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

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US07981556B2	Thermal management system for regenerative fuel cells and method thereof A regenerative fuel cell power system has a plurality of fuel cell power modules, a plurality of electrolysis modules, a water management system and a master controller. The master controller manages the temperature within the electrolysis system to prevent freezing through circulation of water from the water management system.
US07981546B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery A lithium-containing composite oxide represented by the formula 1: LixNi1-y-z-v-wCoyAlzM1vM2wO2 is used as a positive electrode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery. The element M1 is at least one selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ti, Y, Nb, Mo, and W. The element M2 includes at least two selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, and the element M2 includes at least Mg and Ca. The formula 1 satisfies 0.97≦x≦1.1, 0.05≦y≦0.35, 0.005≦z≦0.1, 0.0001≦v≦0.05, and 0.0001≦w≦0.05. The primary particles have a mean particle size of 0.1 μm or more and 3 μm or less, and the secondary particles have a mean particle size of 8 μm or more and 20 μm or less.
US07981545B2	Negative active material for rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery including the same A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a lithium vanadium composite oxide represented by LixMyVzO2+d, where: 0.1≦x≦2.5, 0≦y≦0.5, 0.5≦z≦1.5, 0≦d≦0.5, and M is selected from the group consisting of Al, Cr, Mo, Ti, W, Zr, and combinations thereof) and a compound attached to the surface of the vanadium composite oxide. The compound includes an element selected from the group consisting of Groups 2 to 15 elements and combinations thereof. The negative active material can provide good energy density per volume and high-capacity, to provide a battery having good cycle-life and safety.
US07981542B2	Rechargeable battery A rechargeable battery including: an electrode assembly; a can to house the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly to seal an opening of the can. The cap assembly includes: a cap plate; an insulation plate disposed upon a lower surface of the cap plate; a terminal plate disposed upon a lower surface of the insulation plate; and an electrode terminal extending through the cap plate, the insulation plate and the terminal plate, and which is electrically coupled to the electrode assembly. The cap plate includes a seat part defined therein, which has a thickness that is less than an overall thickness of the cap plate. The insulation plate is seated in the seat part, which has a width is the same as an overall width of the cap plate.
US07981541B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery The invention provides a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery excellent in output characteristic such as large current discharge or pulse discharge in ordinary use, high in safety by preventing destruction due to suppression of current in an abnormality such as external short-circuiting, and further large in capacity. The nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprises an external can opened at one end thereof, an electrode assembly contained in the external can, and comprising a negative electrode, a separator and a positive electrode, a nonaqueous electrolyte contained in the external can, and a sealing lid group tightly sealed at the opening of the external can by way of an insulating member, wherein the sealing lid group includes an intact plate-like PTC element having a fragile portion to be easily broken due to elevation of internal pressure by gas generation.
US07981538B2	Battery module with improved cell barrier between unit cells A battery module, including a plurality of unit cells and a cell barrier interposed between the unit cells, is provided. The cell barrier includes a body member and a fixing part disposed on the edge of the body member and connected to an adjacent cell barrier while housing a unit cell.
US07981535B2	Battery packaging system A battery holder assembly (219) includes a cavity structure (CS), a screw plate (SP), a spring electrical contact (SEC), an insulator cup (IC), and a pin (402). CS (392) defines a cavity (210) in a chassis panel (CP) of an electronic device (ED). SP (320) snugly fits within an opening in CP (212). SP has a base (702) forming a cover for enclosing the cavity. SP forms a connection with CS and a first terminal of a battery (318), when battery is positioned in the cavity and SP is fitted within the opening. SEC (802) provides a connection between battery and SP. IC (322) snugly receives battery therein. IC fits within the cavity and electrically insulates a second terminal of battery from CS. A battery contact (BC) is disposed on IC. BC (716, 412) provides a connection to the second terminal. Pin forms a connection between BC and ED.
US07981532B2	Phase-change substance, thermal control device and methods of use thereof In an Mn-containing perovskite oxide which is a conventional phase-change substance (A1−xBx)MnO3, when the mixing amount x is increased, the transition temperature (Tc) is shifted to higher temperature side, but the slope of a change in the emittance become gentle and Δε (ε at higher temperature−ε at lower temperature) also become small. In the present invention, the compositional formula of the phase-change substance is the Mn-containing perovskite oxide represented by (A1−xBx)Mn1+yO3 with 0
US07981530B2	Dysprosia stabilized zirconia abradable Ceramic abradable materials, in particular thermally sprayable ceramic abradable powder materials, and abradable seals formed by thermally spraying the materials include dysprosia (Dy2O3) and zirconia (ZrO2). Coatings are porous whereby the porosity, in part, is induced by plastic or fugitive phases. Abradable seal coatings comprising dysprosia and zirconia exhibit improved thermal shock and sintering resistance and can be worn into tolerance by untreated, bare turbine blades, at least in certain regimes of relative blade speed and coating porosity. Ceramic abradable seal coatings comprising dysprosia and zirconia can be used up to 1200° C.
US07981529B2	Method of forming metallic tone glitter paint films and painted objects A metallic tone glitter paint film is formed by applying sequentially a first base metallic paint, a second base glitter paint in which very small scale-like pigment or very small scale-like pigment and aluminum pigment is compounded and a clear paint, baking and hardening. The metallic paint contains (A) aluminum pigment of average particle diameter D50 from 13 to 40 m and average thickness from 0.5 to 2.5 μm (B) aluminum pigment of average particle diameter D50 from 13 to 40 μm and average thickness from 0.01 to less than 0.5 m and (C) aluminum pigment of average particle diameter D 50 from 4 to less than 13 μm and average thickness from 0.01 to 1.3 μm, and the ratio (A/B) by mass of the solid fractions of the aluminum pigments (A) and (B) is from 10/90 to 90/10.
US07981525B2	Naphthalene compound and organic light-emitting device using the compound There is provided an organic light-emitting device having an optical output with a high efficiency and a high luminance, and having good durability. The organic light-emitting device includes an anode, a cathode, and a layer including an organic compound interposed between the anode and the cathode, in which the layer contains a naphthalene compound represented by the general formula (1): wherein Ar1's each represent a substituted or unsubstituted fused ring aromatic hydrocarbon group having four or more rings.
US07981523B2	Aromatic amine derivative and organic electroluminescence device using the same To provide an organic electroluminescence device having high emission luminance, high heat resistance, excellent high-temperature storage stability, and a long lifetime, and an aromatic amine derivative for realizing the device. Provided are a novel aromatic amine derivative having a specific structure and an organic electroluminescence device including: a cathode; an anode; and one or multiple organic thin film layers including at least a light-emitting layer, the one or multiple organic thin film layers being interposed between the cathode and the anode, in which at least one layer of the one or multiple organic thin film layers contains the aromatic amine compound alone or as a component of a mixture.
US07981521B2	Steel compositions, methods of forming the same, and articles formed therefrom Maraging steel compositions, methods of forming the same, and articles formed therefrom comprising, by weight, 15.0 to 20.0% Ni, 2.0 to 6.0% Mo, 3.0 to 8.0% Ti, up to 0.5% Al, the balance Fe and residual impurities. The composition may be a first layer of a composite plate, and may have a second layer deposited on the first layer, the second layer having a composition comprising, by weight, 15.0 to 20.0% Ni, 2.0 to 6.0% Mo, 1.0 to 3.0 Ti, up to 0.5% Al, the balance Fe and residual impurities. The first layer may have a hardness value ranging from 58 to 64 RC, and the second layer may have a hardness value ranging from 48 to 54 RC. The first layer may be formed employing powdered metallurgical techniques. Articles formed from the compositions include armored plate.
US07981515B2	Bis epoxy polyesters and food cans coated with a composition comprising same Polyesters comprising the reaction product of a polyol and a bis-epoxy reacted with a mono- and/or di-phenolic carboxylic acid and/or ester are disclosed. Food cans coated at least in part on the interior with a composition comprising these polyesters are also disclosed. The composition used on the food cans is substantially free of BPA and BPF and substantially free of BADGE and BFDGE. Food cans coated at least in part on the interior with a composition comprising a polyester having a loss of molecular weight of less than 50% in an acidic medium are also disclosed.
US07981513B2	Dental filler A dental filler having the optical and/or mechanical properties satisfying the requirements to a dental material, a method for producing the dental filler, and a dental composite material containing the dental filler. The dental filler comprises microparticles of amorphous inorganic oxide constituted by at least silica-based fine particles covered with a composite oxide comprising zirconium, silicon and oxygen. The dental composite material contains the dental filler and a hardenable resin selected from an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a vinyl resin and a urethane resin.
US07981512B2	Organic polymer-magnetic particles and process for producing same Organic polymer particles having a structure shown by the following formula (1) are disclosed. wherein A represents an alkylidene group, an alkylene group, a cyclohexylene group, or a phenylene group, and B represents a linear or branched alkylene group or an alkylidene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.
US07981506B2	Plastic lens and method of manufacturing a plastic lens The plastic lens has the hard coat layer on a plastic lens base material containing at least sulfur atom and the organic anti-reflection film on the hard coat layer and further has a primer layer between the plastic lens base material and the hard coat layer. The hard coat layer comprises metal oxide particulates at least containing titanium oxide with rutile-type crystal structure and an organic silicon compound expressed by general Formula: R1SiX13. The organic anti-reflection film comprises a coating composition at least containing an organic silicon compound expressed by general Formula: R2nR3 mSiX24-n-m and silica system particulates of 1 to 150 nm mean particle diameter and has a refractive index which is lower than that of that of the hard coat layer by 0.10 or more.
US07981502B2	Grip tape for sports implements The present invention relates to a grip tape (2) and replacement grip tape for sports implements, like tennis, squash, racketball and badminton rackets, or clubs, as well as to a process for producing the same. The grip tape and replacement grip tape according to the present invention comprise a phase change material for dissipating and/or storing body heat of a player, so that the grip feeling for the player is improved considerably.
US07981494B2	Optical informaton recording medium In a write-once optical information recording medium including a substrate, a groove-shaped track such as a guiding groove, and an optical recording layer containing an organic dye material and disposed on the guiding groove, wherein information is recorded by irradiating a short-wavelength laser beam from a surface of the optical recording layer opposite the substrate, and the information can be reproduced by reading a change in the reflected light of a short-wavelength laser beam after the information recording, an unrecorded portion of the optical recording layer has a lower reflectance than a pit portion formed after recording to a portion of the optical recording layer, the optical recording layer has a refractive index n in the range of about 1.2 to about 2.1 before recording and an extinction coefficient k in the range of about 0.01 to about 0.7 before recording, and n+k is in the range of about 1.4 to about 2.1.
US07981492B2	Film structures and packages therefrom useful for respiring food products that release CO2 amounts Multilayer laminates useful in packaging of respiring food products and packages made therefrom. The laminates have a CO2 permeability rate of at least about 10 cm3/100 in2/24 hours and an O2 permeability rate of less than about 5.3 cm3/100 in2/24 hours.
US07981482B1	Methods of forming a doped semiconductor thin film, doped semiconductor thin film structures, doped silane compositions, and methods of making such compositions Methods for forming doped silane and/or semiconductor thin films, doped liquid phase silane compositions useful in such methods, and doped semiconductor thin films and structures. The composition is generally liquid at ambient temperatures and includes a Group IVA atom source and a dopant source. By irradiating a doped liquid silane during at least part of its deposition, a thin, substantially uniform doped oligomerized/polymerized silane film may be formed on a substrate. Such irradiation is believed to convert the doped silane film into a relatively high-molecular weight species with relatively high viscosity and relatively low volatility, typically by cross-linking, isomerization, oligomerization and/or polymerization. A film formed by the irradiation of doped liquid silanes can later be converted (generally by heating and annealing/recrystallization) into a doped, hydrogenated, amorphous silicon film or a doped, at least partially polycrystalline silicon film suitable for electronic devices. Thus, the present invention enables use of high throughput, low cost equipment and techniques for making doped semiconductor films of commercial quality and quantity from doped “liquid silicon.”
US07981477B2	Hydroxyalkylcellulose as additive in pigmented metering size press coatings Pigmented coated paper is prepared by adding a water-soluble hydroxyalkylcellulose (HAC) with an alkyl moiety of 1 to 4 carbons, or water soluble alkylhydroxyalkylcellulose (AHAC) with an alkyl hydrophobe of 1 to 24 carbons to a pigmented wet coating formulation in an amount equal to or greater than 0.15 parts HAC or AHAC based on pigment content of the coating and applying the pigmented wet coating formulation to a moving paper web via roller metering size press, wherein the use of HAC or AHAC in the pigmented coating significantly reduce misting of the coating during application as compared to the control condition with no HAC or AHAC added.
US07981472B2	Methods of providing uniform gas delivery to a reactor A method of introducing gasses through a gas distribution system into a reactor involves flowing the gasses through at least two distinct gas source orifice arrays displaced from one another along an axis defined by a gas flow direction from the gas source orifice arrays towards a work-piece. During different time intervals, a purge gas and different reactive precursors are flowed into the reactor from different ones of the gas source orifice arrays. One of the precursors may be associated with a soft saturating atomic layer deposition half reaction and another of the precursors associated with a strongly saturating atomic layer deposition half reaction. An upper one of the gas source orifice arrays may be a relatively planar gas orifice array.
US07981466B2	Warm mix asphalt binder compositions containing lubricating additives The present invention provides a functionally dry warm mix asphalt binder composition modified with lubricating agents or additives that can be mixed with aggregate and compacted at temperatures substantially below asphalt binder compositions that do not contain the disclosed lubricating additives.
US07981465B2	Method and apparatus for powder coating stator stacks A method and apparatus for applying a solid particulate powder coating to a stator stack having a plurality of longitudinally extending stator slots. The apparatus includes a coating application station for applying powder particles to the stator stack, a coating removal station for displacing the powder particles from selected areas of the stator stack and a curing oven for curing the powder particles onto the stator stack. A collection hopper is provided for receiving recycled powder particles and includes a porous structural side wall for permitting air to exit the hopper while retaining the powder particles from passing into the environment around the system.
US07981464B2	Products comprising nano-precision engineered electronic components Electronic devices prepared from nanoscale powders are described. Methods for utilizing nanoscale powders and related nanotechnology to prepare capacitors, inductors, resistors, thermistors, varistors, filters, arrays, interconnects, optical components, batteries, fuel cells, sensors and other products are discussed.
US07981463B2	Hot-dip Sn-Zn coated steel sheet having excellent corrosion resistance An exemplary embodiment of manufacturing a hot-dip Sn—Zn coated steel sheet is provided which can include pre-coating a Fe—Ni alloy containing between about 10 to 80 mass % of Ni, and a remainder being Fe on a steel sheet, immersing the steel sheet into a Sn—Zn hot-dip coating bath so as to form a hot-dip coating layer on the steel sheet, cooling the hot-dip coating layer at a cooling rate of about 10° C./sec to about 30° C./sec so as to obtain a hot-dip Sn—Zn coated steel sheet, measuring a differential scanning calorimetric curve of the hot-dip Sn—Zn coated steel sheet by a differential scanning calorimetry, and distinguishing whether the hot-dip Sn—Zn coated steel sheet has an objective microstructure by the measured differential scanning calorimetric curve.
US07981462B2	Method for applying paints and varnishes The invention relates to a method for applying paints or varnishes with the aid of an application device in order to apply a color design on surfaces of buildings or public or civil engineering works in accordance with a previously executed implementation of a digital image model in a previously recorded digital surface object that represents the surface of the object. According to the invention, the application device moves on the surface of the object while contacting the surface thereof, the position of the application device is continuously measured or calculated using motion sensors and paint is applied in accordance with said implementation depending on the position thus determined. Application of paint by the application device is automatically stopped if the position of the application device with respect to a predefined position error acceptance threshold cannot be determined in a sufficiently accurate manner or if the corresponding paint or varnish has been fully applied in the position of the paint applying elements.
US07981461B2	Metallic bone implant having improved implantability and method of making the same An implantable device composed of a biocompatible material having an enhanced surface topography that has an implanted calcium ion concentration and method of making the same.
US07981456B2	Solid alcohol product and process A solid, edible ethanol containing product which may be either a rubbery solid or a hard solid that is frozen about 24.8° F. (−4° C.). The product contains gelatin and the ethanol may be provided in the form of selected alcoholic beverages.
US07981454B2	Process and coating composition for extending the shelf life of post harvest produce The shelf life of fresh harvest produce is extended by coating the exterior surface of freshly harvested produce with a coating composition comprising an aqueous emulsion of polyvinylidene chloride copolymers containing from about 0.25 to 25% by weight of copolymer solids to water and between 0.001 and 20% plasticizer preferably a polyethylene oxide based additive such as Triton-X to weight of copolymer solids in the emulsion. The coating may also contain biocides as well to control bacteria and fungal growth on the post harvest produce during storage, shipping, distribution, and sale of the product. The coating composition is effective in extending the shelf life of produce.
US07981452B2	Preparation of an edible product from dough The present invention is directed to mold control and extended shelf life methods and compositions for preparing edible dough-based products, such as, for example, breads, by treating the surface of the dough used to prepare the edible product with at least one preservative and at least one pH adjusting agent prior to or during baking. The present invention is also directed to methods and compositions for preparing edible dough-based products, such as, for example, breads, by treating the surface of the dough used to prepare the edible product with a at least one pH adjusting agent prior to or during baking. The present invention is further directed to improved pan oil compositions for preparing edible dough based products which comprise at least one preservative in an amount effective to inhibit mold growth on the surface of the bread prepared from the dough and at least one pH adjusting agent in an amount effective to improve the activity of the at least one preservative and/or inhibit microbial growth on the surface of the bread prepared from the dough.
US07981451B2	Capsule for the preparation of a beverage Capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine comprising an enclosure (20) containing one or more beverage ingredients, a filtering wall (22) delimiting at least one filtering side of the enclosure, wherein the capsule further comprises an overflow wall (3B) that is positioned in the path of the brewed liquid after the filtering wall and which comprises at least one overflow aperture or is associated with at least one puncture means (8A, 8B) or, respectively, puncture indication means capable of producing or, respectively, indicating at least one overflow aperture. The capsule of the invention is designed for delivering a brewed liquid at relatively low pressure and is more particularly suited for tea beverages.
US07981447B2	Particulate-soluble glucan preparation Particulate β-glucan is solubilized at elevated pressure and temperature to form particulate-soluble β-glucan. The particulate-soluble β-glucan is capable of being dried to a powder form and subsequently re-solubilized.
US07981445B2	Compositions and methods for preparation of poorly water soluble drugs with increased stability The present invention provides stable pharmaceutical compositions of poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agents and stabilizing agents which function to increase stability of the compositions. The use of stabilizing agents provide extended stability of nanoparticle suspensions and other formulations of poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agents such as docetaxel under certain conditions, for example upon dilution for administration.
US07981435B2	Spill resistant formulations containing clays The invention relates to novel spill resistant formulations comprising either a weak base or a weak acid as the pharmaceutical ingredient, a liquid base, a clay and a water soluble cellulose ether. The clay and cellulose ether allow for a broader pH range into which the pharmaceutically active agent may be dispersed or dissolved, and therefore allows for easier preparation and formulation of the pharmaceutical composition.
US07981433B2	Targeted delivery of botulinum toxin to the sphenopalatine ganglion Botulinum toxin, among other presynaptic neurotoxins is used for the treatment and prevention of migraine and other headaches associated with vascular disorders. Presynaptic neurotoxins are delivered focally, targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion. Exemplary delivery is carried out by way of injection.
US07981432B2	Proteins within the type E botulinum neurotoxin complex The invention features a polypeptide complex synthesized by bacteria of the genus Clostridia that contains the serotype E botulinum neurotoxin and five neurotoxin associated polypeptides having molecular weights of about 118, 80, 65, 40, and 18 kDa, respectively. The complex is useful in the treatment of diseases or conditions that are caused by excessive release of acetylcholine from presynaptic nerve terminals.
US07981431B2	Consensus dengue virus envelope protein domain III polypeptides (cED III) and their methods of use A consensus peptide sequence designed for domain III of the envelope proteins of four serotypes of dengue virus and used in a vaccine against multiple serotypes of dengue virus is disclosed. The vaccine is able to elicit cross-neutralization antibody responses against multiple serotypes of dengue virus.
US07981427B2	Canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCV) spike protein A canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCV) that is present in the respiratory tract of dogs with canine infectious respiratory disease and which has a low level of homology to the enteric canine coronavirus, but which has a high level of homology to all bovine coronavirus strains (e.g., Quebec and LY138) and human coronavirus strain OC43.
US07981426B2	Method for stimulating wound healing The present invention relates to a method for stimulating wound healing, and more particularly to a method for stimulating wound healing in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to a wound of the subject an effective amount for stimulating wound healing of a composition, wherein the composition comprises p43 having an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or functional equivalents thereof. The composition used in the method of the present invention can be efficiently utilized for the wound healing, since p43, an effective ingredient of the composition, has an excellent effect on the wound healing by its action including the induction of macrophage/monocyte and endothelial cell re-epithelization, proliferation of fibroblasts or angiogenesis.
US07981425B2	Thrombopoietic compounds The invention relates to the field of compounds, especially peptides or polypeptides, that have thrombopoietic activity. The peptides and polypeptides of the invention may be used to increase platelets or platelet precursors (e.g., megakaryocytes) in a mammal.
US07981421B2	Combinations of antibodies selective for DR5 and other therapeutic agents An antibody of the invention interacts with human DR5 or with human DR4 to produce agonistic or antagonistic effects downstream of the receptor including inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Methods and uses for the antibodies, optionally in combination with various therapeutic agents, are detailed, including treatment of apoptosis-related disease and treatment of dysregulated cell growth.
US07981420B2	Therapeutic use of antibodies directed against repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) The present invention relates to the use of a modulator of a polypeptide having or comprising an amino acid sequence as disclosed herein or of a functional fragment or derivative thereof or of a polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide or fragment or derivative for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing, alleviating or treating diseases or conditions associated with the degeneration or injury of vertebrate nervous tissue, associated with seizures or associated with angiogenic disorders or disorders of the cardio-vascular system. Furthermore, the invention provides for the use of a modulator of a polypeptide having or comprising said amino acid sequence of a functional fragment or derivative thereof or of a polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide or fragment or derivative for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing, alleviating or treating diseases or conditions associated with the degeneration or injury of vertebrate nervous tissue, associated with angiogenic disorders or disorders of the cardio-vascular system. In addition the invention provides for the use of said polypeptide or said functional fragment or derivative thereof for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating tumor growth or formation of tumor metastases or as a marker of stem cells.
US07981419B2	Method for treating hypophosphatemic bone diseases using FGF-23 antibody A method for treating a hypophosphatemic bone disease, such as X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). The method entails administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition, which contains an antibody that binds to an FGF-23 polypeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US07981417B2	Blood-brain barrier targeting anti-bodies This invention provides antibodies that bind brain endothelial cell receptors resulting in endocytosis/transcytosis of the receptor and bound ligands. In some embodiments, the ligand comprises the antibody in combination with a pharmaceutically active compound and the antibody directs delivery of the compound across the blood brain barrier (BBB). The invention also provides methods of identifying endothelial cell specific antibodies by panning the library against cultured cell monolayers. The invention further allows for identifying endothelial cell receptors that bind the antibody thereby providing target receptors against which to isolate further cognate ligands and their associated transport systems and by which to identify transcytosis transporters targeted by the antibodies.
US07981416B2	Humanized immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of immunodeficiency The present invention provides to a humanized monoclonal antibody having immunostimulatory effects. This antibody binds specifically to B lymphoblastoid cells, induces proliferation and activation of peripheral blood lymphocytes, particularly T cells, and is capable of eliciting an anti-tumor effect upon administration to subjects suffering from an immune deficiency.
US07981414B2	Anti-inflammatory dAb The present invention provides a recombinant domain antibody (dAb) which binds to human TNF-α, the dAb comprising an immunoglobulin heavy or light chain variable domain, wherein the variable domain comprises at least one complementarity determining region (CDR) having a sequence derived from a New World primate.
US07981410B2	Therapeutic targeting of escort proteins The invention provides for inhibition of viral disease by the provision to a mammalian host of antibodies directed against an escort protein likeTsg 101. These proteins appear on the surface of a cell, and thus can be bound by circulating antibodies thereto. By binding escort proteins on the cell surface, budding of viral particles is inhibited. The virus infects the initial cells, but cannot escape that cell to infect the body en masse.
US07981404B2	Composition for application to the skin, to the lips, to the nails, and/or to hair A composition for application to the skin, the lips, the nails, and/or hair is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises at least one first coloring agent in an amount sufficient to color the composition, comprising particles of at least one composite pigment, the particles comprising an inorganic core at least partially coated with at least one organic coloring substance, and at least one second coloring agent in an amount sufficient to produce a specific optical effect in the composition which is visibly perceptible to a human observer. A method of making up the skin, lips, nails, and/or hair is also disclosed.
US07981403B2	Artificial hair color removal compositions and methods The invention relates to methods for removing artificial color from hair comprising combining a first composition comprising a sulfur reducing agent with a second composition comprising an oxidizing agent to form a color removing composition, and using the color removing composition to remove artificial color from the hair, as well as to compositions and kits containing such compositions which are useful in such methods.
US07981401B2	Diuretic aerosols and methods of making and using them Described herein are diuretic condensation aerosols and methods of making and using them. Kits for delivering a condensation aerosol are also described. The diuretic aerosols typically comprise diuretic condensation aerosol particles that comprise a diuretic compound. In some variations the diuretic compound is selected from the group consisting of bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, muzolimine, spironolactone, torsemide, triamterene, tripamide, BG 9928, and BG 9719. Methods of treating edema using the described aerosols are also provided. In general, the methods typically comprise the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of diuretic condensation aerosol to a person with edema. The diuretic condensation aerosol may be administered in a single inhalation, or may be administered in more than one inhalation. Methods of forming a diuretic condensation aerosol are also described. The methods typically comprise the steps of providing a diuretic composition, vaporizing the composition to form a vapor, and then condensing the diuretic composition vapor.
US07981398B2	PEGylation by the dock and lock (DNL) technique The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming PEGylated complexes of defined stoichiometry and structure. In preferred embodiments, the PEGylated complex is formed using dock-and-lock technology, by attaching a target agent to a DDD sequence and attaching a PEG moiety to an AD sequence and allowing the DDD sequence to bind to the AD sequence in a 2:1 stoichiometry, to form PEGylated complexes with two target agents and one PEG moiety. In alternative embodiments, the target agent may be attached to the AD sequence and the PEG to the DDD sequence to form PEGylated complexes with two PEG moieties and one target agent. In more preferred embodiments, the target agent may comprise any peptide or protein of physiologic or therapeutic activity. The PEGylated complexes exhibit a significantly slower rate of clearance when injected into a subject and are of use for treatment of a wide variety of diseases.
US07981393B2	Method of producing salts of dinitramidic acid A method of preparing salt of dinitramidic acid, comprising nitration of an initial compound with a nitrating acid mixture to form dinitramidic acid in a reaction mixture. A positive ion is added to the reaction mixture and forms with the dinitramide ion an ion pair complex which precipitates in the acidic reaction mixture, and the precipitate is separated from the mixture. The remaining spent acid can be reprocessed for recovery of acid for preparation of a new nitrating acid mixture. The preferred positive ion is the guanylurea ion which gives a precipitate of guanylurea dinitramide. The precipitate can be used as starting material for preparation of other dinitramide salts, such as KDN and ADN. The guanylurea ion can be formed in situ in the process by cyanoguanidine being reacted with the reaction mixture.
US07981390B2	Small engine palladium catalyst article and method of making Catalyst articles comprising substantially only a palladium precious metal component and related methods of preparation and use are disclosed. Disclosed is a catalyst article comprising a first layer formed on a carrier substrate, wherein the first layer comprises a refractory metal oxide and has a surface that is substantially uniform; and a second layer formed on the first layer, wherein the second layer comprises i) an oxygen storage component that is about 50-90% by weight of the second layer and ii) a palladium component in an amount of about 10-150 g/ft3 of palladium, wherein the palladium component is substantially the only platinum group metal component. One or more improved properties are exhibited by the catalyst article.
US07981388B2	Process for the purification of lithium salts The present invention relates to lithium secondary batteries comprising a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a separator and a lithium-based electrolyte carried in an aprotic solvent, and to the electrolyte compositions, and to methods for purifying battery active materials. The electrolyte comprises at least one solvent and a lithium salt of the formula: Li2B12FxH12-x-yZy where x+y is from 3 to 12, and x and y are independently from 0 to 12, and Z comprises at least one of Cl and Br.
US07981382B2	Device for collecting, testing and storing fluids A device for collecting, testing and storing fluids includes a container and a removable cap. Body fluids, such as urine, are collected in the container. The cap defines a test strip holder that receives one or more drug test strips and an adulteration strip. An opening defined through a bottom of the cap provides fluid communication between the container and the cap. When tilted, fluid from the container enters the cap through the hole. A variety of plugs may be employed to block the opening and thereby prevent fluid communication between the container and the cap after fluid has entered the cap. The remaining uncontaminated and untested body fluid is stored in the container and thus made available for further confirmation testing. Associated methods for collecting, testing and storing fluids with a single device are also provided. A method of manufacturing the foregoing test device is also provided.
US07981381B2	Medical fluid access device with antiseptic indicator A medical device, such as a vascular access device, is disclosed for providing access to a medical fluid flow path for the introduction or withdrawal of medical fluids to and from the flow path. The access device includes an indicator for providing a visual indication when the access device has been exposed to an antiseptic agent.
US07981375B2	Porous bodies and methods Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.
US07981372B2	Oxidative autothermal reformer and oxidative autothermal reforming method using the same An oxidative autothermal reformer including a reforming layer at least partially filled with a reforming catalyst for producing a reformed gas composed mainly of hydrogen through a reforming reaction by contacting a mixture of a hydrocarbon or an aliphatic alcohol and steam with the reforming catalyst; and an oxidative exothermic layer at least partially filled with an oxidation catalyst for generating heat by oxidizing a part of the reformed gas, in which the reforming layer is disposed at an upstream side of the oxidative exothermic layer; the reforming layer and the oxidative exothermic layer are in the form of a cylinder and have a triple circular tube structure formed by disposing an inner reforming layer, an oxidative exothermic layer and an outer reforming layer from the inside in a radial direction in this order; and at least a part of the reforming catalyst filled in the inner reforming layer and the outer reforming layer contains Ru metal.
US07981366B2	Fluid system comprising a safety device A fluid system that includes a flow system for a liquid having an inlet, an outlet, at least one fluid line extending from the inlet to the outlet and an electrically activatable melting device, wherein activation of the melting device causes melting, which interrupts, stops or diverts a flow of the fluid through the flow system. In one embodiment, the fluid system may be used in a device for measuring blood sugar.
US07981360B2	Niobium addition in Cr-Mo-¼V steel castings for steam turbine casing applications A chromium-molybdenum-vanadium (Cr—Mo—V) cast steel including 0.04 to 0.08% by weight of niobium is disclosed. The cast steel may include 0.08 to 0.12% by weight carbon. The cast steel may also have a sulphur content of 0.015% by weight or less, and a phosphorus content of 0.02% by weight or less. The silicon content may be 0.30 to 0.60% by weight, the manganese content may be 0.50 to 0.80% by weight, the chromium content may be 1.20 to 1.50% by weight, the molybdenum content may be 0.90 to 1.10% by weight, and the vanadium content may be 0.20 to 0.30% by weight.
US07981358B2	Cooling apparatus of hot steel plate, cooling method of hot steel plate, and program An apparatus for controlled cooling of hot steel plate while constraining and conveying the plate by constraining rolls horizontally which is inexpensive and enabling continuous control of the cooling ability over a broad range, that is, a cooling apparatus for spraying hot steel plate hot rolled and transferred between pairs of constraining rolls with cooling water from pluralities of lines of spray nozzles so as to cool the same, which apparatus has lines of gentle cooling spray nozzles and lines of strong cooling spray nozzles with different orifice shapes and enables continuous control of the cooling ability over a broad range due to the fact that a maximum cooling water impact pressure integrated value of the lines of gentle cooling spray nozzles and a minimum cooling water impact pressure integrated value of the lines of strong cooling spray nozzles are continuous.
US07981357B2	Method of making a spunbond A spunbond web is made by extruding a multiplicity of hot thermoplastic filaments, passing the filaments along an upstream stretch of a path, cooling and stretching the filaments as they move along the upstream stretch of the path, and depositing the cooled and stretched filaments at a downstream end of the upstream stretch on a foraminous belt such that the filaments form a mat thereon. The belt is continuously displaced the belt so as to move the mat downstream along a downstream leg of the path. The mat on the belt, then consolidated with a high-pressure water-jet treatment, and further processed.
US07981356B2	Stretch blow moulding method and apparatus A method and apparatus for stretch blow moulding a preform into a desired article is disclosed. The method includes the steps of inserting the preform into a hollow mould, stretching the heated preform with a stretching member, filling the preform with an incompressible fluid such that the preform expands and is formed into the article by the mould and draining the incompressible fluid from the interior of the formed article. The apparatus comprises a hollow mould for receiving the preform, a stretching member for stretching the preform, an incompressible fluid filling means for filling the preform with an incompressible fluid such that the preform expands and a drain for draining the incompressible fluid from the formed article.
US07981355B2	Mat-forming wheel A mat-forming wheel for forming air-laid absorbent cores for sanitary absorbent articles, such as diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence protectors and the like, said wheel having a series of moulds along its peripheral surface, each mould having up-standing walls and a bottom. The up-standing walls of the mould are formed in an element of a flexible material, which element is releasably attached to a foraminous substrate of rigid material, which runs along the whole circumference of the mat-forming wheel.
US07981344B2	Method for manufacturing a storage container for storage of nuclear radiation material A method and a molding plant for manufacturing a storage container for storage of nuclear radiation material, the container having an inner container part of a first thermoplastic material, an intermediate container part of radiation inhibiting material on the outside of the inner container part, and an outer container part of a second thermoplastic material molded onto the outside of intermediate container part. First, second, third and fourth locations are present along a circular path. First, second and third sets of outer mould means are provided at said second, third and fourth locations, respectively, for enabling injection molding of said inner container part, said intermediate container part and said outer container part, respectively, thereat and at least one mould core or a plurality of mutually spaced mould cores being movable by means of a rotary turntable to successively move from the first location to the second location, then from the second location to the third location, then from the third location to the fourth location, and then from the fourth location back to the first location.
