas reforming systems and methods A process and system for producing an effluent gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen is presented. The process includes introducing a fuel gas including a hydrocarbon and a reformer gas into a reactor system. The reformer gas may include steam, CO2, or a mixture thereof. Under steam reforming temperatures and pressures, the gases are reacted in the presence of reactant solids. The reaction process produces a carbon monoxide and hydrogen containing effluent, which may be withdrawn from the reactor system.
US07951349B2	Method and system for storing and generating hydrogen A method and system for storing and generating hydrogen. The method comprises generating hydrogen and heat from the reaction of a metal or metal compound with water. The heat generated from this reaction may then be converted to other forms of energy such as by passing the heat through a thermal electric device to recover electrical energy for storage in a battery. In an alternative and preferred embodiment, the heat is used to drive additional reactions for generating more hydrogen and is preferably used to drive an endothermic dehydrogenation reaction resulting in increased hydrogen generation and consumption of the heat.
US07951343B1	Toothbrush holder and sanitizer A toothbrush holder includes an outer body with a bottom section coupled thereto. A seal is intercalated therebetween and extends along the circumference of the outer body. An inner body is seated within the outer body and includes a plurality of chambers equidistantly aligned with a center thereof. The inner body has a diameter less than a diameter of the outer body and has a vertically oriented central shaft formed with the chambers. A top plate is attached to the chambers and is provided with a plurality of apertures counter-sunk therein and vertically aligned above the chambers. A dome-shaped lid is connected to an outer perimeter of the outer body, and disposed adjacent to the top plate. The apparatus includes a mechanism for automatically locking the lid to the outer body after the lid is adapted to a closed position.
US07951342B2	Sterilizing apparatus A sterilizer (20) is provided having a steam filled sterilizer chamber (24) for sterilizer articles placed within the chamber (24). An electronic air valve (186) is provided to control the venting rate of the steam is vented back to a water reservoir (140) after the articles have been sterilized. The electronic air valve (186) also vents the chamber (24) in a controlled manner during the heat up portion of the sterilization cycle to obtain an optimum saturated steam environment with the chamber (24) for the sterilizing process. The sterilizer (20) has pre-programmed and programmable sterilization cycles. And the drying times of each of these cycles is programmable by a user. The programmable sterilization cycles also provide a programmable vent rate which may be selected by the user to minimize damage to the sterilized articles. A steam condensing coil (200) is associated with the water reservoir (140) to minimize pressure build up within the water reservoir (140). The sterilizer (20) uses sensed pressure within the sterilizer chamber (24) to control heating of the chamber (24) to a predetermined sterilization temperature set point during a sterilization cycle. A motor (114) controls a door lock mechanism to open the door (32) of the sterilizer (20) following the sterilizing portion of the sterilization cycle.
US07951341B2	Reactor design for smaller batch transfers of catalyst A moving bed of catalyst loses activity as it moves through the reactor. Creating multiple passes for the process fluid moving across a catalyst bed, increases the utilization of the catalyst and creates a pseudo-counter current flow of catalyst and process fluid. The flow improves the temperature profile of the bed and allows higher temperature fluid contacting the less active catalyst.
US07951340B2	Mitigation of refinery process unit fouling using high-solvency-dispersive-power (HSDP) resid fractions Atmospheric and/or vacuum resid fractions of a high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil are added to a blend of crude oil to prevent fouling of crude oil refinery equipment and to perform on-line cleaning of fouled refinery equipment. The HSDP resid fractions dissolve asphaltene precipitates and maintain suspension of inorganic particulates before coking affects heat exchange surfaces.
US07951332B2	Centrifugal force based microfluidic device for dilution and microfluidic system including the same Provided are a centrifugal force based microfluidic device which can automatically perform a dilution operation and a microfluidic system including the same. The centrifugal force based microfluidic device for dilution includes a rotatable disk type platform, a mixing chamber disposed on the platform; a buffer solution storage disposed on a portion of the platform which is closer to a center of the platform than the mixing chamber, connected to the mixing chamber through a channel to supply a predetermined amount of buffer solution to the mixing chamber at least one time, and a plurality of diluted solution chambers which are disposed on a portion of the platform which is farther from the center of the platform than the mixing chamber, are each connected to the mixing chamber through flow paths extended from a middle exit corresponding to a predetermined water level, and sequentially receiving a solution which is serially diluted in the mixing chamber at least one time.
US07951329B2	Rotary luminometer A rotary luminometer subsystem presents test vessels to a detection mechanism to be read as part of the automated immunoassay analyzer system. The rotary luminometer provides a read station separate from that of the transportation element of the luminometer. Within the read station, a housing and shield eliminates light leakage from the sample under test. In addition, the read station regulates the intensity of the light by providing an attenuation capability.
US07951328B2	Device and method for automatically analyzing blood samples A device for automatically analyzing blood samples includes an extraction station (I), where blood can be extracted from a storage vessel (40) by an extraction device (15); a measuring station (II), where the extracted blood can be passed via a head part (46) through an aperture (26) of an aperture holder (30) arranged in a measuring part (9), the measuring part (9) being connected to the head part (46); a receiving station (III), for receiving measuring parts (9) configured as disposable parts; and a device (3) for moving the extraction device (15) and the head part (46) between the extraction station (I), the measuring station (II) and the receiving station (III).
US07951325B2	Methods of implementing a water-cooling system into a burner panel and related apparatuses The present invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for use in metal melting, refining and/or other processing, such as, for example, steel making in an electric arc furnace (EAF), and more particularly, to improved burner panels and related methods for the introduction of various energy sources, such as, for example, chemical energy and particulates.
US07951324B2	Method for manufacturing honeycomb structure The method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure includes preparing a material composition containing at least a silicon carbide powder, a binder and an additive; molding the material composition to form a pillar-shaped honeycomb molded body in which a number of cells are placed in parallel with one another in a longitudinal direction with a cell wall therebetween; carrying out a degreasing treatment on the honeycomb molded body; and carrying out a firing treatment on the honeycomb degreased body to manufacture a honeycomb fired body. The additive contains at least one kind selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica, titania, zirconia, magnesia, and a chemical composite containing any of alumina, silica, titania, zirconia and magnesia.
US07951323B2	Thermosetting material; process and apparatus for forming thermosetting material The invention relate to a process for forming a cured, partially cured or uncured thermosetting material, comprising: an irradiation step wherein the thermosetting material is exposed to electromagnetic radiation which to a significant extent is within the neat-infrared range in such a way that the temperature of the irradiated thermosetting material is brought to between 40° C. and 400° C., and a forming step wherein the irradiated thermosetting material is brought into a desired shape, whereby the forming step is executed during and/or subsequent to the irradiation step. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the said process and to a thermosetting material.
US07951321B2	Method for actuation of injection molding shooting pots Apparatus and method whereby coinjection molding shooting pot actuation structure is configured to be installed in a coinjection hot runner with a coinjection nozzle, the coinjection nozzle having at least two melt channels ending at the same gate. The shooting pot is preferably disposed in one of a mold cavity half and a mold core half. A shooting pot piston is configured to discharge a melt from the shooting pot. A transmission structure is configured to (i) extend through one of the mold cavity half and the mold core half, and (ii) to transmit a force to the shooting pot piston. Actuation structure is disposed on the opposite side of the mold cavity half from the coinjection hot runner, and is configured to provide the force to the transmission structure. This configuration conserves space in the mold.
US07951319B2	Methods for changing the shape of a surface of a shape memory polymer article Methods for changing the shape of a surface of an article are disclosed. The methods may include providing a liquid polymer precursor, casting the precursor against a first tool assembly, curing the precursor to form a shape memory polymer substrate, deforming one or more surfaces of the substrate, and mobilizing the shape memory polymer to shift the deformed surface of the substrate from a deformed shape to a pre-set shape.
US07951317B2	Method of producing a composite part from high-density glass granules A method of producing a composite part formed of a thermoplastic matrix reinforced with long glass fibers is provided. The method includes supplying a thermoplastic resin and high density glass granules to an injection or injection-compression device containing a single screw. The high density glass granules include long chopped strands formed of glass filaments sized with a sizing composition. The chopped glass strands may have a length from 6 to 30 mm. In addition, the glass granules may have a glass density between 90 and 99.5% and may have a length to diameter ratio (L/D) ratio of less than L, which is expressed in mm. A composite part obtained using the disclosed method is also provided.
US07951313B2	Spinning apparatus, and apparatus and process for manufacturing nonwoven fabric A spinning apparatus comprising one or more exits for extruding liquid, and an exit for ejecting gas, located upstream of the exits for extruding liquid, wherein the apparatus comprises a columnar hollow for liquid, in which the exit for extruding liquid forms one end of the columnar hollow; the apparatus comprises a columnar hollow for gas having the exit for ejecting gas; a virtual column for liquid, extended from the columnar hollow for liquid, is adjacent to a virtual column for gas, extended from the columnar hollow for gas; the central axis of the columnar hollow for liquid is parallel to the central axis of the columnar hollow for gas; and there exists only one straight line having the shortest distance between an outer boundary of the cross-section of the columnar hollow for gas and an outer boundary of the cross-section of the columnar hollow for liquid, is disclosed.
US07951312B2	Borosilicate glass with UV-blocking properties for pharmaceutical packaging The borosilicate glass for pharmaceutical packaging has a transmission τ in the visible range of more than 80% at a wavelength of 400 nm, a transmission τ in the UV range of at most 0.1% at wavelengths under 260 nm (each at a sample thickness of 1 mm), a transformation temperature Tg of 550° C. to 590° C. and a processing temperature VA of 1100° C. to 1200° C. The glass has a composition, in wt. % on an oxide basis, of SiO2, 60-80; B2O3, 5-15; Al2O3, 2-10; TiO2, 0.5-7; Σ Li2O+K2O+Na2O, 3-10; Σ alkaline earth oxides, 0.5-10; ZrO2, 0-3; and Fe2O3, 0-0.2. The glass is suitable for packaging UV-sensitive substances but nevertheless permits optical quality control.
US07951308B2	Oxynitride phosphor and production process thereof, and light-emitting device using oxynitride phosphor An oxynitride phosphor consisting of a crystal containing at least one or more of Group II elements selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Zn, at least one or more of Group IV elements selected from the group consisting of C, Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr and Hf, and a rare earth element being an activator R, thereby providing a phosphor which is excited by an excitation light source at an ultraviolet to visible light region and which has a blue green to yellow luminescence color that is wavelength converted.
US07951305B2	Compound having hydrocoumarin skeleton, liquid crystal composition, and liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal compound is to be obtained that has stability to heat, light and so forth, a high clearing point, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, and excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds. A liquid crystal composition containing the compound is also to be obtained that has a low viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a suitable negative dielectric anisotropy, a low threshold voltage, a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase (phase transition temperature from a nematic phase to an isotropic phase), and a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase. A compound having a hydrocoumarin skeleton is synthesized, and a liquid crystal composition containing the compound is produced.
US07951304B2	Method for producing mechanically stable water-absorbent polymer particles A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a gas phase surrounding the droplets and postcrosslinking the polymer particles, wherein the postcrosslinked polymer particles are at least partly coated.
US07951298B2	Method and device for preventing corrosion in hot water systems undergoing intermittent operations Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system undergoing a wet layup sequence to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes separating the wet layup sequence into a plurality of phases. Each phase is either short-term or long-term and a subset of the short-term phases is optionally transitional. The method further includes defining one or more zones in the hot water system. At least one of the defined zones is selected for each phase and one or more of the selected zones include at least one ORP probe operable to measure the real-time ORP and communicate with a controller. The ORP probe(s) either intermittently or continuously measure the real-time ORP at operating temperature and pressure at one or more of the selected zones in one or more of the phases and transmit the measured real-time ORP to the controller. The real-time ORP is assessed to determine whether it conforms to an ORP setting for that phase. The invention further includes a multi-component control device for a hot water system undergoing a wet layup sequence.
US07951297B2	Material for chromatography Granulated products are provided and include carbonaceous particles and a carbonized agent or binder. The agent or binder is preferably a synthetic resin, pitch component, or mixture thereof. Packing materials for packing columns used in chromatographic separations are also provided as are methods of chromatographic separation using the materials. In addition, methods are provided to provide a variety of different types of carbonaceous products. A variety of chemical groups can be, prior to heat-treatment and/or thereafter, attached to the granules to form modified granules.
US07951293B2	Methods and apparatus for a pool treatment and water system A pool/spa water treatment system may include a pump and a pool filter. The pump may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump inlet and outlet may be aligned on a first axis or within a first vertical plane. The pool filter may be offset a select transverse distance from the pump. The pool filter may include a pool filter inlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet. The pool filter inlet and the pump outlet may be aligned on a second axis or within a second vertical plane that is transverse to the first axis or plane. The pool/spa water treatment system may further include a heater. The heater may include a heater inlet in fluid communication with the pool filter outlet. The heater inlet may be aligned with the pool filter outlet within the second plane.
US07951290B2	Hydrocarbon conversion process A process is provided to produce high cetane quality and low or preferably ultra low sulfur diesel and a fluid catalytic cracker (FCC) quality feedstock from a processing unit including at least a hydrotreating zone and a hydrocracking zone. In one aspect, the processing unit includes reactor severity requirements in both the hydrotreating zone and the hydrocracking zone effective to produce the FCC feed quality and the diesel sulfur quality to permit a high quality hydrocracked product to be formed at lower pressures and conversion rates without overtreating the FCC quality feedstock stream. In another aspect, a portion of the hydrotreated effluent is selected for conversion in the hydrocracking and the remaining portion of the hydrotreated effluent is directed to subsequent processing, such as fluid catalytic cracking.
US07951289B2	Continuous steam pyrolysis method A continuous steam pyrolysis method is provided. The method comprises feeding a material to be pyrolyzed into a tubular reactor and carrying out a pyrolysis reaction in the tubular reactor in the presence of a superheated steam flow. The material to be pyrolyzed passes through one or more proceeding zones and one or more blending zones during the pyrolysis reaction in the tubular reactor. The total length of the one or more blending zones ranges about 5% to about 35% of the total length of the proceeding zones and the blending zones.
US07951287B2	Production of low sulfur, moderately aromatic distillate fuels by hydrocracking of combined Fischer-Tropsch and petroleum streams The present invention relates to distillate fuels or distillate fuel blend stocks comprising a blend of a Fischer-Tropsch derived product and a petroleum derived product that is hydrocracked under conditions to preserve aromatics. The resulting distillate fuel product is a low sulfur, moderately aromatic distillate fuel. The resulting distillate fuel or distillate fuel blend stock exhibits excellent properties, including good seal swell, density, and thermal stability. The present invention also relates to processes for making these distillate fuels or distillate fuel blend stocks.
US07951283B2	High temperature electrolysis for syngas production Syngas components hydrogen and carbon monoxide may be formed by the decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by a solid-oxide electrolysis cell to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a portion of which may be reacted with carbon dioxide to form carbon monoxide. One or more of the components for the process, such as steam, energy, or electricity, may be provided using a nuclear power source.
US07951282B2	Hydrometallurgical processing of manganese containing materials A process for the hydrometallurgical processing of manganese containing materials, the process characterized by the combination of a manganese dioxide containing feedstock and an acidic solution to form an acidic solution to be leached, and passing a volume of sulphur dioxide gas through that leach solution as the leaching agent, whereby no sintering or roasting pre-treatment step of the feedstock is undertaken and the levels of dithionate ion generated in the leach solution are less than about 5 g/l. Also described is a process for the production of electrolytic manganese dioxide.
US07951276B2	Cluster generator Described herein is an apparatus and a method for producing atom clusters based on a gas discharge within a hollow cathode. The hollow cathode includes one or more walls. The one or more walls define a sputtering chamber within the hollow cathode and include a material to be sputtered. A hollow anode is positioned at an end of the sputtering chamber, and atom clusters are formed when a gas discharge is generated between the hollow anode and the hollow cathode.
US07951269B2	Advanced dewatering system System for drying a tissue or hygiene web. The system includes a permeable structured fabric carrying the web over a drying apparatus. A permeable dewatering fabric contacts the web and is guided over the drying apparatus. A mechanism is used to apply pressure to the permeable structured fabric, the web, and the permeable dewatering fabric at the drying apparatus. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US07951265B2	Aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers, their preparation and their use for the production of filler-containing papers Aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers which are at least partly coated with polymers and which are obtainable by treating aqueous slurries of finely divided fillers with at least one water-soluble amphoteric copolymer whose structures are identified in the specification are used as an additive to the paper stock in the production of filler-containing paper, filler-containing cardboard or filler-containing board by draining of the paper stock.
US07951263B2	Method and apparatus for treating pulp A method of dividing a suspension, especially a fiber suspension into an accept fraction and a fraction containing impurity particles in a centrifugal cleaning plant having at least two stages. The suspension is fed to a preceding stage, wherefrom a heavier fraction of the suspension is taken as accept fraction and a lighter fraction is taken as fraction containing impurity particles. The lighter fraction containing impurity particles is fed into a latter stage of the centrifugal cleaning plant. Before being fed to the latter stage, the feed consistency of the lighter fraction is increased.
US07951261B2	Plasma etching apparatus The present invention relates to a plasma etching apparatus. In the apparatus, potential difference is applied between a substrate support with a substrate seated thereon and a electrode surrounding an edge region of the substrate, and a distance between the substrate and the electrode is set to 3 mm or less so as to locally generate plasma in an area between the substrate and the electrode, thereby removing particles and a thin film in the edge region of the substrate.
US07951259B2	Balloon catheter having a flexible distal end A catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen, and a distal portion of the shaft being at least in part within an outer sheath having a wedge-shaped distal end. In one embodiment, the outer sheath around the distal end of the shaft is the distal skirt section of the balloon. In an alternative embodiment, the outer sheath is a sleeve member having at least a portion located distal to the distal end of the balloon.
US07951256B2	Method of making a vacuum vessel In a method of making a vacuum vessel having a pair of plates including a face plate and a rear plate bonded to each other using a bonding member, a bonding member is applied to a periphery of at least one of a pair of plates, the plates are placed in contact with each other through the bonding member disposed therebetween, parts of sides of the plates are fastened to each other using a positioning jig made of bimetal, the plates are separated from each other by placing the plates in an atmosphere and by thermally deforming the positioning jig, and the plates are fixed to each other around the entire peripheries thereof using the bonding member by performing cooling so as to reduce thermal deformation of the positioning jig and making the plates contact each other through the bonding member disposed therebetween.
US07951255B2	Water pressure transfer method and water pressure transfer article In order to impart, concurrently with the transfer of a decorative layer, a surface protection function able to mechanically and chemically protect the decorative layer to be hydraulic-transferred of an article, a solventless type ultraviolet-curing resin composition is applied onto the dried printed pattern of a transfer film, an article is pushed into water along with the transfer film, with the printed pattern activated by a non-solvent activating component in the ultraviolet (uv)-curing resin composition and its adhesion force reproduced, and a ultraviolet ray is applied to the article to which the printed pattern, now impregnated and completely integrated with the uv-curing resin composition, has been transferred to thereby cure the uv-curing resin composition.
US07951252B2	Method and apparatus for closing an open end of a product, and product formed thereby A method/apparatus closes and finishes an open end of a product that can be fused together with heat. The apparatus includes a bending stage, a fusing stage, and a pressing/cooling stage, which all can be integrally formed, with the bending stage positioned upstream of the fusing stage, and the pressing/cooling stage positioned downstream of the fusing stage. The apparatus can further include a trimming stage positioned upstream of the bending stage for preparing the ends of a panel. The product has a pair of spaced layers with edges that form an open end. Either one or both of the layers can be heated and rolled toward the other layer while being heated so that they contact and fuse together. The layers can overlap and fuse at their contact surfaces, or the edges can abut to form a butt joint, or the edges can overlap slightly.
US07951251B2	Adhesive film, flexible metal-clad laminate including the same with improved dimensional stability, and production method therefor It is an object of the present invention to provide an adhesive film which is used for producing, by a laminating method, a flexible metal-clad laminate in which the change in dimensions is suppressed, a flexible metal-clad laminate including the adhesive film, and a production method therefor. The present invention relates to an adhesive film including a polyimide film and an adhesive layer containing a thermoplastic polyimide, the adhesive layer being disposed on at least one surface of the polyimide film, a flexible metal-clad laminate produced by laminating a metal foil to the adhesive film with a thermal roll laminator, and a production method therefor, wherein the polyimide film is formed by a process including step (A) of mixing a polyamic acid solution, a dehydrating agent, and an imidization catalyst, and casting and applying the mixture onto a support to form a gel film; step (B) of stripping off the gel film and fixing both ends of the gel film; and step (C) of heating and transporting the film with both ends being fixed in a state loosened in the TD direction.
US07951242B2	Apparatus for forming structured material for energy storage device and method A method and an apparatus of the present invention is used for the high-rate deposition of materials, such as carbon, silicon, metals, metal oxides, and the like, onto a metal substrate defined by a metal tape. The particles of the material are mixed with fluid and are injected against the metal tape at a high pressure and high velocity. The particles of the material form a current collection surface of the metal tape. The metal tape is used as cathode or anode combined with a separator to form a fuel cell of a secondary battery, metal-ceramic membranes, film composite metal-ceramic materials for electronic devices.
US07951241B2	Carbon black aqueous dispersion and method of producing the same A carbon black aqueous dispersion exhibits excellent dispersibility in an aqueous medium and exhibits excellent rubbing resistance (quick-drying properties), discharge stability, and the like as an aqueous black ink for an inkjet printer or the like. The carbon black aqueous dispersion includes an aqueous medium and carbon black dispersed in the aqueous medium, acidic groups produced on the surface of the carbon black by liquid-phase oxidation being neutralized with a basic amino acid and a basic compound other than the basic amino acid, and hydrogen atoms of the acidic groups being replaced by the basic amino acid and the basic compound. The method of producing the carbon black aqueous dispersion includes subjecting carbon black to liquid-phase oxidation, removing reduced salts from the resulting slurry, neutralizing the carbon black with a basic amino acid and a basic compound other than the basic amino acid to replace hydrogen atoms of acidic groups by the basic amino acid and the basic compound, and purifying the resulting product.
US07951240B2	Process of producing roofing shingle coating asphalt allowing more material options In a process of producing a roofing shingle coating asphalt from a low flashpoint asphalt feedstock, an asphalt feedstock which has a low flashpoint of from 490° F. (254° C.) to 540° F. (282° C.) is partially blown, and wax is added to the asphalt feedstock. The process produces a coating asphalt having a low melt viscosity of from 50 cps to 150 cps at 400° F. (204° C.), a softening point of from 190° F. (88° C.) to 235° F. (113° C.) and a penetration of at least 15 dmm at 77° F. (25° C.). In another embodiment, the process produces a roofing shingle coating asphalt having good weatherability from a poor weathering asphalt feedstock. In a further embodiment, the process produces roofing shingles including a filled coating containing a poor tear filler without sacrificing the tear strength of the shingles.
