最新美国发明专利第2011-07-19期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US07981352B2	Method and apparatus for quality surveillance during the manufacture of tablets A method for quality surveillance in manufacturing tablets in a rotary tablet press which, in a compression chamber, has a rotor with upper and lower rams, a die-plate, a cam system for the rams, at least one compressing station, and a charging system for the powdered material requiring compression wherein the tablets are checked for chemical and/or mechanical properties, wherein at least some chemical and/or mechanical data of the tablets is obtained by means of a NIR or LIF sensor in the compression chamber after the upper rams have left the dies, after a measuring procedure has been initiated by a machine computer in response to the die positions determined by a position generator relative to the NIR or LIF sensor.
US07981350B2	Method and apparatus for injection molding having an inductive coil heater An injection-moulding device is disclosed, comprising at least first and second mould parts, defining a mould cavity, wherein at least one of the mould parts comprises heating means, for heating the mould part in the vicinity of a mould cavity surface, said heating means comprising an inductive coil having a plurality of windings and being powered by an oscillator. The mould part comprises a top member, at the mould cavity surface, and, beneath the top member, a carrier member comprising grooves for taking up said coil windings, wherein the top member resistivity is lower than 1.510−6 Ωm, the top member relative magnetic permeability is lower than 10, the carrier member resistivity is higher than 2010−6 Ωm, and the carrier member relative magnetic permeability is higher than 50.
US07981349B2	Production of UHMWPE sheet materials UHMWPE panels of large width may be ram extruded from a slit die in a stable process, by restraining a panel which exits the die below the crystalline melt temperature against movement away from the die by a back pressure device, so as to exert a back pressure between the back pressure device and the die, the back pressure device preferably constructed of a plurality of differentially adjustable elements so as to be able to compensate for changes in processing characteristics over time. Vertically restraining UHMWPE panels as they further cool also greatly improves product characteristics.
US07981348B2	Method of making elastomeric pad for a compressible elastomeric spring A method of making a compressible elastomeric pad from a preselected polymer material includes the steps of providing a preform including a substantially solid body having a predetermined cross-section disposed normal to a central axis of the preform and a pair of axial ends, each having a substantially flat surface disposed normal to the central axis and a central socket formed within at least one substantially flat surface. Next, providing a pair of forming plates, at least one of the pair of forming plates having a raised annular ring and an axially aligned cavity provided on one surface thereof. Then, positioning the preform between the pair of forming plates and axially aligning the exterior peripheral edge of the annular ring with a peripheral edge of a respective central socket. Finally, forming the pad and removing the pad from engagement with the pair of forming plates.
US07981347B2	Carrier mold A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. When subjected to pressure by a pushrod the prongs of the carrier mold flex to substantially or partially open one end of the carrier mold. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided.
US07981346B2	Molded micro-needles Method of hollow micro-projections having side walls and at least one opening in a side wall, by a molding technique. The hollow micro-projections are defined by a first, negative mold defining the exterior shape of the micro-projections and a second, positive mold defining the hollow interior shape of the micro-projections. The method includes injecting a moldable material into the space between the two molds, in a state where they have been brought together. The positive and negative molds each have an essentially cylindrical geometry. In the process of bringing the molds together, the mold halves are laterally off-set with respect to each other, such that the distance between an inner wall of the negative mold and the positive mold in the area, ranges from zero to a finite distance. Micro-projections and arrays of micro-projections are also disclosed.
US07981345B2	Fabrication method of products with closed micro-channels by injection molding Disclosed is a fabrication method of products with closed channels by injection molding, which includes: a channel substrate mounting step of mounting a channel substrate comprising a plurality of opened micro-channels thereon to a mold; and a substrate cover molding step of molding a substrate cover by the injection molding on an upper surface of the channel substrate mounted to the mold, the substrate cover being coupled to the channel substrate while being molded. With this, the products with the closed channels can be fabricated without any additional coupling process between the channel substrate having the opened channels and the substrate cover, thereby simplifying a fabrication process and enhancing work efficiency.
US07981343B2	Method and apparatus for welding plastic bodies A method and apparatus for welding two or more subcomponents together is described. The subcomponents may be welded to one another along seams, whereby sections of the seam that comprise similar materials are heated to a degree suitable for joining together those particular portions of the seam. Other sections of the seam may be heated to a different degree depending upon the material characteristics employed in that section of the seam. Embodiments of the apparatus include features for holding the subcomponents, simultaneously heating seams of each component, positioning the mating subcomponents together, and applying pressure between mating subcomponents to join them together.
US07981340B2	Method of degassing a flowable mass in a ring extruder The method of degassing is performed in a ring extruder wherein at least one process chamber is provided with at least one degassing opening. The radius R of the conveyor element in the degassing zone is smaller by ΔR than the full radius Rv of the conveyor element required for the mutual stripping of adhering product in a closely intermeshing screw operation with adjacent conveyor elements.
US07981339B2	Method of producing non-mutually-adhesive polymer pellet, and apparatus therefor A method and apparatus are provided for continuously producing a polymer pellet efficiently in which, in storing, transporting or feeding to a processing apparatus, the obtained pellets containing the adhesive polymer do not easily mutually adhere, and handling thereof is excellent. The method comprises a step of deforming at temperatures of about 30 to 150° C. under pressure an adhesive polymer coated with a thermoplastic polymer, and a step of cutting the deformed portion of the coated polymer.
US07981338B2	Resilient biodegradable packaging materials Biodegradable starch-based extruded products and methods of manufacturing those products are provided. In particular, extruded starch products processed by compression, stretching or compression and stretching provide excellent flexibility, pliability, dimensional stability, resiliency, abrasion resistance and other properties making them attractive for use as packaging materials.
US07981335B2	Method and plant for the manufacture of building products A plant and method for the manufacture of cementitious products, viz. cast concrete roof tiles (T), the plant comprising a mixing station (2) where the constituents of a cementitious composition, less an air entraining agent, are admixed under atmospheric pressure and further mixed under a partial vacuum of 200 to 340 mBar after the addition of an air entraining agent, the plant also comprising a molding station (4) where the tiles (T) are cast in a gang-mold (6) before being cured in a conventional autoclave for up to 10 hours at 45 degrees C. The cured concrete roof tiles (T) are de-molded after curing and conveyed to a surface preparation zone (12) where a primer coat of a water based epoxy and a surface coating of a water based emulsion paint are applied to at least an upper surface in use of the cast concrete roof tiles (T). The admixed cementitious composition has a Ford Cup flow of between 40 and 60 seconds and a slump test of between 180 and 220 mm. In an alternative method, instead of applying a primer coat, the upper surfaces, in use, of the roof tiles T are subjected to abrasion by grit-blasting to remove a thin layer from the upper surfaces thereby facilitating the subsequent application thereto of a surface coating.
US07981331B2	Salvage coating applicator and process A method for repairing a wear-induced void associated with a surface of a component including applying a heat-cured ceramic material to the wear-induced void, wherein the heat-cured ceramic material is configured to substantially fill the wear-induced void and providing a volume of material to a bladder configured to retain the volume of material and expand in one or more directions, wherein at least a portion of the bladder is further configured to apply at least one of pressure and heat to the heat-cured ceramic material. The method further includes applying at least one of pressure and heat, via the bladder, to the heat-cured ceramic material.
US07981324B2	Oxocarbon-, pseudooxocarbon- and radialene compounds and their use The present invention relates to oxocarbon-, pseudooxocarbon- and radialene compounds as well as to their use as doping agent for doping an organic semiconductive matrix material, as blocker material, as charge injection layer, as electrode material as well as organic semiconductor, as well as electronic components and organic semiconductive materials using them.
US07981323B2	Selenium containing electrically conductive copolymers Monomeric, oligomeric and polymeric electrically conductive compounds and methods of making the compounds having a repeating unit having formula P1, as follows: where X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group capable of bonding to the ring structure. R may include hydrogen or isotopes thereof, hydroxyl, alkyl, including C1 to C20 primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, or alkyl or phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, carboxylic acid, halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano or epoxy moieties. Electrical devices utilizing the electrically conductive polymers is also disclosed.
US07981318B2	Reaction reagent for trifluoromethylation Provided is a reaction reagent for trifluoromethylation with high general versatility and good efficiency.The reaction reagent for trifluoromethylation contains an iron compound, trifluoromethyl iodide, a sulfoxide and a peroxide, and may further contain an acid. The iron compound is, for example, iron(II) sulfate, ammonium iron(II) sulfate, iron(II) tetrafluoroborate, ferrocene, bis(η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)iron or an iron powder; the sulfoxide is, for example, dimethyl sulfoxide; the peroxide is, for example, hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen peroxide-urea composite; and the acid is, for example, sulfuric acid, tetrafluoroboric acid or trifluoromethanesulfonic acid.
US07981313B2	Use of hydrophobins to prevent ice from forming on surfaces The use of hydrophobins for preventing the formation of ice on surfaces, especially for the prevention of ice formation on aircraft surfaces.
US07981311B2	Process and methods of purification for the manufacture fluorocarbons Halocarbons of the structure CF3CF2CH2X, wherein X is either F or Cl or mixtures thereof prepared by: contacting at least one 2-fluorochloropropane with hydrogen fluoride in a first fluorination step in the gas phase or liquid phase under substantially anhydrous conditions, in the absence of added catalyst to partially fluorinate said 2-fluorochloropropane; contacting said partially fluorinated 2-fluorochloropropane with at least the stoichiometric molar equivalent of hydrogen fluoride under substantially anhydrous conditions, in the presence of at least one fluorination catalyst in a second fluorination step; removing said reaction products from contact with said catalyst, and isolating a substantial yield of at least 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane or 1,1,1,2,2,penta-3-chloropropane, or mixtures thereof, respectively.
US07981308B2	Method of etching a device using a hard mask and etch stop layer A method of etching a device in one embodiment includes providing a silicon carbide substrate, forming a silicon nitride layer on a surface of the silicon carbide substrate, forming a silicon carbide layer on a surface of the silicon nitride layer, forming a silicon dioxide layer on a surface of the silicon carbide layer, forming a photoresist mask on a surface of the silicon dioxide layer, and etching the silicon dioxide layer through the photoresist mask.
US07981307B2	Method and apparatus for shaping gas profile near bevel edge A method for etching a bevel edge of a substrate in a processing chamber is provided. The method includes flowing an inert gas into a center region of the processing chamber defined above a center region of the substrate and flowing a mixture of an inert gas and a processing gas over an edge region of the substrate. The method further includes striking a plasma in the edge region, wherein the flow of the inert gas and the flow of the mixture maintain a mass fraction of the processing gas substantially constant. A processing chamber configured to clean a bevel edge of a substrate is also provided.
US07981306B2	Supplying RF power to a plasma process Generating drive signals of at least two RF power generators which supply RF power to a plasma process, in which at least two drive signals, each driving one RF power generator, are generated in an RF generator driver. Each drive signal is generated by a respective function generator, such as a digital sine generator, of the generator driver.
US07981304B2	Process for producing a chip using a mold A mold capable of a highly accurate alignment with a member to be processed in such a state that a photocurable resin material is disposed between the mold and the member to be processed, and is constituted by a substrate 2010 formed of a first material and an alignment mark 2102 formed of a second material different from the first material. The first material and the second material have transmissivities to light in a part of an ultraviolet wavelength range. The second material has a refractive index of not less than 1.7.
US07981303B2	Method of manufacturing monocrystalline silicon micromirrors A novel silicon micromirror structure for improving image fidelity in laser pattern generators is presented. In some embodiments, the micromirror is formed from monocrystalline silicon. Analytical- and finite element analysis of the structure as well as an outline of a fabrication scheme to realize the structure are given. The spring constant of the micromirror structure can be designed independently of the stiffness of the mirror-surface. This makes it possible to design a mirror with very good planarity, resistance to sagging during actuation, and it reduces influence from stress in reflectivity-increasing multilayer coatings.
US07981302B2	Method and apparatus for enhanced settling and collection of settled material Apparatus and methods provide individual blades driven by drives configured to reduce a tendency of sludge to be moved in an undesired return direction. Drive configurations apply “pull” and “pull” forces that only pull on tensile structures, avoiding a need in actual commercial practice for use of extra structural drive members having high resistance to both tension and compressive forces exerted parallel to a sludge movement direction. Each of two separate tensile structures carries one blade, or a separate set of blades, with blade(s) of one structure adjacent to, and alternating with, blade(s) of the other structure. Embodiments move sludge from a corner of a basin and across a floor of the basin. The reduced tendency of sludge movement in the return direction results from moving one tensile structure and blade(s) in the sludge movement direction as the other tensile structure and adjacent opposed blade(s) move in the return direction.
US07981297B2	Wastewater treatment method comprising decantation and fine screening stages A method for removing helminth egg and other suspended solids from a wastewater stream includes directing the wastewater to a ballasted flocculation system and adding a coagulation agent, flocculation agent and a ballast into the wastewater. Sludge is settled from the wastewater in a settling tank at a rate of at least 10 meters per hour. The method further includes removing helminth egg by filtering the effluent through a fine screen having a mesh diameter of approximately 5 micrometers to approximately 25 micrometers. After passing through the fine screen, the filtered effluent has less than one helminth egg per liter.
US07981294B2	Method for the extraction of components made from organic material The present invention relates to a process for extracting constituents from organic material, comprising the step of extracting with a monophasic mixture of 50% by volume to 90% by volume of methanol and 50 to 10% by volume of water and optionally 0% by volume to 40% by volume of a further solvent or solvent mixture.
US07981291B2	Method and plant for the treatment of an aqueous waste stream The invention relates to a method for the treatment of an aqueous waste stream, wherein: (a) an aqueous waste stream is separated into an effluent and waste sludge; and (b) the waste sludge is converted into predated waste sludge in a predation reactor, the predation reactor including a support comprising worms and the waste sludge being fed past the support comprising worms. The invention further relates to an plant in which the method may be carried out, in particular to an plant for the treatment of an aqueous waste stream that comprises a predation reactor having a support comprising worms, wherein the predation reactor has two compartments that are separated by the support comprising worms.
US07981283B2	Adjustable filter basket for a storm water drain system A nutrient separating filter basket apparatus for a storm water drain system has an adjustable filter basket installed in a storm water drain pipe system to receive storm water runoff therethrough. The filter basket collects organic materials, such as grass clippings, leaves and tree stems therein and is adjustable for different ground water levels.
US07981280B2	Recirculation of blood in an extracorporeal blood treatment system An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus includes a blood treatment unit, a treatment fluid circuit, and a blood circuit. The treatment fluid circuit has a treatment fluid pump for circulating treatment fluid around the treatment fluid circuit and through the blood treatment unit. The blood circuit has a dual chamber blood pump for circulating blood around the blood circuit and through the blood treatment unit. An arterial line withdraws blood from a patient and delivers the withdrawn blood to the blood treatment unit. A venous line returns the treated blood to the patient. The arterial and venous lines can be switched between a first condition in which they are connected to the patient and a second condition in which they are disconnected from the patient and connected to each other for recirculation of blood through the blood circuit. A controller operates the blood pump, and switches the blood pump between a condition in which the dual chambers operate in phase with each other and a condition in which the dual chambers operate out of phase with each other.
US07981272B2	Process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream in a unit having fixed and moving bed reaction zones A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream in a reforming unit can include passing a gas including a halogen-containing material from a product separation zone through an adsorption zone to remove at least some of the halogen-containing material before the gas enters a first reforming stage having at least one fixed bed reaction zone.
US07981267B2	Capillary electrophoresis device An object of the present invention is to prevent a variation in heat dissipating effect of a capillary between a holder part and an oven, to improve reproducibility of migration time, and to reduce a variation of migration time among capillaries in a single electrophoresis run. A cylindrical wall is formed in an upper part of a septa that covers a container holding a solution, and the cylindrical wall surrounds a capillary hole through which a capillary penetrates. Accordingly, the capillary is prevented from being directly affected by wind generated between the septa and the oven.
US07981266B2	Electrochemical gas sensor containing electric connection lines or housing contact bridges comprising carbon nanotubes An electrochemical gas sensor (9) has improved electrochemical measurement properties and housing tightness for an electrolyte at the sites at which the connection lines (11, 21, 31) pass through. The sensor (9) includes a housing (4), containing at least one measuring electrode (1) and a counterelectrode (2) and with electric connection lines (11, 21, 31) from the electrodes (1, 2, 3) to a measuring unit (8) arranged outside the housing (4). The electric connection lines (11, 21, 31) include carbon nanotubes (CNT, Carbon Nanotubes) at least in some sections in the housing (4) in the area of the electrolyte wetting.
US07981264B2	Drift calibration method and device for the potentiometric sensor The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus of the drift calibration of sensors. The method includes shifting the sensing signal and differential technology to remove the drift signal by time during a long measuring. The apparatus includes two voltage sensors and readout circuits, a signal-shifting circuit and a differential circuit, and the apparatus is used for outputting the response signal without time drifting.
US07981263B2	Sputtering apparatus, method of driving the same, and method of manufacturing substrate using the same A sputtering apparatus includes a susceptor having a substrate and a plurality of target devices facing the substrate and substantially parallel to each other, each target device being rotatable.
US07981259B2	Electrolytic capacitor for electric field modulation A method and apparatus for adjusting an electric field of an electrochemical processing cell are provided. In one embodiment, a capacitive element is disposed in the processing solution. The strength, shape, or direction of the electric field in the processing solution may be modulated by charging and discharging the capacitive element in a controlled manner. Because the electric field is modulated with out passing a current from the capacitive element to the processing solution, electrochemical reactions do not occur on the interface of the capacitive element and the processing solution, thus, reduces complications caused by unwanted electrochemical reactions.
US07981255B2	Method for producing (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylic esters There is provided a method for rectifying a vinyl compound liquor. The method includes the steps of a) providing a rectification column operated at a temperature and pressure and b) feeding the vinyl compound liquor to be rectified into the rectification column, wherein the pressure of the rectification column and the temperature of the fed vinyl compound liquor are controlled, such that the temperature of the fed vinyl compound liquor ranges from its bubble point at the pressure of the rectification column to 10° C. lower than the bubble point.
US07981246B2	Method and device for detaching a component which is attached to a flexible film The invention relates to a film (2) which comprises a component (1) to be detached therefrom. Said film is placed in the area of the component on a detaching tool (5) that is provided with at least one supporting element (6) for the film, which extends in a plane of support (11). The film is sucked against the support element (6) and partially under the plane of support by exerting negative pressure. The area of the supporting element is provided with at least one surface section (8) which extends in the plane of support when the detaching process begins, and which can be displaced, once the component (1) is grasped by a suction tool (4), plane-parallel to the plane of support while the negative pressure is maintained. The invention allows to control the detaching process of the film in a controlled movement without damaging or displacing the component.
US07981241B2	Method for forming a feature in a piece of composite material A method of forming a piece from a composite material is disclosed in which a mandrel is used that reduces relative movement between the mandrel and the piece during the curing process.
US07981240B2	Method for making vacuum airtight container Under a vacuum atmosphere, while keeping two members in contact with each other with a bonding material therebetween, one of the members is moved relative to the bonding surface in the horizontal direction, and the bonding material between the members is pressed. The surface oxide film of the bonding material, which is a low melting point metal, is thereby broken effectively, and highly hermetic bonding is performed.
US07981239B2	Process for manufacturing an electronic display device covered with a protective plate A process for manufacturing an electronic display device comprising a substrate coated with a display having an active zone and a connection zone, the display being attached by an adhesive crosslinkable by radiation to a protective plate. This process comprises: a) application of the adhesive to the display and/or this plate; b) attachment, by bonding, of the plate to the display; c) radiation through the plate in order to crosslink the adhesive; then d) removal of one portion of the plate covering the connection zone, with a view to rendering the latter electrically accessible. Prior to step a) a masking layer that is opaque to the radiation is deposited so that it opposes the crosslinking of the adhesive applied opposite the sole connection zone, and after step d), removed from the connection zone is the uncrosslinked adhesive, which has not been removed with the portion of the protective plate.
US07981235B2	Method and apparatus for making cellular material using slow cure adhesives A cellular structure is formed on a wheel from an elongated tubular structure. At least one longitudinal line of a slow cure adhesive is applied to the exterior surface of the elongated tubular material. Then the material is wrapped around a collector in a manner to cause the adhesive to be positioned between overlying surfaces of the elongated tubular material and to form a cellular structure on the collector. The cellular structure is cut from the collector before the adhesive has fully cured and is placed on a flat surface where the adhesive has fully cured.
US07981232B2	Method for manufacturing a filtration device Method for winding textile threads to filter bobbins for filtration purposes of petrochemicals, by, in a first operation, winding 4 layers laid at 30 degrees both ways, in a second operation winding 5 layers laid at 40 degrees both ways, in a third operation winding 9 layers laid at 35 degrees both ways, in a fourth and last operation winding 12 layers laid at 15 degrees one way and just with 50 degree transfer back for each layer, and repeating the first, second, third and fourth operations, the threads used thereby comprising 58% cotton, 16% acryl, 11.5% flax, 11.5% polyester, 2% polyamide, 0.6% acetate and 0.4 % viscose.
US07981227B1	Flex trim container with handles A modification to the box packaging typically used to store and transport flex trim material rolls or tape that allows the installer to hold and control the package while dispensing the flex trim material or tape directly from the box and placing it directly onto the corner being finished. This is achieved by a combination of perforations and creases which, when pushed in, form a handle on at least one side of the box for grasping the package and a separate hole on the edge of the box through which the flex trim is pulled out of the box and hence dispensed.
US07981226B2	High strength, durable micro and nano-fiber fabrics produced by fibrillating bicomponent islands in the sea fibers The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to fabrics composed of micro-denier fibers wherein said fibers are formed as bicomponent fibrillated fiber. The energy is sufficient for fibrillating as well as entangling (bonding) the fibers. These fabrics can be woven or knitted and made from made from bicomponent islands in the sea fibers and filaments or can be nonwovens and formed by either spunbonding or through the use of bicomponent staple fibers formed into a web by any one of several means and bonded similarly to those used for the spunbonded filament webs.
US07981223B2	Ultra-high magnetic flux density grain-oriented electrical steel sheet excellent in iron loss at a high magnetic flux density and film properties and method for producing the same The present invention is a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet characterized in that Bi is present at 0.01 to less than 1,000 ppm in terms of mass at the interface of the substrate steel and the primary film of the grain-oriented electrical steel sheet. The grain-oriented electrical steel sheet is produced by any of the processes of: before decarburization annealing, applying preliminary annealing for 1 to 20 sec. at 700° C. or higher and controlling an atmosphere in the temperature range; controlling the maximum attaining temperature B (° C.) before final cold rolling so that the maximum attaining temperature B may satisfy the expression, −10×ln(A)+1,100≦B≦10×ln(A)+1,220, in accordance with a Bi content A (ppm) and at the same time heating the steel sheet cold rolled to the final thickness to 700° C. or higher within 10 sec. or at a heating rate of 100° C./sec. or more before decarburization annealing, or immediately thereafter applying preliminary annealing for 1 to 20 sec. at 700° C. or higher; or controlling a TiO2 amount B added in relation to MgO of 100 as parts by weight and an MgO coating amount C (g/m2) so that the expression, A0.8≦B×C≦400, may be satisfied in accordance with the Bi content A (ppm).
US07981222B2	Dishwasher having sound attenuating structures Embodiments of dishwashers with sound attenuating properties are provided. The dishwashers include one or more laminated structures for attenuating sound. The structure may include a layer of an acoustic tape having a plurality of bi-direction fibers configured to redirect and convert sound generated by the dishwasher into heat such that the sound perceivable outside the dishwasher is reduced. The structure may further include one or more layers of foam for absorbing sound and one or more layers of vinyl for converting sound into heat. Panels of the laminated structure may be positioned in, around, and along the toe plate assembly, the door assembly, the base and tub of the dishwasher, and framing elements of the dishwasher.
US07981217B2	Vertical heat treatment apparatus and method of transferring substrates to be processed Disclosed herein is a vertical heat treatment apparatus which includes a thermal reactor having a reactor opening, a cover that hermetically closes the reactor opening, a holder that holds a large number of to-be-processed substrates via a ring-shaped support plate in such a manner as to arrange the substrates vertically at predetermined intervals, and an elevator mechanism that loads the holder into and unloads the holder from the thermal reactor. A transfer mechanism has a plurality of transfer plates that are arranged at predetermined intervals to carry to-be-processed substrates, and transfers the to-be-processed substrates between the storage container and the holder. The support plate is divided into an outer support plate and an inner support plate. The outer support plate has a cutout section through which the transfer plates can vertically pass to transfer the to-be-processed substrates. The inner support plate is placed at the inner periphery of the outer support plate and provided with a block section for blocking up the cutout section. Therefore, a plurality of to-be-processed substrates can be transferred at a time to the holder having the ring-shaped support plate. This makes it possible to reduce the transfer time, increase the processing volume, and provide increased throughput.
US07981215B2	Electrospun single crystal MoO3 nanowires for bio-chem sensing probes Single crystal MoO3 nanowires were produced using an electrospinning technique. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed that the 1-D nanostructures are from 10-20 nm in diameter, on the order of 1-2 μm in length, and have the orthorhombic MoO3 structure. The structure, crystallinity, and sensoric character of these electrostatically processed nanowires are discussed. It has been demonstrated that the non-woven-network of MoO3 nanowires exhibits higher sensitivity and an n-type response to NH3 as compared to the response of a sol-gel based sensor.
US07981214B2	Device and process for the crystallizing of non-ferrous metals In the case of a device for the melting and/or crystallizing of non-ferrous metals, especially of silicon, provision is made, for improving the quality of the crystallized and block-shaped non-ferrous metal, for there to be arranged around a container for receiving the non-ferrous metal at least one controllable cooling element for the active removal of heat from the non-ferrous metal.
US07981211B2	Surface-modified silicas Surface-modified, fumed silica having the data: BET surface area, m2/g: 25-400; Average primary particle size, nm: 5-50; pH: 3-10; Carbon content, % by weight: 0.1-10; Potassium content (calculated as potassium oxide), % by weight: 0.000001-40; is prepared by subjecting a fumed silica to surface modification in the presence of potassium compounds. It can be used in LSR silicone rubber compositions as a filler.
US07981210B2	Capillary-action, glitter markers and ink compositions for same The disclosure is generally related to writing instruments capable of making markings containing large diameter glitter pigment particles, and glitter ink compositions for the same. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a capillary-action marker comprising a glitter ink composition, a low density ink reservoir for storing the glitter ink composition, and a porous nib in fluid communication with the low density ink reservoir, wherein the glitter ink composition comprises glitter pigment particles having a particle size greater than about 12.1 microns in at least one dimension.
US07981206B2	Inkjet ink, method for producing the same, ink cartridge, and inkjet recording method An inkjet ink contains at least one coloring material selected from the group of C. I. Acid Yellow 23, C. I. Direct Yellow 86, C. I. Direct Yellow 132, and C. I. Direct Yellow 173, and a coloring material including a compound expressed by general formula (I): wherein in the formula (I), each M independently represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium, or an organic ammonium.
US07981205B2	Dye compound and ink containing dye compound A dye compound has the following general formula (1). In the general formula (1), A1 denotes N or CR2. When A1 denotes N, R1 denotes an amino group. When A1 denotes CR2, R1 and R2 form an aromatic ring that has an anionic group. R3 denotes an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group. Cy denotes a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring.
US07981203B2	Hot melt ink An ink composition which is solid at room temperature and liquid at a higher temperature, containing a substantially non-aqueous carrier composition and at least one dye, formed by at least one salt of the anthrapyridone series.
US07981199B2	Sorber heat exchanger wall and sorber heat exchanger The invention relates to a sorber heat exchanger wall comprising a fluid side (2) which is delimited by a fluid wall (4) and is impinged upon by a fluid releasing or absorbing heat, and a sorption side (5) that is provided with a sorption bed (6) with a sorbent (7) which accumulates a sorbate so as to absorb or release heat. In order to create a mechanically stable sorption wall that has good heat conducting and material conveying properties, the sorption bed (6) encompasses a highly heat conducting support structure (10,21) for the sorbent (7), which is connected to the fluid wall (4) in a heat conducting manner, and a hierarchical hollow space system.
US07981197B2	Easily removable filter bowl for paint spray guns A filter bowl and filter cover assembly is provided wherein the filter bowl is adapted to be easily mounted upon and removed from the filter cover by a plurality of bolt fasteners as a result of the bolt fasteners, connecting the filter bowl to the filter cover, being loosened to a predetermined degree and rotating the filter bowl relative to the filter housing in a clockwise direction so as to permit the head portions of the bolt fasteners to pass through key-hole shaped apertures formed within the filter cover. The filter bowl is able to likewise be easily and quickly re-installed upon the filter cover as a result of a reversal of the aforenoted removal procedures.
US07981195B2	System for preventing contaminants from reaching a gas purifier The present invention is directed to the prevention of an exothermic reaction in the gas purifier of an ultra-high purity gas system.
US07981193B2	Method of controlling a gas separating apparatus A method of controlling an apparatus for separating product gas and non product gas from an air supply, the concentration of the product gas produced by the apparatus being variable depending on a control signal from a controller and the efficiency of the apparatus in producing product gas depending upon an environmental parameter, the method including sensing the oxygen concentration in the product gas produced by the apparatus, determining an instantaneous demand for oxygen concentration in the product gas, providing to the controller a process variable signal indicative of the sensed concentration of the oxygen in the product gas, and providing to the controller a demand input signal indicative of the demand, sensing the environmental parameter and providing an environmental parameter input signal to the controller, comparing the process variable signal and the demand signal to generate an error signal indicative of a change in oxygen concentration in the product gas required to match the instantaneous demand, conditioning the error signal to derive a control signal to control the apparatus to satisfy the demand, characterised in that the conditioning of the error signal is compensated to derive the control signal, depending upon the environmental parameter input signal.
US07981192B2	Method and device for producing binderless briquettes and briquettes comprising metal chips and metal dusts The invention relates to a process for producing binderless briquettes from metal chips and metal dusts in which the metal chips are pressed into a cup-shaped form and the upwardly open cavity produced as a result is filled with metal dust, after which the opening is closed with a cover consisting of pressed metal chips.
US07981189B2	Captive tooless fastener for securing an engine intake air filter and clamp assembly for air filter housing The invention has a captive tooless fastener for securing the engine intake air filter. The tooless fastener comprises shaft and associated bodies. The body has two arms oriented about 180 degrees apart. The shaft is threaded through a sealing washer and an aperture in a closed end cap of the air filter. The shaft is expanded so it cannot be removed from the end cap. The body's threaded inner diameter mates with a threaded portion of a central shaft in an air filter housing. The body's arms are rotated to screw the fastener and the shaft of the housing together. When tightened, the sealing washer closes the aperture. To remove the air filter, the fastener is unscrewed from the shaft of the housing and in the shaft floats in the aperture. A person in the field can remove the air filter by inserting fingers under the arms and pulling.
US07981188B2	Controlled pore size distribution porous ceramic honeycomb filter, honeycomb green body, batch mixture and manufacturing method therefor A porous ceramic honeycomb filter manufactured from an oxide-based ceramic material having a pore size distribution with d1≧7.0 microns. Preferably, the oxide-based material is cordierite or aluminum titanate. Alternatively, the filter contains a cordierite-containing ceramic body with a narrow pore size distribution with db≦1.00, wherein db=(d90−d10)/d50. Also disclosed is a batch mixture, method and honeycomb green body made from mixture of inorganic source materials selected from the group of magnesia sources, alumina sources, and silica sources, and a pore former having a narrow particle size distribution with dps≦0.90, wherein dps={(dp90−dp10)/dp50}. The pore former is preferably selected from a group consisting of canna starch, sago palm starch, green mung bean starch, and single-mode potato starch.
US07981184B2	Fluid filter A diamond patterned tubular pleated filter element is disclosed. Also disclosed is a filter cartridge that comprises a core element having an inner diameter, two ends and apertures formed therein, a diamond patterned tubular pleated filter element having an inner and an outer diameter positioned about the core element wherein the ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the diamond patterned tubular pleated filter element is about 1.5 to about 2.5, an open end cap, for transferring fluid into or out of the core element, positioned at one end of the core, and a closed end cap, for preventing fluid from exiting therefrom, positioned at the other end of the core, the closed end cap including structure for positioning the open end cap in filtration housing. Systems and methods for manufacturing the filter cartridge and the diamond patterned tubular pleated filter media itself are also disclosed.
US07981183B2	Filter arrangements; side-entry housings; and methods An air cleaner includes a housing and an access cover. The internal volume of the housing can be reached through an opening in a side wall of the housing. A filter element having fluted filter media is removable and replaceable from the air cleaner. The housing is constructed and arranged to cam the element into sealing engagement with the housing. The access cover includes structure to help support and ensure proper seating of the filter element within the housing. A method of installing the filter element in the air cleaner includes sliding a portion of the filter element against a slide surface in the housing. A method of servicing an air cleaner includes pushing the filter element against a pivot region in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing.
US07981176B2	Particulate filter and method for its assembly A particulate filter cartridge has a woven metal fiber filter medium surrounding a perforated support tube. The filter medium is crimped down to the support tube at opposite ends thereof and then welded to the support tube at the crimped regions. A plurality of such cartridges can then be nested within each other and separated by appropriate exhaust gas flow directing baffles to form a particulate filter assembly.
US07981174B2	Electrically regenerated exhaust particulate filter for an engine system and operating strategy therefor An exhaust particulate filter for an engine system includes an array of filter cartridges positioned within a shell, each of the cartridges having an electrically powered heating element coupled therewith. Exhaust gases are distributed among the cartridges according to a single distribution pattern, and the filter can be regenerated without diverting, dividing or bypassing exhaust gases from the filter. Other aspects include feedback control and feedforward control of regeneration based on sensing an electrical resistance property of each of the electrically powered heating elements.