US07981342B2	In-mold lamination of decorative products A method of manufacturing decorative plastic composites having a decorative layer, a backing layer and a clear outer layer which provides exceptional “depth of image” is disclosed. Decorative or protective appliqués' having a wide range of decorative patterns may be formed by injection molding a backing layer behind and a clear outer layer on the top surface of a thin foil, film, fabric or veneer. A method is also disclosed for coating the exposed surface of the decorative layer between injection of the backing and outer layers to impart a desired visual effect or repair the surface. Use of multiple layers of decorative film, clear plastic and colored/opaque plastic is also disclosed to provide distinguishing visual effects.
US07981341B2	Method and apparatus for scaled up reproduction of detailed features Producing a scaled multiple parallax compound lens is accomplished by providing an insect eye having multiple ommitidia and creating a polymer mold of the insect eye. A casting is then created from the polymer mold with an expandable polymer mold. A second casting is then created from the second polymer mold. Duplication of the process can be accomplished for further scaling up of the compound lens with the final casting created using a durable polymer having appropriate optical properties for the lens.
US07981337B2	Use of aqueous NaOH/thiourea solution in pilot-scale production of cellulose products The present invention relates to the use of an aqueous sodium hydroxide/thiourea solution, specifically to the use of an aqueous sodium hydroxide/thiourea solution for pilot-scale production of cellulose products, wherein sodium hydroxide constitutes 8.1%-12.0% of the total weight of the aqueous solution, thiourea constitutes 3.0%-6.0% of the total weight of the aqueous solution, and said cellulose products include regenerated cellulose filaments, films, nonwovens, as well as composite fibers and/or functional materials of protein/cellulose, chitin/cellulose, Konjac Glucomannan/cellulose, nano-crystal particle/cellulose, etc.
US07981334B2	Injection molding machine and method for mold-adjusting An injection molding machine and a method for mold-adjusting are provided. The injection molding machine comprises a mold-adjusting mechanism mounted to one side of the fixed platen and being coaxial with the tie bars. Each of the mold-adjusting mechanisms is constructed the same comprising a support frame (11), a motor (12), a mold-adjusting driving wheel (13), a mold-adjusting driven wheel (14), a hydraulic cylinder for positioning (15), a sensor and a control system.
US07981333B2	Method of setting mold clamping force of injection molding machine Test molding is performed by sequentially clamping a mold 2 with a mold clamping force (100%, 80%, 70%, . . . ) obtained by sequentially lowering a mold clamping force by a predetermined amount from the maximum mold clamping force (100%); with mold position sensors 4 provided on outer surfaces 3cf and 3mf of a fixed platen 3c supporting a fixed mold 2c of the mold 2 and a movable platen 3m supporting a movable mold 2m of the mold 2, a relative position (mold position Xc) of the movable platen 3m with respect to the fixed platen 3c in an injection process is detected; and, when at least a variation that meets predetermined conditions is produced on the mold position Xc, a mold clamping force obtained by increasing a mold clamping force at a time of occurrence of the variation by a predetermined amount is set as a proper mold clamping force Fs.
US07981329B2	Method of manufacturing optical components A method of manufacturing an optical component is provided. The method comprises steps of providing a first liquid; providing a fluid, disposed above the first liquid, wherein an interface exists between the first liquid and the fluid; providing a polymer precursor at the interface; and solidifying the polymer precursor so as to form the optical component made by a polymer.
US07981328B2	N-type doping of an electron transport material and methods of use thereof Electron transport material and methods of N-type doping the same are provided.
US07981325B2	Electronic device for voltage switchable dielectric material having high aspect ratio particles One or more embodiments provide for a device that utilizes voltage switchable dielectric material having semi-conductive or conductive materials that have a relatively high aspect ratio for purpose of enhancing mechanical and electrical characteristics of the VSD material on the device.
US07981319B2	Non-aqueous liquid compositions comprising ion exchange polymers Compositions, and methods of making thereof, comprising from about 1% to about 5% of a perfluorinated sulfonic acid ionomer or a hydrocarbon-based ionomer; and from about 95% to about 99% of a solvent, said solvent consisting essentially of a polyol; wherein said composition is substantially free of water and wherein said ionomer is uniformly dispersed in said solvent.
US07981312B2	Processes for producing and compositions comprising 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and/or 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene A process is disclosed for making CF3CF═CH2 or mixtures thereof with CHF═CFCHF2. The process involves contacting CCl3CF2CF3 and optionally CCl2FCF2CClF2 with H2 in the presence of a palladium catalyst supported on a support of alumina, fluorided alumina and/or aluminum fluoride, to produce a product mixture including CH2═CFCF3 (and when CCl2FCF2CClF2 is present, CHF═CFCHF2); recovering CH2═CFCF3 or a mixture thereof with CHF═CFCHF2 from the product mixture. The present invention also provides another process that involves reacting CCl3CF2CF3 and optionally CCl2FCF2CClF2 with H2 in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to form CH3CF2CF3 (and when CCl2FCF2CClF2 is present, CH2FCF2CHF2); dehydrofluorinating; and recovering CH2═CFCF3 or a mixture thereof with CHF═CFCHF2.
US07981310B2	Method for preparing magnetic paint and magnetic recording medium comprising the same A magnetic paint is prepared by a method comprising a surface-treating step for magnetic powder, to obtain a first composition by mixing and stirring a composition which comprises a magnetic powder, a dispersant and/or a binder resin, and an organic solvent, and which contains 40% by weight or less of a non-solvent component, while applying a shear force to the composition; and a concentrating step to obtain a second composition by concentrating the first composition until the content of the non-solvent components of the first composition reaches 80% by weight or more.
US07981309B2	Method for detecting polishing end in CMP polishing device, CMP polishing device, and semiconductor device manufacturing method The spectral reflectance spectrum of an object of polishing that has reached the polishing endpoint is found ahead of time, the spectral reflectance spectrum of the object of polishing is found during polishing, and the correlation coefficient of these is seen as parameter 1. Meanwhile, the sum of the absolute values of the difference between the first order differentials of these is seen as parameter 2. Then, when parameter 1 is in a range exceeding a specific value, and parameter 2 is at its minimum, it is concluded that the polishing endpoint has been reached. Thus, it is possible to provide a method for detecting the polishing endpoint in a highly reliable CMP polishing apparatus.
US07981301B2	Method and apparatus for treatment of contaminated liquid An apparatus includes integrated ultra-filtration and clarification, and an optional electrocoagulation capability. The apparatus comprises an outer tank, an inner casing, and a plurality of ultra-filtration filters contained within the inner casing. Clarification of liquid occurs in the gap between the casing and tank. Solid matter settles, and aggregates in the bottom portion of the tank. The accumulated solid material acts as a secondary filter by pre-filtering the liquid prior to contact with the ultra-filtration filters. Clarified liquid is retained in a chamber of the casing, and the clarified liquid is drawn through the ultra-filtration filters as initiated by a source of vacuum communicating with the ultra-filtration filters. Optionally, and upstream electrocoagulation unit and a downstream reverse osmosis unit are provided. Alternatively, the electrocoagulation function is provided by a plurality of reaction plates mounted to the interior sidewall of the tank.
US07981298B2	Process for removal of contaminants from industrial streams A method and system for removing from an aqueous system which is contaminated therewith: (1) mercury present as colloids, ions and/or organically bound compounds, and (2) hydrocarbons solubilized, dispersed, and/or emulsified in the said system. Pursuant to the invention the aqueous system to be treated (such as “produced water”) is passed successively through three filtration stages. The first filtration stage is provided with absorption media which effects reduction/removal of dispersed organically bound mercury species and of the dispersed and partially dissolved hydrocarbon phases, as well as of some colloidal mercury and other dissolved metallic species. The second filtration stage utilizes a salt modified reticulated granular filtration media for reduction/removal of slightly dissolved hydrocarbon phases, mercury in colloidal and ionic form and other dissolved metals. The third filtration stage is a polishing stage, which serves to further reduce by electroless or voltaic reduction residual elemental mercury and/or residual colloidal and ionic mercury. At this third stage metallic mercury is incorporated into a metallic matrix from which the mercury may preferably be recovered.
US07981295B2	Enhanced high water recovery membrane process Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively. The purified water recovery is not adversely affected by design and/or operational deficiencies in the chemical precipitation softening system that may result in higher residual hardness and silica in the supernatant from the clarifier.
US07981290B2	Backwash assembly having a rotating backwash arm for cleaning cloth filter media The present invention relates to stationary cloth media filtration systems and devices, as well as processes and devices, including improved cloth media filter backwashing using a rotating backwash arm assembly.
US07981288B2	Pulse resonating device A fluid treatment device including a source of electrical voltage having a first and second terminal, a pulse generator connected to the first terminal and the second terminal and outputting a pulsed voltage wave signal between a third terminal and a fourth terminal, at least one coil positioned adjacent at least one fluid conduit, being electrically connected to the third and fourth terminals and at least one capacitor also being electrically connected to the third and fourth terminals to form a first circuit with an inductance L, a capacitance C and a resonant frequency. The pulse generator is arranged to generate a pulsed voltage wave with a frequency approximately equal to the resonant frequency. A further circuit element is arranged to cause the voltage pulse reaching the coil to repeatedly, alternate between a period of pulsed voltage at the frequency and a period of zero voltage, with each period extending for a time in a range of approximately 2 to 33 milliseconds.
US07981287B2	Self contained dissolved air flotation system A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.
US07981286B2	Substrate processing apparatus and method of removing particles A liquid within a processing tank is caused to overflow, and the overflowing liquid is circulated by a circulation system. In this process, bubbles are discharged into the liquid within the processing tank. Thus, particles within the processing tank are not only carried along by a flow of the liquid but also attach to the bubbles to be carried with the bubbles outwardly of the processing tank. A dip-type substrate processing apparatus removes the particles within the processing tank in a short time with efficiency.
US07981281B2	Dialysis system having regimen generation methodology A peritoneal dialysis system includes a logic implementer configured to: (i) accept at least one therapy target input; (ii) accept at least one patient transport characteristic input; (iii) accept at least one solution input; (iv) accept at least one fluid volume input; (v) accept at least one therapy time input, at least one of the inputs (ii) to (v) including an input range; and (vi) generate each therapy regimen using the inputs of (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), including each of the possibilities within the at least one input range, that satisfy the at least one therapy target input.
US07981279B2	Oil filter with bypass valve An oil filter assembly has a bypass valve and a cover formed with an orifice. In order to provide a simple contamination indicator for the oil filter, there is provided a deflection device that deflects an oil jet emerging through the orifice when the bypass valve is open on the outside of the cover. The oil jet can thus be deflected into a region observable through a filling orifice. A contaminated oil filter can therefore be reliably detected on occasion of a quick visual check, by observing the deflected oil jet.
US07981278B2	Gasoline-ethanol separation apparatus This present invention provides a gasoline-ethanol separation apparatus which is used for an internal combustion engine, and can separate a mixture fuel formed of mixed gasoline and ethanol into gasoline and ethanol. The gasoline-ethanol separation apparatus 1 includes a fuel tank 2 for accommodating a mixture fuel, a separation tank 4 for separating the mixture fuel supplied from the fuel tank 2 into the gasoline (A) and an ethanol-water mixture liquid (B), by mixing water supplied by water-supply means 3 with the mixture fuel, and storing the separated mixture liquid (B); pressurizing means 5 for pressurizing the mixture liquid (B) to be supplied into the separation tank 4; gasoline-taking-out means 6 for taking the gasoline (A) out of the tank from an upper part of the interface between the gasoline (A) and the ethanol-water mixture liquid (B) first valve 62; and ethanol-taking-out means 7 for taking the ethanol-water mixture liquid (B) out of the separation tank 4 through a second valve 72.
US07981275B2	Catalytic composition for hydroprocessing of light and intermediate oil fractions The present invention relates to the novel catalytic composition having a high specific activity in reactions involving hydroprocessing of light and intermediate petroleum fractions, and preferably in hydrodesulphurization and hydrodenitrogenation reactions. The inventive catalyst contains at least one element of a non-noble metal from group VIII, at least one element from group VIB and, optionally, a group one element of the VA group, which are deposited on a novel catalytic support comprising of an inorganic metal oxide from group IVB, consisting of an (1D) one-dimensional nanostructured material having nanofibers and/or nanotube morphology with high specific surface area of between 10 and 500 m2/g.
US07981273B2	Process for catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons using UZM-35 Catalytic cracking processes such as fluidized catalytic cracking, naphtha cracking, and olefin cracking are catalyzed by the UZM-35 family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites represented by the empirical formula: Mmn+Rr+Al(1-x)ExSiyOz where M represents a combination of potassium and sodium exchangeable cations, R is a singly charged organoammonium cation such as the dimethyldipropylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These UZM-35 zeolites are active and selective in the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons.
US07981262B2	Process kit for substrate processing chamber A process kit comprises a shield and ring assembly positioned about a substrate support in a processing chamber to reduce deposition of process deposits on internal chamber components and an overhang edge of the substrate. The shield comprises a cylindrical band having a top wall that surrounds a sputtering target and a bottom wall that surrounds the substrate support, a support ledge, a sloped step, and a U-shaped channel with gas conductance holes. The ring assembly comprises a deposition ring and cover ring, the cover ring having a bulb-shaped protuberance about the periphery of the ring.
US07981261B2	Integrated device and substrate for separating charged carriers and reducing photocorrosion and method for the photoelectrochemical production of electricity and photocatalytic production of hydrogen The invention provides a system for separating oppositely-charged charge carriers, the substrate comprising a semiconductor; a ligand in electrical communication with said semiconductor; an ion-exchange resin attached to the semiconductor; an ion-exchange membrane; and an electrical conduit attaching said resin to said membrane. Also provided is a method for producing hydrogen gas, comprising: inducing charge separation in semiconductor particles so as to produce electrons and holes; oxidizing water with the holes to produce oxygen ions and protons, wherein the protons are sequestered from the oxygen ions as the protons are produced; and directing the sequestered protons to a cathode. The invention also provides a method to produce electricity comprising, inducing charge separation in semiconductor particles so as to produce electrons and holes, and completing the circuit with an electron hole transporter.
US07981260B2	Electrolysis cell for producing alkali metal An electrolysis cell for preparing alkali metals from a liquid alkali metal heavy metal alloy, including a tube arranged essentially horizontally having a closure device at each of the two ends of the tube. At least one solid electrolyte tube arranged concentrically in the tube and oriented with openings towards one end of the tube such that a first annular gap for conducting a liquid alkali metal, which forms an anode, is present between the inside of the tube and the outside of the solid electrolyte tube. An interior space in the solid electrolyte tube, sealed off from an alloy inlet, first annular gap and an alloy outlet, accommodates liquid alkali metal that can be used as a cathode.
US07981257B2	Current-based method and apparatus for detecting and classifying arcs An apparatus and technique are provided for generating a plasma using a power supply circuit and arc detection arrangement. The power supply circuit has a cathode enclosed in a chamber, and is adapted to generate a power-related parameter. The arc detection arrangement is communicatively coupled to the power supply circuit and adapted to assess the severity of arcing in the chamber by comparing the power-related parameter to at least one threshold. According to various implementations, arc occurrences, arcing duration, intensity and/or energy are measured responsive to comparing the power-related parameter to the at least one threshold. According to further implementations, the above-mentioned measured quantities are accumulated and/or further processed. An apparatus and method are also provided for detecting arc events when the current spikes above a threshold level. The method and apparatus is also for classifying the arc events based on the voltage and current signals and the duration each is beyond a threshold value.
US07981252B2	Multiaxial fabrics The present invention provides a multilayer multiaxial fabric for a paper machine having a reduced interference pattern and accordingly improved dewatering uniformity. The present invention also provides a method of forming such a multilayer multiaxial fabric.
US07981249B2	Sanitary sheets made of waste paper and a process of preparing sanitary sheet from waste paper This invention relates to an improved smudge free sanitary sheet made of waste paper and a process of preparing the same through processing the surplus newsprint and more precisely processing used/recycled paper. The sanitary sheets are prepared by the process steps of collecting pre-consumer overprint or post consumer read newspapers; grading the collected waste newspaper; drying and sterilizing the graded newspaper by applying ultraviolet, infrared and/or gamma rays; trimming and cutting the dried sterilized sheets in appropriate sizes; applying on at least one of the sides of the waste newspaper an aqueous coating comprising of a mixture of resin such as bleached shellac, a dye, a germicide such as Benzaikonium Chloride (BC) and/or PCMX (Chloroxylenol), a safe colour, a known deodorant and optionally cosmetic chemicals such as emollient and a foaming agent such as a detergent.
US07981247B2	Process for increasing the refiner production rate and/or decreasing the specific energy of pulping wood The present invention relates to processes for enhancing a refiner's production rate and/or reducing the specific energy consumption for a freeness target through the use of lubricant(s) or carrier(s)/frictionizer(s), respectively.
US07981244B2	Catheter balloon having impregnated balloon skirt sections A balloon catheter and a method of making a balloon catheter, having a balloon with a first layer and a second layer, the first layer having at least one impregnated section impregnated with a polymeric material compatible with a polymeric material forming the catheter shaft. At least a portion of the impregnated section is fusion bonded to the shaft. In a presently preferred embodiment, the impregnated section is adjacent to a section of the first layer which is not impregnated with the compatible polymeric material. The impregnated section provides improved bonding of the balloon to the catheter shaft while minimizing the effect of the bond on catheter performance characteristics such as profile and flexibility.
US07981243B2	Method of manufacturing laminated damping structure with vulcanized rubber as viscoelastic core The present invention provides an improved method of manufacturing constrained layer dampers with a vulcanized rubber viscoelastic core. The method includes the steps of: applying a first layer of adhesive to a first constraining layer; applying a layer of unvulcanized rubber solved in a solvent to the first layer of adhesive to form a first laminate structure; applying a second layer of adhesive to a second constraining layer to form a second laminate structure; laminating the first laminate structure with the second laminate structure; coiling the laminated first and second laminate structures; and increasing the temperature of the coiled first and second laminate structures to thereby vulcanize the layer of rubber.
US07981238B2	Method for relaxing a stressed thin film A method relaxing a strained thin film, secured via a first main face of an initial support, the second main face of the thin film being a contact face. The method supplies an intermediate support including a polymer layer having a main free contact face, the polymer's thermal expansion coefficient being greater than that of the thin film, adhesively brings into contact the contact face of the strained thin film with the contact face of the polymer layer, eliminates the initial support, realizing relaxation of the thin film through formation of wrinkles and revealing the first main face of the thin film, increases the polymer layer temperature to stretch the relaxed thin film and eliminate the wrinkles, secures the first main face of the thin film with one face of a receiving substrate, and eliminates the intermediate support to obtain a relaxed thin film integral with the receiving substrate.
US07981237B2	Micro- or nano-fluidic chip fabricated with Norland Optical Adhesive and bioanalysis platform produced by using the same A micro- or nano-fluidic chip fabricated with a Norland Optical Adhesive (NOA), an acrylated polyurethane-based UV-polymerizable optical adhesive. The micro- or nano-fluidic chip has sequentially an inlet, a channel, and an outlet. The channel has a pillar in the region of the outlet to prevent beads from flowing out, and the surface of the channels in the micro- or nano-fluidic chip is hydrophilic, which generates spontaneous flow in the channels by a capillary force without any extra external pumping.
US07981233B2	Method of forming a bamboo wood composite board A method of forming a board suitable for use as container flooring uses bamboo and fast-growth low-density wood. The method includes the step of overlaying thin layers of high-density bamboo composites on surfaces of a core layer which can be the composite of wood veneer and wood strand-based composite, or wood veneer and bamboo stripe sheet composite. The benefits of bamboo and wood materials are combined to produce a bamboo-wood composite board having sufficient mechanical and physical strength and durability for use as container flooring.
US07981228B2	Joined body and method for manufacturing the same There is provided a joined body formed by unitarily joining two or more members to be joined by means of a bonding material layer formed of a bonding material composition. The bonding material composition contains flat particles, non-flat particles, and an inorganic adhesive as main components, and the bonding material layer has a Young's modulus of 3 GPa or more. The joined body can suppress deformation of members to be joined due to thermal distortion with the bonding material layer, hardly causes rupture of the bonding material layer due to stress, and has excellent thermal shock resistance.
US07981225B1	Lead free detonator and composition A lead-free primer energetic composition including Cyanuric Triazide (60%), Tetracene (5%), Barium Nitrate (20%) and Antimony Trisulfide (15%) is produced. The lead-free primer energetic composition is used to construct a primary detonator including a transfer charge of Cyanuric Triazide, which produces a further initiation train that may subsequently detonate a secondary explosive, i.e., HDX, RDX, or a pyrotechnic device.
US07981224B2	Multi-phase steel sheet excellent in hole expandability and method of producing the same The present invention provides a steel sheet excellent in both a balance between strength and elongation and a balance between strength and hole expandability, in other words, a multi-phase steel sheet having an excellent balance between strength and hole expandability.The present invention is a multi-phase steel sheet excellent in hole expandability characterized in that: the steel sheet contains, as chemical components in mass, C: 0.03 to 0.15%, P: not more than 0.010%, S: not more than 0.003%, and either one or both of Si and Al in a total amount of 0.5 to 4%, and one or more of Mn, Ni, Cr, Mo and Cu in a total amount of 0.5 to 4%, with the balance consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities; the microstructure at a section of the steel sheet is composed of either one or both of retained austenite and martensite which account(s) for 3 to 30% in total in area percentage and the balance consisting of either one or both of ferrite and bainite; the maximum length of the crystal grains in the microstructure is not more than 10 microns; and the number of inclusions 20 microns or larger in size at a section of the steel sheet is not more than 0.3 piece per square millimeter.
US07981221B2	Rheological fluids for particle removal Methods and apparatus for cleaning a substrate (e.g., wafer) in the fabrication of semiconductor devices utilizing electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids to remove contaminant residual particles from the substrate surface are provided.
US07981220B2	Split-cane apparatus and method of use A compact, self-contained, energy-efficient split-cane apparatus and method of use for separating pith, rind, and epidermis components of a sugarcane stalk, wherein sugarcane billets are driven over a splitter blade, dividing them longitudinally into two billet portions. The billet portions are processed individually by symmetrical processing paths. The pith is milled away from the rind while simultaneously flattening the rind. A deflector is adapted and positioned for directing the pith along a pith processing path, and further directing the rind along a rind processing path. The epidermis is removed from the rind, and each are subsequently shredded by at least one shredder disc, at which point an at least one perforated tumbling drum separates the shredded epidermis from the shredded rind. In addition, the apparatus is adjustable, enabling it to accommodate a wide range of sugarcane stalk thicknesses while maintaining its ability to efficiently separate each sugarcane component.
US07981218B2	Substrate supporting mechanism and substrate processing apparatus A substrate supporting mechanism includes a function for heating a substrate placed thereon in a process container of a substrate processing apparatus. The substrate supporting mechanism includes a worktable configured to place the substrate thereon and including a heating element made of silicon carbide and formed in a predetermined pattern; an electric feeder electrode configured to supply electricity to the heating element; and a partition member made of an electrically insulating material and interposed between portions adjacent to each other in the heating element formed in the predetermined pattern.
US07981213B2	Group III nitride crystal, crystal growth process and crystal growth apparatus of group III nitride A crystal growth method of a group III nitride includes the steps of forming a melt mixture of an alkali metal and a group III element in a reaction vessel, and growing a crystal of a group III nitride formed of the group III element and nitrogen from the melt mixture in the reaction vessel, wherein the step of growing the crystal of the group III nitride is conducted while controlling an increase rate of degree of supersaturation of a group III nitride component in the melt mixture in a surface region of the melt mixture.
US07981212B2	Flash lamp annealing device A flash lamp annealing device comprises a heater plate, a loader, a lamp set and a control circuit. The heater plate heats a wafer to a predetermined temperature. The wafer is loaded on the loader disposed on the heater plate. The lamp set has one or a plurality of lamps to provide the wafer with a power. The control circuit is coupled to the lamp set to control the flash time of the lamp set.
US07981209B2	Ink composition There is provided an ink composition for ink jet recording that is free from feathering or bleeding and, at the same time, can realize high-gloss images particularly advantageous when the ink composition is recorded on specialty papers. The ink composition comprises at least a colorant, water, and a surfactant, wherein the surfactant satisfies a requirement represented by formula (I) β−α≧0 (I) wherein (i) α represents contact angle of a recording medium with an aqueous solution containing 0.1% by weight of the surfactant 0.3 sec after the contact of the aqueous solution with the recording medium, degree; and (ii) β represents contact angle of a recording medium with an aqueous solution containing 0.1% by weight of the surfactant, 20% by weight of glycerin, 10% by weight of 1,2-hexanediol and 1.0% by weight of triethanolamine 0.3 sec after the contact of the aqueous solution with the recording medium, degree.
US07981208B2	Gamma ray-sensitive phthalocyanine compound of poly cross-linking type and ink composition comprising the same The present invention relates to phthalocyanine compound of poly cross-linking type which is represented with the below formula 1 and is useful for preventing forgery and alternation due to a rapid velocity being responded to a gamma ray of Neutron, and an ink composition comprising it. wherein, M1 and M2 are any one selected from a group consisted of a metal, a metal oxide or a metal halide respectively and may be same or different, R is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, a hydroxysulfonyl group, an aminosulfonyl group, or an alky group having a substituent group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of 0˜3.
US07981207B2	Dye compound and ink containing dye compound A dye compound represented by the following formula has at least one anionic group: wherein R1 and R2 independently represent an amino or hydroxyl group, A1 represents nitrogen or CR4, R4 and R3 form a first aromatic ring, R3 represents a substituent with a negative Hammett's substituent constant when A1 represents nitrogen, and Cy represents a second aromatic ring.
US07981201B2	De-entrainment device De-entrainment devices for effectively removing entrained liquid from a vapor stream are disclosed. These de-entrainment devices are effective in distillation columns and other apparatuses comprising vapor-liquid contacting devices. Particular representative applications for these de-entrainment devices are in distillation (or fractionation) columns having co-current contacting modules, in which liquid and vapor enter into co-current flow channels of the modules. The de-entrainment devices can be used, for example, with non-parallel contacting stages or other types of high capacity trays.
US07981200B2	Flare stack adapted to heat incoming fuel A flare stack that preferably comprises a burner assembly, an exhaust stack, an housing, and a fuel line. The burner assembly burns a fuel to generate thermal energy and combustion byproducts. The exhaust stack is cooperatively associated with the burner assembly to direct the thermal energy and combustion byproducts away from the burner assembly. The housing at least partially defines a fluid-receiving chamber in thermal communication with the exhaust stack. The fluid-receiving chamber has a heat-transfer fluid disposed therein. The fuel line is in fluid communication with the burner assembly to deliver fuel to the burner assembly. At least a portion of the fuel line is in thermal communication with at least one of the exhaust stack, housing, or heat-transfer fluid to permit fuel in the fuel line to absorb thermal energy before reaching the burner assembly. In one embodiment, the burner assembly includes a pressure-variable burner to increase the rate of fuel consumption of the burner in relation to the pressure in the fuel line. In the preferred embodiment, the housing has an inlet and an outlet formed therethrough in fluid communication with the fluid-receiving chamber. The inlet permits heat-transfer fluid to flow into the fluid-receiving chamber to absorb thermal energy from the exhaust stack, and the outlet permits heat-transfer fluid to flow out of the fluid-receiving chamber.
US07981198B2	Overlap zoned electrically heated particulate filter A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter that includes an upstream end for receiving exhaust gas and a downstream end. A zoned heater is arranged spaced from the upstream end and comprises N zones, where N is an integer greater than one, wherein each of the N zones comprises M sub-zones, where M is an integer greater than or equal to one, and wherein the N zones and the M sub-zones are arranged in P layers, where P is an integer greater than one. A control module selectively activates at least a selected one of the N zones to initiate regeneration in downstream portions of the PM filter from the one of the N zones and deactivates non-selected ones of the N zones.
US07981194B2	Air drying arrangement An air drying arrangement for a commercial vehicle is provided having two or more desiccant canisters arranged in parallel on a single air dryer body. The arrangement may include an coupling device that attaches to the body and allows the two or more desiccant containing canisters to mount to the device. The arrangement may be configured to balance the flow of air to each of the desiccant containing canisters when drying air and/or when regenerating the desiccant.
US07981191B2	Method for the production of tantalum powder using reclaimed scrap as source material A process for obtaining tantalum powder from tantalum containing scrap material is provided. The process includes selecting source material, such as from sintered anodes for capacitors, hydriding the source material, milling to desired particle size and surface area, dehydriding, deoxidizing, agglomerating, sifting, and acid treating to obtain tantalum powder of a desired size and purity.
US07981190B2	Ultrafine alloy particles, and process for producing the same The Ultrafine alloy particles of an alloy includes a primary metal and one or more subsidiary metals solid-soluble in said primary metal, a content of the one or more subsidiary metals is in a range of 1 wt % to 25 wt % and the one or more subsidiary metals solid-solved in the primary metal inhibit coalescence or oxidation of the ultrafine alloy particles including the primary metal, or both. The process introduces powder materials including the primary metal and the one or more subsidiary metals for producing the ultrafine alloy particles into a thermal plasma flame under reduced pressure to form a vapor-phase mixture and introduces a cooling gas toward an end portion of the thermal plasma flame in a supply amount sufficient for quenching the vapor-phase mixture so as to generate the ultrafine alloy particles.
US07981187B2	Filter system; element configuration; and methods A filter element is includes a cylindrical media pack defining a central open volume and a longitudinal axis; a first end cap having a central aperture in flow communication with the central open volume; and a second, closed end cap having a central region closing an end of the media pack central, open volume. The closed end cap includes a projection extending axially outwardly therefrom and positioned at a location intersected by the longitudinal axis. An end cover for an air cleaner includes an inner side including a central projection thereon. Preferably, the central projection comprises a wall that includes an outer perimeter defining a regular polyhedron having at least five sides. An air cleaner comprises a cylindrical filter element having a first open end cap, a second closed end cap, and a cylindrical media pack extending therebetween. The first end cap defines an internal radial seal region. The second, closed end cap has a central region including a circular recessed portion. The air cleaner also includes an end cover. The end cover includes an inner side including a central projection thereon. The central projection is sized and shaped to matably engage the recessed portion of the second closed end cap, when the filter element is operably installed in the end cover. Methods for installing a filter element in an air cleaner preferably will use constructions as described herein.
US07981177B2	Filtration media having a slit-film layer A composite filter media for a vacuum cleaner comprising a first filtration layer comprising a slit film having a plurality of continuous electrostatically-charged polyolefin filaments disposed substantially parallel to each other along their lengths; and a second filtration layer comprising a high-efficiency filtration media selected from wet-laid filter paper, dry-laid filter paper, and nonwoven filter media; wherein said first filtration layer is disposed in series with said second filtration layer, with respect to an air flow direction through said vacuum cleaner, to form a composite.
US07981173B2	Process of making a laminate and laminate formed thereby A process of making a laminate and laminate formed thereby and a process of making an abrasive laminate and laminate formed thereby include providing a first moving sheet having a first side and a second side, applying active foaming material in a pre-mixed form to the first side, providing a second moving sheet having a first side and second side, the second sheet provided in a manner such that the first side of the second sheet contacts the foaming material to form an uncured laminate and maintaining the first sheet and the second sheet at a predetermined distance relative to one another during a curing period of the foaming material such that the foaming material bonds to the first sheet and the second sheet and upon curing forms a laminate.
US07981172B2	Steam reforming fuel processor, burner assembly, and methods of operating the same Systems and methods for producing hydrogen gas with a fuel processing system that includes a hydrogen-producing region that produces hydrogen gas from a feed stream and a heating assembly that consumes a fuel stream to produce a heated exhaust stream for heating the hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the heating assembly heats the hydrogen-producing region to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the rate at which an air stream is delivered to the heating assembly is controlled to selectively increase or decrease the temperature of the heated exhaust stream. In some embodiments, the feed stream and the fuel stream both contain a carbon-containing feedstock and at least 25 wt % water. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams have the same composition.
US07981170B1	Gasoline-oxygenate blend and method of producing the same By controlling one or more properties of a gasoline-oxygenate blend, a gasoline-oxygenate blend may be blended to contain at least one alcohol that exhibits acceptable properties and characteristics. This blend and the preferred method of preparing this blend includes an alcohol, most preferably ethanol, to reduce or eliminate the introduction of MTBE while offering acceptable properties such as volatility and temperature while effectively reducing pollutant emissions.
US07981167B2	Method and composition for maintaining hair dye color A method of preventing color loss from dyed hair comprising the application of a hair care composition comprising from about 0.1% to about 20% of a sulfoalkyl(meth)acrylate compound, an alkylacetamido(meth)acrylate, or a mixture thereof, and a dermatologically acceptable carrier wherein the sulfoalkyl(meth)acrylate compound and the alkylacetamido(meth)acrylate undergo polymerization inside the hair fibers.
US07981163B2	Intestinal sleeve A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the duodenum and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for attaching the device to the duodenum and an unsupported flexible sleeve. The anchor can include a stent and/or a wave anchor and is collapsible for catheter-based delivery and removal.
US07981161B2	Disposable neck trial adapter The system to implant a prosthetic device in a long bone such as a femur or a humerus includes a stem implant having a recess. The system of present invention also includes a broach to prepare the long bone that may receive the stem implant. The broach also has a recess that is similar to the recess in the stem implant. An adapter of a generally rectangular shape similar to the recess fits snugly in the recess in the stem implant. A trial neck that fits snugly in the recess formed in the adapter is also provided. A trial head may be assembled on the trial neck. A neck similar to the trial neck can be inserted in place of trial neck. A head may be assembled on the proximal end of the neck. A system for implantation of a prosthetic device in a long bone may be made available as a kit that includes at least two stems having the adapter inserted in each of the stem, at least two trial necks, at least two trial heads, at least two necks and at least two heads.