US07951234B2	Water-soluble azo compound or salt thereof, ink composition and colored product The present invention relates to a water-soluble azo compound represented by the following formula (1) or a salt thereof: wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n represents an integer number of 1 or 2, x represents an integer number of 2 to 4 and y represents an integer number of 2 to 11, respectively and an ink composition containing this; and provides a yellow coloring matter which has a highly vivid hue suitable for inkjet recording, gives various high fastnesses to recorded matter and is excellent in storage stability when prepared as an ink composition, and an ink composition containing this.
US07951233B2	Reactive color inks An ink for use in inkjet printing has a colorant which has a precipitation rate in the presence of a predetermined fixer that is selected to have a value sufficiently low as to enable an increase in dot size of the colorant and produce a better color.
US07951231B2	Liquid release agent A liquid release agent for application in particular to a panel edge region provided, or to be provided, with a coating by means of an adhesive or by means of glue, the panel preferably being a furniture panel, and the agent comprising a white oil as its carrier fluid, is configured such that the release agent comprises an alcoholic solution.
US07951222B2	Method for the recovery by melting of at least one non-ferrous metal, and product for the implementation of the method The invention relates in particular to a method for the recovery of at least one non-ferrous metal (11) contained in scrap (9), by melting the scrap (9) in a furnace (1), the method comprising: a step of charging the furnace (1) with scrap (9), a step of melting the scrap (9) in order to separate the at least one non-ferrous metal (11) from other components (13) which the scrap (9) comprises. The method is noteworthy in that it comprises a step of adding a silica-comprising product (15) in an amount which is sufficient to form an airtight layer on the surface of the scrap (9).
US07951221B2	Process for the treatment of contaminated metal residues and apparatus for implementing it Disclosed is a process and apparatus for the treatment of divided metal residues contaminated by one or more organic compounds, including mixing, inside a chamber, of metal residues with at least one calcium/magnesium compound capable of reacting exothermically with water; exothermic reaction of the at least one calcium/magnesium compound with the water that the metal residues contain; rise in temperature of the metal residues subject to an exothermic reaction; dehydration of the metal residues during this exothermic reaction; oxidation of the organic compounds during the mixing, by bringing the metal residues contaminated by one or more organic compounds mixed with the at least one calcium/magnesium compound into contact with a gas stream containing at least partly oxygen; and removal from the chamber of a handleable dehydrated treated product having a residual content of organic compounds of less than 1% by weight of the treated product.
US07951217B2	Low pressure impact separator for separation, classification and collection of ultra-fine particles Impact type gas-particle separation is applied to ultra-fine particles by judiciously altering the aerodynamic drag on the particles with respect to their inertia by operation at sub-atmospheric pressures. An impact separator has a housing having a channel in which particles flow in a fluid such as air, a purified gas or mixtures thereof. A plurality of blades are placed in the channel for affecting the motion of the particles and the fluid with respect to each other. A second channel branches from the first channel to receive particles diverted and separated from the flow of the fluid in the first channel. A flow mechanism creates a sub-atmospheric pressure in the channel.
US07951214B2	Filter cleaning system for a vacuum cleaner This invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a body with a vacuum source. The vacuum cleaner is provided with at least two filter chambers, a first filter chamber for a first filter means in a surface cleaning mode and a second chamber for the same or a second filter means in a filter cleaning mode.
US07951211B2	Quaternary ammonium salt detergents for use in fuels A quaternary ammonium salt detergent made from the reaction product of the reaction of: (a) a hydrocarbyl substituted acylating agent and a compound having an oxygen or nitrogen atom capable of condensing with said acylating agent and further having a tertiary amino group; and (b) a quaternizing agent suitable for converting the tertiary amino group to a quaternary nitrogen and the use of such quaternary ammonium salt detergents in a fuel composition to reduce intake valve deposits.
US07951207B2	Composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising at least one polyalkene-based supramolecular polymer, at least one pigment and at least one volatile solvent The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising at least one polyalkene-based supramolecular polymer, at least one pigment and at least one volatile solvent, wherein the weight ratio of the at least one supramolecular polymer to the at least one pigment has a value greater than 0.25, and also a process for dyeing keratin fibers using this composition. The present disclosure may make it possible to obtain, on the keratin fibers, colored coatings for keeping the hairs individualized while at the same time preserving the physical qualities of the fiber.
US07951203B2	Interbody fusion device An interbody spacer includes concave lateral surfaces extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. In one aspect, the interbody spacer includes upper and lower convex surfaces defined by an arc extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint. In another aspect, lateral edges of the upper and lower surfaces are also defined by convex arcs extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint.
US07951200B2	Vertebral implant including preformed osteoconductive insert and methods of forming A vertebral implant for insertion into a patient includes an insert formed from an osteoconductive material and further including a biocompatible polymer body that is formed into the insert. The insert may extend over part or substantially the entire bone contact surface of the implant. The insert includes a bone contact surface and a substrate interface. The implant may include fibers that extend across the substrate interface from the insert to the body. The insert may be thin relative to the overall thickness of the implant. The insert may be preformed. The insert may be formed using a molding process. The body may be molded onto the insert.
US07951198B2	Bone connector with pivotable joint System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for connecting bones and/or bone portions using a bone connector with a pivotable ball and socket joint.
US07951197B2	Two-piece prosthetic valves with snap-in connection and methods for use A prosthetic heart valve assembly includes a gasket member and a valve member including a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of engagement members corresponding to the fasteners. The fasteners and/or engagement members may be configured to guide the engagement members into engagement with the fasteners. For example, the fasteners may include U-shaped spring-biased clips, e.g., attached to a core or other portion of a sewing cuff of the gasket member, and the engagement members may include latches or barbed protrusions that engage one or more holes in the fasteners. During use, the gasket member is introduced into a tissue annulus, and secured to the annulus, e.g., using a plurality of clips directed through the sewing cuff. The valve member is then introduced into the annulus and the engagement members are snapped or otherwise guided into engagement with the fasteners to secure the valve member relative to the gasket member.
US07951195B2	Annuloplasty instrument A device for repairing a heart valve comprises an implantation instrument. The implantation instrument comprises a first support ring, and a second support ring connected to said first support ring to form a coiled configuration. The first support ring is configured to abut one side of the valve and the second support ring is configured to abut an opposite side of the valve to thereby trap a portion of the valve tissue therebetween. The device further comprises an annuloplasty implant adapted to be attached to the heart valve annulus in order to reshape the annulus and allow the leaflets to open and close properly. The annuloplasty implant is connected to the implantation instrument for insertion to the annulus.
US07951192B2	Stent with protruding branch portion for bifurcated vessels The present invention is directed to a stent for use in a bifurcated body lumen having a main branch and a side branch. The stent comprises a radially expandable generally tubular stent body having proximal and distal opposing ends with a body wall having a surface extending therebetween. The surface has a geometrical configuration defining a first pattern, and the first pattern has first pattern struts and connectors arranged in a predetermined configuration. The stent also comprises a branch portion comprised of a second pattern, wherein the branch portion is at least partially detachable from the stent body.
US07951181B2	System and methods for optical stimulation of neural tissues The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a system for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. The system comprises an energy source capable of generating optical energy, a connector having a first end and a second end capable of transmitting optical energy, and a probe operably coupled to the second end of the connector and having an end portion for delivering optical energy to a target neural tissue. In one embodiment, the energy source comprises a tunable laser.
US07951180B2	Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws, zero-profile horizontal intervertebral miniplates, expansile intervertebral body fusion devices, and posterior motion-calibrating interarticulating joint stapling device for spinal fusion An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first and second screw members from the shell in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. The stapling apparatus includes first and second lever arms rotatably joined together at a fulcrum, and the lever arms rotate in opposite directions. First and second cartridges are disposed at the ends of the lever arms. Each cartridge is capable of holding a staple including a bracket, a nail member and an alignment slot. When the ends of the lever arms are rotated towards each other the staples from the cartridges are interlocked. The staples can be also be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, or vertebral bodies.
US07951177B2	Non-metallic implant devices and intra-operative methods for assembly and fixation This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.
US07951176B2	Bone plate The present invention is directed to a bone plate and its method of use for reducing a bone fracture, the bone plate having a longitudinal axis, the bone plate comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, a first hole for engaging a head of a first bone anchor. The first hole is configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the first bone anchor along a first axis. A second hole is spaced apart from the first hole along the longitudinal axis. The second hole is for engaging a head of a second bone anchor, and is configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the second bone anchor along a second axis. The first hole and the second hole are configured such that the first axis and the second axis define a single plane and intersect at a point below the lower surface. The shafts of the first and second bone anchors may touch or nearly touch at the point of intersection, such that the first and second bone anchors form a truss.
US07951174B2	Adjustable bone screw assembly A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction.
US07951172B2	Constrained motion bone screw assembly A bone screw assembly includes an anchor portion and a head portion, such as a rod-receiving portion, movably mounted to the anchor portion to allow for controlled angulation between the anchor portion and the head portion. The anchor portion is pivotable in one or more selected directions about an axis relative to the head portion. A restriction member, which may be a rod seat, prevents the anchor portion from pivoting in one or more different directions about another axis relative to the head portion and/or a spinal fixation element received in the head portion. The restriction member may be inserted in the head portion to control direction that the anchor portion pivots relative to the head portion. The restriction member may also serve as a compression member and/or rod seat for seating a spinal rod coupled to the bone screw assembly.
US07951171B2	Polyaxial surgical rod fixation assembly Provided is a surgical rod fixation assembly having a pedicle screw for insertion into spinal bone of a subject, the pedicle screw having a polyaxial mounted coupling member for driving the pedicle screw into bone on or off axis and coupling the pedicle screw to an orthopaedic device such as a spinal rod by means of a slidable coupling action.
US07951169B2	Posterior dynamic stabilization cross connectors Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.
US07951168B2	Instruments and methods for manipulating vertebra A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting a first instrument to the receiving member of the first bone anchor, and manipulating the first instrument to rotate first bone anchor and the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.
US07951163B2	Retrograde excision system and apparatus A method for excising a portion of an articular surface using a retrograde procedure. An access tunnel is provided extending through a bone and to the articular surface. A central shaft is inserted through the access tunnel to the articular surface and a cutter is coupled to the central shaft. The cutter is coupled to the central shaft to allow the cutter to rotate with the central and to allow the cutter to be tiltable relative to the central shaft. The cutter is rotated and a retrograde force is applied to the cutter to urge the cutter into the articular surface.
US07951162B2	Detectable hand switch and surgical handpiece A handpiece and system having a surgical handpiece adapted to perform an operation on a patient, the surgical handpiece having a primary circuit being driven by an applied signal. A controller is operatively coupled to supply operating power to the surgical handpiece. A hand switch is operatively coupled in conjunction with the surgical handpiece to at least partially control an operation of the surgical handpiece. The switch has a secondary resonant circuit receiving the applied signal from the primary circuit and couples a response signal back to the primary circuit. Detection circuitry, operatively coupled to primary circuit, is responsive to a characteristic parameter of the response signal indicative of the presence of the hand switch in proximity of the surgical handpiece.
US07951161B2	Atherectomy system having a variably exposed cutter An atherectomy system having a variably exposed cutter wherein a distally located positionable tip closely associated with the cutter and a high pressure fluid jet emanator can be variably and angularly deployed about a hinge mechanism subsequent to entry into the vasculature. The fixed cutter slices or parts atheromatous material and/or thrombotic material from a blood vessel for interaction with high pressure jets to macerate, break up or otherwise reduce the materials for evacuation from the site.
US07951151B2	Structure for joining and retaining multi-part orthopedic implants An orthopedic implant structure is provided for joining and retaining components of a multi-part orthopedic device. The orthopedic implant joining and retaining structure may be embodied in two or more components of the multi-part orthopedic device. In one form, the multi-part orthopedic implant structure is a resilient snap structure such as a resilient flange in one part and a channel structure formed in another part of an orthopedic implant. A channel of the channel structure may have a cavity formed at a rear of the channel that accepts a configured lip formed on an end of the resilient flange. According to another embodiment, the retaining structure includes resilient snap flanges formed on an interconnection component of the multi-part orthopedic implant. A corresponding bore in another part of the multi-part orthopedic implant receives the interconnection component.
US07951149B2	Ablative material for use with tissue treatment device An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having at least one tissue treating member attached thereto. The tissue treating member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue contacting surface is capable of conducting electrosurgical energy to tissue. An energy conductive, ablative material is disposed on the electrically conductive tissue contacting surface and is configured to at least partially deplete during electrosurgical activation to reduce tissue adhesion.
US07951145B2	Surgical glove system A surgical system including a surgical glove having support systems such as, but not limited to, lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation. The surgical glove may include one or more lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation positioned on distal ends of fingers of the surgical glove. The support systems may be controlled with switches positioned on the fingers upon which each support system is positioned. The switches may be operable with the thumb on the human hand upon which the surgical glove is attached. The surgical system may also include a surgical gown having a connection system for attaching support conduit to the surgical gown. The surgical system enables a surgeon to have a plurality of support systems immediately available and reduces entanglement problems endemic with conventional systems.
US07951141B2	Systems and methods for electrosurgical intervertebral disc replacement The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure.
US07951140B2	Catheter with cryogenic and electrical heating ablation A catheter includes a cryoablation tip with an electrically-driven ablation assembly for heating tissue. The cryoablation tip may be implemented with a cooling chamber through which a controllably injected coolant circulates to lower the tip temperature, and having an RF electrode at its distal end. The RF electrode may be operated to warm cryogenically-cooled tissue, or the coolant may be controlled to conductively cool the tissue in coordination with an RF treatment regimen, allowing greater versatility of operation and enhancing the lesion size, speed or placement of multi-lesion treatment or single lesion re-treatment cycles.
US07951138B2	Pivoting roller tip for dermatological treatment apparatus A mechanical element allows the tip of the handpiece of a dermatological treatment system to rotate to adjust for deviations in handpiece angle with respect to the surface of the treatment area. The tip may glide over the surface of the skin, the tip may include wheels or rotating cylinders on which the tip rolls across the skin, or the tip may be removed from the skin and placed in a new location in a stamping motion. The tip of the handpiece rotates around a single axis, or around two perpendicular axes, so that pressure on the tip moves the flat surface of the tip into proper orientation for planar contact with the skin. An element can be included in the handpiece to apply a restoring force on the tip so that the tip rests in its optimal position in the absence of external forces.
US07951137B2	Method and system for terminating an atrial arrhythmia A method and system is provided for responding, from internally within a patient, to an atrial arrhythmia in a heart including measuring from within the patient at least one electrocardiogram characteristic indicative of the atrial arrhythmia, and controlling from within the patient drug therapy delivery to the patient responsive to measuring the at least one electrocardiogram characteristic. Drug therapy is initiated to the patient responsive to measuring the at least one electrocardiogram characteristic. According to one aspect of the present invention, the drug therapy is staged within the patient prior to measuring the at least one electrocardiogram characteristic. According to another example embodiment, the heart is paced from within the patient at a predefined rate responsive to measuring the at least one electrocardiogram characteristic, pacing occurring alone, or in combination with drug therapy.
US07951136B2	Coupler wrench A tip wrench/coupler having a generally hollow body for the storage and/or attachment of a tip, and a plurality of fluidic couplers that allow the wrench/coupler to connect two or more handpiece together in series, fluidically, thereby allowing the handpieces to be primed at the same time.
US07951135B2	Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
US07951134B2	Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
US07951133B2	Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
US07951132B2	Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
US07951131B2	Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
US07951124B2	Growth stimulating wound dressing with improved contact surfaces A wound contact device comprising a permeable material and a wound contact layer having voids extending through the contact layer to a depth in the permeable material. The wound contact layer can comprise a thin sheet or film forming a generally flat and smooth wound contact surface having essentially no discontinuities or gaps. The wound contact layer can comprise a thin sheet of highly calendered fabric forming a wound contact surface having a mean surface roughness in the range of about 0 microns to about 200 microns. In progressive wound healing, an embodiment of the wound contact device having the fabric contact surface is used in earlier healing stages and an embodiment of the wound contact device with film contact surface is used in later healing stages. The wound contact device is particularly useful in wound dressings for use in suction-assisted wound therapy.
US07951122B2	Infusion set self-occlusion mechanism A device, system and method for occluding fluid flow through an infusion set detached from a patient's body. The device includes a means for detecting loss of contact to a patient's body and activating an occlusion mechanism accordingly.
US07951120B2	Method for manufacturing a syringe A syringe has a syringe barrel into which a plunger stopper is inserted during a manufacturing process. A plunger rod is connected to the plunger stopper, and a backstop for preventing inadvertent removal of the plunger stopper from the syringe barrel is arranged at the proximal end of the syringe barrel. The backstop and the plunger rod are configured to form a combined assembly component which is adapted to be mounted to the syringe barrel in a combined manufacturing step. After mounting the combined assembly component to the syringe barrel, the backstop and the plunger rod are separated to allow conventional use of the syringe.
US07951117B2	Multi-lumen access port An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube.
US07951101B2	Adjustable orthopedic aid for an extremity An orthopaedic aid for an extremity includes at least one adjustable element for positioning the orthopaedic aid relative to the extremity. The detector arrangement includes a plurality of indicators for indicating torques generated by the detector arrangement. The detector arrangement is positionable such that a section of the detector arrangement is torque-free. The detector arrangement generates torques arising in two opposite directions in a measuring plane in response to deviations from a stable load position.
US07951097B2	Automated therapy table for treating lower extremities and method therefor An automated therapy table is disclosed. The automated therapy table may have various support portions capable of independent automatic actuation of a person's lower extremities through passive exercise. The automated therapy table allows a patient to perform leg elevation, approximation/decompression of the leg, internal/external rotation of the leg, ankle plantar flexion/dorsiflexion, and foot inversion/eversion movements. During each movement, the patient may be instructed to think in the direction of the movement. It has been found that doing so helps increase the healing effects. The disclosed table and method may be beneficial for patients after certain operations as well as for those suffering from various forms of debilitating illnesses, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, and Muscular Dystrophy.
US07951096B2	Limb rehabilitation apparatus with torque detector A rehabilitation apparatus is disclosed. The rehabilitation apparatus includes a supporting housing, a rotary housing, an actuator, a control unit, and a torque detector. The rotary housing is slidably mounted to the supporting housing to hold a body segment. The actuator has a driving shaft to rotate the rotary housing. The control unit is electrically connected to the actuator to control the actuation of the actuator. The torque detector is electrically connected to the control unit, thereby detecting a torque exerted on the driving shaft, and transmitting a torque signal to the control unit.
US07951095B2	Ultrasound medical system An ultrasound medical system includes an ultrasound end effector and at least one non-ultrasound tissue-property-measuring sensor. The ultrasound end effector includes a medical ultrasound transducer assembly having at least one medical-treatment ultrasound transducer. The at-least-one non-ultrasound tissue-property-measuring sensor is supported by the ultrasound end effector and is positionable in contact with patient tissue.
US07951090B2	Cannula equipped with a protective housing The invention relates to a cannula, preferably equipped with a cannula holder for, in particular a blood sampling device, which comprises a pivotable protective housing (102) for a free end of the cannula. Said protective housing (102) is closed on the periphery except for a cannula insertion opening (8) provided between opposing side walls. Said insertion opening is produced by at least one pair of lamella (8a, 8b), formed on the side walls, the lamella tapering towards one another in the manner of a funnel and forming an expandable funnel slot. The protective housing (102) comprises two housing parts which can be inserted into each other. The inner housing (2a) comprises the pair of lamella (8a, 8b) and an outer housing (11), which surrounds the inner housing (2a), is embodied as a sleeve that is less elastic than the inner housing (2a).
US07951083B2	Motion analysis improvements for medical diagnostic ultrasound The phase or associated amplitude analysis of a sequence of images is improved by, first, providing quantifications in response to the phase or amplitude information. For example, a value or values representing asynchrony between different locations through a sequence of images may provide useful diagnostic information. Second, since heart motion or other motion within a body may become complex, multiple harmonics may be used in addition to the first harmonic or fundamental information for parametrically imaging a motion. Third, where different portions of a cycle have different characteristics, such as the systolic phase and diastolic phase of a heart cycle, images associated with each of the portions may be separated from other portions. A phase or amplitude analysis of the sequence of images for each portion is handled separately.
US07951079B1	Apparatus and method for correlating consumable intake with physiological parameters A computer-assisted method and apparatus for providing information pertaining to consumptions of a consumer.
US07951078B2	Method and apparatus for determining familial risk of disease Personal and family health history information can be used to assess familial risk of disease. For example, information can be collected about the disease history of a person and the person's first- and second-degree relatives and then analyzed to determine the familial risk of common diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal, breast, and ovarian cancer. Assessed familial risk of disease can then be used by researchers to better estimate the contribution of personal history and family history to the etiology and natural history of a disease of interest, and by consumers and health professionals to determine recommendations for disease management, prevention and screening that are personalized and targeted to the familial risk. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US07951075B2	Inspection method with endoscope An endoscopic inspection method includes staining step and super magnified observation step. In the staining step, a distal end surface of a distal end portion of an endoscope which includes a distal end opening of a channel and a first lens that forms a super high-power observation optical system is held in contact with the tissue surface of the observation subject region such that the staining fluid supplied via the channel penetrates to the gap between the distal end surface and the tissue surface to eliminate the mucus on the tissue surface. The tissue surface having the mucus eliminated is stained with the staining fluid. In the super magnified observation step, the first lens which forms the super high-power observation optical system provided at the distal end portion is brought into contact with the tissue surface that has been stained with the staining fluid such that the observation at the cellular level is performed.
US07951071B2	Moisture-detecting shaft for use with an electro-mechanical surgical device A flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a moisture sensor disposed within the outer sheath configured to detect moisture within the outer sheath. Another flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one flexible drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a coupling connected to a distal end of the outer sheath configured to couple to a surgical attachment.A sleeve includes an elongated shaft configured to receive a flexible shaft therein and a securing arrangement configured to selectively and variably retain the elongated shaft in any one of a number of longitudinal positions along the flexible shaft.A surgical system includes an electro-mechanical driver, an elongated, flexible sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the flexible sheath, a surgical attachment coupled to the at least one drive shaft, the electro-mechanical driver configured to drive the surgical attachment, a shape-retaining sleeve, at least a portion of the flexible sleeve being disposed in the shape-retaining sleeve, the shape-retaining sleeve configured to maintain the at least portion of the flexible sheath in a predetermined shape, and an arrangement variably securing the shape-retaining member to the flexible sheath in any one of a number of longitudinal positions along the flexible sheath.