US07981168B2	Compact heat exchanger made of ceramics having corrosion resistance at high temperature Ceramic materials that are highly resistant to strong acids such as concentrated sulfuric acid and halides such as hydrogen iodide are employed to make block elements through which a large number of circular ingress channels extend in perpendicular directions and which are joined and piled in the heat exchanging medium section to provide a compact heat exchanger that excels not only in corrosion resistance but also in high-temperature strength.
US07981166B2	Bleaching agent having cationic acyl pyridinium derivatives, co-bleaching activators and hydrogen peroxide Agent for bleaching keratin fibers comprising in a cosmetic carrier at least one cationic acyl pyridinium derivative of formula (I) where R is a C1-C6-alkyl group, a C2-C6-alkenyl group, a C2-C6-hydroxy alkyl group, a C1-C6-alkoxy-C2-C6-alkyl group, a carboxy-C1-C6-alkyl group, an aryl-C1-C6-alkyl group, a C1-C6-dialkylamino-C2-C6-alkyl group, a heteroaryl-C1-C6-alkyl group, a 3-oxobutyl group, a 2-oxopropyl group, an aryl group, or a heteroaryl group, R′ is a C1-C4-alkyl group, a C2-C6-hydroxy alkyl group, or a C1-C6-alkoxy-C2-C6-alkyl group, X− is a physiologically compatible anion, at least one toxicologically safe co-bleaching activator and/or the physiologically compatible salt thereof, and hydrogen peroxide.
US07981164B1	Knee prosthesis A knee prosthesis for providing a user with a natural walking gait and flexion resistance. The knee prosthesis includes a support assembly; a flexion resistance member being supported upon the support assembly; a pivot assembly being pivotally connected to the support assembly and being fastened to a user's leg socket; and a flexion resistance drive assembly interconnecting said pivot assembly and said flexion resistance member.
US07981162B2	Satiation devices and methods A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis positionable at the gastro-esophageal junction region, preferably below the z-line. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed such that an opening at its proximal end receives masticated food from the esophagus, and such that the masticated food passes through the pouch and into the stomach via an opening in its distal end.
US07981157B2	Self-contained expandable implant and method Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods having internally contained expansion mechanisms. Devices expand linearly to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies of the spine.
US07981155B2	Hydrolic accommodating intraocular lens An accommodating intraocular lens comprising an optic made from solid silicone and liquid silicone. The optic has a central anterior area or membrane that can vary in radius and thus change power.
US07981149B2	Balloon expandable bioabsorbable stent with a single stress concentration region interconnecting adjacent struts An expandable, implantable medical device, such as an intraluminal stent (10) fabricated from polymeric materials, includes a plurality of elongated struts (16) in consecutive series and alternating stress concentration junctions (18) interconnecting ends of adjacent struts (16). When the stent (10) is in an expanded condition, the adjacent struts (16) form expanded substantial V-shapes and stresses are concentrated within the junctions (18). The junctions (18) define pivot points (P) for the respective attached, adjacent struts (16). Each of the pivot points (P) is located substantially on a line bisecting the V-shapes formed by the struts (16), when the stent (10) is expanded.
US07981148B2	Stent delivery catheter Stent delivery catheters comprising a hypotube, which may be a micromachined member, disposed on an outer portion of an inner member that may be an extruded multi-lumen member. The hypotube may be secured to the inner member. The devices may be adapted for delivering a self expanding stent by providing a restraining structure or device over the stent during delivery. One or more actuating members are provided through a lumen in the inner member to actuate the restraining structure and release the stent. Methods of use of such catheters are also described.
US07981141B2	Variable angle adaptive plate A device for supporting and/or assisting in bone fusion, particularly in the spine, is described. A plate member is provided, along with two or more attachment members that are anchorable to bones. In one embodiment, the plate member has a slot near one end and an aperture at another end. The attachment members include threaded posts for connection to the plate member via the latter's slot(s) and aperture(s). Alternatively, attachment members need not have a threaded post, and attachment members may be connected to the plate member via a bone bolt or similar fixation member. The slot(s) allow a single plate member to be used for a variety of operative situations and anatomies. A device for repositioning bones and a method for using the disclosed devices is also described.
US07981138B2	Surgical suture needle A surgical needle is disclosed and includes an elongated needle body defining a longitudinal axis The surgical needle has a first end for attachment to a suture and a second needled end for penetrating tissue. The needled end includes lower and upper opposed surfaces and a pair of side surfaces extending between the lower and upper surfaces and being contiguous therewith. The upper surface and side surfaces extend to a pointed tip. The lower surface extends to a cutting edge, which is defined at the intersection of the side surfaces and proximal of the pointed tip. The cutting edge extends in oblique relation relative to the longitudinal axis and terminates at the pointed tip.
US07981137B2	Uniform stress needle A linear surgical needle is provided having a body portion including a proximal end section; a central section; and a distal end section. The distal end section has a substantially parabolic configuration for producing a substantially uniform stress profile along a length thereof.
US07981131B2	Disposable single-swing-arm incision safety lancet A disposable single-swing-arm incision safety lancet is provided, which includes a casing (2) and a trigger. It is characterized in that the casing (2) is provided inside with an incision blood-taking mechanism composed of a cam (3), a swing arm (4), a blade (1) and a spring (8). In the incision blood-taking mechanism of the present invention, the cam, being driven to rotate under elastic force of the spring, pushes via the curved surface against the swing arm, which thus swings with the third radius R3 as the radius. The point of the blade 1 is swingingly stretched out of the casing 2 from the blood-taking opening 5 along the arc-shaped path A, thus producing the incising action. The present invention is novel in structure, clever in concept, and reliable in working. Since the movement of the incision blood-taking mechanism is controlled by the spring, the action strength can be controlled through the design of elastic force of the spring. Therefore, the mechanism possesses higher accuracy and controllability compared with the prior art, resolving the existing technical problems on this aspect.
US07981130B2	Medical instrument for cutting biological and especially human tissue The invention relates to a medical instrument for cutting biological and especially human tissue, having a hollow cutting tube that can rotate by means of an engine around its longitudinal axis, on whose distal end at least one blade is mounted, as well as with a handle in which the cutting tube is mounted for control purposes. In order to produce a medical instrument for cutting biological and especially human tissue in which the powering of the cutting tube is of simple construction and involves minor losses of capacity, it is proposed with the invention that the engine is configured as a hollow-shaft engine mounted on the cutting tube.
US07981127B2	Treatment sheath for endoscopic blood vessel harvesting According to one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a treatment sheath for endoscopic blood vessel harvesting, comprising a sheath main unit which can be inserted into a body through a cut skin portion in order to harvest a blood vessel in the body, a channel which is formed along a longitudinal direction in the sheath main unit and through which an endoscope is inserted so as to be insertable/detachable, a blood vessel holding member which is disposed at the sheath main unit and which holds the blood vessel to be harvested; and a blood vessel cutting device which is disposed at the sheath main unit and is positioned substantially symmetrically with the blood vessel holding member with respect to the channel and which cuts the blood vessel to be harvested.
US07981123B2	Surgical device for connecting soft tissue The invention comprises a surgical instrument including an external tube (2) and two elongated members (4) positioned in said tube (2), each of which includes a distal end (10a) for capturing one of the two tissue zones (M1, M2) to be attached. The instrument (1) may further comprise a catching member (22, 25) for each tissue (M1, M2) to be attached; a rod (15, 16) linked to each catching member (22, 25) enabling tension to move axially, said rod (15, 16) being separable from said catching member (22, 25) when a tension is exerted on it beyond a certain threshold; and a member (17a) forming a stop for locking axially each catching member (22, 25) during said tension.
US07981120B2	Trajectory guide with angled or patterned guide lumens or height adjustment This document discusses trajectory guides that include an instrument guide with at least one lumen angled with respect to an orthogonal or other through-axis. In one example, patterned lumens on the instrument guide provide a mirror image pattern of trajectory axes intersecting a target plane. In another example, height adjustment of the instrument guide extends these or other targeting techniques to a three-dimensional volume. This document also describes a method of manufacturing such an instrument guide, which is also applicable to manufacturing an instrument guide providing parallel lumens.
US07981119B2	Electrical stimulation system and associated apparatus for securing an electrical stimulation lead in position in a person's brain In one aspect, an apparatus is provided for securing an electrical stimulation lead in position in a person's brain. The apparatus includes a flexible disc comprising a substantially radial slot adapted to secure the lead in position within the brain after implantation. The slot is adapted to elastically expand as the lead is inserted into the slot and is also adapted to elastically contract on the lead to secure the lead in position within the brain after implantation. The apparatus further includes a ring adapted to seat within a burr hole formed in the person's skull. The ring comprises a channel adapted to receive and secure the flexible disc.
US07981117B2	Screw placement guide A screw placement guide tool for use in minimally invasive surgery has a proximal handle portion, an extension member extending distally from the handle portion, and an alignment element connected transversely to a distal portion of the extension member and having a screw placement guide located thereon. In this aspect of the invention, the tool is configured so that a surgeon may operate the tool using the handle portion external to a patient's body to align the alignment element with implanted screws so that the screw placement guide indicates a desired position for implantation of an additional screw. Systems and methods for placing a rod receiving screw are also provided.
US07981116B2	Radiolucent screwdriver for orthopedic surgery A surgical tool for inserting a surgical implant in a body and a method of performing a surgical procedure, wherein the tool is composed of materials consisting essentially of radiolucent materials. In one embodiment the radiolucent materials comprise plastic. In another embodiment the radiolucent materials comprise carbon fibers. In still another embodiment the radiolucent materials comprise thin aluminum. The tool has a torque capacity of at least 6 Nm.
US07981114B2	Drilling tool guide wire alignment device A device for installation of a guide wire for a drilling tool in a correct positional arrangement in a bone. The device includes a tissue protection sleeve, which has at one end a laterally projecting grip or handle. A trocar is provided, which trocar can be introduced into the tissue protection sleeve from the handle end and whose other end is closed. The trocar is rotatable in the tissue protection sleeve and has a central bore hole and a plurality of eccentric axially parallel bore holes, through which a guide wire can be passed. A second handle is provided which extends approximately in the same direction of the first handle and whose one end engages the end of the trocar situated the outside of the tissue protection sleeve, so that the normally freely rotatable trocar is fixed in the direction of rotation relative to the tissue protection sleeve, when both handles are manually clamped against each other.
US07981109B2	System and method for a user interface Embodiments of systems and methods for an interface for providing a user with feedback are presented. Specifically, embodiments of such an interface may include a head-up display unit which is mounted on a microscope utilized by a user when performing a surgical procedure. The heads-up display unit may include an eye-piece ring which is fitted onto or in one of the eye pieces of the microscope. The heads-up unit receives data regarding one or more parameters from a surgical console or other source and produces audio or visual feedback corresponding to a desired parameter. Any visual feedback produced may then be propagated to the eye piece ring allowing a user of the microscope to obtain the feedback when performing a surgical procedure utilizing the microscope and obviating the need to look at a screen of the surgical console to obtain such feedback. Thus, feedback is provided to a user in a non-intrusive manner such that the user can obtain this feedback without distracting from a surgical procedure.
US07981103B2	Method of treating a stiffened blood vessel A method of treating a stiffened blood vessel (2) is disclosed. The method comprises at least substantially encasing a portion of the blood vessel (2) with an elastic membrane (6) formed of biocompatible material such the membrane (6) engages the blood vessel (2) to thereby reduce the diameter of the blood vessel (2).
US07981098B2	System for suction-assisted wound healing A system for treating a wound with suction is provided. The system comprises a wound cover, a pump having an input port and an output port, the input port providing suction to the wound via the wound cover, and a reservoir coupled to the output port of the pump. The reservoir is adapted to receive effluent from the wound and the pump is capable of maintaining a controlled level of suction at the wound.
US07981097B2	Medical device for the treatment and prevention of eye and respiratory tract conditions A medical device for the treatment and prevention of eye and respiratory tract conditions is provided. The medical device may include a pack with a pump, a filter, and a vaporizer chamber for storing fluid and selectively supplying fluid vapor to ambient air. The medical device may further include a glasses unit comprising a pair of frames and a diffuser. The medical device may further include a tube having a first end configured for connection to the pack and a second end configured for connection to the diffuser. The glasses unit may be separated from the pack when the medical device is in use. Various methods for the treatment and prevention of eye and respiratory tract conditions and a method for modifying a pair of conventional glasses for treatment are also disclosed.
US07981091B2	Small diameter intravascular catheter with screw tip and limited torsional displacement A catheter to be passed over a guidewire, including a screw portion with a cylindrical hollow shaft and a helical thread portion extending outwardly from the hollow shaft. The screw portion is secured coaxially to a tubular portion formed from a substantially rigid material. The tubular portion has, along a portion of its length, at least two slits having a pattern geometry that limits torsional displacement. The catheter also includes a hub having a lumen joined substantially coaxially to the tubular portion.
US07981090B2	Luer activated device A luer activated device for infusing and aspirating fluids to and from a variety of fluid systems. The luer activated device includes a housing and employs a variety of valves that permit and prevent the transfer of fluids through the housing into or out of various fluid systems.
US07981088B2	Passive delivery system diluents mixing and delivery A syringe system for the administration of lyophilized drugs includes a syringe barrel and a stopper and a needled guard each coupled with the syringe barrel. A reconstitution plunger is removably coupled with the stopper. A diluent is withdrawn from the syringe into a vial containing a lyophilized drug, and the diluent and drug are mixed to form a therapeutic agent. The reconstitution plunger is then replaced by an administration plunger. The length of the reconstitution plunger is greater than the length of the administration plunger in order to prevent activation of the needle guard during reconstitution. Alternatively, a single plunger system may be used in which the plunger can transition from an extended length during reconstitution to a shortened length during administration. During administration, a radial element of the plunger contacts latch members of the needle guard, whereupon the shield advances to an extended position covering the needle.
US07981086B2	Surgical access assembly with winepress seal A surgical access apparatus includes a housing, an access member extending from the housing and having a longitudinal passageway for passage of an object and defining trailing and leading ends and an elongated seal mechanism mounted relative to the housing. The elongated seal mechanism includes a trailing hub and a leading hub longitudinally spaced from the trailing hub, and being adapted for relative rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, a plurality of spokes extending between and connected to the trailing hub and the leading hub, and an elongated seal member disposed within the spokes and adapted to establish a sealing relation about the object. The spokes define a first minimum internal dimension in a first condition thereof in the absence of an object and defining a second minimum internal dimension in a second condition thereof upon insertion of the object and relative rotation of the trailing hub and the leading hub. The second minimum internal dimension is greater than the first minimum internal dimension. The at least two of the spokes are generally obliquely arranged at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis when in the first condition thereof and are adapted to be generally arranged at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis when in the second condition thereof, the second angle being less than the first angle.
US07981083B2	Perfusion or enteral/parenteral feeding pump This pump with a battery-powered drive device comprises a circular elastic diaphragm (1a) and two valves (2b, 10), which has a diameter of 3 to 25 mm and is subjected to a compressive prestress of between 1'104 and 4'104 Pa capable of enabling it to return to its rest position at a maximum working frequency of between 8 and 12 Hz with a travel of between 0.2 and 2 mm, corresponding to a maximum flow rate of 1.5 to 2.5 l/h. The drive device comprises an electromagnet (5) in direct contact with the diaphragm (1a), a standard power supply battery, the available energy of which is from 7000 to 10'000 J, means for analyzing the supply current for the electromagnet and for detecting, at each pumping drive cycle, a minimum defined intensity of the supply current corresponding to the closure of the gap of the electromagnet (5) and means for interrupting the supply current once this minimum intensity has been reached.
US07981082B2	System and method for reducing air bubbles in a fluid delivery line A method and pump that accurately senses air in a fluid delivery line pulses or activates and deactivates the air sensor(s) multiple times during the pumping phase of the fluid delivery cycle and can generate alarms based upon a single indication or a cumulative indication of air in the line. The pump can include multiple air sensors spaced along the delivery line so that the method can use the multiple signals therefrom to distinguish real moving air bubbles from false positives and/or air bubbles adhered to the inner wall of the line.
US07981078B2	Inflation/deflation system for a catheter According to the present invention there is provided an inflation/deflation system for a dilatation balloon comprising a receptacle, a pressure member, a sensing system and a data processing and display unit. The receptacle is adapted to contain an inflation fluid to be introduced into the balloon during its inflation. The receptacle also has an inlet/outlet port adapted for connection to the dilatation balloon; The pressure member is adapted to be axially displaced within the receptacle to cause the fluid to exit the receptacle via the outlet port. The sensing system comprises a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is associated with the pressure member to sense its axial displacement. The second sensor is associated with the interior of the receptacle to sense in a non-contact manner the pressure P of the inflation fluid within the receptacle, and to provide a corresponding data signal. The data processing and display unit is adapted to process the signal and display at least a scheme of pressure P within the receptacle vs. the volume V of the inflation fluid exiting the receptacle through the inlet/outlet port. The volume is calculated by the axial displacement of the pressure member. The scheme reflects the corresponding P-V conditions within the balloon when the system is in use.
US07981073B2	Method and device for irrigation of body cavities A pressure and a vision regulation method and device for irrigation of a body cavity (1), in which an inflow liquid pump (2) pressurizes the irrigation liquid in a feed line (13) and an outflow device (3) or an external suction source (20) drains the irrigation liquid from the body cavity (1) through a tubing (16) into a waste container (17). A control unit (4) controls either the inflow liquid pump (2) only or both the inflow liquid pump (2) and the outflow device (3) depending on an inflow irrigation liquid pressure from a pressure sensor (5). The method and the device are combined with a method for detecting blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobin and/or debris in liquid coming from a surgical site to provide an automatic control and rinsing system with clear vision in the viewing area of the operational site.
US07981070B2	Internal tourniquet for automatically controlling hemostasis within a joint capsule An internal tourniquet for establishing hemostasis within a portion of a limb to facilitate surgery controls flow of a fluid into a capsule surrounding substantially all of a human joint. Blood concentration in the capsule is sensed; and pressure in the capsule is controlled to maintain a fluid pressure in the capsule within a predetermined pressure tolerance window. The concentration of blood in the capsule is maintained below a predetermined maximum concentration while the fluid pressure is within the pressure tolerance window.
US07981068B2	Cervical collar having height and circumferential adjustment An orthopedic device in the form of a cervical collar having height and circumferential adjustment includes an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The anterior portion includes a main support piece having depending projections configured to engage a height adjustment mechanism. Each of the anterior and posterior portions also includes a proximal support portion having a three-dimensional anatomically configured shape to support, immobilize, and stabilize an anatomical portion of a wearer. The anterior and/or posterior portion includes circumferential adjustment mechanisms to accommodate different sizes or differing degrees of swelling of anatomical portions.
US07981064B2	System and method for integrating transducers into body support structures Transducers and resonators are embedded in body support structures in contact with a user to for the purpose of conveying musical sound energy to a user's body at selected frequencies and in selected patterns. Body support structures comprise beds, pillows, chairs, and other structures typically used to support people. The sound may be audio tones and/or music. The transducers and resonators may be incorporated into a foam component or in a coil spring component of the body support structure. Latex-type foams and beds made with springs are candidate body support structures for receiving transducer's and resonators. Electro-active polymers are also used as transducers.
US07981062B2	Mechanically activated objects for treatment of degenerative retinal disease Mechanically activated objects or devices for use in treating degenerative retinal diseases are provided. Such devices apply mechanical forces to tissues of an eye to effectuate treatment and are configured for chronic implantation (thereby applying chronic stimulation/irritation) in or on the eye. The devices may be configured for contact with a retina of the eye, preferably positioned in a subretinal space. Various embodiments comprise a moving member configured for chronic contact with at least a portion of the eye, which moving member is activated by an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator may be distally located relative to the moving member. Alternatively, the moving member may be supported by a body member that, optionally, also supports the actuator.
US07981061B2	Power apparatus, power system, and power control method A power apparatus comprising includes: a moving section that moves in accordance with an action of a body part; a motor that outputs, during action of the body part in a first action direction, power to the moving section so as to cause the moving section to move in the first action direction and that recovers, during action of the body part in a second action direction, power generated by the movement of the moving section in the second action direction; and a capacitor that stores regenerative electric power generated by the recovery of the power and that supplies the stored regenerative electric power to the motor when the motor outputs the power to the moving section.
US07981060B2	Ultrasound applying skin care device An ultrasonic skin care device has an applicator head for applying the ultrasound vibrations to a user's skin. The applicator head has a vibrator element and a horn which are integrated into a combined vibration mass that resonates with an electric pulse to produce the ultrasound vibrations. The device is configured to limit the ultrasound upon detection that the applicator head is out of a normal contact with the skin. A load detecting circuit detects whether the applicator head is in a normally loaded condition or in an unloaded condition with reference to electrically equivalent impedance of the combined vibration mass. The combined vibration mass has a structure that restrains vibrations at a center portion of the vibration mass in order to reduce an undesired parasitic resonance, thereby enabling to discriminate the impedance given under the normally loaded condition from that given under the unloaded condition.
US07981058B2	Intelligent wearable monitor systems and methods An intelligent wearable monitoring system includes a wireless personal area network for extended monitoring of a patient's motor functions. The wireless personal area network includes an intelligent accelerometer unit, a personal server and a remote access unit. The intelligent accelerometer unit measures acceleration data of the patient, in real-time. The personal server processes the acceleration data, applying linear and non-linear analysis, such as fractal analysis, to generate motor function information from the acceleration data. Motor function information is transmitted to a remote access unit for statistical analysis and formatting into visual representations. A data management unit receives the formatted motor function information and displays the information, for example, for viewing by the patient's physician.
US07981054B2	All-in-one biological specimen collecting, transporting and analyzing device A device for collecting, shipping and analyzing a pathological specimen comprises a collector stick projecting from the inside of the stopper of a first tubular vessel containing a solution. The bottom of the vessel has a hole sealed by a frangible barrier. When the first vessel is inserted into a second vessel containing a signaling element and having a pintle projecting inwardly from its bottom, the frangible barrier is broken by the pintle and part of the solution flows into the second vessel where it contacts the signaling element. A pin projecting from the inside of a cover for the second vessel punctures the stopper of the first vessel facilitating the flow of solution from the first to the second vessel. The analytical process can be performed in the absence of any contacting or manipulating of the first vessel and specimen collector by simply screwing the cap to its farthest position.
US07981050B2	Methods and devices for automated biopsy and collection of soft tissue Instruments for performing percutaneous biopsy procedures are disclosed, which have advantageous features for improving functionality and performance over prior art devices. These instruments comprise two types, single-use devices, and multiple-use devices having active tissue capture capability. Improved features include the ability to retrieve and evaluate multiple tissue samples during a single insertion procedure, without physical handling of the samples, as well as constructional features, such as a molded tissue cassette housing, variant vacuum port embodiments suited for different tissue environments, and a method for backflushing the instrument to remove biological debris, among others.
US07981048B2	Method and system for diagnosis of lower urinary tract dysregulation and related conditions The invention disclosed herein provides a system and method for diagnosing lower urinary system conditions by receiving urodynamic data and subjective symptomatic impressions concerning a patient. The system and method then assigns weighted point values to the urodynamic data, for example, urethal pressure profiles due to sphincter contraction conditions such as urgency (2) and stress incontinence (4), and the subjective symptomatic impressions, quantifies norms for lower urinary system function, as a whole or in part, and quantifies recognized pathologies of lower urinary system conditions as degrees of departure from the norms. The system and method then determines a lower urinary system condition diagnosis of the patient, as a function of the degrees of departure from the norms, by invoking a set of rules to compare the weighted point values assigned and the quantified norms. The invention then reports the lower urinary system condition diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or further diagnostic suggestions.
US07981041B2	Sonographically guided transvaginal or transrectal pelvic abscess drainage using trocar method and biopsy guide attachment A needle biopsy guide system is disclosed for attachment to an endoluminal ultrasound probe or like sonographic instrument. The device includes a biopsy-guide attachment that allows for trocar catheter placement for abscess drainage or like procedures, using the transvaginal or transrectal route under sonographic control. The device has a base portion, which is attachable to an ultrasound probe. A removable retainer is provided that slides into the base unit to hold a biopsy needle in place. A physician may locate the target area in the body with the ultrasound probe, insert the biopsy needle into the target area, and then remove the insert (retainer) from the base unit and ultrasound probe, and leave the biopsy needle in place in the body.
US07981040B2	Method of ultrasonic detection and localization of contrast agent microbubbles and method for local drug administration by using microbubble carriers A method of ultrasonic detection and localization of contrast agent microbubbles wherein the decision as to whether or not the received ultrasonic signals indicate the presence of a single microbubble or a small microbubble population is made by analyzing the projections of the spectra of said received ultrasonic signals in multidimensional spaces, and by comparing such projections with the projections in said multidimensional spaces of sample control signals corresponding to known conditions of presence and/or absence of single microbubbles and/or small microbubble populations.
US07981038B2	Sensor guided catheter navigation system A method and a system for producing images of a subject, such as the heart of a human being. The method may comprise acquiring ultrasound images of the subject with a catheter comprising a position sensor. The method may also comprise capturing a plurality of 4D surface registration points in the acquired ultrasound images corresponding to points on the subject. The method may also comprise registering, in space and time, a high-resolution 4D model of the subject with the plurality of 4D surface registration points. The method may also comprise displaying high resolution, real-time images of the subject during a medical procedure based on the registration of the high resolution 4D model to the 4D surface registration points. Embodiments of the present invention are especially useful in left atrium ablation procedures.
US07981036B2	Method and system for processing doppler signal gaps A method for processing Doppler signal gaps may include receiving Doppler signals during Doppler signal acquisition to obtain data of in-phase (I) component and quadrate (Q) component signals of the Doppler signals. The method may also include receiving interruption of the Doppler signals and estimating the data of the Doppler signals interrupted in the gap period filling the interrupted Doppler signals with the data of the estimated Doppler signals so that the data of the I and Q component signals in the gap period are filled to form a continuous output. The method may further include generating Doppler spectrum data or Doppler sound based on the data of the filled I and Q component signals.
US07981033B2	Diagnostic probe and kit for tonometric examination of respiratory insufficiency and regional perfusion failure of the body The invention relates to a tonometric device (20) for examination of respiratory insufficiency and regional tissue perfusion failure in patients, comprising a distal end (22), a section (24) to be introduced into the body, and a fixing part (3). The section (24) to be introduced comprises a first tube (1) to which an additional tubing (4) is connected. A second tube (2) is arranged substantially parallel with the first tube (1). At least the section (24) of the first tube (1) is made of a material permeable for gases, especially for carbon' dioxide, but substantially impermeable for body fluids, preferably of silicone rubber. The device does not comprise any balloon, it can be introduced into the patient stomach without preliminary preparation, and is useful for examination of premature babies.
US07981032B2	Patient monitoring and alarm processing system and user interface Some embodiments of the invention provide a system to monitor a patient. In some aspects, a signal representing a value of a physiological parameter is received from a monitoring device. The received value is a value that caused the monitoring device to trigger an alarm associated with the psychological parameter. A notification is determined based on the received signal and on a second signal that represents a value of a second physiological parameter. The notification is then presented to an operator.
US07981029B2	Instruments and methods for minimally invasive tissue retraction and surgery Methods and devices retract tissue for minimally invasive surgery in a patient. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from a first configuration for insertion that minimizes trauma to skin and tissue to an enlarged configuration after insertion to further retract skin and tissue in a minimally invasive manner. Instruments are engageable to the first and second portions and operable to move the first and second portions relative to one another.
US07981026B2	Medical procedure drape A medical procedure drape, for use during a diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed on a patient supported by a patient cart, including a cover and a holder for the endoscope. The cover superimposes a portion of the patient and a portion of the patient cart. The endoscope holder is fixed to a boundary of the cover and extends above the level of the patient support surface on the patient cart. The endoscope holder retains and supports the endoscope during insertion and at other such times that the endoscopist may wish to set the endoscope aside to perform other tasks.
US07981025B2	Adjustable implant and method of use A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject, the adjustable implant having a permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system further includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject comprising at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet, whereby rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the permanent magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes drive control circuitry configured to drive the motor of the external adjustment device to achieve a target dimension of the adjustable implant.
US07981024B2	Pelvic implant with anchoring frame An implant for a pelvis is provided, wherein suturing is not necessary for anchoring the implant in place. The implant includes a flexible sheet and a solid frame, wherein the frame can be compressed or expanded. Upon insertion through the narrow openings of the pelvis, the frame is compressed, and upon delivery at the site, the frame is expanded, and is designed to anchor to the surrounding anatomical structures.
US07981023B2	Elastic sling system and related methods The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to adjustable length implantable sling assemblies for providing support to anatomical locations. In certain embodiments, the sling includes at least one elastic member to aid in the placement and tensioning of the sling.
US07981021B2	Correction of stress urinary incontinence Devices for treating stress incontinence, having a horizontal proximal portion supported on the pubococcygeus muscle and a distal portion extending downward and away from the proximal portion at an angle approximating the vagina in an erect female as it passes down and between the anterior segments of the pubococcygeus. The distal portion may terminate with a protrusion that is positioned to provide midurethral support, thereby preserving the urethovesical angle.
US07981019B2	Apparatus and method for separating a composite liquid into at least two components An apparatus for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component comprising a centrifuge having a rotor with a turntable for supporting a separation bag; a central compartment for containing satellite bags, and fitted with a support member for supporting at least one satellite bag so that a liquid contained in the supported satellite bag drains from the supported satellite bag into the separation bag under centrifugation forces when the rotor is set in rotation.
US07981014B2	Resistance system for fitness equipment A resistance system for an exercise device includes a frame, a resistance element such as elastic bands, coil springs, weight plates, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. An interference element such as a plate, chain or one or more links is supported by a support plate mounted on the frame. Selective engagement with the resistance element is provided by actuation of a dial, other actuator or controller or directly by the user. Thereby the resistance element can be selectively engaged or disengaged to vary the resistance to the user.
US07981011B1	Combination exercise machine A combination exercise machine comprises a movable platform assembly to perform leg presses and extended leg calf raises, a movable user support assembly which includes an adjustable brace pad assembly to perform seated isolated calf raises, a multi-function handle bar assembly, and a wrist rolling assembly to exercise the forearms.
US07981009B2	Collapsible training stand A training device, including a collapsible stand having a central support shaft and a plurality of legs. In a first position, the legs and central support member shaft collapse into each other. In a second position, the legs and central support shaft extend perpendicular relative to each other into a self-supporting stand having the central support shaft in a substantially vertical position. A plurality of striking pads is releasably coupled to the central support shaft by a quick release connector. A T-bar support attaches to the central support shaft. The plurality of striking pads approximate the positioning of the hands of a person in an offensive/defensive position, the head of the person and the torso of the person.
US07981006B1	Track-adjusting mechanism for elliptical exercise apparatus A track-adjusting method and a track-adjusting mechanism are applicable to an elliptical exercise apparatus using a linkage system to generate a cyclic exercise track. The track-adjusting method and the track-adjusting mechanism provide the elliptical exercise apparatus with additional exercise tracks by displacing at least one set of horizontally symmetrical pivotal joints in the linkage system, so as to allow diverse training programs and improved exercise effects.
US07981000B2	Systems for interaction with exercise device An exercise device is configured to enable a user to interact with a trainer in real-time communication. The exercise device includes an exercise mechanism having a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user. Communicating with the exercise mechanism is an interface adapted for gathering a first real-time signal from the user. The interface communicates with a communication system for receiving a packetized second real-time signal including a synchronized control signal from the trainer. The exercise device includes an output device configured to reproduce the second real-time signal. The control signals carried by the second signal are used to control the operating parameters of the exercise mechanism in real-time.
US07980999B2	Body motion discriminating apparatus and activity monitor A body motion discriminating apparatus includes an acceleration sensor for detecting a body motion of a user, a storing unit for storing a threshold, a threshold changing unit for changing the threshold based on physical data expressing a physical feature of the user and registering the changed threshold in the storing unit, and a discriminating unit for discriminating whether a detected body motion is walking or running by comparing a value of a parameter calculated from amplitude and cycle of an output signal of the acceleration sensor with the threshold.
US07980997B2	System for encouraging a user to perform substantial physical activity A system for encouraging a user to perform substantial physical activity. The system may include sensors that may be worn by the user while the user is performing a substantial physical activity, such as running or playing basketball. The sensors may detect the magnitude of the physical activity and may transmit data regarding the physical activity to a processing system. The processing system may display a reward to encourage the user for participating in physical activity and the reward provided may be based on the physical activity of the user.
US07980995B2	Electro-hydraulic control system with multiplexed solenoid for retarder operation and main pressure modulation An electro-hydraulic control system is provided that utilizes a shift solenoid and shift valve to multiplex a single pressure control solenoid to control both modulation of a main pressure regulator valve and retarder operation (fill and pressure).
US07980993B2	Vehicle controller and vehicle control method When a release of an accelerator is detected during a shift of an automatic transmission, instead of discharging the hydraulic pressure for engagement of an engaging device of the automatic transmission immediately after the release of the accelerator is detected during a shift, the hydraulic pressure for engagement of the engaging device of the automatic transmission is gently reduced with a remaining engine torque taken into consideration, the remaining engine torque being caused by the retardation of the decrease in the throttle opening degree. In this way, the torque capacity sufficient for the remaining torque caused by the throttle opening degree control performed when the release of the accelerator is detected during the shift is kept so that a slip in the engaging device of the automatic transmission is reduced.