US07981158B2	Patient selectable joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools A patellar 3-D guidance tool includes a template. The template includes at least one contact surface for engaging a surface of the patella. The at least one contact surface substantially conforms with the surface associated with the patellar. At least one guide aperture directs movement of a surgical instrument, wherein the shape and/or position of the guide aperture is based, at least in part, on three or more anatomic reference points associated with the patellar.
US07981156B2	Bone grafts Spinal spacers 20 are provided for fusion of a motion segment. The spacers include a load bearing member 21 having a wall 22 sized for engagement within a space between adjacent vertebrae to maintain the space and an effective amount of an osteogenic composition to stimulate osteoinduction. The osteogenic composition includes a substantially pure osteogenic factor in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment the load bearing member includes a bone graft impregnated in an osteogenic composition. In another embodiment, the osteogenic composition 30 is packed within a chamber 25 defined in the graft. Any suitable configuration of a bone graft is contemplated, including bone dowels, D-shaped spacers and cortical rings.
US07981154B2	Ophthalmic surgical method The present invention is in the field of ophthalmic surgery and relates to a method for the prevention of capsular opacification, especially after extraction of the natural lens from the lens capsule of the eye. Particular methods disclosed include replacing the natural lens with a capsule filling implant comprising an injectable material and injecting an agent capable of inhibiting the proliferation of lens epithelial cells, migration of lens epithelial cells, and/or production of extra-cellular matrix by lens epithelial cells into a space between the inserted capsule filling implant and the lens capsule using an instrument having a hydrophobic outer surface such that the composition reaches a germinative zone of the capsular bag.
US07981151B2	Transcatheter heart valve with micro-anchors Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for treating defective heart valve are disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a transcatheter heart valve is disclosed that includes an expandable shape memory stent and a valve member supported by the stent. A plurality of micro-anchors can be disposed along an outer surface of the stent for engaging native tissue. The transcatheter heart valve can be configured to be advanced into a dilated valve annulus via a balloon catheter. The balloon can be inflated to expand the transcatheter heart valve from a collapsed diameter to an over-expanded diameter such that the micro-anchors engage tissue along the surrounding valve annulus. After engaging the tissue, the balloon can be deflated and the shape memory stent can retract or recoil toward its predetermined recoil diameter. As the stent recoils, the surrounding tissue is pulled inward by the stent such that the diameter of the valve annulus is reduced.
US07981147B2	Outer eyelid heat and pressure treatment for treating meibomian gland dysfunction A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the outside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force may also be applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions or occlusions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reach desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.
US07981144B2	Implant equipped for nerve location and method of use The invention describes a surgical implant that is equipped to provide neurological data during and after implantation. Neurological monitoring ensures accurate insertion of the implant with minimal disturbance of neural structures. The implant includes at least one electrically conductive region that is utilized to determine the distance from and direction to a nerve with respect to the implant.
US07981143B2	Linear fastener system and method for use The present invention provides a linear fastening system capable of rapid engagement and disengagement. More specifically, the system utilizes a cooperating collet member and a compression ring member which are constructed and arranged to slip easily over a shank member. The fastener system is secured by sliding a compression member in a linear overlapping fashion over the collet member thereby utilizing the conical surfaces to compress the collet member to grip the outer surface of the shank member. In this manner, the linear fastener system is capable of providing a secure connection between multiple components without the need to apply rotational torque to the assembly.
US07981142B2	Bone plate and screw system allowing bi-directional assembly Bone screws and bone plates are provided that offer the surgeon the ability to either assemble the screws to the plate, or the plate to the screws, depending on the surgeon's preference and the patient's circumstances. The bone screws and bone plates of the present invention include a combination of geometric configurations that allow the screws and plates to fit together from different assembly directions. Additionally, the bone screws and bone plates can include material resilience features to allow expansion/contraction during assembly to allow bi-directional attachment to one another.
US07981140B2	Knotless fixation of tissue to bone with suture chain A chain of loops of braided high strength suture for soft tissue to bone fixation. The suture chain is advantageous for use in knotless fixation of soft tissue to bone, and can be used for knotless side-to-side suturing of U-shaped defects, such as rotator cuff tears. The soft tissue to bone fixation includes: (i) providing a first medial row constructed with a first plurality of fixation devices, at least one of the first plurality of fixation devices being an anchor; (ii) providing a second lateral row constructed with a second plurality of fixation devices, at least one of the second plurality of fixation devices being a knotless fixation device; (iii) providing a suture loop construct that includes at least two loops formed of and connected by suture; and (iv) fixating the suture loop construct so that it extends over the soft tissue and is secured in place by at least one of the fixation devices or anchors.
US07981136B2	Wound closure device The present development includes an elongated flexible base strip having its bottom surface coated with an adhesive material suitable for adherence to skin and constructed with bridging links spaced along the inner edge of the base strip and extending outwardly therefrom. The inner edge of the base strip is intended to be aligned adjacent to a lip of the wound being treated. Each of the bridging links has an adhesive coated section displaced from the inner edge. In the packaged or stored position, prior to engagement, the bridging links are folded over the upper surface of the adhesive strip about a hinge that is at the joint of the bridging link to the base strip.
US07981133B2	Tissue dissection method A cannula and surgical methods include a tubular body, for housing an endoscope having a lighted, viewing end disposed near the distal end of the body that is selectively covered by a blunt, transparent, tissue-separating tip. Endoscopic viewing through the tip is enhanced by inner walls that taper to a cusp adjacent the blunt tip in order to reduce visual distortion. Alternatively, a removable or deflectable tip exposes a probe and endoscope to facilitate viewing and dissection of connective tissue and lateral vessels along the course of a blood vessel for subsequent harvesting or other treatment of the isolated blood vessel. The dissection probe includes a partial ring for passing along the vessel and past lateral branching vessels under visualization through the endoscope and the transparent tip. Surgical procedures including making an initial incision, above an artery or other vessel to establish an initial portion of an elongated working cavity of bluntly-dissected tissue. Lateral branches are doubly occluded, and then severed to isolate the vessel for harvesting and use as a graft conduit.
US07981129B2	System for opening a lumen in an occluded blood vessel A system for opening a lumen in an occluded blood vessel, e.g.., a coronary bypass graft, of a living being. The method entails using an instrument to deploy the stent at occlusive material within the blood vessel to open the lumen, whereupon some debris may be produced. Operating a debris extraction system for removing debris during deployment of the stent.
US07981126B2	Locking compression plate anastomosis apparatus Compression plate apparatus enables vessels to be joined together in various anastomosis configurations. The compression plates are guided to each other in a parallel orientation by guides. The compression plate apparatus may be utilized with an intraluminally directed anvil apparatus or an externally positioned anvil apparatus. One of the compression plates assists in the eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour. One of the compression plates enables a graft vessel to be pre-everted so that the anastomosis fenestra contours are everted. The apparatus provides a structure that enables the vessels to be joined without being penetrated.
US07981125B1	Surgical knot pusher and cutter A solution is provided to push a knot and/or cut a suture using a housing having a tip, a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side having a recessed center. The housing further has at least one slit positioned at the tip, and a blade moveable between retracted and extended positions, and positioned within the housing such that the blade passes through the slit as it is moved from the retracted position to the extended position within the slit. A notch may be positioned at the tip to push the knot to a desired position.
US07981124B2	Medical device for applying purse string sutures A surgical instrument for applying purse string sutures to tissue is provided that includes two circular discs that each have notches within a perimeter of the disc for receiving tissue and through which a suture wire may pass. The device also includes push plates for advancing the suture wires through the notches of the two circular discs and into portions of the tissue. Suture is placed within each push plate and is connected to ends of the suture wires. Suction is applied to the circular discs through a shaft to draw the tissue into the respective notches of the circular discs so that the suture wires may be advanced through the tissue and the sutures can then be pulled through the tissue to create two purse-string sutures.
US07981122B2	Adjustable surgical platform and surgical instrument using same In one aspect, the present invention relates to a surgical instrument for providing an access to a target of interest of a living subject. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument has a bearing member, a shaft member and a probe. The bearing member has a first end portion, an opposite, second end portion, a body portion defined therebetween having a longitudinal axis, and a shoulder portion extending from the second end portion. The body portion defines a bore therein along the longitudinal axis. The shoulder portion defines a passage substantially coaxial with and in communication with the bore. The shaft member has an first end portion and an opposite, second end portion, and is slidably received in the bore of the bearing member. The shaft member defines a space extending from the first end portion to the second end portion. The probe has a working end portion and is received in the space of the shaft member such that the working end portion is extendable through the passage of the shoulder portion of the bearing member to reach a target of interest of a living subject so as to provide an access thereto.
US07981118B2	Apparatus for intraoral distraction osteotomy to widen the upper jaw The present invention provides an improved orthopaedic system for the modification of the distance between the contralateral maxillary segments or halves. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes two metal bone plates fixed on the bony palatal shelves, with slotted extensions which opposite internal walls have concave indents into which disk-shaped wings of interchangeable distraction modules fit. The in the palatal plane concave female indent and the convex male wing prevent distraction module dislocation in case of oblique placement in the axial plane. In the frontal plane, the male wings are straight.The extension on the abutment plate has a slit like opening at the caudal side, to be fitted by a suture or a wire of any kind material, passing also in an opening in the male wing of the distraction module, to allow for assembling the units before fixation in the bony palatal shelve.The abutment plate is made partly malleable for an improved accommodation to the local alveolar bony anatomy.The opposing ends of the abutment plate have a shape allowing the anterior side to slip under the mucoperiosteum similar to a dissecting instrument, and the posterior end rounded and blunt in a way to protect the palatal arterioles.The abutment plates are provided by a slotted hole or slotted holes to accommodate the osteosynthesis screws or tacks in a preferred position related to the adjacent dental roots.
US07981113B2	Electrosurgical instrument An embodiment of the invention includes an electrosurgical jaw structure that carries cooperating PTC bodies in both series and parallel circuit components for controlled RF energy application to engaged tissue to effectively weld tissue.
US07981112B1	Home use device and methods for treating skin conditions Skin tissue is subjected to thermal energy that creates heating of the area being treated causing pores and follicle ducts to open so that excess oil, sebum, fatty deposits, or other unwanted deposits can be removed. A vacuum device is used to direct suction to the treated skin area helping to remove the unwanted deposits. Patterned thermal modification of tissue is used to expedite healing and minimize pain. The heating is controlled so that no skin tissue is damaged while still providing enough heat to the skin to alter the flow of sebum and destroy bacteria in the treated area.
US07981111B2	Method and apparatus for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions Disclosed is an apparatus and method which employs an energy source, one or more switches, electronic control circuitry, and a surface that can be placed in contact with a region of a person's skin containing a benign pigmented lesion. Within the apparatus, electrical current is passed through a heating element that is thermally coupled to the surface so that this surface is heated rapidly and then is subsequently cooled rapidly. By judicious choice of the rate of heating, maximum temperatures achieved, and rate of cooling, thermal injury to the skin can be confined primarily to the epidermal region of the skin in contact with the surface.
US07981110B2	Surgical clamp having trasmurality assessment capabilities A medical device is provided having a means for actuating a pair of opposing jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position, wherein the jaw members are disposed in a spaced apart relation relative to one another, to a second position, wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. An ablation mechanism is connected to at least one of the jaws members, such that the jaw members are capable of conducting ablation energy through the tissue grasped therebetween.
US07981106B2	Electronically-controlled device for release of drugs, proteins, and other organic or inorganic chemicals A device for drug release including a drug reservoir including a gate, wherein opening of the gate releases a drug stored in the drug reservoir, an electronic command and control (C & C) unit in communication with the gate that produces a gate bias voltage and time profile supplied to the gate for controlling opening of the gate, and a power source for supplying power to the electronic command and control unit.
US07981105B2	Medication reservoir A medication reservoir includes a reservoir. A swage is coupled to the reservoir enclosing an outer periphery of a septum to secure the septum to the reservoir. A base is attached to the reservoir secured around the swage, wherein the base includes at least one slot along sides of the base. At least one base engagement member is disposed on the sides of the base to engage a cap engagement member on a cap when the base is inserted into a lower end of the cap. The cap includes a needle located internal to the cap to pierce the septum and permit flow of liquid from the reservoir through the needle and into infusion set tubing and to a user.
US07981102B2	Removable controller for an infusion pump Some embodiments of an infusion pump system includes a controller device that is configured to removably attach to a pump device in a manner that provides a secure fitting, an overall compact size, and a reliable electrical connection. In particular embodiments, the controller device can be secured to the pump device in a generally side-by-side arrangement. The compact size can enhance the discreteness and portability of the infusion pump system.
US07981094B2	Two position septum for implantable vascular access device An implantable access device for intravenous delivery and/or withdrawal of fluids is described herein. The access device includes a septum which is movably supported within a housing of the access device from a retracted, low profile position to an extended, high profile position to facilitate easy identification of the location of the septum by medical personnel.
US07981093B2	Methods of making a multilumen catheter assembly A method of making a multilumen catheter assembly to include a unitary portion and at least two distal end tubes extending distally from the unitary portion. The unitary portion includes an exterior having a generally circular or oval shape in cross section and includes at least two distal end tubes of generally semi-circular (or other) cross sectional shape extending longitudinally therethrough. The catheter assembly may be made by extruding a unitary tube having internal longitudinally extending lumens (of semi-circular or other shape), then splitting the tube on its distal end portion to form distal end tubes. The tubes are then ground and polished, the finished tubes retaining in combination the cross sectional shape of the unitary extrusion, or the finished tubes can each be finished to another cross sectional shape, or the finished tubes could include a combination of cross sectional shapes over their longitudinal lengths.
US07981092B2	Vibratory trocar Devices and methods are provided for removing fluid from a trocar or from surgical instruments passed therethrough, and for preventing such fluid from accumulating. For example, an exemplary method for removing fluid from a trocar can include positioning a trocar to extend into a body cavity and vibrating the trocar to prevent fluid in the trocar from being deposited on surgical instruments passed therethrough. In one embodiment, the trocar can be selectively vibrated by activating a foot pedal or remote control, or according to an output of a sensor.
US07981089B2	Vial access device A needle assembly is disclosed, which includes a needle hub, a metal cannula and a plastic tip. The needle hub defines a fluid flow path therethrough. The metal cannula is supported on a distal end of the needle hub, where the metal cannula defines a fluid flow path into the distal end of the needle hub. The plastic tip member is connected to a distal end of the metal cannula, where the plastic tip member defines a fluid flow path into the distal end of the metal cannula. Plastic tip further includes a channel groove that runs along the length of the plastic tip to allow fluid to flow into a distal end of the metal cannula. Additionally, the plastic tip member is configured to pierce a septum of a vial.
US07981080B2	Skin cooling apparatus and method Skin cooling apparatus is provided for use with a medical treatment device such as a hypodermic syringe or a skin ablation laser or other electromagnetic source. The skin cooling apparatus provides selective, localized cooling of the target area that is acted upon by the medical treatment device. Included is a support body engaging at least a portion of the medical treatment device, for supporting and orienting the medical treatment device to the target area. A solid state cooling device such as a thermoelectric or Peltier device is carried by the support body and includes a cooling surface facing the target area of a patient's skin surface. The support body may be flexible so as to allow the medical treatment device to be inclined relative to the skin surface. The support body may also include aiming structure for directing the medical treatment device to a particular point within the target area.
US07981079B2	Safety shield system for a syringe A medical device includes a syringe assembly and a shield system for delivering medicament to a patient. The syringe assembly includes a barrel defining a medicament reservoir, and a needle cannula coupled to the barrel and in fluid communication with the reservoir. The shield system has a hub coupled to the syringe barrel, a shield movably arranged on the hub, the shield being movable from a first position disposed from the needle cannula tip to a second position during insertion of the needle into a patient and movable from the second position to a third position covering the needle cannula tip after the needle cannula is removed from the patient. An urging member urges the shield to the third position upon removal of the needle cannula from the patient. A cover sleeve connected to the needle barrel surrounds the hub and the urging member.
US07981076B2	Reconstituting infusion device A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained multi-component substance infusion device which provides one or more substantially hidden patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir assembly that includes a rigid bladder portion used in conjunction with a non-distensible bladder film, such as a metallized film. The device can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact and a pressurization system provides a pressure to the contents of a fluid reservoir assembly. Improvements to dry powdered formulations for reconstitution for preferred use in the device are also disclosed.
US07981075B2	Device for needleless injection operating with two concentric energetic materials A needleless injection device used for intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections is disclosed. The device includes a pyrotechnic gas generator, at least one piston, a reserve of liquid active principle and an injection nozzle. The generator includes a pyrotechnic charge composed of a central energetic material that is surrounded by a second peripheral energetic material. The entire outer surface of the central energetic material contacts the inner surface of the peripheral energetic material. The two energetic materials have different rates of combustion.
US07981074B2	Irrigation/aspiration system A surgical system with irrigation and aspiration lines having different compliance or stiffness, with the irrigation line having a higher compliance than the aspiration line.
US07981071B2	Apparatus and method for reducing pain during skin puncturing procedures A handheld instrument for minimizing pain during administration by injection of a liquid, such as, an anesthetic that has a main body, a vibration unit mounted in the main body when initiated to cause the main body to vibrate, and a detachable tip cantilever mounted on the main body to vibrate with it, the tip having a free end characterized by a bifurcation to form two spaced projections defining a space between them, whereby the spaced projections can be placed in proximity to, adjacent to and bracketing a preselected injection site on a human or animal and the tissue at said preselected injection site and vibrated while an injection is given.
US07981067B2	Range of motion device The present invention provides an orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. The second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member and travels through the first extension member along an arcuate path when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first arm member.
US07981066B2	External pulsation treatment apparatus There is provided a non-invasive pulsation and counterpulsation medical treatment apparatus for treating reduced cardiac output in heart patients. A flexible cuff is passed over the patient's lower body and/or extremities, and is attached through a lever arm to an electromechanical actuator. Through a mechanical linkage, the actuator sequentially tensions and releases the cuff, thereby sequentially compressing and releasing pressure on the patient, and thereby augmenting the patient's blood pressure. The actuator includes an electric solenoid which axially extends and retracts a shaft. The shaft oscillates the lever arm. A curved plate on the apparatus supports the patient's body or extremity in a fixed position during the treatment. A pressure sensor in the cuff transmits pressure data to an operator or electronic processor. Based on physiological data continuously obtained from the patient, various treatment parameters may be changed during the patient's treatment by an attending clinician or by a computer processor controlling the treatment.
US07981063B1	Method of simulated wave massage of the body Method, procedure, and device for applying tactile sensation and vibration to the human body. In this invention one or more vibrating elements emit sine waves between 20 and 800 Hz. These waves are varied in frequency, amplitude and rhythm to create in the subject the sensation of massage moving through different parts of the body even though the signal emitter may be a point source.
US07981059B2	Driving force calculating device, driving force calculating method, power assisting device, program, and computer-readable storage medium In one embodiment of the present invention, a driving force calculating device calculates a driving force so that a desired load is applied on a muscle while a power assisting device assists and/or resists a predetermined motion. A driving force calculating section of a driving force calculating device calculates a driving force of each driving section according to a joint torque table on joint torque necessary for a rotational motion and an assigned muscle force table on an assigned muscle force input to a muscle force input section. For the calculation is used a muscle/artificial muscle integrated model data integrally including musculoskeletal model data on a musculoskeletal model of a human and artificial muscle model data on an artificial muscle model of the power assisting device. The driving force is calculated through optimization using Crowninshield performance function under constraint conditions of the joint torque and the assigned muscle force.
US07981053B2	Specimen collection device The present disclosure provides a novel, disposable urine collection vessel securing device that can be used in combination with any standard urine containment vessel and configured to provide an inexpensive, sanitary, convenient device for the collection of urine from a subject. Also provided is a method of use and can be included as one of the items in a sample collection kit.
US07981047B2	EEG feedback controlled sound therapy for tinnitus An automated method for treating tinnitus by habituation through use of neurological feedback, comprising the steps of connecting a subject through a set of attached headphones to an electronic sound player that is connected to a PC workstation presenting sound examples by software to the subject who can refine them by manipulating a series of controllers on the player, making an electronic recording of the sound in a digital music format, storing the recording in the computer, transferring a copy of the electronic sound file to the subject's electronic music player, generating an EEC signature of the subject's brain activity in response to the presented sound, sound using the customized sound to stimulate the auditory system while the brain activity is recorded, wherein the computer continuously monitors for the feedback signatures and drives the sound stimuli appropriately.
US07981046B2	Temperature measurement device A device for non-invasive measurement of the internal temperature of a physical body or thermal resistivity, the body comprising a thermally conductive medium between an internal region with a substantially constant internal temperature and an external surface with a surface temperature. The device comprises: a patch comprising one or more contact components for attachment to the external surface and an insulating cover for substantially thermally insulating the contact component from ambient thermal conditions; a reader for acquiring one or more thermal magnitudes on the patch; a processing unit for processing the thermal magnitudes to derive the internal temperature of the internal region or the thermal resistivity of the conductive medium.
US07981045B2	Apparatus, method and computer program product for determining respiratory condition An apparatus for determining a respiratory condition includes a breath sound measuring unit 111 measuring a breath sound passing through a subject's airway by a breathing; a frequency converting unit 132 converting a frequency on the breath sound to obtain a frequency spectrum; a respiratory synchronous component extracting unit 134 extracting a respiratory synchronous component, which varies depending on the breathing, from the frequency spectrum; a frequency distribution detecting unit 136 detecting a frequency distribution of the respiratory synchronous component; and a respiratory condition determining unit 138 determining a subject's respiratory condition based on the frequency distribution. According to the apparatus, various symptoms, such as airway occlusion, respiratory obstruction and the like in relation to breathing during sleep can be determined.
US07981042B2	Use of external respiratory therapy device to detect cardiac electrical activity Methods and systems provide an integrated approach to respiratory and cardiac monitoring, diagnosis and/or therapy. A medical system includes one or more cardiac electrodes coupled to an external respiratory therapy device. The cardiac electrodes sense cardiac electrical activity that is used to generate an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Cardiac events, such as arrhythmia, myocardial infarction and/or ischemia, may be detected based on the sensed cardiac electrical activity.
US07981039B2	Receive circuit for minimizing channels in ultrasound imaging Receive circuits and associated methods are provided for ultrasound imaging. Both subarray mixing and time division multiplexing are provided with a same circuit. Components of the receive circuit respond to either phasing or time slot information to implement subarray mixing or time division multiplexing. A network of switches allows combination of signals from different elements to form different sub-apertures. A controller minimizes power consumption while outputting the desired phase or time division multiplexed information by gating a clock to various registers. Each of the registers corresponds to different groups of transducer elements. For loading new phasing information, the clock is turned on to the desired register. Duration operation of the receive circuit, the clock is gated off. The register outputs the previously loaded values in a static state without clocking. Preamplification for either of time division or subarray mixed signals is provided using a variable gain amplifier with a common mode feedback. The common mode feedback provides for a constant operating point despite changes in the desired amount of gain.
US07981034B2	Smart messages and alerts for an infusion delivery and management system Method and system for providing diabetes management is provided.
US07981031B2	Surgical access devices and methods of minimally invasive surgery A surgical access device includes a proximal frame of fixed construction and a plurality of tissue engaging blades connected to the frame. The plurality of tissue engaging blades may include a first blade that is rotatable, independent of other blades, about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to a plane defined by the proximal frame.
US07981022B2	Medical slings A sling in accordance with the invention includes a synthetic material and a non-synthetic material positioned adjacent thereto. The non-synthetic material may be wrapped around or may be attached to the synthetic material. Additionally, the non-synthetic material may include slits. Methods for making such slings are also described.
US07981020B2	Transventricular implant tools and devices A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.
US07981017B2	Materials for and method for manufacturing retail container and resulting retail container In accordance with the invention, a method of manufacturing containers such as shipping, display and display ready packaging, for example, and resulting containers and associated preassemblies and blanks are provided, which, when utilized, result in preassemblies that are more easily and quickly assembled into fully assembled containers including a plurality of stacking shoulder provided at opposing ends of the containers.
US07981016B1	Core strengthening device and method for strengthening using the same The core strengthening device includes a base having a first base section and a second base section. Each of the first and second base sections includes a connection mechanism with which to connect together to form a unitary device. The connection mechanism is detachable to separate the first and second base sections to form a two-part device. The device further includes a handle connected to a top surface of each of the first and second base sections. The device further includes two or more load-bearing rolling devices such as ball transfers or casters connected to a bottom surface of each of the first and second base sections to enable smooth movement over a surface by a user via the handles of the first and second base sections, either as the unitary device or independently as the two-part device.
US07981015B2	Apparatus and method of manufacture for an anatomical stretching device Apparatuses, methods, and systems for increasing flexibility and/or stretching the muscles of a user generally comprise a user support set atop an enclosure. The enclosure houses mechanisms to actuate a cable system, wherein the mechanisms at least one of feed and retract a cable of the cable system. The apparatuses, methods, and systems also comprise footholds proximate to the user support to support at least the feet from a user, wherein the cable system actuates between the footholds, and wherein the footholds actuate in at least a lateral motion to further accentuate increasing flexibility and/or stretching the muscles. The apparatuses, methods, and systems also comprise a control handle coupled to the cable system for the user to grasp, wherein the cable system actuates to either one of increase and release a tension to the grasped control handle, and wherein the control handle comprises at least one control to regulate the either one of increase and release the tension.
US07981013B2	Kettlebell apparatus An adjustable weight kettlebell includes a weight lifting member that rests on top of a vertical stack of weights. A weight selector is rotatable into and out of underlying engagement of the weight plates to secure a desired amount of mass to the weight lifting member.
US07981012B1	Exercise weight selection methods and apparatus A weight lifting member is configured to accommodate a plurality of weights. A selector rod is movably mounted on the weight lifting member for rotation about an axis to selective engage and disengage a first subset of the weights, and for movement axially to selectively engage and disengage a second subset of the weights. A latch must be moved in order to release the selector rod for movement relative to the weight lifting member.
US07981008B1	Stilt system An industrial stilt generally includes a floor-engaging member having a heel portion and a toe portion, a load-bearing riser pivotally coupled with the heel portion of the floor-engaging member, a biasing assembly pivotally coupled with and between the toe portion of the floor-engaging member and the load-bearing riser, a foot-engaging member, a leg support assembly, and a leg cuff assembly. The biasing assembly assists in preventing excessive forward or backward leans and maintains the load-bearing riser and the user in a substantially vertical, upright position. The position of the leg cuff assembly on the user's leg and the user's elevation may be easily and safely adjusted using bracket and load-bearing riser adjustment and locking assemblies. Foot-engaging member is provided with multiple securing straps and ratchet buckle assemblies to permit secure and adjustable attachment of the stilt to the user's foot, and leg cuff assembly is provided with a strap, ratchet assembly, and cuff pad to enhance adjustment and user comfort.
US07981007B1	Cyclical skating motion exercise machine A cyclical skating motion exercise machine has a base frame assembly. A first pedal arm mounted on a first pedal axle, wherein the first pedal axle is substantially vertical. A first link assembly mounted to the first pedal arm at a first pedal joint. The first pedal joint provides motion between the first link assembly and the first pedal arm. A first pedal mounted to the first pedal arm for supporting a user's foot. A second pedal arm is mounted on a second pedal axle, wherein the second pedal axle is substantially vertical. A crank assembly has a first link assembly is mounted to the crank assembly, and the crank assembly has rotational inertia is substantially orthogonally to the first pedal axle.
US07981003B1	Rear brace articulating stilt The present invention combines an articulated stilt with a rear-mounted leg support or brace behind the leg of the user. The articulating stilt has a foot operative to contact a surface to be traversed, a boot rest operative to support a human foot thereon extending in a longitudinal direction between a heel region and toe region and thereby defining a longitudinal axis, and at least two risers extending between the foot and boot rest coupled thereto through pivotal joints. The rear leg brace has an upper leg binding, and an extension coupling the upper leg binding to articulating stilt. According to further manifestations, the rear leg brace may be fixed or pivotal relative to the risers, and when pivotal, may be adjusted to user preferred angular orientations. The use of a rear-mounted brace eliminates undesirable torque during movement, enabling a more anatomically and bio-mechanically correct movement. This bio-mechanically correct movement results in less stress on muscles and joints and in turn allows a user to work more comfortably for extended periods of time.
US07981002B2	Interval fitness training A computer-implemented method and/or computer program product for developing a physical fitness regimen, including establishing individualized physical fitness parameters based upon individualized information; obtaining physical fitness data from one or more computer database sources; developing a physical fitness regimen based upon the individualized information and the physical fitness data.
US07981001B2	Total body exercise methods and apparatus An exercise apparatus includes a frame, an arm supporting member, and a leg supporting member. A sensor is connected to at least one of the arm supporting member and the leg supporting member, and/or a resilient member is interconnected between the arm supporting member and either the leg supporting member or the frame. The sensor communicates with a user display and/or a resistance device to indicate the amounts of work performed by the arm supporting member and the leg supporting member, and/or to adjust resistance to movement of the leg supporting member as a function of user force applied against the arm supporting member. The resilient member encourages synchronization of the arm supporting member and the leg supporting member, while allowing some relative movement therebetween. A user interface displays data associated with exercise activity, including relative amounts of work performed by a user's arms and legs and/or performed during different phases of exercise, including discrete aerobic and anaerobic phases. The interface display and the level of resistance are preferably changed as part of the transition between phases.
US07980998B2	Training and instructing support device A personal device is provided for measuring a training activity of a trainee having a body part which moves during this training activity, this movement at least partially defining said training activity. The device comprises a sensing unit adapted to repeatedly measure, during the training activity, parameters associated with the movement of the body part, and wherein the sensing unit comprising at least accelerometer means, a compass and, optimally, gyroscope means. The device further comprises means for attaching the sensing unit to the body part and a processor adapted to receive from the sensing unit the parameters and to calculate based thereon, data indicative of the training activity. In addition, there are provided a system for use by an instructor in instructing of a plurality of participants engaged in an activity, a communication system for communicating with one or more swimmers, the system comprising a transmitting module adapted to communicate in accordance with a wireless communication protocol with at least one receiving module associated with at least one swimmer, and a method for automated training one or more swimmers accordingly.
US07980996B2	Method and apparatus for remote interactive exercise and health equipment An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium including a telephone line that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system. A method for controlling an exercise apparatus includes running a modifiable script on a local computer to control the use and to monitor the operation of an exercise apparatus, and communicating with a remote system to provide the remote system with data concerning the use of the exercise apparatus. The script is stored in read/write memory of the local computer and remote system data received from the remote system may include at least a portion of a new script to be stored in the read/write memory of the local computer.
US07980992B2	Multi function torque converter with turbine engine idle disconnect and method of controlling a multi function torque converter for engine idle disconnect A torque converter including a damper assembly connected to a hub for the torque converter; a turbine clutch connected to a turbine and the damper assembly; and a torque converter clutch connected to a cover for the torque converter and the damper assembly. In an idle mode, the turbine clutch and the torque converter clutch are disengaged and the torque converter cover is rotationally disconnected from the hub. In a torque converter mode, the turbine clutch is engaged, the torque converter clutch is disengaged, and the turbine clutch rotationally locks the turbine and the damper assembly. In a lock-up mode, the torque converter clutch is engaged and the torque converter clutch rotationally connects the torque converter cover and the damper assembly.
US07980987B2	Eight speed automatic transmission An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets and five torque transmitting devices. Three of the planetary gear sets are simple and one planetary gear set is compound. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members: a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably disposed thereon. Three of the torque transmitting devices are clutches and two of the devices are brakes. Eight embodiments of the transmission having different arrangements of the planetary gear sets, clutches and brakes are disclosed.
US07980977B2	Power transmission apparatus A power transmission apparatus includes a pulley 1 having a belt attached thereto to transmit the rotating drive force, a hub 2 which connects the pulley to a rotating shaft of a driven device, a bearing 7 which rotatably supports the pulley, and a sleeve ring 5 which is fitted and secured to the pulley and attaches the bearing to the pulley to prevent it relatively moving. The sleeve ring is provided, on its first end opposite to the driven device, with a bent portion 5b against which the bearing abuts to restrict further movement of the bearing. An annular retainer 6 is provided on the portion of the bearing adjacent to the drive device. The bearing is secured to the sleeve ring through the annular retainer by calking a second end 5a of the sleeve ring opposite to the first end. The sleeve ring is provided with a projection 5f which projects in the axial direction from the rear surface of the pulley and a casing 9 is provided with an annular groove 9c which at least partly receives therein the projection.
US07980976B2	Timing belt tensioner A tensioner for tensioning a flexible drive means, such as a timing belt or chain, includes a pulley to contact the belt. The pulley is mounted on a tensioner arm and the tensioner arm can be rotated about a pivot shaft mounted to the tensioner by a spring. The axis about which the pulley rotates is spaced from the axis of the rotation of the tensioner arm with respect to the pivot shaft and the spacing of these axes of rotation results in the pulley moving through an eccentric towards or away from the belt when the tensioner arm is rotated. A stop is used to limit the range of movement of the tensioner arm between a desired range of movement defined by a free arm stop and a backstop. The position of the stop is adjustable by an installer. The angular range of movement of the tensioner arm is adjustable from a position suitable for installation of the tensioner to a position suitable for operation of the installed tensioner. In one embodiment, the movement of the stop from the installation position to the nominal operating position also compensates the spring.
US07980975B2	Drive configuration and method thereof A drive configuration for driving one or more rotating sprockets (e.g., of an engine drive train), including a flexible force transmitting member forming a closed curve enclosing an area; a drive sprocket situated outside the area and driving the force transmitting member; first and second pulleys situated at least partially within the area and on opposing sides of the drive sprocket so as to urge the force transmitting member against the drive sprocket; and one or more driven sprockets each coupled to the force transmitting member. The drive configuration may include a cartridge including a base, one or more secondary pulleys being situated on opposing sides of the first pulley such that a timing belt is urged into contact with a drive sprocket and each of the pulleys. Accordingly, a timing belt may be rapidly installed or removed by inserting or removing the cartridge according to the present invention.
US07980973B1	Coaxial electrical actuator for continuously variable transmissions An electrically actuated continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an electric motor coaxially mounted on one of the pulleys of the CVT and having its rotor and stator both rotating with the pulley. One of two portions of the pulley is fixed-mounted on an engine shaft or other power source shaft, and the second is relatively axially movable with respect to the first. The rotor is rotatably fixed to the second pulley portion in certain embodiments, and is rotatably connected to it in other embodiments.