US07951068B2	Rotating self-traveling endoscope system, rotating self-traveling endoscope insertion assisting tool, and method for technique of inserting endoscope insertion portion into small intestine using rotating self-traveling endoscope system A rotating self-traveling endoscope system of the invention comprising an insertion portion having an image pickup unit at its distal end portion and a helical structure formed on the outer surface, a rotating driving device for rotating the insertion portion around a long axis, and a rotating self-traveling insertion assisting tool through which the insertion portion can be freely inserted and which is provided with a flexible tube having a bending portion disposed therein is capable of passage of the insertion portion through a space in a body cavity and passage through a valve in the body cavity, which improves insertion performance into a small intestine.
US07951061B2	Devices for targeted delivery of thermotherapy, and methods related thereto Disclosed are devices for targeted delivery of thermotherapy. These devices are useful in the treatment of diseased tissue in conjunction with magnetic compositions. Further disclosed are methods for treating diseased tissue, which involve the administration of a thermotherapeutic magnetic composition to a patient or a portion of a patient, and the application of an alternating magnetic field to inductively heat the thermotherapeutic magnetic composition. The devices and the methods disclosed herein are useful for the treatment of a variety of indications, such as cancer, diseases of the immune system, pathogen-borne diseases, hormone-related diseases, non-cancerous diseased cells or tissue, and undesirable matter, such as toxins and reaction-by-products associated with organ transplants.
US07951059B2	Blood processing apparatus with optical reference control A density centrifuge blood processing system with automatic two-dimensional optical control of fluid separation by observing fluid characteristics in observation regions. The location of the regions is determined by monitoring an optical reference. Points representing edges of an optical reference are measured and lines are computed through the points. An error measurement is calculated for each line. If the error is too large, the image is abandoned. One of the lines is selected as a referent line. A new line is calculated orthogonal to the referent line. The error function is again computed for the dependant line. If the error exceeds a selected maximum, the frame is discarded. A transformation function translates data points from an (r, s) domain derived from measurements of the edges into an (x, y) domain used to identify pixels in the observation areas.
US07951052B1	Exercise wheel An exercise wheel includes a base having a receiving space therein and at least one fan-shaped recession formed at a front bottom side thereof and facing downward; at least one hold bar connected with the base and exposed outside the base; a main wheel rotatably mounted to the base and located in the receiving space; an elastic member mounted between the main wheel and the base for keeping the main wheel restoring after the main wheel is rotated; an auxiliary wheel set rotatably mounted to the base, exposed beneath the base, and engaged with the main wheel to drive the main wheel for rotation; and a steering caster set having a caster frame and a caster, the caster frame being rotatably connected with the base for rotation confined within the fan-shaped recession, the caster being rotatably mounted to the caster frame and partially exposed outside the fan-shaped recession.
US07951049B2	Training aid for bicycles and bicycle toy A training toy and exercise device. A large frame supports a rear wheel and a front wheel. The front wheel is mounted in sized openings in the frame and is controlled by a handle bar. There are no pedals, chains, cranks controlling the operation of the device. A user will sit on the seat and use the user's legs to propel oneself unless the user is coasting. Under those circumstances the user's legs will rest on pegs. The device will find its primary use as a toy for small children who have not yet learned to ride a bicycle. Using this device a child can learn to ride a bicycle and balance himself on a two wheeled vehicle without concern for falling since at anytime the child's legs readily reach the ground given the vehicle's small size and low center of gravity.
US07951047B2	Rope game device The invention relates to a rope game device with an outer frame and with ropes rigged within the outer frame forming a spatial net and which are attached in a tensionable manner to specific node points of the outer frame.The invention has the object, to provide a new rope game device, which displays a distinct “fullness” of the spatial net and which manufacture has distinct technological and cost advantages compared to known devices.The object is solved by a rope game device, having an outer frame (1) and ropes, within the outer frame (1) and forming a spatial net (12) and which are attached in a tensionable manner to specific node points (2) of the outer frame (1), characterized in that the outer frame (1) has an icosahedron shape and the edges and the corners of the icosahedron shape are formed as frame elements (4) having the form of an equilaterial triangle comprising rods (3) and the node points (2), and that one or more hollow ball modules (11, 12), arranged within one another and having the spatial form of a truncated icosahedron, are arranged within the outer frame (1) and retained on the same in a tensionable manner.
US07951044B1	Exercise routine display system and method The present invention is an exercise routine (ER) display system and method that can substitute as a trainer/therapist for the purpose of leading one or more users through a single exercise task or through an entire ER. The device displays a predetermined series of exercise tasks seriatim in a predetermined sequence, displaying each repetition of each task in the proper cadence according to a set of variable parameters that specify how each maneuver is to be displayed. Audible elements of the display count the repetitions or give cues for proper technique. Various other types of information are shown visually. The exercise maneuvers are displayed on a local display module that includes, in one embodiment, data processing components, data input/output components, display components, and sufficient long-term memory capacity to accommodate a large library of exercise maneuvers. In a second preferred embodiment, the memory capacity of the local display module is minimal, and ER data are provided to the module in an ad hoc fashion through a data input means such as CD-ROM, DVD, flash memory, or through a USB, wireless, or Internet connection to a master computer.
US07951037B2	Four pinion differential with cross pin retention unit and related method A differential having four pinions supported for rotation on cross pins within a differential case. The differential employs a retainer system for securing the cross pins relative to the differential case. The retainer system can include a retainer, such as a clip or a pair of roll pins, that can secure at least one of the cross pins in place.
US07951035B2	Continuously variable torque vectoring axle assembly A vehicle driveline having an axle assembly with an input pinion, which is configured to receive a rotary input, a input ring gear, which is meshingly engaged with the input pinion, a first output member, a second output member and a power distribution system. The first output member is configured to drive a first vehicle wheel on a first side of a vehicle. The second output member is configured to drive a second vehicle wheel on a second side of the vehicle opposite the first side. The power distribution system is driven by the input ring gear and distributes drive torque between the first and second output members. The power distribution system includes a first continuously variable transmission. A method for operating a vehicle driveline is also provided.
US07951034B2	Hydraulic control apparatus for automatic transmission In a condition of a vehicle which remains stationary or is about to stop and of a forward second speed having a clutch and a brake engaged, an N range is changed from a D range based on a shift lever operation and a forward range pressure is discharged from a manual shift valve. At this time, an orifice and a check ball are used to delay discharge of oil paths which communicate with a linear solenoid valve relative to discharge of an oil path a1 which communicates with a linear solenoid valve. Specifically, release of the brake is delayed relative to release of the clutch, so that a shift by way of a forward first speed through engagement of a one-way clutch can be prevented.
US07951033B2	Power unit A power unit enabling reduction of the size and manufacturing costs thereof and making unnecessary complicated control of power from a prime mover, for changing the speed of power from the prime mover. A first sun gear, a first carrier and a first ring gear of a first planetary gear unit are mechanically connected to drive wheels, the engine, and a pump impeller of a torque converter, respectively. A second sun gear, a second carrier and a second ring gear of a second planetary gear unit are mechanically connected to the engine, the drive wheels, and a turbine runner of the torque converter, respectively. A rotating machine is mechanically connected to one of the first and second ring gears, and the operation of the rotating machine is controlled by a PDU and an ECU. A battery is electrically connected to the rotating machine.
US07951032B2	Belt type non-stage transmission and operating method thereof A belt type non-stage transmission is constituted so that a V belt obtained by connecting a plurality of elements using a belt is wound around a pair of pulleys which have a groove with V-shaped cross section and which groove width can be changed. A diffusion layer where at least one of Zn and Sn diffuses on a surface layer of a metallic material of the pulleys and the elements is provided to at least one of contacting surfaces between the pulleys and the elements. The diffusion layer contains S and P. As a result, high frictional coefficient and wear resistance can be maintained for a long time, so that the device can cope with heightening of output.
US07951029B2	Guide for transmission device In an engine timing chain guide composed of a synthetic resin shoe supported on a frame by L-shaped and strip-shaped engagement members integrally molded as unitary parts of the shoe, the L-shaped members are formed with oblique tongues that resiliently engage side edges of the frame member, and the strip-shaped engagement members include surfaces that extend obliquely toward, and resiliently engage, a side edge of the frame member. Laterally extending legs of the L-shaped members are also formed with bulged portions, and the frame member is sandwiched between the bulged portions and a back side of the shoe.
US07951028B2	Front derailleur and chain guide A front derailleur including a chain guide for engagement and disengagement of a bicycle chain with multiple chain rings of a crankset is disclosed. The chain guide may be positioned by linear guide rods. The chain guide may have an inner lifting surface and an outer pulling surface for engaging diametrically opposed corners of a chain when viewed in cross-section.
US07951022B2	Racket and projectile game A game includes a pair of rackets for propelling and catching a projectile. Each racket includes a rim for supporting a net between its inner periphery and one of a hook and a loop on an outer periphery. The projectile includes a generally circular member and an elastic band. The band carries the other of the hook and loop which cooperates with the racket for propelling the projectile. The racket may be positioned to catch the propelled projectile in the net.
US07951020B2	Device for shoulder and arm warm up exercising and methods for using same A device for throwing and swinging sports comprises a semi-transparent bottle into which varying amounts of a media may be added. One embodiment of that bottle is generally concave in cross-section for better gripping and includes markings on at least one side for showing different filling levels. A gripping element extends from a middle of the bottle sidewall. One such element is a baseball, real or simulated. Other embodiments include a softball, a football-sized element and/or a racket handle. In order to assist the user with timed workouts, an optional cap may include a built-in clock for signaling when to switch from one exercise to another. Methods for exercising with this device are also disclosed.
US07951016B2	Multi-piece solid golf ball A multi-piece solid golf ball comprises a core having a 5 structure consisting of at least two layers and a cover on the core consisting of outer and inner cover layers. The outer cover layer has a Shore D hardness of 40-60 degrees. The inner cover layer has a Shore D hardness of up to 53 degrees and lower than that of the outer cover layer. The ball's carry is comparable to conventional solid golf balls and spin receptivity is approximate to wound golf balls while the ball is durable and offers pleasant feel.
US07951012B1	Pivoting swing A pivoting swing maintains a support member that is rotatably attached to pivot assembly allows the support member to be rotated in any desired position. The pivot assembly includes a lock assembly that allows the position of the support member to be retained once a desired position has been found. Flexible suspension members attach the support member to the pivot assembly, thereby allowing the support member to swing back and forth once the support member has been rotated to a desired position.
US07951011B2	Method and apparatus for storing and transporting portable stationary sheet flow water rides The invention relates to a portable water ride having a trailer with a water catch basin built therein, wherein at least two pivoting supports are provided which can be deployed to an expanded position and stowed to a vertical position. When the supports are deployed, a flexible ride surface can be stretched between said supports to form an inclined ride surface upon which a sheet flow of water from a nozzle housing can be provided upon which water skimming maneuvers can be performed. A walkway on either side of the ride surface, as well as an entrance platform at the top of the ride surface, and other grated platforms, railings, etc., can also be provided.
US07951008B2	Non-volatile memory management technique implemented in a gaming machine Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to different techniques for managing the storage of accumulated information in selected non-volatile memory sources at a gaming machine. In one implementation of the present invention relates to a technique for automatically and dynamically swapping critical data and/or other game related information between the non-volatile RAM and the alternate storage (e.g., disk drive) of a gaming machine as new games are activated and/or existing games are deactivated at the gaming machine.
US07951006B2	Method for downloading data to gaming devices Memories coupled to a gaming terminal, are reprogrammed by a method and apparatus which includes identification, negotiation, downloading and verification information from an external information source to a gaming terminal. Hardware devices are used to identify gaming terminals or components.
US07951001B2	Gaming device having a three dimensional display device A wagering gaming device having a three-dimensional display device which includes a plurality display screens. The display screens display three dimensional images having an height, actual width and depth.
US07950997B2	Method and apparatus for generating directives for personnel A system and method include determining a recipient of an offer; and determining an offer which includes an activity and a benefit. The system and method further include transmitting, to a representative, instructions to provide the offer to the recipient. The system and method further include determining whether the recipient has performed the activity, and if so providing the benefit to the recipient.
US07950994B2	Replacement reel gaming device and method Apparatuses and methods for facilitating participation in a gaming activity. A reel configuration of a plurality of reels is presented, where each of the reels includes one or more associated gaming symbols. The presentation of the gaming symbols is modified on the plurality of reels, such as by spinning the reels or otherwise changing which symbols are presented on the reels. A replacement reel is presented, to supersede or otherwise supplant at least one of the gaming symbols of the reel configuration. Results of the gaming activity are established using the gaming symbols of the plurality of reels and the replacement reel. The result is thereby based on a resulting presentation of symbols that includes both the symbols of the primary reel configuration and the symbol(s) of the replacement reel(s).
US07950992B2	Blackjack side wager A method to implement a variation of casino blackjack wherein if the dealer's up-card is a not an ace, then the player can place an optional side wager. If the player places the optional side wager, and the dealer's hole-card is either a 10-valued card or an ace, then the player wins a payout on the side wager otherwise the player loses the side wager.
US07950991B2	Game performing method, storage medium, game apparatus, data signal and program A game performing method for executing a given sports game which is proceeded by performing match-ups by a plurality of teams arranged for every game owning a plurality of player characters a plurality of times during a virtual competition period, involves varying a value of a team parameter provided for each of the teams according to how a game is proceeding; determining a change-intended team, of which configuration of owned player characters is to be changed by addition and/or release of player characters, among the plurality of teams; judging approval or disapproval of a change of a configuration of owned player characters of the change-intended team based on the current value of the team parameter of the change-intended team; and changing the configuration of the owned player characters of the change-intended team, when it is judged that the change is approved.
US07950990B2	Systems and methods for interactive wagering The present invention is systems and methods for interactive wagering. Preferred embodiments of these systems and methods incorporate a wagering data hub which controls the flow of data relating to wagers, wagering events, and wagering account and facilitates the use of a variety of user interfaces such as graphical user interfaces and interactive voice response interfaces. For example, a user of the present invention may use a television set-top box, a computer, a telephone, and/or any other suitable device. To communicate with the wagering data hub, television set-top boxes preferably use a two-way cable system, computers preferably use a computer network, and telephones preferably use a telephone network, although each may use any suitable mechanism or combination of mechanisms to communicate with wagering data hub.
US07950989B2	Combine with an endless conveyor that can be moved between a swath depositing position and a chopper position A combine is provided, with a harvested crop processing arrangement with an outlet for straw that is associated with an ejection drum and an endless conveyor arranged between the ejection drum and a straw chopper. In its rear region, the endless conveyor can be pivoted about a horizontal axis extending transverse to the direction of operation between a chopper position and a swath depositing position.
US07950985B2	Flexible membrane for carrier head A carrier head that has a base assembly, a retaining ring assembly, a carrier ring, and a flexible membrane is described. The flexible membrane has a main portion and an outer annular portion, wherein a junction between the main portion and the outer annular portion comprises a peripheral edge hinge and an annular recess above the hinge along the outer wall of the outer annular portion.
US07950984B2	Particle blast apparatus A particle blast apparatus includes a hopper assembly, which is mechanically isolated from the rest of the particle blast system. Energy is imparted to the hopper by an impulse assembly, which preferably is mounted directly to the hopper. The hopper is mounted to the apparatus on a slide assembly, which allows the hopper to be moved to a second position at which particles may be discharged from the hopper exit away from the particle feeder.
US07950982B2	Method for achieving stripe height control at bow compensated lapping A lapping device comprises a mounting surface for coupling at least one non-parted slider row. At least one lever arm is coupled to at least one distal end of the mounting surface. The lever arm comprises a coupling feature at an end of the lever arm for receiving a force-vectoring device. The lever arm also comprises a pivot point opposite the coupling feature of the lever arm wherein the pivot point is beyond a distal end of the non-parted slider row.
US07950981B2	Precision machining apparatus and precision machining method A precision machining apparatus is structured such that a feed-screw mechanism and an actuator are mounted on a second mount which supports a rotating device that rotates a wheel, and grinding is performed while appropriately adjusting the amount of movement of the second mount in a rough grinding stage through an ultra-precision grinding stage. A posture control device is interposed between a first mount and a rotating device that rotates a grinding target body. The thickness and evenness of the grinding target body are measured by an optical probe and the measurement results are sent to a computer. A feedback command is then sent to the posture control device to reduce the difference between target values and the measurement values and posture control is performed accordingly.
US07950979B2	Transforming vehicle A toy vehicle is transformed from a first configuration to a second configuration through relative movement of two portions of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a roof panel which closes a roof area during the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration. The closing of the roof area hides the displacement of a first seat in the vehicle by a second seat. When the first seat is mounted with a first toy figure and the second seat is mounted with a different toy figure, an illusion is created that the initial toy figure has changed appearance. The roof panel may close and reopen at a rate rapid enough to render the change of toy figures to be an instantaneous transformation. Additional deployable components such as projectile launchers, tail fins, and front bumpers may be incorporated into the toy vehicle.
US07950975B1	Simulation play kit A simulation play kit is provided for bracing and covering a person's hands and forearms to allow a person to walk on all fours to simulate an animal. The kit includes at least one crutch having a 4 to 6 inch width and having a telescopic extension member adjustable to a maximum a one-foot height. Each crutch has a U-shaped frame member with a brace member across a gap between first and second upper ends and also a hand support bar across the gap below the brace member. The kit also provides at least one faux hand member resembling a human hand with a sleeve attached thereto and may also provide at least one faux foot member which may be either an imaginative human foot or animal foot. The faux foot member also includes a sock portion. The crutch slides through either the faux hand or foot member.
US07950973B2	Amphibious vehicle The amphibious vehicle is a motorized vehicle capable of travel on land as well as in the water. The amphibious vehicle has a boat-like hull and a caterpillar track assembly mounted along each side by a respective pair of rotating supports. The tracks are arranged so that the tracks can be rotated between a lowered position supporting the amphibious vehicle and providing traction and propulsion during land operation, and a raised position, where the tracks rest vertically above the hull's deck during marine operation. With the caterpillar track assemblies in the raised position, the caterpillar track assemblies are fully removed from the water to improve performance and maneuverability therein. The track assemblies are hydraulically driven to rotate the wheels and tracks between the lowered and raised positions.
US07950964B1	N-IN-1 card connector utilizing FPC for improved co-planarity A card connector includes a first housing extending along a front-to-rear direction and defining a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in a vertical direction thereof. Multiple groups of terminals are mounted on the first housing with tails projecting out of the first surface. A second housing extends along a transverse direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction and is fixed on the first housing. A group of converting terminals are mounted on the second housing with solder tails projecting out of the second surface and connecting portions projecting out of the first surface. A flexible printed circuit defines an input end and an output end thereof. The flexible printed circuit is attached to the first surface of the first housing with the tails of the multiple groups of terminals connecting with the input end and connecting portions of the converting terminals connecting with the output end.
US07950961B2	Hard-line coaxial cable connector with slotted shaft A coaxial cable connector which includes a back nut housing having a rearward cable receiving end and a forward end opposite the rearward end, a front nut assembly coupled to the forward end of the back nut housing, a tubular insert shaft supported within the back nut housing, a tubular gripping ferrule radially surrounding the insert shaft and a tubular holder sleeve radially surrounding at least a portion of the gripping ferrule. The axial movement of the holder sleeve causes the gripping ferrule to radially compress around the insert shaft. The insert shaft has a rearward end and an axial slot extending from the rearward end in a forward direction, wherein the slot permits the rearward end of the insert shaft to radially compress upon the radial compression of the gripping ferrule to make removal of a cable from the connector easier.
US07950960B2	Pressed in cable transition and method A transition for connecting a coaxial cable to a conductive metal part such as an antenna has a base and a sleeve. The base is pressed into the groundplane of the antenna to provide a permanent conductive and mechanical connection. A low profile transition has a base and a channel portion parallel to the face of the base.
US07950958B2	Connector having conductive member and method of use thereof A connector having a conductive member is provided, wherein the connector comprises a connector body capable of sealing and securing a coaxial cable, and further wherein the conductive member, such as an O-ring, physically seals the connector, electrically couples the connector and the coaxial cable, facilitates grounding through the connector, and renders an electromagnetic shield preventing ingress of unwanted environmental noise.
US07950957B1	Coaxial connector with a compression ring between a sleeve and a sheath of the coaxial cable A connector for a coaxial cable is provided. The connector comprises a sleeve and a sealing device. The sleeve is adapted to be inserted over the coaxial cable. The sealing device is adapted to be interposed between the sleeve and a sheath of the coaxial cable to seal the coaxial cable for preventing rain, moisture and dust from entering into the coaxial cable, thereby further ensuring the transfer efficiency and reducing the loss rate of the signal.
US07950955B2	Multiple orientation battery connector A connector is provided for electrically coupling a battery with a battery-powered device. The connector includes a first dual-contact assembly and a second dual-contact assembly. Each of the dual-contact assemblies includes a positive contact for contacting a positive PP3 terminal of a PP3 battery, and a negative contact for contacting a negative PP3 terminal of the PP3 battery. Each dual-contact assembly is configured so that, when the dual-contact assembly is physically engaged with either of the PP3 battery terminals, one of the contacts of the dual-contact assembly electrically engages the PP3 battery terminal, while the other of the contacts of the dual-contact assembly is electrically insulated from the PP3 battery terminal. Accordingly, the PP3 battery may be installed in either of two valid connection states relative to the connector, in which appropriate electrical connectivity is provided via the connector to a device to be powered by the PP3 battery.
US07950949B2	Connector and electronic device system A connector includes a contact; a housing holding the contact; a cable inserted into the housing; a lock mechanism held in the housing and lockable with an opponent connector; and an operating portion having a tube shape covering the cable, operably connected to the housing, and releasing the lock in response to an operation.
US07950948B2	Releasably engaging high definition multimedia interface plug A releasably engaging high definition multimedia plug comprises a plug body and an actuator operable with the plug body to move a locking tab of the plug and facilitate releasable engagement of the plug with a standard high definition multimedia receptacle. A corresponding method of releasably securing a high definition multimedia interface plug into standard high definition multimedia interface receptacle is also provided.
US07950941B1	Extension socket assembly An extension socket assembly has a housing, a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, two plug tabs and a switch device. The first conductive strip is mounted in the housing. The second conductive strip is mounted in the housing and is composed of a front segment and a rear segment electrically disconnectable from the front segment. The plug tabs are connected to the housing and are respectively connected electrically to the first conductive strip and the front segment of the second conductive strip. The switch device has a switch connected electrically to the front segment and the rear segment of the second conductive strip with two switch wires. Accordingly, the extension socket assembly can be easily and convenient switched on or off by the extension switch device.
US07950940B2	Separable connector with reduced surface contact Separating connector assemblies of a separable connector system. The separable connector assemblies include one or more pairs of connectors configured to engage and disengage one another in electrical connection and disconnection operations, respectively. An operator can disengage the connectors by pushing the connectors together and then pulling the connectors apart. Pushing the connectors together shears interface adhesion between the connectors, making it easier for the operator to pull the connectors apart. One of the connectors can include a nose end having an undercut segment configured to not engage an interior surface of the other connector when the connectors are engaged. Limiting the surface area of the nose end that interfaces with the interior surface of the other connector reduces surface adhesion and a pressure drop when separating the connectors, making separation easier to perform.