US07980991B2	Control device for hybrid vehicle drive apparatus When the power transmitting path in an automatic shifting portion (20) is interrupted, a Co-lock control is executed to allow a differential portion (11) to be placed in a non-differential or nearly non-differential state with rotary elements (RE1 to RE3) kept in a unitary rotation. Thus, an engine (8), a first electric motor (M1) and a second electric motor (M2) rotate at an identical or nearly identical speed. Then, for the purpose of controlling the second electric motor (M2) at a rotation speed below a permit rotation speed, it may suffice for the first and second electric motors (M1) and (M2) to be driven in a direction to lower relevant rotation speeds while monitoring any one of an engine rotation speed, a first-motor rotation speed and a second-motor rotation speed. This allows such a control to be easily executed, thereby preventing the second electric motor from reaching a high speed rotation.
US07980990B2	Power output apparatus, vehicle including power output apparatus, and control unit and method for power output apparatus When there is no malfunction in either drive shaft rotational speed detection portion (36) or rotating shaft rotational speed detection portion (44), control of internal combustion engine (22), the power split device (30, MG1), the electric motor (MG2), and the shifting portion (60) is performed while speed ratio in shifting portion (60) is changed and an intermittent operation of internal combustion engine (22) is performed so that a drive power required for drive shaft (32a) is output to shaft (32a). When a malfunction occurs in drive shaft rotational speed detection portion (36) or/and rotating shaft rotational speed detection portion (44), the control is performed while at least one of change in speed ratio, intermittent operation, and output of drive power required for shaft (32a) to shaft (32a) is limited so that a drive power that approximates required drive power as closely as possible is output to drive shaft (32a).
US07980988B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US07980983B2	Hydraulically locking limited slip differential An improved hydraulically locking limited slip differential assembly for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having a fluid pump external to a differential carrier and arranged for preventing slip between the wheels by selectively pressurizing a differential clutch internal to the carrier, and a controller arranged for selectively activating the fluid pump.
US07980982B2	Telescopic actuator A ring gear of a planetary reduction gear is screwed into an inner peripheral surface of a first housing through an opening thereof, while the thrust-receiving flange of a screw feed mechanism is held by the locknut screwed into an inner peripheral surface of a second housing through an opening thereof. In addition, the locknut and the ring gear face each other in an axial direction with a slight gap provided therebetween when the openings, respectively, of the first and second housings are connected to each other in the axial direction. Accordingly, even if the threaded connection of any one component of the locknut and the ring gear is loosened, the one component is prevented from moving by the other component.
US07980981B2	Step automatic transmission An automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of planetary gear units; a plurality of frictional elements, the frictional elements assuming engaged/disengaged condition upon receiving a ratio change instruction thereby to establish a desired speed of the transmission with the aid of the planetary gear units; a deceleration detecting means that detects a deceleration of the motor vehicle; a gear ratio detecting means that detects an actual gear ratio that is actually established in the transmission; and an interlock judgment means that judges whether or not the transmission is subjected to an interlock, the interlock being a condition wherein upon receiving the ratio change instruction, at least one of the frictional elements is brought into unintended engagement. The interlock judgment means is configured to carry out judgment of the interlock by analyzing a deceleration of the vehicle and a relation between a gear ratio intended by the ratio change instruction and an actual gear ratio actually established by the transmission while the transmission is not under a ratio change.
US07980979B2	Conveyor belt junction element A junction for a conveyor belt that includes first and second half-junctions attachable to one end of the conveyor belt. Each of the half-junctions having substantially matching shapes that allow the half-junctions to be interlinked. The half-junctions include a flexible core, and being respectively equipped with cup inserts and bush inserts allowing the passage of an assembly mechanism. Each of the cores extend towards the inside of each half-junction forming a fold at a free edge of each of the half-junctions. The top level of the first half-junction contains the fold and in which a front edge of the bottom level has substantially the same shape as a front edge of the top level, but is shifted towards the rear at least by the distance that separates the front edge of the top level from the cup inserts that are the furthest from the front edge of the top level. The second half-junction has a top level in which the shape of a front edge of the top level matches that of the front edge of the matching first half-junction, and a bottom level containing the fold and the bush inserts. The front edge of the bottom level is shifted towards the front in relation to the front edge of the top level, and its shape matches that of the front edge of the bottom level of the first half-junction. The attachment of the first and second half-junctions with each other is provided by fasteners.
US07980974B2	Apparatus for mounting a bicycle electrical component An apparatus for mounting a bicycle electrical component comprises a housing member structured to be mounted to a bicycle and an electronic circuit element mounted to a circuit mounting member, wherein the circuit mounting member is disposed in the housing. The circuit mounting member has a shape that varies away from a plane containing the electronic circuit element to conform to a shape of the housing member.
US07980965B2	Multi-layer core golf ball Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a small, hard center enclosed by a soft intermediate core layer and an outer core layer.
US07980962B2	Golf club and grip for golf club A golf club (2) according to the present invention includes a head (4), a shaft (6) and a grip (8). A maximum thickness portion of the grip (8) is present within a range of 3 to 8 mm from a butt end. When the closest position to a tip side in the maximum thickness portion is set to be a reference position (K), a position placed apart from the reference position (K) toward the tip side by 20 mm is set to be a position (A), a position placed apart from the reference position (K) toward the tip side by 30 mm is set to be a position (B), a position placed apart from the reference position (K) toward the tip side by 50 mm is set to be a position (C), and a position placed apart from the reference position (K) toward the tip side by 200 mm is set to be a position (D), a taper ratio (T1) between the reference position (K) and the position (A) is equal to or higher than 0.255 and is equal to or lower than 0.270, a taper ratio (T2) between the position (B) and the position (C) is equal to or higher than 0.045 and is equal to or lower than 0.060, and a taper ratio (T3) between the position (C) and the position (D) is equal to or higher than 0.015 and is equal to or lower than 0.035.
US07980961B2	Panel grip with modified seam A grip for the handle of a golf club having at least one panel with a modified seam that is wrapped about an underlisting sleeve. The edges of the panels are coupled together with three attachment interfaces. The grip reduces impact shock and provides a feeling of tackiness in the manner of a spirally wrapped polyurethane-felt grip while allowing the use of multiple color panels and inserts and easy installation onto a golf club shaft.
US07980959B2	Interchangeable shaft system A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head and a fastener. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The fastener retains the shaft sleeve in the hosel. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features are provided that provide discreet orientations between the shaft and club head.
US07980956B2	Sleeve and sleeve-type flexible shaft coupling A shaft coupling with a flexible annular sleeve, a driver end piece, and a driven end piece. The end pieces have a plurality of axially projecting prongs arranged so that the driver prongs loosely interlock in the spaces between the driven prongs with a gap between each pair of prongs. The sleeve fits snugly around the periphery of the loosely interlocked prongs. Each prong has at least one prong groove in its outer periphery. Each of two peripheral edges may be shaped to form a groove flank, and each set of two adjacent groove flanks on adjacent prongs may form a gap groove. The sleeve has a plurality of inner teeth including a plurality of groove teeth in alternating arrangement with a plurality of gap teeth. The prong grooves and groove teeth mesh, and the gap grooves and gap teeth mesh. Groove teeth may be bigger than gap teeth.
US07980953B2	Method for labeling images through a computer game A methodology to determine the contents of an image uses an online game that is played by a large number of people at once. Each player may be randomly assigned a partner to form a pair. Partners do not know each other's identity and cannot communicate with one another. Players cannot see what their partners are typing, and the only thing the two partners have in common is an image that they can both see. One object of the game is to have each player type exactly what his or her partner is typing or has already typed. Once both players type the same string of words or letters, they receive a new image (the players are not required to type the string at the same time). The string upon which the two players agree is used as a label for that image. When trying to agree on a word, players may not be able to type certain specific strings of characters or “forbidden words”. When humans play the electronic game (online or over the Internet), they help computers determine the contents of images. If played by a large number of people, this game could provide a resource capable of classifying a vast portion of images on the World Wide Web. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.
US07980951B2	Storage medium having game program stored thereon and game apparatus First acceleration data representing an acceleration applied in a first direction of the input device and second acceleration data representing an acceleration applied in a second direction of the input device different from the first direction are obtained based on a value detected by an acceleration detection section. Next, it is determined whether or not the first acceleration data is smaller than a first threshold value. When the first acceleration data is determined to be smaller than the first threshold value, predetermined calculation processing at least based on the second acceleration data is executed to calculate a first parameter used in game processing. When the first acceleration data is determined to be larger than the first threshold value, the first parameter is set to a predetermined value. The game processing is executed based on the first parameter.
US07980950B2	Game machine and method with changing game field A game control program includes a coordinates receiving step for receiving coordinates in a virtual apace, coordinates being input by a player, a course generating step for generating a course according to the coordinates input by the player, along which course a character moves in the virtual space, a course segment setting step for dividing said course into a plurality of segments, a geographical feature setting step for setting geographical features of each of the segments according to geographical position of each of the segments in the virtual space, an event setting step for setting events occurring on each of the segments according to a predetermined random factor, and a character moving step for moving the character in a direction substantially along the segment. A game control machine includes corresponding means.
US07980949B2	Guard condition system A guard condition system for determining whether to block an attack against a character in a multi-character party within an entertainment game is disclosed. A multi-character party may be divided into multiple lines of battle, such that all characters in more forward lines of battle automatically attempt to block attacks by an enemy against any characters in a more rearward line of battle. Whether a block attempt is successful may depend on a variable referred to as a guard condition value, which may be based on the characters in the multi-character party, the characters in the forward line of battler performing the blocking, and/or other modifiers resulting from the battle itself or from temporary rewards and penalties. When an attack is successful, the attacking character may move to the location of the attacked character such that subsequent attacks are immune from blocking attempts.
US07980944B2	Gaming machine, game control method and game system In a gaming machine of the present invention, a processing device executes: a processing reading from a storage device a program for shifting the game state from a without-insurance mode to a with-insurance mode on condition that a specific number of game media have been inserted, and then executing the program; a processing reading from the storage device a program for providing the player with a predetermined profit when a predetermined variable, accumulatively counted every time a game is played after the game state has been shifted to the with-insurance mode, reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the predetermined variable, and then executing the program; and a processing reading from the storage device a program for shifting the game state from the with-insurance mode to the without-insurance mode when a result of the game in the with-insurance mode satisfies a predetermined condition, and then executing the program.
US07980937B2	Lottery audit system In an instant lottery ticket system having a lottery administration host computer that includes a ticket validation file, security of the validation file is provided by an audit system that allows periodic audits of the validation file. Audit data, based on ticket data that is used to print the instant lottery tickets, can be compared to the information in the validation file to confirm the integrity of the validation file. The audit data can include all or a portion of the records that should be in the validation file or selected portions of data in the records such as ticket redemption values. Alternatively, the audit data can be computed from the ticket data into a data string for comparison with a data string computed from the validation file. Security can be further enhanced by incorporating time or other variable data in the data strings. The audit data can be transmitted to the host computer or placed on a read only memory for use by the host computer in the audit process.
US07980936B2	Apparatus and method for player interaction A gaming apparatus includes a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device, the controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a first video image to be generated on the display unit, the first video image representing a first video game, to determine a game event associated with the first video game, to cause a second video image representing a second video game to be generated on the display unit according to the game event associated with the first video game, to animate the second video image, to receive a player's input to stop animation of the second video image, to stop animation of the second video image according to the player's input, and to determine a value payout to be associated with the second video game.
US07980934B2	Gaming method A gaming method operates to provide expert card-counting information to some or all participants, in exchange for a premium. The premium may be a cash payment, a reduction in the prize amounts or betting odds, some combination of the foregoing, or any other useful remuneration. The house retains its edge via the premium. The method may be implemented for play at a physical or virtual card table.
US07980932B2	Amusement devices and games including means for processing electronic data where ultimate outcome of the game is dependent on relative odds of a card combination and/or where chance is a factor: wagering on hands of cards Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases such as long shot bias and favorite bias. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases relating to the Monty Hall paradox. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may include wagering on hands of cards, e.g., poker wagering games.
US07980930B2	On-line game based on words, making use of a search engine A game session of the invention comprises, contained within a very short time lapse, the following successive stages: a) selecting a headword that is communicated to the player; b) for each of the N players, determining a first candidate word presenting semantic proximity with the headword, and transmitting said first candidate word to the gaming site, which submits it to a search engine in combination with the headword in order to receive a numerical score; c) presenting the N first candidate words submitted to the site by the various players and then, for each player, selecting from amongst these N words a second candidate word that, on reflection, the player believes represents that one of the first candidate words that corresponds to the highest score obtained during the first game stage. The final stage comprises calculating, for each player, a performance grade as a function at least of the pertinence of the second candidate word submitted during the second game stage, and classifying the players depending on said performance grades.
US07980928B2	Arrangement and method for utilizing the heat of waste air for heating the bilge area of aircraft The present application describes an arrangement and a method for utilizing the heat of waste air for heating the bilge area of aircraft, wherein the bilge area is connected to a heat transfer unit via a first air supply pipe, through which a bilge air flow drawn in from the bilge area flows into the heat transfer unit, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises a second air supply pipe, through which a waste air heat flow to be cooled that is created at another location in the aircraft flows into the heat transfer unit in order to heat the drawn-in bilge air flow, wherein the heat transfer unit comprises a first air discharge pipe, through which the cooled waste air heat flow is discharged, and a second air discharge pipe with a bilge inlet section, and wherein at least a portion of the heated bilge flow is returned to the bilge area via the air discharge pipe and the bilge inlet section.
US07980925B2	Fish processing device A device for processing fish, the device comprising: an open channel through which a fish can pass; a fish processing means associated with the channel; a vertical guide plate pivotally mounted on each side of the channel, having a firing position and a retracted position; a mechanism for moving the fish processing means from a (“firing position”) to a position which allows passage of the fish through the channel after processing (“retracted position”); a mechanism for pivoting each guide plate between the firing and retracted positions (“guide plate pivot mechanism”); a trigger that when contacted by the head of the fish activates the fish processing means; and a mechanism for resetting the device after the processing of a fish, wherein the resetting mechanism is in communication with the trigger and wherein actuation of the mechanism by the trigger facilitates: activation of the fish processing means; movement of the fish processing means and guide plates from their respective firing positions to their respective retracted positions; return of the fish processing means and the vertical guide plates to their respective firing positions after they have attained their retracted positions; and priming of the at least one fish processing means.
US07980920B2	Spectacle lens manufacturing method A manufacturing method of a spectacle lens improving a manufacturing yield and a production efficiency is provided.The manufacturing method of the spectacle lens in which necessary information for a frame machining of a spectacle lens (progressive-power lens 20) including spectacle rim related information is obtained, and both surfaces of a convex surface and a concave surface are edge/polish machined from a spectacle lens blanks. When the convex surface or the concave surface is polish machined, and thereafter, the next surface is machined, the spectacle rim related information and layout information of the edge machining are obtained, and first provisional reference position marks 1 to 3 and second provisional reference position marks 4 to 6 guiding a geometrical horizontal reference and a geometrical perpendicular reference of the lens are inscribed at positions outside of an edge shape 111 as identification marks for the machined surface being polished as a provisional reference marking process, an optical layout is performed for the surface to be machined next based on these provisional reference position marks to perform a lens block to a lens machining tool.
US07980918B1	Playhouse A playhouse is provided that includes an outer structure and a roof supported by and positioned atop the outer structure. The outer structure and the roof cooperate to at least partially define a first playspace. In one embodiment, the playhouse can further include a fence that at least partially defines a second playspace. The first and second playspaces can communicate with one another such that a person can travel between the first and second playspaces.
US07980915B2	Variable pitch game call An apparatus for use as a game call contemplate a plurality of rotor mounted acoustical plates having differing tonal qualities which can be selectively positioned for engagement by a complimentary striking plate to produce individually distinct sounds or tones.
US07980912B2	Toy construction system with jaw components A toy construction set includes jaw pieces having jaws that interconnect with the body portions of other jaw pieces as well as interconnecting with other jaws. Ratchet wheel components are embodied in some jaw pieces and connector pieces, and are engageable by the jaws. The connector pieces include pins that interconnect with sockets in the body portions of the jaw pieces. A swivel piece has pivoting arms that each include a socket to interconnect with the connector pieces. A wheel assembly has an axle piece with sockets that also connect to the pins. Also, struts that comprise a series of space apart ratchet wheels, or regular tubular octagonal polyhedrons, have sockets in their ends to engage connector pieces.
US07980911B2	Method of producing a light emitting apparatus provided with an insulating film between reflective layers and patterned anodes formed of different thicknesses A light emitting apparatus having light emitting devices having a stack of a light-transmitting anode, a functional layer including at least a light emitting layer, and a cathode for a plurality of pixels corresponding to red, green, and blue colors on a substrate, wherein an optical resonator having a lower-layer-side reflecting layer at a lower-layer side of the anode is formed in the light emitting device, wherein a plurality of the pixels include pixels which correspond to different thicknesses of a anode, and wherein a light-transmitting insulating protective film is formed between the anode and the lower-layer-side reflecting layer to cover the lower-layer-side reflecting layer.
US07980907B1	Amphibious paddle track propulsion system An amphibious self-engaging paddle track propulsion system mountable on any floater, vessel or vehicle for enabling the ability to selectively travel over land or water, the system having an elongated endless paddle track, plurality of spring-loaded paddles, plurality of paddle supporting terrain treads, plurality of terrain treads, drive sprocket, chain sprocket, rear sprocket, frame, drive sprocket axle and rear sprocket axle wherein the terrain treads are secured to the paddle track and the paddles are secured to certain terrain treads wherein the halter and paddle are hinged together for allowing the retraction and extension of the paddle for land and water locomotion, respectively.
US07980904B2	Driving power output control for personal watercraft A jet-propulsion personal watercraft comprises a body including a hull and a deck, an engine mounted in the body, a driving power output changing system configured to be able to change a driving power output of the engine, a controller configured to control an operation of the driving power output changing system, and a pressure sensor configured to be able to detect a pressure which is applied to the body from the water on which the body is floating, the pressure having a component in a lateral direction of the body, wherein the controller includes a turning determiner configured to determine whether or not the body is turning, based on a signal received from the pressure sensor; and a driving power output control unit configured to control the driving power output changing system based on information received from the turning determiner.
US07980898B2	Augmented small form-factor connector A connector that is structured to electrically and physically connect with (i) a first connector type using a first set of electrical contacts, and (ii) a second connector type that uses the first set of electrical contacts and a second augmenting set of electrical contacts.
US07980893B2	Coaxial connector and connector device A coaxial connector where a plug having a coaxial structure is connected in a direction substantially parallel with a board, the board being where the coaxial connector is mounted, the coaxial connector includes a signal contact having one end connected to a plug pin and another end bent or curved toward the board; and a ground contact having a substantially cylindrical shaped main body part, the main body part surrounding a part of the signal contact, the ground contact being connected to a plug side ground member by a first connecting part formed at one end of the main body part, the ground contact being connected to the board by a second connecting part formed at another end of the main body part, wherein the second connecting part includes a center member and an arm part.
US07980884B2	Structure for connecting flexible substrate and terminal fitting A structure for connecting a flexible substrate and a terminal fitting is provided, the terminal fitting including: an upper plate; a lower plate; and a barrel which is formed in an upstanding manner on the lower plate, and is inserted into a hole formed in the flexible substrate; the flexible substrate being held between the upper plate and the lower plate by bending the barrel inserted to the hole, wherein a projection is formed in each of the upper plate and the lower plate, and the flexible substrate is held between the projections.
US07980882B2	Electrical plug receiving connector The invention relates to an electrical plug-in connector (1) for telecommunications and data systems technology, comprising electrically interconnected elastic high-frequency contacts (4) and core connection contacts (10). At least the high-frequency contacts (4) are arranged in a housing (2) comprising a receiving opening (3) for a counter plug-in connector, and the core connection contacts (10) are arranged in two parallel rows (8, 9). The distance between adjacent core connection contacts of a row is smaller than that between core connection contacts of different rows. The housing (2) has an upper edge (5), a lower edge (6) and two lateral edges (7), the two rows (8, 9) of core connection contacts (10) being parallel to the upper edge (5) of the housing (2).
US07980880B2	Connector The present invention prevents two connector housings of a connector from being in a half-fitted condition by increasing restoring force which separates the two housing. A connector includes: a first connector housing including a lock projection; a second connector housing to be fitted to the first connector housing and integrally including a lock arm which is elastically deformed by the lock projection and is engaged with the lock projection; a lock ensuring member including a body which is attached to the second connector housing and movable between an allowing position and a preventing position, and an interference arm which is integrally provided on the body and includes a pressing projection. The pressing projection presses the lock arm while the lock projection deforms the lock arm at the allowing position, and the interference arm abuts the lock arm so as to prohibit the lock arm from deforming in the preventing position.
US07980876B2	Lock for mobile communication equipment A system includes an integrated circuit card, a tray configured to receive the integrated circuit card, a connector, and a housing configured to receive the connector. The housing is configured to attach to a mobile communication device, the connector is configured to couple the tray and the integrated circuit card to the mobile communication device, the tray includes one or more one way snaps that are configured to lock the tray and the integrated circuit card to one or more of the connector, the housing, and the mobile communication device, and the tray includes a means for engaging and damaging one or more leads on the connector when attempts are made to disengage the tray and the integrated circuit card from the connector.
US07980871B2	Light string system A lamp system used in a light string system comprises a light assembly and a socket assembly. The light assembly comprises a light source, a base in communication with the light source, and a bypass activating system. The socket assembly comprises a socket adapted to receive the light assembly and a bypass mechanism having a first position and a second position. The bypass mechanism is in the first position when the light assembly is not seated in the socket assembly. When the bypass mechanism in the first position, current flows across the bypass mechanism. When the light assembly is inserted into the socket assembly, the bypass activating system of the light assembly moves the bypass mechanism into the second position, and current flows through the light source instead of the bypass mechanism.
US07980870B2	Electrical card connector An electrical card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (10) defining a card receiving room, at least one set of terminals (30) retained in the insulative housing, and an ejector attached on the insulative housing. Each terminal has a soldering portion (303) extending out of the insulative housing and a contacting portion (301) extending towards the card receiving room. The ejector includes a slider (50), at least one spring member (90) and at least one pin member (80) cammedly pushing an inserted card. The slider includes a base portion (501) pressing against the contacting portions of the terminals and a pair of arm portions (503) extending laterally from the base portion. The base portion defines a number of passageways (502) and forms a number of protrusions (5011) extending into the corresponding passageways. The slider blocks the contacting portions from entering the card receiving room at an original position and moves to an inner position for giving way for the contacting portions. The contacting portions extend through the passageways into the card receiving room are supported by the protrusions.
US07980867B2	Portable computer universal serial bus device with an extendable connector secured by multiple locking mechanisms An apparatus for use within an electrical devices is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a casing having an upper body and a lower body, the casing including a tab disposed on a surface thereof and an adjustable base having a plurality of tab cavities adjacent to the tab. The tab engagingly couples to one of the plurality of tab cavities to secure the adjustable base. The apparatus also includes a connector system coupled to the adjustable base.
US07980855B1	Student reporting systems and methods The present invention relates to, among other things, the interactive reporting of student progress using learning maps.
US07980854B2	Dental and medical treatments and procedures A method treating a root canal in a tooth by introducing into the pulp chamber of a tooth and pulsing a laser light into the fluid reservoir so as to disintegrate pulp within the root canal without generation of any significant heat in said liquid fluid so as to avoid elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, or other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.
US07980849B2	Apparatus and method for flame-perforating films An apparatus and methods for flame-perforating films. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a flame, and where the flame includes a flame tip opposite the burner and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is in contact with the film, where the burner is positioned such that the distance between an unimpinged flame tip of the flame and the burner is at least one-third greater than the distance between the film and the burner.
US07980848B2	Mold for molding lens A mold for molding a lens includes a first mold part and a second mold part. The first mold part includes a substantially frustoconical guiding chamber defined therein, and a first molding surface in the substantially frustoconical guiding chamber. The second mold part includes a main body having a substantially frustoconical protrusion with a substantially cylindrical recess defined therein. The substantially frustoconical protrusion has a second molding surface in the substantially cylindrical recess. The substantially frustoconical protrusion is configured for inserting into and matingly engaged in the substantially frustoconical guiding chamber of the first mold part, thus aligning the first molding surface with the second molding surface.
US07980846B2	Machine for making bone shaped fibers This specification discloses fiber additives for reinforcing matrix materials and an apparatus for forming the same, said fibers having flattened shanks terminated with egg-shaped nodules. The apparatus comprises a roller-former-cutter assembly that forms the fibers in a single operation from continuous filaments using compressive force and a unique cut-out and blade assembly. The fibers described are designed to have an increased pull-out resistance compared to other fiber morphologies.
US07980845B2	Molding apparatus A molding apparatus includes a first mold half, a first mold core, a second mold half, a second mold core and a plurality of spacers. The first mold core is received in the first mold half and has a first molding surface. The second mold half includes a receiving cavity defined therein and a plurality of parallel grooves angularly equidistantly spaced from each other. The second mold core is received in the receiving cavity and has a second molding surface facing the first molding surface. The first and second molding surfaces are configured for cooperatively defining a molding cavity therebetween. The spacers are configured for being selectively disposed in the corresponding grooves. Each spacer is configured for being sandwiched between the second mold half and the second mold core. The spacers are configured for aligning the second molding surface with the first molding surface.
US07980842B2	Concrete block mold with moveable liner and heater A mold assembly for an automated dry-cast block machine including a mold cavity formed by a plurality of frame elements, and a moveable liner plate positioned within the mold cavity and having a first major surface facing an interior of the mold cavity and a second major surface opposite the first major surface and facing away from the interior of the mold cavity, the liner plate configured to be moved toward and away from an interior of the mold cavity. At least one heater element is coupled to the second major surface of the moveable liner plate, the heater element configured to move with the moveable liner plate and to maintain the first major surface at a desired temperature.
US07980841B2	Defined ratio dual-wall pipe die A pipe extrusion die may be provided having an inner flow passageway having a first cross-sectional area, and an outer flow passageway having a second cross-sectional area, both being in communication with an inlet flow passageway. A ratio adjusting tube may be movably disposed in blocking engagement between the inlet flow passageway and the inner flow passageway. The ratio adjusting tube and the outer flow passageway both may be substantially concentric with the inner flow passageway. Material may be distributed from the inlet flow passageway to the inner and outer flow passageways. The method and apparatus may allow for the manual and automatic control of the proportion of material distributed between the inner and outer flow passageways by adjusting the position of the ratio adjusting tube in relation to a passageway between the inlet flow passageway and the inner flow passageway, based on various operating parameters.
US07980839B2	Production of UHMWPE sheet materials Wide panels of UHMWPE having exceptional flatness and surface quality are ram extruded through a slit die equipped with a plurality of individually adjustable cooling zones proximate the panel exit slit and transverse to the machine direction, which cool the panel while the panel is restrained by a back pressure device and preferably a vertical movement restraint. The process is robust and can be run for long product campaigns.
US07980837B2	Self-aligning rotary pistone machine A rotary piston machine has a cylinder provided with two ends to form a stator with inlet and outlet apertures, and a piston having a rotor eccentrically mounted within the stator. A vane is connected to the rotor by a hinge and forms an expanding and contracting chamber as the piston rotates. The piston is provided with a sealing means sufficient to restrict movement of gaseous/fluid matter between chambers during operation. The sealing means includes a flexible seal member with a mating lip positioned adjacent to the vane hinge. Each revolution of the eccentrically mounted piston causes the seal member to contact an inner cylinder wall to prevent the escape of displaced gaseous/fluid matter past the vane hinge. The flexible seal member contacts the cylinder wall and bends to form a lip seal resistive to the direction of pressurization.
US07980835B2	Tube retainer system for a peristaltic pump A retaining assembly comprising a base and a retainer comprising a wall and a notch in the wall. The notch in the wall has an arcuate first portion and an arcuate second portion that converge at a juncture. The first and second arcuate portions of the notch are oriented toward the base and the retainer is slidably translatable from a first open position to a second closed position with the base.
US07980832B2	Wave energy converter A stationary structure is mounted on the floor of an ocean or other body of water subject to wave motion. The structure provides a floatation body that moves with the waves and is able to drive a sealing plate in a compression chamber. When the water level changes, or wave action magnitude changes, a second sealing plate is able to move automatically to maintain a constant size of the compression chamber. Air compressed in the chamber is let into a tank to maintain a constant elevated pressure in the tank and the air pressure is used to power a turbine to generate electricity. In an alternate embodiment, a mechanical linkage drives the turbine directly.
US07980830B2	Electric pump A rotary shaft is rotatable relative to a motor rotor. A first end face of the motor rotor is exposed to the outside of a stator. A hammer portion is provided at the first end face. The hammer portion is configured to be movable as the motor rotor rotates. A collision portion rotating integrally with the rotary shaft is configured to collide with the hammer portion. The allowance space between the collision portion and the hammer portion allows the hammer portion to be move relative to the collision portion. Therefore, the electric pump is capable of detaching a rotor from a pump chamber without increasing the size of the pump.
US07980827B2	Method and connecting piece for assembling an arm, preferably a windmill arm, in sections Method and connecting piece for assembling a first and a second arm section in extension of one another in order thus to form at least a part of an arm, preferably a windmill arm, where two arm sections are connected to at least one connecting piece for mounting between the two arm sections. The connecting piece is provided with a first flange for attachment to the end of the first arm section and a second flange for attachment to the end of the second arm section, the first and the second flange being firmly interconnected. The first and the second flange are each provided with at least one hole for a bolt which extends through the hole from the connecting piece and into the adjacent arm section, this bolt or these bolts securing each arm section to the adjacent flange.
US07980824B2	Rotor for a flotation machine The invention relates to a rotor of a flotation machine, particularly to a rotor, that is used for dispersing air to a slurry, and which rotor comprises alternating air ducts and slurry grooves and a collar fitted to the rotor for guiding the slurry flow into the interior of the rotor for avoiding undesired cross flow effect of the slurry flow. The rotor of the present invention efficiently prevents sanding effect and provides excellent dispersion of air into the slurry.
US07980823B2	Wind turbine generator rotor, wind turbine generator and wind turbine generator system Provided is a wind power generating apparatus adopts a rotor blade including a frame body unit composed of a frame body having an opening and a plurality of support frames extending from the frame body, and a sail portion adhered to cover the frame body unit. The frame body unit is configured to be retractable using wires and a servo-motor to decrease the surface area of the rotor blade in high winds. As a result, the rotor blade can rotate easily with a low wind power and can rotate continuously with an inertial power, once it starts the rotations, so that it can run the power generating function at a set value of a rated speed of rotations of 700 to 2,000 rpm.
US07980821B1	Turbine blade with trailing edge cooling A turbine rotor blade with a trailing edge cooling circuit in which cooling air from an impingement cavity located adjacent to the trailing edge region is connected to a plurality of metering channels that open onto the pressure side wall of the trailing edge region of the airfoil to discharge the cooling air. A row of submerged slots that open onto the suction side wall of the airfoil are connected to the metering channels by a row of small holes that bleed off the cooling air in the metering channel in a progressive manner and discharge the air into the slot. The trailing edge cooling circuit allows for a thinner trailing edge airfoil, reduces the metal temperature and reduces the shear mixing between the cooling air and the mainstream hot gas flow.
US07980815B2	Turbomachine variable-pitch stator blade A turbomachine variable-pitch stator blade is disclosed. The stator blade includes an aerofoil, extended on one side by a pivot by which it is mounted so as to rotate in a bore of the casing of the turbomachine, and a plate, between the aerofoil and the pivot, perpendicular to the line formed by the aerofoil and the pivot. Since the face of the plate opposite to the aerofoil includes a first zone and a second zone, the first zone being subjected to an intense friction with the wall of the casing because of the transverse forces applied to the aerofoil, the thickness of the plate on the second zone is reduced relative to the thickness of the plate of the first zone. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the weight of the blade without loss of performance.
US07980813B2	Fan outlet guide vane shroud insert repair A method of repairing a turbine engine component that contains a series of lined apertures. The component is removed from the engine, and then at least one of the aperture liners is also removed. The area adjacent the aperture is machined to remove a portion of the parent material of the component. An insert which replaces the material removed by machining is secured adjacent the aperture. The liner about the aperture is then replaced.
US07980811B2	Turbine with mixers and ejectors A Mixer/Ejector Wind/Water Turbine (“MEWT”) system is disclosed which routinely exceeds the efficiencies of prior wind turbines. Unique ejector concepts are used to fluid-dynamically improve many operational characteristics of conventional wind/water turbines for potential power generation improvements of 50% and above. Applicants' preferred MEWT embodiment comprises: an aerodynamically contoured turbine shroud with an inlet; a ring of stator vanes; a ring of rotating blades (i.e., an impeller) in line with the stator vanes; and a mixer/ejector pump to increase the flow volume through the turbine while rapidly mixing the low energy turbine exit flow with high energy bypass fluid flow. The MEWT can produce three or more time the power of its un-shrouded counterparts for the same frontal area, and can increase the productivity of wind farms by a factor of two or more. The same MEWT is safer and quieter providing improved wind turbine options for populated areas.
US07980810B2	Vertical axis windmill and wind turbine system for generating electricity from wind energy A lift-type wind turbine having a substantially vertical rotating shaft and a plurality of substantially vertical blades secured to the shaft. Each blade includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a pivot axis pivotally securing the rear and front portions. The rear portion pivots relative the front portion. The blades additionally include bottom and top edges positioned on each of the front portions. Each bottom edge is arranged substantially equidistant from the shaft proximate a first circumference extending substantially horizontally about the shaft, whereas each top edge is arranged substantially equidistant from the shaft proximate a second circumference extending substantially horizontally about the shaft. The blades are angled relative to the rotating shaft. The blades have an open, drag means position as well as a closed, lift means position, and passively switch between the positions based on wind speed for efficient rotation.
US07980808B2	Automatic transport loading system and method A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A guidance system follows a travel path to a position near the transport and then a sensor profiles a transport so that a transport path is determined for an AGV to follow into the transport to place a load and for exiting the transport upon placement of the load.