US07980972B1	Roller variator for actuating continuously variable transmissions A continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a roller variator as an actuator for adjusting the speed ratio of the CVT. The CVT is of the variable-diameter pulley type and has first and second variable-diameter pulleys mechanically linked by a drive belt or other flexible drive member, the pulleys each having first and second relatively axially movable pulley portions. A roller variator is operatively connected to the first pulley, preferably the drive pulley, for control of its effective diameter. The roller variator has first and second disks mounted on the axis of the first pulley, a roller interconnecting the disks, and a roller support adapted to tilt the spin axis of the roller so as to change its points of contact with the disks and thereby change the speed ratio of the variator. The first disk is rotatably fixed with respect to the first pulley portion of the first pulley, for example, the pulley portion fixed to an engine shaft. In certain embodiments, the second disk directly drives the second pulley portion relative to the first, and, in other embodiments, the second disk drives the second pulley portion through a threaded connection, for example, one having directly engaging male and female threaded parts, or a ball screw.
US07980971B2	Self-propelled football with internally ducted fan and electric motor Disclosed is a self-propelled football with an internally ducted fan and electric motor. An exemplary embodiment has an oblate spheroidal body. The body has a front section, a center section, a back section, and a longitudinal axis. The ducted fan is located within the body substantially within the center section and substantially along the longitudinal axis. The electric motor is located within the body and mechanically coupled to the ducted fan. At least one electrical power source is located within the body and electrically coupled to the electric motor. At least one air-inlet is located within the front section of the body in airflow communication with the ducted fan. At least one air-outlet is located within the back section of the body in airflow communication with the ducted fan. A means for automatic activation and deactivation of the electrical motor is located within the body.
US07980970B2	Bat for baseball or softball A bat for baseball or softball of the present invention includes a first tube having an impact part, a step part and a stopper part, a cylindrical second tube, a fixing component being inserted between the first tube and second tube, the step part having an exterior diameter larger than that of the impact part and smaller than an interior diameter of the second tube, the stopper part having an exterior diameter larger than that of the step part and larger than the interior diameter of the second tube, the second tube is arranged on an exterior periphery of the impact part, one end of the second tube is fixed between the stopper part and the step part by an adhesive and the other end is fixed by an adhesive on the fixing component, and a crevice is formed between the first tube and the second tube.
US07980969B1	Malleable hockey stick blade A hockey blade having a malleable metal core sandwiched between the lower portions of the front and rear planar striking surfaces fabricated of semi-rigid, but bendable and durable, high strength molded plastic material. The metal core also extends through the molded neck of the blade received within the tubular end of the hockey stick handle. Thus, the blade may be bent along its length to a desired and retained curvature.
US07980968B1	Stringing device of a racket stringing machine A stringing device of a racket stringing machine includes a shell whose internal surrounding surface is defined with a track extending along a straight line; a sliding base accommodated in the track of the shell, with wheels on its opposite sides to roll on the surrounding surface of the track; a stringing head fixed on the sliding base by its bottom end; a transmission mechanism connected to the sliding base to drive the sliding base to slide along the track, concurrently driving the stringing head on the sliding base to move along a straight line.
US07980967B2	Programmable ball throwing apparatus The present invention includes programs, devices and methods for a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject balls to preset, programmed or manually-selected positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention includes a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters.
US07980966B2	Toy for positioning a play implement The present invention discloses a play implement positioning device including an implement support for holding a first play implement in a play position to be struck. The invention also discloses a mechanism for selectively, automatically placing multiple stored play implements onto the implement support after the first implement has been struck and dislodged from the implement support.
US07980964B2	Golf club head with concave insert A hollow golf club head with a concave portion is disclosed and claimed. The club head includes a metallic portion and a light weight portion, which may be formed of plastic, composite, or the like. The concave portion allows the club designer to make a club head having very thin portions while still maintaining the requisite structural integrity. Convex bulges may optionally be provided to house weight inserts to enhance the playing characteristics of the golf club.
US07980963B2	Metal wood club with improved hitting face A hitting face of a golf club head having a location of longest characteristic time shifted away from the geometric center of the hitting face. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. In another embodiment, the hitting face as a central zone that is thicker than the surrounding material. In another embodiment, a dense insert is attached directly or indirectly to a plate-like face insert at or near the geometric center of the insert. In another embodiment, the central zone of the hitting face is reinforced with ribs. In another embodiment, the central zone is elliptical with varying thickness. In this embodiment, the central zone minor axis is thinner than the major axis. The central zone is positioned within the hitting face such that the minor axis is oriented from the low heel region to the high toe region.
US07980958B1	Golf work station A golf work station having a base module with telescoping knee guides and adjustable target knee posts. A rear attachment module having a posture post is removably attached to the base module rear, said posture post being longitudinally extensible and angularly adjustable. A swing attachment module having an adjustable swing plane ring is pivotally and removably attached to the base module and rear attachment modules.
US07980957B2	Periodic three dimensional illusion in color The combination of a truly realistic three dimensional real image in color and a second device to produce a repetitive passage of a solid object through the real image creates the illusion of one solid body passing through another. A simple method of accomplishing this is to mount a clockworks with a pendulum over or under the image and allow a pendulum end to pass periodically through the real image. Other means such as a device running on a circular track could accomplish the same illusory effect. The pendulum end or the device can take various forms as can the real image. In principle the designs are not limited in size. Further, an amusement ride is contemplated by directing a track with a vehicle and a rider in the vehicle at the proper angle toward the real image creating an exciting visual moment passing through the apparently solid object.
US07980954B2	Wagering game system with shared outcome determined by a gaming machine A gaming system for playing a wagering game and a community event includes a first gaming machine and a second gaming machine. The first gaming machine determines a randomly selected community-event outcome for the community event, and sends information related to the outcome to at least one other gaming machine of the plurality of gaming machines. The second gaming machine receives the information from the first gaming machine and plays the community event.
US07980945B2	Hierarchical five-wheel gaming methods and gaming machines implementing the same The disclosed embodiments of the present Hierarchical-Five Wheel model of gaming include systems in which every wager made on an electronic game of chance may trigger two games: 1) standard play on the machine's primary display and 2) the display of one or more numbers or symbols on the machine's secondary display. The numbers and/or symbols on each machine's secondary display may combine with the numbers or symbols on other player's secondary displays to create a shared game in which certain predetermined symbol combinations equate to jackpots awarded to participating players. Banks of Hierarchical-Five Wheel machines may have two levels of play, as is described above, or may have three, four, five or more levels of game play. Hierarchical Five-Wheel gaming machines are capable of awarding large, life-changing jackpots to players who are not necessarily winners within their primary game, giving the player multiple ways to win. In addition, Hierarchical Five-Wheel gaming machines use large numbers and graphics to symbolize the random jackpot award, a system that gives the player a visual process to root for and elevates the player's enjoyment and excitement level, thus stimulating wagering.
US07980943B2	Multi-player bingo game with game-winning award selection The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a multi-player wagering game, such as a Bingo game, in which at least one of the players may win the occurrence of the wagering game by matching a predetermined game-winning pattern of game indicia on one or more game arrays having unique combinations of game indicia based on matching the game indicia on the game arrays to game indicia randomly selected for the occurrence of the wagering game. Once a player matches a game-winning pattern to win the occurrence of the wagering game, the gaming unit may display a plurality of selection symbols, at least one of which may correspond to a game-winning award or a further game array. In the embodiment with the further game array, the indicia on the game array may be compared to the randomly selected game indicia to determine the amount of game-winning award for the player.
US07980942B2	System and method for playing a role-playing game A method and apparatus for playing a variation of keno in which the game player pays to play through any number of methods, reveals whether the player has a winning number of matches by playing a solitaire game, and then receives the appropriate winnings if any. The solitaire game may be played, for example, over the Internet or other network using a computer system. The computer system may be, for instance, a cell phone, a personal computer, a set-top box, kiosk, or other computing system.
US07980941B2	Gaming apparatus and playing method thereof A gaming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets associated with respective numbers in advance; a memory for storing a plurality of control data for controlling the gaming apparatus so as to provide a relatively high weight on a probability that a ball is housed in any of the pockets constituting a single group, the single group belonging to a plurality of groups each of which consists of a first predetermined-number of the plurality of pockets, and the plurality of control data associated with each of the groups; a plurality of stations for players to play games; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the following processings of: (a) controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launching of the ball by referring to a single control data out of the plurality of control data, and (b) selecting another control data different from the single control data, out of the plurality of control data, to set the selected control data as a reference target, when a bet is placed on any of the pockets belonging to a group having the relatively high ball-housing probability at a second predetermined number or more of the stations among the plurality of stations.
US07980940B2	Gaming apparatus and playing method thereof A gaming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets associated with respective numbers in advance; a memory for storing a plurality of control data for controlling the gaming apparatus so as to provide different weights on probabilities that a ball is housed in each of the pockets; and a controller, the controller controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launching of the ball by referring to a single control data out of the control data, and selecting another control data different from the single control data, out of the plurality of control data, to set the selected control data as a reference target, when said ball is housed in a predetermined pocket belonging to a single group controlled so as to have a relatively high housing probability by said single control data.
US07980939B2	Gaming apparatus and playing method thereof A gaming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets associated with respective numbers in advance; a memory for storing a plurality of control data for controlling the gaming apparatus so as to provide different weights on probabilities that a ball is housed in each of the pockets; and a controller, the controller controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launching of the ball by referring to a single control data out of the control data, determining a number corresponding to one of the pockets with the ball housed therein as a winning number, determining whether or not to offer a prize based on the determined winning number and a BET placed by a player, determining whether or not to generate a predetermined bonus different from the prize, and selecting another control data different from the single control data, out of the plurality of control data, and setting the selected control data as a reference target, when determining that the predetermined bonus different from the prize is to be generated.
US07980933B2	Method of and apparatus for playing a card game The invention provides an electronic video game apparatus which includes a display for displaying a video depiction of a first card game on the display. Each card in the first card game has a card suit, a card value and a card color. At least one of these cards has an additional symbol which depicts at least one outcome of an independent game of chance (e.g. roulette, craps, slot machine, etc.), and a wagering mechanism enabling a wager to be placed on an outcome which is dependent on at least the additional symbol.
US07980931B1	Social networking methods using color pair personality profiles Methods are implemented in a computer system with one or more processors configured to execute one or more computer program modules in which one or more computer program modules configured to communicate with electronic storage media that stores a set of at least six colors and questions having multiple answers, one of which is a predicted answer, individual questions and their predicted answers being based at least in part on unique color pair personality profiles determined from a color pair and its selection ordering, wherein the set of colors is displayed to a first user and a set of color selections is received from the first user which establish three color pairs (the first being a most liked and second most liked color pair, the second being a third and a fourth most liked color pair, the third being the most liked and the least liked color pair), receiving an answering player's selection of a chosen answer to each question and displaying an answering player's score, wherein the questions asked include at least one question based at least in part on each of the first and second color pairs, and the answering player's score is calculated based upon a comparison of each answer to the predicted answer and awarding a point total based upon a preselected criterion, and then calculating a total score for the answering player and a fortune is provided based upon a color pair personality profile.
US07980929B2	Instrument panel vent An instrument panel is provided for use in a vehicle interior. The instrument panel includes an outer surface, a vent and a step. The vent is arranged along the outer surface to direct forced air toward a specific area of a window in the vehicle. The step is formed along the outer surface of the instrument panel to promote formation of a turbulent buffer that reduces adhesion between air exiting the vent and the outer surface.
US07980926B2	Device and method for the automated processing of meat The invention relates to a device and a method for the automated processing of meat. Known devices comprise a transport element, a cutting element, a bearing layer for the cutting element, and at least one control and/or regulating device that is actively connected to the cutting element. According to known devices and methods, the meat is displaced onto or towards the bearing layer, before being cut and/or trimmed. Often, this leads to an accumulation of meat, interrupting the processing operation. The inventive threading element reliably ensures that the meat is lifted up before reaching the bearing layer and is guided onto the same.
US07980924B2	Cover device for a power tool A cover device for a power tool with at least one disc-shaped working tool (6), includes first and second cover parts (12, 22) and a locking mechanism (41) for releasably pivotally positioning the second cover part (22) relative to the first cover part (12) and having a locking element (46) provided on one of the first and second cover parts (12, 22) and engageable with a counter-locking element (23) provided on another of the first and second cover parts (12, 22), and an actuation member (42) pivotally supported at a pivot point (45) on the one of the first and second cover parts (12, 22) and having an actuation section (43) and a locking section (44) extending at an angle from the actuation section (43), with the locking element (46) being provided at a free end of the locking section (44).
US07980923B2	Powder blast tool, powder reservoir, insert for powder reservoir and method of dental treatment A powder blast tool for mixing a powder with a pressurised gas, having at least one powder reservoir, with supply lines for the pressurised gas, and a discharge line, which is connected to a discharge nozzle, at which a powder-gas mixture and optionally pressurised water are discharged, wherein the powder blast tool can preferably be connected to plural powder reservoirs simultaneously and exchangeably, wherein at least one receiving region with at least one mixture terminal and at least one gas terminal is disposed on the powder blast tool and wherein the powder reservoir has a coupling region for exchangeable connection of the powder reservoir to the powder blast tool. Also disclosed are a suitable powder reservoir and an insert for such powder reservoirs and a corresponding method of dental treatment.
US07980919B2	Blasting device for premixed abrasive slurry jet The present invention relates to a blasting device for premixed abrasive slurry jet. The device comprise a cylinder, in which defines a hydraulic oil side and a slurry side separated from each other hermetically, and the hydraulic oil side and the slurry side have ports for oil or slurry entry in and out respectively; hydraulic medium feeding system which is connected to the port of the cylinder for oil entry in and out through oil pipe; slurry jet system which is connected to the port of the cylinder for slurry entry in and out through slurry pipe; said cylinder has a sealed bladder to separate the hydraulic oil side and the slurry side. Friction between bladder and body become very little, as the slurry is ejected from the nozzle by utilizing the transformation of the bladder. So service life of the blasting device becomes longer. Furthermore, if the bladder mangles due to wear for use a long time, bladder can be renewed only. It is not necessary to renew the whole cylinder. So the cost of production cuts down.
US07980916B2	Wall racer toy vehicles A motorized toy vehicle or Wall Racer that is capable of operating on vertical and inverted horizontal surfaces such as walls and ceilings, while being manufacturable at reasonable cost and operable on batteries having sufficient lifetime as to be enjoyable. One or more battery-powered fans draw air from around all or defined portions of the periphery of the chassis of the Wall Racer through a carefully-shaped duct, so that the air in the portion of the duct immediately adjacent the surface flows at high velocity and low pressure; the relatively greater pressure of the surrounding air urges the vehicle against the surface, allowing it to operate on vertical surfaces, such as walls, or inverted on horizontal surfaces, such as ceilings.
US07980913B1	Electronic interactive play city A an interactive play city is disclosed. The play city can act as an educational play or be played as a game. In either case, the play city is formed of connectable members used to form streets and building foundations. Buildings are then connectable to the certain connectable members to form the city. A control unit (e.g., processor) controls city activities including stop lights and building lights, emergency alarms, fires with smoke, day and night, city sound effects, storm sounds, etc. The control unit may control the city activities wirelessly or in a wired configuration and may be housed in one of the city buildings or may be remotely located. Card readers on certain buildings (e.g., bank) provide a mechanism for players to purchase goods and services within the city. The play city provides a realistic forum for children to become associated with everyday life and its ups and downs. A play city game further provides valuable lessons for the players.
US07980909B2	Display device A display device based on e.g. oil layer break up or oil layer displacement having at least two different states, having a wall (13) height which is insignificant compared to the pixel width and also to the typical curvature of the oil interface at the tip of the dosing needle (15), the pixels are dosed without inserting the needle into the pixels. As the dosing needle no longer has to enter the pixel, pixels can be dosed with oil (5) from a relatively large injection needle.
US07980906B2	Personal watercraft A personal watercraft comprises an engine which is mounted in a body of the watercraft and is equipped with an open-loop water cooling system; a coolant passage in which water for cooling the engine flows; a water flow generator configured to operate in association with the engine to generate a water flow in the coolant passage; and a valve unit configured to restrict a flow of the water in the coolant passage.
US07980902B2	Electrical terminal block and method of fixture An electrical terminal block whose base has four or more lugs projecting downwardly from a generally flat under-surface for locking the block against a fixed support having edges which are co-planar, in a plane parallel to the block's undersurface; at least two of the lugs being formed with opposed channels, each open at one side for receiving and laterally abutting against one of two corresponding oppositely-extending edges of the fixed support so as to lock the block against the support, at least two others of the lugs being stops for laterally abutting corresponding edges of the fixed support; whereby the block may be fixed to the support by resting its undersurface against the block and twisting it in the plane of the undersurface until all the lugs are in abutment against the corresponding edges.
US07980901B2	Communications connector with improved contacts A communication jack is provided with plug interface contacts that have a short conductive signal pathway between a plug-jack interface and crosstalk compensation provided on a printed circuit board within the jack. Contacts of the jack are specially designed not to take a permanent set if a six-position plug or an eight-position plug is inserted into an eight-position jack. A printed circuit board in the jack is placed at an angle, shortening the conductive pathway between plug contacts and the printed circuit board.
US07980897B2	Asymmetric electronic parts Provided is a material capable of forming a molded product which has good mechanical properties with low warpage while being excellent in any of the performance including heat resistance and flowability, even if the molded product is an asymmetric electronic parts. Specifically, the asymmetric electronic parts is prepared by molding a liquid crystalline polymer composition comprising (A) a fibrous filler having an average fiber diameter within the range of 5 to 30 μm, having a weight average fiber length within the range of 250 to 350 μm, excluding 10 μm or shorter fiber length, and having a content of a fibrous filler being 700 μm or longer within the range of 5% by weight or less; and (B) a plate-like filler having an average particle size within the range of 0.5 to 200 μm, the total filling amount of (A) and (B) components in the composition being within the range of 40 to 60% by weight, the weight ratio of (A) component being within the range of 10 to 20% by weight, the weight ratio of (B) component being within the range of 30 to 40% by weight, the molded product having no symmetry in any of the axial plane XY, the axial plane YZ, and the axial plane XZ of the molded product.
US07980895B2	Electrical connector and manufacturing method thereof A method for manufacturing an electrical contact module is provided. First, a lead-frame of electrical conductors is formed, wherein at least one supporting strip is formed in the lead-frame of electrical conductors in such a way as to maintain the electrical conductors in a predetermined position with respect to each other. Then, the lead-frame of electrical conductors is over-molded with a first dielectric material, thereby obtaining a first over-molded lead-frame. At least one aperture is formed in the first over-molded lead-frame so that the at least one supporting strip is accessible. The at least one supporting strip in the first over-molded lead-frame is removed after completion of the over-molding step. A second dielectric material is then over-molded with the first over-molded lead-frame in such manner as to fill the at least one aperture and a space left between the electrical conductors after removal of the at least one supporting strip.
US07980894B1	Coaxial connector with a cable receptor with an outer contact A coaxial cable connector is provided. The connector includes a housing and a subassembly. The subassembly includes a cable receptor including a receptor portion configured to receive a cable, and an outer contact formed integrally with and extending axially from the receptor portion. The outer contact configured to electrically couple to an outer conductor of the cable. A dielectric is positioned within the outer contact of the cable receptor. A center contact assembly is positioned within the dielectric and configured to electrically couple to an inner conductor of the cable. A cable retainer is configured to couple to the receptor portion of the cable receptor. The cable retainer has at least one cable retention contact configured to retain the cable.
US07980891B2	Integrated DIN rail attachment feature for optimized constraint An electronics module includes a base including a recess adapted to receive an associated mounting rail such as a DIN rail. At least one rail constraining tab is located adjacent a first side of the recess and is adapted to capture a first flange of the associated mounting rail in the recess. First and second flexible resilient latch arms are located adjacent a second side of the recess. The first and second flexible latch arms include respective first and second locking tabs connected thereto, wherein the first and second locking tabs project into the recess and are located to capture a second flange of the associated mounting rail in the recess when the first and second latch arms are in respective latched positions, and wherein the first and second locking tabs are withdrawn from the recess when the first and second latch arms are in respective unlatched positions.
US07980887B2	Connector A connector includes a first housing, a second housing and a detection member. A lock band portion is elastically deformable and is provided on the first housing. A lock portion is provided on the second housing, and bends the lock band portion to allow the lock band portion to slide over the lock portion when the first and second housings are moved from a first condition to a second condition, the first condition where the first housing is not fitted to the second housing, and the second condition where the first housing is fitted to the second housing, and engages the lock band portion when the first and second housings has been moved to the second position. The detection member is disposed on an upper side of the lock band portion, and is displaced together with the lock band portion in accordance with a deforming movement of the lock band portion. A movement limitation portion is provided on the detection member, and abuts against an abutment limitation portion provided on the first housing while the first and second housings are moved from the first condition to the second condition, so that the detection member is prevented from movement in the attaching direction. When the lock portion engages the lock band portion in the second condition, an abutment of the movement limitation portion against the abutment limitation portion is canceled, so that the detection member is allowed to be moved in the attaching direction.
US07980886B2	Socket device having identification function The invention provides a conducting device having identification function, which includes a device body, a socket part disposed on the device body, a first identification unit and a second identification unit disposed on the device body. Compared with the prior art, the conducting device having identification function of the invention has the first identification unit and the second identification unit. Therefore, it could notice a user that the connecting part provides at least two connecting components having different functions for being identified to be selectively engaged so that the engagement could be more convenient and exacter.
US07980879B2	Connection structure A connection structure includes a first terminal housing with first connecting terminals, a second terminal housing with second connecting terminals, isolating plates in the first terminal housing, a connecting member to collectively fix the first connecting terminals and the second connecting terminals at the contacts therebetween for electrical connections between the first connecting terminals and the second connecting terminals. The connecting member further includes a metallic elastic member disposed between the head and the isolating plate adjacent to the head to sequentially press the isolating plates in a stacking direction. The isolating plate adjacent to the head includes a recessed portion formed in a surface to contact the elastic member for accommodating one end of the elastic member pressing the isolating plate adjacent to the head.
US07980875B2	Aircraft electrical connector with differential engagement and operational retention forces An aircraft electrical connector is provided with features to allow facile engagement with an aircraft and strong retention forces. The aircraft electrical system may include the aircraft electrical connector having a unique biasing mechanism and modular construction, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to place differential forces onto mating electrical connectors from an aircraft. The biasing mechanism may be operatively coupled to a handle or trigger, which may be easily engageable by an operator. In one embodiment, an electrical connector may include a cam plate disposed between electrical connectors. The cam plate is configured to place differential forces on mating connectors inserted into the electrical connectors. In another embodiment, an electrical connector includes a moveable shaft that is disposed between electrical connectors. The shaft is configured to bias the position of the electrical connectors to place differential engagement and retention forces on mating connectors inserted into the electrical connectors.
US07980873B2	Electrical connector for insulated conductive wires encapsulated in protective tubing A connector for electrically and mechanically connecting insulated conductor wires encapsulated in protective tubing. Embodiments of the connector provide a protective outer sheathing that circumscribes the conductive and insulating structures within the connector. The connector is formed with a plurality of tubular fitting assemblies for securely attaching the connector to down hole electrical power cables. The connector is also formed with an internal insulating boot having an internal passage adapted to surround the conductive elements of the connector to provide a reliable down hole electrical connector.
US07980868B2	Flash memory device with slidable contact module A flash memory device includes a circuit board and a contact module slidable with respect to the circuit board. The circuit board includes a plurality of first contacts each having a stiff first contact portion. The contact module includes a slider and a plurality of second contacts fixed to the slider. The slider is slidable with respect to the circuit board along a front-to-rear direction between a first position and a second position. The flash memory device is compatible to USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 receptacle connectors via the slidable contact module.
US07980865B2	Substrate with raised edge pads A separable electrical connection may be provided with a landside pad on one of two electrical components to be joined. The landside pad may be made up of two parts, including a flat portion and a raised edge formed on the flat portion. In some embodiments, the raised edge may have a closed geometric shape. Then, a socket contact engaging the junction between the flat portion and the raised edge is prevented from sliding off of the landside pad by the raised edge. In addition, dual areas of electrical connection can be established between both the flat portion and raised edge of the landside pad and the correspondingly shaped pair of portions on the socket. This increases the electrical efficiency of the connection and its security.
US07980863B1	Printed circuit board flexible interconnect design In some embodiments, a circuit board interconnect may include one or more of the following features: (a) a first circuit board having a plated through hole within a metal pad on the circuit board, the through hole providing a passage for solder to connect the first circuit board to a second circuit board, (b) a second circuit board having a metal pad able to couple to the first circuit board in an overlapping fashion when solder is passed through the plated through hole, and (c) a non-conductive solder repelling material on a surface of one circuit board.
US07980862B2	Miniature electrical socket assembly with self-capturing multiple-contact-point coupling A socket assembly formed of hollow tubes for connecting an array of terminals off opposing electronic structures with both axial and lateral resilience, wherein the resilience is achieved through angular cuts in the tubes.
US07980861B2	Printed circuit board unit and socket A second electrically-conductive terminal, having flexibility, contact with a first electrically-conductive terminal. A second substrate has first and second surfaces. The second surface supports the second electrically-conductive terminal. A third electrically-conductive terminal, having flexibility, is located on the first surface of the second substrate. The third electrically-conductive terminal is connected to the second electrically-conductive terminal. A fourth electrically-conductive terminal contacts with the third electrically-conductive terminal. A third substrate has a surface supporting the fourth electrically-conductive terminal. A frame is interposed between the first substrate and the third substrate. The frame supports the outer periphery of the second substrate. The frame allows relative movement of the second substrate in the direction perpendicular to the first surface of the second substrate.
US07980859B2	Floating connector holder A connector holder has a U-shaped frame and supports an internal connector-receiving part within the U-shaped frame. Guide pieces are provided that grip the ends of a connector and the cable to which the connector is attached. The connector-receiving part thereby floats inside of the U-shaped frame so as to be positioned accurately for mounting to an opposing connector.
US07980858B2	Learning environment A learning environment having a plurality of tables and a plurality of technology display devices distributed about the environment for use by occupants of the learning environment, the environment including a central area, the learning environment comprising at least first, second and third technology display devices that include first, second and third substantially flat display surfaces, respectively, for displaying information to occupants in the environment, the first, second and third displays supported in spaced radial relationship about the environment with the flat display surfaces substantially facing the central area, and at least first, second and third elongated tables that have first, second and third elongation axis, respectively, the tables arranged in spaced radial orientations around the environment with the elongation axis substantially extending toward the central area and so that open spaces are formed between adjacent tables for standing occupants, wherein the second and third elongation axis form angles with the second and third display surfaces in the range between seventy-five and ninety degrees.
US07980853B2	Methods for apical preparation using endodontic instruments made of super-elastic alloys The apical third of a root canal is cleaned and/or shaped during a root canal procedure with an endodontic file made from a titanium-based alloy either by reciprocating manual use or by using a reciprocating powered hand piece. The titanium-based endodontic file has super-elastic properties that allow it to be very flexible and strong. The endodontic file is rotated in the apex of a root canal in degrees of rotation less than 120 degrees. By restricting the degree of rotation, excessive cutting by the endodontic file is kept to a minimum. The use of elastic alloys of titanium help prevent ledging or other damage to the root canal wall that may be caused using rigid apical files made of stainless steel.
US07980852B2	Method and impression tray for producing a dental mold The invention relates to a method for producing a dental mold on the basis of a thermoplastic film (4), and to an impression tray (1) for producing such a dental mold (2). The impression tray (1) is charged with a kneadable, malleable material (3) on which the thermoplastic film (4) that can be formed to a dental mold (2) is located. The softening temperature of the thermoplastic film (4) ranges between approximately 40 DEG C and approximately 80 DEG C.
US07980844B2	Injection molding machine and method for determining closure of check ring Torques and resin pressures applied to a screw are detected during the forward movement of the screw and coefficients of correlation between the detected torques and resin pressures are calculated. When the check ring is open, the flight of the screw receives resin pressure, and the screw torque increases proportionally to the resin pressure due to resin backflow, so the coefficients of correlation between the screw torques and the resin pressures are higher than a reference value. When the check ring closes, the flight of the screw no longer receive resin pressure, so the screw torque decreases and the coefficients of correlation become lower than the reference value. The check ring is determined to be closed when the coefficients of correlation become lower than the reference value.
US07980840B2	Mould and method for vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding A mold and method for vacuum assisted resin transfer molding of a fiber reinforced laminated structure are provided. The mold includes a first mold part and a second mold part. The first mold part defines a negative impression of the laminated structure, being structurally stable and forming a support for fiber reinforcement layers of the laminated structure. The second mold part connectable to the first mold part for closing the mold and defines together with the first mold part an enclosed space which can be evacuated. The mold further includes a flow duct for guiding a liquid polymer which is formed as a recess in the first mold part and/or a recess in the second mold part that is open towards the enclosed space and extends along a section of the periphery of the first mold part and/or the second mold part.
US07980834B2	Liquid color injection pressure booster pump and pumping methods A pump for boosting pressure of liquid color for injection into plastic resin in molding or extrusion apparatus includes a housing having a first bore extending in a first direction and second and third bores extending through the housing and communicating with the first bore proximate a first end of the first bore with the first end of the first bore being blind. The pump further includes an inlet check valve connectable to the second bore for permitting liquid flow through the second bore into the first bore. Further included is an outlet check valve connective to the third bore for permitting liquid flow out of the first bore through the third bore. A member is reciprocally axially movable within the first bore. A solenoid applies air pulses to the end of the first member facing oppositely from the blind end of the first bore.
US07980833B1	Motor and pump shaft connecting assembly with lifting jack The present invention relates to a coupling assembly used to connect a rotatable motor shaft to a drive shaft in, for example, a fluid pump. In one embodiment, the coupling assembly of the present invention includes a seal gland that doubles as a jacking gland, thereby facilitating both the raising and/or lowering of a fluid pump's shaft and impeller assembly from the pump's motor. In another embodiment, the coupling assembly of the present invention includes a seal gland having therein one or more connectors that enable the seal gland to be raised and lowered relative the position of the pump's motor. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for replacing the mechanical seal in the casing portion of a fluid pump.
US07980826B2	Strengthening structure for a wind turbine blade, a wind turbine blade, a method for assembling a wind turbine blade and use hereof A strengthening structure for a wind turbine blade includes at least one first reinforcement part adapted to be connected to a first blade part of the wind turbine blade, and at least one second reinforcement part adapted to be connected to a second blade part of the wind turbine blade. The strengthening structure is characterized in that the at least one first reinforcement part and/or the at least one second reinforcement part includes an adjusting mechanism enabling that the first reinforcement part and the second reinforcement part are displaceable in relation to each other, at least during the assembly of the wind turbine blade and wherein the adjusting mechanism includes a force mechanism capable of forcing the first reinforcement part and the second reinforcement part away from each other. A wind turbine blade, a method for assembling a wind turbine blade and a use thereof are also contemplated .
US07980817B2	Gas turbine engine vane A gas turbine engine vane has first and second members. The first member has a first surface section forming a suction side of an airfoil of the vane. The second surface section forms leading and trailing portions of a pressure side of the airfoil. The third surface section forms a recess between the leading and trailing portions. The second member is secured to the first member and has a first surface section forming an intermediate portion of the pressure side a leading protrusion of the second member may be captured by a recess below a lip of the first member.
US07980816B2	Retainer for a turbocharger Disclosed are retainers for a turbocharger. In one embodiment, the retainer includes a generally annular body that defines a bore and one or more channels. The bore is generally directed along a central axis of the body and can be configured to mate with a nose of a center housing of a turbocharger. The channels can be configured to accommodate vanes associated with a cartridge assembly of the turbocharger. One or more legs may extend from the retainer body and may be configured to mate with and locate the retainer relative to a cartridge assembly for the turbocharger. The retainer can also include a concave portion disposed around a perimeter of the body. The concave portion and the body may be together configured to act as a spring when the retainer is mechanically loaded in a direction having a component parallel to the central axis. Also disclosed are corresponding turbochargers.
US07980812B2	Low pressure turbine rotor disk A low pressure turbine rotor disk for a small twin spool gas turbine engine in which the rotor disk includes a forward side cavity large enough to allow for the bearing assembly that rotatably supports the rotor disk to fit within the cavity in order to shorten the axial distance between the bearings that support the inner rotor shaft on which the turbine rotor disk is secured. Minimizing the bearings spacing allows for a high critical speed for the inner rotor shaft and therefore allows for the small twin spool gas turbine engine to operate at this small scale. The turbine rotor disk also includes a plurality of axial aligned cooling air holes to allow for cooling air from the bearings to flow out from the aft end of the rotor disk. The inner surface of the cavity is an annular surface that forms a seal with knife edges extending outward from the bearing support plate also located within the cavity. The rotor disk includes an annular groove facing outward and on the rear side of the disk to allow for a tool to be inserted for removing the rotor disk from the shaft. An axial central opening in the rotor disk allows for insertion of the shaft and is formed with a bearing race abutment surface on the forward side and a nut abutment surface of the aft side used to compress the rotor disk assembly on the inner rotor shaft.
US07980807B2	Load-handling means with rolling-body circulatory guidance A load-handling apparatus having a frame and a load movement component part accommodated on said frame in such a way that it is capable of relative movement, the load movement component part being guided on the frame by a plurality of rolling bodies for the relative movement along a guide axis, the plurality of rolling bodies comprising at least one arrangement of circulating rolling bodies, with a supporting section, in which rolling bodies in the event of a relative movement of the frame and the load movement component part roll along a guide track and a rolling track, and a return section, in which the rolling bodies during the relative movement of the frame and the load movement component part move from an outlet end region of the supporting section towards its inlet end region.
US07980802B2	Pipe handling apparatus with arm stiffening A pipe handling apparatus has a supporting structure, an arm pivotally interconnected to the supporting structure such that the supporting structure and the arm are movable between a first position and a second position within a single degree of freedom, and a stiffener cooperative with the arm when the arm and the supporting structure are in the second position. The stiffener applies a mechanical resistance to the arm in the second position. The second position is at an end of the travel of the supporting structure and the arm. The stiffener applies a variable resistance to the arm as the arm moves from the first position to the second position. This variable resistance is at its greatest when the arm is in the second position.
