最新美国发明专利第2010-02-02期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US07655415B2	IL1RL-1 as a cardiovascular disease marker and therapeutic target This invention pertains to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated molecules that can be used to diagnose and/or treat cardiovascular conditions including cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and heart failure.
US07655412B2	Self-assembly molecules There is provided a method of forming a multimeric complex having affinity for a target. The method comprises: obtaining a plurality of self-assembly molecules, said self-assembly molecules including complementary self-assembly units such as verotoxin subunit B, each of which is operatively connected to an interaction domain such as a single domain antibody specific for the target; and combining said self-assembly molecules such that at least three said self-assembly units simultaneously bind to one another so as to permit the single domain antibodies to bind the target.
US07655411B2	Thrombospondin fragments and binding agents in the detection, diagnosis and evaluation of cancer The invention relates to thrombospondin fragments found in plasma, their use or use of portions thereof in diagnostic methods, as method calibrators, method indicators, and as immunogens, and as analytes for methods with substantial clinical utility; and their detection in plasma or other bodily fluids for purpose of diagnostic methods, especially for cancer.
US07655408B2	PCA3 messenger RNA species in benign and malignant prostate tissues This invention concerns the discovery of two distinct PCA3 mRNA sequences. One of these sequences corresponds to a short PCA3 mRNA molecule whereas the other PCA3 RNA molecule is longer as it comprises an additional sequence between exon 3 and exon 4a. The short RNA is associated with prostate cancer whereas the long RNA sequence is associated with a non-malignant state of the prostate. Based on the differential expression levels of these two PCA3 RNA sequences, protocols for the diagnosis of prostate disease are provided. The invention also relates to therapeutic approaches to prostate cancer.
US07655406B2	Nucleotide sequences coding for the non-structural proteins of the hepatitis C virus The invention concerns the use of cells capable of carrying out a process of prenylation of proteins coded by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome, such as prenylation of the NS5A protein, for replicating and, if required, the production of HCV or derivative viable mutants, in a suitable culture medium.
US07655403B2	CHD7 gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to idiopathic scoliosis The present invention includes compositions and methods for diagnosis of polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to idiopathic scoliosis in a patient by determining the presence of a mutation in a nucleic acid sample provided from the patient for a mutation in a transcription factor binding site in one or more non-coding regions of the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 gene.
US07655400B2	Substance capable of accelerating nucleotide chain exchange reaction The purpose of the present invention is to provide a substance having a several ten to several hundred-fold exchange reaction accelerating activity as compared with that of conventional copolymers. In particular, the invention provides a preparation for accelerating an exchange reaction between a nucleotide sequence at specific site of a double stranded DNA or RNA for its homologous nucleotide sequence, the preparation comprising a cationic polymer having a guanidine group-containing main chain and a hydrophilic functional groups as an active ingredient. Thus, a substance having a several ten to several hundred-fold exchange reaction accelerating activity as compared with that of conventional copolymers can be provided. With this substance, the nucleotide chain exchange can be performed at a lower temperature and/or a higher rate than in the prior art.
US07655397B2	Selections of genes and methods of using the same for diagnosis and for targeting the therapy of select cancers A method of diagnosing a disease that includes obtaining experimental data on gene selections. The gene selection functions to characterize a cancer when the expression of that gene selection is compared to the identical selection from a noncancerous cell or a different type of cancer cell. The invention also includes a method of targeting at least one product of a gene that includes administration of a therapeutic agent. The invention also includes the use of a gene selection for diagnosing a cancer.
US07655392B2	Quenching methods for red blood cell inactivation process Methods are provided for improved quenching of undesired side reactions upon treating a red blood cell composition with a pathogen inactivating compound comprising a nucleic acid binding ligand and a functional group which is, or which is capable of forming, an electrophilic group. In some embodiments, the improved methods use a suitably high concentration of quencher that comprises a nucleophilic functional group that is capable of covalently reacting with the electrophilic group, wherein the treatment occurs within a desired pH range to provide sufficient quenching. Preferred quenchers for use in some of the methods include thiols, such as glutathione, which have been suitably neutralized such that addition to a red blood cell composition results in the desired concentration of quencher at a desirable pH range of 6.8 to 8.5.
US07655387B2	Method to align mask patterns Alignment tolerances between narrow mask lines, for forming interconnects in the array region of an integrated circuit, and wider mask lines, for forming interconnects in the periphery of the integrated circuit, are increased. The narrow mask lines are formed by pitch multiplication and the wider mask lines are formed by photolithography. The wider mask lines and are aligned so that one side of those lines is flush with or inset from a corresponding side of the narrow lines. Being wider, the opposite sides of the wider mask lines protrude beyond the corresponding opposite sides of the narrow mask lines. The wider mask lines are formed in negative photoresist having a height less than the height of the narrow mask lines. Advantageously, the narrow mask lines can prevent expansion of the mask lines in one direction, thus increasing alignment tolerances in that direction. In the other direction, use of photolithography and a shadowing effect caused by the relative heights of the photoresist and the narrow mask lines causes the wider mask lines to be formed with a rounded corner, thus increasing alignment tolerances in that direction by increasing the distance to a neighboring narrow mask line.
US07655386B2	Polymer having antireflective properties, hardmask composition including the same, process for forming a patterned material layer, and associated device An antireflective hardmask composition includes an organic solvent, and at least one polymer represented by Formulae A, B or C: In Formulae A and B, the fluorene group is unsubstituted or substituted, in Formula C, the naphthalene group is unsubstituted or substituted, n is at least 1 and is less than about 750, m is at least 1, and m+n is less than about 750, G is an aromatic ring-containing group having an alkoxy group, and R1 is methylene or includes a non-fluorene-containing aryl linking group.
US07655385B2	Pattern formation method After forming a resist film including a hygroscopic compound, pattern exposure is performed by selectively irradiating the resist film with exposing light while supplying water onto the resist film. After the pattern exposure, the resist film is developed so as to form a resist pattern.
US07655381B2	Method for producing resist substrates The invention relates to a method for producing a substrate having a resist layer in the form of a relief structure, which represents a diffraction structure. The resist layer at least in certain areas adjoins a conductive layer, which scatters the primary electrons and/or produces secondary electrons when the resist layer is exposed by means of an electron beam. With this method the material of the resist layer and the conductive layer and the exposure parameters are adjusted to each other such that the resist layer is also exposed outside the area impinged with the electron beam such that the flanks of the relief structure obtain an inclined form.
US07655379B2	Ionic, organic photoacid generators for DUV, MUV and optical lithography based on peraceptor-substituted aromatic anions A photoacid generator compound P+A−, comprises an antenna group P+ comprising a cation that generates protons upon interaction with light, and A− comprising a weakly coordinating peracceptor-substituted aromatic anion that does not contain fluorine or semi-metallic elements such as boron. In one embodiment, such anions comprise the following compounds 4, 5, 6 and 7, wherein E comprises an electron-withdrawing group and the removal of one proton generates aromaticity. P+ comprises an onium cation that decomposes into a proton and other components upon interaction with photons. P+ may comprise an organic chalcogen onium cation or a halonium cation, wherein the chalcogen onium cation in another embodiment may comprises an oxonium, sulfonium, selenium, tellurium, or onium cation, and the halonium cation may comprise an iodonium, chlorine or bromine onium cation. A novel compound comprises TPS CN5. A photolithographic formulation comprises the photoacid generator in combination with a photolithographic composition such as a photolithographic polymer. The formulation, when on a substrate, is exposed to optical lithographic radiation or ArF (193 nm) or KrF (248 nm) radiation, and developed. A product comprises an article of manufacture made by the method of the invention.
US07655378B2	Negative resist composition and patterning process using the same There is disclosed a negative resist composition comprising, at least, a polymer comprising a repeating unit of hydroxy vinylnaphthalene represented by the following general formula (1). There can be provided a negative resist composition, in particular, a chemically amplified negative resist composition that can exhibit higher resolution than conventional hydroxy styrene or novolac negative resist compositions, that provides excellent pattern profiles after being exposed and that exhibits excellent etching resistance; and a patterning process that uses the resist composition.
US07655376B2	Process for producing photonic crystals and controlled defects therein A process comprises (a) providing a substantially inorganic photoreactive composition comprising (1) at least one cationically reactive species, (2) a multi-photon photoinitiator system, and 10 (3) a plurality of precondensed, inorganic nanoparticles; (b) exposing, using a multibeam interference technique involving at least three beams, at least a portion of the photoreactive composition to radiation of appropriate wavelength, spatial distribution, and intensity to produce a two-dimensional or three-dimensional periodic pattern of reacted and non-reacted portions of the photoreactive composition; (c) exposing at least a portion of the non-reacted portion of the photoreactive composition to radiation of appropriate wavelength and intensity to cause multi-photon absorption and photoreaction to form additional reacted portion; (d) removing the non-reacted portion or the reacted portion of the photoreactive composition to form interstitial void space; and (e) at least partially filling the interstitial void space with at least one material having a refractive index that is different from the refractive index of the remaining portion.
US07655366B2	Inkless reimageable printing paper and method An image forming medium includes a substrate and an imaging layer coated on or impregnated into a substrate, where the imaging layer is formed of an imaging composition that includes a solvent or a polymeric binder, and a photochromic material selected from substituted fulgides and substituted dithienylethenes, dissolved or dispersed in the solvent or polymeric binder, and where the imaging composition exhibits a reversible homogeneous-heterogeneous transition between a colorless state, an intermediate colorless or colored erasable state, and a final colored stable state, the photochromic material converting from the colorless state to the colored stable state upon irradiation with light of a first wavelength and converting from the colored stable state to the colorless state upon exposure to heat and light.
US07655365B2	Wettability variable substrate and wettability variable layer forming composition It is a main object of the present invention to provide a wettability variable substrate provided with a wettability variable layer which is free from any cloud and is superior in adhesion to a substrate, transparency and liquid repellency. The above object is attained by the provision of a wettability variable substrate comprising a wettability variable layer, on a substrate, which the wettability is varied by exposing to light in the presence of a photocatalyst, wherein the wettability variable layer contains an organopolysiloxane which is a co-hydrolysis condensation polymer obtained using (A) one type or two or more types of organopolysiloxane precursors represented by YnSiX(4-n) (Y represents an alkyl group or a fluoroalkyl group, or a substituent containing these groups, X represents an alkoxyl group, an acetyl group or a halogen, a letter n subscripted to Y and a letter n in (4-n) subscripted to X are an integer from 1 to 3), and (B) an amorphous silica precursor represented by SiX4 (X is the same as above) by a mass ratio of (A)/(B)=1/0.1 to 1/20.
US07655363B2	Method and apparatus for solving mask precipitated defect issue Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for solving mask precipitated defect issue. A gas is purged into a photomask reticle assembly for diffusing precipitated defects out of a photomask in the photomask reticle assembly. A metal shielding assembly enclosing the photomask reticle assembly is provided for reducing precipitated defects and damages to the photomask. In an illustrative embodiment, the metal shielding assembly comprises an upper metal shielding, a pellicle frame of the photomask reticle assembly, side support frames of the photomask reticle assembly, a top cover, a handle, and a handle cover.
US07655360B2	Electric separator comprising a shutdown mechanism, method for the production thereof, and use in lithium batteries An electrical separator for a lithium battery is composed of a porous carrier coated with a porous inorganic nonelectroconductive material and a porous shutdown layer on the porous inorganic nonelectroconductive coating. The shutdown layer melts at a selected temperature defined by layer composition. Upon melting, the pores of the inorganic layer are closed. Such an electrical separator provides a lithium battery of improved safety. A method to produce the electrical separator is provided.
US07655359B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery having a feature in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode and electrolyte are provided; the negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material layer which is alloying at least at a portion of a boundary face with a negative electrode current collector; an approximately tabular electrode body structure is formed by a constitution in which a laminated body of the lamellar positive electrode and the lamellar negative electrode is wound or folded; and in the approximately tabular electrode body structure, relation of B≦1.5A is satisfied when length in a perpendicular direction with respect to a bended portion of the laminated body is made to be A and length in a parallel direction with respect to the bended portion of the laminated body is made to be B.
US07655351B2	Administering device with a power source contacted by spring force Administering device for infusing or injecting a product, comprising a housing (1, 2) with a receiver (3) for the product, a compartment (7) for a power source in order to supply the conveying mechanism (4) with electrical energy, a first contact spring (15) which is disposed in the compartment and places a terminal of the power source in an electrically conducting contact by means of a spring force when the power source is disposed in the compartment (7), and a second contact spring (16) for establishing an electrically conducting contact for an opposite terminal of the power source, likewise by means of spring force.
US07655349B2	Cylindrical lithium secondary battery A cylindrical lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly which has a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator provided between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, is wound in a spiral shape, and has a central space at the center of winding; a core member which is inserted into the central space of the electrode assembly; a case having a space for containing the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly which is connected to an upper portion of the case so as to seal the case. The core member is formed in a tube shape having a gap along a longitudinal direction, which divides the core member into a body portion and left and right lateral end portions, wherein an imaginary arc line extending from an outer circumferential surface of the body portion of the core member defines an imaginary circumference, and wherein the left and right lateral end portions are located inside the imaginary circumference and comprise a pair of first bending portions, inwardly bending and symmetrically disposed with respect to the gap, and a pair of second bending portions bending in a rotation direction that is opposite to the inwardly bending rotational directions of the first bending portions.