US07980806B1	Conveyor roller assembly installing system A vehicle supported mine item positioning apparatus for placing, for example, heavy mining conveyor belt items such as roller assemblies, conveyor frame side rails, frame sections or the like in precise positions for attachment to other conveyor structure, wherein the vehicle can get into cramped quarters in the mine alongside the conveyor and extend, retract, rotate and further manipulate an item pick-up crane mounted on the vehicle, whereby the crane with item pick-up means mounted on an end thereof can pick up and place, e.g., a roller assembly in a precise position and posture on a conveyor frame for making said attachment, and further in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is provided with second crane means for lifting a moving conveyor belt off of a roller assembly for replacement of said assembly with or without stopping the belt, whereby worker lifting and manipulation of heavy roller assemblies or other heavy mining structures is eliminated.
US07980804B2	Wheel lift system A wheel lift system for efficiently lifting and positioning a wheel and tire onto a wheel hub. The wheel lift system includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally attached to one another, a plurality of caster wheels attached to the lower portion of the arms, and a first support and a second support extending from the arms respectively for supporting a wheel and tire. A bias member is preferably attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in elevating the wheel and tire. Alternatively, a bias unit may be attached to the arms for providing a bias force that assists in maintaining elevation of a wheel and tire.
US07980801B2	Screw A screw characterized by having a screw body having a male screw portion to be screw fastened into a corresponding screw hole and a top hat portion that is integrally formed to be conjoined to one end of the male screw portion and having a top end surface formed thereon; a torque transmission means that is used for transmitting to the top hat portion the running torque required for screw fastening the male screw portion into the screw hole and having a base end surface formed to correspond to the form of the top end surface of the top hat portion; and an adhesive solidification layer that bonds the top end surface of the top hat portion and the base end surface of the torque transmission means to mechanically couple the top hat portion and the torque transmission means.
US07980798B1	Tie-down assembly An organization and storage assembly movably coupled with a track having a partially enclosed polygonal channelway, and a base, a mounting lug, a lock actuator, and a first organization and storage accessory. The base is at least partially enclosable in, and slidably translatable along, a polygonal channelway. The mounting lug is mounted to the base to extend exteriorly of the channelway when the base is within the channelway. The lock actuator is movably coupled with the base, for engagement and disengagement of the lock actuator under the influence of a biasing element. A first organization and storage accessory is resiliently coupled with the mounting lug, and can be selectively uncoupled from the mounting lug when the base is at least partially enclosed in a polygonal channelway to enable coupling of a second organization and storage accessory with the mounting lug without uncoupling the organization and storage assembly from a track.
US07980796B1	Mechanical lock stop system and method The disclosure provides for a lock stop system and method. In one embodiment there is provided a mechanical lock stop system for locking and controlled movement of a load. The system comprises a modular extruded part having a plurality of spaced openings on at least one side of the modular extruded part. The system further comprises a lock stop apparatus comprising a linear bearing having at least two sides, wherein the modular extruded part moves through the linear bearing; a release element having an attached hinge; a locking element having a first end and a second end; and a compression spring mounted around at least a portion of the locking element. The release element locks and unlocks the first end of the locking element to the modular extruded part.
US07980795B2	Multi-piece tool assembly and cutting tool A multi-piece tool assembly includes a male threaded member having an external thread, and a female threaded member having an opening adapted to receive at least part of the male threaded member up to a predetermined depth and an internal thread adapted to mate with the external thread of the male threaded member. When the male threaded member is received in the opening to the predetermined depth, substantially all forces between the external thread and the internal thread are oriented along an axis of the female threaded member, a working portion of the tool assembly being provided on one of the male threaded member and the female threaded member.
US07980786B1	Dual pressure tensioner system A tensioner system is described for oil and natural gas floating platforms and floating vessels having a plurality of self contained dual pressure cylinders for adjusting simultaneously low and high pressures in low pressure and high pressure channels, wherein the tensioner system is disposed on a floating structure to dampen the effects of sea waves and wind load between casing from a well and the floating structure due to movement of the sea and movement based on wind.
US07980782B2	Traffic safety integrated system, particularly in low visibility conditions and method of use of same An integrated system for traffic safety (1), particularly in low visibility conditions, for use on a site (2) of a road, railway, airport, harbor or the like, which comprises road markings and/or signs (3). The system (1) comprises at least one light-emitting device (4) for generating at least one light beam (5). One feature of the invention is that it comprises means (6) for controlling the light-emitting device (4) to generate the beam (5). The device has such a predetermined relative position with respect to said site (2) as to selectively interact with the road markings and/or signs (3) and to make the beam (5) only visible to the drivers that drive over the site (2) in a predetermined drive direction, and not to those who drive in the opposite direction. An integrated method for traffic safety, in conditions and sites as described above, including the steps of providing road markings and/or signs (3) on a road site (2) (step a), providing at least one light-emitting device (4) for emitting at least one light beam (5) (step b), emitting the beam (5) (step c) and conforming and orienting it toward the site (2) to selectively hit the road markings and/or signs (3) thereon (step d).
US07980777B2	Fluid dispensing system with separate pump actuator and dispensing pad A pump dispenser has a large ergonomic actuator designed to ergonomically deliver a composition to a substrate in the consumer's hand without the consumer having to pick up the pump dispenser. The ergonomic design allows the composition to be delivered in a proper aspect ratio to the substrate. The composition can be delivered in such a way that the composition is not aerosolized into the air or delivered to an unintended surface. The method of delivery can be made intuitive to the consumer by providing an actuator skirt that suggests the pumping mechanism or by providing a depiction of a hand or substrate over the pump dispenser. The pump dispenser is also useful for compositions or substrates that are not stable together. The pump dispenser may have a dispensing pad that acts as the pump actuator or alternatively, may have a pump actuator that is separate from the dispensing pad.
US07980774B2	Recording apparatus including temperature detector A recording control device includes a head driving circuit, a temperature detector, and a controller. The head driving circuit includes a power supply that supplies a driving current to a plurality of driving coils used for driving a plurality of recording wires provided in a recording head. An induced current flows through a circuit which is connected to the plurality of driving coils when the driving current to the driving coils stops. The temperature detector detects a temperature of heat generated in the circuit due to the induced current, and the controller controls an operation of the recording head based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector.
US07980765B2	Bearing apparatus featuring electrorheological fluid lubrication The present invention, as variously practiced, implements electrorheological fluid (ERF) as a bearing lubricant. Various modes of an inventive rolling element bearing apparatus provide for electrification of inventive electrode components, viz: (first mode) two annular disk electrodes, opposite each other and perpendicular to the two raceway surfaces; or, (second mode) electrically conductive inner and outer races, having an electrically conductive spacer therebetween; or, (third mode) plural electrodes, radially embedded in a race. An ERF lubricative coating remains on one or both raceway surfaces in accordance with Winslow effect principle (first and second modes) or edge effect principle (third mode). An inventive journal bearing apparatus provides for electrification of electrodes that are axially-longitudinally embedded in a journal bearing member, resulting in establishment of edge effect electric flux lines between adjacent electrode pairs, an ERF lubricative coating thereby remaining on the journal bearing member's inward facing surface, contiguous to the shaft.
US07980759B2	Temperature sensing circuit for low voltage operation The present invention discloses a temperature sensing circuit which is adaptive toward low voltage IC environment, it mainly comprises: a temperature sensing unit, a temperature threshold control unit and a transconductance amplifier. The temperature sensing unit includes a bipolar transistor and PMOS transistors, and senses temperature via detecting voltage. The temperature threshold control unit includes PMOS transistors and NMOS transistors, and makes an over-temperature alert signal persistently sent out until temperature is lowered to a specified value when the temperature sensing unit detects an over-temperature state. The transconductance amplifier includes PMOS transistors and NMOS transistors, and makes the temperature sensing circuit of the present invention adapt to a low voltage IC environment. Further, the circuit architecture of the present invention does not require any use of operational amplifier or band-gap voltage reference source. Therefore, the present invention can reduce the production and design cost.
US07980758B2	Equipment for non-contact temperature measurement of samples of materials arranged under vacuum The invention concerns an equipment for non-contact temperature measurement (1) of samples of materials (2) arranged in a vacuum chamber (12). A UV lamp (6) illuminates the samples (2) through a window (4), so as to subject them to a predetermined thermal cycle and to perform an environmental test, in particular for materials designed for space missions. An external pyrometer measures the temperature of the samples (2) through a window (6). It is associated with a scanning module (9) including a mobile mirror, with two axes of rotation and three orthogonal axes of translation, arranged on the optical path of the infrared radiation (Rir) so as to obtain a two-dimensional scanning of each sample (2) by means of a measuring spot focused on the surface of the samples. In a preferred embodiment, the samples are of slight thickness and locked pressed against a convex support. The whole assembly is monitored by an automatic data processing system with recorded program (10).
US07980757B2	Bonding strength measuring device A bonding strength measuring device for measuring the bonding strength between a substrate and a molding compound disposed on the substrate is provided. The measuring device includes a heating platform, a heating slide plate, and a fixing bracket. The heating platform has a first heating area and a first replaceable fixture. The substrate is disposed on the first heating area, and the first replaceable fixture is used to fix the substrate and has an opening exposing the molding compound. The heating slide plate has a second heating area and a second replaceable fixture. The second heating area is used to heat the molding compound, and the second replaceable fixture has a cavity for accommodating the molding compound. The fixing bracket is used to fix the heating slide plate above the heating platform.
US07980751B2	Light shades and lighting systems Light shades and lighting systems that create a spectral effect when a lighting element is illuminated within the shade, and features that reflect light originating within the shade. Embodiments of the invention incorporate hollow body having a diffraction grating thereon and an internal cavity to retain one or more lighting elements, and in some instances, to also retain one or more lengths of conductor.
US07980748B2	Lighting system including light guide with reflective micro structures on edge surfaces A light guide includes a light guide substrate having a top surface through which light is to be emitted, a bottom surface, an incident edge surface through which incident light is to be introduced into the light guide substrate, and another edge surface. The another edge surface includes at least one micro structure operative to reflect at least a portion of the incident light, which travels through the light guide substrate and is incident on the another edge surface, back within the light guide substrate.
US07980746B2	Hollow type planar illuminating device A hollow type planar illuminating device having uniform luminance distribution over the entire light emitting is described. A reflecting surface member is arranged on the bottom side of a hollow unit case, a light emitting surface member is arranged on the side facing the reflecting surface member of the unit case, and a space sandwiched between the reflecting surface member and the light emitting surface member of the unit case forms a hollow light guide space. An LED light source unit emits light into the hollow light guide space with a light collecting lens arranged between the LED light source unit and an end surface of the hollow light guide space. The light collecting lens reduces the directivity angle of light emitted from the LED light source unit in the device thickness direction.
US07980745B2	Broad spectrum fiber optic base laser illumination The present invention is an illumination device designed to provide efficient illumination in confined spaces and methods of using such a device. The devices of the present invention comprise a laser light source of a specifically selected wavelength or wavelengths, optical fiber(s) and one or more light converters to convert the input laser light to broad spectrum white light or a specific desired wavelength. The light converter may be integral/modular with the fiber optic assembly. The light converter may be constructed of phosphors, nanocrystals or other energy converters which are embedded within a transport material such as polymer or glass.
US07980741B2	Automotive illumination-system device and light-conductor system for an automotive illumination-system device The invention relates to a light-conductor structure (13) for an automobile lighting device (11), with a coupling section (17) to couple light into the light-conductor structure, a curved reflecting surface (25) to reflect light beams (59) of the light coupled into the light-conductor structure via the coupling section, and at least one decoupling section (30, 45, 51) to decouple the light from the light-conductor structure (13). In order to achieve a light-conductor structure (13) in which fewer limitations to the determination of its geometric shape exist, or whose appearance may be more freely configured, it is proposed that the reflecting surface (25) of the light-conductor structure (13) is curved such that light reflected from the reflecting surface (25) strikes directly with no additional reflection either again onto the reflecting surface (25) or passes into the minimum of one decoupling section (30, 45, 51).
US07980739B2	In-vehicle illuminating device An in-vehicle illuminating device 1 capable of efficiently guiding luminous flux emitted from a luminous source to a light guiding body. The in-vehicle illuminating device 1 is provided with a rod-shaped light guiding body 13 which reflects, on its inner surface, light rays incident from an optical incidence plane 16 provided at an end 13a to guide the light rays to the other end longitudinally provided, a lamp 19 which emits light to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped light guiding body 13 and is arranged in the vicinity of the optical incidence plane 16, and an light introducing body 20 for introducing the luminous flux emitted from the lamp 19 to the optical incidence plane 16. The light introducing body 20 allows the optical incidence plane 16 to be set within a range of the luminous flux emitted from the lamp 19.
US07980738B2	Multi-source shadowless operating lamp A multi-source shadowless operating lamp is disclosed, which includes a central base, a link element received in the central base, and a plurality of spotlights mounted on a peripheral of the central base and spaced a distance apart from each other. A light field is defined below the central base and extends perpendicular to the central base. Each spotlight defines a light focus spot through the light field. The focus spots exactly pass the same height in the light field. Each spotlight includes a lamp shell connecting with the central base, a dissipation substrate accommodated in the lamp shell, and a plurality of LED sets. The LED sets at different positions respectively cast light to the focus spot of the spotlight. An angle between the dissipation substrate and the light shell is adjustable to change position of the focus spot of the spotlight relative to the light field.
US07980737B2	Electronic device support An electronic device support includes a V-shaped base, a supporting leg, a cable and a number of lights. The V-shaped base includes a pair of legs extending from an apex of the V-shaped base. The supporting leg is pivotably connected to the V-shaped base adjacent to the apex. The cable is embedded in at least one of the legs and the supporting leg and includes a connector plug electrically connected to the other end. The lights are rotatably mounted on one of the distal end of the legs of the base away from the apex of the V-shaped base.
US07980735B1	Reflector assembly for a recessed luminaire A reflector assembly includes a frame that maintains the integrity and shape of a multi-member reflector for a recessed luminaire. The members of the reflector are arranged in a geometric form, such as a rectangle. The frame is disposed around the reflector. The frame includes at least one integral member manipulated around a joint formed between adjacent members of the reflector. For example, the integral member can include a clamp or tab. The frame and the integral member secure the positions of the members of the reflector relative to one another and prevent light from leaking through joints between the members. One or more connectors are coupled to the frame for connecting the reflector assembly to a lighting fixture. For example, each connector can include a torsion spring coupled to a lever configured to engage a corresponding catch of a collar on the lighting fixture.
US07980733B2	Aspherical LED angular lens for wide distribution patterns and LED assembly using the same The present invention discloses an aspherical LED angular optical lens for wide distribution patterns and an LED assembly using the same. The optical lens comprises a concave surface on a source side and a convex surface on a project side. The LED assembly comprising the optical lens can accumulate light emitted from the LED die and generate a peak intensity of the wide angular circle distribution pattern which is greater than 120° and smaller than 180°. The present invention only uses a single optical lens capable of accumulating light and forming a required distribution pattern to satisfy the requirement of a luminous flux ratio greater than 85% and the requirement of an illumination, a flash light of a cell phone or a flash light of a camera.
US07980732B2	Projector type lamp An projector type lamp includes a casing formed with a front open end and configured by connecting an upper casing member and a lower casing member to each other; a concave mirror formed on an inside face of the casing; a light source provided at the first focal point of the concave mirror; a convex lens configured to be held between the upper casing member and the lower casing member at the front open end of the casing and adapted to refract a reflected light that is emitted from the light source and reflected on the concave mirror so as to project a substantially parallel pencil beam forward from the project type lamp; provisional fixers provided on the upper casing member and the lower casing member respectively and configured to latch one another so as to provisionally fix the casing members to one another in place; and a fastener configured to fasten the provisionally-fixed casing members together.
US07980731B2	Light-emitting element mounting substrate, light source, lighting device, display device, traffic signal, and method of manufacturing light-emitting element mounting substrate A light-emitting element mounting substrate (20) in which a surface of a core metal (21) is coated with an enamel layer (22), and a reflective concave portion (23) for mounting a light-emitting element is provided, wherein a groove (24) is provided around the reflective concave portion.
US07980729B2	Illumination device Disclosed is an illumination device for projecting a substantially uniform light at a remote distance. The illumination device comprises a mounting assembly divided into a plurality of sections, each section comprising a plurality of light emitting sources arranged substantially equi-distant along a circumference of said assembly at an angle to project a light image at the remote distance, an contact plate connected via a central axis with, and fixed to, the mounting assembly, the contact plate providing an electrical contact to each of the light emitting devices, a plurality of lensing assemblies equal in number to plurality of sections axially aligned with the mounting assembly, the lensing assembly aligned with a select one of the light emitting sources in a corresponding section, the light emitting source being positioned in front of a focal point of the lensing assembly, each lensing assembly comprising at least one optically transparent lens determining said lensing assembly focal point, and means for shifting said contact plate and mounting assembly to align a select one of said light emitting devices with a corresponding lensing assembly. In another aspect of the invention, the lens assemblies may be positioned linearly and light emitting sources are positioned along an edge of the mounting assemblies, wherein the LEDs are positioned in front of the lensing assemblies by shifting each of the mounting assemblies.
US07980722B2	Light attachment for inspection tool A light assembly for an inspection tool having a mirror, the assembly having a mounting bracket attached to the mirror; a light member attached to the mounting bracket; and a power source for the light member.
US07980719B2	Digital light with target effects A digital light used with stage items. The digital light can form a portion of a stage performers costume, by for example illuminating a logo of the or a shape or color onto that costume. The digital light can also form effects when used in conjunction with phosphor paint. Another aspect includes using the digital light to signal the performer.
US07980711B2	Light-emitting display device-equipped rear-view mirror Interference of light is prevented from occurring in a rear-view mirror incorporating a light-emitting display device where a dark color mask member is arranged behind a mirror element. A mirror element is formed by forming a semi-transmissive reflective film on one surface of a transparent substrate. On a back surface of the mirror element, a dark color mask member is arranged. An opening a is formed in the dark color mask member Behind the mirror element, a light-emitting display device is arranged facing the opening. A protrusion forming a spacer is formed on the entire peripheral edge of a front surface of the dark color mask member. The spacer provides a clearance gap between the semi-transmissive reflective film and the dark color mask member.
US07980706B2	Projector A projector comprising a first light source, a second light source, a light combining element, a diffuser and an actuator is provided. The first light source provides a first light beam with high coherence. The second light source provides a second light beam with high coherence. The light combining element comprises a first surface, wherein the first and second light beams enter the light combining element, and are combined into a mixed light beam therein. The diffuser is disposed on the first surface of the light combining element, wherein the first and second light beams enter the diffuser. The actuator is connected to the light combining element, wherein the actuator actuates the light combining element to vary locations where the first and second light beams enter the diffuser.
US07980700B2	Electronic apparatus housing cover, electronic apparatus, and projector An electronic apparatus housing cover is adapted to be attached to a housing of an electronic apparatus having a connection terminal to be connected to an external apparatus via a connecting cable, and a speaker device adapted to output a sound, and cover the connection terminal and the speaker device. The housing cover includes a cover main body having a box like shape, having an opening on a face opposed to the housing, and having an insertion passage section through which the connecting cable is inserted, and an acoustic effect section provided to the cover main body, and adapted to execute an acoustic effect processing on a sound output from the speaker device.
US07980697B2	Fundus oculi observation device and ophthalmic image display device A fundus oculi observation device comprises: a first image forming part configured to form a 2-dimensional image of a surface of a fundus oculi of an eye; a second image forming part configured to form a tomographic image having a cross-sectional position in a measurement region of the fundus oculi corresponding to a partial region of the 2-dimensional image; a display; a storage configured to store imaging condition information including characteristic information showing a characteristic of the eye; and a controller configured to match display sizes of the formed 2-dimensional image and a measurement range image showing a range of the measurement region with each other, based on the stored imaging condition information, and cause the display to display the 2-dimensional image and the measurement range image whose display sizes are matched.
US07980693B2	Anaglyphic depth perception training or testing An anaglyphic image presentation system is provided to evaluate and train a user's depth perception abilities. In embodiments, anaglyphic image target components are presented to a user on a display device. The image target components are then viewed by the user through a set of transmission filter lenses. The transmission filter lenses present and block one or more target components based on the peak wavelength transmission associated with each lens. As a result, a user perceives an anaglyphic target image that is resultant from the perceived image target components when viewed through the transmission filter lenses.
US07980691B2	Fixing mechanism of gut for half rim A fixing mechanism of a gut 6 holding a lens 20 onto a half rim 1 prevents the gut 6 from being cut off by a large force acting on a bent part of the gut 6. The fixing mechanism includes an attachment part 2 of the half rim 1, to which a part of the periphery of the lens 20 is held, the lens 20, and the gut 6 fixing the lens 20 to the attachment part 2 by pressing the periphery of the lens 20 and thereby pressing the lens 20 toward the attachment part 2. The fixing mechanism further includes holding members 8 and 11 holding each end of the gut 6 on the both sides of the attachment part 2 of the half rim 1, which holding members 8 and 11 are arranged in hollow parts 7 and 10, respectively, formed on both the side parts of the attachment part 2 of the half rim 1.
US07980687B2	Outer cover for ink cartridges The present invention provides an outer cover to secure a printhead-ink cartridge and can be used in a segregated printhead-ink cartridge which is modified from an all-in-one printhead-ink cartridge. The inner and outer mounting and matching dimensions of the outer cover fit the outer frame edge (2) of the printhead and the printhead rack. The outer cover is an integrated cartridge holder comprising functional parts including locking tabs (4a,4b), at least one outer cover operating handle (3), at least one printhead locking tab (7), at least one printhead operating handle (5), and at least one pressing rib (6). The outer cover ensures that the ink cartridge (8) is securely mounted in the frame of printhead (1) and that the printhead is accurately positioned in the printhead rack. When the ink is depleted only the ink cartridge inside the printhead needs to be replaced.
US07980685B2	Ink supply system with float valve An ink supply system for an inkjet printer. The ink supply system includes an ink reservoir and a pressure-regulating chamber. The pressure-regulating chamber has an inlet port, an outlet port, an air vent open to atmosphere and a float valve for maintaining a predetermined level of ink in the chamber. The float valve is biased towards a closed position by a positive ink pressure from the ink reservoir at the inlet port.
US07980684B2	Printer having self-referencing printing cartridge A printer is provided with a body having a slot for removably receiving a printing cartridge, a mesa feature arranged in the slot to cooperate with a complementary slot in the fluid distribution support of the printing cartridge upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer, and protrusions arranged in the slot to cooperate with a flat surface of a plurality of corners of the printing cartridge upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer The printing cartridge has at least one printhead integrated circuit with a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles and a fluid distribution support mounting the printhead integrated circuit. The cooperation of the mesa feature and complementary slot and the protrusions and corners provides information on the location of the nozzles.
US07980683B2	Inkjet printer with ink recycling amount changing units In an inkjet printer where an ink recycling path for recycling ink is formed by connecting among an ink head, an upstream tank, and a downstream tank, the inkjet printer includes a temperature detecting unit that detects a temperature of recycling ink, a temperature changing unit that is installed in the ink recycled path and changes the temperature of the recycling ink so that the temperature of the recycling ink reaches a predetermined temperature, and an ink recycling amount changing unit that is installed at the upstream tank and changes an ink recycling amount according to the change in temperature of the recycling ink. Time required to make the temperature of the recycling ink reach the predetermined temperature can be shortened.
US07980681B2	Ink-jet head and manufacturing method thereof Disclosed are an ink-jet head and a manufacturing method thereof. The ink-jet head, which has a reservoir storing ink, a chamber being supplied with the ink from the reservoir, a restrictor connecting the reservoir to the chamber, and a nozzle discharging the ink, includes: a chamber plate, in which the chamber is formed; a vibration plate, which is laminated on an upper surface of the chamber plate to cover the chamber and in which a first coil is placed; a first middle plate, which is laminated on a lower surface of the chamber plate and in which the restrictor is formed, and a second coil is placed; and a lower plate part, which is laminated on a lower surface of the first middle plate and in which the reservoir and the nozzle are formed.
US07980679B2	Piezoelectric element, liquid droplet ejecting head, image forming device, and method of manufacturing liquid droplet ejecting head A piezoelectric element includes: a lower electrode which is formed on a surface of a vibrating plate, and is one polarity of a piezoelectric element which displaces the vibrating plate; a flexurally-deformable piezoelectric body formed on a surface of the lower electrode; and an upper electrode which is formed on a surface of the piezoelectric body, and is another polarity of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric body is formed by a vacuum deposition method. Polarization of the piezoelectric body is oriented in a direction from the lower electrode toward the upper electrode.
US07980669B2	Inkjet thermal actuator with parallel current paths An inkjet printhead is disclosed. The printhead has an array of ink chambers. Each ink chamber has a nozzle and a thermal actuator for generating vapor bubbles to eject ink through the nozzle. The thermal actuator has a pair of contacts and at least two parallel current paths between the contacts. Each of the current paths has a plurality of heater elements for nucleating a vapor bubble.
US07980668B2	Ejection arrangement for printhead nozzle An ejection arrangement is provided for a printhead nozzle. The arrangement has a chamber having an inlet defined by edge portions of a first side of the chamber and an ejection port defined in a second side of the chamber, and an ejection member located in the chamber between the edge portions. The ejection member is operable to cause ejection of fluid in the chamber through the ejection port and subsequent refill of fluid into the chamber through the inlet. The edge portions are configured to reduce fluid flow through a space between the edge portions and the ejection member during ejection.
US07980665B2	Printhead assembly with an extrusion for housing bus bars Provided is a printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer. The assembly includes a substrate channel, and a plurality of printhead modules positioned in the channel to form a pagewidth printhead module assembly. Also included are an extrusion for housing bus bars operatively providing electrical power to the printhead modules, and a cover plate securing a flex printed circuit board (PCB) in the assembly, the PCB forming a data bus to the printhead modules. The assembly further includes compressible conductive strips between the busbars abutting contacts on an upper side of parts of the flex PCB, wherein the substrate channel defines a series of groups of holes through which the printhead modules are supplied with differently colored inks.
US07980663B2	Liquid ejection head A print head can improve an ink refill speed to reduce the time from the end of one ejection of ink droplets until the beginning of a next ejection of ink droplets and maintain the high quality of images obtained by printing. An ink jet print head has an ejection port portion including a first ejection port portion communicating with atmosphere, and a second ejection port portion having a cross-section which extends in a direction orthogonal to an ejecting direction and which is larger than that of the first ejection port portion. The second ejection port portion is formed between a bubbling chamber and the first ejection port portion. In the ink jet print head, an ejection port portion first axis is located away from an ejection port portion second axis.
US07980649B2	Apparatus and method of ink jet printing An apparatus and method of ink jet printing is provided that poor ejection less occurs even where making a printing on a printing medium ready to cause a paper powder, such as a fine art paper. An image is to be printed on a printing medium by performing a relative movement of a printing medium and a printing head having a plurality of arrays each having a plurality of ejection openings. On this occasion, the image is printed by using ejection openings in a number changed in accordance with a type of the printing medium, out of a plurality of ejection openings on the two arrays adjacent to each other.
US07980645B2	Droplet applying apparatus, method for measuring gap of droplet ejecting section and method for adjusting gap of droplet ejecting section A droplet applying apparatus includes a base 11 having a mounting surface 11a on which a substrate 10 is to be mounted, beam members 41, 42 which are fitted to the base 11 so as to be movable relative to the base 11 in the arrow A direction, a plurality of droplet ejecting sections 6 which are fitted to the beam members 41, 42 so as to be movable in the arrow B direction and which eject droplets to the substrate 10 mounted on the mounting surface 11a, reference members each of which is provided at a site of the beam members 41, 42 proximate to the ejecting surface of each droplet ejecting section 6 and whose distance to the mounting surface 11a is known, a distance measuring section 14 for measuring a distance to the ejecting surface of each droplet ejecting section 6 and a distance to each reference member, and a calculation section 15 for, based on a distance between the ejecting surface of the one droplet ejecting section 6 and the distance measuring section 14 as well as a distance between the one reference member and the distance measuring section 14, both measured by the distance measuring section 14, plus a known distance between the one reference member and the mounting surface 11a, calculating a gap between the ejecting surface of the one droplet ejecting section 6 and the mounting surface 11a.
US07980642B2	Drawer assembly A drawer assembly including a drawer and a sliding guide rail system for slidably opening and closing the drawer within an article of furniture is provided. A support bracket for supporting the drawer is provided at each side of the drawer. The sliding guide rail system includes a pull-out rail disposed within each of the support brackets. One of the support brackets has a slot and the pull-out rail disposed within one of the brackets has a recess. A stabilizer arrangement for stabilizing the sliding movement of the drawer is also provided. The stabilizer arrangement includes a guide bracket and a lever. The guide bracket has a protrusion engageable within the support bracket slot. The guide bracket has a resilient grip portion that allows for the guide bracket protrusion to be adjustable laterally within the support bracket slot when the guide bracket is locked onto the support bracket.
US07980640B2	Auto-return drawer rail An auto-returning drawer rail is implemented in furniture having a drawer cavity and a drawer, and the auto-returning drawer rail has a drawer rail assembly, an auto-returning device and a buffering device. The drawer rail assembly is mounted in the drawer cavity and has a rail bracket, an outer track and an inner track. The auto-returning device is mounted in the drawer rail assembly and has a base, a sliding block, a connector and two springs. The base is mounted on the rail bracket. The sliding block is mounted slidably on the base. The connector is connected securely to the sliding block between the rail bracket and the base and has two clasping tabs engaging the base. The buffering device is mounted in the auto-returning device to prevent the drawer from returning too fast and has a damper and a drive shaft being connected to the connector.
US07980639B2	Debris guard for track roller frame and machine using same A tracked machine may be equipped with a debris guard in order to inhibit entry of debris from an exterior to an interior of a track roller frame. An idler, track roller frame, track and debris guard may be configured to create a difficult to traverse serpentine debris entry pathway into the track roller frame. This may be accomplished by flanking opposite sides of a track chain with a pair of guard plates, and further inhibiting debris entry by including an in board guard shield that defines a slot that surrounds a portion of the idler.
US07980636B2	Automated gate control and methods An automated gate control system for a vehicle with a load carrying portion capable of carrying a load of material selectively distributable through a gate comprises a driver-accessible control module and a gate actuating mechanism. The driver-accessible control mechanism is positionable within reach of a driver of the vehicle. The gate actuating mechanism is controllably linked to and responsive to control signals from the driver-accessible control module to open and to close the gate to distribute material through the gate as desired. As a result, the driver need not exit the vehicle to move the gate before, after or during a material distribution operation.
US07980635B2	Auxiliary mechanism for seat belt apparatus An auxiliary mechanism for a seat belt apparatus includes a support portion and a guide portion. The support portion supports a webbing in a manner drawable to the front of a seat back. The support portion is movable between a storage position, which is near the seat back, and a projection position, which is spaced further apart from the seat back than the storage position to draw out the webbing toward the front of the seat back. The guide portion guides the movement of the support portion between the storage position and the projection position, and then continuously guides the movement of the support portion along a vertical direction of the seat back at the storage position.
US07980628B2	Convertible folding seat and storage combination A folding seat combination is configured for use with and installation on a vehicle such as a golf cart type recreational vehicle. The folding seat combination provides selective positioning of seat, footrest, and backrest components, respectively each between upright and downward positions thereof, to alternately accommodate easy transport of either of additional passengers or materials. With the seat and footrest features in their upright positions and the backrest in its upward position, optional golf bag securing straps may be used to secure golf bags in the cart, as so configured for the transportation of materials rather than passengers in such location. With the footrest in an upright position, relatively loose items stored in an otherwise relatively open storage area of the cart may be contained and prevented from bouncing out during operation the cart.
US07980626B1	Picnic table A picnic table includes at least two leg units, a crossbar, a table top and two benches. Each leg unit includes two J-shaped legs. Each J-shaped leg includes a table top support portion formed thereon, a bench support portion formed thereon, and a recess defined in the table top support portion. The crossbar is located between the leg units. The table top includes planks and tubes for supporting the planks. The table top is supported on the table top support portions while the tubes are received in the recesses. Screws are used to secure the crossbar to the legs, secure the table top to the table top support portions, and secure the benches to the bench support portions.
US07980625B2	Back jack The Back Jack is an upper body support to be used when a person is working on their hands and knees. The Back Jack has a base with a chest pad on one side and a support rod pivotally mounted on the other side. The chest pad is made of a high quality or memory foam and covered with a vinyl material. The support rod pivot joint can be locked in a working position perpendicular to the base, a transport position parallel to the base, and one or more intermediate positions. The support rod is made of telescoping sections to accommodate workers of different heights. The telescoping sections are adjusted by a spring pin fixed to an inner shaft which fits through holes in an outer shaft. A pivoting rubber foot is mounted to the bottom of the inner shaft.
US07980624B2	Device for actuating the pivoting movement of a vehicle flap The device for actuating a pivoting movement of a vehicle flap about a pivot axis includes a gas spring having a cylinder and a piston rod protruding from the cylinder. Either the cylinder or the piston rod is coupled to a fixed component of the vehicle body, and the other one of cylinder and piston rod is coupled to the flap at a distance from the pivot axis. A flexurally rigid guide extends parallel adjacent to the gas spring and is fixedly connected to the cylinder of the gas spring. One region of a flexible tension and compression element is guided in the guide and operatively connected to the flap, and a second region is guided in a flexible casing and operatively connected to a reversible drive, so that the flexible tension and compression element can be motor-driven.