US07980799B1	Air bag inflator This patent discloses a freight dunnage bag to accommodate discrete units of freight that have been loaded on board a freight carrier for transportation. The freight dunnage bag may include a first layer dividing a freight dunnage bag interior from a freight dunnage bag exterior. An adaptor having a capsule attached between a cap and a valve body may be attached to the first layer so that the first layer may be positioned between the capsule and the cap. A gas cartridge containing compressed gas may be attached to valve body within the freight dunnage bag interior.
US07980797B2	Method and apparatus for restraining cargo items on an aircraft A method and apparatus for restraining cargo items on an aircraft is disclosed. The apparatus may include a base that attaches to the cargo item, a lever coupled to the base, and a foot coupled to the lever, wherein the foot is placed into a seat track attached to the aircraft, the seat track having a cutout portion and a cavity beneath the cutout portion, and the lever is moved to turn the foot within the cavity to lock down the cargo item to the seat track to restrain its movement.
US07980792B2	Cash handling system The invention relates to a system for transporting a sheaf of notes from a storage location to a dispensing outlet. The system comprises a conveyor apparatus, a carrier within which the sheaf is transported through the conveyor apparatus, and an extractor for removing the sheaf from the carrier. The carrier comprises a resiliently biased gripper for gripping the sheaf with a first gripping force. The extractor comprises an extraction gripping device configured to grip the sheaf with a second gripping force, which is greater than the first gripping force.
US07980790B2	Compressible mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall system and method for installation thereof A compressible mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall system and installation thereof is described.
US07980788B2	Construction machine The invention relates to a construction machine comprising a transmission, at least one hydraulic drive and a hydraulic circuit for supplying the hydraulic drive with hydraulic fluid, wherein at least one lubrication line is branched off from the hydraulic circuit, by means of which the transmission can be supplied with hydraulic fluid as a lubricant. The invention is characterized in that a dosing device is provided on the lubrication line, with which the supply of lubricant can be changed depending on an operating condition of the transmission.
US07980785B2	Supporting articles/loads A locking arrangement for selectively preventing displacement of a tubular article/load support structure (2) circumscribing the upstanding elongate support (1) and adapted for lengthways displacement along upstanding elongated support, wherein the tubular support structure (2) incorporates means (13) for releasably locking the tubular support structure against said lengthways displacement in such manner as to be able to maintain the article/load at any required position relative to the elongate support.
US07980781B2	Self locking mast assembly and method of making A mast arrangement having two elongate individual masts. The first elongate individual mast comprises a hollow connector comprising an inner diameter. The second elongate individual mast comprises a protruding connector end. The protruding connector end telescopically engages with the hollow connector end. The mast arrangement also comprises a pin and slot arrangement and collars to connect the masts together and minimize unwanted disengagement of the masts from each other.
US07980776B2	Heated mascara A heated mascara device having a mascara container housing a mascara formulation and a mascara applicator having an applicator head control heated by a heating system, the heating system turning on when the mascara applicator is disengaged from the mascara container and turning off when the mascara applicator is engaged with the mascara container. The applicator head has two sets of lined tooth protruding from a casing of the applicator head, a first set of a single combing toothed strip for combing the eyelashes and a second set of a plurality of lined applicator toothed strips for applying the mascara to the eyelashes.
US07980775B2	Mounting structure for support shaft and image generating apparatus This image generating apparatus includes a side plate, mounted on a first side surface of a chassis provided with a print portion, integrally including a bearing, a bracket member mounted on the side plate and a support shaft arranged between the side plate and the bracket member for rotatably supporting a gear member, while a first end of the support shaft is fixedly mounted on the bracket member, and a second end of the support shaft includes a side end surface brought into line contact with the bearing of the side plate.
US07980773B2	Camera module and imaging apparatus A camera module includes a sensor for converting incident light incident thereto into an electric signal and outputting the electric signal therefrom, a glass cover for transmitting therethrough light to the sensor, the light being the incident light; a flexible printed circuit for receiving as an input thereto the electric signal outputted from the sensor, a lens unit for focusing the incident light onto the sensor, and a pedestal for holding the lens unit, the pedestal including a sidewall section which includes a lower end surface being fixed onto the flexible printed circuit by use of adhesive. A depression is formed along the sidewall section of the mount to discard the adhesive therein.
US07980771B2	Camera carrying device with locking mechanism A device for rotatably mounting a camera on a person comprises first and second connecting means. The first connecting means has a U-shaped slot which is defined by a pocket and a pair of opposed channels which extend from the pocket. The second connecting means has a plate and a truncated cylindrical body mounted on the plate. The plate is slidably received by the U-shaped slot and is rotatable within the U-shaped slot. The truncated cylindrical body is provided with a flat edge. A threaded member extends from one of said first connecting means or said second connecting means. The threaded member is for engaging a threaded female tripod receiver of the camera. The plate of the second connecting means can only be received or released from the U-shaped slot of first connecting means when the flat edge to the truncated cylindrical body of the second connecting means is aligned with one of said opposed channels of the first connecting means.
US07980770B2	Camera manipulation device A camera manipulation device comprising a plate having a top surface, a mounting element for securing a camera to the top surface of the plate, a handle for a user to hold the camera manipulation device and two or more connector elements for connecting the handle to the mounting plate, wherein each of said connector elements comprises at least one of a first and second pivot element.
US07980769B2	Vacuum optical fiber connector and optical fiber terminal structure A vacuum optical fiber connector includes a port flange attached to a vacuum flange for housing a first waveguide connector to which an optical fiber bundle is attached, an optical transparent body placed on the outside of the port flange, and an attachment member formed with a fit shape relative to the port flange for housing a second waveguide connector to which an optical fiber bundle is attached. The first and second waveguide connectors are positioned at least in two directions orthogonal to an optical axis with optical coupling of the first and second waveguide connectors.
US07980768B2	Fiber optic connector holder and method A fiber optic connector holder is sized to fit within an opening for mounting a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector holder is configured to permit a fiber optic connector with a dust cap positioned about a ferrule and a polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule to be inserted within and releasably held by the connector holder. A system for holding fiber optic connectors includes a fiber optic connector holder mounted within an opening in a bulkhead for mounting a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector holder is configured to receive a fiber optic connector with a dust cap mounted about a ferrule and polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule. A optical fiber connector may be held to a bulkhead when the fiber optic connector includes a dust cap mounted about a ferrule and a polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule.
US07980764B2	Through-shaft fluid recirculation for a spindle motor An apparatus and method are described for a fluid dynamic bearing motor as may be utilized in a disc drive memory system. A fluid seal is situated at a first axial end of a bearing, and a grooved pumping seal is situated at a second axial end of the bearing. In an aspect, a fluid recirculation passageway is defined through a shaft and a thrustplate, to recirculate fluid from axially above the grooved pumping seal at the second axial end of the bearing to the first axial end of the bearing. Any air ingested at the grooved pumping seal, or which came out of solution from the fluid, is purged into a fluid reservoir and out the fluid seal. In an aspect, fluid is recirculated from the center of the journal bearing and the bearing pressure grooves to the fluid recirculation passageway and toward an air purging fluid seal.
US07980762B2	Hybrid bearing cylinder A hybrid bearing cylinder having a composite sleeve and a metallic jacket positioned around the composite sleeve and secured thereto. The hybrid bearing cylinder is adapted to be secured to metallic cylinder end caps by threading, welding, swaging or other metal attachment methods.
US07980761B2	Sleeve The present invention relates to a transport sleeve (1) or sack which is formed of a single fiber web or by sewing up or otherwise fastening two or more webs or sheets of fabric or fiber to form a protective cover (2,3,4) which can be wrapped around sheet material (13). The fabric or fiber cover can then be fastened in the form of a bag or sleeve to protect the sheet material. One variant of the present invention therefore relates to a sleeve in the shape of a bag which is either preformed by sewing up or otherwise fastening two or more fabric webs or sheets of synthetic material (2,3,4) together and folding them around a sheet of material (13) to be transported, or is obtained by folding over a single web of material around the sheet material.
US07980760B2	X-ray inspection apparatus and X-ray inspection program An X-ray inspection apparatus detects, by an X-ray line sensor, X-rays irradiated towards a product placed on a conveyor and transmitted therethrough in order to detect the presence of foreign matter contained in the product. The X-ray inspection apparatus includes a determination unit and a calibrating unit. The determination unit is configured to determine, based on detection results by a line sensor obtained at each of prescribed positions of the conveyor, whether each of the prescribed positions of the conveyor is an appropriate position for calibrating the line sensor. The calibrating unit is configured to calibrate the line sensor based on detection results obtained by the line sensor at a position that is determined by the determination unit to be the appropriate position for calibrating the line sensor.
US07980755B2	Method for mixing additive into viscous material A mixing apparatus having a mixing impeller affixed to the end of a mixer shaft which is reciprocably and rotatably or non-rotatably mounted thru mixer seal structure which has surface portions adapted to be brought into sealing engagement with the open filler end of a retail off-the-shelf tube of viscous caulking or sealant compound or the like, wherein the shaft and impeller are adapted to be reciprocated thru the compound and an additive contained in the tube substantially the entire length of the tube to rapidly and intimately mix the compound with colorant or other additive added directly into the retail tube thru its filler (back) end.
US07980754B2	Method for bringing a powder and a liquid component in contact with each other for mixing to form bone cement The present invention relates to a method for bringing a powder and a liquid component, preferably polymer and monomer, in contact with each other for mixing thereof, preferably to form bone cement, wherein the powder component (P) is placed in a mixing container (1) in which the mixing shall occur and the liquid component (M) in a liquid container (18) from which said the liquid component (M) is transferred to the powder component (P) in the mixing container (1). In this method, a vacuum is generated in the mixing container (1) and the liquid container (18) is opened by means of at least one cannula (14) or similar member through which the liquid component (M) can be brought to flow from the liquid container (18) to the mixing container (1). The vacuum is brought to suck the liquid component (M) from the liquid container (18), through the cannula (14) and into the mixing container (1) to the powder component (P) therein, and/or is the liquid component (M) pressed into the mixing container (1) through the cannula (14) while the liquid container (18) is compressed because of the pressure difference between the vacuum in the interior of the liquid container (18) and the air pressure outside the liquid container. The invention also relates to a device for carrying through the method.
US07980747B2	Light emitting diode lighting device The present invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED) lighting device (10). The device comprises a light guide plate (12), a plurality of LEDs (14) for emitting light into the light guide plate, a plurality of out-coupling structures (20) adapted to extract light from the light guide plate, and first and second electrodes (22, 24) connected to the LEDs. The first electrode is arranged at one side (28) of the light guide plate and the second electrode is arranged at the other side (30) of the light guide plate. Such a lighting device may have a reduced thickness.
US07980743B2	LED backlighting for displays A display system including a display panel having a first major surface and a second major surface and a lighting system adapted to provide uniform luminance proximal to the display panel is disclosed. The lighting system includes an illuminating substrate having a first major surface with reflective coating and a second major surface. The illuminating substrate defines an array of mounting holes, each hole occupied by an LED module. An array of light emitting diode (LED) modules are affixed to the illuminating substrate, each module including at least one light emitting diode adapted to emit light. The lighting system can also include a diffusant layer which can be optically coupled to the illuminating substrate by soft optical gel and is placed close to or made to contact the display panel. The optical gel may contain phosphors or other optical substance for added optical performance to the lighting system. The diffusant layer has beveled edges at critical angle of refraction or coated with reflective material to minimize light loss at its edges. Each of the LED modules includes at least one LED chip, conductive traces connected to the LED chip and a heat sink.
US07980742B2	Lighting module for a motor vehicle headlight A lighting module for a motor vehicle headlight for giving a cutoff beam, having an optical axis and comprising at least one light source (S), a reflector (R, Ra, Ra1, Ra2) of the complex surface type, and a cylindrical lens (L, La) with substantially vertical generatrices placed between the two foci (F1, F2) of the arc of an ellipse. The light source consists of at least one light emitting diode disposed so that its light beam has a mean direction (Δ, Δa) substantially orthogonal to the geometric axis of the reflector (R, Ra, Ra1, Ra2), which is situated relative to the plane of the rear face of the light emitting diode, on the emitted beam side, and in calculating its surface area account is taken of the protective lens of the light emitting diode.
US07980734B2	Bulk light diffuser composition The present invention is a bulk light diffuser material based upon a hydrogenated block copolymer, but including a particulate light diffusing component. The material may be in the form of a film, a sheet or a molded article. When present as a sheet having a thickness of 2 millimeters, the sheet has a percent total transmittance of at least 50% and a haze of at least 70%, measured according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D 1003.
US07980727B2	Monolithic tiring condensing arrays and methods thereof A TIRing condensing array includes a plurality of condensing elements with at least one of the condensing elements having a first section and a second section. The first section provides substantially total internal reflection of light entering at a base of the first section. The second section tapers from the first section towards an optical axis extending through the first and second sections. The first and second sections are configured so a half-power angle of the light output from the second section is less than the half-power angle of the light entering the first section. At least one of the condensing elements is optically and mechanically connected to at least one other of the condensing elements at an attachment area between the condensing elements.
US07980720B2	LED dazzler shield A shield produces a “dazzling” effect: disorientation and temporary and fully reversible blindness in subjects for the purpose of threat deterrence. The apparatus is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of intense illumination. Light emitted by each LED is further pulsed and focused by reflective optics to produce a dazzling effect. The shield further provides ballistic protection, chemical or electrical crowd control functionality, safety-glass breaking capability, optically propagated communications and an arm strap to further secure the shield.
US07980716B2	Front sheet and display device using the same A technique for a display device using a display panel with Lambert light distribution, such as a plasma display panel, which displays a bright image with less contrast deterioration. This device has a front sheet which is integrally or separately located in front of the display panel. The front sheet includes light guides which extend in the horizontal direction and have a virtually convex cross section in the vertical direction with their apexes on the light exit side. A light reflection layer and a light-absorbing layer are sequentially stacked on the lateral sides of the light guides.
US07980715B2	Backlight unit and method for manufacturing the same Disclosed are a backlight unit capable of determining a deviated degree of a lamp grip by a guide line formed adjacent to the lamp grip a PCB that connects an electrode thereof with a lamp electrode, and a manufacturing method for the same. The manufacturing method includes preparing a case structure, a plurality of lamps equipped with an electrode at both ends, and fastening units corresponded to the electrodes of the lamps, preparing a PCB constituted by a base substrate and a signal line formed on the base substrate, and defined with positions thereon for forming the fastening units having electric connection parts with respect to the signal line, and positioning the PCB in the case structure, forming a solder layer at the electric connection parts on the PCB by applying a soldering material using a solder mask, and forming a guide pattern at both sides of the fastening unit, connecting the fastening units with the solder layers while using the guide patterns as marks, and connecting the lamps to the fastening units.
US07980713B2	Lighting strip shower cleaner An elongated lighting strip is provided. The lighting strip is positioned inside of a shower or bathtub enclosure in order to both illuminate the enclosure as well as spray or diffuse and aqueous solution onto the enclosure.
US07980705B2	Color wheel having a plurality of segments and projector employing the same A projector includes a light source unit for emitting white light, a color wheel, a display device, a cooling fan, a light source side optical system for guiding light from the light source unit to the display device, a projection side optical system for projecting an image emitted from the display device onto a screen and a projector control unit for controlling the light source and the display device, wherein the color wheel has a plurality of segment areas, and on each segment area, a coating which transmits light of a wavelength band of a complementary color is applied to one side, while a coating which transmits light of a wavelength band of a primary color is applied to part of the other side.
US07980703B2	Projector A projector is provided which includes a distance measuring unit which can accurately measure distances to a plurality of points on a surface of a screen using light rays. The projector of the invention has the distance measuring unit for measuring distances to the plurality of points on the surface of the screen, which includes a plurality of light ray units for irradiating light rays onto the screen and one light receiving element for receiving the light rays which are reflected on the surface of the screen, and a tilt angle calculation unit for calculating a tilt angle of the screen relative to the projector based on the distances to the plurality of points on the surface of the screen which are measured by the distance measuring unit.
US07980701B2	Color combining optical system and image projection apparatus using the same A color combining optical system includes a first polarization splitting surface for light in a first wavelength range, and a second polarization splitting surface for light in a second and third wavelength range. The first polarization splitting surface guides illumination light in the first wavelength range to a first liquid crystal display (LCD) element and guides image light reflected from the first LCD element to a direction different from the illumination light. The second polarization splitting surface separates illumination light in the second and third wavelength range from each other, guides them to a second and third LCD element, respectively, and combines image light reflected from the second LCD element with image light reflected from the LCD element to guide combined light to the first polarization splitting surface which combines the image light reflected from the first LCD element with the combined light.
US07980699B2	Method for registering multiple data sets Devices, systems, and methods that facilitate optical analysis, particularly for the diagnosis and treatment of refractive errors of the eye. Embodiments of the invention may facilitate the use of multi-modal diagnostic instruments and instrument systems, making it easier to acquire and fuse data from different measurements of the eye. For example, wavefront aberrometry may be fused with corneal topography, optical coherence topography and wavefront, optical coherence topography and topography, pachymetry and wavefront, etc. While some of these different optical datasets may be obtained simultaneously, it is often difficult and/or disadvantageous to attempt to acquire the images or other data at exactly the same time. Advantageously, both patient movement between measurements (and/or during a measurement sequence) can be identified, as well as changes in the eye itself (including those induced by the measurement, such as changes in the size of the pupil, changes in pupil location, etc.).
US07980698B2	Power-adjusted aberrometer Aspects of the invention are directed to apparatus and methods for automatically setting a power level of light emitted by a light source; illuminating a retina of a patient with the light emitted by the light source; receiving, at a sensor, light reflected from the retina of the patient; providing a signal based upon the received light; determining whether the signal meets one or more signal quality criteria; automatically setting a second power level of light emitted by the light source; and repeating the steps of illuminating the patient's eye, receiving reflected light, providing the signal, and determining whether the signal meets the signal quality criteria. In some embodiments, setting the second power level is performed in response to determining whether the signal meets the signal criteria. In still other embodiments, the method comprises selecting an operating power based upon the signal quality criteria.
US07980695B2	Eye portion diagnosis support apparatus, method therefor, program, and recording medium There is provided a technique for efficiently acquiring a tomogram of an eye portion. A diagnosis support apparatus includes a wide-area image acquisition means for acquiring a wide-area image of an eye portion, a detection means for detecting a lesion candidate on the eye portion by analyzing the wide-area image acquired by the wide-area image acquisition means, a determination means for determining a parameter associated with acquisition of a tomogram of the eye portion, based on a lesion candidate detection result obtained by the detection means, and a tomogram acquisition means for acquiring a tomogram of the eye portion based on the parameter determined by the determination means.
US07980694B2	Functional imaging of the retina An apparatus and a method for obtaining, in vivo, a measurement of retinal response to an optical stimuli. Light sources provide optical stimuli to the retina in accordance with predetermined stimulation sequences, and images of the retina are obtained and correlated with the predetermined stimulation sequences so as to determine responses of the retina to the optical stimuli. In one particular embodiment, optical stimuli are provided according to m-sequences and correlated with corresponding optical coherence tomography images to determine a functional response of the retina.
US07980692B2	Selecting and/or designing ophthalmic lenses The present invention involves the prescribing and/or dispensing ophthalmic lenses, such as progressive addition lenses, for a wearer. In one form of the invention lens usage information is obtained from a wearer and entered into a programmed computer. The programmed computer processes the lens usage information to provide a separate weighted lifestyle score for each of one or more respective lifestyle score categories, such that each weighted lifestyle score is a function of a predetermined relationship between the respective lifestyle score category and at least ophthalmic lens design feature. The programmed computer then selects or designs an ophthalmic lens design using one or more of the weighted lifestyle scores such that the selected or designed ophthalmic lens has at least one lens design feature which has been customised using one or more of the weighted lifestyle scores.
US07980689B2	Floating eyewear and method of making floating eyewear Eyewear, and more particularly floating eyewear such as eyeglasses and/or sunglasses may include a frame, temples, and lenses wherein the frame and/or temples may be formed form the combination of a blowing agent and a polymer so as to render the eyewear floating. A method for making floating eyewear is also contemplated wherein a heat-activated blowing agent is dry-blended with a plastic resin to form a mixture which is loaded into a hopper coupled to a cylinder, after which the mixture is heated to a molten form, injected into a mold, cooled, and then later ejected from the mold.
US07980688B2	Inkjet recording apparatus An inkjet recording apparatus includes: (a) a first medium accommodator configured to accommodate a recording medium; (b) a medium supporter having a flat horizontal surface on which the recording medium is to be supported; (c) an inkjet head having a nozzle opening surface that is opposed to the flat horizontal surface of the medium supporter; (d) a first medium feeder configured to horizontally feed the recording medium accommodated in the first medium accommodator, in a medium loading direction, such that the recording medium is fed onto the flat horizontal surface of the medium supporter; (e) a second medium feeder configured to horizontally feed the recording medium supported on the flat horizontal surface of the medium supporter, in a medium unloading direction that intersects the medium loading direction in a plan view as seen in a direction perpendicular to the flat horizontal surface of the medium supporter; and (f) a second medium accommodator configured to accommodate the recording medium that is fed in the medium unloading direction by the second medium feeder.
US07980686B2	Fluid reservoir connector A fluid reservoir connector for dispensing a fluid from a fluid container to a reservoir is described. The reservoir includes a tank and a lid mounted to the top of the tank. A needle includes a tip end and an opposite end, and the needle traverses the housing and is adapted to pierce a septum of a fluid container. The needle also includes a first channel extending from a first opening at the tip end to an opening at the opposite end, and a second channel extending from a second opening at the tip end to an opening at a position between the tip end and the opposite end.
US07980682B2	Liquid droplet discharge apparatus and liquid droplet discharge head A piezoelectric actuator includes first active portion which correspond to a central portion of each of pressure chambers and a second active portion which correspond to a portion, of each of the pressure chambers, located on outer circumferential sides with respect to the central portion of the pressure chamber. The first active portion and the second active portion are deformed by applying the voltage to each of the first and second active portions. The first active portion is polarized in a direction parallel to the electric field generated in the first active portion, and the second active portion is polarized in a direction opposite to the electric field generated in the second active portion, thereby making it possible to suppress the crosstalk even when a high density arrangement of the pressure chambers is realized.
US07980680B2	Method for manufacturing piezoelectric actuator, method for manufacturing liquid transporting apparatus, piezoelectric actuator, and liquid transporting apparatus A method for manufacturing piezoelectric actuator which includes a piezoelectric layer formed of a piezoelectric ceramics material and having a drive area, a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on both surfaces of the piezoelectric material layer respectively each at portion corresponding to the drive area, and a ceramics layer formed of a ceramics material and stacked to face the surface of the piezoelectric material layer on which the first electrode is arranged, the method including: forming a stacked body which includes the piezoelectric material layer, the ceramics layer, and the first electrode, and sintering the stacked body; forming the second electrode on the other surface, of the piezoelectric material layer after the sintering, not facing the ceramics layer; and forming elastic layers having a lower coefficient of elasticity than that of the piezoelectric material layer on both surfaces respectively of the stacked body after the sintering.
US07980674B2	Printhead incorporating pressure pulse diffusing structures between ink chambers supplied by same ink inlet An inkjet printer includes a printhead having a plurality of ink chambers fed be an ink inlet, each ink chamber having a heater element for ejecting drops of ink from a nozzle aperture of each chamber; a plurality of pressure pulse diffusing structure positioned between the plurality of ink chambers fed by the ink inlet, the plurality of pressure pulse diffusing structures for retarding a propagation of pressure waves generated by each ink chamber to adjacent ink chambers; and a controller for receiving print data and generating drive pulses to energize the heater elements in accordance with the print data. The controller increases the drive pulse energy during the printhead lifetime such that the drive pulse energy is never less than that of a preceding drive pulse.
US07980673B2	Inkjet nozzle assembly with low density suspended heater element An inkjet nozzle assembly comprises: a nozzle chamber for containing ink, the nozzle chamber having a nozzle opening defined in a roof thereof; and a bubble-forming heater element positioned in the nozzle chamber. The heater element is suspended in the nozzle chamber and parallel with a plane of the roof. The heater element is comprised of solid material having a total mass of less than 10 nanograms.
US07980670B2	Inkjet printhead having selectively actuable nozzles arranged in nozzle pairs An inkjet printhead includes a substrate having an array of nozzles grouped in nozzle pairs. Each nozzle pair has a common nozzle chamber and a single actuator configured to selectively eject ink from one or other of the nozzles in the nozzle pair.
US07980661B2	Nozzle device incorporating movement sensor A nozzle device for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate assembly defining an ink supply; a chamber-defining layer defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with a nozzle opening and the ink supply; an actuating arm coupled to the substrate assembly and terminating in a paddle separating the ink supply and nozzle chamber, the actuating arm configured to pivot during actuation to cause ink within the nozzle chamber to be ejected out through the nozzle opening; and a movement sensor configured to determine the degree or rate of pivotal movement of the actuating arm. The actuating arm further includes a bridge between the paddle and the thermal bend portion which supports a portion of the chamber-defining layer.
US07980658B2	Rotatable platen A rotatable platen for use in an inkjet printing device. The platen is arranged to rotate about a rotational axis and has a functional outer surface around the rotational axis. The surface has first and second portions. The first portion is adapted to support print media during a printing operation. The second portion is a printhead servicing region, which includes a stationary ink absorbing member.
US07980657B2	Printhead assembly with air expulsion arrangement A printhead assembly includes an elongate channel member of a metal alloy; a flexible elongate fluid carrier positioned on a floor of the channel member, the fluid carrier defining a plurality of passages longitudinally extending along a length of the fluid carrier, the fluid carrier further defining a repeated pattern of holes on an external surface thereof, the holes providing fluid communication from outside the fluid carrier to respective passages of the fluid carrier; and a series of printhead modules mounted to the external surface of the fluid carrier, each printhead module including an upper micro-molding and a lower micro-molding, the lower micro-molding having an air inlet slot in fluid communication with one of the plurality of passages via a hole of the repeated pattern of holes at one end and a series of alternating air inlets and outlets on the upper micro-molding at an opposite end. Each repeated pattern of holes diagonally spans a width of the fluid carrier, and the repeated pattern of holes together span a length of the fluid carrier. The alternating air inlets and outlets divert air from the air inlet slot to the printhead modules to facilitate cleaning of debris from the printhead modules.
US07980656B2	Liquid ejection head On a liquid ejection head substrate, an upper protective layer, as well as coming into contact with a resin layer of a path forming member having an ejection opening, comes into contact with ink in a heat generating portion inside the channel formed. The upper protective layer contains iridium and silicon. The upper protective layer is configured so that, at a surface in contact with the ink and resin layer, Ir100-XSiX attains a 15 at. %≦X≦30 at. % silicon content rate, and that X approaches zero as a position in the upper protective layer approaches an adhesion layer. As a result, at the interface where the upper protective layer comes into contact with the path forming member, by the silicon attaining the heretofore described content rate, it is possible to improve the adhesion with the path forming member made of resin compared with a case of using iridium alone.
US07980655B2	Printing method, printing system and method for determining correction value A medium is carried to a predetermined position in a carrying direction. A first pattern is formed on the medium with nozzles on the carrying direction upstream side of a nozzle row constituted by a plurality of nozzles lined up at predetermined intervals. After forming the first pattern, the medium is carried in the carrying direction by a target carry amount that is shorter than the length in the carrying direction of the nozzle row. Along with forming on the medium a second pattern that forms a boundary with the first pattern with nozzles on the carrying direction downstream side of the nozzle row, a third pattern is formed on the medium with the nozzles on the carrying direction upstream side of the nozzle row. After forming the second pattern, the medium is carried in the carrying direction by a target carry amount that is shorter than the length in the carrying direction of the nozzle row so that a carry amount of the medium after forming the first pattern is longer than the length in the carrying direction of the nozzle row. A fourth pattern that forms a boundary with the third pattern is formed on the medium with the nozzles on the carrying direction downstream side of the nozzle row.
US07980654B2	Sensor calibration for robust cross-process registration measurement Systems and methods are provided for calibrating a sensory array to ensure a robust cross-process registration measurement. The calibration is implemented using a calibration step that determines the signature error amount of a given image reading sensor. The signature error amount for the sensor is stored in a signature error look-up table. When the sensors are used to sense print head alignment, the correction may be implemented by accessing the signature error look-up table for the given sensor when calibrating the print heads. The signature error look-up table provides an amount of offset for each sensor that is used in determining the appropriate head position of a given print head to calibrate the print heads for the signature error associated with the given sensor.
US07980652B2	Printing apparatus and calibration method A printing apparatus and a calibration method are provided which, by using a small-capacity memory, can perform a high-speed calibration processing on data used to eject ink of the same color from a plurality of nozzle arrays. By ejecting ink of the same color from the plurality of nozzle arrays, patch is printed and, based on the printed result of the patch, a content of a print data correction processing is changed.
US07980647B2	Printer having nozzle displacement correction A printer is provided having a carrier, a printhead having a plurality of nozzles, at least one of the nozzles being rotationally displaced relative to the carrier, and a controller for determining and communicating print data to the nozzles. The controller is configured to determine the rotational displacement, determine a correction factor for compensating for a printing error caused by the determined rotational displacement, and alter the print data based on the correction factor to at least partially compensate for the rotational displacement. The correction factor is at least partially based on a thickness of media being printed on.
US07980643B2	Refrigerating device with pull-out carrier for refrigerated goods A carrier for refrigerated goods is moved in the cooling chamber of a refrigerating device by means of two telescopic extensions. The carrier for refrigerated goods is held on each telescopic extension via an adapter. A contact surface of the adapter that supports the carrier for refrigerated goods lies above the level of the telescopic extensions.
US07980641B2	Slide rail assembly A slide rail assembly includes an outer slide rail having a protrusion, an intermediate slide rail having a slot, an inner slide rail having a stop portion, a latch member slidably attached to the slot of the intermediate slide rail, and a resilient member connected to the latch member for returning the latch member to an original position. The latch member includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion located at opposite sides of the intermediate slide rail. The stop portion engages with the first engaging portion of the latch member such that the inner slide rail is capable of driving the intermediate slide rail to simultaneously slide out from the outer slide rail. The protrusion engages with the second engaging portion of the latch member to bias the latch member to slide along the slot to release the stop portion from the first engaging portion.
US07980638B2	Brake controller In a brake controller, a slope climbing vehicle stop detecting means determines when the vehicle is stopped while climbing a slope, and a pedal release detecting means determines that the pedal is released. An assist control unit interpolates a decrement in brake fluid pressure in the master cylinder due to an input piston movement caused by a release of a brake pedal. An assist piston is controlled by an electric motor to restore and maintain the fluid pressure within the master cylinder.
US07980637B2	Brake control valve with AAV stability A vent valve made from a standard emergency brake valve portion. It includes an emergency portion body with an interface to be mated with the emergency portion interface of the pipe bracket. The body includes a casting with at least one cover and the casting including all the cast cavities and passages for an emergency portion. A vent valve selectively connects a first brake pipe port to a vent port on the body, A vent piston controls the vent valve and a discharge valve pneumatically controls the vent piston. An emergency piston is responsive to brake pipe pressure for controlling the discharge valve. The body does not include at least one of an inshot valve and an accelerated application valve.
US07980633B2	Seat for vehicle and seat for watercraft A seat for a vehicle and a seat for a watercraft include a polyurethane-made first cushion body covered with a seat skin. A thermoplastic elastomer-made second cushion body is disposed between the first cushion body and a bottom plate 43. The relationships of t1
US07980630B2	Monitoring/entertainment system for a child's seat The invention relates to a monitoring and/or entertainment system (1), especially for a child seat (10), having at least one electronic assembly (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) for displaying and/or recording images, films or film sequences, and having a moulded body (2) in which the at least one electronic assembly (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) is mounted and held. In order that the monitoring/entertainment system (1) can be used for a child seat (10) when the seat shell (12) of the child seat (10) is aligned in the direction opposite to the direction of travel, according to the invention the moulded body (2) has at least one fixing element (3) which is arranged to form a force-based connection to the base frame (11) of the child seat (10), wherein when the moulded body (2) is in the state in which it is fixed to the base frame (11) of the child seat (10) the front side (2a) of the moulded body (2) and the electronic assembly (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) mounted in the moulded body (2) face towards the seat shell (12) of the child seat (10).
US07980627B2	Portable table assemblies An apparatus includes a table and a bench movably coupled to the table. The table and the bench collectively have a first configuration and a second configuration. The table has a first width when the table and the bench are in the first configuration. The table and the bench collectively have a first height when the table and the bench are in the first configuration. The table and the bench collectively have a second width and a second height when the table and the bench are in the second configuration. The second width is less than half of the first width, and the second height is less than half of the first width.
US07980622B2	Power supply apparatus for a sliding door A power supply apparatus for a sliding door includes a body-side fixture mounted on an automobile body, a door-side fixture mounted on the sliding door, and a flat cable gripped in the body-side fixture and the door-side fixture for supplying power to the sliding door. The flat cable is pulled out from the body-side fixture and/or the door-side fixture to form a convex flexural portion during opening and closing of the sliding door. The flat cable pull-out direction conforms with the protrusion direction of the convex flexural portion.
US07980617B2	Vehicle seat with back-support and shoulder-support wings A vehicle seat unit includes a left-side passenger seat, a right-side passenger seat, and a middle passenger seat positioned to lie therebetween.
US07980610B2	Device for slinging a piece with stress compensation and hoisting system containing this device A slinging device for a piece includes a sling with a nonextensible part and a section with a spring device, enabling an elastic lengthening or shortening of the sling under load by a limited amplitude in response to a limited change in the load on the piece, the device including a frame and a floating support, the spring device holding the floating support in the absence of application of force to the piece along a vertical axis, in a position of equilibrium centered vertically with respect to the frame under the weight of the piece, and a way for regulating and adapting the position of equilibrium of the floating support depending on the weight of the piece.