US07655348B2	Chip-type battery In order to enhance versatility, a chip-type battery having a means for readily identifying a first terminal and a second terminal is provided. The chip-type battery includes: a body having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and contains a plurality of power generating elements in a stack, each element including a sintered material; a first terminal having a first polarity; and a second terminal having a second polarity. The first terminal is provided at a first side face of the body. The second terminal is provided at a second side face of the body located on other than the first side face. The first terminal and the second terminal include different metal materials.
US07655347B2	Battery and method of assembling battery A battery includes a casing made of metal; and a safety valve made of a thin plate. The casing includes a vent hole that provides communication between the inside of the battery and the outside of the battery. A seal member made of synthetic resin is provided between the peripheral edge portion around the vent hole and the peripheral edge portion of the safety valve. The seal member connects the peripheral edge portion around the vent hole to the peripheral edge portion of the safety valve such that the peripheral edge portion around the vent hole does not contact the peripheral edge portion of the safety valve.
US07655345B2	Fuel cell using in the cathode compartment and optionally in the anode compartment oxydoreductase enzymes A proton exchange membrane fuel cell comprises an cathodic compartment including a cathode, an oxidant consisting of oxygen and at least one enzyme catalyst, an anodic compartment comprising an anode, a fuel and at least one catalyst. The anodic and cathodic compartments are arranged at either end of the membrane. The cell is characterized in that the enzyme catalyst of the anodic compartment is an oxidoreductase type enzyme capable of catalyzing the reduction of oxygen into hydrogen peroxide and the hydrogen peroxide is a direct receptor of the electrons from the cathode.
US07655340B2	Ultra short high pressure gradient flow path flow field The present invention is directed to a planar flow field design having an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold which are configured in two offset planes. A relatively short passage extends from the intake manifold through the exhaust manifold and terminates at a reactive face of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) such that a differential flow distribution is provided from the intake manifold through the passage and across a reactive face of the MEA to the exhaust manifold.
US07655338B2	Fuel cell An output cable for transferring an output of a fuel cell stack to a device provided outside a stack case and an output terminal portion of the fuel cell stack are connected to each other, and a blocking device capable of blocking the fuel cell stack from supplying the output thereof to the device through mechanical operation from outside the stack case is provided. In the stack case, a first through hole for allowing for maintenance and checkout from the outside of the stack case to the inside is formed, and the blocking device is attached so as to cover this first through hole from outside. The blocking device includes a housing made of a solid body, a second through hole for communicating the outside of the stack case with the inside by communicating with the first through hole, and a closing cover for closing the second through hole.
US07655335B2	Air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack An air breathing direct methanol fuel cell pack includes: a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including single cells having an electrolyte membrane, anodes on a first plane of the electrolyte membrane and cathodes on a second plane thereof, the second plane disposed opposite to the first plane; a fuel supply unit facing the first plane; an upper panel member facing the second plane of the MEA and including a first cavity and second cavity, a plurality of air vent holes formed in the first and/or second cavity and air channels connecting the first and second cavities; current collectors disposed on the cathode and anode of single cells of the MEA; conductors electrically connecting the current collectors to form electric circuitry among the single cells; and a lower panel member for forming a housing for accommodating the MEA and the fuel supply unit in cooperation with the upper panel member.
US07655333B2	Sub-micron solid oxide electrolyte membrane in a fuel cell This document describes the nano-scaling effects of solid-state oxygen-ion conductors when the thickness of an ionic conductor membrane as well as size of the grains within the membrane are scaled down to less than 200 nm. By using such solid-state oxygen-ion conductor membranes as solid-state electrolytes, the performances of solid-state ionic devices like fuel cells, gas sensors and catalytic supporters, can be improved and operating temperature can be lowered.
US07655330B2	Method of operating fuel cell and power supply system Methods of operating a fuel cell and a power supply systems are provided. The methods and systems of the present invention are capable of suppressing condensation of moisture obstructing an air passage without the need of any complicated system configuration. The method of operating a fuel cell includes controlling a supply of air while monitoring a relative humidity of exhausted air. The step of controlling the supply of air can be performed such that the relative humidity of exhausted air becomes equal to or less than a specific humidity. The power supply system including, as a power supply, a fuel cell having an air supply unit, an air exhaust unit, and a fuel gas supply unit includes a humidity sensor provided on the air exhaust unit, and a control mechanism for controlling a supplied amount of air in the air supply unit based on the information provided from the humidity sensor.
US07655326B2	Thermal barrier coating material and method for production thereof, gas turbine member using the thermal barrier coating material, and gas turbine A thermal barrier coating material, containing a metal binding layer laminated on a base material and a ceramic layer laminated on the metal binding layer, the ceramic layer comprising partially stabilized ZrO2 which is partially stabilized by additives of Dy2O3 and Yb2O3.
US07655324B2	Electro-magnetic storage device and method An electro-magnetic storage device and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, a memory device includes a first magnetic material to attract a movable structure (e.g., a ferromagnetic material) when a first voltage is applied between the first magnetic material and the movable structure, and a second magnetic material to release the movable structure when a second voltage is applied between the second magnetic material and the movable structure. The movable arm may create a closed circuit when the second voltage is applied between the second magnetic material and the movable structure. There may be a vacuum-gap between the movable structure and at least one of the first magnetic material and/or the second magnetic material. The memory device may be stackable on other memory devices having similar properties, and/or electrically coupled with other memory devices having similar properties in a memory array.
US07655320B2	Surface pre-treatment method for pre-coated heat-treatable, precipitation-hardenable stainless steel ferrous-alloy components and components coated thereby The present invention relates to the use, in a pre-coating process, of a flash plating, without a subsequent chromate seal, as a surface pre-treatment for a ferrous-alloy substrate prior to applying a corrosion-inhibiting coating to improve the overall corrosion protection of the pre-treatment component. Preferably the ferrous alloy is a heat-treatable, precipitation-hardenable stainless steel and the pre-treatement is a cadmium flash plate or a zinc-nickel alloy flash plate.
US07655316B2	Cleaning of a substrate support A cleaning wafer cleans process residues from a support surface used in the processing of a substrate in an energized gas. The cleaning wafer has a disc having a liquid precursor derived polyimide layer formed directly on the disc by applying a liquid polyimide precursor to the disc. The polyimide layer has a thickness of less than about 50 microns, and a cleaning surface shaped to match a contour of the support surface. Process residues adhere to the cleaning surface and are cleaned from the support surface upon removal of the cleaning wafer therefrom.
US07655313B2	Low-E coated articles and methods of making same In certain example embodiments, low-E coated articles may be designed so as to realize a combination of good visible transmission (Tvis) and an excellent solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), thereby realizing an improved (i.e., higher) Tvis/SHGC ratio. In certain example embodiments of this invention, if heat treated (HT), the low-E coated articles may have approximately the same color characteristics as viewed by the naked eye both before and after heat treatment (i.e., a low ΔE* value) in certain example instances. Such coated articles may be used in insulating glass (IG) units, windows, and/or other suitable applications.
US07655306B2	Optical film, optical filter and display device including the same An optical film includes a selective visible light-absorbing layer including at least one dye having a maximum absorption wavelength in a range of about 470 nm to about 510 nm, the selective visible light-absorbing layer having a maximum light transmittance of about 60% or less at the maximum absorption wavelength of the dye and a full width at half maximum of about 50 nm or less.
US07655302B2	Continuous fiber of fullerene nanotubes This invention relates generally to carbon fiber produced from fullerene nanotube arrays. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a macroscopic carbon fiber comprising at least 106 fullerene nanotubes in generally parallel orientation.
US07655299B2	Surface-coated cutting tool made of hard metal and manufacturing method for same A surface-coated cutting tool comprising: a hard substrate; a lower layer which is formed on a surface of the hard substrate, contains a composite compound consisting of at least one element selected from Ti and Al, and at least one element selected from N and C, and has an average thickness of 0.1 to 3 μm; and an upper layer having an average thickness of 1 to 13 μm, which is formed on the lower layer and having a texture in which fine grains of crystalline Ti (C,N) based compounds or fine grains of crystalline (Ti, Al)(C, N) based compounds are dispersively distributed in a matrix of a carbon based amorphous material containing W.
US07655297B2	Electrically conductive polyester molding composition having a high quality surface finish A molding compound formulation is provided that includes a unsaturated polyester, a low profile additive, and high surface area conductive carbon black particulate. The carbon black is dispersed in at least one of the unsaturated polyester and the low profile additive to produce a cured panel having a surface resistivity value of between 1×105-108Ω, and a Diffracto analysis D number of less than 100 when cured against a mold platen having a Diffracto analysis D number of 25. A process for producing such a molding compound panel is also provided that includes mixing through rotary mechanical stirring the high surface area conductive carbon black particulate into one side of the molding compound formulation under conditions that satisfy: ln(viscosity)≦−0.82{ln(RPM)}+12.734 (I) where viscosity is in Centipoise and RPM denotes revolutions per minute.
US07655295B2	Mix of grafted and non-grafted particles in a resin In one application the mix grafted and non grafted invention provides for high thermal conductivity resin that comprises a host resin matrix with a first class of grafted high thermal conductivity particles that are grafted to the host resin matrix. Also a second class of non-grafted high thermal conductivity particles that are not directly grafted the host resin matrix. The first class and the second class comprise approximately 2-60% by volume of the high thermal conductivity resin. The first class of grafted particles and the second class of non-grafted particles are high thermal conductivity fillers are from 1-1000 nm in length, and have an aspect ratio of between 3-100.
US07655293B2	Coated cutting tool insert A CVD-coated cutting tool insert with a TiCxNy-layer with a low tensile stress level of 10-300 MPa and an α-Al2O3-layer with a high surface smoothness of <0.1 μm as measured by AFM-technique is disclosed. This is obtained by subjecting the coating to a first intensive wet blasting operation with a slurry of F80 grits of Al2O3 followed by a second wet blasting treatment with a slurry of F320 grits of Al2O3.
US07655288B2	Composite self-cohered web materials The present invention is directed to implantable bioabsorbable non-woven self-cohered web materials having a high degree of porosity. The web materials are very supple and soft, while exhibiting proportionally increased mechanical strength in one or more directions. The web materials often possess a high degree of loft. The web materials can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms suitable for use as implantable medical devices or components thereof.
US07655286B2	Fusible reactive media comprising mordant An inkjet recording element comprising a support having thereon in order, from top to bottom, a fusible, porous ink-transporting layer comprising fusible polymeric particles, which particles comprise a thermoplastic polymer with reactive functional groups, the ink-transporting layer further comprising a multifunctional compound having complementary reactive functional groups capable of crosslinking the reactive functional groups on the thermoplastic polymer. The ink-transporting layer is over a fusible dye-trapping layer that preferably comprises a mordant. Optionally, an ink-carrier-liquid receptive layer is present between the dye-trapping layer and the support.
US07655282B2	Method of forming patterned film A method of forming a patterned thin film comprises the step of forming a frame having an undercut near the bottom thereof on an electrode film, and the plating step of forming the patterned thin film by plating through the use of the frame. The patterned thin film includes a plurality of linear portions disposed side by side. Each of the linear portions has a portion close to the electrode film. This portion has a width greater than the width of the remaining portion of each of the linear portions.
US07655280B2	Extreme low resistivity light attenuation anti-reflection coating structure and method for manufacturing the same A extreme low resistivity light attenuation anti-reflection coating structure includes a substrate, a coating module, and a composed protection coating layer. The coating module is formed on a front surface of the substrate. The coating module is composed of a plurality of Ti-based oxide coating layers and a plurality of metal coating layers that are alternately stacked with each other. The composed protection coating layer is formed on the coating module.
US07655275B2	Methods of controlling flow A method of controlling flow includes treating a region of a surface to have a non-wettable surface characteristic or a wettable surface characteristic in the region.
US07655273B2	Method of manufacturing an electrode active material particle for a rechargeable battery A method of manufacturing an electrode active material particle for a rechargeable battery wherein a layer of an active material capable of being alloyed with Li is formed on a surface of a metal particle incapable of being alloyed with Li and then a heat treatment is conducted to diffuse the active material into the metal particle so that the resulting active material particle has a concentration profile in which a concentration of a metal element of the metal particle decreases from an interior toward the surface.
US07655266B1	Method for making biscuits A method for making biscuits wherein a dough mixture is dispensed into an agitator. The dough mixture is agitated as it is being dispensed into cavities of a die. The dough mixture is compressed into the cavities of the die by a compression device. The dough mixture is ejected from the cavities of the die by pushing the dough mixture from a top surface of the die out of a bottom surface of the die and onto an apron with an ejection mechanism.
US07655264B2	Process for promoting calcium absorption Chewy confectionery products, and processes for producing said products, are provided as delivery systems for minerals such as calcium. The carbohydrates of the fortified confectionery products comprise at least one reducing sugar and one non-reducing sugar in a preferred ratio of about 1:0.2 to about 1:1 reducing sugar: non-reducing sugar. The chewy confectionery products offer a matrix for about 0.2 wt. % to 45 wt. % of a fortifying component while maintaining a smooth and soft texture.