US07980621B2	Vehicle rear door articulating mechanism A vehicle rear door unsequenced articulating mechanism including one or more articulating hinge assemblies having one or more hinge arms pivotally mounted to a vehicle C-pillar at one end thereof via a C-pillar hinge mount and pivotally mounted to a vehicle rear door at another end thereof via a door hinge mount. The hinge arm may include a generally J-shaped profile between the ends thereof for permitting unsequenced articulation of the rear door up to approximately 180° from a rear door closed position. The door hinge mount may include a door stop engageable with a stop surface on the hinge arm for limiting pivotal movement of the vehicle rear door.
US07980618B2	Housing system and housing method for passenger seat A center seat provided rightward in a left seat is detached from a center seat retention base when a seatback is caused to fold so that the thickness direction of the seatback coincides with the thickness direction of a seating cushion. Then, the folded center seat is caused to move on a floor forward in the vehicle, and is housed into a center seat-housing portion in a console box.
US07980616B2	Pickup truck bed mounted chairs The disclosure teaches a seating component device for removable installation in a pickup truck. The device includes a first bracket removeably attached to a first side panel of a pickup truck bed and a first cross rail and a second cross rail attached to the bracket wherein each rail extends laterally across the truck bed. The rails connect to a second bracket removeably attached to a second side panel of a pickup truck bed. The device includes two foldable chairs hingeably mounted to the second rail, and a table mounted between the two chairs.
US07980615B2	Axial member with flange, connection member and production methods thereof A target tubular member with flange, such as a bumper stay, has a flange having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of an axial section and is formed by electromagnetic forming without excessive expansion. The tubular member with flange includes an axial member made of a tubular aluminum alloy extrudate and a flange member joined to an end of the axial member. The axial member has an end flange being integrated at its end and having an area smaller than that of the flange member. The flange member has a hole, and a cylindrical hole flange at the edge of the hole. The axial member fits in the hole of the flange member, the end flange is in intimate contact with the flange member, and the outer periphery of a small-diameter portion of the axial member is in intimate contact with the inner periphery of the hole flange. The hole flange is held between the end flange and a protrusion. The tubular member with flange may be produced by inserting an untreated pipe into the hole of the flange member and expanding the untreated pipe by electromagnetic forming.
US07980614B2	Interior vehicle body structure A vehicle body structure includes an interior cargo area having an interior wall, a track and a cargo accessory. The track is fixedly attached to the interior wall. The track also includes a pair of parallel spaced apart wall portions defining a track slot therebetween. The cargo accessory includes a cargo supporting portion and an attachment portion connected to one another in a non-threaded manner. The cargo supporting portion is operable to attach the attachment portion to the spaced apart wall portions of the track retaining the cargo accessory in position in a tool-less manner.
US07980604B2	Bearing puller A novel and improved puller that provides a safe and efficient manner and tooling to remove bearings, bushings, gears, etc. The invention is simple and highly efficient is its design and use due to incorporating multiple design elements into the main collets or bearing adapters. My present invention uses a simple split collet machined accurately to precisely fit the bearing being removed, in addition the same collet incorporates an upper threaded section to allow the removal sleeve to easily and precisely fit to the collet while at the same time the threaded removal sleeve securely keeps the collet together and properly aligned with the bearing and shaft axis to provide easy and accurate operation. Another design integrated into my puller is the ball thrust bearing on the end of the pressure or removal screw. This anti-friction thrust bearing eliminates undue friction and provides very free rotation of the pressure screw.
US07980600B2	Permanent joint comprised of a fitting, a sleeve and a pipe, as well as fitting for fluid conduits and a sleeve for fluid conduit pipes A permanent joint includes a fitting, a sleeve, and a pipe. The fitting exhibits a base body, an outer body and a supporting body, wherein the outer body and supporting body form a groove between them, the inner peripheral surface of the outer body exhibits at least one latching groove, and the outer peripheral surface of the supporting body exhibits a sealing surface inclined relative to the axis of the fitting. The sleeve exhibits at least one latching projection arranged on the outer peripheral surface and at least one open slit running in the axial direction, wherein at least one fixing projection is arranged on the inner peripheral surface in the area of the latching projection. The sleeve embraces a pipe end under a pre-stress, wherein the pipe end with the sleeve engages into the groove under a pre-stress, and the latching groove and latching projection create a frictional connection.
US07980593B2	Airbag module having a tether holder A passenger airbag module equipped with an airbag cushion and a tether holder used in a vehicle. The tether holder holds a tether prior to inflating the airbag cushion and inhibits twisting of the tether during deployment of the tether when the airbag cushion is inflated. When the tether is deployed without being twisted or folded, the deployment length of the tether is not reduced. Thus, the airbag is more consistently deployed and inflated.
US07980590B2	Inflatable personal restraint systems having web-mounted inflators and associated methods of use and manufacture Inflatable restraint systems for restraining an occupant in a vehicle are disclosed herein. An inflatable restraint system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an airbag carried by a web. The web has an end portion coupled to a vehicle and is configured to extend around a portion of the occupant. The restraint system further includes a gas source that is also carried by the web. The gas source is operably coupled to the airbag to inflate the airbag in the event of a rapid deceleration or other dynamic event.
US07980588B2	Automotive airbag cover and method of manufacturing automotive airbag cover A skin material (5) including an impregnable fiber layer is overlapped and bonded onto a top surface of a base material (3) including a base material cleavage groove (13) having a predetermined depth from a rear surface of the base material (5) toward the top surface thereof. A skin cleavage groove (11) having a predetermined depth and corresponding to the base material cleavage groove (11) of the base material (3) is provided on a rear surface side of the skin material (5), the rear surface side being a bonding surface side to be overlapped and bonded onto the base material (3). Meanwhile, to facilitate cleavage, the skin cleavage groove (11) is provided inside a region of a hardened layer subjected to a hardening process by using a hardening agent.
US07980585B2	Airbag mounting assemblies with double-locking wrappers Mounting assemblies can be used to retain an inflatable curtain airbag in a packaged configuration and attach the inflatable curtain airbag to a vehicle structure. The mounting assemblies can have a mounting structure and a wrapper that are both coupled to inflatable curtain airbag. The mounting structure is attached to a vehicle structure and the wrapper wraps and retains the inflatable curtain airbag in a packaged configuration. During airbag deployment, the wrapper releases the airbag so that the airbag can adopt a deployed configuration, wherein the mounting structure continues to anchor the inflatable curtain airbag to the vehicle structure.
US07980582B2	Front tow extended saddle A front tow extended saddle is disclosed. The saddle allows a first towing truck to mount a second truck, facing forward, behind the first truck, in order to tow the second truck to a distant location. The saddle allows the towed truck to face forward during transport, thus allowing for the normal loads and stresses of movement on the towed truck. This configuration is preferable to movement with the towed truck facing-rearward, in which the typical aerodynamic surfaces of a large truck act as a drag during transport, imposing high wind loads and unusual stresses. The front tow extended saddle is also designed to minimize the required vertical rise on the towed truck, which also avoids additional stresses during loading and unloading onto the towing truck.
US07980581B2	Protective device The device protects the forearm, hand and fingers of a wheelchair occupant from injury through collision with obstacles by providing a shield that curves over the occupant's forearm. The shield ends in a compound curve that extends over the occupant's hand and fingers, curving inwardly toward the armrest. To accommodate the manually manipulated controls for motorized wheelchairs that usually protrude upwardly from the forward end of the armrest, the shield is appreciably longer than the base for the device to form a gap between the base and the shield that accommodates these controls while nevertheless continuing to protect the occupant's hand and fingers. Several ways in which the device can be attached to different classes of wheelchairs and device dimensions suitable for these classes also are shown and described.
US07980579B2	Rear suspension system for bicycles This application relates to rear suspension system for bicycles, such as freeride, downhill and trail-style mountain bikes. The suspension system includes a rear suspension for coupling the rear wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle frame, a rear shock absorber disposed entirely in front of the seat tube of the frame and a linkage for operatively coupling the rear suspension to the rear shock absorber. The linkage intersects the longitudinal axis of the seat tube for transmitting rear suspension forces around the seat tube to the rear shock absorber. The seat tube is preferably continuous and is disposed so that the bicycle seat is adjustable over a full range of seat positions. The seat tube orientation ensures that the seat is movable between optimum biomechanical positions for both uphill pedaling and aggressive downhill freeriding. Additionally, the seat tube and rear suspension system are configured so that the rear wheel and rear suspension will not contact the seat tube, seat, or bicycle rider even when the rear suspension system is in a fully compressed, forward position. The shock absorber is preferably oriented in an orientation to maximize its stroke length. For example, the shock absorber may be oriented generally parallel to a top tube of the bicycle frame.
US07980578B2	Device of human conveyance An application for a device for human conveyance includes a front wheel and a rear wheel. The rear wheel interfaced to a sprocket through a ratchet drive system which allows forward rotation of the rear wheel in response to forward rotation of the sprocket and allows free backward rotation of the sprocket. A frame interfaces the front wheel to the rear wheel keeping the front wheel at a constant distance from the rear wheel. The front and rear wheels are rotatably interfaced to the frame. A front end of an arc-shaped spring is affixed to the frame in proximity to the front wheel and a rear end of the arc-shaped spring has a sprocket gear interfaced to the sprocket whereas depression of the arc-shaped spring pushes the rear-end of the arc-shaped spring in a rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel and the sprocket gear turns the sprocket in a forward rotational direction.
US07980575B2	Four-point link A four-point link for suspending a vehicle axle (36) on a vehicle frame (35) of a vehicle (11). The four-point link includes four link arms (2, 3, 4 and 5) which are fixed to one another by a central region (6) and which extend away from the central region (6) to form a cross. Two first link arms (2, 3) may be connected, in an articulated manner, to the vehicle frame (35) and two second link arms (4, 5) may be connected, in an articulated manner, to the vehicle axle (36). Each of the link arms (2, 3, 4, 5) has an H-shaped profile (13) which is open transverse or vertically with respect to the cross plane (20).
US07980573B1	Spring board A skateboard having extra sets of gears compared to a regular skateboard and also has a lower support platform is provided. When an individual jumps on the skateboard, the support platform and extra gears cause the skateboard to automatically travel forward due to the interaction between the support platform, the extra gears, and the existing wheels on the skateboard.
US07980571B2	Steerable and liftable independent suspension system A liftable independent suspension system which may also be steerable. In a described embodiment, a liftable suspension system for use on a vehicle includes wheel spindles positioned to extend outwardly at each respective lateral side of the vehicle. The spindles are displaceable independent of each other. An actuator is operable to raise at least one of the spindles, so that a tire rotatably connected to the spindle is liftable out of engagement with a road surface when the actuator raises the spindle.
US07980570B2	Trolley for a slidable cantilever gate and process for its manufacture Trolley for a slidable cantilever gate comprising two L-shaped plates, each provided with a load-bearing wall and a base wall which is extended without interruption from the load-bearing wall by means of a substantially orthogonal fold. The load-bearing walls are rigidly connected by means of screws or rivets with the two base walls oriented in opposite directions so as to form a support base on ground. Each load-bearing wall is provided with two first through openings aligned with respective corresponding first openings of the other load-bearing wall so to jointly define two first seats adapted to house first rotatable support means for two pairs of support wheels; and with a second through opening aligned with that corresponding on the other load-bearing wall so to jointly define a second seat for receiving a guide wheel, rotatably supported by second rotatably support means. The load-bearing walls, moreover, are each provided with a first shape with concavity facing that of the other load-bearing wall in order to jointly define a first housing adapted to receive a fixing screw of the pin of the guide wheel, and a second shape with concavity facing that of the other load-bearing wall in order to jointly define a second housing, which communicates with a vertical guide defined in one of the first seats, and houses adjustment means operating on a slide which bears, pivoted, a pair of adjustable wheels, in order to adjust its vertical height.
US07980567B2	Skate The present invention provides a kind of skate, including a boot and a skating device connected to the boot, wherein the skating device is arranged along the width direction of the boot. The skate further includes a skating device mount for mounting the skating device to the boot, wherein the skating device can rotate 360 degree under the boot. The transverse skating device under the boot enables the sideward sliding direction, which bring more fun to the skaters. When the skating device is rotated to an angle and locked, the skate can slide inclinedly, which bring more challenges to the skaters. The skating device can rotate 360 degree freely or rotate different angle from two boots under the boot, which can cancel the shift of the knock-knee. The skating device can also be adjusted to be in line on the longitudinal direction as a traditional roller skate or ice skate.
US07980566B2	Pneumatic ride level control system Disclosed is a ride level control system for a motor vehicle composed of a pneumatic spring (1), a connecting line (3) which connects the pneumatic spring (1) to an atmospheric port (5), and a first valve (2) which, in a first switched state, disconnects the connecting line (3) and, in a second switched state, clears it, wherein a vessel (4) is arranged in the connecting line (3) between the first valve (2) and the atmospheric port (5).
US07980563B2	Flat gasket A flat gasket for sealing a seal gap between engine component sealing faces wherein the flat gasket comprises at least one first and second gasket layer adjacent to the first gasket layer,wherein at least one elastomeric sealing element is disposed at the first gasket layer and is formed from a sealing material which is applied to the first gasket layer and can be cured in situ, wherein at least one cut-out is provided at the second gasket layer, through which cut-out the elastomeric sealing element extends when the flat gasket is in the fitted pressed state, and wherein the flat gasket comprises at least one overflow space which receives excess, as yet uncured sealing material during assembly of the flat gasket and is disposed at least partly laterally next to the sealing element when the flat gasket is in the unfitted, unpressed state.
US07980562B2	Seal arrangement Seal arrangements utilizing leaf seal elements are susceptible to excessive wear at their tips due to blow-down pressures. When the seal element is forced against a rear surface across the pressure differential between the sides A, B of an arrangement. These tips may be forced into engagement with the rotating shaft and therefore wear on the shaft as well as at the tip occurs. By providing channels which extend laterally across more than one seal element pressure relief is maintained and therefore a limit to blow-down force maintained. The channels also extend radially and normally on a low pressure side of the seal arrangement.
US07980561B2	Paintball targeting system A paintball target holder includes a frame having plural parts that are movable relative to one another in order to fold the frame and thereby reduce a volume encompassed by the frame. The plural parts include a front part, a back part, and a bottom part. The paintball target holder includes a target mounted to the front part, layers of material mounted between the target and the back part, where the layers of material receive a paintball through the target, and a paintball loader mounted to the bottom part. The paintball loader receives the paintball from the layers of material via the bottom part.
US07980557B2	Document handler capable of protecting a built-in sensor from extraneous substance A document handler is provided with a casement 1 which comprises a lower case 6 which has a lower cover 7 for providing a bottom surface of a passageway 5 and a lower tray 8 attached to a bottom of lower cover 7 to form therebetween a lower cavity 3d in which lower optical sensing element 3a of optical sensor 3 is disposed. Even if liquid spilled on a main surface of the table may often enter passageway 5 to the rear from the bill inlet, there is incurred no damage to electric instruments in lower cavity 3d by extraneous substance which is discharged through a drainage 15.
US07980556B2	Image forming apparatus with differential sheet conveying force of discharging rooler pair An image forming apparatus has an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a discharging roller pair that discharges the sheet, on which the image is formed, onto a stacking portion with a rotation in a first direction, and conveys the sheet to a re-conveying path for conveying the sheet to the image forming unit again with a rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a skew feed correction member that is provided in the re-conveying path, and contacts against a leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the rotation in the second direction to correct skew feed of the sheet. The sheet conveying force when contacting the leading edge of the sheet against the skew feed correction member is smaller than sheet conveying force of the discharging roller pair when discharging the sheet onto the stacking portion.
US07980544B2	Hold flap for sheet postprocessing apparatus A sheet hold flap 18 is arranged on an upper side of a vicinity of a rear end portion of a sheet table 7 to which a sheet is continuously supplied from a copier or the like. The sheet hold flap is switched to an upper initial position and a sheet holding position by a solenoid 17. There is carried out a control of holding a rear end portion of a sheet P by driving the sheet hold flap to the sheet holding position after taking in a sheet to the sheet table and returning the sheet hold flap to the initial position to escape from a sheet path in taking in a successive sheet. Sheet jamming by floating up the sheet is prevented by holding a sheet on the sheet table until immediately before taking in the successive sheet.
US07980543B2	Printing press folder with parallel process transport tapes A folder for a web printing press includes a cut cylinder cutting a web into signatures; a first transport belt having a first raised section; a second transport belt having a second raised section, the signatures being received from the cut cylinder so as to be located between the first and second raised sections; and at least one variable speed motor driving the first and second transport belts. A method is also provided.
US07980542B2	Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet processing apparatus configured to bind a sheet bundle includes a folding portion configured to fold the sheet bundle, a sheet processing portion provided upstream of the folding portion and configured to form a groove at a fold position of at least one sheet of the sheet bundle, and a controller configured to control an operation of the sheet processing portion. The controller controls an operation of the sheet processing portion such that a width of a groove formed on a sheet located on an outer side of the folded sheet bundle is larger than that of a groove formed on a sheet located on an inner side of the folded sheet bundle.
US07980538B1	Clamping jig An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a jig for holding a workpiece using forces provided by a clamp having a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a connecting member operable for moving the first clamping member relative to the second clamping member. The jig includes an elongated base member and an elongated support member extending upward from the base member. The support member has a clamp engagement surface for engaging the first clamping member of the clamp, a generally vertically oriented upper surface disposed opposite of the clamp engagement surface for engaging a lateral side of the workpiece, a generally horizontally oriented support surface extending from the support member disposed below the upper surface for engaging a bottom side of the workpiece, and an aperture sized and arranged to accept the connecting member of the clamp.
US07980535B2	Demand activated steam dispersion system A steam dispersion system is disclosed. The steam dispersion system includes a header, a divider dividing the header into at least two interior chambers that are generally not in fluid communication with each other, and at least two steam dispersion tubes, each steam dispersion tube communicating with only one interior chamber. Each interior chamber includes a separate steam flow valve for independently controlling the amount of steam flow to each chamber based on the difference between a measured humidity value and a predetermined desired humidity value.
US07980534B1	Rackable barrier system A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
US07980533B1	Breakaway coupling for road-side signs A breakaway coupling for use with a ground-installed road sign such as a stop sign typically located at the side of a road. The coupling interfaces between a conventional hollow ground stake and a hollow sign post. The coupling can be used with newly installed stop signs, as well as with currently installed stop signs, without modification to either the post of the ground stake. When the sign post is struck by an automobile, the coupling shears along a preformed score section generally aligned with the bottom of the post such that the post and sign break completely from the ground stake and are propelled away from the automobile.
US07980526B2	Portable inclinating desk for notebook computers A portable desk for use in home and office environments for comfortably and conveniently supporting a portable computer or other electronic device on the lap or knees of a user. The desk has an upper surface on which the computer rests. The desk is supported on the user's lap by a flexible, bowable support member which is repositionable, thus allowing the user to change the inclination of the desk in order to adjust the viewing angle of the computer screen. A flexible tray for an accessory such as a mouse may be inserted in a slot at either side of the desktop. The tray may be reversibly inserted with a smooth, planar surface or a textured, frictional surface disposed facing upwardly. Ventilation is provided through a transversely recessed convex channel in the upper surface and may also include a small, USB-powered fan to increase heat dissipation. Cable management features may also be provided.
US07980525B2	Locking device for a rail adjustment system A locking device for a rail adjustment system of a vehicle seat, with a number of locking bolts and with a lever element, which is pivotable about a pivoting axis, for unlocking the locking bolt is provided, wherein the locking bolts can be unlocked by an application of force to an adjusting surface of the lever element in the unlocking direction. Furthermore, a rail adjustment system is provided which comprises an upper rail which can be connected to a vehicle seat, a lower rail which can be mounted in a positionally fixed manner, an articulation shaft and a locking device of the type mentioned at the beginning.
US07980519B2	Telescopic adjustable positioning device A telescopic adjustable positioning device comprises an outer sleeve; a telescopic tube receiving into the outer sleeve at one end thereof and having a plurality of positioning holes; a retaining seat being a hollow tube and enclosing a connection of the outer sleeve and the telescopic tube; one side of the retaining seat being formed with a receiving portion; a slot being formed in the receiving portion; and a bottom side of the slot having a through hole which is smaller than the slot; a pin capable of passing through the retaining seat and the outer sleeve to be retained to the positioning hole of the telescopic tube; and an operation unit assembled to the receiving portion of the retaining seat. The pin is received in the slot and the through hole; and two springs are attached to the pin.
US07980518B2	Feeding structure for sliding structural body A feeding structure for a sliding structural body includes: a protector base arranged in one of the sliding structural body and a stationary structural body; a link arm pivotally supported by a shaft portion of the protector base; a harness holder pivotally connected to an end portion of the link arm; and a wire harness which is laid from one end of the protector base to the harness holder so as to be bent in a substantial S-shape, and laid from the harness holder to the other of the sliding structural body and the stationary structural body so as to be moved therebetween.
US07980514B2	Solar array momentum control One embodiment of the invention includes a spacecraft. The spacecraft comprises at least one solar array panel comprising an array of solar cell sections. Each of the solar cell sections can be configured to generate electrical power from received solar radiation. The spacecraft also comprises a solar array selection controller configured to selectively deactivate a portion of the array of solar cell sections to generate a torque on the spacecraft based on a difference in at least one of solar and thermal radiation pressure between an activated portion of the array of solar cell sections and the deactivated portion of the array of solar cell sections.
US07980512B1	System and method for displaying aerial refueling symbology In accordance with one or more embodiments, systems and methods for in-flight fuel delivery include an aerial refueling device adapted to provide fuel to a receiver aircraft, an optical component adapted to capture images of the aerial refueling device and the receiver aircraft, an operator input component adapted to interface with an operator and capture control signals as input from the operator, and a display component adapted to display images. A controller is adapted to receive the captured images and the captured control signals, process the control signals by generating graphic display symbology, process the images by generating a combined image having the generated graphic display symbology superimposed on the images, and display the combined image on the display component for viewing by the operator. The controller is adapted to superimpose the graphic display symbology on a portion of the images obscured by the aerial refueling device.
US07980511B2	Device for the transport and medical care of patients as well as for the provision of emergency medical care in an aircraft A device for the transport and medical care of patients as well as for the provision of emergency medical care in an aircraft, which can be arranged and permanently installed inside the passenger cabin of an aircraft, and has a stretcher and medical care equipment, and screens the patient from the environment at least partially by means of lateral elements. The device is enveloped on all sides by lateral elements, and forms a separated compartment relative to the passenger cabin, the volume of which can be temporarily enlarged by shifting at least one lateral section between the first, emergency medical care mode, and a second, expanded mode for patient transport, wherein the stretcher can be horizontally arranged within the compartment in the first mode, and space is available for a medical assistant inside the compartment.
US07980508B1	Jet propulsion efflux outlets A V/STOL aircraft includes an aft by-pass powerplant 28 having an aft, rearwardly directed nozzle 30 and twin transverse vectorable nozzles 32. A duct 29 extends forwardly of the powerplant and terminates in a vectorable nozzle 16. The duct supplies relatively cool by-pass air to the nozzle.
US07980504B2	Automated unwind system with auto-splice A splice is made, between a tail end of first web and a lead end of a second web coiled about an unwind axis, by winding a portion of the first web adjacent the tail end of the first web about a splicing roll mounted for rotation about a splice roll axis oriented substantially parallel to the unwind axis, and then joining the tail end to the lead end by compressing an adhesive between an inside surface of the tail end and an outer surface of the second web. Compression of the adhesive is accomplished by urging the splice roll against the coiled second web while the coiled second web is rotating about the unwind axis in an unwind direction and the splicing roll is rolling about the splice roll axis in a direction opposite to the unwind direction.
US07980495B2	Fibrous materials and composites Fibrous materials, compositions that include fibrous materials, and uses of the fibrous materials and compositions are disclosed. For example, the fibrous materials can be operated on by a microorganism to produce ethanol or a by-product, such as a protein or lignin.
US07980493B2	Electrostatic atomizer An electrostatic atomizer equipped with an electrostatic atomization pole having superior resistance to migration. The atomizer includes an electrostatic atomization pole, a liquid supply mechanism that supplies the pole with liquid, and a power supply that supplies the pole with high voltage to electrostatically atomize the liquid held on the pole. A coating is formed on the surface of the pole, and the coating is formed of simple metal or alloy, which displays resistance to migration.
US07980483B2	Injector for a fluid injection system An injector for an injection system is provided, including a first opening, a second opening, an open position and a closed position. The first opening is for spraying the fluid out of the injector, and the second opening is for allowing the fluid to exit the injector. When the injector is in the open position, the injector sprays the fluid from the first opening and the flow of the fluid to the second opening is substantially blocked. When the injector is in the closed position the injector allows the fluid to exit the injector from the second opening. The injector substantially blocks the spray of the fluid from the first opening when the injector is in the closed position.
US07980474B2	Card-holding device in a card-processing apparatus In a card processing apparatus a card tray and, a card-transporting device are provided. A device for sensing the position or detention of a card in the card tray and a holding device for a card that has stopped in an irregular manner in the card tray due to manipulation of the card-processing apparatus, are also included. The holding device is activated if a change in the position of the card is not detected even though a conveying signal has been issued to the card-conveying device.
US07980471B2	Method of unlocking restricted extended classes of features and functionalities embodied within a digital image capture and processing system by reading feature/functionality-unlocking type code symbols A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window, and an area-type image formation and detection subsystem having image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and an area-type image detection array having a snap-shot mode of operation for forming and detecting a 2D digital image of the object during each image acquisition cycle of the image detection array. The system includes a manual trigger switch integrated with the hand-supportable housing, for generating a trigger event, indicative that a code symbol on the detected object is aligned with the visible targeting illumination beam and is ready for illumination and imaging. The system includes an object targeting illumination subsystem for generating and projecting a visible targeting illumination beam within the FOV, in response to the generation of the trigger event signal. The system further includes an LED-based illumination subsystem which is responsive to the second triggering event, for generating and projecting a field of illumination through the imaging window and within the FOV so that light transmitted through the imaging window towards the object is reflected off the object and detected by the area-type image detection array within the hand-supportable housing. An automatic illumination control subsystem controls the operation of the LED-based illumination subsystem during object illumination and imaging operations, so that the targeting illumination beam is momentarily ceased when the LED-based illumination subsystem produces the field of illumination within the FOV.
US07980465B2	Hands free contact database information entry at a communication device A method, system, and program provides for hands free contact database information entry at a communication device. A recording system at a communication device detects a user initiation to record. Responsive to detecting the user initiation to record, the recording system records the ongoing conversation supported between the communication device and a second remote communication device. The recording system converts the recording of the conversation into text. Next, the recording system extracts contact information from the text. Then, the recording system stores the extracted contact information in an entry of the contact database, such that contact information is added to the contact database of the communication device without manual entry of the contact information by the user.
US07980455B2	Foldable urban waste container An urban waste container that has a foldable/collapsible body, similar to a caterpillar with a tubular form, that comprises a main body consisting of 3 areas called first module, second module and third module; a top lid; a supporting bracket; and a curved axis/shaft.
US07980454B2	Covered container for enclosing multiple food products The present invention provides a container configured to selectively enclose multiple food products, including: a tray including a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a back wall, a bottom, and an internal wall disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, the back wall, the bottom, and the internal wall disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall collectively define a first compartment configured to hold a first food product and a second compartment configured to hold a second food product; and a unified cover including a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a back wall, and a top, wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, the back wall, and the top are substantially coextensive with the tray.
US07980449B2	Thermal stir welding apparatus A welding method and apparatus are provided for forming a weld joint between first and second elements of a workpiece. The method includes heating the first and second elements to form an interface of material in a plasticized or melted state interface between the elements. The interface material is then allowed to cool to a plasticized state if previously in a melted state. The interface material, while in the plasticized state, is then mixed, for example, using a grinding/extruding process, to remove any dendritic-type weld microstructures introduced into the interface material during the heating process.
US07980446B2	Micro-fluidic injection molded solder (IMS) A portion of compliant material includes four walls defining a slot. The slot has a relatively large cross-section end in fluid communication with a solder reservoir, and also has a relatively small cross-section end opposed to the relatively large cross-section end. The slot has a generally elongate rectangular shape when viewed in plan, with a length perpendicular to a scan direction, a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively large cross section end, and a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively small cross section end. The slot is configured in the portion of compliant material such that the relatively small cross-section end of the slot normally remains substantially closed, but locally opens sufficiently to dispense solder from the reservoir when under fluid pressure and locally unsupported by a workpiece. Methods of operation and fabrication are also disclosed.
US07980442B2	Clinch positioning mechanism of stapler A clinch positioning mechanism of a stapler is provided. The clinch positioning mechanism includes a driver unit and a clincher unit. The driver unit includes a driver for driving out a staple, and a guide piece. The clincher unit includes a clincher for bending and clinching a leg portion of the staple, and a guide hole for engaging with the guide piece. The clincher unit is arranged being opposed to the driver. At least one of the driver unit and the clincher unit is movably arranged, and the driver and the clincher are aligned with each other by engaging the guide piece in the guide hole at the latest when clinching the leg portion of the staple by the clincher.
US07980437B2	Roof rack system for a vehicle, method for producing the roof rack system and vehicle comprising a roof rack system The invention relates to a roof rack system (1) for a vehicle, specifically for a passenger car, having at least one roof rail (2), which is configured in one piece and can be located on the vehicle body with an attaching device (13), wherein the roof rail (2) has a contact surface (27) extending over the length of the roof rail (2) which can be placed substantially continuously over its full length on the vehicle body (13) and is conformed to the vehicle body contour, and the attaching device has a retaining element (58) which is located in a cavity (60) of the roof rail (2) in the manner of a slot nut.
US07980436B2	Cargo box gear mounting assembly A gear mounting assembly for mounting gear within a vehicle rooftop cargo box. The mounting assembly includes a support platform for mounting gear, and which is configured to fit within a vehicle cargo box. The mounting assembly also includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the support platform to the cargo box, configured to allow rotation of the support platform between a stowed position and a rotated position in which gear is “presented” to a user.
US07980432B2	Dispensing closure having a flow conduit with key-hole shape A dispensing closure has a key-hole shaped flow conduit that provides a sufficient flow restriction to prevent unwanted spurting of the product when the container is initially opened. The dispensing closure includes a closure body with an upper and lower deck, inner and outer skirt, and a flow conduit extending through the upper deck. The outer skirt is configured to mount to a product container. The flow conduit includes including two or more vertically oriented walls and a bottom wall. The bottom wall configured and arranged to be positioned along a horizontal axis. The flow conduit includes one or more entrance orifices having one or more entrance axes and an exit orifice having an exit axis. The entrance axis is stepped or offset from the exit axis whereby the flow conduit provides a non-linear flow path of product from an interior of the closure to an exterior of the closure.
US07980431B1	Extendable pour cap An extendable pour cap includes a base adapted for attaching to a neck of a container. A flexible spout extends from the base, and is adapted for communicating with an open mouth of the container. The flexible spout has integrally-formed bellows designed for converting the spout between a compressed condition and an extended condition. A first closure element is designed for removably securing a first closure cap over the flexible spout when compressed. A second closure element is designed for removably securing a second closure cap over the flexible spout when compressed.
US07980430B2	Valve carrier ring assembly A carrier ring assembly is provided for use with a closure for a container. The carrier ring assembly includes a carrier ring and a valve. The carrier ring includes a retention bead and a retention space. The valve is located at least partially within the carrier ring and has a retention portion positioned within the retention space.
US07980427B2	Closing system for a container, for example for trigger dispenser The present invention relates to a closing system for a container, comprising a neck of the container and a closing body. The body wall comprises at least one flexible tongue and at least one relatively stiff protrusion that, when the tongue is seated in the seating portion, arranges circumferentially sided to a circumferential stopping projection of the neck. In an imminent interference configuration, reached by relative rotation between the neck and the closing body, the protrusion interferes with the circumferential stopping projection for making an obstacle to the further rotation in the same direction of rotation, while the tongue is free from interferences with further obstacles to rotation.
US07980424B2	Piercing fitment assembly An improved piercing fitment assembly for mounting to a flexible container is provided, whereby the contents of the container are dispensed by piercing a pierceable portion of a cap using a fluid transfer device. The piercing fitment assembly is easy to use as a relatively minimal amount of force is required for piercing and establishing fluid transfer. It also has a locking system which locks the fluid transfer device into a dispensing state and also forms a reliable seal between the cap and the fluid transfer device which minimizes the risk of unwanted spillage. The fitment assembly comprises: a spout connected in fluid communication to the container; a cap having a pierceable portion sealing an end of the spout and a fluid transfer device having a leading tooth to initiate piercing of the pierceable portion of the cap.
US07980423B2	Apparatus for discharging a stream of fluid An apparatus for discharging a stream of fluid includes a water pump, a trigger mechanism, a ratchet mechanism, a fluid reservoir, and a secondary fluid chamber. A pump handle is used to move a piston that draws the fluid from the fluid reservoir into the secondary fluid chamber before discharge. The pump handle is also used to selectively connect the trigger mechanism to the ratchet mechanism to allow incremental discharge of the fluid from the secondary fluid chamber. A handle is selectively connectable to the ratchet mechanism and configured to manually move the ratchet mechanism to a first position against the urgency of the spring. The handle is also selectably connectable to a pump mechanism, the handle being movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the handle is connected to the ratchet mechanism in the first position and connected to the pump mechanism in the second position.
US07980422B2	Portable beverage dispenser with electronic beverage characteristic display and method A dispensing urn assembly (10, 10′) with a hollow body (12) with an interior surface for containing beverage (14) and a manually operable faucet (16) for selectively dispensing beverage (14) from the bottom of hollow body with an electronic status display assembly (50) controlled by a microcomputer (62) in response to a temperature probe (44), a level probe (42) and a timer reset switch (46) to provide graphic displays (64,68, 72), numerical displays (66,70, 74) of the temperature, quantity and time elapsed or remaining since the brewing of the beverage and light indication displays (55,57, 59) when preselected values are achieved. A an integrated funnel assembly (30′) with a down-tube (40) and level probes (174-186) carried by the down-tube (40), electronic module (170) and relatively rigid interconnection (200,174) between provides a water tight passageway for leads from the probes to the microcomputer (62) contained within the electronic component housing and forms a single subassembly or module that eliminates the need for switches for activation and operation of the display (162) and may be removed for cleaning or repair.