US07950936B2	Electrical connector configured with pivotal cover member An electrical connector adapted for being mounted on a printed circuit board includes a base member loaded with a plurality of contacts therein and defining a mounting face confronting with the printed circuit board on which the base member is mounted, a cover member pivotally supported at a rear end of the base member and rotating between a closed position and an opened position. The cover member covers on the base member in a closed position and rotates to the opened position to define a mating cavity adapted for receiving a counter connector. The mating cavity includes a first mating face defined on the base member and parallel to the mounting face and a second mating face defined on the cover member defined on the cover member and parallel to the mounting face.
US07950930B2	Electric junction box It is object of the present invention to provide an electric junction box that can effectively drain liquid away therefrom.The electric junction box in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises a wiring board; a connector block having a body, and a terminal passing through a bottom wall of the body and being electrically connected to the wiring board at an end portion thereof, the body having a groove formed on an inner face of the bottom wall, and an outlet communicating with an end of the groove; and a case being disposed above the bottom wall, having a hole disposed thereon, and being configured to receive both the wiring board and the connector block therein, the hole being configured to pass an opposite end portion of the terminal therethrough. In such a construction, when liquid leaks into the case via the hole and arrives at the bottom wall, the groove is configured to take the liquid up and to guide the liquid to the outlet due to capillary phenomenon.
US07950925B2	Interacting with consumers to inform, educate, consult, and assist with the purchase and use of personal care products Educating a consumer about a personal care product. A request for information regarding a personal care product is received from a consumer. A description of one or more physical characteristics associated with the consumer and related to the personal care product is also received from the consumer. In response to the received request and description, a visual representation of a three-dimensional model is provided to the consumer. The three-dimensional model is a function of the received physical characteristics and the personal care product.
US07950924B2	Arrangement and device for using a template to form holes for implants in bone, preferably jaw bone An apparatus includes a template which locates hole positions in a jawbone while the template is separated from the jawbone by gum tissue. The template follows a contour of the gum tissue surrounding the jawbone and has guide holes which receive a cutting tool. Anchoring elements attach the template to the jawbone. A system includes means for scanning an implantation site on a patient's jawbone, simulating the implantation site, and determining nerve-rich areas or nerve paths in the jawbone. A holed template is produced which is separated from the jawbone by at least gum tissue of the patient. Attachment hole positions in the jawbone are located so as to avoid nerve paths. A method of forming holes to attach a dental implant to a patient's jaw bone without surgical intervention in gum tissue of the patient to expose the jawbone is disclosed which avoids impingement on a nerve path.
US07950922B2	Portal frame design kiln A portico furnace includes a number of porticos (1), which are arranged parallel to one another and which define the spans of the furnace, and supports (2, 6) that are attached to the porticos (1), between which are positioned interjoists (3) that constitute the walls of the furnace. At least some of the interjoists (3) consist of a chimney block (4) with an axis that is parallel to the supports (2, 6).
US07950919B2	Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the stability of a burner of a fired heater The invention includes method and apparatus for controlling the stability of a burner, preferably a low NOx burner, of a natural draft heater. The method includes measuring the draft over a time period and generating a measured output from which a draft function is determined that defines the relationship between the draft and time during the time period. A value for the burner stability is defined that is representative of a stable burner operation. The draft function is compared to the stable burner value to determine a differential value, and the operation of the fired heater is adjusted in response to the differential value. The apparatus includes means for measuring the draft over a time period and means for generating a measured output from which a draft function is determined that is proportional to the cyclic variation of the draft during the time period. Further included is means for comparing the draft function to a defined burner stability value representative of a stable burner operation to determine a differential value and means for adjusting the operation of the fired heater in response to the differential value.
US07950909B2	Pump structure connectable with an air cushion or a bladder A pump structure connectable with an aircushion or a bladder. The pump structure includes: a flexible main body defining a valve room in which a relief valve is arranged and a compressible chamber; a one-way valve permitting the fluid to one-way flow into the chamber; and a thin membrane-type check valve. The check valve has a first end and a second end, which are operable between opened position and closed position. The first and second ends respectively communicate with the chamber and an output tube, which is connectable with the aircushion or bladder. The first and second ends of the check valve are respectively positioned in spaces provided by the chamber and the valve room. A substrate board is disposed under the flexible main body. The substrate board has a through hole and a notch formed on positions where the first and second ends of the check valve are formed.
US07950907B2	Fluid pump having housing A fluid fuel pump and its electrically driven brushless motor are located at opposite ends of a common housing.
US07950906B2	Insulated bearings for downhole motors A submersible pumping system for use downhole, wherein the system includes a pump, a pump motor, a seal section, a shaft coupling the pump motor to the pump, a bearing assembly for axially retaining the shaft in place, and an electrical insulator for electrically isolating the pump bearing assembly from electrical current leaking from the motor and through the shaft. The electrical insulator can be made from polyetheretherketone, polyimide, polyketone, and mixtures thereof.
US07950904B2	Compressor The present invention relates to a compressor which secures a sufficient refrigerant inhaling passage so as to minimize a refrigerant inhaling resistance and also to increase lubricating action with respect to a thrust bearing supporting a swash plate, in a structure that refrigerant is inhaled to a cylinder bore through a hollow drive shaft, thereby improving the performance of the compressor.
US07950903B1	Turbine blade with dual serpentine cooling A turbine blade with a dual serpentine flow cooling circuit to provide cooling to the airfoil section and to the blade tip section. An aft flowing multiple pass serpentine circuit includes a first leg located adjacent to the leading edge region of the blade and is connected to a leading edge impingement cavity through a row of impingement holes. A showerhead arrangement is connected to the impingement cavity to provide film cooling to the leading edge of the blade. A second aft flowing serpentine circuit is located in the tip region and is connected to the impingement cavity to supply the cooling air to the second serpentine. A row of impingement holes and exit cooling slots is arranged along the trailing edge region and connected to the first serpentine. A trailing edge discharge hole is located in the tip region to discharge cooling air from the second serpentine. The second serpentine includes film cooling holes on the pressure side to discharge film cooling air. The first serpentine includes film cooling holes on the pressure side and the suction side to provide film cooling to selected areas of the pressure and the suction side walls.
US07950897B2	Gas turbine and gas turbine cooling method A gas turbine includes a nozzle vane and a sealing unit engaged with the nozzle vane inside a turbine supplied with combustion gases produced by mixing and burning air for combustion and fuel. The nozzle vane and the sealing unit are disposed in a channel of the downward flowing combustion gases on the outlet side of a gas path. A plurality of engagement portions between the sealing unit and the nozzle vane are provided successively from the upstream side toward the downstream side in a direction of flow of the combustion gases, and a downstream one of the plurality of engagement portions has a contact interface formed in a direction across a turbine rotary shaft. A reduction in the thermal efficiency of the gas turbine can be suppressed.
US07950896B2	Material handling apparatus A handling apparatus can be used to transfer objects from a first location to a second location along a defined path, without the need for a conveyor along the path. Instead, the handling apparatus can be moved along the path by a controllable transport device, such as a robot arm. The handling apparatus can comprise a plurality of unpowered rollers which are selectively rotated by way of a transfer assist mechanism during loading and/or unloading of the objects to be transferred. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a separate component that can power the rollers directly or indirectly. The transfer assist mechanism can comprise a belt which imparts rotational force to the support rollers via contact in some embodiments, with the amount of force controlled by varying the relative inclination of the support rollers and the transfer assist mechanism.
US07950893B2	Device for handling manufacturing rings, a forklift including the same, and a method of handling a manufacturing ring A lifting apparatus for lifting manufacturing rings is provided. The lifting apparatus includes an attachment part having an opening extending therethrough, and a plurality of elongated legs extending from the attachment part. Each of the elongated legs has a slit disposed therein. A plurality of support rods are movably disposed in the slits. The support rods are pivotable between a lowered position in which each support rod extends from the associated slit and a raised position in which each support rod is disposed within the associated slit. The lifting apparatus further includes an actuating part operably associated with the support rods and for moving the support rods between the raised position and the lowered position.
US07950891B2	Method for the loading and unloading railway wagons and device, wagon chassis and wagon attachment for carrying out said method A method for loading and unloading rail cars includes at least one car, having a frame and a superstructure, moved into loading and unloading positions. During unloading the car superstructure is lifted off from the frame with lifting devices to an unloading level, and after the lifting operation the superstructure is moved at the unloading level in a transverse direction with respect to a longitudinal plane of the car until the superstructure is seated completely on a loading and unloading face. During loading the superstructure is moved from the loading and unloading face in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal plane of the car to above the frame and the superstructure is lowered, by lifting devices, onto the frame located in the loading and unloading positions. The lifting and lowering of the superstructures is carried out by lifting devices that are anchored to the track bed or secured to a platform. Also described are a method for transferring cargo from a first train to a second train, a loading and/or unloading device, a car frame and a car superstructure.
US07950890B2	Vacuum robot, vacuum motor for vacuum robot, and production method of said vacuum motor A vacuum robot includes an arm portion on which a work is to be disposed under a reduced pressure environment and a motor portion for rotatably driving the arm portion, the vacuum robot being configured to transfer the work by causing a rotational movement of the arm portion by the motor portion. The motor portion comprises a rotor portion connected to the arm portion, a stator portion disposed at an external periphery of the rotor portion, a housing disposed under an atmospheric pressure environment, and a thin cylindrical can disposed in an electromagnetic gap formed between the rotor portion and the stator portion and secured to the housing so that the stator portion is air-tightly encapsulated in a space formed by the housing and the can. The space is maintained in a depressurized state by a seal.
US07950887B2	Threaded fastener with retainer and method of making such fastener A fastener element (16) has a head section (18), a threaded shank section (17) with threads (20) at a pitch and a distal end section (22). A retention device (24) is secured to the distal end section and is engageable with a fastener receiving member (14).
US07950886B2	Push-on bolt stabilizer The invention provides for a retainer for stabilizing a threaded member. The retainer may include a base portion having an opening and an outer perimeter lying in a first plane, the opening having a plurality of elongated sections each extending toward the outer perimeter so as to define in the base portion one or more arms. Each of the aims may have a head section having at least one groove, the head sections being located in a second plane which is parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane. The elongated sections may be symmetrically arranged about an axis. The grooves may be arranged to define at least a portion of a helix. The outer perimeter of the retainer may be circular.
US07950882B2	Router A router has a housing, from the underside of which a tool fitting for a milling tool connected with a drive motor extends and the housing is displaceably accommodated on guide columns for adjusting the milling depth, a device for adjusting the milling depth, which includes a depth adjusting element that is displaceable in the direction of a vertical axis of the router using an adjusting element and that interacts with a stop element, and a device for locking the depth adjusting element. The device for locking the depth adjusting element is integrated in the device for adjusting the milling depth.
US07950877B2	Clamp systems and methods for pile drivers and extractors A clamp assembly for securing a vibratory device to a pile comprising a frame, first and second clamp members, and an actuator. The frame is adapted to be secured to the vibratory device. The first clamp member is supported by the frame and comprises a first engaging surface defining peaks and valleys and comprising a first surface layer formed on the peaks and valleys defined by the first engaging surface. The second clamp member is supported by the frame and comprises a second engaging surface defining peaks and valleys and comprising a second surface layer formed on the peaks and valleys defined by the second engaging surface. The actuator member is arranged to displace at least one of the first and second clamp members such that first and second engaging surfaces engage the pile such that the pile is gripped by between first and second clamp members. At least one of the first and second surface layers defines a thickness dimension of at least approximately 0.0025 inches, and at least one of the first and second surface layers defines a grit of at least approximately 180 Emery.
US07950869B2	Tube connection joint and method of forming same A connection joint (20) is described that is formed by inserting a plastic connector (10) into the end of a silicone tube (14). The connector includes a plurality of barbs (12). A reinforcing agent (16) is placed between each of the barbs (12) of the connector (10). An adhesive (18) is injected between the tube (14), the reinforcing agents (16) and the connector (10). The adhesive (18) is then cured at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time in order to solidify the connection joint (20).
US07950868B2	Modular crankshaft A modular crankshaft features a connection system between modules that features opposed female receptacles. A pin having opposed beveled ends and hydraulic passages with it is inserted into the opposed receptacles. A pair of seals is disposed on the beveled ends and straddles a hydraulic fluid outlet. The crankshaft wall that defines each receptacle is designed to flex in response to applied hydraulic pressure between the seals on the tapered pin portion. A notch at the base of the receptacle in the crankshaft reduces stress concentration and enables the wall defining the crankshaft receptacle to come back when hydraulic pressure through the pin is removed. The opposed crankshaft receptacles are flanged to allow them to be pulled together over the pin. An interference fit results around the pin after the flanges are mated and the hydraulic pressure is removed.
US07950866B2	Ring binder mechanism with polymeric housing A ring binder mechanism has a resilient polymeric housing. The housing has a central portion and lateral sides extending downwardly along either side of the central portion. A metal ring support is supported between the lateral sides for movement relative to the housing. Each of a plurality of rings includes a first ring member mounted on the ring support for movement therewith to open and close the rings. The housing applies a spring force biasing the ring support toward the open position when the first ring member is proximate its open position and biasing the ring support to the closed position when the first ring member is proximate its closed position. The housing spring force is the only spring force applied to the ring support that moves the ring support.
US07950862B2	Multicolor writing tools and methods Various multicolor writing tools and methods for applying multiple volatile marking substances one at a time. The tool includes a case member, a cartridge member, a cap member, and an optional actuator member. The case member forms an interior in which is disposed the cartridge member with multiple cartridges each containing one of the marking substances and a tip through which the marking substance is applied. The cap member changes and restores its configuration, while the actuator member changes the configuration and exposes one of the tips selected by an user out of the interior when the tool is in use, and then restores the configuration and encloses all of the tips inside the interior when not in use. Thus, the tool opens the cap member in response to input force without requiring the user to engage in a separate maneuver to remove the cap member.
US07950858B2	Bearing apparatus for a wheel of vehicle A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member formed with a body mounting flange on its outer circumferential surface. The body mounting flange is to be mounted on a knuckle of the vehicle. The outer member inner circumference includes double row outer raceway surfaces. An inner member includes a wheel hub with a wheel mounting flange formed on one end. A cylindrical portion extends from the wheel mounting flange. At least one inner ring is press-fit onto the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub. The inner ring outer circumference is formed with an inner raceway surface arranged opposite to the double row outer raceway surfaces. Double row rolling elements are freely rollably contained between the outer raceway surfaces and inner raceway surfaces of the outer member and the inner members. Seals are mounted within annular openings formed between the outer member and the inner member. The inner ring is axially secured relative to the wheel hub by a caulked portion. The caulked portion is formed by radially outwardly plastically deforming the end of the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub. Outer side rolling elements of the double row rolling elements are balls. The inner side rolling elements of the double row rolling elements are tapered rollers. The fundamental rated load of the inner side row of tapered rollers is set larger than that of the outer side row of balls.
US07950857B2	Rolling bearing with heating element A rolling bearing which has at least one heated rolling bearing ring. An electrical heating element is applied with good thermally-conductive contact to a surface section of the heated rolling bearing ring. The heat quantity which can be generated by the heating element is dimensioned such that the heated rolling bearing ring undergoes thermal expansion when heated, which permits the rolling bearing to be mounted on a frame element with the formation of a shrink fit during subsequent cooling.
US07950856B2	Tapered roller bearing A tapered roller bearing includes: an oil guide member that opens and closes an annular opening between an outer peripheral surface of a large rib of an inner ring and an outer ring and is mounted on the large rib; and a discharge port that discharges, along the outer peripheral surface of the large rib, lubricating oil and is formed through an inner peripheral portion of the oil guide member. The oil guide member includes a closing portion for closing the annular opening. When a fluid pressure of the lubricating oil which flows through pockets of a cage toward an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring is below a predetermined values, the closing portion closes the annular opening and guides the lubricating oil toward the discharge port. When the fluid pressure exceeds the predetermined value, the closing portion opens the annular opening.
US07950855B2	Bearing assembly A bearing assembly for radial and axial support of a shaft part relative to a housing includes two radial antifriction bearings located at an axial distance to one another on the shaft part and two axial antifriction bearings located at an axial distance to one another on the shaft part. To create better support, the bearing assembly has an outer bearing ring which is inserted into a hole of the housing and which, made as a one-piece component, has tracks for the two radial antifriction bearings and for the two axial antifriction bearings.
US07950853B2	Linear roller bearing element A linear roller bearing element with an endless rolling element channel is composed of a carrier raceway for the load-bearing rolling elements on a carrier body, a return channel for rolling elements that are returning, and turnaround channels that connect the carrier raceway and the return channel at both ends with each other in an endless manner, the turnaround channels being bounded by end covers. The roller bearing element has two rolling element channels with two longitudinally extending carrier raceways located next to each other within a common plane and with clearance between them, on the carrier body for load-bearing rolling elements, and two assigned return channels for rolling elements that are returning, and respective turnaround channels. With a linear roller bearing guide, these roller bearing elements are located between a guide rail and a guide carriage—which is supported such that it is displaceable relative to the guide rail—in order to provide support.
US07950851B2	Plastic bag with imperforated tear area A plastic specimen bag (10) includes a front wall (20) and a rear wall (22) that are joined together to define a containment portion (32) having a bottom (24), side edges (26, 28), and a top opening (30). The plastic specimen bag (10) further includes a first closure (C1) located between the bottom (24) and the top opening (30) for selectively closing the containment portion (32). To facilitate opening the specimen bag (10), the specimen bag (10) includes a first grip enhancing profile (50) and a second grip enhancing profile (52) that are formed in the front wall (20) and spaced apart from one another to define a tear area (54) therebetween. The tear area (54) is located between the closure (C1) and the bottom (24).
US07950847B2	Breguet overcoil balance spring made of micro-machinable material The invention relates to a Breguet overcoil balance spring (1) that includes a hairspring (3) mounted in a single part, made of micro-machinable material, and coaxially with a collet (5). According to the invention, the balance spring has a terminal curve (7) made of micro-machinable material and an elevation device (9) made of micro-machinable material between the outer coil (15) of the hairspring and the terminal curve to improve the concentric development of the balance spring. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the balance spring. The invention concerns the field of timepiece making.
US07950844B2	Cook pot stirrer The cook pot stirrer is a stirring mechanism incorporated into a lid that covers a cooking vessel. The cook pot stirrer is adapted for stirring liquid content of the cook pot. The mechanism includes a battery power source connected to a motor having reduction gearing connected to a removably attachable stirring tool. A speed control adjusts motor speed, thereby regulating the speed of the stirring device. A protective dome covers the stirring mechanism to isolate the motor and electronics from the contents of the pot. The protective dome is removable for maintenance and battery replacement. Stirring tools of various lengths, heights and surface areas may be provided for use in a variety of cooking situations.
US07950843B2	Mixing machine and associated bowl support arrangement A mixing machine includes a head including a rotatable output member for receiving a mixer tool. A mixer body includes a bowl receiving assembly below the head. The bowl receiving assembly includes a pair of bowl support arms extending outwardly from the mixer body to respective ends located at opposite sides of a bowl receiving location. Each bowl support arm includes a mount protrusion extending upwardly therefrom. The mount protrusions include a notch located at bases of the mount protrusions. The bowl receiving assembly is mounted for movement between a lowered position away from the head and a raised position toward the head. The bowl includes a keyway extending through a mount support, the keyway having an enlarged portion that receives the mount protrusion of one of the support arms and a necked-down portion that slides within the notch of the respective mount protrusion when the bowl is rotated.
US07950842B2	Durability monitoring and improvement of a blender A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and a jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the closed end. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor.
US07950840B2	Structure for Christmas light A structure for LED Christmas light is provided, including a light holder, being a hollow body having a separating part connected to the inner wall of the light holder to divide the hollow interior of the light holder into two cavities. Each of the two opposite sides of the inner wall of the light holder connected to the separating part forms a slot and face the surface of the separating part of the two cavities, with each having a guiding channel. Two wire sets are fixed inside the two cavities. An LED light bulb has a positive pin and a negative pin inserted inside the guiding channel, respectively, and being electrically connected to the wire sets. A light cap has a holding part passing the LED light bulb to tightly engage to the top of the light holder so as to fix the LED light bulb to the light holder.
US07950837B2	Vehicle lamp A vehicle lamp can include a plurality of light source modules each having an LED as a light source, and optical systems for distributing light from each of the light source modules frontward toward predetermined areas or predetermined patterns that are different from each other and which make up a light distribution pattern. Each of the optical systems can be optimized to emit light to a predetermined area, and each of the light source modules' LEDs can be optimally arranged for each of the corresponding optical systems.
US07950836B2	EMI controlled integral HID reflector lamp An integral HID reflector lamp may be formed with an HID held in a reflector. An inner element is mechanically coupled to the reflector. The inner element is formed with a first mechanical coupling to mate with the reflector, a second mechanical coupling to mate with a circuit board, and an electrical coupling to at least electrically couple one of the leads to the circuit board. A circuit board has an edge mechanically coupled to the inner element and electrically connected to the leads by an electrical coupling on the inner element. A heat sink spans at least one side of the circuit board and forming an EMI shielding. An outer cover encloses the heat sink, circuit board, and inner element and coupled to the assembly of the reflector, HID lamp, inner element, and heat sink with each elements of the assembly clipped together.
US07950835B2	Bicycle safety lighting A bicycle or moped lighting system projects light onto a rider's moving legs to make the rider more visible to motor vehicle operators and thereby improve the rider's safety. A single safety light fixture is mounted below the bicycle seat and directs diverging light beams towards the backs of both of the rider's legs. While peddling, the motion of the lighted legs attracts the attention of the motor vehicle operators thereby improving rider visibility. A second light fixture may reside ahead of the rider to direct diverging light beams onto the fronts of the rider's moving legs.
US07950834B2	Collar assembly and brake for recessed luminaire A brake assembly for an adjustable downlight fixture comprises a fixture having a rotational collar assembly, the rotational collar assembly having a first race rotating relative to a second race, a brake assembly connected to one of the first race and the second race, the brake assembly frictionally engaging the other of the first race and the second race.
US07950831B2	Recessed LED lamp unit A light emitting diode (LED) lamp unit for obtaining a thin profile display device, to improve uniformity of light, and to simplify a power connection line for operation. The LED lamp unit includes an optical lens having a central recess part and an edge, wherein the central recess part is hollowed out inwardly, and the edge is formed in shape of a flat surface or in shape of a convex lens; at least one or more LED chips arranged at fixed intervals in a lower portion of the optical lens; and a lower reflecting sheet positioned on a bottom surface of the LED chip.
US07950828B2	LED lamp An LED lamp includes a first heat sink, a second heat sink and a plurality of LED modules. The second heat sink is located at a lateral side of the first heat sink and pivotally connects with the first heat sink. The LED modules are evenly attached on bottoms of the first and second heat sinks. The second heat sink can be rotated relative to the first heat sink to be fixed at a required position, whereby an illumination angle of the LED lamp can be adjusted. Heat generated by the LED modules is dissipated by the first and second heat sinks.