US07655262B2	Hair treatment composition An improved hair treatment composition that strengthens cellulosic fiber found in the composition of hair, that eliminates the degradation of hair, and that provides for skin protection from the adverse reaction of caustic alkaline preparations found in professional hair products that are used in the bleaching and strengthening hair. The composition of the present invention may also be safely used by non professional hair stylist without deteriorating the texture and quality of the end user's hair, without permanent or temporary hair loss, and without injury to the scalp.
US07655253B2	Navel orangeworm pheromone composition The present invention provides compounds useful for preparing synthetic pheromone compositions that can be used as attractants or inhibitors of insect species. The compositions are useful in the control of navel orangeworm or meal moth insect pests.
US07655251B2	Amphiphilic derivatives of α-C-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone Novel compounds, derivatives of α-C-phenyl N-tert-butyl nitrone, a method for production and use thereof for the preparation of medicaments for the prevention of treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress.
US07655249B2	Compositions and methods for WT1 specific immunotherapy Compositions and methods for the therapy of malignant diseases, such as leukemia and cancer, are disclosed. The compositions comprise one or more of a WT1 polynucleotide, a WT1 polypeptide, an antigen-presenting cell presenting a WT1 polypeptide, an antibody that specifically binds to a WT1 polypeptide; or a T cell that specifically reacts with a WT1 polypeptide. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of metastatic diseases.
US07655246B2	Chlamydia protein, gene sequence and uses thereof A high molecular weight (“HMW”) protein of Chlamydia, the amino acid sequence thereof, and antibodies that specifically bind the HMW protein are disclosed as well as the nucleic acid sequence encoding the same. Also disclosed are prophylactic and therapeutic compositions, comprising the HMW protein, a fragment thereof, or an antibody that specifically binds the HMW protein or a portion thereof, or the nucleotide sequence encoding the HMW protein or a fragment thereof, including vaccines.
US07655243B2	Methods and systems for toxin delivery to the nasal cavity Methods and systems for delivering toxin and toxin fragments to a patient's nasal cavity provide for both release of the toxin and delivery of energy which selectively porates target cells to enhance uptake of the toxin. The use of energy-mediated delivery is particularly advantageous with light chain fragment toxins which lack cell binding capacity.
US07655241B2	Methods and compositions for vaccination against or involving enterobacteriaceae bacteria The present invention concerns the use of methods and compositions to prophylactically or therapeutically vaccinate a subject against a pathogen or disease. Embodiments of the invention include the production of an attenuated bacterium from the family Enterobacteriaceae with a non-functional lipoprotein for use as a vaccine or as a vaccine vector for delivering antigens to a subject to be vaccinated. In certain embodiments, a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family lacking a wild type LP, for example Salmonella typhimurium lacking a wild type LP, may be produced and used as a vaccine or vaccine vector.
US07655240B2	Vaccine composition comprising an immunoadjuvant compound consisting of a Rho GTPase family activator This invention is based on the experimental finding that activators of Rho GTPases, namely the cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1), and DNT bear immunostimulatory properties towards the systemic response to orally administered ovalbumine. This invention concerns a vaccine composition including an immunoadjuvant compound, wherein the immunoadjuvant compound consists of a Rho GTPase activator.
US07655238B2	Compositions and methods for enhancing the immunogenicity of antigens The present invention includes compositions, methods and kits for enhancing the immunogenicity of an antigen via fusion to a Listerial protein. The present invention further encompasses Listeria vaccine strains for enhancing the immunogenicity of an antigen.
US07655231B2	Methods for treating pain by administering a nerve growth factor antagonist and an NSAID The present invention features methods for treating or preventing pain comprising administering an amount of a nerve growth factor antagonist (such as an anti-NGF antibody) and an amount of an NSAID such that together they provide effective pain relief. The invention also features compositions comprising a nerve growth factor antagonist and an NSAID and kits containing the same.
US07655230B2	Co-administration of a tissue plasminogen activator, anti-CD11b antibody and anti-CD18 antibody in stroke A method for improving clinical outcome in focal ischemic stroke in a mammal by increasing cerebral blood flow and/or reducing infarct size is described which involves administering an effective amount of an anti-CD18 antibody to the mammal, in the absence of removal of the arterial obstruction.
US07655229B2	Anti-FC-gamma RIIB receptor antibody and uses therefor The present application describes antibodies that selectively bind human FcγRIIB, with little or no binding to other human FcγRs, e.g., human FcγRIIA. The invention also provides isolated bispecific antibodies comprising an antibody that selectively binds FcγRIIB, and a second antibody that specifically binds an activating receptor. Various uses, including therapeutic uses, for those antibodies are also described, including administration with anti-tumor antibodies and methods of inhibiting immune responses and suppressing histamine release.
US07655228B2	Method of modulating the activity of functional immune molecules to GM2 The invention relates to a method for controlling the activity of an immunologically functional molecule, such as an antibody, a protein, a peptide or the like, an agent of promoting the activity of an immunologically functional molecule, and an immunologically functional molecule having the promoted activity.
US07655227B1	Agents for ameliorating low vasopressin level The present invention provides an agent for ameliorating low vasopressin level, which comprises, as an active ingredient, a substance capable of inhibiting the binding between parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and a receptor thereof; and an agent for ameliorating a symptom caused by a decrease in vasopressin level, which comprises, as an active ingredient, a substance capable of inhibiting the binding between parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and a receptor thereof.
US07655223B2	Method of using interferon-like protein ZCYTO21 (IL-29) to treat hepatitis C The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for Zcyto21, an interferon-like protein, which is most closely related to interferon-α at the amino acid sequence level. The present invention also includes antibodies to the Zcyto21 polypeptides, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides.
US07655219B2	Cosmetic hair treatment composition comprising a nonassociative fixing polyurethane and an anionic or nonionic associative polyurethane, and cosmetic treatment process The present invention relates to a cosmetic hair treatment composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one nonassociative fixing polyurethane and at least one anionic or nonionic associative polyurethane, packaged in an aerosol device in the presence of a propellant. The invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment process using said cosmetic treatment composition, and also to a use as a leave-in styling product.
US07655218B2	Methods and compositions for detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases Methods and compositions for the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases are provided. In particular, efficient and sensitive methods and compositions for the detection of active mycobacterial disease are provided for distinguishing between individuals having active disease, and individuals who have been immunologically exposed, such as those infected with a mycobacterium but are without active disease, or those who have been vaccinated with BCG. The methods comprise topical application of antigen compositions for transdermal delivery.
US07655216B2	Vaccine for activating helper function of CD8+ Tcells The invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing a target disease in a mammal by induction of memory T cells. The methods comprise (1) administering a sensitizing composition comprising a non-target antigen to a patient; and (2) administering a therapeutic composition comprising a non-target antigen and a target antigen to the patient, wherein the target antigen is associated with the disease, and wherein the therapeutic composition is administered after the sensitizing compositions, at an interval sufficient for induction of memory T cells. The methods can alternatively comprise administering a target antigen along with an inhibitory agent such as an inhibitor of DC apoptosis, an inhibitor of Granzyme B, a Granzyme-B-inducible mediator of apoptosis, an inhibitor of perforin, or a perforin-inducible mediator of apoptosis.
US07655213B2	Direct oxidation of sulfur with carbon dioxide recycle A method for removing hydrogen sulfide to produce elemental sulfur from a synthesis gas feed stream containing hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and water using direct oxidation of hydrogen sulfide by contacting a feed stream containing synthesis gas with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprised of metal oxides to convert a substantial fraction of the hydrogen sulfide present in the feed stream into sulfur and water, followed by cooling the reaction products to a temperature below the dew point temperature of the water and sulfur, separating the reaction products into two streams, with the first stream containing elemental sulfur and water in liquid form and the second stream containing unreacted components from the synthesis gas, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and water, and then recycling a portion of the unreacted components to the feed stream.
US07655210B2	Porous carbons A method of making mesoporous carbon beads comprises steps of providing a nucleophilic component such as phenolic compound or phenol condensation prepolymer, dissolving the nucleophilic component in a pore former, together with at least one electrophilic cross-linking agent such as formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, furfural and hexamethylene tetramine, dispersing the resulting solution into a mineral oil to form beads, condensing both the component and the agent in the presence of the pore former to form beads of porous resin, removing the beads from the mineral oil and carbonizing the beads to form mesoporous carbon beads.
US07655206B2	Process for the manufacture of hydrogen-rich cyclosiloxane The present invention relates to a for controlled synthesis of hydrogen-rich cyclosiloxanes of the (H2SiO)n type. where n is an integer equal to or greater than 3, by reacting: a.) a halosilane of the H2SiX2 type where X=halogen with b.) a lithium salt, copper(II) salt or a salt of a metal from main group 2 or transition group 2 of the periodic table of the elements, or a mixture of these salts. The ring size is advantageously adjustable to n=3, 4, 5, 6 (especially n=4 to 6), such that larger rings are not formed.In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the process, for the selective preparation of cyclohexasiloxane (H2SiO)6, after the reaction, the solvent is at least partly removed and then solvent is added again.
US07655205B2	Process for the removal of SO2, HCN and H2S and Optionally COS, CS2 and NH3 from a gas stream Disclosed is a process for the removal of sulfur from a gas stream containing sulfur dioxide, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide. The process includes a hydrogenation step, a hydrolysis step, an ammonia removal step and a hydrogen sulfide removal step. An aqueous alkaline washing liquid is used in the hydrogen sulfide removal step and with the spent sulfide containing washing liquid being regenerated using an oxidation bioreactor that utilizes sulfide oxidizing bacteria such as autotropic aerobic cultures of Thiobacillus and Thiomicrospira.
US07655204B2	Heat-treated active carbons for use in denitration, processes for producing same, denitration method using same, and denitration system using same This invention relates to a technique for removing nitrogen oxides (NOx) present in exhaust gases discharged from boilers and the like. When the temperature of the exhaust gas is 100° C. or below, a heat-treated active carbon produced by heat-treating a raw active carbon at 600 to 1,200° C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere so as to remove oxygen-containing functional groups present at the surfaces thereof and thereby reduce the atomic surface oxygen/surface carbon ratio to 0.05 or less is preferably used. When the temperature of the exhaust gas exceeds 100° C., a heat-treated active carbon produced by heat-treating a raw active carbon at 600 to 1,200° C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere and activating the surfaces thereof with sulfuric acid or nitric acid to impart oxidizing oxygen-containing functional groups thereto is preferably used.
US07655199B2	Process for uranium recovery using anion exchange resin The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of uranium in high silica environments comprising the use of a strong base macroreticular ion exchange resin.
US07655197B2	III-V nitride substrate boule and method of making and using the same A boule formed by high rate vapor phase growth of Group III-V nitride boules (ingots) on native nitride seeds, from which wafers may be derived for fabrication of microelectronic device structures. The boule is of microelectronic device quality, e.g., having a transverse dimension greater than 1 centimeter, a length greater than 1 millimeter, and a top surface defect density of less than 107 defects cm−2. The Group III-V nitride boule may be formed by growing a Group III-V nitride material on a corresponding native Group III-V nitride seed crystal by vapor phase epitaxy at a growth rate above 20 micrometers per hour.
US07655196B2	Reforming catalyst and method and apparatus for making and loading same A reforming catalyst member having an elongated body whose outer surface has a number of peak and valley regions so as to increase the area of the outer surface to enhance catalyst utilization. The catalyst member is adhered to a fuel cell current collector using an adhesive and dried using infrared radiation.
US07655195B1	Undulated-wall honeycomb structure and manufacturing method thereof An undulated-wall honeycomb structure (1) has multiple cell passages (2) with mutually parallel passage directions. With this undulated-wall honeycomb structure (1), intersections (4) between walls (3) partitioning the cell passages (2) are formed at cross-sections perpendicular to the cell passages (2) and positioned systematically maintaining a predetermined pitch, and also the wall face portions (5) of the walls (3) excluding the intersections (4) are formed with undulated shapes in both the cell passage direction and the cross-section direction perpendicular to the cell passage direction. According to this undulated-wall honeycomb structure, advantages such as improved exhaust gas purification capabilities and catalyst capabilities, improved mechanical strength for canning, and further improved heat-resistant shock properties can be obtained.
US07655193B1	Apparatus for extracting and sequestering carbon dioxide An apparatus and method associated therewith to extract and sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from a stream or volume of gas wherein said apparatus hydrates CO2 and reacts the resulting carbonic acid with carbonate. Suitable carbonates include, but are not limited to, carbonates of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, preferably carbonates of calcium and magnesium. Waste products are metal cations and bicarbonate in solution or dehydrated metal salts, which when disposed of in a large body of water provide an effective way of sequestering CO2 from a gaseous environment.
US07655190B2	Biochemical reaction apparatus and biochemical reaction method A biochemical reaction apparatus used to carry out a chemical reaction of fluid includes a cartridge including a container which is at least partially structured with an elastic body, the container including inside thereof a plurality of chambers to contain the fluid and flow passages to connect the plurality of chambers and rollers to apply an external force to the elastic body and deform the elastic body to move the fluid in the flow passages or the chambers by rotationally moving on a front surface of the elastic body while the roller contacts with the front surface of the elastic body, and in a cross-sectional shape of the roller, which is perpendicular to a roller shaft, at least not less than three corners are included, and the cross-sectional shape is a shape in which sides between the corners are equal in length.