US07980421B2	Optically keyed dispenser A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component comprises measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters.
US07980419B2	Device for dispensing caps useful in system and method for dispensing prescriptions A device for singulating open-ended caps includes: a housing configured to retain a plurality of open-ended caps, the housing having an open lower end; an outer ring positioned below the housing; a drum fixed to and positioned within the outer ring to form a drum assembly, the drum including a hub having a substantially circular wall and a platform that extends radially outwardly from the wall to contact the outer ring, the hub and outer ring forming a circular gap therebetween, the platform being positioned below much of the gap and including a discontinuity; a mounting structure with an exit aperture fixed relative to the housing; and a rotary drive unit mounted to the drum that rotates the drum assembly about an axis of rotation.
US07980413B2	Base for metallic container An improved metallic can has an integral base that defines a standing ring that is more resistant to buckling than conventional designs. It includes a vertically oriented cylindrical sidewall and a unitary end wall having a recessed central portion and a downwardly flanged rim portion that defines the standing ring. The downwardly flanged rim portion preferably includes a first outer convexly curved annular surface that when viewed in vertical cross-section has a first radius of curvature R1, a second, lower convexly curved annular surface that when viewed in vertical cross-section has a second radius of curvature R2, and a third, inner convexly curved annular surface that when viewed in vertical cross-section has a third radius of curvature R3. Advantageously, the first, second and third radii of curvature R1, R2 and R3 are each different from each other.
US07980412B2	Pizza container A container or package for pizzas, made of thermoplastic material, including a cover (1) and a dish or plate (2), wherein the cover (1) has a plurality of first holes (8) arranged centrally and a plurality of second holes (6) arranged along its circumference or circular edge (or in the neighborhood of the latter). Several radial channels (11) interconnect these two pluralities of holes (6 and 8). Preferably, the container (1, 2) is transparent; thereby allowing to recognize the kind of food it contains.
US07980407B2	Synthetic resin container A synthetic resin container having an improved strength without requiring use of increased resin amount has a container body with a plurality of sectioned recesses (3). In the disclosed invention, a label (4) is arranged on the container body (1) for improving the rigidity of the container by surrounding the container body.
US07980398B2	Theft deterrent can dispenser A theft deterrent dispensing unit particularly for use with cans includes a conveyor section that leads to a dispensing head. A shroud extends over the forward edge of the conveying section. The dispensing head pivots downwardly allowing the leading can to be grasped without interference of the shroud. The rear edge of the dispensing head pivots upwardly, preventing the next adjacent can from moving immediately into the dispensing head until the dispensing head rotates back to a closed position. Likewise, when the dispensing head is rotated to an open position, a barrier is pulled down from the top of the shroud, again preventing an individual from reaching in and grabbing the next adjacent can. A locking mechanism is positioned on the side of the dispensing units to prevent two adjacent dispensing units from being opened at the same time. Finally, the speed at which the dispensing heads move from an open to a closed position is regulated to prevent rapid removal of cans from a single dispensing unit.
US07980396B2	Truss type high pressure center support for liquid filtration A central support for a liquid filter is described. The support has a truss element disposable centrally in the liquid filter to provide a crush-resistant structure supporting a filter media of the liquid filter, elongated straight members of the truss element, connected at joints to form a coplanar cross section, and longitudinal members of the truss element, connecting the coplanar cross section and additional coplanar cross sections in a column-like configuration. The contact surfaces of the truss element for interfacing with the filter media are adapted to spread forces on the filter media over a desired surface area.
US07980395B2	Cross-flow filtration system An apparatus and method for filtering working fluid in an appliance with a cross-flow filter located within a recirculation circuit.
US07980391B2	Pharmacy bottle system including a container having a recessed surface A bottle includes a container and a label. The container includes a front portion, a back portion, an opening and a spine portion. The back portion is spaced from the front portion and generally faces away and in an opposite direction from the front portion. The opening is positioned between the front portion and the back portion of the container to at least partially define a first end of the container. The spine portion extends between the front portion and the back portion of the container to define a second end of the container opposite the first end. The label extends over and is in contact with each of the front portion, the back portion and the spine portion of the container. Other bottle and container embodiments are also disclosed herein and provide additional advantages.
US07980389B1	Automotive seat packaging apparatus A seat extension tray is described that serves to protect a vehicle seat assembly during shipment, such as for example to an automobile assembly operation. The seat extension tray has a unique configuration adapted to matingly engage a seating surface of the seat assembly. The seat extension tray has a length greater than the maximum width of the seat assembly so that upon securing the tray to the seat assembly, the ends of the tray extend laterally outward beyond the sides of the seat assembly.
US07980380B2	Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having bottle plate support tables therein A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having bottle plate support tables therein. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US07980378B2	Systems, apparatus, and methods for currency processing control and redemption A coin processing and redemption system includes a coin processing machine configured to receive a batch of coins in an input region and process the batch of coins to determine a value thereof. A dispensing device is provided and is configured to output a redemption ticket bearing a code. The coin processing machine is configured to associate the redemption ticket code with a coin processing transaction prior to the determination of a value of a batch of coins.
US07980377B2	Mounting arrangement A mounting arrangement, for securing a protective component to a chute or conveyor structure, having a hook-shaped formation which engages with the protective component, a first beaded section located in a first undercut slot in a supporting base, and a retaining mechanism which abuts a side of the first beaded section and which has a second beaded section located in a second undercut slot in the base.
US07980376B2	Wet friction plate To control initial shudder in a wet paper friction plate, the frictional sliding surface of a wet paper friction member is preconditioned by frictional sliding contact with a mating plate until its bearing length ratio tp at a cutting depth of 10 μm is in the range from 70 to 85%. The preconditioning is optionally preceded by grinding, preferably before the wet paper friction member is attached to a base plate.
US07980365B2	Brake for a utility vehicle A brake mechanism for a utility vehicle which can be installed around a drive shaft or inside a wheel hub. The brake has a non rotatable fixed body (200), a rotatable body (100) rotatable relative to the fixed body (200), at least one brake disc (207) which is non-rotatably relative to the fixed body (200), and at least one rotating brake disc (107) which is fixed for rotation with the rotatable body (100). An actuating member (234) can press the fixed brake disc (207) and the rotating brake disc (107) against each other and against a stop surface (209) on the fixed body to apply the brake. A spring means (230) also exerts an immobilizing force on the actuating member (234) to press the fixed brake disc (207) and the rotating brake disc (107) against each other to apply the brake. A brake release means (231, 233) can exert a brake release force which counteracts the immobilizing force of the spring so that the actuating member (234) no longer presses the fixed brake disc (207) and the rotating brake disc (107) against each other, and a brake applying means (235) can exert a pushing force on the actuating member (234) in the same direction as the immobilizing force to press the fixed brake disc (207) and the rotating brake disc (107) against each other to apply the brake.
US07980360B2	Transmission system A transmission system is equipped with rotating member(s) and a shaft member upon which the rotating member(s) is/are carried. A projecting support portion projecting inwardly and supporting the shaft member is formed in the casing of the transmission system with at least a part of the projecting support portion dipping into the lubricating oil in the casing, and the specific gravity of the projecting support portion being set to be lower than that of the lubricating oil.
US07980357B2	Exhaust silencer for microturbines Methods, systems, and apparatuses for exhaust silencers for engines, such as microturbines, are described. An exhaust silencer reduces noise produced by an engine. While passing through an exhaust silencer, an exhaust stream from the engine makes one or more turns, thereby reducing turbine noise. An exhaust silencer includes a body, a cavity in the body, a baffle plate that partially divides the central cavity, an inlet port formed in a first surface of the body, and an outlet port formed in a second surface of the body. The inlet port is configured to receive an exhaust stream that flows through the cavity, around the baffle plate. The outlet port is configured to discharge the exhaust stream from the body.
US07980352B2	Materials handling vehicle having a steer system including a tactile feedback device A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame comprising an operator's compartment, wheels supported on the frame, at least one of the wheels being a steerable wheel, and a steer-by-wire system associated with the steerable wheel to effect angular movement of the steerable wheel. The vehicle further comprises a control apparatus.
US07980350B2	Chassis mounted electric, independent, steering axle of a vehicle A chassis frame (10) has a cross member (22) that bridges right and left side rails (18, 20). Right and left wheel units (14, 16) comprising respective right and left steered road wheels (24, 26) are suspended from the frame by respective multi-link suspensions (33). A steering system (28) steers the wheels. An electric motor (34) and gear box (36) mounted on the cross member is coupled to the right and left wheels by respective drive shafts (38, 40). The weight of a brake system (42, 44) for the wheels is supported by the frame.
US07980346B2	Vehicle control device An electronic control device reduces, after a time at which constant speed traveling control is terminated (specific control termination time) not by an accelerating operation or braking operation but by, for example, an operation of a control switch, the vehicle driving force to a force corresponding to the amount of accelerating operation at the specific control termination time. Also, the electronic control device changes the vehicle braking force to a force corresponding to the amount of braking operation at the specific control termination time by controlling the braking hydraulic pressures with a hydraulic pressure circuit so that the value of a vehicle propulsive force, which takes a positive value when acting in the same direction as the driving force (and takes a negative value when acting in the opposite direction of the driving force) and which has a magnitude equal to a value resulting from subtracting the magnitude of the braking force from the magnitude of the driving force, is equal to or smaller than the value of the vehicle propulsive force at the specific control termination time.
US07980345B1	Detachable footrest for a vehicle A detachable footrest for use on a vehicle. The footrest has a surface area sized and shaped to accommodate a foot of a user and at least one support arm attached to a support structure. The footrest also includes two downward projections projecting from the support structure. The downward projections are sized and shaped to fit within hinge mounts of a removed door of the vehicle. The projections are slid into the hinge mounts of the removed door of the vehicle, thereby providing a surface area outside of the vehicle for resting the foot of the user. The footrest may also include a stabilizer projecting from the support structure and fastened to a mounting post located in an interior of the vehicle.
US07980338B2	Agricultural implement having apparatus for stowing PTO driveline shaft when the PTO driveline shaft is not in use A power take off (PTO) driveline shaft of an agricultural implement may be securely stowed when not in use using a PTO driveline storage device. The storage device is pivotably mounted to the frame of the agricultural implement, such as the hitch, and may be rotated from its own stowed position to a position to provide support for the PTO driveline shaft when the PTO driveline shaft is not connected to the PTO of a tractor or other machine having a PTO output. The storage device includes an arm having a first end that is mounted to the hitch and has a second end that is adapted to fit against the PTO driveline shaft when the device is being used to stow the PTO driveline shaft. When not in use, the storage device may be rotated clear of the PTO driveline shaft and pivoted to a position where it may be securely stowed.
US07980336B2	Omni-directional drive device and omni-directional vehicle using the same Provided is an omni-directional drive device that does not complicate the arrangement for a power source for a drive source such as an electric motor, and achieves a high durability and an ease of maintenance. A drive force in a first direction is produced by a movement of a first moveable member (10) itself, and a drive force in a second direction is produced by the rotation of first free rollers (14) retained by the first moveable member, the rotation of the first free rollers (14) being caused by engagement with second free rollers (15) that are retained by a second moveable member (11) and rotative actuation of the second moveable member (11). Electric motors serving as drive sources may be mounted on base members (4 and 5).
US07980334B2	Diamond-bonded constructions with improved thermal and mechanical properties Diamond-bonded constructions include a diamond-bonded body having a thermally stable region extending a distance below a diamond-bonded body surface. The thermally stable region comprises a matrix phase of bonded-together diamond crystals, and interstitial regions comprising a reaction product. The reaction product is formed by reaction between the diamond crystals and a reactive material. The reactant is a carbide former and the reaction product is a carbide. The diamond-bonded body includes a further diamond region extending from the thermally stable region that comprises the matrix phase and a Group VIII metal disposed within interstitial regions of the matrix phase. The thermally stable region is substantially free of a catalyst material used to initially form the diamond-bonded body. The diamond-bonded body may include a material layer formed from the reaction product that is disposed on a surface of the diamond-bonded body thermally stable region.
US07980332B1	Downhole centrifugal drilling fluid separator In one aspect of the invention, a downhole centrifugal drilling fluid separator has a bore within a tubular body comprising a central axis. The bore is formed to receive drilling fluid comprising particulate matter. At least one fin rigidly fixed within the bore and at least one port formed in a wall of the tubular body. As the drilling fluid flows through the tubular body the at least one fin creates a rotary motion within the drilling fluid forcing a portion of the particulate matter away from the central axis and through the at least one port in the tubular body.
US07980329B2	System for managing variable density drilling mud A method and system for drilling a wellbore is described. The system includes a wellbore with a variable density drilling mud, drilling pipe, a bottom hole assembly disposed in the wellbore and a drilling mud processing unit in fluid communication with the wellbore. The variable density drilling mud has compressible particles and drilling fluid. The bottom hole assembly is coupled to the drilling pipe, while the drilling mud processing unit is configured to separate the compressible particles from the variable density drilling mud. The compressible particles in this embodiment may include compressible hollow objects filled with pressurized gas and configured to maintain the mud weight between the fracture pressure gradient and the pore pressure gradient. In addition, the system and method may also manage the use of compressible particles having different characteristics, such as size, during the drilling operations.
US07980326B2	Method and system for controlling force in a down-hole drilling operation A method and system of subterranean excavating that estimates a buoyancy force applied to a downhole excavating system from drilling fluid. The estimated buoyancy force is used to derive a true weight on bit (WOB) at the borehole bottom. The derived realized WOB is compared to a target WOB to obtain a change in WOB. Based on the change in WOB, the excavating system is adjusted so the realized WOB approximates the target WOB. The excavating system adjustment includes applying a compensating force to the string. Compensating forces can be produced by manipulating a block assembly or deploying a thruster device in the string.
US07980322B2	Impact adapter for a rock drill An impact adaptor to convert a rock drill to an impact driver is described. The impact adapter has a boom coupling for securing the adapter in co-operating alignment with the shank of a drifter. The adapter has a casing for slidingly receiving and guiding an anvil therein from a top open end of the casing. The casing has an open bottom end adapted for receiving a top end section of a pile, tube or rod in the casing. Anvil supports are provided in the casing for retaining the anvil captive therein in the absence of the top end section of the pile, tube or rod. The casing has a predetermined length above the anvil supports to permit captive displacement of the anvil and displacement of the top section of the pile, tube or rod therein. The impact adapter is secured to the drifter in a movable or immovable manner and compensates for wear of the shank.
US07980318B1	Penetrator bar for vertical tillage equipment A method and apparatus for pre-fracturing soil before the soil is cut by coulter wheels to achieve an improved cultivation apparatus wherein a penetrator bar is rotatably mounted on the front of a tillage implement and supports a plurality of adjustable S-tines for penetration of the soil prior to cultivation and resulting interaction of the fractured soil with the coulter blades.
US07980313B2	Method and apparatus for catching a pump-down plug or ball An improved method and apparatus for catching and holding a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body that accepts a ball or a plug or a dart that flows downwardly into the tool body but disallows escape or discharge of the ball, plug or dart upwardly. The tool body has first and second flow channels or passages, one being generally axially aligned with the tool body. The other flow channel or passage is a second channel or passage that enables fluid flow around a cavity that contains one or more captive plugs (or ball or dart(s)).
US07980307B2	Downhole window finder system An apparatus for finding a pre-existing downhole window includes a body having a deflector ramp and a cavity, and an extendable dog disposed in the cavity, the dog mechanically moveable between a retracted position and an extended position into the pre-existing window. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an axially moveable sleeve disposed adjacent the extendable dog. A downhole window finding apparatus includes a deflector including a window finding assembly, and a running tool removably coupled to the deflector, wherein the window finding assembly includes an extendable member and an axially moveable sleeve retaining the extendable member. In certain embodiments, a fluid flow path extends through the running tool and the deflector to the window finding assembly. In some embodiments, a shear bolt removably couples the running tool to the deflector and includes a fluid passage fluidicly coupling a flow line in the running tool to a flow line in the deflector. A method of finding a pre-existing downhole window is also disclosed.
US07980300B2	Drillable bridge plug A drillable bridge plug comprising a mandrel, a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, a plurality of backup rings adjacent the sealing element, a lower slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, an upper slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, an upper cone adjacent the upper slip assembly and engaged with the mandrel with at least one axial locking apparatus and at least one rotational locking apparatus, and a lower cone adjacent the lower slip assembly and engaged with the mandrel with at least one axial locking apparatus and at least one rotational locking apparatus. A drillable bridge plug comprising a mandrel and at least one slip assembly at least partially made of a material having less than 10% elongation.
US07980297B2	Heat sink having protective device for thermal interface material spread thereon A protective device (10) for protecting thermal interface material (30) spread on a central surface (512) of a bottom of a base (51) of a heat sink (50). The device includes a case (12) and a tab (18) extending from an edge of the case. The heat sink (50) has air channels (552) extending vertically therethrough and around the base. The case comprises an annular frame (120) and a cap (15) protruding downwardly from inside edges of the frame. The cap covers the thermal interface material. The frame is attached to the heat sink around the thermal interface material. The frame blocks portions of the air channels adjacent to the base, thereby to prevent dust or foreign particles from contaminating the thermal interface material through the air channels.
US07980295B2	Evaporator and circulation type cooling equipment using the evaporator An evaporator includes a hermetically sealed vessel 1A having an inlet 17 and an outlet 16, a refrigerant supply portion 14, in which liquid refrigerant is stored, a heat transfer portion 12, to which the liquid refrigerant stored in the refrigerant supply portion 14 is supplied, heat transfer fins 12A having a heat transfer surface provided in the heat transfer portion 12, a wick 13A provided on the heat transfer surface of the heat transfer fins 12A to transfer the liquid refrigerant supplied to the heat transfer portion 12 towards the outlet 16 by means of capillarity, and a heat radiation fins 15, which is provided on the outer surface of the refrigerant supply portion 14 to prevent the temperature of the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant supply portion from rising.
US07980293B2	Two fluid thermal storage device to allow for independent heating and cooling A two fluid thermal storage device that may allow for independent heating and cooling includes a plurality of plate members with a set of dividers brazed between two of them. The set of dividers, which may define a series of passageways therein, may include a first sub-series of alternate passageways filled with a phase change material, and a second sub-series of remaining passageways that transports a fluid, the remaining passageways alternating between transporting a cooling fluid through a first fluid circuit and transporting a heating fluid through a second and independent fluid circuit. The remaining passageways that transport the cooling fluid through the first fluid circuit are defined by a first subset of dividers and the remaining passageways that transport the heating fluid through the second fluid circuit are defined by a second subset of dividers.
US07980292B2	Crystalliser holding device Provided is a crystalliser holding device for billets, blooms and slabs production plants that has a high constructive simplicity, a significantly reduced overall weight and that reduces substantially to zero the need for maintenance. The crystalliser holding device of the invention, in addition to efficaciously guaranteeing the transfer toward the exterior of the heat of the liquid steel introduced into the tubular crystalliser contained therein, also provides a separate circuit for cooling the continuous ingot exiting the crystalliser and the rollers at the foot. It also permits an easy and rapid replacement in the oscillating table in which it is housed.
US07980291B2	Device for keeping warm slabs emerging from a continuous casting installation An arrangement for maintaining the warmth of slabs which exit from a continuous casting installation and which can be transported on a roller table for further processing. In order to optimize the thermal balance between the continuous casting installation and the hot rolling mill, a supporting part is provided for receiving a slab, which supporting part can be placed on the roller table and transported thereon, and an insulating box which can be placed upon the supporting part and which substantially encloses the latter.
US07980289B2	Endoluminal stent having mid-strut interconnecting members An endoluminal stent composed of a plurality of circumferential expansion elements arrayed to form the circumference of the stent and extending along the longitudinal axis of the stent, and a plurality of interconnecting members that interconnect adjacent pairs of circumferential expansion elements, the interconnecting members joining struts of adjacent pairs of interconnecting members at approximate mid-points of the struts.
US07980287B2	Adhesive chuck and substrate bonding apparatus A substrate bonding apparatus includes a first chamber including a first surface plate on which a first substrate is supported, a second chamber spaced from the first chamber and including a second surface plate on which a second substrate to be bonded to the first substrate is supported, an adhesive module provided on the first surface plate and including a plurality of adhesive rubber areas holding the first substrate, and a lift module for lifting at least one of the plurality of adhesive rubber areas.
US07980278B2	Brush cutting head with internally housed drive and bearing assembly A brush cutting head having internally housed drive and bearing assemblies which can be easily attached/detached from the brush cutter housing without having to dismantle the drive assembly for improved productivity. The brush cutting head includes a hollow support body, a drive and bearing assembly housed at least partially within the hollow of the support body, a drive block mounted to extend within the hollow of the support body, and a motor provided with a torque transmitting driveshaft.
US07980272B2	Microfluidic valve, method of manufacturing the same, and microfluidic device comprising the microfluidic valve Provided is a microfluidic valve, a method of manufacturing the microfluidic valve, and a microfluidic device that employs the microfluidic valve. The microfluidic valve includes a platform that includes two substrates combined facing each other; a channel having a first depth allowing a fluid to flow between the two substrates; a valve gap that is disposed on at least a region of the channel and has a second depth which is smaller than the first depth; and a valve plug that is disposed to fill the valve gap and is formed of a valve material made by mixing a phase change material, which is solid at room temperature, with a plurality of exothermic particles that emit an amount of heat sufficient to melt the phase change material by absorbing electromagnetic waves.
US07980271B2	Fluid flow controller A fluid pathway is provided with a flow controller in at least a portion of its length wherein the flow controller comprises an active surface capable of influencing the fluid flow through the fluid pathway, the configuration of the active surface conforming to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.
US07980269B2	Control valve assembly for load carrying vehicles A control valve assembly for a load carrying vehicle that includes a storage space and a dumping mechanism that is movable between an open position that allows access to the storage space and a closed position that inhibits access to the storage space. The control valve assembly includes a housing and a valve that is positioned within the housing and is movable between a first position, wherein the dumping mechanism is moved toward the open position, and a second position, wherein the dumping mechanism is moved toward the closed position. First, second, and third actuation systems are in communication with the valve and are operable to actuate the valve between the first position and the second position.
US07980265B2	Valve responsive to fluid properties A valve for downhole use has the ability to throttle between fully open and closed and is fully variable in positions in between. The valve is preferably responsive to flowing fluid viscosity and uses a three dimensional flow through restrictor in combination with a relatively movable cover. At a given flow, a higher viscosity fluid will create a greater relative movement and make it possible for flowing fluid to bypass more of the flow through member. In a particular application involving production from a zone, an array of such valves can allow more production where the viscosity is higher and less production where the viscosity drops due to, for example, water production.
US07980259B2	Glass washing machine with broken glass removal system A glass sheet washing machine with a broken glass removal system includes a support, a liquid container or reservoir, a pump, a liquid applicator, and a liquid permeable member. The support supports a glass sheet being washed. The liquid reservoir is positioned below the support. The pump is coupled to the liquid reservoir. The liquid applicator is coupled to the pump. The liquid applicator applies the liquid from the liquid reservoir to wash the glass sheet. Excess liquid falls into the reservoir. The liquid permeable member is positioned between the support and the liquid reservoir to catch pieces of glass to inhibit the pieces of broken glass from falling into the liquid reservoir and is moved to remove the pieces from the glass washing machine.
US07980257B2	Parts washing system Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed. The biological component within the cleaning fluid includes nonpathogenic microorganisms that break down the organic waste. The cleaning fluid is not toxic to the microorganisms. The pump and conduit assembly, in addition to aiding in the removal of organic waste, functions to aerate the cleaning fluid to maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms. A heater, thermostat, and level control assembly function to maintain the cleaning fluid within a certain temperature range so as to aid in the removal of organic waste and maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms.
US07980249B2	Athletic mouthguard with customizable color insert This invention relates to a protective mouthguard for use by athletes that incorporates a color customizable feature, allowing users to customize the visible color of the mouthguard. The invented protective mouthguard has a u-shaped base that will fit inside of a user's mouth. The front surface of the mouthguard can be visible when the mouthguard is worn by the user inside of his mouth. A colorable strip is placed inside a cavity in the front wall of the mouthguard and is visible through holes that are placed in the front wall.
US07980247B2	Therapeutic aerosol device A therapeutic aerosol device in which an aerosol generated by a nebulising device is supplied through a nosepiece to a patient's nostril so that the main aerosol flow supplied is able to emerge from the other nostril. The main aerosol flow is superimposed by pressure fluctuations. In order to guarantee that, due to the pressure fluctuation, aerosol is transported to the paranasal sinuses, a low resistance device is provided in the other nostril.
US07980245B2	Informative accessories An optimized system for providing medical support to a patient is disclosed. The system has a plurality of modular components that may be assembled to create a connection between a support machine and the patient wherein at least one of the modular components comprises an information tag for the storage of data and at least one of the modular components comprises an information sensor for the reading and transmission of the data. Once read and transmitted by the sensor, the data may be used to optimize the operation of the support machine.
US07980239B1	Bow and arrow holder combination A bow and arrow holder combination includes a bow that includes a grip, an upper limb, a lower limb and a bowstring extending between the upper and lower limbs. The upper and lower limbs each have a first side and a second side. An upper coupler is mounted to the upper limb and extends outwardly from the first side of the upper limb. The upper coupler releasably engages an arrow. A lower coupler is mounted to the lower limb and extends outwardly from the first side of the lower limb. The lower coupler releasably engages the arrow.
US07980237B1	Integrated fall away arrow rest A pivoting arrow rest is positioned in a support position for contacting and supporting an arrow shaft in a “ready” position and is rotated by a biasing spring into a recess provided in a riser shelf in response to a triggering event. The biasing spring is contained within the riser.
US07980231B1	Outboard motor with an exhaust gas recirculation system and an idle exhaust relief system A control system for an outboard motor provides an EGR valve and an idle exhaust relief valve which are under the control of a controller that opens and closes the valves as a function of the rotational speed of a crankshaft of the engine. The EGR valve controls the flow of exhaust gas from an exhaust gas conduit to an air intake manifold. The idle exhaust relief valve controls the flow of exhaust gas from the exhaust conduit to a location at atmospheric pressure. In addition, the idle exhaust relief valve is used to allow air to flow from the atmosphere into the exhaust conduit when the engine is turned off.
US07980228B2	Vehicle fuel vapor management A fuel vapor recovery system and method for an automotive vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle fuel tank is vented to atmosphere via a passageway having a carbon canister to remove fuel vapors, a bladder, and a normally-closed isolation valve. When fueling the vehicle, the gases in the fuel tank displaced by entering fuel are introduced into the carbon canister where the fuel vapors are stored. The isolation valve is commanded to open to allow such flow through the carbon canister. When the vehicle is parked for a period of a day, it undergoes a diurnal temperature change which causes fuel to vaporize into the fuel system. According to an aspect of the present development, the isolation valve remains closed and the gases are contained within the bladder as it expands or contracts as the volume of gases increases or decreases in response to temperature changes.
US07980227B2	Feed unit for feeding fuel A feed unit for feeding fuel has a housing formed integrally with the casing of a swirl pot, the housing comprising a fine filter. The fine filter is configured open toward one side and is closed by a cover. The cover is formed integrally with a base plate sealing the casing of the swirl pot. As a result, the feed unit has a particularly low number of components to be assembled and can be produced in a particularly cost-effective way.
US07980223B2	Accumulation-volume fuel injection system for an internal-combustion engine The injection system comprises a pump designed to send fuel at high pressure to an accumulation volume, for example formed by a common rail, for supplying a plurality of injectors. The pump comprises at least one pumping element actuated with reciprocating motion with a compression stroke at a sinusoidal speed, in synchronism with each step of fuel injection. The injection system comprises at least one by-pass solenoid valve, which is controlled by a chopper control unit for modulating the delivery of the pumping element by varying both the instant of start and the instant of end of delivery during the compression stroke, in such a way that the delivery is synchronous with the injection phase.
US07980218B2	Pump driving device in engine In a pump driving device in an engine, driving a pump shaft of a pump mounted to an engine body by a valve-operating cam shaft supported by the engine body, a bolt is threadedly engaged with one end of the cam shaft, the bolt having a head portion in which a polygonal hole is formed, and a polygonal shaft portion is formed at one end of the pump shaft so as to be fitted into the polygonal hole. The pump shaft is driven by the cam shaft via the polygonal hole and the polygonal shaft portion. Thus, a large driving torque can be transmitted from the cam shaft to the pump shaft without reducing any effective support surface of a journal portion of the cam shaft.
US07980213B2	Internal combustion engine equipped with a variable valve control system The invention provides an internal combustion engine equipped with a variable valve control system which switches the actions of an engine valve by sliding a rocker arm in the axial direction of the rocker arm shaft, while enabling the restriction on the sliding movement of the rocker arm to be removed in accordance with the timings of the actions of the rocker arms irrespective of the engine speed. The internal combustion engine includes an actuator that moves a rocker arm shaft in its axial direction, a trigger arm that engages with a rocker arm to prohibit the sliding movement of the rocker arm, and a trigger pin which is configured to be activated by an axial movement of the rocker arm shaft to bring the trigger arm into action, and to disengage the trigger arm from the rocker arm.
US07980210B2	Variable valve drive system for engine A valve drive device for an engine include a valve for opening or closing an opening of a port to a combustion chamber, a valve drive member for opening or closing the valve and a drive shaft for driving the valve drive member. The device also includes a variable valve timing mechanism for continuously changing a working angle of the valve corresponding to an operation state of the engine by changing a state of drive force transmission from the drive shaft to the valve drive member. A variable valve clearance mechanism is configured such that a valve clearance that is defined as a gap between the valve and the valve drive member can be set at a first value during a first condition in which the working angle of the valve is large to a second different value during a second condition in which the working angle of the valve is small.
US07980208B2	Reciprocating engine A reciprocating engine (10) operating on the two stroke cycle, comprising a pair of stationary and substantially concentrically aligned mutually opposed pistons (13, 15) and a sleeve (11) adapted to reciprocate about these static pistons. The reciprocating sleeve (11) defining two cavities, each cavity being operatively connected to one of the pistons to define a chamber. The first chamber being a pre-charge chamber (21) and having at least one inlet port (25), and the second chamber being a combustion chamber (19) and having at least one outlet port (35), the two chambers being separated by a pressure operated transfer valve (23). The reciprocating motion of the sleeve (11) can be converted into rotary motion.
US07980200B2	Ectoparasite diagnostic apparatus and method of use thereof An ectoparasite diagnostic apparatus comprising a vacuum motor, a microscope, a display, a non-flexible pivoting door and a containment chamber, wherein the microscope is in electrical communication with the display. The ectoparasite diagnostic apparatus provides a method of capturing live ectoparasites for observation removing live ectoparasites from a subject animal, disposing the live ectoparasites in the containment chamber, opening the non-flexible pivoting door and inserting a flea control compound, closing the non-flexible pivoting door and observing the effects of the flea control compound on the live ectoparasites via the microscope and the display.
US07980198B2	Doping apparatus, doping method, and method for fabricating thin film transistor It is an object of the present invention to provide a doping apparatus, a doping method, and a method for fabricating a thin film transistor that can carry out doping to the carrier concentration which is optimum for obtaining the desired electric characteristic non-destructively and in an easy manner. In accordance with the present invention, an electric characteristic of a semiconductor element (threshold voltage in a transistor and the like) is correctly and precisely monitored by using a contact angle, and is controlled by controlling a doping method. In addition, the present invention can be momentarily acquired information by in-situ monitoring the characteristic and can be fed back without a time lag.
US07980197B2	Method and apparatus for dispensing a viscous material on a substrate A dispenser for dispensing a volume of viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a gantry system coupled to the frame, and a dispenser unit coupled to the gantry system. The dispenser unit includes a housing having a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is configured to move between a pre-dispense position and a dispense position within the chamber. The dispenser unit further includes a dispensing bore configured to receive the piston therein and a nozzle coupled to the housing. A controller is coupled to the piston to control the operation of the piston. The dispenser is constructed such that a volume of viscous material dispensed from the dispensing bore is substantially equal to the volume of the piston entering the dispensing bore when moving the piston to the dispense position. Other embodiments and methods of dispensing viscous material are further disclosed.
US07980193B1	Pressure lock marine horn A marine horn has a horn path with a pressure lock chamber blocking water which has ingressed the horn outlet mouth from reaching the sound source along the horn path.
US07980186B2	Soil shaping system for precision ground engaging implement In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.
US07980185B1	Locking apparatus A locking apparatus is disclosed including a lock box member and a first auger. The lock box member comprises at least one sidewall, a bottom wall including a first aperture, and a plurality of cover portions. The plurality of cover portions are selectively positionable in open and closed positions. The sidewall, the bottom wall and the plurality of cover portions define an interior portion when the cover portions are positioned in their closed positions. The lock box member further comprises structure to lock the cover portions in their closed positions, wherein the plurality of cover portions cooperate to form a second aperture therebetween when positioned in their closed positions. The first auger is attached to the lock box member.
US07980184B2	Foldably constructed force-resisting structures having interior vertical support ribs A foldably constructed force-resisting structure comprises a top member and a bottom member foldably constructed and assembled from one or more blanks of sheet material, preferably corrugated paperboard, initially in a flat condition. The top member includes a base panel and at least one side portion folded downwardly from the base panel. The bottom member includes a base panel and at least one side portion folded upwardly from the base panel. The top and bottom members are assembled in nested relation to define an interior of the force-resisting structure between the base panels, which are at least substantially parallel to one another. The force-resisting structure includes a vertical support rib structure in the interior defining an X-shaped or cross-shaped configuration. The support rib structure is foldably constructed from the top member base panel and/or the bottom member base panel and provides vertical support for a load disposed on the base panel of the top member.