US07980608B2	Apparatus for moving an object An apparatus for moving an object has a contact plate, a first member connected to the contact plate and extending radially away therefrom, and a second member connected to the first member and slidable relative thereto along an axis defined therewith. The contact plate is sized and shaped for abuttingly extending against a portion of the object and a ground surface when the members are disposed between the ground surface and the object. The second member is slidable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration to facilitate sliding and storage of the members underneath the object and for subsequent pulling on the members in a desired direction to cause the contact plate in abutment to cause the object to move in the desired direction.
US07980605B1	Portable public restroom door lock A portable public restroom door lock for holding stall doors of restrooms closed when the locking system normally provided for the door is inoperative. The device comprises opposed metal or plastic elastic arm members that can be squeezed together and slidably positioned between the stall door and the stall wall and then released to engage the stall door and the stall wall to hold the stall door in closed relationship with the stall wall.
US07980603B2	Rotating latch for latching and unlatching a door A locking system wherein the latch is rotatable to provide either a first beveled surface for use as a ramp in latching or a second beveled surface for use as a ramp in unlatching. An entire latch module may be rotated about its axis by a rotary solenoid to achieve this function, and the first and second ramping surfaces are physically the same surface repositioned by rotation 180°. Alternatively, a releasable latch has a beveled surface for engaging a striker plate during bolt entry and a non-beveled surface for locking. The latch is pivotable to allow the non-beveled surface to become the beveled ramp for unlocking. The releasably pivotable latch mechanism may be used with a deadlock. The mechanism is readily incorporated into a rim exit device for releasably securing a door such as an emergency exit and may be actuated either electrically or manually.
US07980602B2	Fitting to connect a polyvinyl chloride pipe and a polyethylene pipe A pipe fitting facilitates joining of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe to a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The fitting has a HDPE body. A ring-shaped PVC insert is positioned within an inner surface of the body at one opening of the body. An inner surface of the PVC insert is threaded so that a PVC pipe that has a threaded outer surface can be screwed into the PVC insert. A compression ring is installed over the outer surface of a portion of the body that surrounds the PVC insert. Prior to installation, the inner diameter of the compression ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the body that surrounds the PVC insert. For this reason, when the compression ring is installed, the compression ring compresses the portion of the body that surrounds the PVC insert, holding the PVC insert within the body.
US07980601B2	Coupler for corrugated pipe A coupler for a corrugated pipe in which several elements thereof can be handled as a single assembly body, and which can be coupled to the corrugated pipe through a simple process. The coupler includes a coupling base, a guide member, a compression ring, a force-fitting member, a sleeve and a cap nut. A through hole, a compression hole and an insert hole are continuously formed through the coupling base. The guide member is inserted into the insert hole of the coupling base. The compression ring has an opening such that the compression ring is elastically expanded or contracted in diameter. The compression ring is fitted into the insert hole of the coupling base. The force-fitting member is fitted into the insert hole of the coupling base. The sleeve is inserted into the insert hole of the coupling base. A passing hole having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the peak portion of the corrugated pipe is formed through the sleeve. The cap nut has a threaded hole threaded over the coupling base, and a coupling hole fitted over the protruding part of the sleeve.
US07980598B2	Pipe joint locking device A pipe joint locking device which prevents accidental loosening of a pipe joint after tightening and with which a sealing property of a seal portion of the pipe joint is not impaired even if a force for rotating a pipe member acts on the pipe member. The device is formed of: a first component member 11 including a mounting portion 21 to be mounted to a joint member 2 having an external thread while prevented from relative rotation, a cover portion 22 to be brought into contact with an outer peripheral face of a cap nut 5 from a lower side, and a coupling portion 23 to be brought into contact with a pipe member 3 from the lower side; and a second component member 12 including a cover portion 31 to be brought into contact with the outer peripheral face of the cap nut 5 from an upper side and a coupling portion 32 to be brought into contact with the pipe member 3 from the upper side. The coupling portion 23 of the first component member 11 and the coupling portion 32 of the second component member 12 are coupled to be fixed to a portion 3a of the pipe member 3 protruding from the cap nut 5.
US07980596B2	Increasing thermal conductivity of host polymer used with laser engraving methods and compositions the invention provides a composition having laser engraving properties, comprising a host material and a laser enhancing additive. The host material comprises a material, such as a polymer, modified by a first process, whereby the host material as modified by the first process has increased thermal conductivity as compared to the host material before the first process. The laser enhancing additive comprises a first quantity of at least one of copper potassium iodide (CuKI3), Copper Iodide (CuI), potassium iodide (KI), sodium iodide (NaI), and aluminum iodide (AlI), and a second quantity of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS), barium sulfide (BaS), alkyl sulfonate, and thioester.
US07980595B2	Postage label having concealed postal indicium A postage payment label is provided which includes a substrate having an image provided thereon and a postage mark. The substrate and the image are able to transmit light of one or more first wavelengths (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet light) while the postage mark is able to absorb or reflect light of the one or more first wavelengths. Moreover, the image that is provided on the substrate is able to absorb and/or reflect light of one or more second wavelengths (e.g., visible light). Accordingly, when the image is illuminated with light of the one or more second wavelengths (e.g., visible light), the image conceals a portion or all of the postage mark. The postage mark (or relevant portion thereof), however, may be viewed when the image is illuminated with light of the one or more first wavelengths and not illuminated with light of the one or more second wavelengths.
US07980594B2	Chassis frame especially for a heavy vehicle A chassis frame includes a first chassis subsection having a first width w and at least a second chassis subsection adjacent to the first chassis subsection having a width W greater than the width w of the first chassis subsection. Each chassis subsection includes a right and a left parallel C shaped frame rail inwardly open towards each other and extending longitudinally; the chassis further includes a right—respectively left—interface bracket connecting two consecutive right—respectively left—frame rails belonging to two adjacent chassis subsections; the interface bracket maintains a transversal distance D between the said two consecutive right—respectively left—frame rails belonging to two adjacent subsections and further includes at least one mounting unit on which at least one vehicular operational part is attached.
US07980591B2	Gas bag module The invention relates to a gas bag module (10) for a vehicle safety system, including a gas bag (48), a gas generator (12), a module housing (46), and a pyrotechnical actuator unit (16) which is fitted to a module component by an attachment section (22), the space which is acted upon with an internal pressure upon an activation of the gas generator (12) and is at least partly limited by the gas bag interior being defined as a gas bag chamber (52). After its activation, the actuator unit (16) breaks into the attachment section (22) fixed at the module component and at least one separated fragment (24), the separated fragment (24) being situated outside of the gas bag chamber (52), and a restraint element (30) being provided which limits the freedom of movement of the separated fragment (24).
US07980587B2	Passenger side airbag door for instrument panel and its manufacturing method The present invention relates to an airbag door for instrument panel and its manufacturing method. A passenger side airbag door for instrument panel includes a substrate with airbag opening, skin layer and foam layer, a PAB door reinforcement board which covers the airbag opening is connected to the instrument panel substrate. This PAB door reinforcement board is a cellulosic composite material board which is soaked by thermoplastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer, formed through thermoforming. In present invention, the turnover and movable portion of the airbag door is lighten greatly. The airbag door with the light composite material can prevent the windshields from being broken effectively when the airbag deploys sufficiently and impacts against the windshields.
US07980580B2	Clamping assembly The present application discloses several embodiments of clamping devices and quick connect attachment devices. In one embodiment, a clamping device includes two wedge members that are forced together to engage a frame component. In another embodiment, a quick connect attachment or latching assembly includes components that slide together and are then fixed, by moving a protrusion into a recess.
US07980576B2	Vehicular suspension arm A vehicular suspension arm is provided in which an arm main body (1) includes a main plate (2) press-formed as a main part of the arm main body and having a short cylindrical part (EB) provided integrally with one end by flanging, and a reinforcing plate (H) superimposed on one of upper and lower faces of the main plate (2) and reinforcing the main plate (2). The reinforcing plate (H) has an eye-shaped head part (Ha) formed in an annular shape and arranged coaxially with the short cylindrical part (EB), and a tail part (Hb) extending integrally from the eye-shaped head part (Ha) along the longitudinal direction of the main plate (2), is formed from a single plate material that is thicker than the main plate (2), and has at least the tail part (Hb) welded to the main plate (2). A bush press-fit portion (P1) is formed from an inner peripheral face of the eye-shaped head part (Ha) and an inner peripheral face of the short cylindrical part (EB). This ensures that the cross-sectional shape of a transition section from the bush press-fit portion to the plate-type arm main body is adequate, thus enabling the rigidity and strength required for the transition section to be easily guaranteed and, furthermore, it becomes possible to meet a requirement for increasing the strength of the arm without specially increasing the space around the outer periphery of the bush press-fit portion.
US07980569B2	Platform assembly for use with working vehicle Operator platform assemblies for use with the working vehicles, e.g., skid steer loaders, and vehicles incorporating the same. The platform assemblies may, in some embodiments, include an arm assembly that attaches to a rear portion of the vehicle and extends rearwardly therefrom as a cantilever member. The platform assembly may pivot from this deployed position to a storage position by pivoting upwardly about a pivot axis proximate the vehicle. A platform is, in some embodiments, pivotally attached to the arm assembly so that the platform may pivot relative to the arm assembly.
US07980568B2	Wheel skate device Two skate wheel devices each with a foot placement platform, a frame and a wheel. The wheel rotates relative to the frame. The user inserts both feet into respective platforms within the skate wheel devices while the devices rest on pavement. After shifting weight to one of the wheel skate devices, the other raised so that the foot is generally horizontal as opposed to pointing to the pavement. The wheel skate device with the raised foot is then rolled to the side. The user then raises the other wheel skate device so that its foot also points generally horizontally and rolls that wheel skate device in the same direction as the other to build momentum. The platform may rock back and forth relative to the wheel. Grooved rollers may be sandwiched between spaced apart frame elements.
US07980565B2	Diaphragm chuck A diaphragm chuck (1) with clamping jaws (3) inserted in its chuck body (2) in a driven connection with a diaphragm (4) that can be deformed by an axially adjustable actuator (5) and is provided with clamping jaws (3) with contact pieces (22), in which counterweights (8) assigned to the clamping jaws (3) are inserted into recesses (7) of the chuck body (2) and the clamping jaws (3) can be clamped against the diaphragm (4) by means of quick-clamping devices (31) engaging in the contact pieces. The contact pieces (22) are each provided with an intermediate element (101) in the area between the clamping jaws (3) and the quick-clamping devices (31) by means of which the flexural moments and/or rotational torques created by the quick-clamping device (31) can be eliminated and it is possible to transmit exclusively axially vectored tensile forces onto the clamping jaws (3). The effect of this embodiment is that the clamping jaws (3) are not unfavorably influenced by the moments created by the quick-clamping devices (31).
US07980564B2	Metal fixture for dust cover To eliminate pins for specifying a vertical position of a metal fixture from a dust cover forming mold to suppress variation in product shape caused by wear of the pins, the ring-shaped metal fixture is embedded in the dust cover to fix the dust cover at an installation position, inner diameter teeth are formed integrally at one end in the axial direction of an outer diameter tube section via a bend, the metal fixture is embedded in the dust cover so that one end in the axial direction of the bend is set at axially the same position as one end face in the axial direction of the dust cover, and groove communication sections radially penetrating the bent section are formed in a radial shape at the one end.
US07980560B2	Three-dimensional tube puzzle A three-dimensional tube puzzle is disclosed as a new modification of Rubik's Cube™. It consists of plurality of straight and curved cylindrical elements. The dimensions of each element are so that it fits into cubical cell. Assembled puzzle forms a continuous pipeline that fits into cubical space, wiggling from starting element to ending element. Elements are interconnected so that groups of nine elements, belonging to one of six side surfaces of the puzzle, can be rotated about spatial axes. Each element or layer of the puzzle can be made of the same one color or different colors or gray scale levels to define puzzle difficulty. The subject puzzle requires specific imagination skills to assemble a continuous pipeline based on elements' shapes and orientation. Cylindrical elements can be made hollow with opened ends so that the assembled puzzle forms a continuous tube path for an article of an appropriate size to pass through the puzzle.
US07980559B2	Instant-win lottery game system based on a varying pattern of line segments A lottery ticket having a play area containing rows and columns defining individual play spaces with up to all of the play spaces containing a play symbol and at least one line connecting a plurality of play spaces wherein a prize may be won if the line connects at least two preselected play symbols.
US07980558B2	Multiple sequenced rotational air valves for vacuum transport A vacuum control assembly for use in an image production device is provided. The assembly has a plenum, a perforated plate, a plurality of valve assemblies, and a controller. Each valve assembly has a rotating valve having a vacuum passage, and a chamber body having a plurality of chambers. Each valve is rotatable between a first position that fluidly connects the vacuum passage with at least one of the chambers to complete a fluid path between the plenum and the perforated plate, and a second position at which the vacuum passage connects the plenum with none of the chambers. The controller controls the plurality of valve assemblies to provide vacuum to a first predetermined portion of the perforated plate while also providing no vacuum to a second predetermined portion of the perforated plate.
US07980555B2	Sheet guide apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet guide apparatus including a sheet tray in which a sheet is placed and a side guide having an abutting portion that abuts the sheet placed in the sheet tray. The sheet tray includes a groove formed along a direction perpendicular to an abutting surface of the abutting portion against the sheet. The side guide includes a sliding portion having slidable portions slidable on side walls of the groove, and is capable of moving along a groove direction when the sliding portion is slid on the side walls. The groove includes at least one first groove area and at least one second groove area. The second groove area has a groove width smaller than a groove width of the first groove area and allows the slidable portions of the sliding portion to be slid in the second groove area.
US07980554B2	Friction backup roller for media picking A friction backup roller assembly for a peripheral device, comprising an auto-compensating mechanism having a pick tire at one end, a media tray disposed adjacent to the auto-compensating mechanism, a backup roller extending through an aperture in the media tray, the backup roller having a tire, the auto-compensating mechanism pivotally positioned for engagement and disengagement of the pick tire with the backup roller, and a biasing element acting on the backup roller.
US07980553B2	Media measurement with sensor array A method for measuring dimensions of a stack of medium in a media input location of an imaging system, includes emitting light along a direction that is at a predetermined angle with respect to the normal of the planar surface of the media input location. An array of photosensors are disposed along an array direction that lies in a plane defined by the direction of the light and the normal of the planar surface. The photosensors receive a spatially-varying pattern of light reflected from a surface that is substantially parallel to the planar surface of the media input location to provide corresponding electronic signal data from the photosensor array for subsequent transmission to a printing system controller. The varying electronic signal data is used to provide a measurement of the one or more dimensions corresponding to the stack of medium.
US07980551B2	Feed device and recording device Provided is a feed device including: a loading unit in which a plurality of recording mediums is loaded in a stacked state; a delivery mechanism which has a first outer circumferential surface set such that friction force with the recording mediums is greater than friction force generated among the plurality of recording mediums when a feed operation is performed in a state of being in contact with the recording mediums and a second outer circumferential surface having a hardness higher than that of the first outer circumferential surface, and which performs the feed operation in a state in which at least the first outer circumferential is in contact with an uppermost recording medium of the recording mediums loaded on the loading unit so as to deliver the recording medium in a feed direction; a gate member and a gate energizing member.
US07980547B2	Sheet supplying devices and image recording apparatuses including the same The invention describes an image recording device having a sheet supplying device that supplies sheets. The sheet supplying device has a first tray and a second tray that hold sheets, and a first and second shaft positioned over the first and second trays. A first rotating member contacts a sheet in the first tray, and a second rotating member contacts a sheet in the second tray. A first arm extends from the first shaft to the first rotating member, and a second arm extends from the second shaft to the second rotating member. A transmission device is coupled to the first arm member and the second arm member, and transmits selectively a rotational drive force from the first shaft to either the first or second rotating members. A recording unit records an image on the sheet supplied by the sheet supplying device.
US07980546B2	Mail paper sealing apparatus A mail paper sealing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an input part, a compression roller part, a driving unit, and a convey accelerator. The input part supplies a mail paper. The compression roller part seals the folded mail paper conveyed from the input part. The driving unit generates a rotary force. The convey accelerator is provided between the input part and the compression roller part and adds a rotation frictional force to a top surface of one side of the mail paper in a convey direction.
US07980540B2	Stabilizer for in vivo examination Dynamic movement of a specimen in a pressing direction and in directions intersecting the pressing direction is effectively suppressed, while maintaining the viability of the specimen. A stabilizer for in vivo examination that is placed in contact with a biological specimen during examination of the specimen to suppress movement thereof includes a contact-area increasing portion that is provided on a contact surface with the biological specimen and that is configured to increase the contact area with the biological specimen by virtue of a pressure applied during the contact.
US07980537B2	Vibration isolator A vibration isolator which is capable of stably opening and closing an orifice is provided at low manufacturing cost. A plunger for opening and closing an idle orifice is disposed in a manner that is slidably engaged with the inner wall surface of an orifice-forming member. A shaft portion extending downward is formed in the central portion of the plunger. A convex portion which is formed with a through-hole in which the shaft portion is slidably is provided on the bottom of the orifice-forming member so as to provide a bearing portion. The shaft portion of the plunger and the bearing portion of the orifice-forming member constitute a guide member for guiding the reciprocating motion of this plunger.
US07980532B2	Vehicle leveling device A leveling device for vehicle wheels comprising a first integral planar member for mating with one or more additional integral planar members of substantially the same shape and dimension in releasable relationship. All integral members have four sides and an upper surface divided into a plurality of vertically projecting rows of pins with a row of projections situated up front. The bottom surface of each of the integral planar members include rows of sockets, each of which is conformable in shape and size to receive an individual pin in releasable frictional engagement. Each planar member also includes one partially beveled side with a sloped projection with one or more openings conformable to the shape and dimensions of the individual pins. Two or more integral planar members are adapted to stack one upon the other by mating pins and sockets of respective planar members so that the sloped projections overlap one another and are positioned in parallel relation. The sloped projections of stacked planar members may also be disposed in a laterally offset relation. Both embodiments enable substantial alignment of the inclined planes to facilitate movement of a vehicle wheel up on to the surface of the device and back down.
US07980531B2	Valve having first and second fluid ports A device in a valve (1) includes a valve housing (2) with at least a first (3) and a second (4) fluid port. A closure element (5) including a sealing portion (15) and diaphragm (30) is arranged in the valve housing (2). The sealing portion (15) is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure element (5) and valve housing (2) form a flow passage (11) which communicates with the fluid ports when the sealing portion (15) leaves the closed position. A second sealing portion (14) is arranged in contact with a support portion (25) of the valve housing (2). An abutment element (16) is arranged in contact with the second sealing portion (14). The abutment element (16) transmits a force via the second sealing portion (14) toward the support portion (25) to provide a seal. The force is at least partly exerted by a spring element.
US07980530B2	Packing nut for control valve A packing nut assembly for a control valve having a valve body and a valve stem includes a packing box arranged for operative coupling to the valve body and having a primary bore sized to receive the valve stem and first and second counterbores. The first counterbore is sized to receive valve packing and the second counterbore includes internal threads. A packing nut having a central bore is sized to receive the valve stem and includes a threaded outer surface positioned to engage the second counterbore of the packing box. The packing nut includes an adjustment surface positioned to face the first counterbore, and includes an adjustment head having a plurality of tool-receiving apertures sized to receive an adjustment tool.
US07980528B2	Dual by-pass for diaphragm type flushometers A flush valve diaphragm is provided. The diaphragm includes at least two by-passes orifices. Each by-pass orifice in the diaphragm has a by-pass associated therewith. Each by-pass having a passage therethrough, allows communication with the control chamber above the diaphragm with an inlet chamber below the diaphragm. The diaphragm also integrates the function of locating and providing sealing means to the flush valve system's aux valve mechanism.
US07980522B2	Trailing edge blade clamp A blade clamp for a helicopter blade having a width and leading and trailing edges includes a first clamping part, a first flexible liner attachable to the first clamping part, a second clamping part, a second flexible liner attachable to the second clamping part, a hinge mechanism to pivot the first clamping part and the first flexible liner with respect to the second clamping part and the second flexible liner and a connector provided opposite to the hinge mechanism. The flexible liners evenly distribute clamping force upon the blade clamp to prevent damage to the blade. The hinge mechanism allows the first and second clamping parts to open wide enough to safely and easily accommodate a helicopter blade during removal and installation of the blade.
US07980520B2	Hanging apparatus assembly and method A garden item hanger assembly. The assembly has an upright with a first and second portion. The first end of the first portion and the second end of the second portion can be connected together by using a medial connection portion which provides a flush surface. The assembly also has a ground engaging stake with a self centering socket and a plurality of set screws to set the upright. The ground engaging stake utilizes a plurality of moment resisting surfaces to maintain an upright position against both a first and second moment about the ground engaging stake applied by the item load.
US07980509B2	Aircraft taxiing systems Thrust systems for passenger aircraft provide at least one flight engine and a taxi engine wherein all flight engines together provide, in total, a takeoff thrust arranged in a takeoff thrust direction and the taxi engine provides a taxi thrust which does not exceed 15% of the takeoff thrust and is directed substantially the same as the takeoff thrust direction. The taxi thrust is thereby sufficient to taxi the aircraft along a taxi path. In a system embodiment, the taxi thrust does not exceed 7.5% of the flight thrust. In another system embodiment, the flight engines have, in total, a flight engine weight and the taxi engine has a taxi engine weight that does not exceed 10% of the flight engine weight. In a system embodiment, the taxi engine weight does not exceed 7.0% of the flight engine weight. In another system embodiment, the taxi engine has a rated thrust and is configured so that the taxi thrust is within 40% and 100% of the rated thrust. In another system embodiment, the taxi engine includes a rotatable engine portion to divert the taxi thrust over an azimuth angle to assist taxiing along the taxi path. The taxi engine significantly reduces fuel costs because when flight engines are used for taxiing, they operate in a very inefficient region of their rated thrust and consume excessive fuel. The taxi engine also significantly reduces the brake repair and adjustment that is incurred when the flight engines are used for taxiing and the brakes are frequently engaged to counter their high thrust.
US07980507B2	Insert for roll paper products The insert for roll paper products is pliable, preferably scent-impregnated, foam material that can be wrapped around a dispensing bar of a rolled paper dispenser, and resiliently grips the bar while adding friction to the total dispensing system. The dispensing bar and insert combination is then slid through the hollow core of a rolled paper product. The sleeve has dentate ends that extend beyond the ends of the paper roll. When the product core is rotated while paper is being dispensed, the passage of air through the dentate ends helps to dispense and distribute the scent through the environment proximate the paper dispenser. Moreover, the resilient foam insert provides friction between the paper roll and the foam structure, while also adding friction between the foam structure and the dispensing bar. This feature acts as a brake to prevent excess rollout of the rolled product when being dispensed.
US07980506B2	Dispenser for products in sheet form A dispenser for rolls of flexible sheet material, each of the rolls having spindle elements extending axially outwardly beyond the ends thereof, wherein a first roll is located in a dispensing position. Alternatively, a second roll may be located in a reserve position. The dispenser further includes a stub roll position arranged to receive a first roll exhausted to a predetermined extent. Retaining elements are arranged on both sides of the stub roll position to support the spindle elements inserted into each end of a roll, wherein the retaining elements arranged for simultaneous release of the spindle elements when the dispenser is opened.
US07980505B2	Method for calculating the diameter of a continuous-material reel on a roller, and a reel-control system In a method for calculating the diameter of a continuous-material reel on a roller, with which the roller is mounted on a swivel arm that is swivelable about a swiveling axis; the roller rotates at a changeable winding speed, and the continuous material is unwound from the roller and directed to a continuous-material machine, or it is removed from a continuous-material machine and wound onto the roller, the winding speed is set as a function of the web-conveyance speed, and the diameter of the continuous-material reel is calculated in a reel-control system; the winding speed is changed when the swivel arm on which the roller is mounted is swiveled about its swiveling axis during the winding motion; a correction value for correcting the change in winding speed is incorporated in the calculation of the diameter of the continuous-material reel, the correction value being determined within the reel-control system, and a related reel-control system is provided.
US07980499B2	Block dressing apparatus and method An apparatus and method for dressing marginal areas of externally viewable surfaces of a building block. The apparatus includes at least one chipper having rotational axis and a plurality of outwardly extending teeth randomly disposed thereabout. The chipper is positioned and oriented so that its teeth may effectively work a predetermined marginal area of interest. As the predetermined marginal area of interest and the teeth of the chipper are brought into contact with each other, portions of the marginal area are randomly impacted and fractured to form an erose or jagged surface that resembles hand dressing. The apparatus may also include additional chippers, each having a rotational axis and a plurality of teeth randomly disposed thereabout.
US07980498B2	Entrance chute for blowing wool machine A machine for distributing insulation from a bag of insulation is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end. The chute is configured to receive the bag of insulation. The inlet end of the chute has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially vertical and the outlet end of the chute has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially horizontal. A plurality of shredders is mounted at the outlet end of the chute and is configured to shred and pick apart the insulation. A discharge mechanism is configured for distributing the insulation into an airstream. The chute has a cross-sectional shape that approximates the cross-sectional shape of the bag of insulation and the plurality of shredders and the discharge mechanism are positioned beneath the outlet end of the chute.
US07980497B2	Pulper for comminuting and suspending paper stock and its use A pulper is used to comminute and suspend paper stock. The pulper includes a container that is open at the top and has a cylindrical side wall and a driven rotor, which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the center of the container. The bottom of the container can be provided with one or more truncated cones.
US07980494B2	System for recycling of HDPE from motor-oil containers The present invention provides an integral system for recycling post consumer motor-oil plastic containers. Oils and especially motor-oil, physically attaches to its HDPE (high density polyethylene) containers demanding a unique recycling process. As described by this patent, oil-contaminated plastic containers are thermally drained and mechanically freed from their labels and aluminum sealing rings. Unlabeled containers are further shredded through oil-free flake-cutting process, in which, plastic melting is minimized, thus preventing oil to be trapped inside the plastic structure. A hot water bath of sulfonic acid and/or detergents, containing the shredded flakes, is subjected to a very high turbulence in the absence of air (water sealed), which induces liquid cavitation. High rotational turbulence combined with cavitation impacts (generated by fast evaporation/condensation/implosion) supply enough surface energy to liberate the strongly attached oil molecules, which are further trapped by the detergent bath. The bath can be regenerated indefinitely. Centrifugation of the washed flakes, hot and cold water rinsing and further hot-air drying, complete the process before re-pelletizing industrial quality HDPE with the full characteristics of new material.
US07980492B2	Outward opening fuel injector A fuel injector provided with: an injection valve comprising an injection nozzle; a mobile needle for regulating the fuel flow through the injection valve and ending with a shutting head, which engages a valve seat of the injection valve, is arranged externally with respect to injection valve and presents a predetermined sealing diameter; an actuator for displacing the needle between a closing position and an opening position of the injection valve; a closing spring which tends to maintain the needle in the closing position of the injection valve pushing the shutting head against the valve seat itself in a sense contrary to the feeding sense of the fuel; and a supporting body having a tubular shape and presenting a feeding channel within which a needle is arranged; the needle, at an opposite end of the shutting head, is coupled to a balancing channel, which is at ambient pressure.
US07980491B2	Nozzle-based atomization system An improved atomization system for aerosolizing liquids including a vortexing nozzle and a flat or protruding face on the nozzle exit orifice. The system can also include a diverging mouthpiece insert. The present invention can produce a high fine particle fraction and modest throat deposition in conjunction with reduced aerosol plume velocity and impact force.
US07980490B2	Nozzle body apparatus Embodiments of the invention provide a nozzle body including a main body, a turret, a valve assembly, and a feed spigot. The feed spigot can be in fluid communication with a valve chamber via a first feed point and a second feed point. The use of multiple feed points between the feed spigot and the valve chamber can result in increased flow capacity.
US07980485B2	Injection valve with single disc turbulence generation A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes a housing, a valve seat, a metering orifice disc, and a needle. The housing has an inlet, an outlet, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The valve seat is disposed proximate the outlet and includes a passage having a sealing surface and an orifice. The metering orifice disc is located at the outlet and has a plurality of metering openings extending therethrough. The needle is reciprocally located within the housing along the longitudinal axis between a first position wherein the needle is displaced from the valve seat, allowing fuel flow past the needle, and a second position wherein the needle is biased against the valve seat, precluding fuel flow past the needle. A generally annular channel is formed between the valve seat and the metering orifice disc. The channel tapers outwardly from a large height to a smaller height toward the orifice openings. A method of generating turbulence in a fuel flow through a fuel injector is also disclosed.
US07980484B1	Automatic flow gap adjusting anti-slab method and apparatus An anti-slabbing device pivotally coupled above a material conveyor and configured to drop down onto material conveyed and further configured so as to vibrate the leading edge of the material as it reaches the end of the conveyor to create a more consistent flow of material from the end of the conveyor down onto a spinner for distributing the material.
US07980481B2	Thermally controlled process interface A field device is coupled to a process through at least one process interface element. The process interface element may be a field device flange, a manifold, or a process flange. The process interface element has a temperature sensor attached thereto, and is adapted to receive a thermal source. In one embodiment, the thermal source is one or more electrical heaters. In another embodiment, the thermal source is thermal transfer fluid tracing through the process interface element. A controller is coupled to the temperature sensor and is adapted to control the heat applied to the process interface element based upon the temperature of the process interface element measured by the temperature sensor.
US07980479B2	Data storage card and insert structure A data storage card has an optical data storage region and a magnetic data storage region, and is adapted to cooperatively engage both a drive mechanism of a magnetic stripe reader and a rotatable drive mechanism of an optical data reader. An exemplary embodiment of the card includes a card body defining first and second opposed generally planar surfaces, with an aperture formed in the card body. An annular optical data region centered on the aperture is disposed on one of the first and second surfaces of the card body. At least one magnetic linear data region is disposed on at least one of the first and second surfaces. The card includes an insert structure disposed in the aperture, and configured to engage with the rotatable drive mechanism of the optical data reader in an optical data reading mode, and to engage rollers of the magnetic stripe reader in a magnetic data reading mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the insert structure is a unitary structure fabricated of an elastic material.
US07980477B2	Dual interface inlays A dual interface inlay having a bottom sheet; an antenna wire mounted to the top surface of the bottom sheet; end portions of the antenna wire formed with squiggles or meanders forming contact areas of increased surface area for subsequent attachment of a chip or chip module to the antenna wire; conductive material applied to the end portions of the antenna wire; a top sheet disposed over the bottom sheet for lamination thereto; and recesses formed in a bottom surface of the top sheet, at positions corresponding to the contact area. The antenna wire may be insulated wire, and insulation may be removed from the end portions of the antenna wire. Silicon cushions may be disposed in the bottom sheet under the contact areas.
US07980476B2	IC card file system An IC card readable by a drive device and including at least one non-volatile memory portion to contain stored files. Moreover, there is an IC card application stored in the at least one non-volatile memory portion to organize the stored files and define their accessibility and to be driven by the drive device. Finally, an interchange application is stored in the at least one non-volatile memory portion to provide organization of the stored files in a high level logic structure of arbitrary length, identification of the stored files through alphanumeric identifiers of arbitrary length and extension, and accessibility of the stored files by the drive device.
US07980473B2	Camera based code reading Techniques for providing camera based code reading are disclosed. In some aspects, a camera-readable code is generated which may be read by a code reading device. The code reading device may capture an image of the code, process the image, and decode the code. The code includes symbols arranged to form a pattern. According to one or more embodiments, an image with the code is cropped to remove extraneous information. The code image is manipulated by exact binary segmentation to remove background information from the code. The code is oriented to a grid using an interval value defined between the symbols. The symbols are decoded by comparing unique aspects of the symbols using a statistical analysis. The decoded symbols may be converted to a message for a user or be used for other purposes.
US07980469B2	Information communication system, information communication device, information communication method and computer program An information communication system includes an information storage medium provided with a data communication function, and an information communication device for accessing the information storage medium, wherein the information storage medium is capable of storing one or more application services, and stores service directory data describing attribute information for each of the stored application services, and the information communication device reads the service directory data from the detected information storage medium, acquires the attribute information regarding a desired one of the application services, and starts up a service program corresponding to the application service to perform access.
US07980466B2	Point-of-sale promotions A method and system to publish a promotion at a point-of-sale are provided. For example, a preliminary selection associated with a purchase from a user may be received. A promotion may be published to the user at a point-of-sale associated with the purchase after the user makes the preliminary selection and before the user finalizes the purchase. The promotion may be based on at least one attribute, where the at least one attribute is selected from a group including a user attribute and an attribute associated with the preliminary selection.
US07980463B2	Cashiers check verification system The present invention discloses a method and system for the verification of a cashier's check. The method and system involves a verification machine-readable code that can be verified online for authenticity and status. It can further be used to authorize payment.
US07980457B2	Automated trading exchange system having integrated quote risk monitoring and integrated quote modification services An automated trading exchange having integrated quote risk monitoring and quote modification services. An apparatus is implemented using at least one computer, having memory, and a processor. The computer is configured to receive orders and quotes, wherein specified ones of the quotes are contained in a quote group, and have associated trading parameters such as a risk threshold. Not all received quotes are required to have trading parameters as described herein. Preferably, the quote group contains all the quotes, or a subset of quotes, belonging to an individual market-maker for a given class of options contracts, or possibly the quotes of two or more market-makers that have identified themselves as belonging to a group for the purposes of risk monitoring and quote modification. The computer typically generates a trade by matching the received orders and quotes to previously received orders and quotes, and otherwise stores each of the received orders and quotes if a trade is not generated. The computer then determines whether a quote within the quote group has been filled as a result of the generated trade, and if so, determines a risk level and an aggregate risk level associated with said trade. The computer then compares the aggregate risk level with the market-maker's risk threshold, and if the threshold is exceeded, automatically modifies at least one of the remaining quotes in the quote group. The computer may also automatically regenerate quotes that have been filled.
US07980456B2	Pace capture device for assisting with a sporting activity The present invention includes a system and method for monitoring a user's pace and providing an indication of the user's average pace in conjunction with performing an activity. The method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes monitoring a user's pace relating to the performance of the activity and calculating pace data relating the user. In response to a first signal, the method stores the pace data and in response to a second signal retrieves the pace data. The method then calculates an assistance pace for the user over a defined time interval and transmits an output signal reflecting the assistance pace based the pace data, such as in the example of a golf club assisting in the swinging pace of the golf club.