US07655187B2	Systems for isolating toxins and collecting eluates for testing for toxins and methods using the same The present invention provides systems for isolating toxins and collecting an eluate from a sampling column for subsequent testing and to methods of extracting and collecting an eluate using the same systems. Preferably, the systems comprise a sample holder such as an immuno-affinity column for holding the sample and a self-contained fluid delivery system that can deliver liquid, e.g., reagents, and gaseous fluids, e.g., compressed air. More preferably, the fluid control system of the fluid delivery system provides some amount of pressurized gas continuously to the headspace of the column even when a fluid is not being forced through the resin gel in the column.
US07655181B2	Screw conveyor of rotary hearth furnace for discharging reduced iron A reduced iron discharging screw conveyer is provided in a rotary hearth furnace and discharges reduced iron out of the rotary hearth furnace. The rotary hearth furnace produces the reduced iron by charging and heating a pellet including metallic oxide and coal material onto a rotary hearth rotating in a horizontal plane. The reduced iron discharging screw conveyer has a rotary shaft and a screw blade which is spirally formed on an outer surface of the rotary shaft. A lead angle θ of the screw blade 5a satisfies a condition of “0.46 rad ≦θ≦0.79 rad”. A ratio (h/D) between height h of the screw blade and an outer diameter D of the screw conveyer is smaller than 0.2, and a ratio (t/h) between thickness t and height h of the screw blade is larger than or equal to 0.12.
US07655179B2	Heat-resistant resin container and method of producing the same A container with a flange having excellent heat resistance and impact resistance in the lower part of the barrel portion and having excellent transparency in the wall despite the container is formed by molding an amorphous polyester sheet, and a method of producing the same.
US07655177B2	Method for manufacturing wide mouth barrels of thermoplastic materials A wide mouth plastic barrel with a removable lid and a clamping ring closure is manufactured by extruding a plastic tube into a blow mold and by producing a closed preform. The preform is finish-blown to a barrel body, wherein the blowing air for finish-blowing a barrel body with a closed lid is introduced through a blow nozzle inserted into an intermediate ring of the barrel body and the blowing air for finish-blowing a barrel body with a bung lid is introduced through a bung hole by a blow nozzle and optionally through a blow nozzle in the intermediate ring. After removal from the blow mold, the lid is separated from the barrel body by cutting out the intermediate ring. A seal is inserted into the barrel lid, and the barrel lid is fastened by the clamping ring on a projection of the basic barrel member.
US07655173B2	Air knockout plate and a method for pneumatically knocking out portioned food A food portioning system to efficiently output portion food material, the system including a hopper, a mold plate, air knockout assembly, and air and hydraulic cylinders. Flowable food material is put into the hopper where it is pushed into the mold cavity of the mold plate. By the action of the air and hydraulic cylinders, the mold plate is driven to a knockout position where the air knockout assembly releases compressed air onto the mold cavity to knock out the portioned food from the mold cavity.
US07655170B2	Adjustable shims and washers A method comprising disposing an active device comprising a shape memory polymer upon a first surface; wherein the active device is operative to change at least one physical attribute in response to a thermal activation signal; activating the active device with a thermal activation signal to substantially decrease its modulus, contacting and compressing the active device with a second surface, and cooling the device to set a compressed geometry. In another embodiment, a method comprising disposing an active device comprising a shape memory polymer in a gap between two opposing surfaces; wherein the active device is operative to exhibit a memorized shape in response to a thermal activation signal; activating the active device with a thermal activation signal to increase a dimension of the active device; filling the gap between the opposing surfaces, and cooling the device to set a new gap filling dimension.
US07655162B2	Acetabular shell system and method for making A method for forming an acetabular shell includes providing a working surface such as a mandrel, and spraying the working surface with a first layer of material having a first composition such as aluminum oxide. After a suitable thickness is generated, the spray composition is gradually changed to other compositions having desired particle sizes and distribution. In one example, the composition is changed to a mixture of aluminum oxide and titanium oxide and/or titanium. As thickness builds up, the relative amount of aluminum oxide is decreased such that the composition is all titanium and titanium oxide. After a desired thickness is generated, the acetabular shell is extracted off the mandrel.
US07655159B2	Conductive polymer, conductive polymer compositions and their use The invention provides an electrode, electrolyte and/or a separator plate comprising a conductive material-doped ester-cured alkaline phenolic resole resin containing conducting alkaline salts.
US07655158B2	Corrosion inhibitor The corrosion inhibitor blend of at least one corrosion inhibitor base (which may be a Mannich reaction product), a solvent selected from the group consisting of C1 acids and ester and salt derivatives thereof, and optionally a surfactant, has been found to be effective as a corrosion inhibitor for metals in acid media, particularly fluids containing halogen acids. The corrosion inhibitor has improved performance over similar or identical corrosion inhibitor compositions where an alcohol such as methanol is used as a solvent. Suitable, non-limiting possibilities for the solvent include, but are not necessarily limited to formic acid, formate salts, methyl formate, ethyl formate, benzyl formate, formate salts of amines, inorganic formate, and mixtures thereof.
US07655157B2	Doped cadmium tungstate scintillator with improved radiation hardness This invention provides novel cadmium tungstate scintillator materials that show improved radiation hardness. In particular, it was discovered that doping of cadmium tungstate (CdWO4) with trivalent metal ions or monovalent metal ions is particularly effective in improving radiation hardness of the scintillator material.
US07655155B2	Liquid crystal thermoset monomer or oligomer, thermosetting liquid crystal polymer composition comprising the same and printed circuit board using the same A liquid crystal thermoset (LCT) monomer or oligomer having both ends capped with maleimide having at least one methyl group, represented by Formula 1: wherein R1 and R2 are each independently CH3 or H, and at least one of R1 and R2 is a methyl group, and Ar1 is a divalent organic group containing one or more structural units selected from the group consisting of ester, amide, ester amide, ester imide and ether imide units, and Ar1 has a molecular weight not greater than 5,000.
US07655153B2	Deicer compositions including corrosion inhibitors for galvanized metal A deicing composition with a carboxylate salt as the primary deicer and that has a low corrosivity to galvanized steel is disclosed. The composition includes a soluble silicate as a corrosion inhibitor and a gluconate salt as a silicate stabilizer to maintain adequate solubility of the silicate salt at pH values below about 11.5.
US07655151B2	Method of operating a fluid treatment device employing a non-bonded media A fluid treatment and media management device having concentric inner and outer perforated cylinders defining a chamber therebetween for containing a media. A case surrounds the perforated cylinders and forms an annular space between the case and the outer perforated cylinder. Respective end caps engage the opposite ends of the case and perforated cylinders to support such members. One or both of the end caps provide ports to the central core of the inner perforated cylinder, to the media chamber and to the annular space. The media can be removed from the fluid treatment and media management device without disassembly of the device for the purpose of disposal and/or regeneration of the media.
US07655150B2	Method and apparatus for programably treating water in a water cooler An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital computer as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.
US07655148B2	Water treatment compositions and methods of making and using A water treatment composition includes an oxidizing component and an adsorbing component, wherein one or both of the oxidizing component and adsorbing component comprise nanostructured materials. The water treatment compositions are useful in at least partially removing contaminants such as metallic or cationic arsenic, lead, chromium, and/or mercury from water.
US07655141B2	Membrane pipe module The invention relates to a membrane pipe module, said module comprising a cylindrical housing containing a plurality of tubular membrane sections which extend in the axial direction and are interconnected at the ends thereof, forming longer tubular membrane sections. Said cylindrical housing comprises a heatable chamber, on one or both sides, comprising U-shaped connection pipes which are arranged therein and are guided through a separating wall between the chamber and the housing, with the two open ends thereof, and respectively connect two adjacent open tubular membrane sections, forming a membrane loop.
US07655140B2	Automatic water drain for suction fuel water separators A fuel water separator system includes a fuel tank for storing fuel and a fuel water separator fluidly coupled to the fuel tank for separating water from the fuel. A fuel pump has a suction side that is fluidly coupled to the fuel water separator for pumping fuel from the fuel water separator. The fuel pump has a high pressure side where the fuel has a higher pressure than at the suction side. A water pump, such as a venturi or a jet pump, is fluidly coupled between the fuel water separator and the fuel tank for pumping the water from the fuel water separator into the fuel tank. The water pump is fluidly coupled to the high pressure side of the fuel pump to receive the fuel at the higher pressure to drive the water pump.
US07655132B2	Process for improving the lubricating properties of base oils using isomerized petroleum product A method for improving the lubricating properties of a isomerized distillate base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C. between about 2.5 cSt and about 8 cSt, the method comprising blending with said isomerized distillate base oil a sufficient amount of a pour point depressing base oil blending component to reduce the pour point of the resulting base oil blend at least 3 degrees C. below the pour point of the distillate base oil wherein the pour point depressing base oil blending component is an isomerized petroleum derived base oil containing material having a boiling range above about 1050 degrees F.; also lubricating base oil blends prepared according to the process; and the pour point depressing base oil blending component.
US07655131B2	Gas sensor and method for controlling the same Disclosed is a gas sensor for controlling a concentration of oxygen and/or measuring NOx by allowing a current to flow through an ion-conductive member for conducting oxygen ion, by the aid of a current supply circuit, wherein the current, which is outputted from the current supply circuit, has a pulse waveform (current signal) having a constant crest value, and the current supply circuit comprises a rectangular wave-generating circuit for controlling a frequency of the current signal on the basis of an electromotive force generated in the ion-conductive member to which the current signal is supplied. Accordingly, it is possible to highly accurately measure the predetermined gas component while scarcely being affected by the electric noise or the like.
US07655128B2	Electrochemical test strip An electrochemical test system comprising an electrochemical test strip capable of initiating an instrument, determining if it is inserted into a correct position of the instrument, a sample is injected into a reaction region of the electrochemical test strip, and the sample covers the reaction region properly. The electrochemical test strip includes an insulating substrate, an electrode system, and an insulating layer. The electrode system includes a resistor, a set of measurement electrodes which includes a reference electrode and a working electrode insulated from each other, and a set of identifying electrodes which includes first and second identifying electrodes connected through the resistor. A method for detecting a sample includes the steps of inserting the electrochemical test strip into a measurement instrument, providing the sample in the reaction region, and applying a voltage between the reference electrode and the working electrode, and measuring a current corresponding to the voltage.
US07655124B2	Apparatus to assist platelet manipulation to prevent and treat endovascular disease and its sequelae The separation of platelets from whole blood or any of its components Through electricity-based and/or mixed-phase effects.
US07655120B2	Biosensor A biosensor measuring an analyte contained in a sample is provided, including: an insulative lower substrate that has at least one electrode on which an enzyme reaction layer reacting with the analyte is formed; an upper substrate that faces the lower substrate and is made of a conductive material; and an adhesive layer that has a sample feed with a predetermined height on the enzyme reaction layer and attaches the upper and lower substrates to each other, where an end of the upper substrate acts as an electrode in which an electron-transfer mediator contained in the enzyme reaction layer is oxidized or reduced, and the other end acts as an electrical contact part that electrically contacts a measurement unit.
US07655116B1	Anti-electrolysis system inhibiting the erosion metal objects A system for preventing erosion of metal objects in a swimming pool having chemicals therein includes a metal piece sacrificial anode, which may be of zinc. This metal piece sacrificial anode is contained within a tubular container and placed in a location along the swimming pool where it can be readily viewed. The metal piece sacrificial anode is removably supported within the container on the cover of the container, which is threadably attached to the container. The container is supported on piping through which water is supplied to the pool and to the interior of the container. The metal piece sacrificial anode is attached at one end to a an electrically conductive wire and to an electrically conductive copper wire or “bonding wire”, which runs around the pool and is attached to metal objects in the pool.
US07655115B1	Long-lived photo-protonated carbocation for photochromic, photoconductive liquids An apparatus and method provide a solute-solvent solution that allows the solute to become photo-protonated by the solvent on absorption of ultraviolet light. The solute is 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octamethylanthracene (OMA). The solvent is 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP). The protonated form of the solute absorbs visible light to change the coloration of the solution from a substantially clear state to a colored state.
US07655110B2	Plasma processing apparatus In the present invention, a probe which detects a time varying magnetic flux density in a direction around a center axis of a processing space is provided in a process vessel of a plasma processing apparatus. The probe detects an induced electromotive force generated in a coil as the time varying magnetic flux density, and a computer calculates an amount of radio-frequency current in the process vessel from the induced electromotive force, based on a predetermined calculation principle.
US07655104B2	Method of forming a embossed, cross-laminated film A moisture resistant film is for covering an architectural structure. The film includes a flexible membrane defining a plane and a first plurality of spaced apart, discrete embossings formed in the membrane extending outwardly of the plane. The embossings are formed in rows in an x-direction and in columns in a y-direction. The rows are parallel to and spaced from one another and the columns are parallel to and spaced from one another. A method and tool for making the film are also disclosed.
US07655101B2	Steel alloy for cutting tools A steel alloy for cutting tools, wherein the alloy comprises C, Si, Mn, Cr, Mo, W, V, Al, P, S and N within the concentration ranges recited in the claims. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US07655100B2	Method for preparation of steel material A raw steel is coated with or surrounded by a boron compound (step S1). A coating film of h-BN is formed on the surface of the raw steel. Then, the raw steel is nitrided by a nitriding gas while being heated (step S2). B from the boron compound and N from the nitriding gas are diffused into the raw steel, turning the raw steel into a steel material containing B and N. Most of B and N are present as an Fe (B, N) solid solution or an Fe (C, B, N) solid solution in the structure of the steel material. The raw steel is heated and nitrided under conditions such that B and N are contained ranging from 7 to 30 ppm by weight and ranging from 10 to 70 ppm by weight, respectively.