US07950825B2	Optical lens and illuminating device incorporating the same An optical lens includes an array of lens units. Each lens unit includes a main body, a light diverging portion and a light converging portion. The main body includes a light incident surface and a light emitting surface opposite to the light incident surface. The light diverging portion is configured for expanding a light field along a first direction, and the light converging portion is configured for compressing a light field along a second direction. The light diverging portion and the light converging portion are both formed on one of the light incident surface and the light emitting surface.
US07950823B2	Lamp fixing unit, backlight assembly having the same and display device having the same A lamp fixing unit capable of simplifying the manufacture of a backlight assembly by eliminating the need for manual procedures is presented. The lamp fixing unit includes a fixing member and a lamp holder. The fixing member includes a fixing body and at least one receiving portion. The lamp holder includes a holder body and a conductive socket. The holder body includes a board insertion portion, a power supply member, and a lamp fixing member. Thus, the power supply member may be easily coupled to and uncoupled from the lamp holder, and the lamp may be easily grounded.
US07950816B2	Backlight device and display device It is an object to manufacture a highly reliable backlight device with less color unevenness and less luminance unevenness, and a high-performance and highly reliable display device including the backlight device, which can display a high quality image. A light emitting diode (LED) is used as a light source of a backlight device and thermoelectric elements are provided in a chassis for holding the light emitting diode so as to surround the light emitting diode (the thermoelectric elements are provided under the light emitting diode and on the four sides thereof). A temperature in the backlight device is adjusted by cooling and heating by the thermoelectric elements.
US07950814B2	Backlight module and method of manufacture using complementary light sources having the same color A backlight module includes an optical film set and a plurality of light source sets having a first light source and a second light source. The first light source generates a first chromaticity light while the second light source generates a second chromaticity light. The first chromaticity light mixes with the second chromaticity light in the space between the light source sets and the optical film set and then enters the optical film set. The first chromaticity light and the second chromaticity light have their own spectrum and both spectra fall into a first color region of the CIE 1931 color space. Within the first color region, the spectrum of the first chromaticity light is close to a second color region while the spectrum of the second chromaticity light is close to a third color region.
US07950809B2	Hologram element, illumination device, projector, and method of manufacturing hologram element A hologram element that forms a predetermined illumination pattern on an irradiated surface by diffracting incident light is disclosed. The illumination pattern is formed by making light in a first wavelength region diffracted in a first region, and the illumination pattern is formed by making light in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region diffracted in a second region on the same plane as the first region.
US07950804B2	System and method employed in projector for protecting eyes A system employed in a projector for protecting eyes when the projector is in use, includes an initialization module, a light emitting-receiving device, a time-measuring module, a comparison module, and an image-outputting device. The initialization module is configured for initializing a standard time value. The light emitting-receiving device is configured for emitting a light and receiving a reflection of the light. The time-measuring module is configured for measuring time elapsed between emitting the light and receiving the reflection to generate a time-cost value. The comparison module is configured for comparing the standard time value with the time-cost value to generate a signal. The image-outputting device is configured for outputting an eye-protective image or a general image corresponding to the signal.
US07950803B2	Perspective vision tunnel Devices and methods for testing a subject's visual ability are provided. More specifically, the device may include a perspective vision tunnel comprised of plurality of low reflectance walls with one or more mirrors arranged within the perspective vision tunnel. Visual indicia for administering the test of a subject's visual ability are displayed into a first portion of the perspective vision tunnel. The one or more mirrors are arranged to reflect the visual indicia out of the first portion such that visual indicia may be visually perceived by the subject. In accordance with the invention, a subject may be tested utilizing the perspective vision tunnel and input may be received from the individual. The received input may then, for example, be used to compute data related to the user's visual ability.
US07950802B2	Method and circuit arrangement for recognising and tracking eyes of several observers in real time The invention relates to a method and to a circuit arrangement for recognising and for tracking, in a contact-free manner, eye positions of several users in real time. The input data comprises a sequence of digital video frames. Said method comprises the following steps: combining a face-finder-instance which is used to examine faces, an eye-finder-instance which is used to examine eye areas, and an eye-tracker-instance which is used to recognise and track eye reference points. The aim of the invention is to convert the eye positions within a hierarchical outlet of the instance to the target, which successively restricts the dataset, which is to be processed, emerging from the dataset of the entire video frame (VF) in order to form a face target area (GZ) and subsequently an eye target area (AZ). Also, an instance or a group of instances, which run in a parallel manner, are carried out, respectively, on a calculating unit thereof.
US07950801B2	Device and method for measuring the contrast of the fringes in a michelson interferometer and system for examination of the eye comprising such a device The invention relates to a device, for measuring the contrast of fringes in a Michelson interferometer at full field, comprising a Wollaston prism for diverting two perpendicular incident polarizations into two different emergent directions, said diverting means being arranged within the interferometer as substitute for a single polarizer. The device is of application to a Michelson interferometer used in an OCT tomographical system and comprising means for obtaining interferometric contrast without use of a modulation technique or synchronous detection methods.
US07950798B2	Curved lenses configured to decode three-dimensional content Curved lenses configured to decode three dimensional content and method of fabricating the same. The lenses comprise a polyvinylalcohol polarizer film laminated with triacetate on both sides, wherein the polarizer film has a polarizing efficiency equal to or exceeding 99% and a transmittance percentage equal to or exceeding 35% and a retarder film (e.g., norbornene copolymer resin) laminated on a front surface of the polyvinylalcohol polarizer film laminated with triacetate and aligned to produce a desired circular polarization responsive to specified retardation wavelengths.
US07950795B2	Image forming method and ink-jet recording device utilizing photo-curable ink, and inkset, ink-jet recording method and ink-jet recording device utilizing photo-curable ink An ink-jet recording device which is equipped with a recording head to eject one type or plural types of inks containing a photo-curable component onto a recording medium and a light irradiation device to cure the ink by irradiating light onto the ink having deposited on the recording medium, wherein ink quantity cured by one time light irradiation is not less than 5 g/m2, and an amount of a photo-polymerization initiator in the ink is not more than 5 weight % based on the total weight of the ink.
US07950791B2	Ink level detection by electronic means An ink cartridge configured to hold an ink includes a substantially hollow body including an inner space and a substantially continuous inner wall. An optical prism in the inner space is disposed at a predetermined distance from the continuous inner wall such that an ink pocket is defined by a prism wall and the continuous inner wall. The prism includes at least one reflection site formed at an angle configured to reflect light from a light source through the prism at a predetermined height relative to a bottom of the body. If ink is present in the ink pocket at a level below at least a portion of the reflection site, the ink does not block the light reflected off of the portion of the reflection site from traveling across the ink pocket at the predetermined height, such that the reflected light is externally detectable by electronic means.
US07950789B2	Liquid container The invention provides a liquid container for supplying liquid to a liquid consumption apparatus, and includes: a container body that is detachably attached to a container attachment unit of the liquid consumption apparatus; first and second positioning portions that prevent the movement of the container body when corresponding first and second positioning members provided on the container attachment unit fit therein, respectively; a liquid feed outlet to communicate with a liquid supply unit on the container attachment unit to supply liquid from the liquid container to the liquid consumption apparatus; an information memory unit; electric contacts that cause the information memory unit provided on the container body to be connected to an information control circuit of the liquid consumption apparatus; and an engaging portion preventing the detachment of the container body from the container attachment unit when an engaging member engages therewith.
US07950787B2	Liquid ejection apparatus and method A liquid ejection apparatus including a recording head capable of ejecting liquid, a first liquid storage unit which is replaceable which stores liquid to be ejected from the recording head, a second liquid storage unit which is integrally formed with the apparatus body which stores liquid to be ejected from the recording head, the liquid stored in the second liquid storage unit being the same kind of liquid as the liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit, and a selection-and-supply unit which selects at least one liquid from the liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit and the liquid stored in the second liquid storage unit and supplies the selected the liquid to the recording head.
US07950784B2	Compressible ink refill cartridge An ink refill cartridge is provided for refilling an ink ejection printhead cartridge. The refill cartridge includes a receptacle configured to receive a collapsible ink container storing ink. The receptacle is further configured to engage with an ink refill port of the printhead cartridge. A handle assembly can be slidably mounted relative to the receptacle so that, when the handle assembly and receptacle are compressed between the printhead cartridge and a hand, the handle assembly can slide along the receptacle and collapse the ink container to cause the stored ink to be supplied through the ink refill port. In one embodiment, the receptacle defines one or more protrusions configured to engage with complementary recesses of the handle assembly so that the handle assembly will not slide along the receptacle until a threshold compression force has been applied by the hand.
US07950781B2	Inkjet head chip, manufacturing method for inkjet head chip, inkjet head, and inkjet recording apparatus An inkjet head chip has an actuator plate, discharge channels formed in the actuator plate for discharging ink, and non-discharge channels arranged alternately in parallel with the discharge channels and which are not configured to discharge ink. The actuator plate has a piezoelectric layer and a low-permittivity substrate layer. The piezoelectric layer is formed of a piezoelectric material and the low-permittivity substrate layer is formed of an insulating low-permittivity material having a lower permittivity than that of the piezoelectric material. One end of each discharge channel extends to an end surface of the actuator plate in a state in which the insulating low-permittivity material is exposed on a bottom surface thereof, and another end of each discharge channel does not extend to the end surface of the actuator plate. Each non-discharge channel extends over at least an entire length of the actuator plate in a state in which the insulating low-permittivity material is exposed on a bottom surface thereof. Piezoelectric elements formed of the piezoelectric material are disposed in the discharge and non-discharge channels and driven by a voltage signal for undergoing deformation to vary a volume in the discharge and non-discharge channels to thereby eject ink droplets from the discharge channels.
US07950780B2	Liquid jet head and image forming apparatus configured to obtain air bubble discharging properties A liquid jet head includes a plurality of individual flow paths where nozzles configured to jet liquid are in communication; wherein a layer of an adhesive is formed on a side wall surface of the individual flow path; and the layer of the adhesive contains a material capable of having a photocalytic reaction obtaining hydrophilicity by light irradiation.
US07950779B2	Inkjet printhead with heaters suspended by sloped sections of less resistance An inkjet printhead that has a pair of electrodes, a heater having contacts abutting the pair of electrodes, a heater element for generating a vapor bubble in a quantity of ink and sloped side portions extending between the heater element and the contacts and, a nozzle spaced from the heater such that ink is ejected through the nozzle in response to the generation of a vapor bubble. The heater element has higher electrical resistance than the contacts and the sloped side portions.
US07950778B2	Printer having referencing for removable printhead A printer is provided having a slot for removably receiving a printhead having a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles, and protrusions arranged in the slot to cooperate with a flat surface of a plurality of corners of the printhead upon mounting of the printhead to the printer, the cooperation providing information on the location of the nozzles.
US07950775B2	Printhead integrated circuit having glass nozzle chambers A printhead integrated circuit includes a silicon substrate; a CMOS layer having drive and control circuitry; a passivation layer covering the CMOS layer; and nozzle assemblies disposed on the passivation layer. Each nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber having a nozzle opening and a droplet ejection actuator associated with each of the chambers. The droplet ejection actuator is electrically connected to the drive circuitry and adapted to eject a droplet of the ejectable liquid from the nozzle opening. Each chamber comprises a roof and sidewalls extending from the passivation layer to the roof. The roof and sidewalls are both comprised of a glass material.
US07950774B2	Inkjet printhead with narrow printing zone An inkjet printhead includes a supporting wafer substrate; an array of drop ejection apparatuses formed in a first side of the supporting wafer substrate, the array of drop ejection apparatuses configured as pairs of rows of drop ejection apparatuses, each drop ejection apparatus including a chamber with a nozzle, and an actuator extending into the nozzle; and a common ink channel extending between each pair of rows of drop ejection apparatuses. Each chamber has a sidewall adjacent to the common ink channel, the side wall provided with a grill portion for facilitating an in-flow of ink from the common ink channel into the chamber, the grill portion adapted to further filter the ink flowing therethrough.
US07950768B2	Method of calculating correction value, method of ejecting liquid, and liquid ejecting apparatus A method of calculating a correction value includes: forming a test pattern by ejecting a liquid by a liquid ejecting apparatus, which has a first nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles ejecting the liquid to a medium are arranged in a predetermined direction and a second nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles ejecting the liquid to the medium are arranged in the predetermined direction, the second nozzle row being disposed so that an end portion on one side thereof in the predetermined direction overlaps with an end portion on the other side of the first nozzle row in the predetermined direction, to an area of the medium corresponding to certain pixel data on the basis of the certain pixel data from first nozzles belonging to the end portion on the other side of the first nozzle row and second nozzles belonging to the end portion on the one side of the second nozzle row; acquiring a read-out gray scale value by allowing a scanner to read-out the test pattern; and calculating a correction value used to correct the pixel data corresponding to the area to which the liquid is ejected from the first and the second nozzles on the basis of the read-out gray scale value.
US07950760B2	Liquid droplet ejecting apparatus and liquid droplet ejecting method A liquid droplet ejecting apparatus having: a liquid droplet ejecting head; and a drive pulse generating unit, wherein the head includes: a nozzle; a pressure chamber which communicates with the nozzle; and a pressure applying section which changes a pressure in the pressure chamber, wherein the generated drive pulse is applied to the pressure applying section so as to change the pressure in the pressure chamber to cause the liquid in the pressure chamber to be ejected from the nozzle, and wherein the drive pulse includes a rectangular expansion pulse which causes expansion and then contraction of the volume of the pressure chamber and in which the pulse width PW of the expanding pulse is set so as to satisfy the following conditional equation, PW = π - ( tan - 1 ⁢ 1 2 ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ f ⁢ ⁢ τ ) 2 ⁢ π ⁢ ⁢ f ( 1 ) where f represents an acoustic resonance frequency of a pressure wave in the pressure chamber and τ represents a damping time constant of the pressure wave.
US07950759B2	Operating method for inkjet head A method of operating an inkjet head to eject ink droplets, for an inkjet head including a pressure chamber that is contracted and expanded in a particular period, including: decompression-operating the membrane, such that the volume of the pressure chamber is increased, in correspondence with the period in which the pressure chamber is expanded; compression-operating the membrane, such that the volume of the pressure chamber is decreased, in correspondence with the time point at which the pressure chamber is converted from an expanded state to a contracted state; decompression-operating the membrane, such that the volume of the pressure chamber is increased, in correspondence with the period in which the pressure chamber is contracted; and compression-operating the membrane, such that the volume of the pressure chamber is decreased, in correspondence with the time point at which the pressure chamber is converted from a contracted state to an expanded state.
US07950757B2	Image recording apparatus In an image recording apparatus, there are oppositely arranged an image recording section capable of recording an image all over the recording width of a recording medium, and a platen section which holds the recording medium and which conveys the recording medium perpendicularly to a width direction of the recording medium. A platen driving unit can vary a space between the image recording section and the platen section. Positioning pins of a carriage are engaged with slide hooks to set a space between the platen driving unit and the image recording section.
US07950756B2	Drop-down shelf Storage systems are provided with a first shelf and a drop-down shelf. In one example, the storage system includes first and second link members that are each slidably and pivotably attached with respect to the first shelf. Each of the link members is also pivotably attached with respect to the drop-down shelf. In another example, the storage system includes first and second stationary track guides that each extend away from the first shelf. The drop-down shelf includes first and second support structures that are each slidably received in a respective one of the stationary track guides.
US07950755B2	Shelf, particularly for refrigeration units, which is designed to support at least one accessory and corresponding accessories A shelf for a piece of furniture, or for a refrigerator or similar element, including a panel for supporting articles and at least one structure made of plastic on at least one region of the periphery of the panel. The structure is configured to allow the shelf to be installed in a frame of the piece of furniture. The structure supports, at least on one of its two faces situated in the plane of the panel, a mechanism of attaching an accessory intended to be placed, in a position of use, in a free space of the corresponding side of the shelf.
US07950754B2	Magnetic freezer basket pull A pull-out drawer assembly for a refrigerator bottom freezer. The assembly includes upper and lower baskets slidably mounted one above the other. The bottom basket has a drawer face mounted to its front edge. The upper basket has a magnet which cooperates with an engagement device that is mounted on the lower basket and is attractable to the magnet so that, when the drawer is pulled out of the freezer compartment, both drawers travel as a unit. The upper drawer can then be pushed back to disengage the engagement device from the magnet and provide access to the lower basket.
US07950753B2	Tool-free rapid assembly/disassembly slide rail device A tool-free rapid assembly/disassembly slide rail device is characterized in that each of a front slide rail and a rear slide rail has an end inserted by rectangular or circular flange positioning blocks of a positioning element and is detachably assembled with a resilient retaining element, wherein the positioning element is retained by the resilient retaining element to allow rapid assembly and disassembly of the slide rail device.
US07950752B2	Electronic device and case thereof A case including a holding portion and a rotary part is used to fix a drawer device. A first sidewall of the drawer device has a first hole. The holding portion has a second sidewall and the drawer device is disposed in the holding portion. A second hole is located in the second sidewall. The position of the second hole is corresponding to the first hole. The rotary part is pivoted on an outer side of the holding portion through a first hinge portion and the first hinge portion is located between a first protrusion portion and a second protrusion portion. When the drawer device comes into the holding portion, the drawer device is in contact with the first protrusion portion, which makes the rotary part turn in a first rotating direction and the second protrusion portion pass through the second hole to be fixed in the first hole.
US07950751B2	Method and apparatus for maintaining a trailer in a straight position relative to the vehicle A system and method of controlling a vehicle with a trailer comprises determining the presence of a trailer, determining a vehicle velocity, determining a steering wheel angle, and determining a rear axle side slip angle. When the rear axle side slip angle is above a predetermined value, the vehicle velocity is above a velocity threshold, and the steering wheel is about zero, brake-steer is applied to the vehicle.
US07950748B2	Internal hydraulic locking apparatus and methods for making and using same An hydraulically activated internal locking apparatus is disclosed including an hydraulic fluid reservoir, an hydraulically activated locking system and a electronic control system, where the electronic control system is in electrical communication with the locking system and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the locking system so that the locking system can be transitioned from a locked state to an unlocked state when the electronic control system receives a unlock or lock code or instruction.
US07950745B2	Streamlining bit assemblies for road milling, mining and trenching equipment An improved bit assembly for road milling, mining, and trenching equipment includes a streamlined tip assembly that is a combination of conical and cylindrical in shape and devoid of protrusions or annular indentations that might impede the flow of removed material over and around the bit assembly or provide space for removed material to become clogged or imbedded on the tip assembly. The generally cylindrical hollow shank that mounts the bit holder to the bit block includes at least one axially aligned slot along its side wall that allows the side wall to bend supply radial force to maintain the bit holder in the bit block.
US07950744B2	Collapsible integral foot rest A collapsible footrest for universal use with similarly collapsible outdoor chairs comprising a fabric footrest panel supported vertically by a first pair of crossed support members and supported horizontally in relation to a chair by a second pair of crossed support members affixed to the chair at its base. The ends of the second crossed support members are joined by bi-directional couplings and hinged couplings that allow the footrest to fold into and collapse with the associated chair for storage while also limiting the motion of the footrest during use such that the foot rest panel is optimally positioned in an upright position to comfortably support a seated user's legs.
US07950734B2	Recliner with locking mechanism A recliner includes a folding frame including two arm rests, a chair frame coupling with the folding frame, and a locking mechanism. The chair frame includes a seat frame, a back frame, and a leg frame, wherein the chair frame is adapted to be selectively adjusted an inclination angle thereof to adjust the corresponding position of each of the seat frame, the back frame, and the leg frame in responsive to the sliding movement of the arm rest. The locking mechanism is provided at a bottom side of each of the arm rests to lock up the chair frame at the inclination angle.
US07950732B2	Roof assembly for a vehicle and method of operating same A roof assembly comprises a closure moveable at least between a closed position closing the roof opening in the fixed roof of the vehicle and an open position in which the closure is slid under the fixed roof and at least partially opening the roof opening. A drain channel is positionable under the rear edge of the roof opening at least in a closed position of the closure. A drain channel operating mechanism is adapted to cause a vertical movement of the drain channel on the one hand and adapted to move said drain channel in the opening direction of the closure on the other hand. The drain channel operating mechanism is adapted to allow a relative movement between the drain channel and the closure during at least a part of the sliding movement of the closure. The drain channel operating mechanism includes a spring member acting upon the drain channel to keep the drain channel in engagement with a rear part of the closure in a vertical direction at least when the closure is in the open position. The drain channel and the closure are adapted to be in sliding engagement during relative movement between the drain channel and the closure.
US07950724B2	Vehicle body rear structure A vehicle body rear structure, which includes a rear frame disposed on each side of a vehicle body; and a tank lower frame disposed beneath the rear frame and on the each side of the vehicle body. The rear frame has a load-displacement characteristic having a ratio F/S of load F to displacement S larger than the ratio F/S of the tank lower frame. A cross sectional deformation of the tank lower frame is suppressed so that the load does not rapidly decrease after reaching a maximum of a bending strength.
US07950720B2	Apparatus for reducing drag on vehicles with planar rear surfaces Vanes are used for reducing drag on a moving vehicle having a substantially planar rear surface. The vanes are mounted to the vehicle using pliant material which creates no work for the driver of the vehicle during loading or unloading activities. The apparatus is extremely light weight, and includes a rigid vane of length L having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an aerodynamic center positioned at a distance of between 0.15 L and 0.5 L from the leading edge. The vane has an inner surface facing the vehicle and an outer surface. Multiple pliant attachment devices connect the vane to the vehicle. The vane helps prevent or reduce formation of a zone of turbulent air behind the vehicle. The apparatus allows substantial reductions in fuel consumption and truck CO2 emissions during use.
US07950718B2	Convertible soft top with fins A convertible soft top for a motor vehicle is provided. The convertible soft top has a front portion and a rear portion, the top also having and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The top includes a fabric cover that extends across the front portion and the rear portion, the fabric cover forming a pair of spaced apart fins that extend from the front portion in a rearwardly direction when the top is in the extended position. The convertible soft top is dimensioned such that a motor vehicle with a conventional opening for heretofor convertible tops can be used with the soft top of the instant invention.
US07950717B2	Windshield wiping device, in particular for a motor vehicle The invention proposes a wiper device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle. This device comprises a plate (22), a first fastening means (34) and a second fastening means (36) and also a third fastening means (44), which is arranged outside the axis between the first fastening means (34) and the second fastening means (36). The third fastening means (44) has adjusting means (46) for tilting about a tilting angle of the plate (22). According to the invention, the adjusting means (46) allows only predetermined tilting angles (α).