US07980183B2	Altitude compensation system for controlling smoke emissions from a naturally aspirated railroad locomotive A railroad locomotive includes a naturally-aspirated reciprocating internal combustion engine, and a traction generator driven by the engine. A throttle position sensor produces a signal corresponding to the throttle position selected by the locomotive's operator. A load regulator receives a speed signal derived from the throttle position signal and outputs an excitation signal for the traction generator which is modified by a controller in response to air availability so that engine speed and load are controlled independently of the selected throttle position, so as to limit the exhaust smoke output of the engine.
US07980182B2	Roofing rail transportation system A rail transportation system particularly suited for transporting roofing materials upon an uncompleted roof. Sections of tubes form rails, allowing several rail cars carrying various roofing materials to transport those roofing materials from the edge of the roof to the point of installation. These tubes may be attached to one another, allowing tradespersons to further extend the range of the rails as the installation progresses.
US07980167B2	Axial piston compressor Axial piston compressor, especially for motor vehicle air-conditioning systems, having a tilt plate (2), especially a ring-shaped tilt plate, which is variable in terms of its inclination with respect to a drive shaft (1) and which is driven in rotation by the drive shaft (1) and is connected to—especially in articulated connection with—at least one supporting element (5) arranged at a spacing from the drive shaft (1) and rotating together therewith, the pistons in each case having an articulated arrangement with which the tilt plate (2) is in sliding engagement, and the supporting element (5) being arranged at the radially outer end of a force transmission element (6) which rotates together with the drive shaft (1) and is fixed in the latter in an approximately radial direction, wherein the force transmission element (6) is in rotatable and/or radially displaceable articulated connection with the supporting element (5).
US07980166B1	Ballistic barrier A ballistic barrier incorporates a flexible ballistic blanket having a threat side and a protected side, opposing top and bottom edges, and opposing side edges. A plurality of spaced-apart elongated stiffening elements extend longitudinally between opposing top and bottom edges of the ballistic blanket. An elongated structural brace extends laterally between opposing side edges of the ballistic blanket, and is arranged to support the ballistic blanket in a desired lateral configuration.
US07980165B2	Modular blast-resistant panel system for reinforcing existing structures Various embodiments of the present invention provide a blast-resistant reinforcement assembly and/or system for engaging a surface of an existing structure to protect the structure from an applied force, such as an explosive detonation. The assembly includes one or more energy absorbing panels that may be attached to the structure. The energy absorbing panels include a core material configured to absorb some portion of the applied force by pulverizing in response to the applied force. In some embodiments, the energy absorbing panels also include one or more ballistic-resistant composite panels configured to protect the core material and the underlying existing structure from debris. Some embodiments further provide one or more energy deflecting panels engaged with the plurality of energy absorbing panels so as to be disposed between the energy absorbing panels and the location of the applied force for at least partially deflecting the applied force.
US07980161B2	Method and apparatus for assessing blade life of a guillotine paper cutter A method and system for assessing when to change or sharpen a cutting blade of a paper cutter is presented. The cutting blade is operated using an electric motor that causes motion of the cutting blade, and the motion of the cutting blade causes the paper to be cut. Data is recorded about usage of the electric motor at least while cutting the paper. Based upon the data, a determination is made as to whether the cutting blade should be changed or sharpened.
US07980158B1	Polyurethane press tooling components A press punch for pressing a powder includes a generally cylindrical metallic body and a polyurethane layer disposed around the metallic body. The metallic body has a nominal outside diameter and a generally flat bottom face. The polyurethane layer is disposed around the metallic body such that a bottom of the polyurethane layer is flush with the generally flat bottom face of the metallic body and an outside diameter of the polyurethane layer is substantially the same as the nominal outside diameter of the metallic body. In another embodiment, the outside diameter of the polyurethane layer is greater than the nominal outside diameter of the metallic body.
US07980153B2	Actuation system for a gearbox An actuator device for a motor vehicle transmission, the motor vehicle transmission having:—at least two shafts;—a plurality of gear sets for the achievement of different gear steps;—a plurality of shift mechanisms that may be operated to produce or release a rotationally fixed shaft-gear connection; the actuator device having:—a plurality of output elements that can be moved in order to operatively engage in shift mechanisms of the transmission—a main actuator device having at least one main actuator element that is movable for the engagement of gears, the main actuator element preferably being an output element—a secondary actuator device having at least one movably mounted secondary actuator element, which is movable for the disengagement of gears, the at least one secondary actuator element preferably being an output element, the main actuator device and the secondary actuator device cooperating to produce controlled relative movements of at least two output elements.
US07980151B2	Door drive A door drive for garage, garden, hall or factory doors, comprising a motor unit which comprises a drive motor and a motor output shaft, an output transmission, which on the input end can be connected with the motor output shaft and on the output end includes a transmission output shaft for driving a door moving element, in particular a door shaft, a release clutch for releasing the motor output shaft with respect to the door moving element as well as at least one damping element for damping drive shocks. The door drive is characterized in that the output transmission includes a transmission housing formed separate from the motor unit and together with the release clutch and the damping element forms a separate, modular drive attachment, which can be connected on the one hand to the motor unit and on the other hand to the door moving element.
US07980148B2	Device for sampling plant material A device for collecting plant samples includes a punch and die mechanism for taking leaf plugs from plants. The punch itself includes a punch rod coaxially mounted inside a punch tube. In use, the punch tube has a distal end with two, diametrically opposed projections that interact with the formed aperture to cut a plug from a plant leaf. The punch rod then follows to remove a cut leaf plug from the formed aperture. Also included is a hydraulic subsystem for periodically delivering liquid on the punch and die mechanism to prevent plant debris from clogging the device.
US07980146B2	System for sampling the airflow entering the compressor of a turbomachine An embodiment of the present invention provides an air sampling system for measuring corrosives within an airstream flowing within an inlet system. This air sampling system may include an air sampling unit with a plurality of sampling coupons secured within. Parts of the air sampling system may be externally mounted to the inlet system, allowing for an operator to access the sampling coupons, while the inlet system operates. In operation, an embodiment of the present invention has a sampling line connected to the air sampling system; the airstream flowing within the sampling line passes over the sampling coupons and then returns to the inlet system.
US07980145B2	Microelectromechanical capacitive device Methods and devices based on a microelectromechanical capacitive sensor are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating an electromechanical capacitive device includes forming a housing of the electromechanical capacitive device using a non-conductive material and applying a conductive material on one or more areas on the housing to form one or more pairs of conductor plates.
US07980144B2	Flexible electronics for pressure device and fabrication method thereof A pressure device of flexible electronics capable for sensing a large area includes flexible films, electrodes, sensing blocks, and bumps. The flexible films are disposed with intervals and define two spaces. The electrodes and the sensing blocks are disposed on the flexible films and are in a space. The bumps are disposed on the flexible films and are in another space. The air in the spaces maintains a buffer distance of each two adjacent flexible films with the electrodes and the sensing blocks. When the pressure device of flexible electronics is deformed, it is capable of avoiding erroneous signals caused by contact of the sensing block and the electrode or the two sensing blocks disposed on the different flexible films respectively.
US07980142B2	Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device having a plurality of ultrasonic flow rate sensors The present invention is directed to an ultrasonic flow rate measuring device capable of improving the measurement accuracy. Such an ultrasonic flow rate measuring device comprises first to third ultrasonic flow rate sensors in the measurement passage which are equipped with first ultrasonic wave transmitter-receivers and second ultrasonic wave transmitter-receivers. First to third ultrasonic wave propagation paths connecting the first ultrasonic wave transmitter-receiver and the second ultrasonic wave transmitter-receivers, respectively, intersect at different angles with the flow direction of fluid flowing through the measurement passages. The ultrasonic flow rate measuring device of the present invention obtains a flow rate measurement selectively from one of the first to third ultrasonic flow rate sensors in response to a flow rate Q.
US07980135B2	Microelectromechanical gyroscope with self-test function and control method A microelectromechanical gyroscope having a microstructure that includes a first mass and a second mass, wherein the first mass is oscillatable according to a first axis and the second mass is constrained to the first mass so as to be drawn along by the first mass according to the first axis and to oscillate according to a second axis, in response to a rotation of the microstructure, a driving device coupled to the microstructure to maintain the first mass in oscillation at the driving frequency, and a reading device that detects displacements of the second mass according to the second axis. The gyroscope is provided with a self-test actuation system coupled to the second mass for applying an electrostatic force at the driving frequency so as to move the second mass according to the second axis.
US07980127B1	Flow meter A flow meter includes a transparent holder with an inlet and an outlet connected to a first, second and third fastening portions through a first, second, third and fourth connection ribs, a first and second fastening assemblies screwed respectively with the inlet and outlet, a butting member located at one end of the transparent holder, a flow scale plate located on a recess of the transparent holder, and a regulation member coupled to the inlet. The three fastening portions with respectively a first, second and third fastening hole are integrally formed with the inlet and outlet. Through the first and second fastening holes, the transparent holder is firmly fastened to a machine. Thus hydraulic pressure generated in the inlet and outlet does not cause loosening due to screw fastening of the three fastening portions. The structural strength of the transparent holder is increased and assembly is easier.
US07980123B2	Test stand with jointed drive shaft A jointed flexible drive shaft assembly is provided. The drive shaft has at least one flexible joint comprising a yoke connecting two drive shaft components together in a flexible manner which permits angular offsetting of the axis of rotation of one shaft component relative to the axis of rotation of another shaft component while a pilot and pilot bore cooperate to maintain the axes of rotation fixed against relative lateral offset a predetermined amount. The drive shaft assembly may be used on a test stand to couple a driving element with a driven element thereby reducing the need for a precision alignment between the driving and driven elements.
US07980122B2	Internal combustion engine A rotation detecting device for detecting the rotational speed of a gear in a transmission without increasing the width of the gear in the axial direction, using any expensive sensor and not limiting the location of a shift drum. An internal combustion engine includes a crankcase in which a crankshaft and a transmission are accommodated. The transmission includes a plurality of gears for shifting, an input shaft for inputting a rotational drive force from the crankshaft, and an output shaft wherein the rotational drive force is transmitted from the input shaft through the gears and to the output shaft to a drive wheel. The internal combustion engine includes rotation detecting devices for respectively detecting the rotational speeds of the gears. The rotation detecting devices respectively include detecting portions opposed to the gears rotating with the rotation of the input shaft and positioned in the axial direction of the transmission.
US07980119B2	Auto-sampler cleaning mechanism An auto-sampler cleaning mechanism is provided, which is capable of maintaining the supply of a liquid in a non-time-consuming manner when a cleaning solution is supplied. The auto-sampler cleaning mechanism of the present invention includes: a sample-metering sample loop 14 having a sample-injecting needle 15 at a front end thereof, a metering pump 24, a multi-ported valve 11a, a multi-position valve 11b, and a liquid-supply valve 11c. A diaphragm pump 25 is disposed between the port of the multi-position valve 11a and the port of the liquid-supply valve 11b, and used to supply a cleaning solution 26 or a mobile phase 20 to the sample loop 14.
US07980117B2	Sniffer leak detector comprising a detector with a quartz window A sniffer leak detector comprising a detector with a quartz window, the window being selectively permeable to a tracer gas. The quartz window is located in a suction chamber that is connected to a vacuum pump. To reduce the response time, a gas guidance plate is situated in the suction chamber, the guidance plate and quartz window together delimiting a narrow gas guidance chamber.
US07980115B2	Self-calibrating laser semiconductor accelerometer A self-calibrating laser accelerometer system that continuously removes bias errors from acceleration measurements under dynamic operating conditions has a frame with a pair of essentially identical mass modulated accelerometers positioned within the frame. Each accelerometer includes a proof mass mounted to the sensing element frame by a flexure suspension. The proof mass is arranged to rotate about an output axis in response to acceleration of the sensing element frame along an input axis. The first proof mass includes a secondary mass that is movable between a first stable position on a first side of the output axis and a second stable position on a second side of the output axis to provide mass modulation of the first proof mass and to provide a selectively reversible polarity to the input axis and to provide self-calibration of bias.
US07980114B2	Electronic balance An electronic balance is provided, in which a tolerance resulting from temperature variation is variable and a frequency for sensitivity calibration corresponds to the tolerance. A load detecting portion 1 detects a load of an object to be weighed 12, a processing portion 2 converts a detecting signal from the load detecting portion 1 into a mass value, transmits the mass data to a display portion 3, and controls a sensitivity calibrating mechanism 6a to perform a sensitivity calibration by increasing or reducing internal weights 13 on the load detecting portion 1. An operation control program of the processing portion 2 is built with a tolerance input function 21, a sensitivity calibration execution condition calculating function 22, and a sensitivity calibration execution determining function 24. Whenever the temperature variation reaches or exceeds an allowable temperature variation ΔT, a sensitivity calibration is performed.
US07980112B2	Modular tooling system and method A die having various features such as spring pockets and mounting provisions for a lifter bar that can be utilized to make a variety of dies. The dies may include pockets or other mounting features that provide for mounting replaceable plates that can be machined for mounting of die forming and cutting steels and other die components. The die shoe may include an array of pockets or blind holes for mounting nitrogen springs or the like for operation of forming steels and the like. One or more openings may be drilled in the replaceable plates above the pockets selected to receive nitrogen springs, with the remaining unused pockets being covered by the replaceable plate. The replaceable plate and pre-formed spring pockets thereby permit the die to be readily adapted for a particular die. The replaceable plates may be removed, and a replacement plate may be installed as needed for a new die.
US07980111B2	Bending tool It is difficult to bend materials for forming beyond 180° in terms of bend angle due to the entrant nature of prior press forming arrangements including a press tool with a press recess of a static nature. By providing a press recess which is formed from actuators allowed to dynamically shift about a deflection member it is possible as a press tool engages and forces a material to be formed into the press recess to envelope the press tool and therefore achieve greater than 180° bending angles. The actuators are formed in a stack with alternate left right presentation of shaped receiving apertures which include an actuator surface 34 engaged by the material to be formed in order to cause the necessary deflections during the pressing process.
US07980107B2	Variable diameter pipe expander A reducing pipe expander that applies to casing deformation restoration of deep wells such as oil field and comprises a conical-nosed enclosure, a mandrel and several steel balls. The main body of the enclosure is equipped with several radial slotted holes to nest steel balls. Held by a taper, slant or curved face against insides of the slotted holes, the steel balls move axially, overhanging the enclosure. When the deformed casing pipe or patching pipe obstructs the pipe expander from moving forward, the steel balls will move in the reverse direction of the movement of the expander to directly expand the deformed pipe. When the expander can pass through the casing pipe or patching pipe, the steel balls will be free to return to their original status.
US07980105B2	Wafer-type tumbler cylinder A wafer-type tumbler cylinder comprises a sleeve, a cylinder, a plurality of first and second wafers, some springs and some U-shaped fixtures. The wafer-type tumbler cylinder is an integral cylindrical shaft having indentations, fixing slots and riveting plates made in a consistent operation. After the placement of every pair of first and second wafers and one shared spring into the cylindrical shaft, the riveting plates are pressed into a horizontal position to secure the wafers and spring; furthermore, all the indentations, first and second wafers, springs and riveting plates are installed on one side, or on both sides of the cylindrical shaft. The improved structure of riveting plates, U-shaped fixtures and shared spring for every pair of first and second wafers enables the key to move forward and backward smoothly, and also enables the users to lock and unlock easily and successfully.
US07980104B1	Rekeyable lock cylinder A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body and at least one adjusting member. The cylinder body has an inside wall, the plug assembly comprises a plug body having a plurality of pin holes and an opening, a plurality of assembled pins disposed within the pin holes of the plug body and a position block disposed in the plug body. Each of the assembled pins comprises a first rack component having an aligning cavity and a second rack component engaged with the first rack component. The position block has a plurality of pin runners served for disposing the first rack components and a tool-receiving hole corresponding to the opening. The adjusting member is movably disposed within one of the pin holes of the plug body and contacts against at least one first rack component and the inside wall of the cylinder body thereby forming a position difference between the tool-receiving hole and the aligning cavity.
US07980103B2	Drum washing machine A drum washing machine having tub coupling structure includes a cabinet having a plurality of coupling holes each receiving a transit bolt on a rear surface thereof, a tub provided in the cabinet so as to store wash water therein and having a plurality of coupling members each coupled with the transit bolt on a rear surface thereof, and a condensing duct provided to be connected with a rear surface of the tub and having a through hole formed at a position corresponding to one of at least three coupling members of the tub so as to be communicated therewith, the through hole to which the transit bolt is inserted.
US07980102B2	Liquid detergent dispensing system for a washing machine Disclosed is a washing machine, which prevents solidification of liquid detergent by rapidly recovering the liquid detergent left in a liquid detergent supply passage and a liquid detergent supply pump by forming a negative pressure differential by use of the liquid detergent supply pump for a set period of time after the supply of liquid detergent is finished.
US07980100B2	Highly reliable sinkerless knitting machine with latch needles A sinkerless knitting machine with latch needles, comprising a needle holder with a plurality of slots on one face, each slot accommodating a needle. Knitting retainers are provided, each with a body composed of at least two side-by-side interconnected laminar elements. At least two laminar elements of each knitting retainer are arranged in a same or in two contiguous slots of the needle holder. At least one of the laminar elements composing a knitting retainer has a retention portion defining a stop shoulder for the knitting. Each knitting retainer can move on command from a first position, in which it does not interfere with the knitting being formed, to a second position, in which it is inserted, with the retention portion, between two contiguous needles, in a region which faces the knitting forming plane, in order to retain the portion of knitting that lies between two contiguous needles.
US07980091B2	Refrigeration device comprising a circulating cooling system A refrigeration device comprising two refrigerated regions, whose temperature is independently regulated and which are supplied with cold air from a common evaporator chamber. A flap is situated in one branch of a cold air conduit, which connects the refrigerated regions to the evaporator chamber, said flap being pivotable between two positions, each of which seals a respective branch of the conduit. The pivoting displacement of the flap is driven by an eccentric cam.
US07980085B2	Compressor diagnostic system A system is provided and may include logic circuitry in communication with an intelligent device. The logic circuitry may process a refrigeration system operating parameter as a function of time and at least one of the logic circuitry and the intelligent device may diagnose a refrigeration system status based on the processing. The intelligent device may output the diagnosis.
US07980074B2	Active material actuator assembly Active material actuator assemblies are provided that enable simplified control systems and faster actuator cycle times. A movable member is provided that has multiple active material components operatively connected to it. The active material components are separately selectively activatable for moving the movable member. Movement of the movable member via activation of a first of the active material components triggers activation of the second active material component to further move the movable member. Alternatively or in addition, previously activated active material components are protected from undesired stretching during activation of another active material component or, when desired, an active material component may be reset via activation of another of the active material components in order to prepare it for subsequent activation.
US07980067B2	Method to operate vehicle with internal combustion engine and exhaust aftertreatment system according to detected drive cycles A method to detect drive cycles of a vehicle and modify engine operation according to the detected drive cycles to effect regeneration of exhaust components, particularly the Diesel Particulate Filter.
US07980065B2	Regeneration method for ceramic honeycomb structures A method for regenerating a diesel particulate filter includes elevating a temperature of a gas stream flowing into an inlet of the diesel particulate filter to greater than or equal to 450° of the inlet of the diesel particulate filter, wherein the gas stream at the inlet of the diesel particulate filter contains an amount of NOx of equal to or greater than 300 ppm, and an amount of O2 of equal to or greater than 5% volume, thereby burning the soot within the diesel particulate filter. The method also includes elevating a temperature of the gas stream flowing into the inlet of the diesel particulate filter to less than or equal to 550° C. at the inlet of the diesel particulate filter, wherein a burn rate of soot from porous watts of the diesel particulate filter is greater than or equal to 3.8 grams/liter/hour.
US07980062B2	Cold start white smoke aftertreatment protection A method for cold start white smoke protection of a hydrocarbon after treatment device, and method of engine operation to effect the same. The method comprises a) determining the temperature of the hydrocarbon after-treatment device during cold start conditions; b) determining hydrocarbon emissions in the hydrocarbon after-treatment device; and c) modifying engine operating conditions to raise the hydrocarbon after-treatment temperature at a pre-determined rate to a temperature sufficient to permit controlled oxidation of the hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon after treatment device.
US07980061B2	Charged air bypass for aftertreatment combustion air supply An engine system includes an engine, an intake fluid system, and an exhaust fluid system. Furthermore, the engine system includes a turbocharger device including a compressor member in operative communication with the intake fluid stream and an energy supply member in operative communication with the exhaust stream to be actuated thereby. The energy supply member transfers energy to the compressor member, and the compressor member supplies a compressed fluid stream to the engine. Moreover, the engine system includes an aftertreatment device in operative communication with the exhaust stream to treat the exhaust stream. The engine system additionally includes a bypass fluid system that bypasses the internal combustion engine. The bypass fluid system supplies the portion of the compressed fluid stream to the aftertreatment device.
US07980056B2	Methods and apparatus for controlling air flow within a pulse detonation engine A flow control device for use with a pulse detonation chamber including an inlet coupled in flow communication with a source of compressed air. The inlet extends at least partially into the chamber to facilitate controlling air flow into the chamber. The device also includes a body portion extending downstream from and circumferentially around the inlet, wherein the body portion is positioned in flow communication with the inlet.
US07980055B2	Gas turbine exhaust diffuser A gas turbine including an exhaust diffuser with a flow splitter located between the inner wall and outer wall defining the exhaust gas flow path. In one aspect the flow splitter being moveable independent of the walls defining the exhaust gas flow path to allow for differing thermal movement between the components. In one form a structural member extends from a wall and is coupled to the flow splitter. The wall can have an opening for the through which the structural member is allowed to pass. In some forms a plurality of structural members can be coupled to the flow splitter. In other forms the flow splitter can be independently movable relative to the wall.
US07980054B2	Ejector cooling of outer case for tip turbine engine A tip turbine engine (10) includes a combustor (30) radially outward of a fan. In order to reduce the heat transfer from the combustor and the high-energy gas stream generated by the combustor, a cold air ejector (38) radially outward of the combustor extends from a forward end of the nacelle (12) to a point rearward of the combustor and an exhaust mixer (110). The cold air ejector includes an annular inlet (17) at the forward end of the nacelle. The cold air ejector draws air over the outer engine case (39) to provide a boundary between the nacelle and the hot outer engine case. The layer of air being pulled past the engine case ejects the heat, thereby preventing the heat from escaping into the nacelle or engine bay.
US07980053B2	Turbine starting controller and turbine starting control method A turbine starting controller includes: an optimum starting control unit for predicting, while taking as a variable a turbine acceleration rate/load increase rate as a directly manipulated variable, thermal stress generated in a turbine rotor over a prediction period from a current time to the future, calculating for each control cycle a manipulated variable optimum transition pattern in the prediction period which makes a turbine starting time shortest while keeping the predicted thermal stress equal to or lower than a prescribed value, and determining as an actual optimum manipulated value a value at the current time in the manipulated variable optimum transition pattern; and an rpm/load control unit to which the optimum manipulated variable from the optimum starting control unit is input, for controlling the drive of control valves.
US07980052B1	Industrial gas turbine engine An industrial gas turbine engine capable of operating at higher temperatures than air cooled nickel based alloy airfoils in the turbine. The engine burns stoichiometric or rich to produce a hot gas stream that is mostly without oxygen, and the turbine airfoils are made from a high temperature resistant material such as a refractory material that also has poor oxidation resistance. A second small gas turbine engine is used to compress nitrogen gas that is used to pass through the turbine airfoils for cooling where the film cooling nitrogen gas is injected into the hot gas stream but without igniting the fuel rich gas stream.
US07980049B1	Twin sheet vacuum formed covers for disc mower cutterbars An improved shield panel for use in the top shield of a rotary disc cutterbar equipped mower that features a twin sheet, vacuum formed plastic panel with a steel frame that interfaces with existing hinge and mounting structures on the mower to enable the plastic shield panel to directly replace a steel shield panel. Stiffening ribs formed into the plastic shield provide the necessary strength for the shield panel while the resiliency of the plastic material enables the plastic shield panel to better withstand impacts from flying debris generated from cutterbar operation. Molded receptacles in the exterior surface of the shield panels are configured to receive connectors for the mower front shield curtain and any stiffening members necessary for attachment to the mower. The predominate use of plastic reduces weight and lowers production costs compared to a comparable steel panel with a plastic protective liner.
US07980045B2	Systems and methods for filling a collapsible container A system and method for filling a collapsible container are provided. Such a collapsible container may be made of a relatively rigid portion and a collapsible portion, with the collapsible portion having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. An obstruction maintains the collapsible portion in the collapsed condition while the container is filled with contents. The obstruction may remain in place until the container is capped and sealed with the contents stored inside the container.
US07980044B2	Method for forming cast-in-place concrete window wells A method and apparatus for forming cast-in-place window well walls includes first and second forming panel modules each having an inner and outer section. The forming panel modules may be connected together by a spacer panel which extends downwardly to a footing for providing a pier for supporting the window well wall. The forming panel modules are preferably configured with arcuate corners and upper and lower rails to permit stacking of the modules to increase the height of the window well wall, or include additional spacer panels or filler forms to increase the width or thickness of the window well wall.
US07980042B2	Molded panel, molded panel system and connection system A molded panel is provided, which includes a body and a plurality of supporting members. The body includes a generally planar top surface and a bottom surface. The supporting members extend from the bottom surface of the body to define a support structure. The support structure includes a top surface adjacent to the bottom surface of the body, a generally planar bottom surface and at least one edge extending therebetween. The support structure also includes at least one channel extending along a central x-axis of the support structure, and at least one additional channel intersecting the at least one central channel and extending along a y-axis of the support. The y-axis is generally perpendicular to the x-axis. A connection system for the molded panel, systems including the molded panel, and methods related to the molded panel are also described.
US07980041B2	Mechanical locking system for floor panels Floor panels with a flexible tongue in an insertion groove, the flexible tongue is designed to cooperate, in a connected state with a tongue groove of another panel, the panels are adapted to be locked together by vertical folding, the flexible tongue has a projection portion which, in a connected state projects outside the insertion groove and cooperates with the tongue groove, said projecting portion has a bevelled and/or rounded sliding surface and the panels have a sliding surface adapted to cooperate therewith during vertical folding, the flexible tongue during the vertical folding is displaced twice in the horizontal direction, a first displacement is effected by the vertical folding of the fold panel whereby at least a part of the flexible tongue is bent, a second displacement of the flexible tongue towards its initial position is accomplished substantially by a spring effect caused by said bending of said flexible tongue.
US07980039B2	Device for connecting and interlocking of two base plates, especially floor panels A device for connecting and locking two building boards, in particular floor panels, on their longitudinal sides and/or transverse sides in the horizontal and vertical direction through an essentially vertical joining movement. The building boards have a top side and an underside. On their lateral edges to be connected to one another are provided with profiles corresponding to one another. A locking element with a locking projection is provided in the profile of the first building board. The locking projection interacts with a locking depression provided in the profile of the second building board such that the two building boards are automatically locked in the vertical direction with the joining movement. The locking element is embodied in an essentially rigid manner and the locking projection can be brought into the locking depression through a rotary motion of the locking element.
US07980036B2	Lining structure The lining structure of the present invention comprises lining plates each having supporting portions formed at two opposite sides of a square lining plate body via bent step portions, and covering portions formed at the remaining sides of the lining plate body; the lining plates being arranged in longitudinal and transverse directions on a surface to be lined; in the first and second lining plates that are adjacent to each other in longitudinal and transverse directions, a covering portion of one of the lining plates being superposed on a supporting portion of, and being butted against the lining plate body of, another of the lining plates, with the butted portion being joined by welding, with an adhesive, or a combination thereof.
US07980035B1	Foundation wall moisture abating vent and system A venting device and system for subterranean basement structure walls to provide interior wall flow-through ventilation. Multiple venting devices are positioned strategically in the wall at intervals there along in an inter-dependent pattern allowing for convection intake and outflow of ambient interior air through the walls. The venting devices define a continuous insertable conduit with size specific restriction exposed end access fixtures. The strategic placement of the venting devices facilitates thermal exchange and creates a homeostatic static temperature and dew point between communicating spaces by means of pressure differential, air density and temperatures.
US07980032B2	Construction unit mounting system A clip is provided for affixing a construction unit to a building structure. The clip comprises: a generally planar middle portion, an exterior portion located on an exterior side of the middle portion and an interior portion located on an interior side of the middle portion; the exterior portion comprising a groove at an exterior end of the clip for receiving a construction unit flange, the groove having a generally U-shaped cross-section, the groove defined at least in part by a pair of generally parallel groove portions and a base portion connecting the groove portions at a base of the groove, the base of the groove spaced apart from an opening of the groove; the middle portion extending from an interior side of groove toward the interior portion; and the interior portion at an interior end of the clip, the interior portion extending from the middle portion at an obtuse angle to define a fulcrum at a junction between the middle portion and the interior portion.
US07980031B2	Skylight apparatus for tile roof A building includes a tile roof including a plurality of courses of tiles and a roof-cover above which the tiles are positioned, a ceiling below the roof, and a skylight apparatus. Each tile engages adjacent tiles according to a repeating engagement structure. The skylight apparatus includes a main body in place of one or more of the tiles of the tile roof and engages adjacent tiles substantially according to the repeating engagement structure, at least one window, a tubular body below the main body and extending through an aperture in the roof-cover, a light conduit extending downward from below the tubular body and defining an inner passage, and a bottom translucent member at an opening in the ceiling and below a bottom end of the light conduit. Light is able to shine through the window, the inner passage, and the bottom translucent member into a room below the ceiling.
US07980029B2	Extendible shelter An extendible shelter connectable to a building has an extendible frame and a plurality of covers, connected to an outermost frame end, for covering the frame. Adjacent covers are connected to one another at outermost edge ends of their adjacent edges, which are threaded through a fastener. As the frame is extended outwardly away from the building, the adjacent edges are drawn through the fastener, which fastens the edges together to automatically fasten the adjacent covers. When the frame is retracted, the fastener unfastens the edges and covers. Anchor for locking wheels for the frame in fixed position on a ground surface over which the shelter extends are also disclosed.
US07980027B2	Guide assembly for a vehicle window An assembled component for a motor vehicle includes a lower flitch (6), an upper flitch (7), and an intercalation (8) disposed between the lower flitch (6) and the upper flitch (7). The lower flitch (6) and the upper flitch (7) are directly connected at joining points (15, 41) wherein the upper flitch defines at least one guide groove configured to support a window for relative movement within the at least one groove.
US07980026B2	Calyx support for stemmed flowers An apparatus for supporting the calyx of a flower of a plant having a lockable stem clip from which extend projections for supporting the calyx of the flower.
US07980022B1	Fishing line sliding device The present invention is an improved fishing line with sliding means comprising a curved slider and clip. The invention is designed to be used with a single down rigging and a single fishing line. The invention connects to the single fishing line via the curved slider and clip. The invention is capable of moving up and down the fishing line, and has a separate fishing leader and fishing lure attached via the clip.
US07980020B2	Artificial fish lure An artificial fish lure 100 including a lure body 110, an attaching means 130 to attach the lure body 110 with a fishing line, at least one hook 140 disposed on the upper portion of the lure body, a weight 150 disposed with the lower portion of the lure body, a connecting means 160 to connect the hook 140 with the artificial fish lure 100, and a swivel 170 disposed with the upper portion of lure body such that the at least one hook 140 may be attached with the connecting means 160 whereby the hook 140 may freely rotate 360 degrees.
US07980019B2	Fishing lure The fishing lure is formed in a variety of configurations mimicking various prey animals to which game fish might be attracted. Each lure is formed of relatively soft plastic or rubber for flexibility, although the head or forward end of the lure may optionally be formed of harder material. The lure includes a pair of laterally opposed notches or grooves between the head and body, and a series of longitudinally staggered notches or grooves across the upper and lower body or tail portion. These notches or grooves provide even greater flexibility for the lure, allowing the lure to undulate due to hydrodynamic force when drawn through the water. The hook is installed in the forwardmost portion of the lure with the tip oriented above and/or forwardly of the remainder of the lure, to avoid reduction of body flexibility due to being penetrated by the relatively stiff shank of the hook.
US07980014B2	Three dimensional tab system A system for a 3-D tab for a folder, a retrofit for existing folders to have a 3-D tab and a method of making same is disclosed. The 3-D tab is created by an extension or attachable element which can be folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side. This also aids in allowing the tab to be fed through a printer.
US07980013B2	Postcard A postcard includes: a front postcard panel having first and second surfaces, the first surface having a stamp, address, and message-writing regions; and a rear postcard panel attached to the second surface of the front postcard panel and including at least one stand cutout that is releasably adhered to the second surface of the front postcard panel and that is detachable from the remainder of the rear postcard panel and the second surface of the front postcard panel.
US07980008B2	Footwear for three-beat rhythm walking Disclosed herein is footwear for three-beat rhythm walking. The footwear includes an outsole (S) having a first landing part (100) for landing a heel, a second landing part (200) for landing a center of a foot, and a third landing part (300) for landing a toe. The first landing part (100) includes a landing guide groove (110) which is curved inwards from a junction (C) of the first landing part and the second landing part (200) in such a way as to extend widthwise and forms a first beat of the heel landing on a ground. A rolling landing surface (120) is connected to the landing guide groove (110) to form a continuous curve, thus guiding rolling and landing of the heel. An air cushion (130) is provided in the first landing part, and absorbs shocks of the heel, which rolls and lands using the rolling landing surface (120).
US07980007B2	Custom fit system with adjustable last and method for custom fitting athletic shoes A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.