US07655099B2	High-k dielectric film, method of forming the same and related semiconductor device A high-k dielectric film, a method of forming the high-k dielectric film, and a method of forming a related semiconductor device are provided. The high-k dielectric film includes a bottom layer of metal-silicon-oxynitride having a first nitrogen content and a first silicon content and a top layer of metal-silicon-oxynitride having a second nitrogen content and a second silicon content. The second nitrogen content is higher than the first nitrogen content and the second silicon content is higher than the first silicon content.
US07655098B2	Readying cooling circuits for use in fuel cells A flush and fill process is used to ready a fuel cell cooling circuit for initial use. An external flushing system releasably connected to the cooling circuit circulates flushing coolant through the cooling circuit to remove contaminants from the wetted surfaces of the cooling circuit before the fuel cell is put into use. The flushing system includes a pump for circulating the flushing coolant through the cooling circuit, filters for removing contaminants from the coolant and a heater for elevating the temperature of the coolant. Following the flushing process to remove contaminants, the flushing system is disconnected from the cooling circuit and the cooling circuit is filled with fresh coolant.
US07655093B2	Wafer support system A wafer support system comprising a susceptor having top and bottom sections and gas flow passages therethrough. One or more spacers projecting from a recess formed in the top section of the susceptor support a wafer in spaced relationship with respect to the recess. A sweep gas is introduced to the bottom section of the susceptor and travels through the gas flow passages to exit in at least one circular array of outlets in the recess and underneath the spaced wafer. The sweep gas travels radially outward between the susceptor and wafer to prevent back-side contamination of the wafer. The gas is delivered through a hollow drive shaft and into a multi-armed susceptor support underneath the susceptor. The support arms conduct the sweep gas from the drive shaft to the gas passages in the susceptor. The gas passages are arranged to heat the sweep gas prior to delivery underneath the wafer. Short purge channels may be provided to deliver some of the sweep gas to regions surrounding the spacers to cause a continuous flow of protective purge gas around the spacers.
US07655092B2	Tandem process chamber The present invention provides an apparatus for vacuum processing generally comprising an enclosure having a plurality of isolated chambers formed therein, a gas distribution assembly disposed in each processing chamber, a gas source connected to the plurality of isolated chambers, and a power supply connected to each gas distribution assembly.
US07655091B2	Formation of single-crystal silicon carbide The invention concerns a device (10) for forming in single-crystal state a compound body with incongruent evaporation, capable of being in monocrystalline or polycrystalline form, comprising at least one first chamber (20) containing a substrate (42) whereat is formed a polycrystalline source of said body and a monocrystalline germ (46) of said body; a second chamber (14), said substrate being arranged between the two chambers; means for input (36) of gaseous precursors of said body into the second chamber capable of bringing about deposition of said body in polycrystalline form on the substrate; and heating means (26) for maintaining the substrate at a temperature higher than the temperature of the germ so as to bring about sublimation of the polycrystalline source and the deposition on the germ of said body in monocrystalline form.
US07655090B2	Method of controlling stress in gallium nitride films deposited on substrates Methods of controlling stress in GaN films deposited on silicon and silicon carbide substrates and the films produced therefrom are disclosed. A typical method comprises providing a substrate and depositing a graded gallium nitride layer on the substrate having a varying composition of a substantially continuous grade from an initial composition to a final composition formed from a supply of at least one precursor in a growth chamber without any interruption in the supply. A typical semiconductor film comprises a substrate and a graded gallium nitride layer deposited on the substrate having a varying composition of a substantially continuous grade from an initial composition to a final composition formed from a supply of at least one precursor in a growth chamber without any interruption in the supply.
US07655089B2	Process and apparatus for producing a single crystal of semiconductor material A process for producing a single crystal of semiconductor material, in which fractions of a melt, are kept in liquid form by a pulling coil, solidify on a seed crystal to form the growing single crystal, and granules are melted in order to maintain the growth of the single crystal. The melting granules are passed to the melt after a delay. There is also an apparatus which Is suitable for carrying out the process and has a device which delays mixing of the molten granules and of the melt.
US07655085B2	Thermally stable anthrapyridone An anthrapyridone composition of the formula: is disclosed, where “A” and “B” are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted cyclic ketone groups having from about 10 to about 20 ring carbon atoms; “a” is an integer having a value from 0-4, R1-R4 are monovalent substituents; with the proviso that when “a” is 0, R1 is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, an alkyl group, a secondary amino group and an aminosulphonyl group; and R2-R4 are substituents selected form the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an aliphatic group, an aromatic group, a heterocyclic group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a carbonyl containing group, an amino group and a sulphonyl-containing group. The anthrapyridones are useful as thermally stable colorants for producing colored polymer resins and articles that require high temperature polymer processing conditions.
US07655079B2	Gas-liquid separation apparatus A gas-liquid separation apparatus includes an inlet pipe for transferring liquid with gas dissolved therein and a separating pipe for separating the gas from the liquid. The separating pipe has a spiral-shaped guiding member therein. The separating pipe extends from the inlet pipe and is in alignment and communicating with the inlet pipe. An outlet pipe extends from a joint of the inlet pipe and the separating pipe and communicates with the separating pipe, for transferring therein the liquid after the liquid has been degassed by the spiral-shaped guiding member in the separating pipe. A gas storage device communicates with the separating pipe and outside for collecting the gas from the separating pipe and discharging the gas to the outside.
US07655075B2	Filter element and method for the production thereof A method for producing a filter element involving applying a membrane layer to a carrier substrate, etching a membrane chamber, producing pores in the membrane layer, subjecting the membrane layer to an additional treatment to increase the mechanical strength.
US07655072B2	Process for purifying CO2 gas streams A process for purifying CO2 offgas streams to free them of chemical compounds, and to the recycling of the purified gas streams into the production process.
US07655071B2	Process for cooling down a hot flue gas stream A process for cooling down a hot flue gas stream comprising water vapour and carbon dioxide, the process including: (a) heat exchange between the hot flue gas stream and a cooling water stream so that the hot flue gas stream is cooled to a cooled down gas stream at a temperature at which at least part of the water vapour therein has condensed and the cooling water stream increases in temperature; (b) combining the condensed water vapour and the cooling water stream to produce a combined water stream; (c) separation of the cooled down gas stream from the combined water stream; (d) cooling the combined water stream by contact with air from the atmosphere and by evaporation of a portion of the combined water stream; (e) using at least part of any non-evaporated and cooled water of the combined water stream as at least part of the cooling water stream for cooling the hot flue gas stream in step (a); and (f) storing any non-evaporated and cooled water of the combined water stream that is not used in step (e) and using the stored water later as at least part of the cooling water stream in step (a).
US07655064B2	Particulate matter-containing exhaust emission controlling filter, exhaust emission controlling method and device A particulate matter-removing filter being resistant to clogging and ash blocking, requiring no special means such as back-washing and heating combustion, and being formed of inexpensive materials; and exhaust emission controlling method and device using this. (1) A particulate-matter-containing exhaust emission controlling filter which uses as a basic unit a pair of porous corrugated sheet and a porous flat sheet that support an exhaust emission controlling catalyst, has a molding formed by laminating the porous corrugated sheets so that their ridge lines alternately cross perpendicularly, has one of side surfaces, perpendicularly crossing the corrugated sheet ridge lines, of the molding or mutually-adjoining two surfaces that are the perpendicularly-crossing side surfaces sealed, and has exhaust gas in-flow passage and out-flow passage respectively formed between porous corrugated sheets via a porous flat sheet. (2) A filter having the exhaust emission controlling catalyst that is an oxidizing catalyst for oxidizing nitrogen monoxide in an exhaust gas.
US07655063B2	Can-filter structure of oxygen concentrator The invention is a can-filter structure of an oxygen concentrator, which includes: a first can-filter having filter material; a second can-filter having filter material; and an outlet cover. The first can-filter includes an air inlet provided at the entrance side of the first can-filter and a first conical joint formed at the exit side of the first can-filter, wherein the first conical joint is hollow and at least one recess is provided on the outer surface thereof. The second can-filter includes a second conical joint formed at the entrance side of the second can-filter, wherein the second conical joint is hollow, and at least one engaging hook corresponding to the recess is provided on the inner surface thereof for coupling to the first conical joint. The outlet cover is provided at the exit side of the second can-filter and is coupled thereto by ultrasonic fusion.
US07655060B2	Dust collection unit for electric vacuum cleaner and upright electric vacuum cleaner An electric vacuum cleaner is equipped with a dust collection unit (20) that can be detachably installed in the air passage en route from a suction unit to an electric fan of the cleaner. The dust collection unit (20) comprises a dust collecting case (21) for accumulating dust sucked in, a lid member (32) that can be opened to discharge the accumulated dust; and a lock mechanism (clamp lever) (33) for locking the lid member 32 tightly closed. The dust collection unit (20) is further provided with a hand grip (24), arranged to face said user, thereby facilitating a user to hold the dust collection unit when discharging dust from the bottom of the dust collecting case. Further, a hinge (31) is arranged at a position which is adjacent to said bottom (32) of said dust collecting case (21) facing the user holding the hand grip. Furthermore, a lock mechanism (33) is arranged near the periphery of the lid member (32) and at a position opposite to the hinge.
US07655057B2	Polishing composition and polishing method A polishing composition contains a compound represented by the general formula (1) below and abrasive grains. In the general formula (1), X represents a residue of polyether polyol (having a polyether chain containing an oxyethylene group in an amount of 20 to 90% by mass) derived from a compound having an active hydrogen atom and an alkylene oxide; m represents an integer of 2 to 8, which is equal to the number of hydroxy groups contained in a single polyether polyol molecule; Y and Z represent a lower alcohol residue to which ethylene oxide or propylene oxide is added by addition polymerization, an alkyl group or an alkylene group, respectively; and n is an integer of 3 or more.
US07655055B2	Biofuel A biofuel containing an estolide ester, an ether ester, or a combination thereof. The estolide ester and ether ester can be of formula A: R1—CH(O—X)R2CO2R3 wherein R1 is an alkyl group having from 1 to 36 carbons, X is an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbons and preferably 1, 2, or 3 carbons or is an acyl group of formula COR5 where R5 is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbons and preferably 1, 2, or 3 carbons, R2 is an alkylene group or alkenylene group having from 1 to 36 carbons, and R3 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons and preferably 1, 2, or 3 carbons.
US07655050B2	Computer controlled prosthetic knee device A prosthetic knee provides a single axis of rotation and includes a hydraulic damping cylinder, a microprocessor, and sensors. Based on input from the sensors, the microprocessor selects a flow path within the hydraulic cylinder in order to provide the proper amount of knee resistance to bending for a given situation. The resistance of each flow path within the hydraulic cylinder is manually preset. Changes in gait speed are accommodated by employing a hydraulic damper with intelligently designed position sensitive damping. Moreover, the knee need not be un-weighted to transition from the stance phase to the swing phase of gait. As a result, the knee safely provides a natural, energy efficient gait over a range of terrains and gait speeds and is simpler, less costly, and lighter weight than the prior art.
US07655049B2	Socket insert having a bladder system A prosthetic device having a socket with an insert having a bladder system for monitoring and compensating for volume fluctuations in a residual limb is provided. A plurality of bladders are preferably provided, in one embodiment, substantially only on a posterior portion of the socket. The bladders may be organized into zones, with the zones being inflatable to differing pressures depending on volume fluctuations in a residual limb. Pressure sensors may be provided for each bladder or for each zone, and flow regulators may be provided to control fluid flow into or out of the bladders or zones of bladders based on readings from the pressure sensors to control volume within the insert. Alternatively, bladders can be manually inflated depending on an amputee's needs.
US07655047B2	Craniofacial implant A composite surgical implant that is made of a planar sheet of a thermoplastic resin that includes a top surface (400), a bottom surface (410), and a surgical grade metal mesh (405) contained therein. The implant may be bent by hand, wherein upon the displacement of the implant, the implant will generally maintain the shape to which it has been displaced.
US07655044B2	Artificial facet joint device having a compression spring A prosthetic facet joint having compression springs interposed between articulating surfaces for providing gradual resistance to extreme movements.
US07655043B2	Expandable spinal implant and associated instrumentation An expandable spinal implant including an implant body transitionable between an initial configuration and an expanded configuration. The implant body includes first and second axial walls spaced apart along a transverse axis, with at least one of the walls including first and second axial wall portions laterally offset from one another. An expansion member co-acts with the first wall portion to outwardly displace the first wall portion relative to the second wall portion to transition the implant body to the expanded configuration. In another embodiment, the first wall portion defines a recessed region relative to the second wall portion when the implant body is in the initial configuration, and wherein the recessed region is outwardly expanded as the implant body is transitioned to the expanded configuration. In a further embodiment, the first wall portion is movable while the second wall portion remains substantially stationary.