US07950714B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion and a seatback. The seat cushion includes a seating part, a front leg which is rotatably attached to and supports the seating part at a front side, and a pair of left and right rear legs which support a rear side of the seating part. The seatback is provided to the rear side of the seat cushion so as to be capable of falling rearward. The front leg is rotatably attached to a vehicle floor. The rear legs are detachably attached to the vehicle floor. The vehicle seat is adapted to be arranged from a seating mode into at least three of a plurality of modes including a table mode, a rear seat enter/exit mode, a storage mode, a foot rest mode, a flat luggage compartment mode, a rearward facing child safety seat mode.
US07950713B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat includes a seat part having a seat substructure. The seat part is displaceable along a transverse axis with respect to the seat substructure and the seat part is at least partially swivelably about the transverse axis. The seat includes a displacement element having a displacement length, a fixed lower part and an upper part. A first longitudinal movement of the seat part and a first transverse movement of the seat part occurs along a first section of the adjustment length. A second longitudinal movement of the seat part and a second transverse movement of the seat part occurs along a second section of the adjustment length. The ratio of the first longitudinal movement to the first transverse movement differs from the ratio of the second longitudinal movement to the second transverse movement.
US07950711B2	Body mount A body mount included at least one clip, at least one plate and a sleeve. The clip may include a generally cylindrical body having a central aperture therethrough. The clip may further include at least one set of inwardly extending prongs. The clip may further include at least one set of outwardly extending prongs. The sleeve may have opposed openings capable of engaging a first clip and a second clip between their respective plates.
US07950708B2	Programmable zoned end effector An end effector for a robot having an array of suction cups includes an air control valve connected to each suction cup. Each valve can be individually operated so that specific zones of suction cups may be activated while others are dormant. The dormant suction cups are closed to the sub-atmospheric pressure, so that leakage of air through unused suction cups is avoided, while only the suction cups of the selected zone perform the picking of the work products. This allows the end effector to provide accurate and constant sub-atmospheric pressure to the work products during the picking process.
US07950702B1	Receptacle for a gate drop rod The receptacle for a gate drop rod includes a buried plastic canister having an open bottom for drainage. The open top of the canister is covered, and at least one gate rod opening is formed through the plastic cover. Preferably two such openings are formed to provide for different drop rod diameters. A plastic receptacle pipe of appropriate diameter is installed in the appropriate opening, and the unused passage is plugged. The canister is placed on a bed of drainage stone in the bottom of the hole, the top of the canister preferably about two inches below grade. The hole is filled with gravel and stone around the canister, and the top is covered with concrete to grade. A high visibility disc is preferably installed about the top of the protruding pipe to facilitate locating the drop rod receptacle in poor light or at night.
US07950701B2	Pipe coupling having movable gripping bodies A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation has segments joined end-to-end by adjustable connection members. The segments surround a central space which receives the pipe elements. One or more gripping bodies are captured between the segments. The gripping bodies are arranged opposite to each other. The segments have angularly oriented reaction surfaces on the connection members. The gripping bodies have angularly oriented contact surfaces which interface with the reaction surfaces. When the segments are drawn toward each other by the connection members, interaction between the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces forces the gripping bodies radially inwardly. Inwardly facing arcuate surfaces on the segments and the gripping bodies engage and retain the pipe elements.
US07950694B2	Tether for airbag module A tether for a passenger airbag cushion of a vehicle includes first and second twist preventing parts formed at both edges of the tether in the deployment direction of the tether by an inflator such that the thickness of both edges of the tether is increased. The airbag cushion is more reliably deployed because the tether is not twisted or folded due to the above structure when the tether is deployed.
US07950688B2	Airbag module An airbag module for a vehicle includes a first storage compartment for use by an occupant of the vehicle and a second storage compartment for storing a first folded airbag prior to deployment. A single integrated cover overlies the storage compartments. The cover is configured to be integrated and installed into an instrument panel of the vehicle when the airbag module is installed in the vehicle. The cover includes a manually operable first door covering a first opening to the first storage compartment, and wherein, in an open position, the first door permits access to the first storage compartment. The cover includes a second door configured to open when the first airbag thereby creating a second opening in the cover to permit the first airbag to deploy into the vehicle.
US07950685B2	Method and apparatus for transitioning a heavy equipment hauling rear loading trailer between transport and loading positions A rear loading lowboy trailer is described having a pair of rear wheel assemblies mounted to a chassis of the trailer for movement between transport and loading positions such that the wheel assemblies are aligned across a back of the chassis when they are in the transport position and raised and positioned outwardly when the chassis is in the loading position. A linkage mechanism moves each of the wheel assemblies in both horizontal and vertical directions so as to move each of the wheel assemblies between the transport and loading positions. Each linkage mechanism automatically fastens the wheel assembly to the chassis of the trailer when the wheel assembly is moved to its transport position.
US07950681B2	Bicycle steerer assembly having captured fork legs A bicycle steerer assembly that includes a stub tube, a steerer tube that extends upward from the stub tube, a pair of forks, and a fork crown or crown cap. A key and keyway are formed between the stub tube and a crown portion of each fork. The crown cap overlies the crown portion of each fork thereby preventing dissociation of the key and keyway between each of the pair of forks and the stub tube when the crown cap is positioned thereabout.
US07950679B2	Insulated food tray wagon An insulated food tray transportation wagon. The single-piece, low-weight, insulated food tray transportation wagon is equipped with sliding panels designed to wedge into place by either friction at any intermediate position to limit the need for an external locking mechanism or by using a step-based notched locking mechanism. The wagon also provides for a flat-panel geometry system, a thin, shell-molded casing made of flame-retardant material and shell insulation for reducing the weight of the wagon. The wagon is also equipped with a series of bottom drains, a kick plate and a series of top handles for maneuvering the wagon. The wagon is equipped with a flat, beverage-holding section located above the wagon, symmetrical handling devices for pulling and pushing the wagon from all sides, and alternatively, a sturdy pivoting hitch to connect a plurality of wagons for simultaneous transportation.
US07950678B1	Trailer leveling system A trailer leveling system for adjusting a height of a frame of a trailer above a ground surface is disclosed. The trailer leveling system comprises at least one trailer leveling apparatus configured to adjust a distance between an axle of the trailer and the frame of the trailer. The at least one trailer leveling apparatus acts on a suspension of the trailer. The at least one trailer leveling apparatus moving the suspension between a traveling position and a leveling position, with the traveling position being characterized by the suspension being capable of supporting the frame during movement of the trailer along a road and the leveling position being characterized by a portion of the suspension being moved away from the frame with respect to the travel position.
US07950677B2	Sled attachment for load carrying cart A sled attachment configured to a load carrying cart for maneuvering thereto on pathways covered with snow, ice and/or slush. The load carrying cart comprises a frame supported over a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. The sled attachment comprises a panel member and at least one fastening member. The panel member includes a first arcuate section and a second arcuate section. The second arcuate section extends inwardly toward the first arcuate section from a common edge portion of the first arcuate section and the second arcuate section. The at least one fastening member is capable of removably engaging the panel member to a portion of the frame. The panel member is capable of being removably engaged, such that the first arcuate section poses outward from the frame and the second arcuate section poses toward a lower portion of the pair of front wheels.
US07950675B1	Cargo carrier A cargo carrier for movably supporting cargo includes a frame configured to support cargo at the cargo carrier and at least two wheels at each side of the frame. Each of the wheels is rotatably mounted to a respective support arm. The support arms are pivotally mounted to respective sides of the frame and are pivotable relative to the frame to adjust at least one of a height and tilt of the frame relative to a support surface. The cargo carrier is readily adapted to position the frame at a lower position for road applications and a raised position for uneven terrain applications. The cargo carrier may include a deck that is movably mounted to the frame and is longitudinally movable along the frame.
US07950674B2	Ride height leveling control for dual air spring configuration An air suspension system is configured to adjust and maintain a desired vehicle ride height and spring rate. The air suspension system includes a plurality of air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag mounted around the piston airbag. A controller receives ride height input data and adjusts pressures within the primary and piston airbags until the desired ride height and spring rate is achieved. The controller accommodates for system hardware differences by varying flow rates into and out of the primary and piston airbags relative to each other.
US07950673B2	Stair chair A chair configured for transporting a subject (e.g., up or down an elevated surface (e.g., a stairway, a curb, a ramp, etc.)) and methods of using the same is provided. In particular, a chair comprising a rail assembly, a pair of back legs and a pair of front legs, wherein the rail assembly is fastened to the back legs and wherein the back legs and front legs are interconnected via a pair of side rails and a seat assembly, wherein the seat assembly comprises a seat frame and a swivel seat assembly, and methods of using the same (e.g., to load and/or unload a subject onto the chair and/or to transport a subject) are provided.
US07950667B2	Target apparatus A target apparatus including a portable case; a target; and a drive contained within the portable case, the drive having a drive shaft accessible through an access opening in a side of the portable case. When the target is connected to the drive shaft for rotation relative to the portable case, the portable case provides stable support to the target apparatus.
US07950665B2	Educational card game for enhancing counting skills A method for playing a game, involving the steps of determining a combination number; dealing to at least one player at least three cards from a deck to make a hand, the deck having at least one group of cards sequentially numbered from one to thirteen; and providing a reward to the player for each combination the player makes of the cards equaling the combination number. A typical combination number is 10, or multiples of 10.
US07950664B2	System and device for determining personality type A device and method for determining the personality type of a person or a group of persons in the tradition of the Enneagram. The device includes a number of cards and each of the cards has at least a color band, an image and a group of words, which collectively identifies an ego type.
US07950663B2	Intelligent baccarat shoe A method of controlling the game of baccarat is disclosed, the method including the steps of providing a card delivery shoe equipped with a sensor capable of reading at least a rank of each card; a first processor capable of controlling operation of the card delivery shoe; and a second processor capable of receiving signals from the sensor and programmed to display information related to the game of baccarat.
US07950657B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus includes: a printing mechanism forming an image on a sheet transferred in a sheet transfer route; a sheet feeding mechanism feeding sheets to the sheet transfer route; a register provided between the sheet feeding mechanism and the printing mechanism on the sheet transfer route so as to position a sheet fed from the sheet feeding mechanism and adjust an obliqueness of the sheet; an edge part detector provided on the sheet transfer route having a detecting section configured between the register and the printing mechanism so as to detect edge parts of a sheet transferred to the printing mechanism by the register, wherein the edge part detector is configured to serve as a multi-feed detector to detect multi-feeding of sheets.
US07950655B2	Apparatus and method for controlling various kinds of paper media with skew sensing An apparatus for controlling reception of various kinds of paper media includes a reception unit to allow the various kinds of paper media to be received, a pick-up unit to pick up the paper media from the reception unit one sheet by one sheet, a transport unit to transport the picked up paper media, a separation control sensing unit mounted on the transport unit to sense whether the paper media is passing through a predetermined transport path, a skew sensing unit mounted on the transport unit to sense skew of the paper media, and a control unit to operate the pick-up unit when the separation control sensing unit senses the paper media passing, and to suspend a forward operation of the transport unit and operate the transport unit backwards when the skew sensing unit senses the skew of the paper media.
US07950653B2	Three-way guide for redirecting sheet-shaped media A guide is proposed for devices for processing sheet material, particularly bank notes and checks, that is equipped with a guide body (1), with several guide wings (2) on the guide body (1), with at least three edges (15, 16, 17) on the guide wings (2) running parallel to each another and tapering to a point and with a guide drive (3, 4, 5) connected to the guide body (1) that sets the guide body (1) in motion in at least two different directions, wherein at least one of the two motions is a translational motion.
US07950649B2	Paper feeder, image forming apparatus provided with the same and paper feeding method When two or more sheets of paper P are fed in an overlapped manner to a nip where a paper feed roller and a separation roller are in pressure contact with each other, a sub-CPU of a sheet feeding unit rotates the paper feed roller in a paper feeding direction and rotates the separation roller in a direction opposite to the feeding direction, so as to separate overlapping, and thereafter, it rotates the paper feed roller and the separation roller again in the feeding direction.
US07950648B2	Feeding device and image forming apparatus A feeding device according to the present invention includes a box, paper holders, and a shifting mechanism. The box is open at its top. The paper holders are open at their tops and positioned in the box. Each of the paper holders holds a pile of sheets of paper in it. The shifting mechanism so shifts at least one of the paper holders that the top sheet in one of the paper holders is positioned in a single feed position in the box according to selection data output from the apparatus with which the feeding device is used.
US07950647B2	Sheet finishing apparatus, sheet punching apparatus and control method A drive mechanism which drives a punching blade between a position at a side of a sheet and a standby position separate from the sheet, and a punch motor that rotates in a forward direction and a reverse direction and drives the drive mechanism are provided, a first load of the punch motor at the rotation in the forward direction and a second load of the punch motor at the rotation in the reverse direction are measured in a state where the sheet does not exist, and a drive amount of the punch motor is corrected according to the first load and the second load.
US07950644B2	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, the fold reinforcing unit includes a roller unit that includes a reinforce roller with a structure for preventing an occurrence of a wrinkle, and moves along a direction of the fold line while applying pressure by the reinforce roller to the fold line of the sheet bundle transported from the fold unit, and a drive unit configured to move the roller unit along the direction of the fold line from a standby position located at a position separate from an end of the sheet bundle.
US07950641B2	Sheet creaser, sheet conveyer, sheet finisher, and image forming apparatus In a sheet creaser, when a sheet is conveyed to a folding unit by a conveyer unit, the folding unit folds the sheet and a pressing unit presses the folded sheet by sliding in a direction substantially perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction. A switching unit switches the conveyer unit between a first position to convey the sheet and a second position unable to convey the sheet. A driving unit drives both the switching unit and the pressing unit.
US07950639B2	Device for placing an object The invention relates to a device (10) which is used to place an object (1). The object (1) is placed on brushes (5,6), whereby a first part of the brushes (5) are in contact with the surface (4) of the object (1) and alternatively with a second part of the brushes (6). The invention also relates to a device (10) which is used to place an object (1) placed on brushes (5,6) enabling the object to (1) be positioned in a precise manner.
US07950636B2	Miter joint clamp A miter joint clamp comprises a base and a sled mounted on the base for linear movement with respect to the base. The base has a planar top side, and such movement is relative to a miter joint plane perpendicular to the planar top side of the base. The sled comprises a first sled fence that has a planar first sled surface extending perpendicular to the top side of the base aligned at a 135° angle relative to a first side of the joint plane, with the first sled surface being resiliently compressible relative to the sled in a direction perpendicular to the first sled surface. The sled further comprises a second sled fence that has a planar second sled surface extending perpendicular to the top side of the base and aligned at a 135° angle relative to a second side of the joint plane, with the second sled surface being resiliently compressible relative to the sled in a direction perpendicular to the second sled surface. The base comprises a first base fence that has a planar first base surface extending perpendicular to the top side of the base and aligned generally parallel to the first sled surface, and a second base fence that has a planar second base surface extending perpendicular to the top side of the base and aligned generally parallel to the second sled surface.
US07950635B2	Adjustable holding apparatus An adjustable holding apparatus comprises a main frame section with at least two pneumatic wheels disposed at a bottom bifurcated portion therein, and another bifurcated portion having a pair of distally disposed stabilizing feet. A maneuvering portion is attached at right angles to an upper portion of the frame to aid in maneuvering the adjustable holding apparatus into position. A horizontal support arm and a vertical support arm distally attached from the handle portion to support a vertical adjustable arm and a horizontal adjustable arm. The support arms have adjustable sliding attachment ends that are positioned as needed. The horizontal and vertical support arms are moveably supported by a tilt adjustment plate that allows the arms to be positioned from 0 to 90 degrees. Clamping knobs provide adjustability.
US07950632B2	Damping device A damping device, which is provided between a handle and pole tube of a sport pole such as a ski pole, combines the action of a helical compression spring (17) with that of a gas compression spring, whereby a rod-shaped body (5) can be displaced inside a tube (3). An elastic insert (13), which is subjected to the action of the helical compression spring (17), is provided at the end of the rod-shaped body (5). The rod-shaped body (5) is pressed into the tube (3), e.g. when the pole is placed against the ground, and the insert (13) deforms and tightly abuts against the tube (3) from the inside whereby forming a gas compression spring. The damping action is progressively increased inside the tube (3) by the friction of the deformable insert (13).
US07950631B2	Water distribution tray A water distribution tray having an improvement comprising a first downwardly inclined surface therein commencing at a base of a water impingement pedestal within a first of a plurality of channels and ending at a corresponding first of a plurality of discharge apertures, wherein the first downwardly inclined surface has a first declension angle associated therewith, and a second downwardly inclined surface commencing at the base within a second of the plurality of channels and ending at a corresponding second of the plurality of discharge apertures, wherein the second downwardly inclined surface has a second declension angle associated therewith different from the first declension angle. A method of manufacturing is also provided.
US07950630B2	Gas-liquid mixing device This invention relates to a gas-liquid mixing device, forming a safety valve, designed capable of being incorporated into a gas-cleaning installation including a liquid tank (4), an inlet (1) for gas to be cleaned and an outlet (7) through which the gas flow is evacuated. It is characterized in that it has: a tube (2) sliding around the gas inlet (1) and including a peripheral float (8) located in its lower end and designed capable of floating in said tank (4), said sliding tube (2) being open in its lower portion, in order to draw liquid from said tank (4) by a venturi effect and to create a mist in a pressure-relief zone (5); a mixing chamber (6) interposed between said sliding tube (2) and said outlet (7), and designed capable of conveying the flow of said mist towards the bottom of said tank (4).
US07950628B2	Flat railcar work platform and wheel assembly with locking mechanism An extendable railcar work platform includes one or more work platform sections each including a set of wheels, a locking mechanism associated with each wheel and a guide system. The system enables workers to safely work above an electrified third rail such as in a subway or railway tunnel. The platform may be in a first retracted position for transit or in a laterally extended or vertically extended position to enable a worker to access and work on a tunnel wall. The platform may be extended to both sides of the railcar and, if the platform includes more than one section, the individual sections may be simultaneously extended to opposite sides of the railcar. Each work platform section includes a floor or base and safety rails around all four sides of the section.
US07950626B2	Collapsible engine hoist The present invention relates to a collapsible hoist that can be easily stored and set up. The hoist is designed to provide sufficient lifting support to lift large objects such as an engine out of an engine compartment. Further, the invention provides the ability to transport and operate a hoist in a garage or in the field.
US07950624B2	Water valve apparatus A water valve apparatus includes a housing and a control valve stem. The housing has a spacer to divide the interior space and a base with a plurality of water outlets formed thereon. The spacer has a first opening. The base has a second opening corresponding to the first opening. The spacer and base are interposed by a displacement track. The displacement track has at least one first anchor zone and one second anchor zone. The valve control stem runs through the first opening and second opening, and has a water stopper located in the first opening and an anchor ring movably coupled thereon. The anchor ring has at least an anchor stub in the displacement track. The valve control stem is operable easily to allow users to determine water supply. No excessive contact with water faucets is needed. Thus the risk of bacteria contagion can be minimized.
US07950623B2	Valve opening and closing control apparatus When a control unit variably controls an electric power supplied to an electric motor to repeat a valve opening and closing movement of a valve between a first intermediate position and a second intermediate position through a neutral position, the control unit initially sets the neutral position as a control target value until a valve position, which is sensed with a valve opening degree sensor, is located immediately before the neutral position. The control unit thereafter changes the control target value to the first intermediate position or the second intermediate position when the control unit determines that the valve position, which is sensed with the valve opening degree sensor, reaches the neutral position.
US07950622B2	System, apparatus and method for controlling valves Systems, apparatuses and methods for controlling valves through controlled power escalation towards the actuation threshold of the valve. A power signal is applied to a control input of a valve at a level less than a valve switch threshold at which the valve will be actuated. The power to the control input is then progressively increased. The valve is actuated when the power signal eventually reaches the valve switch threshold, thereby actuating the valve using a power signal commensurate with the actual valve switch threshold of the particular valve and its current operating conditions.
US07950617B2	Support device and electronic device having the same A support device includes a support-receiving member, a sliding block, a support, and an elastic sheet. The support-receiving member defines a groove with one end thereof blocked to form a stop end and the other opened to form an exit end. The sliding block and the support are slidably juxtaposed in the groove from the stop end to the exit end and rotatably coupled. The support includes a contact portion extending away from an end near the sliding block. The elastic sheet is fixed to the support-receiving member at the exit end and extends a free end away from the exit end. The free end maintains contact with the contact portion during rotation of the support and presses the contact portion to pivot the support to be stopped by the support-receiving member, stationing the support at that position.
US07950615B2	Press-fit extendable support rod A press-fit extendable support rod includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe sheatheable along the outer pipe. An end of a rope is fixed to the inner pipe, and another end of the rope is extendable outward. A press-fit buckle device is sheathed to a joint of the inner and outer pipes. A rotary arm is pivotally coupled to the press-fit buckle device, and an end of the rotary arm has a first operating portion, a second operating portion and a third operating portion. The rotary arm can be pivotally coupled to the press-fit buckle device by one of the operating portions, and another end of the rope is wound onto each operating portion. When the rotary arm is turned, the rope is pulled, turned around, and pressed at each operating portion, and the length of the inner pipe extended out of the outer pipe is adjusted and fixed.
US07950613B2	Moveable mounting system A low profile moveable mounting system for mounting a device to a surface. According to various embodiments, a surface bracket is operatively connected to a surface member attachable to a surface, one or more hinged translation assemblies are rotatably connected to the surface bracket and rotatably connected to a device bracket adapted for operative connection to a device, and a link member rotatably connected to the surface bracket and the device bracket. The moveable mounting system is selectively tiltable and moveable between an extended orientation, where the device bracket is displaced substantially perpendicular from the surface and a retracted orientation, where the device bracket is positionable proximate the surface. The moveable mounting system may be particularly adapted for mounting a flat panel display device.
US07950611B2	Computing device support system A computing device comprising a support system extendable and retractable relative to a housing, the support system extending across a lateral dimension of the housing between a pair of housing sidewalls to support at least a portion of the housing in an elevated position relative to a support surface.
US07950608B2	System, method and apparatus for railroad gate flasher assembly having a sealed, rodent-proof connection between in-place foundation and utility mast A railroad crossing gate flasher assembly has a sealed, rodent-proof connection for electrical cables that pass from the foundation to a junction box. A clearance between the bottom of the junction box and the top of the foundation is sealed with a plate to prevent rodents from accessing the cables. The seal plate is mounted to the bolts that extend from the foundation and is leveled after it is inserted onto the bolts. The junction box is lowered onto the seal plate and attached to the same bolts so that the junction box also is level. The seal plate has an opening, coupling and conduit for protecting the cables.
US07950600B2	Device and method for comminuting coarsely crushed polycrystalline silicon Polysilicon is crushed with a minimum of manual and machine crushing steps by utilizing a large diameter roll crusher, the circumferential crushing surface of which is formed of a plurality of reversibly mounted, close fitting hard metal plates. Reproducible crushing along with such low metal contamination that subsequent cleaning of the crushed polysilicon is not necessary are both obtained.