US07980451B2	Single-ply pressure seal mailer with removable pull tab A business form or intermediate is provided constructed from a single ply, wherein one or more inserts are formed from the same single ply. The business form or business form intermediate includes a removable pull tab that is manually removed from the form or intermediate with a single manual motion. Removal of the pull lab releases the one or more inserts from the form or intermediate to permit removal of the one or more inserts therefrom.
US07980450B2	Disposable pressware prepared from wax-infused paperboard A disposable servingware container press-formed from paperboard includes (a) a bottom panel; (b) an annular transition portion; and (c) an outer portion extending upwardly and outwardly with respect to the transition portion, the container having an outer surface and an inner surface distal to the outer surface, the inner surface being adapted as a serving surface. The paperboard is infused with a wax composition on one side thereof in an amount of at least 3 lbs of wax per 3000 ft2 ream such that the paperboard is partially saturated with wax and has a wax-enriched layer proximate one side thereof and a layer undersaturated with wax proximate the other side thereof.
US07980444B2	Electronic component mounting head, and apparatus and method for mounting electronic component An electronic component mounting apparatus includes an electronic component mounting head for holding an electronic component and an up/down device for pressing the electronic component against a circuit board, and the electronic component is pressed against the circuit board while ultrasonic vibrations are applied from an ultrasonic transducer of the electronic component mounting head to the electronic component via a component holding unit, so that the electronic component is mounted onto the circuit board. In the electronic component mounting apparatus, the electronic component is heated via the component holding unit by radiant heat from a heater fixed to the component holding unit in a noncontact state, so that even when the electrothermal heater is replaceably attached, characteristics of the ultrasonic vibrations applied to the electronic component can be maintained constant.
US07980440B2	Combustion-engined setting tool A combustion-engined setting tool (10) for driving fastening elements in a workpiece includes a combustion chamber (11), a drive piston (15) displaceable in a piston guide (17) and driven by expanding gases produced in the combustion chamber (11), and a device for returning the drive piston (15) in its initial position as a result of pressure difference between chambers formed on opposite axial sides of the piston head (115), and including a pump (20).
US07980438B2	Latch assembly for a staple gun A latch assembly for a staple gun has a front cover, a locking element, a pushing element and a staple driver. The front cover has a connecting bolt. The locking element is mounted on the front cover and has two cams, a torsion spring and a locking block. The cams and the torsion spring are mounted around the connecting bolt. The pushing element is mounted in the front cover and has a pushing lever and a pressing pin. The pushing lever abuts the cams. The pressing pin extends out of the front cover. The staple driver is mounted in the front cover and has a locking hole, a through hole and an elastic panel. The locking hole is formed through the staple driver and engages the locking block. The latch assembly can hold a handle of the staple gun conveniently and safely when the staple gun is not being used.
US07980435B2	All plastic belt or strap clip for cell phones and personal electronic devices The belt or strap clip includes a main body and a clip arm. The main body is adapted to retain, via a button mount, a cellular telephone or other personal electronic device. A plastic leaf spring has a fore end mounted to the main body, a curvaceous mid-section and an elongated leg member. The leg has a proximal pivot member and the distal leg region is disposed in a capture channel in the clip arm. A complementary pivot member in the clip arm coacts with the proximal pivot member such that when the main body pivots with respect to the clip arm, the elongated leg member bows. The method includes capturing the distal end of the spring into the clip arm and permitting the elongated leg to bow inboard during the pivot between the clip body and the clip arm.
US07980433B2	Ball cap stretching and blocking system, kit, and method A ball cap blocking and stretching system includes a steamer and a stretcher on which the crown of the ball cap is positioned, and a brim positioner. The steamer has a crown-contourer for contouring the crown that has a hemispherical shape and includes at least one aperture for emitting steam; and a steam generator located substantially within and in communication with the crown-contourer. The stretcher includes a front-contourer overlappingly provided adjacent to the crown-contourer so that the inside surface of the crown of the ball cap covers the front-contourer and the crown-contourer; a mover for cooperatively moving the front-contourer relative to the crown-contourer for stretching at least the perimeter of the crown in cooperation with the steamer; and a stretcher fixator for temporarily fixing the position of the front-contourer relative to the crown-contourer when the mover is moved. Additionally provided is a ball cap blocking and stretching kit and method.
US07980426B2	Device for dosed discharge of a powder-form medium A device (10) for the dosed discharge of a powder-form medium, in particular ceramic powder for dental purposes, including a storage container (12) with a first outlet (40), as well as a slider (20) with a receptacle (18) for a quantity of medium to be dosed, which can be selectively aligned with a first outlet or a second outlet (50), through which the medium can be discharged. In order to achieve reproducible discharge of a defined quantity of free-flowing medium in an uncomplicated design, and since there is no requirement for re-usability after emptying the storage container, the invention proposes that the slider (20) be connected to at least one spring element (26, 28), which admits a force upon the slider to align the receptacle (80) with the first receptacle (40), and that the receptacle can be secured by a lock element (34) in a position aligned with the second outlet (50).
US07980425B2	Metering pump for dispensing liquid A pump for metering a liquid is disclosed comprising a flexible tube connected to a container with a pressure relief valve located in the flexible tube. A housing defines an aperture for receiving the flexible tube with a compression surface located adjacent to the aperture. A reciprocating member has a sealing element and a pumping element. A drive moves the sealing element for pinching the flexible tube against the compression surface upstream from the pressure relief valve for trapping liquid between the sealing element and the pressure relief valve. The drive moves the pumping element for collapsing the flexible tube against the compression surface for pumping the trapped liquid to discharge a metered quantity of the liquid from the pressure relief valve.
US07980418B2	Method and system for accomplishing product detection The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.
US07980416B2	Vehicle storage bin A storage bin assembly is for use in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle includes a storage bin and a housing. The storage bin has a storage space extending between spaced apart sides, a guide pin extending outwardly from at least one of the sides of the storage bin, and a pair of retainer clips disposed on opposite sides of the storage bin. The housing has spaced apart side walls for receiving the storage bin therebetween, a pair of bosses each extending through one of the pair of retainer clips for pivotally interconnecting the bin to the housing for movement between open and closed positions relative to tile housing, and a track disposed on at least one of the side walls and in which the guide pin slides during the movement of the storage bin between the open and closed positions. Each of the retainer clips and the track has an open end facilitating removal of the storage bin from the housing and reinstallation of the bin to the housing.
US07980410B2	Foldable bag and combination of a container and a bag and method for the use of this combination The invention relates to a foldable bag that can be unfolded from an essentially flat initial state into an unfolded final state, provided with at least a first, a second and a third sheet for forming, respectively, a first, a second and a third wall of the foldable bag. The first sheet is joined to the second sheet via the third sheet, which third sheet in the initial state is folded along a fold line, wherein the fold line in the initial state is between the first and the second sheet. The foldable bag furthermore has an opening in the first sheet. The fold line of the third sheet in the initial state extends underneath the opening to form a channel between the first and second sheet past the opening. The invention furthermore relates to a combination of a container and empty bag as well as method for the use thereof, wherein the bag is fixed to the peripheral wall of the container by means of a first and a second fixing.
US07980400B2	Suspension display rack A suspension display rack for hand tools has a rail and multiple sliding blocks. The rail has a back-strip and two hooks. The hooks are formed on the back strip and each hook has a longitudinal groove. Each sliding block has a base, two cylindrical slides and a seat. The cylindrical slides are respectively received in the grooves so that the hand tools can be hung on the sliding blocks to transversely slide along the rail.
US07980393B2	Vibrating screening machine A vibrating screening machine for grading bulk materials and the like, with a housing and two sidewalls on which at least one screen deck is mounted on which a screen lining is retained, and a drive means to cause the screen deck to vibrate. Via a material feed, bulk material to be screened is fed and via at least one fine-grain discharge, fine-grain bulk material, and via at least one coarse-grain discharge, coarse-grain bulk material is discharged. The mounting points provided on the sidewalls for mounting at least one screen deck are aligned with a defined grid.
US07980392B2	Shale shaker screens with aligned wires A screen for a vibratory separator, the screen including at least two layers of screening material, including a first layer and a second layer, the first layer made of a plurality of intersecting first wires, the second layer made of a plurality of intersecting second wires, the first wires including first shute wires and first warp wires, the second wires including second shute wires and second warp wires, certain of the first warp wires aligned with a second warp wire, and/or certain of the first shute wires aligned with a second shute wire. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).
US07980388B2	Gun barrel cleaner A gun barrel cleaner comprising: a flexible cable, with a cable diameter; a tip attached to a first end of the flexible cable, the tip having a tip diameter; a connector attached to a second end of the flexible cable, the connector having a connector diameter; a generally spherical member in slideable communication with the flexible cable, the generally spherical member having an outer diameter, a bore, with a bore diameter; where the bore diameter is greater than the cable diameter, is less than the tip diameter, and is less than the connector diameter. A gun barrel cleaning kit comprising: a flexible cable, with a cable diameter; a cleaning tip attached to a first end of the flexible cable, the cleaning tip having a tip diameter, and a cleaning patch receiving slot; a connector attached to a second end of the flexible cable, the connector having a connector diameter; a cleaning brush removeably attached to the connector via a threaded engagement; a generally spherical member in slideable communication with the flexible cable, the generally spherical member having an outer diameter, a bore, with a bore diameter; at least one cleaning patch removeably attachable to the cleaning patch receiving slot; an openable and closeable gun barrel cleaning container configured to hold all of the above listed components; and where the bore diameter is greater than the cable diameter, is less than the tip diameter, and is less than the connector diameter.
US07980387B2	Telescoping case An expandable storage case is disclosed for storing various writing utensils. The storage case includes a base, an inner carousel, a top carousel, and a lid. The base, the inner carousel, and the top carousel are connected in a telescoping manner such that the storage case may be expanded from a collapsed position to an expanded, in-use position. The storage case includes a locking mechanism to selectively secure the storage case in the expanded position.
US07980386B2	Lifting arm system for conveyor The lifting system includes a lifting portion and a hinging portion for lifting a conveyor The lifting portion is fixed to a structure and extends from the structure to mate with the conveyor at a lifting point. The lifting portion moves the conveyor vertically upward and downward at the lifting point with no horizontal movement at the lifting point. The hinging portion is pivotally connected to the conveyor at a conveyor pivot and extends from the conveyor to engage the structure. The hinging portion is further pivotally connected to the structure to allow for controlled movement in an arced path at the conveyor pivot of the conveyor. The controlled movement of the conveyor along the arced path at the conveyor pivot varies the angular position of the conveyor and maintains the position of the conveyor over the transportable container as the lifting portion moves the conveyor vertically at the lifting point.
US07980385B2	Plastic conveyor belts and modules with lateral channels An easy-to-clean conveyor belt constructed of a series of rows of belt modules having lateral depressions forming channels across the width of the belt along which water can be sprayed to flush debris off the side edge of the belt. Lateral ridges between the depressions and hinge eyes at the ends of each module serve as levees that prevent debris being flushed through the channels from draining into hinge joints between consecutive belt rows.
US07980384B2	Tensioning device for drag conveyor An automatic chain tensioner for a tubular drag conveyor tensions the conveyor chain hydraulically utilizing an air-over-oil hydraulic system. A hydraulic cylinder acts on chain idler sprocket to tension the chain.
US07980383B2	Apparatus for raising and lowering A method and apparatus for moving objects, such as pallets, between an upper horizontal conveyor and a lower horizontal conveyor. A lift raises the pallet from a lower conveyor, and a clamp disposed above the lift with inwardly and outwardly pivotable arms, having inwardly facing fingers at the ends of the arms, clamps the pallet and raises it up to be substantially coincident with the upper conveyor's pallet-supporting surface. A pusher displaces the pallet from the fingers to the upper conveyor. The apparatus can also be operated in reverse to lower pallets from an upper conveyor to a lower conveyor if a fastener, such as electromagnets, is mounted to the end of the pusher.
US07980382B2	Guiding, distributing and filling device, and method for use thereof The present invention relates to a method for uniformly filling a relatively large container (5) with relatively delicate products, wherein the products are supplied at a first level using a feed conveyor (17), and these products are transferred by means of a guiding device which guides the products in restrained manner from the first level to a second level, wherein at the second level the products are released into a distributing device (3) for distribution in the container. The invention further relates to a guiding device (2) for guiding products from a feed conveyor, comprising: —at least one transfer member (11) comprising means for receiving the products at a speed which can be adjusted to the speed of the feed conveyor, —a guide member (12) which is arranged substantially along a part of the outside of the transfer member for guiding the products in the transfer member.
US07980381B2	Alignment mechanism for food products An apparatus and method are described for aligning food products in a plurality of rows for feeding a subsequent processing operation in a production process. The apparatus includes first and second continuous belt conveyors adjacent to each other, a dispensing plate operable to delay movement of the plurality of food products and cluster the food products together. The food products are then periodically distributed onto the second continuous belt conveyor, improving dispersion of the food products thereon. Guide fingers that extend and retract over the second continuous belt conveyor contact and displace the food products into rows within channels formed by longitudinal members extending over at least a portion of the second continuous belt conveyor. The rows of food products are then conveyed to the next processing operation.
US07980375B2	Friction plate for wet-type multiplate clutch A friction plate for a wet-type multiplate clutch is provided with a core plate and friction linings bonded on opposite sides of the core plate, respectively. Each of the friction linings is composed of plural segment pieces each having at least one first oil groove and at least one second oil groove. The first oil groove opens to a radially-inner side of the friction plate and has a closed end portion located in a radially-intermediate part of the friction lining, and the second oil groove opens to a radially-outer side of the friction plate and has a closed end portion located in another radially-intermediate part of the friction lining. The second oil groove has an opening flared outwardly in a radial direction.
US07980373B2	Electronically controlled fluid coupling device with fluid scavenge control A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An axially moveable valve member controls the flow of viscous fluid.
US07980372B2	Device for damping rotary oscillations A device for damping rotary oscillations in a drive train with a freewheel clutch (27) located between a pulley (25) and a rotor hub (26) is provided. The hub (26) is connected to an input shaft of an auxiliary unit, and the pulley (25) is connected to a crankshaft via a traction means, and the freewheel clutch (27) has an inner ring (34), which surrounds the hub (26) while being fixed thereto, and includes an outer ring (35), which surrounds the inner ring (34) with radial play and which is fixed to the pulley (25). At least one locking element (36) that is actuated by centrifugal force is provided in the inner ring (34), and at least one locking receptacle (37) is provided in the outer ring (35).
US07980371B2	Selectable mode clutch A clutching device includes an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of rollers and an actuator plate. The outer and inner races have axial ridges to define opposed outer and inner race pockets. The rollers are positioned in the outer and inner race pockets. The clutching device further includes an axial projection coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race. An actuator plate is coupled for rotation with one of the inner and outer race and axially moveable between a first position wherein the actuator plate engages the axial projection and a second position wherein the actuator plate does not engage the axial projection.
US07980369B2	Lash prevention spring plate The present invention comprises a lash prevention spring of unique design having a plurality of spring legs shaped into an s-curve and an inner circumference formed into at least one spline. The invention also comprises a lash prevention assembly in which the disclosed lash spring is attached to a damper hub and is biased against the several teeth from a turbine hub that extend through the damper hub from its opposite side.
US07980367B2	Disc brake assembly with tone ring A disc brake assembly including a rotor defining a rotational axis and including a barrel portion and a disc portion extending generally radially outward from the barrel portion, the barrel portion defining an inner surface and the inner surface defining a groove, a biasing element received in the groove, and a tone ring having an outer surface and including a step formed on the outer surface, the tone ring being positioned in the barrel portion such that the step is aligned for engagement with the biasing element.
US07980362B2	Safety equipment for preventing an elevator car collision with an object Safety equipment for an elevator installation with an upper elevator car and a lower elevator car, which cars are both movable substantially independently along a vertical direction in a common elevator shaft of the elevator installation includes a first electro-optical detection system with a first light source in a lower region of the upper elevator car and with a first detector which comprises a light-sensitive first sensor region in an upper region of the lower elevator car. The first light source issues a focused first light beam at a first angle with respect to the vertical direction. The first angle is predetermined such that on approach of the upper and the lower elevator cars the first light beam is incident on the first sensor region and thus is detectable by the first detector. In this case, the first detector triggers a reaction.
US07980361B2	Lubricating system and lubricating method A lubricating system is adapted to supply lubricating oil to a lip portion of an oil-seal member for preventing the lubricating oil from leaking out of a case. The lubricating system includes a rotating member, a bearing, a scraping member, and a guiding section. The rotating member is configured and arranged to be rotatably housed within the case and to slidably engage the lip portion of the oil-seal member. The bearing rotatably supports the rotating member. The scraping member is configured and arranged to scrape the lubricating oil discharged from the bearing. The guiding section is configured and arranged to guide the lubricating oil scraped by the scraping member to the lip portion of the oil-seal member.
US07980359B2	Isolation mechanism for electrically isolating controls of boomed apparatus An isolation mechanism for electrically isolating a control input mechanism of an otherwise substantially conventional boomed apparatus (12), such as, for example, an aerial device, digger derrick, or crane, having a workstation (14) coupled with a movable boom (16), wherein the isolation mechanism allows a worker to control movement of the boom (16) and positioning of the work station (14) while protecting against electrical discharge along substantially any path which includes the control input mechanism. In a first embodiment, the isolation mechanism takes the form of an improved control input mechanism (10), portions of which are constructed of or covered with an electrically non-conducting material. In a second embodiment, the isolation mechanism takes the form of a boom extension (110) constructed of or covered with electrically non-conductive material. In a third embodiment, the improved control input mechanism (10) and the boom extension (110) are combined.
US07980356B2	Cladding part for component The invention relates to a cladding part for components. The cladding part has at least two areas with different vibration damping properties. The different areas make it possible in a simple manner to meet partly conflicting requirements for cladding parts of the components in an optimum manner. The components include medical examination devices.
US07980354B2	Hydraulic steering The invention concerns a hydraulic steering (1) with a supply connection arrangement (P, T), a steering motor (2) and a steering unit (3) between the supply connection arrangement and the steering motor (2), the steering unit (3) having a directional section (4) and a measuring section (5), a steering valve (9) being arranged in parallel to the steering unit (3). With such a steering, it is endeavored to achieve the best possible safety. For this purpose, it is ensured that for each steering direction the directional section (4) comprises a first outlet (A1L, A1R), which is connected to the steering motor (2) by means of a first pipe (23, 24), and a second outlet (A2L, A2R), which is connected to the steering motor (2) by means of a second pipe (25, 26), the first outlet (A1L, A1R) being, in the neutral position of the directional section (4), connected to the measuring section (5), and the first pipe (23, 24) being interruptible by means of a valve arrangement (27, 27a).
US07980353B2	Steering system for controlling the turning angle of the steering wheels of a vehicle A steering system is provided for controlling the turning angle of the steering wheels of a vehicle. The steering system includes two electro-hydraulic circuits each including an actuator, both actuators being mechanically coupled and acting simultaneously on the turning angle of the wheels. A first circuit is displacement-controlled relative to a position set point while a second circuit is stress controlled. The set point applied of the second circuit includes a component developed from the filtering of the position set point applied to the first circuit.
US07980349B2	Drive system for vehicle A drive system for a vehicle includes a motor, an internal combustion engine, a generator, a power distribution mechanism distributing a driving force of the internal combustion engine to driving wheels and the generator, an electronic control unit controlling the motor and the internal combustion engine, and rotation members connected to first driving wheels constituted by one of front wheels and rear wheels and including an output element of the power distribution mechanism, wherein the internal combustion engine driving the first driving wheels via the power distribution mechanism, the motor driving second driving wheels not driven by the internal combustion engine, the rotation members are driven by the internal combustion engine.
US07980348B2	Motorcycle A motorcycle including a belt type continuously variable transmission (CVT) and having a reduced width. An engine unit includes an engine having a crank shaft, the belt type CVT, a clutch, an output shaft and a generator. The CVT has a primary sheave, a secondary sheave shaft and a secondary sheave. The primary sheave is on one side of the crank shaft and the clutch is on another side with respect to the secondary sheave on the secondary sheave shaft. The output shaft is on a side opposite to the clutch on the secondary sheave shaft. The generator is on the other side of the crank shaft. A center axis of rotation of the secondary sheave shaft is higher than a center axis of rotation of the crank shaft. Right and left footsteps are located behind a rear end of the rotation motor and under a lower end of the secondary sheave.
US07980344B2	Hydrogen station, method of charging hydrogen, and vehicle A hydrogen station includes gas storage equipment for storing hydrogen, a dispenser for charging hydrogen gas supplied from the gas storage equipment into a hydrogen tank of a vehicle, and a blower. When charging hydrogen, the blower blows air towards a radiator of the vehicle parked at a predetermined vehicle parking area of the hydrogen station. The current flow of the blower is adjusted in accordance with the heat load on the radiator.
US07980342B2	Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle A method for operating a vehicle may include operating a motor and an engine to propel the vehicle, and increasing consumption of fuel as a residence time of the fuel stored on-board the vehicle increases. The residence time of the fuel stored on-board the vehicle can provide an indication of fuel degradation, enabling the duty cycle of the engine to be selectively increased to enforce fuel use conditions, particularly in the context of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle where fuel use may be less frequent.
US07980341B2	Telematic method and apparatus with integrated power source Telematic method and apparatus adaptively uses fuel cell power source in vehicle with integrated power system, electrical system, telematic system, and body/powertrain system. Telematic communications systems including internet, digital video broadcast entertainment, digital audio broadcast, digital multimedia broadcast, global positioning system navigation, safety services, intelligent transportation systems, and/or universal mobile telecommunications system. Network-accessible software enables integrated modular function for automated control and provision of fuel cell resources for telematic appliance and/or other vehicle electro-mechanical devices.
US07980337B2	Stair climbing device The present invention provides a device for safely and conveniently conveying an object on a slope. The safety feature includes a fail-safe one-way brake comprising a ratchet wheel, a pawl and a biasing means. In one embodiment, the device is foldable; in another embodiment, the device is integrated with a suitcase; in yet another embodiment, the device is motorized.
US07980335B2	Omni-directional wheel An omni-directional wheel includes a hub rotatable about a wheel axis and a first row of angled rollers about the hub each rotatably supported by the hub. There is at least a second row of angled rollers about the hub each also rotatably supported by the hub. The rollers of the second row are axially offset along the wheel axis from the first row, and rotationally offset from the first row about the wheel axis, and not coaxial with the rollers of the first row.
US07980333B2	Bar trimmers on disk bit An earth boring drill bit comprising a milled cutter having rows of hardfacing guides on the cutter. Hardfacing is applied between adjacent hardfacing guides to form a hardfacing web that serves as a cutting element. The hardfacing web defines an interface between the hardfacing web and the hardfacing guide. The hardfacing web may extend past the crest of the hardfacing guides or end along the hardfacing guides flanks. Projecting hardfacing is provided on the interface to form trimmers.
US07980331B2	Accessible downhole power assembly A drill string component includes a downhole power assembly and a center mandrel with a through-bore adapted to accommodate a flow of drilling fluid. The downhole power assembly includes a tubular battery cage disposed around the center mandrel. At least one battery is disposed in at least one bay formed in the tubular battery cage and a tubular sleeve is adapted to slide over and cover the tubular battery cage.
US07980324B2	Housing and gearbox for drill or driver A power tool including a motor, an output member and a transmission disposed between the motor and the output member. The transmission includes a ring gear with opposite axial end faces. The power tool also includes a clutch for limiting an output of the transmission. The clutch includes an annular clutch face disposed about the ring gear. At least a portion of a side of the ring gear is configured such that an included angle between the annular clutch face and the at least a portion of the side of the ring gear is about ninety five degrees to about one hundred fifty degrees.
US07980323B2	Shock dampening post driver A post driver having a dampening device adapted to isolate the hands and arms of the user from shock.
US07980317B1	Smart monitor for fire hydrants Disclosed is a smart monitor for monitoring fire hydrants and comprising an electronic module associated with an operating nut and nut shaft.The electronic module is configured to monitor the fire hydrant operating nut to determine when the fire hydrant has been activated. When a hydrant is activated, the electronic module performs at least one of the following functions: stores activation time data, records sound data, records image data, turns on a signaling device, determines possible flow rate by counting the number of turns the operating nut has been turned, records elapsed time since hydrant activation, estimates consumption based on time data and possible flow rate data, transmits activation data to a remove receiver. Embodiments of the smart monitor also include a receiver configured for receiving a signal from remote transmitter for activating the signaling device.
US07980316B2	Formation isolation valve A valve includes a housing, a valve element that is located in the housing, an operator, a locking device and an interference device. The housing includes an interior surface that has a profile. The operator may be configured to transition the valve element between open and closed states. The locking device is adapted to be selectively extended into the profile. The interference device may be adapted to be selectively extended radially inside the locking device to retain the locking device in the profile, thereby locking the valve element in the open or closed state.
US07980315B2	System and method for selectively communicatable hydraulic nipples A selectively communicatable hydraulic nipple is provided which includes an upper and lower communications component adapted to communicate with tools landed inside the hydraulic nipple. Each communications component communicates with a control line used by the hydraulic nipple. An operator is allowed to selectively communicate with tools landed inside the nipple via the upper and lower communications components via the nipple control line. As a result, should the TRSCSSV control line loose integrity, the operator has the option of utilizing the nipple control line to continue oil and gas production without the need for well modifications. Alternatively, an operator could land a chemical injection tool, with an injection string suspended therefrom, in the nipple and inject chemicals into the well via the nipple control line.
US07980314B2	Gas restrictor for pump An inlet apparatus for a well pump.
US07980312B1	Integrated in situ retorting and refining of oil shale A method and system for producing hydrocarbons in situ from an oil shale, fixed bed, hydrocarbon formation disposed below a ground surface. The hydrocarbon formation having an upper A-Groove higher permeability aquifer zone disposed above a R-rated, kerogen rich, lower permeability zone and a lower B-Groove higher permeability aquifer zone disposed below the R-rated zone. The system includes a plurality of injection wells drilled into the formation and spaced apart from a plurality of production wells also drilled into the hydrocarbon formation. A heated thermal-energy carrier fluid is circulated under pressure into the injection wells, circulated under pressure through the A-Groove and B-Groove aquifer zones for mobilizing selected hydrocarbons in the R-rated zone and pumped from the A-Groove and the B-Groove aquifer zones upwardly under pressure through the production wells to the ground surface. Selected hydrocarbons are then removed from the carrier fluid. The carrier fluid can be recirculated back into the injection wells.
US07980311B2	Devices, systems and methods for equalizing pressure in a gas well Devices, systems and methods for equalizing pressure in a gas well are provided. A jar device is coupled to a pump deployed in a gas well between areas of low pressure and high pressure. The jar device includes a mandrel and a no-go sleeve. A jarring tool is operated to transfer an axial force onto the jar device that is large enough to shear a shearable connection between the mandrel and no-go sleeve and thereby cause the mandrel to slide from a first position to a second position with respect to the no-go sleeve. A seal that seals between the no-go sleeve and mandrel when the mandrel is located in the first position is unsealed as a result of the movement of the mandrel and thereby fluid communication is allowed between the area of high pressure and low pressure. This allows for easier retrieval of the pump.
US07980309B2	Method for selective activation of downhole devices in a tool string A system (100) for selective activation of explosive devices (126, 128, 130, 132) includes a surface controller (102), a downhole controller (106) operable to communicate bidirectionally with the surface controller over a first communication link (108) and a plurality of downhole remote units (114, 116, 118, 120) operable to communicate bidirectionally with the downhole controller (106) over a second communication link (112). One or more sensors (162) are operably associated with the downhole controller (106) and one of the explosive devices (126, 128, 130, 132) is operably associated with each of the downhole remote units (114, 116, 118, 120) such that, responsive to a detonation event, the sensors (162) detect the intensity level of the detonation which is communicated from the downhole controller (106) to the surface control (102) over the first communication link (108).
US07980305B2	Ram BOP position sensor A method to determine movement of a wellhead component includes sensing a relative position of the wellhead component with a magnetostrictive sensor over a selected interval of time. The method includes sending a signal from the magnetostrictive sensor to a data acquisition device and recording the relative position of the wellhead component with the data acquisition device with respect to the selected interval of time. Further, the method includes comparing the recorded position of the wellhead component with operations data to determine if the relative position is desirable.
US07980303B2	Laminate pressure containing body for a well tool Apparatus if provided for use in wells, particularly wells that have high-pressure and high-temperature conditions in the well. The shells of completion equipment that is required to withstand the rigorous conditions in such wells are increased in strength by laminate layers that are formed of materials having higher yield strength than the yield strength of materials that can be used in well fluids.
US07980302B2	Compliant expansion swage The present invention generally relates to a swage assembly that is movable from a compliant configuration having a first shape to a substantially non-compliant configuration having a second shape. In one aspect, an expansion swage for expanding a wellbore tubular is provided. The expansion swage includes a body and a solid cone disposed on the body. The expansion swage further includes a deformable cone disposed on the body, wherein the solid cone is made from a first material and the deformable cone is made from a second material and wherein the deformable cone is movable relative to the body when the expansion swage is in a compliant configuration. In another aspect, a method of expanding a wellbore tubular is provided.
US07980296B2	Heat exchanger, light source device, projector and electronic apparatus A heat exchanger, includes a housing including an inlet passage through which a fluid is introduced, an outlet passage from which the fluid is discharged, an inner communication space in which the fluid flows from the inlet passage and the outlet passage, and a plurality of unit plates of thin flat plates that are disposed in parallel to a flowing direction of the fluid, the plurality of unit plates layered in a direction to be substantially orthogonal to the flowing direction, the plurality of unit plates each having a fin in parallel to the flowing direction of the fluid, a frame enclosing the fin and projecting in an out-of-plane direction of the fin, and holes respectively communicating with the inlet passage and the outlet passage. Heat is exchanged between a heating body attached on an outer surface of the housing and the fluid.
US07980290B2	Molding equipment for the production of castings A mold device produces cast parts, in particular cast parts of complex shape, such as engine blocks, for example with 2 to 8 cylinders arranged in a row, wherein the mold device can be used, in particular, in die casting machines. The mold device has both a movable clamping plate and a permanently fixed clamping plate with movable or permanently fixed mold halves arranged thereon, wherein a water jacket insert or contour insert is placed in the movable mold halves, and the contour insert (11) is movable linearly.
US07980288B2	Vertical blind having a face of parallel threads A window covering has a transparent front face and optional transparent back face, either or both of which are formed from a series of spaced apart parallel threads, and a series of vanes attached to the faces. The parallel threads which form the front face and optional back face are spaced apart an amount which allows light to readily pass while providing a soft fabric like appearance. The vanes have a light filtering or light impeding property and may be opaque. The front and back longitudinal edges of each slat are respectively attached to the front face and any back face that is present. The resulting structure, when combined with a hardware system, is a light control blind. Movement of the vanes from a position perpendicular to the front face and any back face to a position generally parallel to the front controls the amount of light which is admitted through the window covering. An additional layer of fabric may be provided opposite the front face or the back face.
US07980285B2	System for manufacturing optical display device A system for manufacturing an optical display device having an optical display unit and an optical film bonded thereto and including a polarizing plate, the system including: a first cutting and bonding unit which performs a process including unwinding a long sheet material from a first roll of the long sheet material, wherein the long sheet material includes a first optical film, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a release film laminated in this order; a second cutting and bonding unit which performs a process including unwinding a long sheet material from a second roll of the long sheet material, wherein the long sheet material includes a second optical film, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a release film laminated in this order; and a turning unit which turns the optical display unit to the direction of bonding in the other cutting and bonding unit.
US07980282B2	Tire system for an off-highway machine A tire system that includes a cylindrical metal rim with an outer surface and a plurality of solid tire segments, each of the tire segments having at least one track that is connected to a mounting plate, the mounting plates being circumferentially positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the rim. The tire system may be employed on an off-highway earthmoving machine such as a towed or other scraping device.
US07980280B2	Pneumatic tire with tread including ribs having closed sipes A pneumatic tire having improved wear resistance, especially improved uneven wear resistance (such as river wear), is offered. The tire that is a rib-pattern tire has five ribs extending circumferentially of the tire. The ribs include a center rib and intermediate ribs located on the opposite sides of the center rib that is located on the equator line of the tire. Closed sipes are formed at least in the center rib and in the intermediate ribs. Each sipe is located in the lateral center of the corresponding rib. Both ends of each sipe terminate within the corresponding rib. The closed sipes are successively offset circumferentially among the ribs and arranged in a periodic pattern on the outer surface of the tire. The closed sipes in the ribs are so arranged that when they are optically projected onto the equator line of the tire, the sipes do not overlap circumferentially of the tire among the ribs.
US07980279B2	Heavy duty tire A heavy duty tire is vulcanized in a segmented mold having a tread molding surface defined by circumferentially arranged segments. The tread portion is molded by the tread molding surface during vulcanization of the tire, wherein the stretch of the belt layer in the tire radial direction during vulcanization is in a range of from 3.2 to 5.2%. the tread portion is provided with an axially outermost circumferential groove at an axial distance from the tire equator which distance is in a range of from 50% to 68% of one half of the tread width. The footprint shape satisfies the following conditions: (1) 1.05=
US07980276B2	Device with needle penetrable and laser resealable portion and related method A device defining a chamber for receiving a substance and a thermoplastic portion in fluid communication with the chamber is provided along with a method of filling and sealing the substance within the chamber. The thermoplastic portion defines a penetrable region that is penetrable by a filling member and is heat resealable to hermetically seal an aperture therein by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power. The thermoplastic portion comprises a thermoplastic body defining a predetermined wall thickness and includes a styrene block copolymer, an olefin and a predetermined amount of pigment allowing the body to absorb laser radiation at the predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness, and hermetically seal the aperture in the penetrable region in a predetermined time period. The body includes a predetermined amount of lubricant that reduces friction forces at an interface of the filling member and body during penetration thereof.
US07980270B2	Spool valve apparatus and method Some embodiments of the present invention provide a spool valve having a spool axially movable within a sleeve of two or more stacked rings having projections extending therebetween. One or more seals on the spool can slide across surfaces of the stacked rings in movement of the spool to different positions corresponding to different states of the valve. In some embodiments, one or more of the stacked rings can have projections extending toward and contacting an adjacent ring of the sleeve, thereby maintaining desired axial positions of the rings relative to one another while providing apertures through which fluid can flow and supporting surfaces for each seal as it slides from one ring to another.