US07655036B2	Bifurcated endoluminal prosthetic assembly and method The invention provides a bifurcated endoluminal prosthetic assembly. The assembly includes a trunk body including a body lumen and at least one access port. At least one branch body is positioned adjacent the access port. The branch body includes a branch lumen in communication with the body lumen. The assembly further includes a ring including at least one connector operably attached to the branch body. The ring is sized to operably engage the trunk body. The ring retains the branch body adjacent the access port. The invention further provides a method of retaining a branch body adjacent a bifurcated endoluminal prosthetic assembly. A ring operably attached to the branch body is compressed. The ring is positioned within the endoluminal prosthetic assembly. The compressed ring is expanded into operable engagement with the endoluminal prosthetic assembly.
US07655034B2	Stent-graft with anchoring pins A proximal anchor stent ring of an endoprosthesis includes proximal apexes, distal apexes, struts extending between the proximal apexes and the distal apexes, and anchor pins. The struts, the proximal apexes, and the distal apexes define an imaginary cylindrical surface. A pair of the anchor pins is located on the struts adjacent each of the proximal apexes, the anchor pins extending inwards from inside surfaces of the struts and protruding from the struts radially outward from the cylindrical surface. By locating the anchor pins inwards, the delivery profile of the proximal anchor stent ring is minimized.
US07655033B2	S-shaped stent design A variable curvature stent limb is disclosed herein. A stent derived from a plurality of these variable curvature stent limbs may be highly compressible, such that it is compatible with a low-profile delivery device. This stent may be useful over a wider range of body vessel diameters and may possess a greater fatigue life, since this stent may provide a more controlled constant radial force.
US07655032B2	Stent cell configurations A generally cylindrical, radially expandable stent may be composed of a plurality of interconnected multibonate cell structures. The cells have three or more enlarged end portions radiating from a common center within the cell. The cells may be of tribonate or higher order multibonate configuration. Stents composed up of a series of generally multibonate cell elements are also disclosed.
US07655027B2	Method for inserting and deploying an expandable interbody spinal fusion implant Methods for inserting and expanding fusion implants having an expandable height are disclosed. An implant holder having a passage therethrough that is adapted to receive an expander driver is provided. The implant holder is attached to the implant, and the expander driver is inserted through the passage to engage an expander of the implant. Using the expander driver, the expander is rotated from a first position to a second position to expand the expandable implant from a first collapsed height to a second expanded height.
US07655026B2	Expandable spinal rods and methods of use A spinal rod includes an elongated tubular member that is inflatable from a first insertion profile to a second enlarged profile. An expandable tubular reinforcement sleeve is concentrically positioned adjacent to the balloon. The balloon may be bonded to the sleeve. The spinal rod may also have longitudinal reinforcement members. A joining member may join two or more of the longitudinal reinforcing members at a discrete point along each. The spinal rod may further include end portions on either side of an inflatable portion.
US07655024B2	Surgical suture needle A surgical needle includes an elongated needle body defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical needle has a first end for attachment to a suture and a second needled end for penetrating tissue. The needled end includes lower and upper opposed surfaces and a pair of side surfaces extending between the lower and upper surfaces and being contiguous therewith. The upper surface and the side surfaces extend to a pointed tip. The lower surface extends to a cutting edge, which is defined at the intersection of the sides surfaces and proximal of the pointed tip. The cutting edge extends in oblique relation relative to the longitudinal axis and terminating at the pointed tip.
US07655023B2	Blood vessel locating and stabilizing device and method of using the same A blood vessel locating and stabilizing device including a transparent planar device that may be used to locate and stabilize a blood vessel so that the blood vessel is less likely to roll when it is punctured with a needle. The device is planar and includes a transparent region and a recess formed in a distal side surface that is configured to locate and stabilize a blood vessel. In a method of using the present device, the planar member is gripped along a first and second major surfaces of the device, the recess is positioned over the targeted blood vessel, and a force is applied to the device so that the blood vessel is located and stabilized.
US07655022B2	Compliant guiding catheter sheath system A guiding catheter system employs a compliant shaft with an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal portion of the shaft. The inflatable balloon includes channels that allow some amount of blood to flow past the balloon when inflated in a blood vessel. One or more inflation lumens is in fluid contact with the balloon and allows inflating the balloon from a proximal end of the catheter. A series of perfusion orifices may be included on the shaft proximal to the balloon.
US07655020B2	Surgical punching instrument A surgical punching instrument is provided with a fixed handle (14) attached to a punching bar (2) and with an actuating lever (16), which is mounted thereon in a pivotingly movable manner and which is connected via a short lever arm (17) to a punching slide (1), which is in turn under the action of a restoring spring (23). The punching slide (1) lies with its flat sliding surface (3) on a flat guiding surface (4) of the punching bar (2) over its entire length and is guided at same in an axially movable manner by means of guide elements (5 through 8), which have a T-shaped profile, engage one another in a positive-locking manner and are detachable by longitudinal displacement. To make it possible to remove the restoring spring, which is not arranged between the handle and the actuating lever, from the punching bar in a simple manner, for example, for cleaning purposes, and to bring it into connection with same again, the restoring spring (23), designed as a compression coil spring, is arranged and guided at least partially in a guide groove (24) of the sliding surface of the punching slide (1) by means of a guide shaft (22, 22/1), which passes axially through it. A distal stop face (27), which is rigidly connected to the punching slide (1), is provided as a step bearing for the rear spring end of the restoring spring (23), and the restoring spring (23) is in contact by its front end with a proximal stop face (30) of the punching slide (1) when the punching slide (1) is removed, and with a proximal stop face (26) of the punching bar (2) when the punching slide (1) is mounted ready for operation.
US07655014B2	Apparatus and method for subcutaneous electrode insertion Devices and methods for electrode implantation. A first embodiment includes an electrode insertion tool adapted to tunnel through tissue and attach, at its distal end, to a lead, such that the lead may be pulled into the tunneled space as the electrode insertion tool is removed. Additional embodiments include methods for inserting electrode/lead assemblies, including a method wherein an insertion tool is first used to tunnel through tissue, then to pull an electrode/lead into the tunneled space. In a further embodiment the insertion tool is next used, with a splittable sheath disposed thereon, to create an additional path into tissue, after which the insertion tool is removed, leaving the sheath in place; a lead is inserted to the sheath, and, finally, the splittable sheath is removed over the lead.
US07655013B2	Snare retrieval device A snare for retrieving objects from a body cavity during a medical procedure comprises a guide element having a proximal end and a distal end, a loop provided on the guide element near the distal end and a flexible element provided on the guide element near the distal end and forming a tip.
US07655011B2	Method and apparatus for fixing a graft in a bone tunnel A method and apparatus for fixing a ligament in a bone tunnel by cross-pinning the ligament in the bone tunnel.
US07655008B2	Methods and instruments for spinal derotation Derotation instrument assemblies and systems are provided to facilitate positioning one or more vertebrae of a spinal column into a desired alignment. The instrument assemblies and systems include implant holders engageable to respective implants engaged to vertebrae of the spinal column, transverse bridges to connect implant holders associated with a particular vertebra, and inter-level linking assemblies to connect instrument assemblies associated with different vertebrae. Derotation handles can be provided on the implant holders to facilitate application of the alignment forces, while the assemblies distribute the corrective forces to the connected implants and vertebrae.
US07655003B2	Electrosurgical power control A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue.
US07655002B2	Lenticular refractive surgery of presbyopia, other refractive errors, and cataract retardation Methods for the creation of microspheres treat the clear, intact crystalline lens of the eye with energy pulses, such as from lasers, for the purpose of correcting presbyopia, other refractive errors, and for the retardation and prevention of cataracts. Microsphere formation in non-contiguous patterns or in contiguous volumes works to change the flexure, mass, or shape of the crystalline lens in order to maintain or reestablish the focus of light passing through the ocular lens onto the macular area, and to maintain or reestablish fluid transport within the ocular lens.
US07654996B2	Catheter flushing fluid lock system and method A catheter-flushing extension tube for maintaining the patency and sterility of the lumen of an indwelling catheter. The system is comprised of an extension tube in fluid connection with an indwelling catheter; the extension tube defines an internal volume and at least one sealed proximal terminal for intermittent connection with an external fluid source. The extension tube is configured such that the internal volume of the tube can be progressively reduced at a plurality of different times so that the extension tube itself provides the source of catheter flush solution for intermittently flushing the catheter.
US07654995B2	Vial adaptor for regulating pressure In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.
US07654993B2	Absorbent articles with comfortable elasticated laminates An absorbent article that includes a component with an elastic laminate portion, which provides y-direction elongation. The elastic laminate portion is a support sheet and an elastic material, together forming a laminate portion of the component. The elastic laminate portion has zones, each with a different degree of maximum elongation. The zones also have different wrinkle heights and/or densities, such that one or more zones are created that cause less or no pressure marks, whilst overall an excellent force profile is maintained, resulting in well performing, comfortable to wear absorbent articles.
US07654992B2	Interlabial pad An interlabial pad is provided which is capable of being precisely inserted into the recess between the wearer's labia minora, which does not have a linear shape. An interlabial pad 1 includes a highly-compressed rigid region 10, which is highly resistant to being compressed, at a central region along the center line X-X′ in the longitudinal direction. When the interlabial pad is worn, the highly-compressed rigid region 10 protrudes, thereby allowing the wearer to fit the protruding highly-compressed rigid region 10 in the recess between the labia.
US07654991B2	Product array having indicators An array of disposable absorbent articles having a first article and a second article. The first article has an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and a first identifier having a first surface area. The first identifier is disposed on the first article and corresponds to a first performance characteristic. The second article has an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and a second identifier having a second surface area. The second identifier is disposed on the second article and corresponds to a second performance characteristic. The first article is a different article than said second article.
US07654990B2	Disposable diaper A disposable diaper improved so that the wearer's skin can be reliably protected from being soiled with feces. A chassis constituting the diaper includes a spacer sheet attached to an inner sheet of the chassis. The spacer sheet has a front end zone and a rear end zone fixed to the inner sheet and an intermediate zone left free from the inner sheet. The intermediate zone is formed with an opening shaped so as to describe a circular arc which is convex forward. Along the opposite side edges of the opening, the spacer sheet is provided with elastic members extending in the length direction of the diaper and attached thereto in a stretched state in the direction. These elastic members extend forward with respect to the diaper along the peripheral edge of the opening so as to get close to a center line bisecting a width of the diaper.
US07654982B2	Flow control system and method with variable pressure and variable resistance An infusion pump and method are provided which control flow rates with variable fluid pressure and variable series flow resistance.
US07654976B2	Drug pump systems and methods A menu driven reprogrammable drug pump is provided with a memory, such as flash memory, a display, a keyboard, and a communications port to allow a generic pump to be programmed with a desired pump application (therapy) program and patient specific settings. Programming and data transfer with another pump or a computer to and from the patient pump is by the communications port that allows local and/or remote communications with the pump. Flash memory stores the pump application program during use. Patient safety is provided by a cassette identification system, an occlusion detection system, and a latch/lock detection system. Automated testing of the pump is by a closed loop testing system.
US07654969B2	Integrated spot monitoring device with fluid sensor A bodily fluid sampling device is operable to breach the skin surface and allow bodily fluid to emerge from the breach location. The bodily fluid sampling device further evaluates the amount of bodily fluid emerged from breach location and determines whether the amount is sufficient or insufficient for a particular purpose, such as sampling and testing. The determination is accomplished automatically without moving the device. The user may also intervene to perform a variety of tasks following the determination of the amount of bodily fluid.
US07654961B2	Ultrasonic probe An ultrasonic probe includes ultrasonic oscillating elements arranged in a two-dimensional array shape, connection leads connected to the ultrasonic oscillating elements, and at least one board to connect the ultrasonic oscillating elements and integrated circuits. The board includes a first part having through-holes which are electrically connected to the connection leads when the connection leads are inserted, and second parts having bendable portions configured to connect the first part and the integrated circuits.
US07654954B1	Surgical retractor clamp connectable to an arm of the retractor A surgical retractor having laterally extending rack with a first arm connected to the rack spaced from the second arm. A retractor clamp has a slot which engages one of the arms. Extending from the clamp is a leg with a mount which receives a connector head of a retractor blade. One or more retractor clamps may be advantageously positioned on either of the arms at a desired location. In the preferred embodiment, the mount is rotatable relative to a member housing the slot such that a retractor blade connected to the mount may be pivoted into and out of an incision. Furthermore the housing member is configured so that a hand held gripper may be connected to the connector head of a retractor blade as it extends through the mount.
US07654951B2	Anastomosis system for performing anastomosis in body There is provided an anastomosis system for performing an anastomosis in a body. The system includes an anastomosis button, which has two foldable flange portions and a tubular main body portion extending between the flange portions, for coupling two lumen portions in the body to each other, and a housing which can receive the anastomosis button as the flange portions are folded. The system further includes a guide, which has a distal end to be inserted through a patient's mouth to a target portion in the body and a proximal end arranged outside the body, for guiding the housing to the target portion. A release line having a distal end to be inserted to the target portion along the guide and a proximal end held outside the body is operated, whereby the anastomosis button can be ejected from the housing and be held at the target portion.
US07654950B2	Implantable device which is freely movable in a body cavity An implantable medical device (10) for insertion into a body cavity. The device comprises an expandable balloon having a torroidal shape defining a hole (80), and an insert (82) configured to be received and secured in the hole. The device may be used in a method for treating urinary incompetence, a method for releasing a substance in the body, a method for monitoring a body cavity, or a method for imaging a body cavity.