US07950594B2	Mechanical and ultrasound atomization and mixing system An ultrasound apparatus capable of mixing and/or atomizing fluids is disclosed. The apparatus includes a horn having an internal chamber, containing at least one free member, through which fluids to be atomized and/or mixed flow. Connected to the horn's proximal end, a transducer powered by a generator induces ultrasonic vibrations within the horn. Traveling down the horn from the transducer, the ultrasonic vibrations induce the release of ultrasonic energy into the fluids to be atomized and/or mixed as they travel through the internal chamber. As the ultrasonic vibrations travel through the chamber, the fluids within the chamber are agitated and/or begin to cavitate, while the free member moves about the chamber, thereby mixing the fluids. Upon reaching the front wall of the chamber, the ultrasonic vibrations echo off the front wall and pass through the fluids within the chamber a second time, further mixing the fluids.
US07950593B2	Z orifice feature for mechanically actuated fuel injector A mechanically actuated electronically controlled fuel injector (MEUI) includes a first electrical actuator that controls the position of a spill valve, and a second electrical actuator to control pressure on a closing hydraulic surface associated with a directly operated nozzle check valve. The fuel injector is actuated via rotation of a cam to move a plunger to displace fuel from a fuel pumping chamber either to a spill passage, or at high pressure out of a nozzle outlet of the fuel injector for an injection event. The minimum controllable fuel injection quantity, especially as it relates to small closely coupled post injections following a large main injection, is accomplished by the inclusion of a Z orifice passage that maintains a fluid connection between a needle control chamber and the nozzle supply passage. The inclusion of the Z orifice passage slows the rate at which pressure drops in the needle control chamber to commence an injection event, but also hastens the rate at which pressure builds in the needle control chamber to end an injection event. The result is a smaller post injection quantity and, if desired, a longer, shorter or same dwell time between injection events.
US07950590B2	Temperature triggered actuator An actuator is disclosed which operates on the principle of the variable magnetic properties of materials with respect to temperature. As temperature is raised past Curie temperature, magnetic permeability of certain materials drops significantly to a value close to free space permeability. However, depending on the material selection, magnetic permeability may be significantly higher below Curie temperature. This principle is used to cause magnetic attractive force to move an actuator at one temperature, while permitting a return spring force to move the actuator at another temperature by changing the pathway traversed by most magnetic lines of flux from a magnetic source. The actuator may be employed to provide a temperature activated electrical switch or fluid valve. The temperature activated valves are suited to use in high temperature environments, such as SAGD wells.
US07950589B2	Program, information storage medium, two-dimensional code generation system, image generation system and printed material A two-dimensional code generation system including: a data acquisition section which acquires size data of the two-dimensional code, original data to be read from the two-dimensional code, and given binary design data; an unused data region determination section which specifies an unused data region of the two-dimensional code depending on an amount of the original data, based on the size data and the original data; a binary design data conversion section which calculates a bit code by inversely converting the binary design data corresponding to the unused data region based on format information of the two-dimensional code; and a two-dimensional code generation section which converts the calculated bit code and a bit code of the original data based on the format information of the two-dimensional code to generate the two-dimensional code.
US07950587B2	Devices and methods for storing data Data-storage devices and methods are disclosed. An exemplary data-storage device includes a medium having at least two dimensions and having a surface. Multiple data-containing loci are arranged on the surface. Each locus has a respective amount of magnetically responsive particles. The respective amounts are different in at least some of the loci. The respective amount at a particular locus corresponds, at least in part, to a respective unit of data contained by the locus. The loci can be substantially two-dimensional or three-dimensional, the latter being configured as respective holes, containing respective amounts of magnetically responsive particles, extending depth-wise into the medium. The loci typically range in size from the micrometer range to the nanometer range. The medium can be any of various configurations such as cards, sheets, films, etc.
US07950584B2	Package security having a static element and a dynamic element A package security feature is provided, the package security feature having a static element and a dynamic element. The dynamic element selectively interacts with the static element to enable identification and anti-tampering for a package.
US07950582B2	Method of producing a coated optical element A method of producing a coated optical element which uses in-mold decoration (IMG) techniques. The method includes injection molding an element adjacent a coating of a preform sheet, whereby the coating transfers to the element to create the optical element.
US07950576B2	Portable consumer device for use in currency conversion process A server computer including a processor and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor. The computer readable medium includes code executable by the processor. The code includes code for determining a load value loaded on a portable consumer device in a first currency and code for converting at least a portion of the load value to a second currency using an exchange rate associated with the first currency and the second currency, where the exchange rate is associated with a set date. The set date may be a current or future date.
US07950575B2	Method and system for performing money transfer transactions A method of performing a send money transfer transaction through a financial services institution includes storing transaction details on a data base, wherein the transaction details include a desired amount of money to be sent; establishing a code that corresponds to the transaction details stored on the data base; entering the code into an electronic transaction fulfillment device in communication with the data base to retrieve the transaction details from the data base; and determining a collect amount based on the transaction details. A system for performing a send money transfer transaction is also disclosed.
US07950572B2	Reject structure in cash transaction machine A reject structure in a cash transaction machine includes a main body of the cash transaction machine including a receiving section wherein a fixed magnet is included in the receiving section; a reject box body being detachably disposed in the receiving section; a reject box shutter being provided on the reject box body to open and close a reject box; and a locking member including a movable magnet in one end of the locking member and being provided pivotably toward a first location capable of locking the reject box shutter and a second location capable of releasing the reject box shutter inside the reject box body, wherein when the reject box body is disposed in the receiving section, the locking member is pivoted toward the location capable of releasing the reject box shutter due to a magnetic force between the fixed magnet and the movable magnet.
US07950571B2	Electronic boarding pass The invention relates to an electronic boarding pass for a passenger having an user interface for indicating an actual position of the passenger in an airport. The position data is received via wireless interface of the electronic boarding pass. In a memory flight data and shopping data of the respective passenger is stored. A processing unit such as a microprocessor is provided for processing received position data, data stored in the memory and airport map data of the airport.
US07950567B2	Organic light emitting diode display device and method of fabricating the same An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: i) preparing a support and a flexible layer, ii) forming a first metal layers on one side of a support and a second metal layer on one side of a flexible layer, iii) performing a cleaning process to the first metal layer and the second metal layer, iv) forming a first radical layer on the first metal layer and a second radical layer on the second metal layer and v) joining the first and second radial layers to each other. At least one embodiment of the invention enhances process convenience and manufacturing yield, and reduces manufacturing costs and time for a flat panel display device having a flexible substrate.
US07950564B2	Soldering iron device, soldering iron control module and soldering control method thereof A soldering iron control module applied to a soldering iron and a soldering iron stand is provided. The soldering iron stand accommodates the soldering iron which has a soldering iron bit. The soldering iron control module includes a sensing unit and a soldering iron control system. The sensing unit provides a sensing signal indicating whether the soldering iron is accommodated in the soldering iron stand. The soldering iron control system includes a tin supply unit and a control unit. The control unit determines whether the soldering iron has been accommodated in the soldering iron stand for a first time period according to the sensing signal. When the control unit determines that the soldering iron has been accommodated in the soldering iron stand for the first time period, the tin supply unit provides the tin to the soldering iron bit and the power of the soldering iron is turned off.
US07950562B2	Surgical instrument with replaceable loading unit A surgical stapling device has an elongated body and a removable loading unit and a securing structure for securing the loading unit onto the elongated body. Guiding ramps guide the movement of the loading unit as it is mounted onto the elongated body. A movable yoke secures the loading unit onto the elongated body. A sensor mechanism is engaged by the loading unit and moves with the securing structure. The locking structure has a first position for blocking movement of the sensor mechanism and preventing removal of the loading unit. The locking unit has a second position for allowing the loading unit to be removed from the device.
US07950561B2	Structure for attachment of buttress material to anvils and cartridges of surgical staplers A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post. A buttress material including at least one aperture for receipt of the at least one projection at a first end of jaws and a tab configured to engage the at least one jaw at a second end thereof is also provided.
US07950559B2	Mechanical method and apparatus for bilateral tissue fastening A mechanical system for bilaterally securing skin tissue preferably utilizes a tissue manipulator apparatus to approximate a portion of an interior surface of each of two pieces of living dermis tissue along a vertical interface below an exterior surface without overlapping either interior surface across the vertical interface. An applicator apparatus includes a driving head portion positioned in the vertical interface and at least partially below the exterior surface and a handle portion positioned at least partially above the exterior surface. The applicator apparatus bilaterally drives at least one portion of the fastener through each piece of the living dermis tissue behind the interior surface of that piece of tissue such that the fastener is positioned below the exterior surface and a portion of the fastener is positioned generally transverse to the vertical interface. Preferably, the manipulator apparatus and the applicator apparatus are arranged together as part of a hand-held instrument capable of carrying and deploying multiple fasteners.
US07950556B2	Coil nail spreader A fastening tool includes a housing assembly having a nosepiece and a magazine assembly that is coupled to the housing assembly. The magazine assembly includes a canister configured to hold a plurality of collated fasteners. The fastening tool further includes a feeder pawl assembly coupled to the magazine assembly. The feeder pawl assembly includes a feed pawl and a spreader pawl. The feed pawl is movable in the feed direction to advance a first fastener into the nosepiece during a feed motion. The spreader pawl is adapted to locate between adjacent fasteners and resist movement of one of the adjacent fasteners in the feed direction during the feed motion.
US07950552B2	Gun cover with securing assembly A gun cover with a securing assembly includes a waist plate at an inner side thereof; and an enclosure for defining a gun groove; the enclosure having an inner lateral plate and an outer lateral plate; the inner lateral plate having a through hole for receiving an elastic tenon which protrudes from an interior of the gun groove; the elastic tenon having a press portion; and the press portion being installed between the inner lateral plate and an inner side of the waist plate and projecting out of an upper side of the outer frame.
US07950551B2	Sling clip and attachment A sling clip is disclosed that has a clamping mechanism capable of releasably securing the strap when the strap is slidably received through an opening in the sling clip. The sling clip also has an attachment mechanism configured to secure the sling clip proximate to a weapon bearer's body. The clamping mechanism is operatively configured to secure the strap within the sling clip when the weapon is in a firing position such that the strap minimizes movement of a muzzle end of the weapon caused by recoil of the weapon upon firing. A sling including the sling clip also is disclosed. The sling also includes a flexible strap having a first end and a second end is disclosed. The first end of the strap is configured to be secured to a weapon near a near a butt end of the weapon. The weapon may be a rifle, shotgun, or handgun as well as hand-held equipment such as a binocular or a camera.
US07950550B2	Metering and dispensing closure A metering and dispensing closure for a container wherein two rotatable disks rotate in conjunction with a stationary cap member to afford accurate measuring of a powder material and dispensing of it. The disks and the container cap afford a consistent measuring of the powder material, as well as provide a variety of drive members which can be utilized with the dispensing closure.
US07950541B2	Apparatus and method for magnetically sealing a beverage container lid An apparatus for magnetically sealing a cover of a beverage container comprises a body having an opening, at least a first magnetic member of a first polarity disposed on at least a first portion of the body and a second magnetic member of a second polarity, substantially opposite the first polarity, disposed on at least a second portion of the body, the first magnetic member magnetically retaining the second magnetic member in first and second positions, independent of mechanical assistance, to expose at least a portion of the opening to allow fluid flow to and from the container when in the first position and sealingly occlude the opening to prevent spillage when in the second position.
US07950539B2	Load control device for a crane A control device and system for controlling a suspended load of a container crane with a trolley, a spreader and load lines arranged in a four point suspension for lifting a load and an optical sensor for sensing a deflection position of an orthogonal axis of a container suspended under the spreader. Two or more actuators are arranged attached to at least one load for moving at least one said suspension point closer to or farther away from an imaginary center line by shortening and/or lengthening the at least one load line.
US07950538B2	Display assembly with adjustable shelves A modular display assembly for displaying merchandise includes a pair of opposite side members and a plurality of shelves adjustably mounted to the side members. The side members have forward and rearward facing edges, which include a plurality of protrusions spaced therealong. The shelf includes a mounting assembly, which includes a handle and first and second movable arms for mounting the shelf to the side members. The arms are configured to engage at least one of the protrusions to limit vertical movement along the side members when the arms are engaged with the edges of the side members. The shelf is positionable between the side members at a desired location and the handle is movable to move the arms into engagement with the forward and rearward facing edges to substantially clamp the side member between the arms and thus to fixedly secure the shelf to and between the side members.
US07950532B2	Bracket assembly for positively engaging a helmet A mounting bracket configuration with two lower mounting locations and an optional upper mount and a flexibly resilient securement strap attachable thereto to securely retain a helmet such as those used by firefighters securely in place against a mounting surface such as the interior of the passenger compartment of an emergency vehicle, such as a fire truck. The present apparatus also includes a bumper construction for protecting a user from being injured by the protruding upper hook while also preventing damaging of the helmet itself during mounting or removal. A release lanyard provided for easy release and engagement. The upper hook can attach to a fire helmet directly and/or to the securement strap.
US07950531B2	Mounting arrangement for a standard telecommunications panel A mounting arrangement for mounting a telecommunications panel to a frame. The mounting arrangement including a fastener piece having a retaining clip and a corresponding threaded hole. The retaining clip expanding outward when a fastener is threaded into the corresponding threaded hole. The expanded retaining clip engaging openings formed in the frame to retain the telecommunications panel in a position relative to the frame.
US07950525B2	Process and device for separating plastics of different chemical composition by flotation A method and a device for separating plastic materials in accordance with their chemical composition, which is based on the difference in density of such materials. For this purpose, a flotation process which works with a flotation liquid that is put into vibration is used, the frequency of which is controlled in accordance with the density of the particles to settle. Heavier plastic particles settle on a perforated plate bottom and are removed to a collecting container filled with the same liquid to the same level as the flotation tank. Lighter plastic particles float to the surface and are fed into a follow-up flotation tank for further separation.
US07950519B2	Belt scraper assembly and scraper blade thereof A belt scraper assembly having a blade holder and a scraper blade disposed therein, wherein a stiffener extending in a longitudinal direction with respect to the belt is provided in the blade body to resist bending of the blade. A scraper blade having a body with a rigid plate member connected thereto and a stiffener disposed in the body of resilient material above a base portion and below a tip portion of the plate member and extending generally transversely with respect to the length of the scraper body. A scraping assembly for a conveyor belt including a non-linearly contoured blade holder and a scraper blade with a stiffener disposed on the plate members between base and tip portions extending generally transversely with respect to the length of the plate including a force-transmitting interface between the stiffener and an inner surface of the rear wall of the blade holder such that the inner surface of the wall offers support to the stiffener to oppose bending of the scraper blade caused by scraping the belt.
US07950518B2	Apparatus for aligning vouchers The invention relates to an apparatus for aligning at least one voucher (12 to 18). The apparatus has first and second transport elements (24 to 52, 224 to 252) for transporting the voucher (12 to 18) on a transport plane (10) of a transport path. At least one first rotating transport element (38 to 52, 238 to 252) generates a driving force acting on the voucher (12 to 18) obliquely to the center axis (20) lying on the transport plane (10) of the transport path. At least one second rotating transport element (24 to 36, 224 to 296) generates a driving force acting on the voucher (12 to 18) parallel to the center axis (20). At least one first drive unit (304, 306, 313 to 322b) moves the first rotating transport element (38 to 52, 238 to 252) at least to the transport plane (10). At least one second drive unit (304, 306, 313 to 322) moves the second rotating transport element (24 to 36) at least to the transport plane (10). Further, the apparatus comprises a pressure unit (278a, 278b) that applies a pressure force when in a pressure position to the voucher (12 to 18).
US07950517B2	Machine for orienting and aligning articles A rotary structure carries cavities with an upper inlet for receiving articles and an open bottom for dropping articles distributed along a closed circuit, and funnel-shaped conduits, each of which is located below a respective cavity to receive an article therefrom, a support plane for temporarily supporting the articles in the cavities and dropping them into the corresponding conduits in a site of the closed circuit, and support elements in each cavity to cooperate with parts of the article when the latter falls in order to confer to it a predetermined orientation inside the conduit. The cavities have their inlets in a perimetric ring surrounding a receptacle for the accumulation of the articles on a bottom formed by a rotating disk the peripheral edge of which reaches, upon rotating, a level above the perimetric ring.
US07950515B2	Moving walkway The invention relates to a moving walkway formed by a series of pallets (1) with a rectangular contour having a passable surface and connected with drive means. The pallets are consecutively connected to one another along the end sections of their adjacent parallel edges, by means of connection devices defining hinges with a pin perpendicular to the direction of movement of the pallets, and have between said sections means defining, in the forward movement path of the walkway, mutual supports between coplanar consecutive pallets.
US07950509B2	Dual compartment tool bag A dual compartment, dual open mouth tool bag is fabricated from flexible material forming the side and top panels of the bag and the dual access openings. Each of the separate open mouth openings provides separate access to an individual compartment within the bag. The compartments may, in an alternative embodiment, be connected one to the other or may be separated by an intermediate open top storage compartment.
US07950507B2	Damping mechanism for folding seats in chairs The invention relates to a damping mechanism for folding seats in chairs, having an application in seats (1) incorporated in an articulated assembly by means of shafts (2), with springs (4) which act in the sense that they tilt the seat towards a vertical folded position, incorporating in each shaft (2) an eccentric cam (5) on which there is supported a damping piston which exerts retention action for smoothing the upward rotation of the seat by the action of the springs (4).
US07950506B2	Semi third tube design A shock absorber has an external valve that controls the damping loads for the shock absorber. The external valve extends generally parallel with the axis of the shock absorber and is attached to the reserve tube of the shock absorber. The inlet to the external valve is in communication with an intermediate chamber which is in communication with the working chamber of the shock absorber. The outlet of the valve is in communication with the reserve chamber of the shock absorber. The external valve controls the damping loads in both a compression and an extension stroke of the shock absorber.
US07950504B2	Disk brake A disk brake has a flange portion formed on the outer periphery of a portion of a caliper body main body where an opening is formed. The opening is used for insertion of a cutting tool for machining of a cylinder bore. The outer diameter of the flange portion is larger than that of a general surface of the outer peripheral wall of the bore formed in the caliper body main body. A lid member is secured to the opening by friction stir welding. The flange portion ensures a sufficient welding margin. The overall weight of the disk brake is reduced by minimizing the wall thickness of the general surface of the outer peripheral wall of the bore.
US07950502B2	Electromechanically actuated disc brake with guide plate A self-boosting electromechanically actuable disc brake is characterized in that a component (pressure piston 9, 10), which is stationary during braking and which is connected to an adjusting device or is part of the adjusting device, of the self-boosting device is held, with slight play parallel to the brake disc rotational axis, between guide faces (29, 30) of that component (31) of the brake which is fixed with respect to the axle, in such a way that, during braking operations, the tangential forces which occur are supported directly by the stationary component of the self-boosting device on the component (31) of the brake which is fixed with respect to the axle.
US07950501B2	Stopper for preventing movement of a bag equipped with casters A stopper for preventing movement of a bag equipped with casters containing a base mounted on the bag bottom; a swingable member having one end portion rotatably connected to the base, and having the other end portion capable of being manipulated so as to swing the swingable member between a housing position where the other end portion is positioned close to the base and an engagement position for engaging the other end portion with the ground; a first link having one end portion rotatably connected to the swingable member, and having the other end portion rotatably and slidably connected to the base and slidable along the base bottom and a second link having one end portion rotatably connected to the other end portion of the first link, and constructed so as to be slidable with the other end portion of the first link along the base bottom.
US07950500B2	Disc brake, in particular for a utility vehicle A disc brake, in particular, for a commercial vehicle, has a brake caliper which engages over a brake disc, brake linings which make contact with the brake disc in a functional position, and a brake application device with which one of the brake linings can be pressed, via at least one adjusting spindle, against the brake disc. An adjustment device is rotationally fixed to the adjusting spindle, by which wear-induced change in the running clearance between the brake lining and the brake disc can essentially be compensated. A closure lid covers the adjustment device and is attached to the brake caliper. A lining wear sensor communicates with a step-down gear mechanism connected to the adjusting spindle. The lining wear sensor is embodied as a contactless sensor which rotates on a concentric path has its change in angular position detected by the lining wear sensor and transmitted to an evaluation device.
US07950493B2	Speed reduction device of vehicle A speed reduction device of a vehicle for reducing the rotation of drive wheels includes a casing mounted on a vehicle frame, first and second drive axles rotatably mounted on the casing and connected to first and second drive shafts, respectively, and a driven sprocket wheel and a brake disc for braking the first and second drive axles are mounted on the first drive axle. The second drive axle is detachably joined to the first drive axle.
US07950488B2	Hood assembly utilizing active materials based mechanisms An active material hood impact mitigation mechanism is activated in response to a signal generated from an impact sensor or pre-impact sensor or manually. The mitigation mechanism is capable of changing either reversibly or irreversibly the stiffness, shape, location, orientation, or displacement force of the hood either globally or locally, before an impact against the hood. The active material mitigation mechanism is held in a device designed to be installed in operative communication with the hood surface. The active material is characterized by a first shape or stiffness and is operative to change to a second shape or stiffness in response to the activation signal. Such active materials include shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers, shape memory polymers, magnetic shape memory alloys, magnetorheological fluids, magnetorheological elastomers, electrorheological fluids, and piezoelectric materials.
US07950487B2	Exhaust system for motorcycle and motorcycle including the same An exhaust system for a motorcycle includes a bracket which includes a joint portion, an engine support portion, and a swing-arm support portion. The joint portion is configured to be connected to a vehicle-body frame. The engine support portion is configured to support an engine. The swing-arm support portion is provided separately from the joint portion and configured to support a swing arm which is swingable with respect to the vehicle-body frame and at a rear end of which a rear wheel is provided. An exhaust pipe extends rearwards from the engine. A muffler is connected to a rear end of the exhaust pipe and disposed along the swing arm. A muffler is connected to a rear end of the muffler support stay and a front end of which is connected to the bracket separately from the joint portion.
US07950482B2	Fuel cell system and vehicle using fuel cell In a fuel cell system in which a fuel cell case (14) houses a fuel cell stack (4) composed of a plurality of cells stacked on top of each other and a cell monitor board (11) for monitoring cell voltages of the fuel cell stack (4) and in which the fuel cell stack (4) is connected to a power converter such as an inverter in order to reduce the influence of the electromagnetic noise from the outside of the circuit board or from the circuit board on the outside and to achieve a stable operation of the fuel cell stack. The cell monitor board (11) is covered with a cell monitor cover (20) having high electromagnetic shield property. The cell monitor cover (20) is made of a conductor such as, for example, copper, iron, or aluminum.