US07980268B2	Mixing valve The present invention relates generally to fluid control valves and, more particularly, to a mixing valve for use within a faucet.
US07980267B2	Fluid supply device and fuel cell system with the same The present invention is a fluid supply device having a bellows shaped pipe 21 midway in fluid supply piping, comprising: first filter means 19a that traps foreign matter in the fluid on the upstream side of the bellows shaped pipe 21; and second filter means 22 that traps foreign matter in the fluid discharged from the pipe 21 on the downstream side of the bellows shaped pipe 21.
US07980264B2	Slurry catalyst flow splitters and methods of using the same A system for feeding a slurry catalyst composition including: a primary slurry feed system comprising a primary slurry flow meter and a primary catalyst injection device, wherein the primary slurry flow meter measures a primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the primary catalyst injection device; and a secondary slurry feed system comprising a secondary slurry flow meter, a secondary carrier liquid, a secondary carrier liquid control device, and a secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary slurry flow meter measures a secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary carrier liquid control device controls a process parameter of the secondary slurry feed system based a ratio of the primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate.
US07980262B1	Windproof umbrella A windproof umbrella includes a center post (10) including an upper grommet (11), an intermediate fixed ring (12), and a lower sliding runner (13); ribs (20) each having one end (21) pivotably secured to the grommet (11) and the open other end (22); main joints (51) each formed at a portion of the rib (20); stretchers (30) each having one end (31) pivotably secured to the ring (12) and the other end (32) moveably secured to the main joint (51); auxiliary joints (61) each formed at a portion of the stretcher (30); and struts (40) each having one end (41) pivotably secured to the runner (13) and the other end (42) moveably secured to the auxiliary joint (61); a lower canopy (70) secured in covering relation on the ribs (20); and an upper canopy (80) having a peripheral edge positioned over a portion of the lower canopy (70).
US07980261B2	Free-arm canopy The invention originates with a mast on the upper end of which a locking and tiltable jib support is arranged. A jib is guided in the jib support such that said jib can be slid and fastened and carries a roof construction on the outer end thereof, wherein said roof construction can be extended like a canopy, fan, or frame. To make the extension and retraction of the jib easier, it is proposed that the jib support be designed with at least four guide and locking rollers, of which at least two engage in a left-handed track and two in a right-handed track of the jib.
US07980255B2	Single wafer dryer and drying methods In a first aspect, a module is provided that is adapted to process a wafer. The module includes a processing portion having one or more features such as (1) a rotatable wafer support for rotating an input wafer from a first orientation wherein the wafer is in line with a load port to a second orientation wherein the wafer is in line with an unload port; (2) a catcher adapted to contact and travel passively with a wafer as it is unloaded from the processing portion; (3) an enclosed output portion adapted to create a laminar air flow from one side thereof to the other; (4) an output portion having a plurality of wafer receivers; (5) submerged fluidnozzles; and/or (6) drying gas flow deflectors, etc. Other aspects include methods of wafer processing.
US07980254B2	Thin hair holder and enhancer and method therefor A hair fastening and hair volume enhancing device is described which includes a thin flat strip, of bendable, lightweight flexible material having bristles on top and bottom sides thereof. A wire is positioned between sheaths of material forming the thin flat strip. The flat strip has a surface finish of a color and shine similar to a wearer's hair color and shine so that the device is imperceptible when worn by the wearer. A hair fastening and hair volume enhancing method using the device involves placing the hair device in hair, moving and/or bending the hair device in any direction, and attaching the hair to the device by means of the bristles on the surfaces of the hair device such that the hair device holds hair in place while also providing hair enhancement by holding the hair in a suspended position away from the scalp, thereby enhancing hair volume appearance while also holding hair in place.
US07980253B2	Applicator, in particular for mascara In an applicator for mascara, hair colorants or similar cosmetic products including a main body of a relatively hard material, such as metal or hard plastic, the main body being connectable to a rod and having a plurality of circumferential grooves, provision is made, in order to improve the combing action and transfer properties, for the grooves to extend parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
US07980252B2	Nail drying and decorating assembly An appliance 1 according to the present invention comprises a bottom tray 2, a middle housing 3, a transparent lid 4, a lid release button 5 for removing the lid from the housing 3, at least one finger hole 6 for receiving a user's finger, and a glittering switch 7 for activating an automatic glitter application sequence. A glittering tray 9 is housed inside of the middle housing 3 and has a plurality of separate chambers or can have a single chamber. A finger hole 10 corresponding to each chamber is provided and the tray 9 can be manipulated to line up the hole 10 with the finger hole 6. Glitter fragments are loaded into the one or more chambers 32 and, as described below, will be blown about and dispersed so that some settle on and adhere to freshly painted nails before they dry.
US07980251B2	Method of making pouched tobacco product A pouched tobacco product includes a lined pouch material of a web and a water-soluble liner adjacent the web and a tobacco component contained within the lined pouch material. The water-soluble liner is interposed between the web and the tobacco component. The liner preferably reduces staining of the web by the tobacco component. Additionally, the liner may include a flavorant.
US07980248B2	Delivery tools for sleep disorders treatment implant and methods of implantation Methods and tools are disclosed for inserting an implant device that treats snoring and apnea of a patient by altering the position of a soft palate. Methods and tools can make an incision in patient's soft and hard palate to create a cavity that can house the implant. The tools can have visually observable markings that can be aligned with the incision, thus controlling the depth of the cavity. A needle having an incision edge can be used to make an incision in patient's soft palate. The needle can be bent into a suitable longitudinal shape to allow easier access and visualization of the process. A blade that makes the cavity in the tissue can be housed inside a channel in the needle. The tools may have stoppers to prevent excessive extension and retraction of the blade thus preventing an excessive cavity depth. Some tools may also house the implant device, which may be implanted after the cavity is formed.
US07980242B1	Hot/cold pack product and method of making A hot/cold pack product including two sheet structures, one of which includes compartments holding dehydrated gel powder and the other of which is an insulating and water-proof sheet structure attached to the first sheet structure. The powder remains dehydrated until water is added by a user.
US07980241B1	Portable and adjustable grilling apparatus for outdoor cooking An apparatus to assist in cooking over a campfire is herein disclosed, comprising a generally “Y”-shaped support that rests over an open fire by means of three (3) legs. An adjustable steel cable, controlled by a mechanically-operated winch, is provided at the center of the “Y”-shaped support, which depends downward and connects centrally to four (4) chains, each of which connects to a corner of a rectangular grilling surface. The grilling surface comprises a heat-resistant material and can be made in varying dimensions. The grilling surface is height-adjustable to accommodate cooking needs and fire output permits. Once cooled, the apparatus can be disassembled and transported in a supplied pouch or hard case.
US07980240B2	Breaking machine A breaking apparatus (1) including a movable mass (3) for impacting on a striker pin (4), a housing (2) and a striker pin (4) configured to partially protrude through the housing (2), the apparatus (1) characterized in that the striker pin (4) is configured to be beatable in a plurality of retaining locations relative to the housing (2).
US07980236B1	Archery bow system An archery bow system incorporating a bow riser and dual limbs supporting cams or a cam and wheel mounted for rotation about respective axles. The dual limbs are independently adjustable to correct for cam lean and are individually supported in pockets that incorporate variable limb angle attachments to the bow riser. The limbs extend from the riser to flex, when at full draw, to positions that cause the respective axles to initially travel rearward toward the archer upon release of the bowstring. The limbs are adjustably attached to the riser to permit the limb angle with respect to the riser to be changed.
US07980235B1	Portable device for servicing a compound bow A portable bow press made of three distinct and separable parts. The first two parts contain loop assemblies made of steel wire formed into a U-shaped loop with the two ends connected via a bolt. The third part is a connection cable with S-hooks on either end that hook into the loop elements. The bolts in the loop assemblies are applied through tooling holes in pulleys on the limbs of a compound archery bow. The bow press is applied once the loop assemblies are in place. The limbs can be forced inward by drawing the bowstring creating enough slack for the connection cable to be hooked on either end to the loops. When the bowstring is released, the limbs are held by tension in the cable and loops to a point where they are closer than at brace height. When the bow press is applied, the bowstring is loose and maintenance can be applied to the bow, before disengaging the bow press.
US07980234B2	Blow-by gas reducing device The present invention provides a blow-by gas reducing device capable of adopting an exhaust pump with a small discharge rate and capable of suppressing oil degradation by reducing the mixing of bubbles in oil. The device includes: an oil pan of an engine; an oil tank; a first communication passage (an oil passage) connecting the oil tank and an oil holding portion of the oil pan; an oil pump (an exhaust pump) being provided in the first communication passage and pressure-feeding oil in the oil holding portion to the oil tank; a second communication passage (a gas passage) connecting the oil tank and a blow-by gas residing portion of the engine; and a gas sending device (a gas mechanism) utilizing a flow force of the oil inside the first communication passage to send blow-by gas in the blow-by gas residing portion to the oil tank via the second communication passage.
US07980230B2	Fuel economizer fuel vapor system for internal combustion engine A fuel vaporizer for an internal combustion engine having a closed pressure chamber defining a volume, to be heated, and a liquid fuel supply system disposed to emit a liquid fuel spray. The closed pressure chamber may be constructed and arranged relative to the heat-transfer surface to establish between the at least one outlet and the heat-transfer surface a mixing domain in which the fuel spray, as it progresses through the volume from the outlet, is substantially heated and vaporized by mixing with re-circulated, heated fuel vapor that previously has moved over and received heat from the heat transfer surface. The fuel vaporizer may be associated with a vapor outflow passage through which pressurized vapor exits the closed pressure chamber for supply to said at least one combustion region. The heat-transfer surface may be arranged to be heated by engine coolant circulating around the exterior of the closed pressure chamber.
US07980226B2	Fuel system for a direct injection engine A fuel delivery system for a direct injection internal combustion engine which reduces mechanical stress on the fuel system components. The system includes a first and a second fuel rail mounted to the engine block for the internal combustion engine. A device is attached to the fuel rails which reduces movement of the fuel rails relative to the engine block and mechanical stress that would otherwise result from such movement.
US07980225B2	Fuel supply device for internal combustion engine A device includes two fuel injection systems and a pulsation damper. Each system includes fuel injection valves and first and second delivery pipes. While fuel is pumped to the two fuel injection systems with a common fuel pump, the device intermittently drives the fuel injection valves to open, thereby supplying the fuel within the delivery pipes from the fuel injection valves. The paths through which the fuel passes include a first passageway, which has the first delivery pipe and a communication path, and a second passageway which has a branch path and the second delivery pipe. An opposing portion opposite to the opening of a placement channel in the first delivery pipe includes the opening of the branch path in the first delivery pipe. This enables one pulsation damper to precisely suppress fuel pressure pulsations occurring in the two delivery pipes.
US07980222B2	System and method for reducing power consumption when heating a fuel injector A method for heating fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine supplies current from a power source to a plurality of electrically operable mechanical actuators. The current is supplied sequentially to at least two electrically operable mechanical actuators at a level sufficient to produce a time-varying magnetic field having a power density that substantially raises an armature temperature of said valve, while substantially maintaining the operating states that said at least two electrically operable mechanical actuators assumed prior to applying said current.
US07980216B2	Rocker arm assembly having slider roller oil pumping features An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a rocker arm assembly supported by the engine structure, and a camshaft. The rocker arm assembly may include a lever body, a support member coupled to the lever body, and a first roller member supported for rotation on the support member. The first roller member may include an annular body having first and second axial ends and an inner bore. The inner bore may receive the support member and include a groove extending from the first axial end to the second axial end. The groove may include a first portion at the first axial end rotationally offset relative to a second portion at the second axial end of the annular body. The first roller member may be rotated by rotation of the camshaft and the groove may be adapted to pump oil along the bore when the first roller member is rotated.
US07980212B2	Variable valve lift apparatus A variable valve lift apparatus may include a cam that is disposed to a camshaft and rotates, a rocker arm that is disposed to the camshaft and in which a relative rotation angle of the rocker arm around the camshaft is variable, a cam follower that contacts the cam, receives rotation of the cam, and pivots around the rocker arm, and a swing arm that contacts the cam follower and drives a valve.
US07980211B2	Cam follower for the variable actuation of a gas-exchange valve of an internal combustion engine The cam follower has a roller, which is movable, between a first axial position and a second axial position and which alternately transmits elevations, which are different from one another. The cam has a cylinder-piston unit, which has a pressure medium space for moving the roller from the first axial position into the second axial position, and a spring means for moving the roller from the second axial position into the first axial position. The piston of the cylinder-piston unit is the roller and the roller has an end wall, which delimits the pressure medium space, and an annular collar which extends from said end wall and whose outer lateral surface serves as a cam pick-off surface. The inner lateral surface of the annular collar surrounds an outer section of the cylinder of the cylinder-piston unit.
US07980206B2	Cooling water passage structure of cylinder head In an internal combustion engine, one end of a cylinder head (1) in a longitudinal direction is provided with a cooling water inflow port (19) leading to the inside of the cylinder head (1), while the other end of the cylinder head (1) in the longitudinal direction is provided with an outflow port (20) of main cooling water flow (X) flowing through the center inside the cylinder head (1). Further, an outflow port (21) of sub cooling water flows (Y) branched from the main cooling water flow (X) and flowing around the merged part of the exhaust port (5) is provided. An adapter (23) communicated with the main cooling water outlet (20) and sub cooling water outlet (21) and combining these outflow ports (20, 21) into a single cooling water outlet (22) is fixed to the outer wall surface of the cylinder head (1).
US07980205B2	Air-cooled engine An air-cooled engine (10) is cooled by cooling air (Wi). The air-cooled engine (10) includes a cylinder block (33) and a cylinder head (28). The cylinder block (33) has cylinder cooling through-ducts (101, 102) capable of transmitting cooling air (Wi), on the periphery of a cylinder (26). The cylinder head (28) has a head-cooling through-duct (104) capable of transmitting cooling air (Wi). The cylinder-cooling ducts (101, 102) and the head-cooling duct (104) extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial line (109) of the cylinder (26), and are communicated with each other by means of communication channels (105, 105).
US07980202B2	Apparatus for preventing entanglement of multiple lines fed from separate reels An apparatus for preventing entanglement of lines fed from separate reels has at least two reels mounted on separate axles. A separate line is wound around each reel. Each axle is mounted on one of at least two rotatable split shaft members. Each split shaft member is connected to one of at least two non-rotating controls by means of one of at least two non-rotating brake rods, arranged such that operating one or another of said controls results in one or another of said reels being made to contact a fixed portion of the apparatus and brought to a halt or, if already halted, released and positioned so as to permit the line wound thereon to resume being fed out. The lines, each of which is separately fed out and retracted onto a respective one of the reels, are fed through holes formed in a faceplate mounted on one end of the assembled said split shaft members such that crossing of the lines tends to cause said faceplate, along with the split shaft members and the two reels, to rotate and disentangle said lines. One embodiment is a pet leash apparatus for exercising two or more pets.
US07980199B2	Containment apparatus for containing gestating sows Gestating sows are housed in a series of gestation stalls arranged in a row and backing onto an open alley along a rear of the row of stalls into which the sow can enter by backing out of the stall. A common trough extends along the front of the stalls and is fastened to the floor by fasteners which connect trough sections end to end. The common trough provides a support for the front end of the side walls defining the stalls. A rear gate closes the rear of each stall and connects to a front gate of the stall operable to close the rear gate by the sow as it moves in the stall toward the front. The rear gate latches closed to prevent entry of another sow but is releasable by rear pressure on the rear gate from the sow backing out.
US07980194B2	System and method for on-line mixing and application of surface coating compositions for food products A process and apparatus for preparing a surface coating composition for an animal food. The process involves combining, in-line along a food processing line, liquid fat and a dry additive to provide a liquid fat-dry additive composition, which then is combined with a liquid additive to provide a surface coating composition. The composition is coated on the food.
US07980191B2	Extruded strut, fuselage and front wing assembly for towable hydrofoil A towable water sports device having a hydrofoil assembly including a strut, fuselage and front and rear blades carried by the fuselage wherein said parts are extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy.
US07980189B2	Methods and apparatus for a scuttle mechanism Methods and apparatus for a scuttle assembly including an end member having a port to enable fluid flow, a valve member having a closed position to prevent fluid from flowing into a channel and an open position to allow fluid flowing into the channel, a bias member to bias the valve member to the open position, and a scuttle washer sandwiched between the end member and the valve member, the scuttle washer comprising a material that dissolves due to exposure to sea water without generating toxic gas or hydrogen.
US07980188B2	Cloth-holder frame transfer apparatus for sewing machine A cloth-holder frame transfer apparatus for a sewing machine includes a carriage detachably attachable to a cloth-holder frame holding workpiece cloth, a carriage driving mechanism including an actuator moving the carriage in two directions intersecting each other on a horizontal plane, an external force detector which detects an external force applied by an operator to the cloth-holder frame attached to the carriage, an assisting force output device which produces force assisting the movement of the cloth-holder frame by the external force, and a control device controlling the assisting force output device based on the external force detected by the external force detector. The carriage driving mechanism includes first and second direction movement actuators provided with first and second direction displacement sensors respectively. The first and second direction movement actuators include respective stepping motors, and the first and second direction displacement sensors include respective rotary encoders.
US07980180B2	Jacketed one piece core ammunition A jacketed projectile having one-piece steel core provides good performance regarding chamber pressure, barrel wear and accuracy by separating the jacket from a central tapered portion of the core by providing an encircling air gap that facilitates engraving of the jacket during firing.
US07980179B2	Safety and arming unit for a fuze of a projectile A safety and arming unit for a fuze of a projectile has a firing device for transferring the firing energy to another firing device and a barrier for interrupting the transfer. The barrier is locked in a locking state by a safety that triggers an unlocking action due to a physical arming parameter. The arming parameter of the novel device is an apogee parameter, effected by the projectile flying through the apogee of its projectile trajectory. A physical arming parameter independent of a launch parameter can be used to unlock the safety without needing to pull out a safety pin.
US07980178B1	Environmentally friendly percussion primer A cartridge containing an environmentally friendly percussion primer employing a primer explosive mixture, packed under the paper disc and anvil; the mixture being a metastable interstitial composite (MIC) and a high explosive; and a second mass of high explosive, packed within the primer cup above the anvil—which mass of high explosive is ignited by the detonation of the MIC and high explosive mixture—thereby adding to the detonation to create a combined, enhanced pressure and temperature wave to more quickly initiate the booster pellet and propellant, to fire the bullet within the subject action time limit—even under extreme cold ambient conditions.
US07980177B2	Hat pallet for digital image printing and method for producing a printed hat A hat pallet for use in a printer which prints an image onto a hat of the type having a cap and a bill attached thereto includes a bottom plate and a top plate mountable in a closed position over the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes a printing plate and a bill support fixedly mounted thereon. The top plate has an opening exposing at least a portion of the printing plate when the top plate is in the closed position. The bill support is positioned relative to the printing plate such that when the hat is mounted in the pallet with the top plate in the closed position, a portion of the cap on which the image is to be printed is supported on the printing plate and exposed through the opening of the top plate and the underside of the bill of the hat is supported by the bill support.
US07980176B2	Printing machine A printing machine, in particular a label printing machine or a sheet-fed offset printing press, includes printing units accommodated in a machine support structure that is made at least partially, and preferably entirely, of rock. The rock may be a natural rock, in particular granite, or an artificial rock, in particular concrete.
US07980175B2	Apparatus and method for measuring zonal inking An apparatus for measuring zonal inking on a printed product having a plurality of inking zones includes a plurality of optical sensors, each of the optical sensors picking up signals from at least one zonal measurement region assigned to a respective one of the plurality of inking zones of the printed product. The apparatus also includes at least one optical switch connected for receiving the picked up signals from the plurality of optical sensors and at least one measurement device connected to the at least one optical switch for receiving the picked up signals and evaluating the picked up signals.
US07980172B2	Closure mechanism and waste compaction system including same A waste compaction system which includes a body defining a waste-receiving receptacle having a perimeter defining an open top end. A bottom wall of the receptacle is vertically movable by a driving system to produce an upwardly directed compaction force within the receptacle. An iris-type closure mechanism extends over the open top end and is displaceable between a first, open position where the closure mechanism surrounds the open top end and a second, closed position where the opening is at least partially closed by the closure mechanism. In the second position of the closure mechanism, the driving system displaces the bottom wall upwards thereby compacting the waste contained within the receptacle against the closure mechanism.
US07980171B2	Vacuum cooking or warming appliance A cooking or food warming appliance having a heated heat sink plate situated in a vacuum environment within an outer shell. A food vessel intimately engages the heat sink plate along a food contacting surface thereof by virtue of the vacuum. The vacuum eliminates air gaps between the food contacting surface of the food vessel and the heat sink plate so as to provide instantaneous and uniform heating of the food vessel. The vacuum environment also provides thermal insulation for the heat sink plate whereby heat loss by convection is virtually eliminated.
US07980170B2	Method and apparatus for preparing coffee drinks The invention relates to a method for making coffee-based drinks and to an arrangement in an apparatus for making coffee-based drinks. In this process, coffee is made by means of a so-called expresso method using hot water. High pressure and a short boiling time. According to the method, a strong coffee concentrate is stored in a hermetically sealed heat vessel and the concentrate is either used as such or it is diluted so as to obtain a desired strength at the moment of serving by adding a suitable amount of water to the concentrate in a mixing tank. According to the invention, both expresso-based specialty coffees and ordinary coffee are made by means of the same equipment. The invention also makes it possible to quickly serve large amounts of coffee.
US07980169B2	Coffee machine utilizing pre-packed pre-portioned pouches A coffee machine for making a coffee beverage using pre-packed and pre-portioned coffee pouches including a brew chamber which includes a brew chamber top and a brew chamber base. The brew chamber top is movable by a locking mechanism along a virtual vertical axis from an elevated position to a position lowered on the brew chamber base to form a tight brew chamber and is movable back into the elevated position where a carrier of brew chamber base can be pushed, in horizontal plane from a pushed-in position in which the brew chamber base and the brew chamber top are disposed coaxially relative to each other, into a drawn-out position in which a pouch can be placed on said brew chamber base. Piercing elements are also supported at said brew chamber top and can be pushed into its interior. After elevating the brew chamber top and thus opening the brew chamber and drawing out the movable carrier, the piercing elements are withdrawn from the interior of the brew chamber top.
US07980163B2	Air deflector assemblies for miter saws A saw includes a rotatable cutting blade having a first side, a second side, an outer edge and a front end region, a motor for driving the cutting blade, and a blade guard covering at least a portion of the blade. The saw has an air deflector assembly positioned in proximity to the front edge region of the cutting blade, the air deflector assembly having a first deflector device positioned substantially adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the first side of the rotatable cutting blade, and a second deflector device. The second deflector device is movable between an operating position whereby the second deflector device is positioned substantially adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the second side of the blade, and a non-operating position wherein the second deflector device is spaced apart from the blade by a greater distance than in the operating position.
US07980162B2	Rotary punch A rotary punch includes an upper die plate, a lower die plate, and a support frame having a drive assembly that moves the upper die plate horizontally and vertically along a generally circular pathway. The lower die plate is connected to the support frame for movement in a linear horizontal direction only. The upper die plate is vertically slidably connected to the lower die plate by way of one or more vertical rods attached to the upper die plate that extend down through bushings provided in the lower die plate. In operation, the lower die plate horizontally follows the upper die plate as the latter is moved along its circular pathway. Concurrently, the upper plate moves towards and away from the lower plate. This maintains a substantially constant alignment between the die plates for carrying out a periodic machining operation on a moving web of material passing there between.
US07980160B2	Deep throat chuck jaw system A deep throat chuck jaw system adapted to be used with a lathe with or without a headstock hole is provided. The system includes a set of jaw extension members having an inboard end supported from a face of a master chuck jaw coupled to a lathe chuck. The jaw extension members also include an outboard end. The set of jaw extension members are operable to grip an outer surface of a part having an outer diameter greater than the headstock hole with a clamping assembly clamped around the outboard end.
US07980157B2	Differential assembly with welded differential carrier A differential assembly includes a differential carrier (5) with a first carrier part (6) with a free first annular face (13) and a second carrier part (7) connectable to the first carrier part (6) and having a free second annular face (15), and a plurality of circumferentially distributed recesses (9) formed between the two carrier parts (6, 7); per carrier part (6, 7), a sideshaft gear (22, 23) is rotatably supported therein; and a supporting element (10) with journals (12) is held in the differential carrier (5). Each of the journals engages one of the recesses (9) of the differential carrier (5) and carries a differential gear (19) for driving the sideshaft gears (22, 23). The first and the second carrier part (7) are welded along a joining region formed between the two annular faces (13, 15) which is interrupted by the recesses (9) in the circumferential direction.
US07980156B2	Multipurpose transmission mechanism for bicycle with quick assembly device A transmission mechanism is used in a bicycle having a frame. The transmission mechanism includes a quick assembly device including a central shaft, threaded collars, and a clip bracket, which is adapted to mount to a lower frame portion of the bicycle frame and a multi-mode mechanism, which is supported and fixed by the quick assembly device to provide the bicycle with multiple modes of pedaling.
US07980154B2	Gearbox shifting device and gearbox comprising a gearbox shifting device A transmission shifting device (1) with a selector shaft (2), a disk (7) connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the selector shaft (2), in which a disk-side guide (14) is provided, and a fixed plate (16) arranged opposite the disk (7), in which a plate-side guide (19) is formed. A moving control element (25) is provided for shifting a transmission, which extends into the disk-side and the plate-side guides (14, 19). The disk-side guide (14) extends in the radial direction of the disk (7). A transmission shifting device (1) of this type is particularly compact and takes up only little structural space.
US07980143B2	Apparatus for transforming energy of liquid flowing in a liquid supply pipeline An apparatus for use with a liquid supply pipeline, for transforming energy of liquid passing therethrough into electrical energy, comprising: a housing configured to be received within the pipeline and having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet defining a flow direction therebetween, at least one current generator including a rotor supported by the housing and having a shaft and a plurality of vanes attached thereto, the shaft extending in the housing along the flow direction allowing rotation of the vanes by liquid passing through the generator, and a stator associated with the rotor for producing electrical signals corresponding to the rotation of the rotor, and a power storage mean to which the at least one current generator is electrically connected, for receiving the electrical signals.
US07980140B2	Adhesion inspection apparatus and adhesion inspection method using the same An object of the present invention is to provide an adhesion inspection apparatus and method that can provide a reliable detection even for defect without the need of any complicated works, such as adjusting of an optical axis of instrument. An adhesion inspection apparatus 1 for inspecting adhesion of a package box 3 constructed with use of an adhesive, said apparatus characterized in that a vacuum pad 5 to be affixed for sucking on an outer surface of the package box 3 at an area proximal to an adhered region thereof; an inspection arm 9 carrying the vacuum pad 5 at one end thereof; a rotating shaft 11 joined to the other end of the inspection arm 9; a driving device 13 for driving the rotating shaft 11 to make a rotational movement; and a torque sensor 15 for detecting a torque induced in the driving device 13.
US07980137B2	Dual pressure sensor A dual pressure sensor using a reduced number of parts to simplify its structure and having increased ease of assembly and improved air tightness. The dual pressure sensor has an airtight container, two pressure sensor units received in the airtight container so as to be in intimate contact with each other and a substrate. The pressure sensor units has two bases, two pressure sensing diaphragm chips, and an output correction circuit. The pressure sensing diaphragm chips are secured to the bases, respectively. The bases are constructed respectively from base bodies having communication paths formed inside them and also respectively from pressure introduction sections integral with and projecting from the base bodies. The pressure introduction sections respectively project outward from insertion holes formed in the airtight container.
US07980130B2	Gravity gradiometer A gravity gradiometer is disclosed which has a sensor in the form of bars (41 and 42) which are supported on a mounting (5) which has a first mount section (10) and a second mount section (20). A first flexure web (33) pivotally couples the first and second mount sections about a first axis. The second mount has a first part (25), a second part (26) and a third part (27). The parts (25 and 26) are connected by a second flexure web (37) and the parts (26 and 27) are connected by a third flexure web (35). The bars (41 and 42) are located in housings (45 and 47) and form a monolithic structure with the housings (45 and 47) respectively. The housings (45 and 47) are connected to opposite sides of the second mount section 20. The bars (41 and 42) are connected to their respective housings by flexure webs (59). Transducers (71) are located in proximity to the bars for detecting movement of the bars to in turn enable the gravitational gradient tensor to be measured.
US07980129B2	Feed bin monitoring system and method A bin monitoring system functions both as a device for lifting the bin and as a weighing system for monitoring or measuring the level of feed in a feed bin. Various embodiments having a suspended load cell and methods of retrofitting the bin monitoring system to existing bins are provided. Further, the accuracy provided by various embodiments enables one to accurately predict when the feed bin will be empty. Thus, the feed mill can be aware of anticipated needs days in advance, allowing the feed mill to better optimize its scheduling and deliveries.
US07980128B2	Level monitoring system In order to provide an improved level monitoring system for monitoring the electrolyte fill level of an accumulator, the present invention proposes a level monitoring system having a level monitoring device and a signal output device (10) which is arranged in a separate housing, receives signals representing the fill level of the electrolyte from the level monitoring device and outputs at least one corresponding fill level signal.
US07980124B2	Fluid meter with self-orientation of the screen and of the official information borne on the cover The invention relates to a meter including a counter provided with an electronic display member and covered by a cap (2) presenting at least one window (2A) enabling an electronic screen (3) that is centered on the vertical central axis (X) of the meter to be viewed, said cap (2) carrying official information on its outside face (4). According to the invention, said cap (2) is pivotable about said axis (X) and the meter includes at least one static sensor (5, 6) responsive to pivoting of said cap (2), said sensor controlling the display of said screen (3) in such a manner that the data displayed by the screen has the same reading direction (S1, S2) as said official information (4).
US07980121B2	Degradation simulator for gas sensor The degradation simulator is used for a gas sensor including a sensor element having a solid electrolyte layer and a pair of electrodes located opposite to each other across from the solid electrolyte layer, the sensor element outputting a sensor output signal having a value depending on concentration of a specific gas in the ambient gas. The degradation simulator includes a first setting function of enabling variably setting a time constant delay which appears on the sensor output signal when concentration of the specific gas changes, a second setting function of enabling variably setting a dead time delay which appears on the sensor output signal when concentration of the specific gas changes, and an adding function of adding at least one of the time constant delay and dead time delay to the sensor output signal in order to generate a pseudo-degraded sensor output signal in accordance with an external instruction.
US07980109B2	Method for inspecting a strip in a reversible rolling mill A method for inspecting a strip in a reversible rolling plant comprising at least one cage arranged between two winding/unwinding devices each having a mandrel. The rolling is performed in several passes until the requested thickness is obtained over the whole length of a useful part ranging between two service lengths maintained wound on each of the mandrels.According to the invention, at the end of the last pass between a winder/unwinder placed upstream of the cage in the rolling direction and acting as an uncoiler, and a downstream winder/unwinder acting as a coiler, the upstream service length is unwound completely from the uncoiler, then subjected to a roll pass; the strip is then cut in the vicinity of the end of its useful part to release, at its rear end in the direction of the last pass, an inspection length whereof at least one part corresponds to said upstream service length rolled once.
US07980106B2	Rekeyable lock cylinder, plug assembly of the same and method for rekeying the same A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of pin assemblies and a guide bar. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a tool-receiving hole. Each of the pin assemblies is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The guide bar is coupled to the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for engaging with the first rack components and a tool-receiving portion exposed by the tool-receiving hole. The guide bar is capable of moving along transverse axis-direction of the plug body to disengage the first rack components from the second rack components.
US07980098B2	Method for producing an optical component of synthetic quartz glass with enhanced radiation resistance, and blank for producing the component To optimize an optical component of synthetic quartz glass, in the case of which a quartz glass blank is subjected to a multistage annealing treatment, with respect to compaction and central birefringence, the present invention suggests a method comprising the following steps: (a) a first treatment phase during which the quartz glass blank is treated in an upper temperature range between 1130° C. and 1240° C., (b) cooling the quartz glass blank at a first-higher-mean cooling rate to a quenching temperature below 1100° C., a fictive temperature with a high mean value of 1100° C. or more being reached in the quartz glass, (c) a second treatment phase which comprises cooling of the quartz glass blank at a second-lower-mean cooling rate, and in which the quartz glass blank is treated in a lower temperature range between 950° C. and 1100° C. such that a fictive temperature is reached in the quartz glass with a low mean value which is at least 50° C. lower than the high mean value of the fictive temperature according to method step (b).
US07980095B1	Jewelry method and system A method and system providing for customizable jewelry is disclosed. The customizable jewelry system comprises a plurality of jewelry strands with releasable clasps at each end and multi-connector findings. The multi-connector findings are connectors with multiple loops capable of being a connecting joint to the jewelry strands. The multi-connector findings are especially suitable for multiple layer necklaces and belts. The opposing ends of each jewelry strand can be releasably secured to one another and to multi-connector findings to form various structures suitable for use as necklace, bracelet, chain belt, or other component jewelry accessory. Each strand can be repeatedly utilized in multiple jewelry item combinations. Each strand within a jewelry structure can also be removed or substituted with another strand to achieve any configuration that is desirable for a particular outfit and setting.
US07980093B2	Combined refrigerant compressor and secondary liquid coolant pump A compressor for a refrigerant is integrally contained in a housing with a positive displacement pump for a secondary coolant. Both the compressor and pump are driven by a common motor. In one embodiment, a linear compressor includes a reciprocating piston rod coupled at one end to a refrigerant compressor and at an opposite end to a positive displacement liquid pump. The pump circulates a secondary coolant through a thermal storage unit and heat exchanger associated with an evaporator. The evaporator is coupled to a condenser, in turn, coupled to the compressor. A conventional rotary compressor may also have a positive displacement pump coupled to the motor to provide circulation for a secondary coolant circuit.
US07980092B2	Compressor Disclosed, amongst other things, is a compressor, a heat recovery device, and a plant, configured to practice heat recovery from a compressible media for performing useful work in driving a heat-driven chiller.

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