US07654947B1	Apparatus for adjusting a swing arc and centering of swinging director chute An apparatus for adjusting a swing arc and centering of a swinging director chute during separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. The apparatus includes a lever arm, interconnected with the swinging director chute, and a connecting rod having a first pivot end and a second pivot end. The first pivot end is adjustable movable along the lever arm. A drive arm connected to the second pivot end includes a lead screw. The lead screw can be operatively connected to an index wheel having a plurality of directed posts and a movable pawl that advances the index wheel.
US07654941B2	Exercise apparatus An improved exercise apparatus for martial arts is provided and includes a longitudinally extending platform, a support on which the platform rests or is otherwise supported and a plate unit slidably carried along the platform and movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position in response to a force being applied to the plate unit by the leg or arm of an individual during exercise.
US07654939B1	Technique plate for a barbell A technique plate in accordance with the present invention has a dimension ring, two clamping disks and a sleeve. The dimension ring has an internal edge, two side surfaces and a clamping protrusion. The clamping protrusion is formed on and protrudes from the internal surface. The clamping disks are mounted on and clamp the clamping protrusion of the dimension ring. Therefore, compared to a conventional technique plate of the same diameter, the technique plate of the present invention is lighter, so the distance between a bar of a barbell and the ground is higher to prevent beginner's injury.
US07654933B2	Split serial-parallel hybrid dual-power drive system A split serial-parallel hybrid dual-power drive system, comprised of two or more than two separation drive systems allowing independent operation to respectively drive the load, or all loads driven individually are incorporated in a common frame to drive land, surface, underwater transportation means or aircraft, industrial machines and equipment or any other load drive by rotational kinetic energy.
US07654930B2	Continuously adjustable gear Two continuously variable transmission parts are connected to a common driven train through a pick-off gear so as to provide an entire continuously variable transmission operating with high efficiency even at high torques.
US07654926B2	Continuously variable V-belt transmission A continuously variable V-belt transmission basically has a driving pulley, a driven pulley and a V-belt wound around the pulleys. The frictional engagement between the pulleys and the V-belt is controlled by regulating pulley axial thrusts to the pulleys. The V-belt has a plurality of torque transmitting connected by an annular ring. A boundary-detection arrangement is provided to detect a boundary position between a first region, in which the elements are arranged without any gap therebetween, and a second region, in which the elements are arranged with a gap therebetween, along a portion of the driving pulley when torque is being transmitted. The detected boundary position is used to estimate the pulley axial thrust applied by the driving pulley against the V-belt, and to control the pulley axial thrust to a lower limit which ensures that the V-belt will not slip upon application of the maximum torque.
US07654924B2	Auto-tensioner An auto-tensioner includes a housing having an open end and a closed bottom at another end. A cylindrical plunger is slidably inserted in the housing with its open end facing the closed bottom of the housing and its other end protruding from the housing. A ring-shaped seal member is mounted between the inner periphery of the housing and the outer periphery of the plunger for hermetically sealing oil in the housing. A screw rod and a nut member are mounted in the plunger so as to be coaxial with the plunger, with the nut member in threaded engagement with the screw rod. A return spring is mounted between the nut member and the plunger to bias the nut member and the plunger in a direction axially away from each other. A spring is mounted between the screw rod and the closed bottom of the housing to bias the screw rod in a direction away from the closed bottom of the housing.
US07654920B2	Multi-purpose golf accessory assembly A multi-purpose golf accessory assembly comprises an elongated body member having a number of components mounted thereon. The components include a divot green repair tool, a magnetically secured marker and a golf ball marking instrument. The components are configured in such a way as to provide a golfer with a compact hand-held implement that is easily and conveniently utilized while the golfer engages in a round of golf.
US07654919B2	Golf ball Golf ball 2 has numerous dimples 8. Provided that mean diameter of all the dimples 8 is Da, ratio (N1/N) of number N1 of adjacent dimple pairs having a pitch of (Da/4) or less to total number N of the dimples is equal to or greater than 2.70. Ratio (N2/N1) of number N2 of the adjacent dimple pairs having a pitch of (Da/20) or less to the number N1 is equal to or greater than 0.50. The northern hemisphere N and the southern hemisphere S of this golf ball 2 have a pole vicinity region 20, an equator vicinity region 22 and a coordination region 24, respectively. The pole vicinity region 20 includes 5 units which are rotationally symmetric each other centered on the pole point P. The equator vicinity region 22 includes 6 units which are rotationally symmetric each other centered on the pole point P. The coordination region 24 does not include any unit.
US07654913B2	Weld structure of metal club head A golf club head is formed with openings respectively on top and bottom sides thereof and a circumferential recessed groove is formed in the club head along a circumference of each opening. Pegs are formed in and spaced along the circumferential grooves. A faceplate and a bottom plate are provided, each having a circumferential edge along which notches are formed in a spaced manner to correspond to the pegs. Thus, when the faceplate and the bottom plate are received in the top and bottom openings respectively to be supported by the circumferential grooves, the notches respectively snugly fit over the pegs to thereby securely and properly hold the faceplate and the bottom plate in position for subsequently welding operation. Thus, the subsequent welding operation can be carried out in a smooth manner without any underside shifting of the faceplate and bottom plate with respect to the club head.
US07654912B1	Golfing stance training apparatus and method A golfing stance training apparatus and method includes a spherical housing has a diameter between 5 inches and 9 inches. The housing is comprised of an elastic material and is inflated. The housing is positioned between a person's legs so that the housing is positioned adjacent to knees of the legs and the legs support the housing over a ground surface. A golf swing is made a golf swing by the person while retaining the housing between and supported by the legs.
US07654911B2	Pool table leveling system The invention provides a leveling apparatus that cooperates with a game table leg by vertically translating the leg, wherein the apparatus is actuated near the top of the leg.
US07654904B2	Game machine, backup control program of game data and backup control method A game machine includes a CPU and, when a game cartridge is loaded in the game machine, the CPU is electrically connected to a ROM in the game cartridge and an electronically erasable non-volatile flash memory having at least two game data storage backup areas. Game data generated during the progress of a game is maintained in a volatile work memory and, in response to an instruction provided by a user, an attempt to save this data (referred to herein as “last” game data or as the “latest” game data) in an appropriate backup storage area of a non-volatile flash memory is made. Whenever the user instructs the game machine to save a game, the CPU compares the write age of each backup area and selects a game data backup area that is stored with game data having an oldest write age. Because electronically erasable non-volatile memories become less reliable and susceptible to degradation and failure after repeated usage, the CPU attempts a writing of the game data to the selected backup area, and then immediately performs a check to determine if the write operation to the selected backup area was successfully performed. If writing to the selected backup area can not be successfully performed after a predetermined number of repeated attempts, for example, due to memory element defect or an abrupt failure of memory area, and only a single other remaining backup storage area containing older game data is available, a writing of the latest game data over the game data from a previous gaming session which was stored in that single remaining backup storage area is precluded (i.e., prohibited), so as to always leave intact at least one area of older saved game data that was generated during the preceding game play session. Writing to the selected backup area to save the latest game data is prohibited if there are not at least two available and writable (i.e., non-defective) backup areas present in the non-volatile memory. In addition, the flash memory may be provided with flag storage areas for identifying “write prohibited” backup areas and “unwritable” backup areas.
US07654903B2	Online gaming cheating prevention system and method Technology is provided for preventing cheating during online gaming, including a first online gaming server computer system configured to gather information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming; a second online gaming server computer system configured to receive the information; and a central database configured for aggregating the received information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming gathered by the first online gaming server computer system along with information stored on the central database regarding cheaters detected during online gaming gathered from a plurality of online gaming server computer systems. The aggregated information from the central database regarding cheaters detected is made available to the second online gaming server computer system, and cheaters identified in the aggregated information are prevented from online gaming on the second online gaming server computer system based on the aggregated information from the central database.
US07654902B2	User-name switching method on network game A terminal receives service provided by a server while using any one of a group of user-names stored in the server for each user and while using a character associated with the user-name. When a character currently in use is switched to another character according to a user instruction, the terminal compares a user-name associated with the switched character with a user-name currently in use. When the compared user-name is different from the user-name currently in use, the terminal switches the user-name on the terminal side to a user-name associated with the switched character, and transmits information, indicating the user-name associated with the switched character, to the server.
US07654901B2	Video game system using bio-feedback devices A video game system using one or more bio-feedback devices for the monitor and transmission of physiological data of a participant of the video game system to the video game system where the data, along with conventional controller data is incorporated into game play provided by software through the video game system. A headset electrically coupled to a video game system, the headset including one or more bio-feedback devices for transmitting participant physiological data to the video game system for real-time incorporation into game play.
US07654900B2	Image display method It is an object of this invention to display the marks obtained by a player corresponding to game scenes by switching between an analog score display and a digital point display. In this invention, a key input detecting means, detects keys input by the player and obtains key operation signals. A correct or incorrect answer determining means, determines whether the answer is correct or incorrect by comparing the key operation signals with the correct input patterns. A point/score calculating means, calculates the marks obtained by the player on the basis of the correct or incorrect answer determination. A point/score display switching means, generates video signals for displaying the marks obtained by the player corresponding to the game scenes, by switching between an analog score display and a digital point display.
US07654898B2	Method for selecting wild symbols by a player A method for playing a slot machine displays for a wager one matrix of random symbols for player selection of at least one symbol. Providing strategic information to the player for favorable play. Converting the at least one position associated with the at least one symbol selected to be wild and awarding the player in accord with available pay table and/or game rules. Allowing the player to make a wager and begin play of a reel slot machine having positions set in a matrix of columns and rows wherein symbols move during play in the columns and stop in perhaps one of the rows. After the reels stop the player selects one or more symbols in accord with the rules of play and/or pay table. The player applies strategy based on information available on the pay table and/or rules of play to select at least one symbol. The player qualifies for wild symbols by random achievement of triggering. An apparatus for strategically playing a casino slot machine for a wager has a display for pay table and/or rules of play information and a matrix presentation for each wager of symbols randomly positioned. With a selector the player chooses one or more symbols and a converter changes that to be wild for awarding according to the pay table and/or rules of play.
US07654897B2	Bonus accumulator for a wagering game A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises a processor and a value input device for receiving a wager from a player to play the game. The processor is operative to accumulate bonus points based on predetermined criteria, and allow the player to redeem a number of the bonus points for an award at a time selected by the player.
US07654893B2	Video game A simplified video game includes a series of timed events where each event is capable of a positive or negative result based on the timing of player input signal. A positive result requires a time period greater than a negative result. The following event automatically is initiated after completion of the preceding event until a certain cumulative time period is reached.
US07654890B2	Device for de-rinding trimming a piece of meat or a piece of slaughtered animal A device and a method are proposed for de-rinding or trimming a piece of meat or piece of a slaughtered animal, in which an arrangement device for the arrangement of the piece, an industrial robot with a manipulator arm and a sensor system, which detects the part that is to be separated, are provided. The sensor system comprises a camera and an image processing system as well as, if necessary, a distance measuring system, which determines the distance between a predefined zero point and a measuring point on the surface of the piece. Further, a cutting tool is provided, which separates the part from the piece.
US07654889B2	Clip machine A clip machine for dividing and sealing tubular-shaped packaging filled with stuffing having at least two axially spaced pairs of radially opposed displacement elements, relating to the axis of the packaging tube, which are linked to and equipped with a linear guide, to be compressed radially towards one another and then separated axially in pairs, for the local constriction of the filled packaging and the formation of a tubular braid radially-linearly, and a pivotably arranged first sealing tool and a second sealing tool, with the first and second sealing tools being equipped to set and close at least one clamp fastener around the formed tubular braid, to be compressed radially between the axially separated displacement element pairs, the radial movement direction of displacement element pairs coincides with the radial movement direction of sealing tools.
US07654884B2	Method of polishing end surfaces of a substrate for a recording medium by a grain flow processing method The object of the invention is to provide a method of polishing the end surfaces of a substrate for a recording medium, which is capable of efficiently polishing the inner peripheral end surface and/or the outer peripheral end surface of the substrate preventing the reliability of performance of the recording medium from being impaired by the adhesion of the residual polishing material. According to the invention, there is provided a method of polishing end surfaces of a substrate for a recording medium wherein an inner peripheral end surface or an outer peripheral end surface of a substrate for a disk-like recording medium having a circular hole at the central portion thereof is brought into contact with a polishing medium obtained by dispersing polishing grains in a viscoelastic resin carrier and the polishing medium flows, thereby to polish the inner peripheral end surface or the outer peripheral end surface.
US07654883B2	Polishing apparatus, polishing head and polishing method A polishing apparatus comprises a polishing plate (24), an abrasive cloth (25) attached to the surface of the polishing plate (24), a chuck (19) for holding and pressing one surface of a wafer (39) against the abrasive cloth (25), and a circular retaining ring (23) concentrically arranged on the periphery of the chuck (19). The retaining ring (23) is rotatable and vertically movable with respect to the chuck (19), and is pressed against the abrasive cloth (25) during the lapping step. The retaining ring (23) is lifted upward during the final polishing step, thereby preventing lapping grains from being brought into the final polishing stage. Accordingly, lapping and final polishing can be successively conducted using the same polishing head. With this structure, cost cutting of the apparatus can be realized, since lapping and final polishing are successively conducted using the same polishing head without bringing the lapping grains used for lapping into the final polishing stage.