US07950479B2	High efficiency vehicle Here is invented an efficient road vehicles having special aerodynamic shapes, with stabilizing devices that enable aerodynamic efficiency. It is an articulated vehicle that is tall and narrow. It includes a carriage part that encloses a driver and passenger riding in tandem. This car is only wide enough for persons seated in single file, so it has very low projected frontal area compared with typical cars. Further, the narrow width makes a body shaped like an airship practical, where that shape is characterized by a very low drag coefficient in free flow conditions. The carriage is elevated on struts to enable such free flow aerodynamic conditions, thus the drag coefficient of the airship is made applicable to this road vehicle. Because this car has both low frontal area and low drag coefficient it will require minimal energy for high speed operation.
US07950478B2	Heavy capacity transporter having multiple track-axles A transporter having a plurality of track-axle assemblies. The track axle assemblies have independent suspension, self-loading, and on-center axle rotation capability. Each of the track axle assemblies include a cylinder housing and hydraulic piston and first and second track units connected on opposing sides of the axle frame.
US07950477B1	Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutting element having multiple catalytic elements A polycrystalline diamond compact useful for wear, cutting, drilling, drawing and like applications is provided with a first diamond region remote from the working surface which has a metallic catalyzing material and a second diamond region adjacent to or including the working surface containing a non-metallic catalyst and the method of making such a compact is provided. This compact is particularly useful in high temperature operations, such as hard rock drilling because of the improved thermal stability at the working surface.
US07950475B2	Percussion drilling assembly having a floating feed tube A percussion drilling assembly for boring into the earth is disclosed. The percussion drilling assembly includes a top sub, a casing coupled to the top sub, and a feed tube assembly disposed within the top sub and the casing. The feed tube assembly includes a non-rigid coupling having a throughbore and a tubular body disposed therein. The tubular body is translatable in the radial position and/or rotatable relative to a longitudinal centerline extending through the non-rigid coupling.
US07950469B2	Modular well tool system A well tool is adapted to couple to at least one of a wireline service tool and a tubing string and has an adapter component engaging portion adapted to couple to an adapter component. At least a first and a second interchangeable adapter components are operable to couple to the adapter component engaging portion. The first adapter component is adapted to perform a first function and the second adapter component is adapted to perform a second function.
US07950464B2	Multi-well controller An improved multi-well control system (MWCS) has a centrally based multi-well controller (MWC) in communication with one or more slave controllers and one or more electronic flow measurement devices (EFMs) for instant data monitoring and control of individual wells. The system also provides for an application host sub-system (AHSS) in communication with the MWC for historical and instant data retention. The system is capable of assigning one or more wells to a group for allocation purposes and organizing groups dependent on production levels of individual wells. The MWC is capable of tracking gas volumes produced by each well independent of groupings and communicating such data to the AHSS. The MWC provides monitoring and tracking data from one or more EFM devices and assigns total flow volume to individual wells. The entire MWCS can result in the reduction of manpower and an increase in overall production efficiency.
US07950460B2	Controlling the pressure within an annular volume of a wellbore A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.
US07950457B2	Method and apparatus for stimulating wells with propellants The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to stimulate subterranean production and injection wells, such as oil and gas wells, utilizing rocket propellants. Rapid production of high-pressure gas from controlled combustion of a propellant, during initial ignition and subsequent combustion, together with proper positioning of the energy source in relation to geologic formations, can be used to establish and maintain increased formation porosity and flow conditions with respect to the pay zone.
US07950453B2	Downhole burner systems and methods for heating subsurface formations A gas burner assembly for heating a subsurface formation includes an oxidant conduit, a fuel conduit, and a plurality of oxidizers coupled to the oxidant conduit. At least one of the oxidizers includes a mix chamber for mixing fuel from the fuel conduit with oxidant from the oxidant conduit, an igniter, and a shield. The shield includes a plurality of openings in communication with the oxidant conduit. At least one flame stabilizer is coupled to the shield.
US07950444B2	Automotive air conditioning system An automotive air conditioning system is disclosed. At the foot mode position of a rotary door 25, a gap T is formed along the door diameter between a circumferential end of a door surface 25c of the rotary door 25 and a seal rib 28 of a case 11. The flow path of a foot opening 22 communicates with a defroster opening 20 through the gap T. At the defroster mode position of the rotary door 25, on the other hand, the other circumferential end of the door surface 25c comes into contact with the seal rib 28 and closes the gap T, and the door surface 25c closes up the foot opening 22. Even upon slight rotation of the foot rotary door under the air pressure of the foot mode, therefore, the defroster blowout air amount and the foot blowout air amount are kept in a predetermined proportion.
US07950443B2	Apparatus for tilting and securing a heat exchanger Apparatus for supporting a heat exchanger such as a condenser of an air conditioning system on a vehicle, for pivotal movement between an operational position and a position angularly related to the operational position, for such purposes as inspection, cleaning, service and maintenance, the apparatus being configured for holding the heat exchanger in the operational position, and for guiding and controlling movement thereof to the tilted position, and holding the heat exchanger in the tilted position.
US07950440B2	Roller blind arrangement The invention relates to a roller blind arrangement comprising at least one roller blind web (10) and at least one winding tube (12) for winding and unwinding said roller blind web (10), which comprises side edge areas and at least one guiding element (18) which is used for guiding along said side edge areas extending in the direction of the roller blind extension guided in a guide (20). The guiding element(s) are rigidly fixed to the side edge areas of the blind web (10) by means of at least one first seam (30) in such a way that a slipping with respect to said roller blind web (10) is defined.
US07950439B2	Combination-action slide and hinge swinging door By providing a door wherein the components forming a multi-panel unit assembly, a support & alignment mechanism, an automatic actuating panel action locking and release mechanism, sliding mechanism and hinges, a dual action door assembly is achieved which assures component engagement that allows the door assembly to operate within controlled confines combining first a sliding action and then a swing action to open the door for full unobstructed access of a range of doorway widths from narrow to ultra-wide while overcoming the support problems, full open access problems and wide swing radii problems consistent with conventional doors.
US07950435B2	Dispenser of adhesive tape A convenient adhesive tape dispenser with improved cutting operation of the adhesive tape at a lower part of a case body. The adhesive tape dispenser includes a case body having a body case formed with a holding part to mount an adhesive tape inside, a coupling case coupled with the body case and formed with an assembling space at a rear part, and a cover case formed with a fitting piece at a front part to be coupled in the assembling space. The case body is formed with a mounting hole at a front part and an exposure space at an upper part of the mounting hole. A cutter part is mounted in a mounting hole of the case body. An elastic pressing plate is positioned at an upper part of the holding part for pressing the adhesive tape downward elastically to keep tension when the adhesive tape is released.
US07950434B2	Adhesive tape adhering apparatus An adhering apparatus having a pressurizing tool including a plurality of pressurizing surfaces and rotatably mounted on a base member, a supply reel which supplies a release tape adhered to an adhesive tape along the pressurizing surfaces of a periphery of the pressurizing tool, a cutter which is disposed to face one of the pressurizing surfaces and cuts only the adhesive tape into a predetermined length, and a backup tool supporting a lower surface of the substrate and disposed to face a pressurizing surface located downstream from the pressurizing surface facing the cutter. When the base member is driven downward in the vertical direction, the pressurizing surface facing the backup tool adheres the adhesive tape to the upper surface of the substrate.
US07950430B2	Pneumatic aviation tire Pneumatic tires for aircraft service having a belt package with shoulder reinforcement. The tire includes a belt reinforcing structure or belt package having multiple cut belts, multiple spiral wound belt layers positioned radially between the cut belts and the tread, and multiple spiral wound shoulder layers proximate the shoulder. The spiral wound belt layers and the spiral wound shoulder layers are formed by a continuous cord-reinforced strip having a strip width. The spiral wound belt layers are characterized by a first winding pitch of approximately one strip width per revolution and the spiral wound shoulder layers are characterized by a second winding pitch of less than one strip width per revolution. Alternatively, the spiral wound shoulder layers may be formed with a tiered arrangement by shifting the starting location for successive spiral wound belt layers laterally so that the side edges are not coincident.
US07950429B2	Tyre for vehicles, in particular motor vehicles A tire for vehicles which does not require pressurization by means of a pressurized fluid has a tread, two sidewalls, and two beads which are attached to a wheel rim made of elastomer material, and is provided with at least one tubular reinforcement body which is associated with the tread; each of the sidewalls having a respective homogeneous resilient annular membrane, a straight generatrix of which forms an angle (A) other than 90° with the axis of the tire; the membranes being stretched radially between the tread and the beads such as to be pre-tensioned in the absence of external loads acting on the tire.
US07950427B2	Shock absorber loaded in inner cavity of tire enclosed by tire for two-wheeler and rim The present invention provides a shock absorber loaded in the inner cavity of a tire enclosed by a tire for a two-wheeler and a rim, which exhibits suitable hardness when starting running and is excellent in cushioning property, both when starting running and during running, due to decrease in hardness as the temperature increases while running. Specifically, the present invention relates to a shock absorber which is loaded in the inner cavity of a tire enclosed by a tire for a two-wheeler and a rim and contacts substantially with the entire inner surface of a tire to be compressed, is circular in the tire circumferential direction and has closed cells; the shock absorber comprising an expanded rubber composition containing at least 5 parts by weight of an organic polymer having a softening point of at least 40° C., based on 100 parts by weight of a rubber component.
US07950424B2	Device and method for controlling the filling of a cup by a vending machine A device for controlling the filling of a receptacle with liquid by a drink vending machine. The device includes visual marking device for marking the liquid fill level in the receptacle, a device for emitting a signal towards the receptacle, a device for receiving an incident signal and which receives the incident signal returning from the receptacle and a controlling device configured for commanding the stoppage of filling on the basis of a variation of the incident signal. The receiving device includes a series of photoelectric receivers and at least one variable which is a displacement of a light incident signal measured by the receivers. The visual marking, emitter and receiver are displaceable en masse so as to make it possible to modify the marking of the level of fill in the receptacle.
US07950423B2	Powder transport systems and methods Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.
US07950422B2	Auto-release vacuum device A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with a vacuum cup, which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.
US07950421B2	Reinforcement binding machine, reel, and method of detecting rotation of reel A reinforcement binding machine capable of detecting, by the rotation of a reel, that wire on the reel is consumed and the reel, the reinforcement binding machine wherein an interrupter is installed in the cassette case of a binding machine body, a cover is rotatably held on a reel mounting shaft, an opening part is formed in the cover, a projection is formed on the reel and fitted into the opening part, and a color with a lightness different from that of the cover is applied to the projection to detect the rotation of the reel by the interrupter.
US07950420B2	Flexible hose for conveying fluids or gases A flexible hose for conveying fluids or gases comprises two elastomeric layers surrounding either side of a reinforcement layer.
US07950416B2	Solenoid valve In a solenoid valve including a cylindrical sleeve which is formed with an input port, an output port, a drain port and a feedback port, and a spool which is inserted into the sleeve and which is formed with a plurality of lands for closing the individual ports, and a communication portion for communicating the individual ports; an input notch is formed in an end edge of the land located near the input port, while a drain notch is formed in an end edge of the land located near the drain port, and an axial height Hin of the input notch and an axial height Hdr of the drain notch are set so that the proportion α (=Hin/(Hin+Hdr)) of the height Hin to the sum of the heights Hin and Hdr may fall within a range of at least 0.72 (preferably, 0.85) and less than 1.0.
US07950413B2	Electromagnetic pressure regulating valve device having an integrated pressure sensor An electromagnetic pressure regulating valve device for regulating a hydraulic pressure including at least one pressure regulating valve which includes a solenoid part having at least one bobbin holding an electric coil, a coil core and a movably guided armature; a valve part having at least one supply connection, one return connection, one load connection and one actuating element operated by the armature and cooperating with a valve seat; and an electronic part having at least one pressure sensor for measuring the hydraulic pressure present at the load connection. At least the pressure sensor is situated on an end of the solenoid part facing the valve part upstream from the electronic part. Positioning the pressure sensor close to the valve part may substantially reduce the filter effect of the transmission link, and the hydraulic pressure to be measured is therefore transmittable free of errors up to a much higher cutoff frequency. This may result in a higher measurement accuracy, and therefore also a higher regulation accuracy, of the pressure regulating valve.
US07950411B2	Pipe branching arrangement A pipe branching arrangement, in particular for a tank farm system, comprises an at least approximately vertically extending hollow body which has at least one lateral connector, further comprising at least one mixproof valve which sits on the connector and produces a closable connection between the hollow body and at least one pipeline. The valve has two closing members, between which there is a leakage space which has a leakage outlet opening, the leakage space having a circumferential wall which extends from an inlet on the connector side to the leakage outlet opening on the outlet side, which is at a distance from the inlet. The circumferential wall has a decline on the gravitational force side of the leakage space in direction to the leakage outlet opening.
US07950407B2	Apparatus for rapid filling of a processing volume A method and apparatus for supplying greater fluid flow and/or fluid volume from a fluid provided from a facility source to a substrate processing chamber is provided. The apparatus couples to an existing facility fluid source and accumulates the fluid, and the flow characteristics of the accumulated fluid are enhanced for delivery to the processing chamber. The apparatus includes a tank in fluid communication with the facility source and one or more processing chambers, and a valve disposed between the tank and the processing chambers adapted to receive a signal from a controller to facilitate filling or draining of the tank. The apparatus and method affects cost of ownership by altering the pressure and/or volume of the existing facility source without the need to alter the facility source.
US07950405B2	Enhanced patient mobility apparatus The invention is an Enhanced Patient Mobility Apparatus for use by ambulatory or recovering patients. The Enhanced Mobility Apparatus is fabricated from sturdy tubular material and has a lower U-shaped base frame member mounted on casters with an upwardly extending mid frame member and two vertical supports attached thereto and each also attached at its lower extremity to the lower U-shaped base frame member. The U-shaped base frame member, the mid frame member and the two vertical supports define a walking space for the patient with provision for the possibility of the patient also being able to move about with oxygen tanks, a patient intravenous drip apparatus and other medical devices and apparatus which must be transported by an ambulatory patient.
US07950403B2	Pipe clearing systems A method of clearing a pipe of contents with an air system. The method may include providing air by the air system at high pressure and low velocity until the contents begin to move within the pipe, providing air by the air system air at low pressure and high velocity until a majority of the contents are removed from the pipe, and continuing to provide air at low pressure and high velocity until substantially all remaining contents are removed from the pipe.
US07950401B2	Adjustable hair holding device A hair holding device including hingedly connected first and second body members each including hair gripping portions adapted to be squeezed by a user whereby the hair gripping portions come into contact with gathered strands of a user's hair. The device further includes a friction-type adjustment mechanism coaxially arranged with respect to the hinge for causing the hair gripping portions to remain at a point at which the hair gripping portions are squeezed together by a user. Optionally, the device may include squeezable release handles or other release mechanism, as well as a torsion spring for biasing the hair gripping portions into either an open or a closed position.
US07950400B2	Tobacco cut filler including metal oxide supported particles A smoking article composition and a method of making a smoking article composition and an additive, wherein the additive comprises particles anchored to the cut filler by a metal oxide support. The additive can be formed by combining particles and a metal oxide precursor solution with the smoking article composition. The smoking article composition can comprise tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter material.
US07950399B2	Non-tobacco pouch product A pouched non-tobacco product includes a lined pouch material of a web and a water-soluble liner adjacent the web and a non-tobacco flavorful component contained within the lined pouch material. The water-soluble liner is interposed between the web and the non-tobacco flavorful component. The liner preferably reduces staining of the web by the non-tobacco flavorful component. Additionally, the liner may include a flavorant.
US07950394B2	Mouthguard formed of propylene/alpha-olefin polymer elastomer A self-customizable dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of a person with a connecting arch or a u-shaped style base with upstanding labial and lingual walls. The appliance is formed of a semi-crystalline polypropylene alpha-olefin copolymer containing stereoregular polymerized units of identical tacticity. In one embodiment, the appliance is formed of elastomeric propylene-ethylene copolymers.
US07950388B2	Nebuliser and container A nebuliser and a container in each case with an aeration device are proposed, the aeration device being designed for the direct aeration of a liquid space in the container. The container comprises a rigid, gas-tight outer case and a closure, which is opened by connecting or inserting a delivery element. A long storage life and long service life with low loss of fluid or solvent are thereby provided in the form of a simple and inexpensive construction.
US07950387B2	Use of identical components in solar energy collectors Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.
US07950386B2	Carrier for a solar energy reflector element A reflector element carrier structure is disclosed for use in a solar energy reflector system. The structure comprises a reflector element (11), a corrugated platform (12) which carries the reflector element and a skeletal frame structure (13) which supports the platform. The frame structure comprises hoop-like end members (14) that are supported by rollers (18) and the rollers accommodate turning of the carrier structure about an axis of rotation that lies substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the reflector element (11). The combination of the corrugated platform (12), the frame structure (13) and the hoop-like end members (14) of the frame structure provide the carrier structure with a torsional stability that permits the application of turning drive from one end of the structure.
US07950380B2	Adjustable paint ball gun triggers A paint ball gun trigger for easy of replacement and orientation change is disclosed, which includes a lower trigger body, an upper trigger body, and an orientation-setting unit. The lower trigger body includes at the top a lower-and-upper body connecting piece, which further includes a screw hole and a positioning hole communicating with said screw hole. The upper trigger body includes at the bottom a lower-and-upper body connecting chamber, and at the lateral side a stabilizing hole communicating with the lower-and-upper body connecting chamber. The orientation-setting unit includes a setting piece, a blocking piece, an elastic element, and an adjusting screw, each of which is assembled in order by screwing into the screw hole of the lower trigger body for orientation change of the lower trigger body.
US07950379B2	High velocity mass accelerator and method of use thereof An apparatus for moving a mass, the apparatus having an arcuate track, a clamping member attached to a section of the arcuate track, an arm assembly pivotably connected to the clamping member, and a counterweight connected to the arm assembly. A projectile for use in a mass accelerator having an arcuate track, the projectile having a core and at least one of a low-friction layer, a propellant layer, and a polycarbonate layer.
US07950378B2	Glow plug control unit and method for controlling the temperature in a glow plug A glow plug control unit is provided that includes a first switch for connecting power supply lines to a glow plug. The glow plug control unit further includes a voltage measurement unit for measuring the voltage at the power supply lines. A current measurement unit is built for measuring the current through the first switch and a control circuit is built for controlling the first switch and, in a current control mode, for regulating the current through the first switch.
US07950377B2	EGR system and EGR valve with integrated pressure sensor A valve having a valve body with an inlet port and an outlet port and a valve disposed between the inlet port and outlet port. A sensor is operably associated with the valve and the valve body, and measures a characteristic in proximity to the valve. The sensor communicates information regarding said characteristic to a control unit that sends position commands to said valve.
US07950376B2	Device for distributing recirculated gases, device for cooling recirculated gases and method of recirculating exhaust gases A device for distributing recirculated gases to a component of an exhaust gas recirculation system. The device includes an inlet and an outlet for recirculated gases, an inlet port and an outlet port to the component, and a mechanism to reverse the stream of recirculated gases flowing through the component. A device for cooling recirculated exhaust gases is equipped with a mechanism to reverse the stream of recirculated gases inside the exchanger. A method of recirculating exhaust gases includes cleaning the EGR system, which is triggered by an electronic unit, and which includes reversing the stream of EGR gases flowing through an EGR cooling device.
US07950375B2	Noise minimization for evaporative canister ventilation valve cleaning A control system comprising a detection module that detects at least one of a vehicle speed and an engine speed and a canister vent valve control module that selectively modulates the canister vent valve based on at least one of the vehicle speed and the engine speed. A method comprising detecting at least one of a vehicle speed and an engine speed and selectively modulating a canister vent valve based on at least one of the vehicle speed and the engine speed.
US07950372B2	By-pass regulator assembly for dual ERFS/MRFS fuel pump module A fuel system that supplies fuel to an engine of a vehicle. The fuel system includes a pump that pumps fuel and a controller that selectively changes operation of the pump between an electronic returnless fuel system mode and a mechanical returnless fuel system mode. In the electronic returnless fuel system mode, the outlet of the pump is varied, and in the mechanical returnless fuel system mode, output of the pump is maintained approximately constant.
US07950370B2	High pressure common rail fuel system with gas injection A high pressure common rail fuel system is provided including a fuel supply, a high pressure pump assembly fluidly connected to receive fuel from the fuel supply, and a gas supply system fluidly connected to provide gas to the high pressure pump assembly to create a high pressure gas fuel mixture. A common rail fuel system is fluidly connected to the high pressure pump assembly to receive the high pressure gas fuel mixture.
US07950368B2	Engine and exhaust heating A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided. The method comprises: during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to before a peak torque timing, and retarding spark timing from the advanced timing toward the peak torque timing in response to decreased engine speed to maintain idling speed.
US07950362B2	Variable valve lift apparatus A variable valve lift apparatus includes an input cam disposed to a input shaft, a valve opening unit, a control shaft parallel to the input shaft, an input link rotatably coupled to the control shaft and contacting the input cam, a control link connected with the input link and eccentrically connected to the control shaft, a connecting link connected with the control link, and a lift arm that is rotatably coupled to the control shaft, is connected with the connecting link, and drives the valve opening unit.
US07950361B2	Valve timing control apparatus An advancing check valve is placed in an advancing connection passage of a spool to enable a flow of hydraulic fluid in a first direction from a retarding port side toward an advancing port side upon placement of the spool in an advancing position and to limit a flow of hydraulic fluid in a second direction from the advancing port side toward the retarding port side upon placement of the spool in the advancing position. A retarding check valve is placed in a retarding connection passage of the spool to enable a flow of hydraulic fluid in the second direction upon placement of the spool in a retarding position and to limit a flow of hydraulic fluid in the first direction upon placement of the spool in the retarding position.
US07950360B2	Continuous variable valve lift apparatus A continuous variable valve lift apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an input cam disposed to an input shaft, a first shaft in parallel with the input shaft, a first link connected with the first shaft, a second link rotatably connected to the first link, an output cam that is rotatably connected with the second link and configured with a contact portion contacting the input cam, a second shaft disposed to the output cam parallel with the input shaft, at least one valve unit that is opened and closed by the output cam, and a control part that controls a position of the second shaft.
US07950358B2	Eight-stroke engine with coordination pressure management system The present invention provides a coordination pressure management system for raising the maximum operational range of the eight-stroke engine; said coordination pressure management system includes a real-time control system for adjusting the phase-difference between the master piston and the slave piston according to the combustion condition of the master cylinder and the compression condition of the slave cylinder, so that the maximum compression pressure of the slave-compression-process is regulated within the range of 75% to 25% of the concurrent maximum combustion pressure of the master cylinder, thereby maintaining a high coordination-efficiency in any operational load and rpm condition.In addition the coordination pressure management system is able to provide a flow of high-density-air at controlled temperature in the heavy load operation, which ensures a stable cooling effect to the hot-combustion-medium of the master cylinder, so that the overall temperature of the master cylinder can be reduced in the heavy load operation for better durability and higher fuel efficiency.

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