US07980002B2	Rotary drum for the aerobic heating of pourable solids The invention relates to a rotary drum in which the hygienic status of pourable solids separated from liquid cattle manure is modified by aerobic heating in such a manner that said solids can be reused as bedding in cattle sheds. The object of the invention is to obtain a high loading factor amounting to 60-70% filling of the drum which is located horizontally for installation in an insulated container. In accordance with the invention, the loaded solid is kept in a chamber and is only transferred to the drum when there is no solid surrounding the chamber. The crucial element is a flap of the chamber which only opens and closes in this area. If there is any solid resting on the outside of the flap then opening of the flap is prevented.
US07980001B2	Fabric conditioning dispenser and methods of use Fabric conditioner dispensers capable of being maintained with one hand.
US07980000B2	Vapor dryer having hydrophilic end effector Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and methods for rinsing and drying substrates. One embodiment provides an end effector comprising a body having a contact tip for contacting an edge area of a substrate, wherein the end effector is configured to support the substrate while the substrate is in a rinsing bath and while the substrate is being dried from the rinsing bath, and the contact tip comprises a hydrophilic material.
US07979995B2	Method of measuring a track position Measurement of a track position is carried out in successive measurement sections (15), wherein the relative track position is registered in each case with the aid of a long chord (17), formed by a laser beam (16), which serves as reference line of a measuring system (9). During this; an angle enclosed by the two long chords (17) of two successive measurement sections (15) is measured in order to thereby obtain a spatial curve reproducing the actual position of the track.
US07979993B2	Apparatus, method, and system of precise identification of multiple points distributed throughout an area A method of laying out a grid of points across an area comprises designating a starting reference point; projecting with the laser beam a first reference line intersecting the first reference point and extending in a first direction relative to the area; designating the set of first line reference points along the first reference line; projecting with a laser beam a second reference line from each of the set of first reference line points in a direction at least partially across the area; designating a set of second line reference points at or near the area along each of the second reference lines, so that a grid of points across the area correlated to at least one laser beam projection is created. In this manner, the laser provides a quick and accurate straight line for referencing points in the grid. The method could be used to just lay out a grid of lines. An apparatus according to one aspect of the invention comprises a portable base, a laser on the base adapted to project a laser beam in a plane, and a means to identify measured points from the base. The measured points can be relative to the projected plane from the laser. The portable base can be moved to different reference points relative to the area to quickly set up a grid of accurate lines or points in the area.
US07979992B2	Computerized simultaneous laser marking and targeting system What is new in this invention, it is the complete automation of the remote marking process. It is completely computer controlled and made possible by laser printer type marking/pointer equipment.Also, completely new is the concept of embedding digital information into a laser beam or other coherent information vector and attaching this way data/information to any object or place.New is the idea of using a discrete information vector not only as a beacon but also as a selector for the marking of more than one target objects.New is the idea of completely software controlled computerized digital marking of places or objects for closing motion control loops. No on-site human operators/soldiers needed. No position sensors needed anymore, nothing is bolted down, easy to reconfigure any environment.The invention is a major step in robotics and controls, improving considerably the eye-hand coordination of robots, making fully possible the action of the digital world on the real/physical world.
US07979991B2	Vegetation cutting device A trimmer head wherein the driveline of the power tool is connected to a core member. A spool is mounted to the core member and directly driven by the core member. A housing is mounted for axially sliding on the core member and a spring urges axial movement of the housing relative to the core member. Interlocking structure on the spool and housing produces interlocking for common rotation of the spool and housing responsive to urging by the spring. Release of the interlocking structure is affected by opposing said spring urging. Desirable additional features include selective alternate positioning of the spring for automatic and manual only release of said interlocking and a line loading assist provided by a tubular post through the spool alignable with housing eyelets for threading line through the eyelets and spool and winding thereof onto the spool by manual turning of the spool relative to the housing.
US07979989B2	Handheld power tool A handheld power tool includes a housing (12) and a foot plate (14) for guidance on a surface of a workpiece. A pump unit (16), preferably located in the foot plate (14), drives a coolant and/or lubricant flow (18) for cooling and/or lubricating at least one heavy-duty component (20).
US07979988B2	Worm gear unit and method of producing same By finding a range of an allowable error of maximum meshing position of a worm shaft in an axial direction relative to a worm wheel, that is higher than that of a worm shaft of a conventional worm gear unit, a worm gear unit of the present invention is provided.
US07979985B2	Multi-port mounting bracket and method A multi-port cabling system for use in installing cable to an equipment rack or enclosure or within an equipment room or data center includes a cabling assembly comprising at least one connector head having a plurality of ports and at least one cable operatively connected to the plurality of ports. The at least one cable terminates internally within the connector head to operatively couple the cable to the plurality of ports. The system further includes a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and the connector head are each configured for tool-less attachment of one or more cabling assemblies to the bracket. The mounting bracket is further configured to removably mount to an equipment rack or enclosure, and/or to a wall, to thereby install one or more cables. The cabling assembly and the cabling system help to eliminate on-site cable termination and testing during installation of cables to rack-mounted equipment.
US07979981B2	Automated construction system An automated method of building construction utilizes a horizontal force to extrude a structural member formed from a plurality of elongate joists, upper panels, and lower panels. An apparatus for automating building construction includes an upper panel bay and feeder, a joist array and feeder, and a lower panel bay and feeder. The machine positions each joist and upper and lower panels into an installation position where fastening means forms the structural member, which is advanced out of the apparatus.
US07979979B2	Clamp assembly for an assembler of integrated circuitry on a carrier The invention provides for a clamp assembly for an assembler for assembling printhead integrated circuits on a carrier. The assembler has an enclosure with a support assembly for operatively supporting a wafer with dies thereon, a die picking assembly for picking dice from said wafer, a die placement assembly for placing the dies onto the carrier, a die conveyance mechanism operatively conveying the dies from the die picking and placement assemblies, and a control system controlling the assembler. The clamp assembly includes an elongate clamp body, the body shaped and configured to be received by the die placement assembly, and a pair of elongate retaining plates mounted on top of the body. The clamp also includes an insert shaped and dimensioned to be received in the body below the plates, the insert operatively receiving said carrier, as well as a diaphragm positioned in the body, the diaphragm pneumatically displaceable to operatively urge the insert against the retaining plates.
US07979978B2	Method for manufacturing a self-aligned full side shield PMR A process for forming the write pole of a PMR head is described. This write pole is symmetrically located relative to its side shields, This is accomplished, not through optical alignment, but by coating the pole with a uniform layer of non-magnetic material of a predetermined and precise thickness, followed by the formation of the shield layer around this.
US07979977B2	Systems and methods for forming an isolated transformer A transformer to isolate a primary winding from a signal winding include a primary substrate (which may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB)) and a secondary substrate. The primary and secondary substrates may each have three openings to allow first and second E-E core halves to be joined therebetween. A first insulator may be disposed between the primary and secondary substrates to isolate the primary substrate from the secondary substrate. A second insulator may secure the primary and secondary substrates in place and insulate the secondary substrate from the core. The primary and secondary substrates may each include a Faraday shield its outer layers. A shield slit to prevent shorting between the legs of the E-E core may be formed by cutting a channel in the shield between the opening of the primary and secondary substrates. A retaining clip may be used to clamp together the primary substrate, first and second core E-E core halves, secondary substrate and second insulator. A primary winding and sense winding may be disposed within the primary substrate and a signal winding may be disposed within the secondary substrate. The primary, sense, and signal windings may be positioned so that the magnetic flux produced by the primary winding passes through the signal and sense windings in substantially equal proportions. The primary and signal winding may enter the E-E core from opposite directions to choke any common mode current therebetween.
US07979975B2	Methods of connecting an antenna to a transponder chip An antenna wire (210, 260, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) is mounted to a substrate (204, 254, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) so that end portions (210a/b, 260a/b, 310a/b, 410a/b, 510a/b, 610a/b, 710a/b) of the wire are spaced far enough apart for a transponder chip (208, 250, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708) to be positioned therebetween, such as into a recess (206, 256, 306, 406, 506, 606, 706) in the substrate. The end portions are left unmounted, as “wire bridges”, “jump loops”, or “flat loops”. The end portions may be re-positioned to be over the terminals (208a/b, 258a/b, 308a/b, 408a/b, 508a/b, 608a/b, 708a/b) of the chip for bonding. Or, the chip (or substrate) may be moved (such as side-to-side, or rotated) so that the chip's terminals are under the end portions of the wire for bonding. Insulation may be removed from the end portions of the wire prior to bonding.
US07979974B2	System and method for successively feeding membrane electrode assemblies and separate plates of fuel cell stack A system for feeding a fuel cell stack including fuel cells having separating plates and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). The system includes a separating plate supply unit for feeding the separating plates; an MEA supply unit for feeding the MEAs; a feeding unit on which the separating plates and the MEAs are fed, the feeding unit being configured to move upward and downward; and a transfer unit for receiving the separating plates and the MEAs from the separating plate supply unit and the MEA supply unit, respectively, and for loading the separating plates and the MEAs onto the feeding unit. A method for feeding a fuel cell stack includes feeding one of the separating plates, moving a magazine a predetermined amount, lowering a plate of a feeding unit, feeding one of the MEAs, and determining if the separating plates and the MEAs have been fed as much as a required number.
US07979973B2	Method and apparatus for covering a container A method and apparatus for covering and identifying a container utilizing a thin film material and a frame. The thin film material covers a through hole in the frame and has a perforation that defines an outer detaching surface an inner covering surface commensurate with the container opening. The method comprises the steps of attaching the thin film material to a frame having the through hole; disposing the frame onto an open top surface of the container; depressing a portion of the frame to detach the thin-film from the frame along the perforation and further sliding the frame coaxially to circumscribe the base of the container where it identifies information about the container.
US07979971B2	Hand tool with an extendable plunger A hand tool having an elongated plunger assembly that is rotatably and movably disposed in a socket. The plunger assembly can be rotated between a first orientation and a second orientation as well as being moved between a first, withdrawn position and a second, extended position. The plunger assembly also has an upper notch and a lower notch on a front side and at least one generally flat lateral side. A fixed latch member extends across a portion of the socket and defines a narrow passage within the socket. The hand tool, preferably, includes a compression spring biasing the plunger assembly toward the extended position.
US07979969B2	Method of detecting and passivating a defect in a solar cell The present invention provides methods of manufacturing a high efficiency solar cell. In one embodiment, in a solar cell having a grid pattern that channels current, a defect causes an undesired current flow is removed by mechanically removing a portion of the grid pattern, thereby passivating the defect by removing a segment of the solar cell adjacent the defect. The segment also includes the front and back portions of the solar cell at the location of the defect without including the defect.
US07979968B2	Roofing membrane puller and method of use A membrane puller for pulling a sheet of membrane material over an underlying surface has a frame with a lever arm pivotally attached to the frame for pivotal movement between a first position and a second position. A foot actuatable clamp assembly is carried by the frame for relative movement with the frame in response to pivotal movement of the lever arm. A cable has one end adapted for operable attachment to the lever assembly and another end adapted for operable attachment to the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly moves conjointly with the body via the cable and in response to pivotal movement of the lever arm toward its second position to pull the membrane material toward the front of the membrane puller.
US07979966B2	Buckle The male member comprises a base to which a string member can be attached, a pair of legs that project from the base, and an engaging portion that projects from a top surface and a bottom surface of a distal end of each of the pair of legs. The female member comprises: a hollow female member body that comprises an inserting opening into which the male member is inserted and an accommodating space that accommodates the pair of legs of the male member inserted through the inserting opening; an engaged portion provided to an interior of the accommodating space of the female member body with which the engaging portion of the male member is engaged; and a guiding receptacle provided to the interior of the accommodating space to guide the engaging portion to the engaged portion. A guide that abuts to the engaging portion of the male member to guide the engaging portion to the guiding receptacle is provided to the inserting opening of the female member.
US07979965B2	Safe pacifier clip The present invention relates to a safe pacifier clip, mainly composed by a base sheet, a pulling member, a latching member and a tying tool. When a sheet button of the pulling member is pulled, the sheet tenon is rotated in the tenon slot provided at the inner wall of the retaining sheet, and the pressing section provided behind the sheet tenon is optionally moved to the tilting section or the plane section that has a height difference with respect to the height of the tilting section, and the resilient tenon provided against the bottom surface of the convex edge is driven to release or store energy by the latching member according to the height difference between the plane section and the tilting section, and the other end of the clip sheet is driven to be outwardly pulled or inwardly fallen by the latching member around the axial core defined by the connecting location where the latching member and the retaining sheet are pivotally connected, so a gap or an engaging status is formed between the clip teeth and the sheet teeth.
US07979963B2	Eyeglass and other personal items holder A holder for securing eyeglasses, sunglasses or other personal items that may be securely incorporated into an article of clothing at the time the article is manufactured. The holder includes a base member that can be inserted into an article of clothing. The base member can be securely attached to/by a fastening device. The fastening device may have one end threaded through the article of clothing and securely affixed to the base member and the other end securely affixed to the external part of the holder. The external part of the holder can include a hanger with a support base and a loop. The holder allows a wearer to insert a temple piece of a pair of eyeglasses, or a hook attached to another personal item, through the loop and allows the item to assume a secure and relatively flat position against the wearer's body. The holder may also in include an RFID tag. The holder may also include a covered loop. The covering may be either internal or external. The covering may include a design, logo or monogram.
US07979962B2	Hinge mechanism with two rotation directions A hinge mechanism includes first and second hinge devices rotatable in different directions. Further, a first positioning member is utilized for limiting the rotation of the first hinge device within one predetermined angle. Further, a second positioning member is utilized for positioning the first pintle at various orientations. Moreover, a third positioning member is utilized for limiting rotation of the second hinge device within another predetermined angle. A fourth positioning member is utilized for positioning the second pintle at various orientations.
US07979961B2	Hinge assembly for an electronic device A hinge assembly includes a first rotating module and a second rotating module. The first rotating module includes a frame and a pivot mechanism positioned on the frame. The second rotating module includes a supporting body, a shaft, a rotating washer, a stationary washer, a resilient ring, and a nut. A first end of the shaft is fixed on the frame, and the supporting body, the rotating washer, the stationary washer, the resilient ring, and the nut are orderly sleeved on a second end, opposite to that of the first end, of the shaft. The nut fixes the supporting body, the rotating washer, the stationary washer, and the resilient rings to the shaft. The rotating washer and the stationary washer forms at least one protrusion and at least depression for receiving the at least one protrusion respectively. The pivotal shaft is configured to drive the stationary washer to rotate.
US07979959B2	Accessory for a cleaning appliance An accessory for a cleaning appliance includes a head having a housing, a downwardly-directed suction opening in the housing and a neck adapted for attachment to a hose or wand of the cleaning appliance. A rotatable connection is provided between the neck and the head for allowing rotation of the neck relative to the head. A wheel arrangement maneuverably supports the accessory on a surface to be cleaned and is mounted on the neck of the accessory. The wheel arrangement may normally be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, but the point or points of contact between the wheel arrangement and the surface to be cleaned are dependent upon the rotational position of the neck with respect to the head.
US07979955B2	Surface cleaning apparatus with recovery tank A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a recovery tank. The surface cleaning apparatus can further include a base, and the recovery tank can have side rails to facilitate alignment of the recovery tank with the base. The recovery tank can include a float assembly with a pivotable closure member. The recovery tank can have a lid with a handle and latch to secure the lid to the recovery tank. Further, the recovery tank can comprise a lid with a working air conduit mounted to the lid and removable from the recovery tank with the lid.
US07979953B2	Vacuum cleaner A vacuum cleaner that is convertible between an upright mode and a canister mode by use of a hose is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a hose clamping unit capable of protruding outside the cleaner body or retreating back to the cleaner body according to a mode change of the vacuum cleaner.
US07979952B2	Wet/dry floor cleaning device A cleaning device with an elongated housing having a grip at one end and a cleaning head at another end, a dirt collection device and a vacuum source. The cleaning head has a rotary agitator, a first inlet opening having a first cross-sectional area, and a second inlet opening having a second cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area may be substantially less than the first cross-sectional area. The second inlet opening may be above the first inlet opening. There also may be a fluid supply tank and an associated pump, and the pump and agitator may be driven by the same motor.
US07979951B2	Surface cleaning apparatus with recovery tank A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a recovery tank. The surface cleaning apparatus can further include a base, and the recovery tank can have side rails to facilitate alignment of the recovery tank with the base. The recovery tank can include a float assembly with a pivotable closure member. The recovery tank can have a lid with a handle and latch to secure the lid to the recovery tank. Further, the recovery tank can comprise a lid with a working air conduit mounted to the lid and removable from the recovery tank with the lid.
US07979944B1	Tubular cleaning device One or more tubular cleaning devices and methods for cleaning a tubular are provided herein. The tubular cleaning device can include an inner tubular member having an inner tubular member inner bore formed therethrough. The inner tubular member can include a stop formed on a first portion thereof, a first connection end adjacent the stop, and a second connection end opposite the first connection end.
US07979939B2	Dental cleaning device The invention is directed to a dental cleaning device. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric toothbrushing device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, a drive mechanism for driving the coupled cleaning tool, and a control device for controlling the drive mechanism. The invention further relates to such cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section includes an electronic interlock device which is deactivated by an encoded interlock canceling element on the cleaning tool only when the cleaning tool is coupled to the handle section.
US07979932B2	Operating table An operating table includes a base, a support post standing on the base, and a bed. The bed has a head section, a back section, a hip section and a foot section. The back section and the foot section respectively connect with ends of the hip section through pivot joints and are pivotable relative to the hip section upward and downward. The foot section has a rear section and a front section connecting with each other, and is pivotable either upward to an angle of less than 135 degree with respect to the hip section. The rear section is detachable separately, and an angle of the front section with respect to the hip section is adjustable via a pivot joint. The foot section can be shortened to support downward weight of the patient reliably. Moreover, a surgeon can adjust angles between the patient's legs and hip easily during the operation.
US07979927B2	Modular shower pan A modular shower pan includes at least four polygon panels adapted to interlock in side by side relation to form a body. Each panel has a planar bottom surface and a top surface that is sloped based upon a pre-selected drain position on the body.
US07979924B1	Method of cleaning a swimming pool Methods of cleaning a swimming pool using a swimming pool cleaning head. A first method may include intermittently raising a nozzle head under water and ejecting a stream of water under water, incrementally rotating the nozzle head in a clockwise direction, retracting the nozzle head, sliding a cam reverser, and reversing the direction of rotation of the nozzle head with the cam reverser to counterclockwise. A second method may include rotating a stem by sliding at least one pin coupled to the stem through at least one channel in a cam, the stem configured to release a stream of water under water in a swimming pool. The method may further include reversing the direction of rotation of the stem by sliding a slidable section of the cam with the at least one pin.
US07979921B2	Holding system for headwear A utility holder assembly for securely holding articles such as eyewear and the like, small tools and accessories such as screwdrivers, flash lights, pliers, and the like, and writing utensils such as pencils, pens and the like to the sides of various types and styles of headwear. The utility holder assembly may be mounted on the outside surface or the inside surface of the headwear to accommodate easy insertion of an article for temporary storage. The holder may include a gripping mechanism such as hook and loop fasteners, a ductile layer, or a ductile member, such that the holder may be configured to conform to the shape of the article to more securely retain the article within the holder. The utility holder may also hold an article securely when the headwear is removed.
US07979920B2	Headwear with integral eyeglass securing apparatus A sports-type cap comprises a crown structure and a bill attached at its first edge portion to a crown structure's lower edge portion. A fabric strap is secured at its first end portion within an interface between the crown structure and the bill, and extends outwardly from the interface over the bill's upper surface. A first magnet is attached to a second end portion of the fabric strap. A second magnet is attached to the bill adjacent its second edge portion. A third magnet is attached to the crown structure at a location above the interface. The magnets are jointly positioned and configured to allow the first magnet to be selectively engaged with/disengaged from the second magnet for securing the fabric strap in a stowed orientation and to allow the first magnet to be selectively engaged with/disengaged from the third magnet for securing the fabric strap in an eyeglass-securing orientation.
US07979919B2	Full body harness A full-body harness, with or without an integral support line, with the harness being adaptable for class I, class II, and/or class III service, and for use by safety personnel (such as firefighters, military personnel, rescue workers etc.) or others for situations that call for emergency activity in areas where falls from an unsafe height are possible, or for use for entertainment purposes such as climbing, rappelling, or skydiving, for example.
US07979917B2	Rear break away ballistics vest A rear break away ballistics vest (1) having a front section (36) and a back section (11) that are securable to one another. The front section (36) has a first side front section (16), a second side front section (17) and an upper front section (18). The back section (11) has a first side back section (13), a second side back section (14) and a back section cover (12) secured to the back section (11). A release strap (44) is located on the front section (36) to permit a user to quickly and easily remove the rear break away ballistics vest (1) with one hand. A first shoulder strap (4) and a second shoulder strap (5) are connected to the front section (36) and extend to the back section (11). A first clip (38) is located on the back section (11) to release the first shoulder strap (4) from the first clip (38). Similarly, a second clip (39) is located on the back section (11) to release the second shoulder strap (5) from the second clip (39).
US07984512B2	Integrating security by obscurity with access control lists Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to providing and restricting access to content. In aspects, information (e.g., a URL) that identifies content and a user is provided to a user. In conjunction with providing the information to a user, a data structure (e.g., an access control list) is updated to indicate that the user has access to the content. The user may use the information to access the content and/or may send this information to other users. The other users may use the information (e.g., by pasting it into a browser) to access the content and may be added to the data structure so that they may subsequently access the content without the use of the information. Access to the content via using the information may be subsequently revoked.
US07984506B2	Digital right management system, content server, and mobile terminal A digital rights management system (1) includes a content server (30) that stores contents created by content creators, a mobile device (21, 22) that acquires and uses a desired content from the content server, and a data preservation server (40) that preserves the content used by the mobile device so as to enable the content to be uploaded and downloaded. The content server is configured to create rights information for the content, the rights information containing availability of backup saving of the content in the data preservation server, and to deliver the content and the rights information to the mobile device in response to a request from the mobile device. The mobile device is configured to create backup data when using the content based on the availability of backup saving and transmit the backup data to the data preservation server for preservation of the backup data.
US07984504B2	Network risk analysis Analyzing security risk in a computer network includes receiving an event associated with a selected object in the computer network, and determining an object risk level for the selected object based at least in part on an event risk level of the event received, wherein the event risk level accounts for intrinsic risk that depends at least in part on the event that is received and source risk that depends at least in part on a source from which the event originated.
US07984502B2	Pattern discovery in a network system Patterns can be discovered in events collected by a network system. In one embodiment, the present invention includes collecting and storing events from a variety of monitor devices. In one embodiment, a subset of the stored events is provided to a manager as an event stream. In one embodiment, the present invention further includes the manager discovering one or more previously unknown event patterns in the event stream.
US07984500B1	Detecting fraudulent activity by analysis of information requests Techniques are described for use in inhibiting attempts to fraudulently obtain access to confidential information about users. In some situations, the techniques involve automatically analyzing at least some requests for information that are received by a Web site or other electronic information service, such as to determine whether they likely reflect fraudulent activities by the request senders or other parties that initiate the requests. For example, if a request is being made to a Web site based on a user's interaction with a third-party information source (e.g., another unaffiliated Web site) that is not authorized to initiate the request, the third-party information source may be a fraudulent phishing site or engaging in other types of fraudulent activity. If fraudulent activity is suspected based on analysis of one or more information requests, one or more actions may be taken to inhibit the fraudulent activity.
US07984499B2	Processing device and associated methodology for authorized device certificate updating A configuration for preventing authentication processing due to continuous use of an old authorized device certificate, and illegal use of contents is provided. An arrangement is made wherein with playback or recording processing of contents accompanying data transfer between two different devices such as a drive and a host or the like, when performing mutual authentication between devices for executing data transfer, the number of times of authentication is counted, and in the event of this reaching a predetermined upper limit value of the number of times of authentication, authentication processing is cancelled, and it is necessary to update a certificate to be applied to authentication. The present configuration eliminates contents use due to continuity of authentication processing to which an old certificate is applied, and enables prompting a user to obtain the newest certificate.
US07984496B2	Systems and methods for secure communication over a wireless network A method of secure communication between a wireless device and a target network is presented, comprising receiving a communication addressed to a target network, the communication comprising a data payload and originating from a wireless device on a trusted wireless network, establishing a secure channel with the target network and sending the communication to the target network over the secure channel. The method can further comprise negotiating secure channel parameters with the target network, encrypting the data payload, adding data integrity protection to the communication, encapsulating the communication according to a VPN protocol, authenticating the wireless device as an authorized user of the private network and granting access to a target network resource.
US07984495B1	Method and an apparatus to identify security association of virtual private network tunnels A method and an apparatus to identify security association (SA) of virtual private network (VPN) tunnels are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes generating a free list having a first plurality of numbers, and randomizing the free list, wherein the first plurality of numbers in the randomized free list are possible candidates of a tunnel index for a security association (SA) of a virtual private network (VPN) tunnel between a first private network and a second private network during negotiation to establish the VPN tunnel, wherein the tunnel index is included in packets sent via the VPN tunnel. Other embodiments have been claimed and described.
US07984494B2	Computer system establishing a safe communication path Provided is a computer system including: a first computer; a second computer including a second processor and a second memory; and a communication controller for controlling communication between the first and second computers, in which: upon reception of a packet from the first computer, the communication controller translates address information of the received packet to transfer the packet to the second computer; the second memory stores SA candidate information as SA information in which a part of the address information is unknown; and the second processor decrypts the packet encrypted by the first computer by using the SA candidate information upon reception of the encrypted packet from the first computer, and creates SA information based on the SA candidate information used for the decryption and the address information of the encrypted packet upon successful decryption of the encrypted packet.
US07984485B1	Ingestion interface for transferring update package containers into a distribution network Aspects of the present invention may be seen in a method and system for the ingestion of update package containers (or other types of containers, in general) into a distribution network. In an embodiment of the present invention, update package containers (UPC) from several different sources may be transferred into a distribution network such as a carrier network via a standardized SOAP interface. A logical repository may be assumed to exist in the distribution network. A standardized interface to such a logical repository may facilitate the integration of ingestion methods from several software originators into such a distribution network.
US07984477B2	Real-time video compression There are provided a method, a system and machine-readable medium for encoding a video broadcast. The method includes obtaining one or more first compression settings for the video broadcast from an electronic program guide (EPG), the EPG associating the video broadcast with the one or more first compression settings. The method further includes compressing the video broadcast using the one or more first compression settings into a distribution broadcast. Yet further, the method includes distributing the distribution broadcast. There is also provided a method, system and machine readable medium to provide compression settings for encoding a video broadcast. The method includes inserting one or more compression settings into an electronic program guide (EPG) in association with the video broadcast based on a content type of the video broadcast. The method further includes distributing the EPG.
US07984476B2	Reusable application software for generating interactive television applications The invention is an efficient computerized method for generating generic scenes for interactive satellite television applications, comprising the steps of maintaining a database of individual scene resources of different types, and obtaining a list of scenes comprising the scene resources via at least one loop for each scene resource. The invention only updates those scene resources that have been updated since the last compilation of scene resources. The scene resources include one or more of the following list: button, text box, static display, animation, photograph, visual element, audio clip and other computer gadget. The invention alleviates the need for writing new source code for each television application.
US07984474B2	Method and apparatus for a digitized CATV network for bundled services A cost-efficient digital CATV network to improve signal quality, provide reliability, and offer the ability to meet demands for interactive services is described. Analog or digital video downstream channels are converted to a digital format by a digital headend transmitter. Relatively costly error-encoding for digital video channels is also part of the digital headend transmitter. Downstream analog and digital video channels in the digital format are transmitted using time-division multiplex technology from a headend to nodes using standard network protocols, such as SONET. Standard network protocols provide error-monitoring and status indication of transmit data, thus ensuring high signal quality and reliability. Time-division multiplexing facilitates easy adding or dropping of information to a transmit path. Flexibility to add or drop information is critical in providing interactive services. Data from interactive services can be added or dropped at points of presence throughout the digital CATV network. Subscribers to the digital CATV network can communicate with each other. A digital node transmitter receives the analog or digital video channels in digital format and converts the analog or digital video channels into an analog format. The digital node transmitter also frequency-division multiplexes multiple analog or digital video channels into one analog broadband signal for broadcast to subscribers' homes.
US07984470B2	Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.
US07984466B2	Advertising management system for digital video streams A method and apparatus for the managing advertisements in a digital environment, including methods for selecting suitable advertising based on subscriber profiles, and substituting advertisements in a program stream with targeted advertisements. The Ad Management System (AMS) 100 of the present invention manages the sales and insertion of digital video advertisements in cable television, switched digital video, and streaming video (Internet) based environments. The AMS 100 provides advertisers an ability to describe their advertisements (ads) in terms of target market demographics, required ad bandwidth, ad duration, and other ad specific parameters. The AMS 100 receives the ad descriptions that include some or all of the aforementioned parameters, and matches the ads to the advertising opportunities (“avails”) available in the programming stream. The AMS 100 tracks different avails including duration and bandwidth of the avail, and uses a number of schemes to determine if the ad can be placed in the avail. The advertisements may be transported over an in-band advertising channel or over an out-of-band advertisement channel. At the multiplexing end, the ads may be multiplexed in one or more program streams synchronously, plesiochronously, or asynchronously. In either case, a dynamic linking process is used to insert the selected advertisements in the program streams.
US07984461B2	Disk chucking device and disk driving device having the same A disk chucking device and a disk driving device having the same are disclosed. The disk chucking device may include: a chuck base, on which a boss is formed; chuck chips inserted in the chuck base in a manner such that the chuck chips protrude out from the chuck base; an elastic member, which elastically supports a pair of adjacent chuck chips towards an outer side of the chuck base; and a protrusion portion, which is formed on a bottom of the boss, and which supports the elastic member. The disk chucking device can improve the environment of the elastic members that support the chuck chips, to improve the alignment between the rotation centers of the disk and the chuck base.
US07984458B2	Disk unit for conveying disks of different diameters A disk unit is disclosed wherein a disk inserted by a pivoting arm is loaded to the interior of the disk unit or a disk accommodated in the interior of the disk unit is unloaded to the exterior of the disk unit, the disk unit including a plurality of arms able to convey two types of disks different in diameter while supporting an outer periphery edge of each of the disks.
US07984457B2	Software methods of an optical network apparatus with multiple multi-protocol optical networking modules having packet filtering resources An API is provided to an optical networking apparatus to facilitate uniform access, control and interaction with its multi-protocol optical networking modules (MPONM) by its applications. Each of the MPONM has a number of function blocks having corresponding drivers. In response to an application's request to initialize a MPONM, the initialization function of the API cooperates with the function block drivers to create a data structure for the MPONM, and returns a handle of the data structure to the application. Thereafter, in response to a need to have an operation performed in the packet filtering function block of a MPONM, the application makes the request to the API, including with the request the handle of the data structure of the MPONM. In response, the API allocates a packet filtering resource to perform the operation, and returns a handle corresponding to the allocated resource to the application for use in further requests. When the application is finished with the resource, the resource is de-allocated by the API.
US07984455B2	Enhanced native contact book application An electronic device that includes a native contact book application, at least one Java application for providing one or more functions relating to information included in the native contact book application, and a content handler serving as an interface between operations of the native contact book application and operations of the at least one Java application.
US07984453B2	Event notifications relating to system failures in scalable systems An availability system is provided that includes a hierarchy of controllers for providing event notifications relating to availability of components of a scalable MPP system. A controller receives a subscription from a child controller that identifies an event type and a generator. The controller stores in a subscription store an indication that the subscription has been received from the child controller. When a parent controller has not yet been notified of a subscription with a matching event type and generator as indicated by the subscription store, the controller sends the subscription to the parent controller. When the parent controller has already been notified of a subscription with a matching event type and generator as indicated by the subscription store, the controller suppresses the sending of the subscription to the parent controller.
US07984450B2	Dispatching packets on a global combining network of a parallel computer Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for dispatching packets on a global combining network of a parallel computer comprising a plurality of nodes connected for data communications using the network capable of performing collective operations and point to point operations that include: receiving, by an origin system messaging module on an origin node from an origin application messaging module on the origin node, a storage identifier and an operation identifier, the storage identifier specifying storage containing an application message for transmission to a target node, and the operation identifier specifying a message passing operation; packetizing, by the origin system messaging module, the application message into network packets for transmission to the target node, each network packet specifying the operation identifier and an operation type for the message passing operation specified by the operation identifier; and transmitting, by the origin system messaging module, the network packets to the target node.
US07984447B1	Method and apparatus for balancing project shares within job assignment and scheduling A method includes associating each computing job with a group of a plurality of groups, and associating each group with a minimum promised utilization. Further, the method includes determining a present utilization for each group having at least one job ready for scheduling, each job being associated with at least one required resource, the present utilization for a given group comprising a total amount of a promised resource consumed by presently executing jobs associated with the given group divided by the minimum promised utilization associated with the given group. A first computing job selected for scheduling is one that is ready for scheduling and is the computing job having a highest static priority within a group having a lowest present utilization. A subset of computing nodes able to satisfy the at least one required resource associated with the first computing job is identified.
US07984445B2	Method and system for scheduling jobs based on predefined, re-usable profiles A method for scheduling execution of a work unit in a data processing system, wherein the execution of the work unit involves the execution of at least one program, the method comprising: providing a first collection of pieces of information necessary to execute the work unit, said first collection of pieces of information being arranged in at least one pre-defined, re-usable program profile corresponding to the at least one program to be executed; receiving, in a request for scheduling execution of the work unit, a second collection of pieces of information necessary to execute the work unit; determining execution information for the execution of the work unit based on the first and second collections of pieces of information, and scheduling the execution of the work unit based on the determined execution information.

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