US07654882B2	Bra and body shaper garment A woman's garment comprising a tubular garment body having an integrated full support bra at the front portion thereof and a back portion. The back portion has a high cut neckline which the natural curve of the back of the neckline and is contoured around the back arm and underarm areas for evenly compressing and supporting the upper back and lower back and posterior auxiliary fat pads without visible bra lines or bulges on the back and underarm area.
US07654881B2	Action figure with movable appendages An action figure is provided having movable appendages. The action figure includes a body having a plurality of appendages including a first appendage configured to rotate about a first axis and a second appendage configured to rotate about a second axis. The action figure further includes a first movement assembly configured to drive movement of the first appendage and a second movement assembly configured to drive movement of the second appendage. At least one of the first and second movement assemblies is configured to delay movement of a corresponding appendage.
US07654876B1	Aftermarket supercharger for personal watercraft A personal watercraft is disclosed as including an engine and a forced air induction system including an aftermarket supercharger. The aftermarket supercharger replaces the personal watercraft's original-equipment supercharger and increases the charge of compressed air provided to the engine. The preferred supercharger incorporates a spur gear that includes a smaller pitch diameter than the original-equipment supercharger. The smaller spur gear and engine flywheel thereby provide an increased gear ratio and permit greater supercharger rotational speeds when compared with the original supercharged engine. In order to permit intermeshing engagement with the engine flywheel, the spur gear is axially offset from the original spur gear axis. However, the supercharger case maintains the same engine-mating surface as the original-equipment supercharger so that the case may be received within a complemental socket of the engine housing. Other embodiments relate to aspects of the invention applicable to original equipment and other internal combustion engine applications.
US07654875B1	Self-contained hydraulic thruster for vessel A self-contained hydraulic thruster for vessel. The hydraulic thruster incorporates an elevated helm platform mounted to a base having reinforced base feet, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir mounted on the helm platform. The elevation of the hydraulic fluid reservoir facilitates flow of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic power pack mounted on the base. A lower unit mounting tube is attached to the base, and at least one lower unit is mounted at an end of the lower unit mounting tube, laterally offset from the helm platform, so that when the lower unit is retracted and tilted up, it lies on one side of the platform, and the platform doesn't interfere with retraction and tilting of the lower unit. Lower units are pivotably mounted in lower unit housings with lower unit bushings, and steering is provided by a steering motor through an overhung load adaptor to a drive gear.
US07654873B2	Electrical connector provided with alignment slot An electrical connector includes a mating portion including a first cavity (13) and a second cavity (11) divided by a partition (17). The first cavity (13) is structurally different from the second cavity (11), the first cavity (13) being of an L shape including a vertical alignment part (15) positioned proximate to the partition (17), while the second cavity (11) has no vertical alignment slot, which is removed to make the insulative housing (10) to have a greatly-reduced lateral dimension thereof so as to mount the insulative housing (10) onto a limited space of a printed circuit board.
US07654869B2	Card connector A card connector (100) for connecting with an electronic element, includes a first connector (30) comprising a first insulating housing (50) retaining a plurality of first terminals (51) and a first cavity (20) for receiving a first card; a second connector (40) stacked with the first connector and comprising a second insulating housing (60) retaining a plurality of second terminals (131) and a second cavity (80) for receiving a second card; a printed circuit board (10) sandwiched by the first connector and the second connector, the first terminals and the second terminals set on opposite sides of the circuit board; and a third connector (14) mounted on the printed circuit board for connecting the first connector and the second connector with the electronic element electrically.
US07654868B1	Card connector A card connector is disclosed that includes an insulating housing and a plurality of contacts. The insulating housing defines a plurality of contact slots. Each of the contact slots extends outwardly and laterally to opposite sides to form two resisting protrusions respectively, wherein each of the resisting protrusions forms a resisting surface extending obliquely and inwardly from one side thereof. The contacts are respectively received in the contact slots of the insulating housing. Each of the contacts has a contact portion protruding upwardly for being pressed by a card and the contact portion is connected with a bearing portion resisting against the resisting surface for preventing the contact portion from flipping upwardly out of the insulating housing.
US07654867B2	Receptacle connector assembly for IC card and IC card connector Disclosed is a receptacle connector assembly for an IC card, comprising: a connector housing (20) having a top surface (21), a bottom surface (22), and a peripheral wall (23) located between the top surface and bottom surface; a plurality of terminals (30) mounted in the connector housing and extending from the peripheral wall; a shielding member (40) removably attached to the top surface of the connector housing and having a portion extending over the terminals; and a supporting member (50) removably attached to the connector housing and covering the portion of the shielding member extending over the terminals.
US07654865B2	Electrical connector The electrical connector includes an electrical terminal, a housing delimiting a chamber for receiving the terminal along a reception direction (X), successively at a reception position and at a retained position, a pawl hinged to one amongst the housing and the terminal, and a stop fixed to the other amongst the housing and the terminal. Said pawl and stop cooperate for retaining the terminal at its retained position, and said housing includes a guiding wall with guiding surface on which the terminal is pushed against by the pawl being elastically pushed back. The guiding surface comprises a raising slope inclined toward the inside of the chamber along the reception direction (X) 1 the slope being located to be climbed on by the terminal pushed from its reception position to its retained position. Application in the automotive industry.
US07654864B2	Mounting bracket structure When a predetermined rupture load is applied to a mounting bracket formed on an attachment part, a rupture develops in the mounting bracket, and the attachment part can be separated from a base part by this rupture. The mounting bracket, in which a slit extending in a direction intersecting a loading direction of a rupture load is formed, includes a rigid portion disposed at one side of the slit and a breakable portion disposed at the other side of the slit which is breakable because of the presence of the bolt.
US07654860B2	Signal transmission wire with an audio interface and a USB interface A signal transmission wire with audio interface and USB interface, the wire is a four-core connection wire, one end of which is connected to a USB interface, the other end of which is connected to a dual-track audio interface; the four-core signal connection wire is further provided with a winder, the winder is a box, and a bobbin for intertwining the four-core connection wire is pivotally jointed in its cavity; two opening holes are set on the surface of the winder; the double ends of the four-core connection wire pass through the two opening holes respectively; the wire of the four-core connection wire is winded on the bobbin.
US07654859B2	Battery connecting structure An exemplary battery connecting structure includes a housing and a contact spring. The housing includes a base, a sidewall extending around a periphery of the base, and at least one fixing portion defined at an inner surface of the sidewall away from the base. The contact spring includes a plurality of loops. A loop of an end of the contact spring is fixed between the base and the fixing portion, such that the end of the contact spring is electrically fixed to the base of the housing. In the present battery connecting structure, the contact spring is not easily detached from the housing. A battery-powered device using the battery connecting structure is also provided.
US07654857B2	Digital multimeter having sealed input jack detection arrangement A multimeter for testing a plurality of electrical parameters comprises a case having a plurality of test lead jacks. Each of the test lead jacks includes a unitary conductive socket. Preferably, the sockets are made of metal such as brass. A circuit board located in the case has jack conductors in electrical communication with each of the sockets. A jack detection arrangement is adapted to automatically determine whether a plug is inserted into a respective one of the sockets based on a change in electrical characteristics. For example, the jack detection arrangement may include a photonic emitter and a photonic detector situated such that a beam path therebetween is interrupted by insertion of a plug. The case may further have a rotary selector knob for selecting a multimeter function.
US07654855B2	Socket assembly A socket assembly includes a socket body, a connecting line and an electrical connector. The socket body comprises a panel and at least one socket unit. The socket body is provided with a receiving trough. One end of the connecting line extends into the inside of the socket body. The electrical connector is connected to the other end of the connecting line. The connecting line and the electrical connector are stored in the receiving trough or extend beyond the receiving trough selectively. Via the above arrangement, the socket assembly of the present invention can provide a connecting line and an electrical connector to facilitate the user to quickly connect electronic products. Further, when the connecting line and the electrical connector are not in use, they can be stored in the socket body and thus may not cause clutter and disturbance.
US07654854B1	Push-cord energy saving lampholder easy for the stripping of cord The present invention is to provide a push-cord energy saving lamp holder that is easy for the stripping of power cord, which comprises: a lamp holder body, having push-cord holes and nearby cord-stripped sockets at its top, and first lodging troughs and second lodging troughs in its internal; a set of push-cord stands, each having a plug face from which a power connect face and a conducting face are formed by bending its top and bottom portions, where the edge of the power connect face is further divided into a power connect notch corresponding to the push-cord hole and a cord-stripped trench corresponding to the cord-stripped socket; a set of conducting springy slices, having a plug face lodged in the second lodging trough for a fixing and a conducting face connected to the conducting face of the push-cord stand; and a cover plate, placed on the hollow of the lamp holder body, having a set of positioning grooves on the plate, which accommodate the insertion of the conducting terminals of an energy saving lamp; the cord-stripped socket is designed for accommodating the insertion of a slender cord-stripped tool, where the tool is pushed to bend the cord-stripped trench, which in turn bends the power connect notch, and the effect causes the conducting end portion of the power cord is released easily from the push-cord hole.
US07654853B2	Reader board assembly circuit, system, and method for identifying a digital device among multiple digital devices The present invention provides an electronic circuit for detecting, identifying, and/or activating a digital device, including a touch-and-hold connector configured to hold an object of interest, the digital device coupled to the touch-and-hold connector, for example, wherein the digital device has a unique digital registration number, a microcontroller that reads the unique digital registration number of the digital device, a storage receptacle configured to selectively receive the touch-and-hold connector, a light-emitting source coupled to the storage receptacle and associated with the touch-and-hold connector, and an electrical power source. Further including, an apparatus for releasably securing a digital device to a touch-and-hold connector including a digital device having a unique digital registration number with a first end and a second end, at least one prong located on the first end of the digital device, a touch-and-hold connector having a top portion forming a lip and at least one opening located within the lip for receiving the at least one prong of the digital device, wherein the prong of the digital device is received with the at least one opening within the lip, whereby the digital device is rotated into a position so that the prong is in a spaced apart relationship with the at least one opening forming a releasably secure arrangement between the digital device and touch-and-hold connector.
US07654849B2	Releasably locking auto-aligning fiber optic connector A connector assembly couples signal lines for an optical catheter by providing a guided releasable latching mechanism that ensures optimal alignment with only a single vertical dimension under control. A receptacle carrying a first signal line defines a channel for receiving a plug carrying a second signal line. A spring-loaded pawl on the receptacle locks to a retaining bracket on the plug when the plug slides into the channel, imparting a retaining force on the plug, the force having a first component normal to channel and a second component parallel to the channel to maintain the first and second signal lines in optimal alignment. The retaining bracket may include a sloped edge to allow for easy release of the pawl in the presence of a release force. The release force may be set to allow disconnection of the assembly without affecting catheter installation or causing patient discomfort.
US07654847B2	Probe having a field-replaceable tip A probe is provided for testing the electrical characteristics of a device. The probe includes a housing, a plurality of cables, a circuit board located within the housing, and a field-replaceable probe tip. The probe tip includes an array of contacts. Each of the plurality of cables is connected to a corresponding contact. The probe includes a retractable shroud that retracts as the probe is connected to the device. The contacts have bifurcated tips. An alignment assembly for aligning a probe with respect to a device to be tested includes a first alignment block, a second alignment block, and an alignment piece connecting the first alignment block and the second alignment block. The first alignment block and the second alignment block are arranged to be attached to the device to be tested to align the probe with respect to the device to be tested.
US07654846B2	Connector for electrically connecting circuit boards A connector capable of electrically connecting two plate-shaped to-be-connected objects in a state arranged on substantially the same plane. Upper contacts are inserted into a housing from rearward, and held thereby. Lower contacts are inserted into the housing from forward, and held thereby. A contact portion of each upper contact is located on a front side of the housing, for contact with an upper surface of a circuit card inserted into a receiving space of the housing. A terminal portion of the upper contact is located on a rear side of the housing, for connection to a motherboard. A contact portion of each lower contact is located on the front side of the housing, for contact with a lower surface of the circuit card inserted into the receiving space of the housing. A terminal portion of the lower contact is located on the rear side of the housing, for connection to the motherboard.
US07654843B2	Connector assembly with internal seals and manufacturing method A medical device connector assembly and fabrication method are provided wherein the connector assembly includes a core element, a plurality of conductive members positioned along the core element, and a plurality of sealing members positioned between the conductive members, the sealing members having an outer surface supported by the core element.
US07654841B2	Pre-terminated outlet assembly for raceway systems Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a pre-terminated outlet assembly. The pre-terminated outlet assembly includes a device bracket, an outlet, and a plurality of electrical conductors. The outlet is connected to the device bracket. The plurality of electrical conductors is pre-terminated at the outlet.
US07654840B1	DIMM connector and memory system with compensated airflow impedance An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a memory module connector having a pivotable air baffle that controls airflow at the memory module connector. When the memory module connector is occupied by a memory module, the air baffle may rest on an upper edge of the memory module, substantially parallel to the system board and in general alignment with the airflow. When the memory module has been removed, the air baffle may be pivoted downward toward the connector base and into the airflow, to offset the reduction in airflow impedance caused by the removal of the memory module from the memory module connector.
US07654836B2	Card connector A card connector adapted for receiving a card, includes an insulating housing (10) including a base portion (11), a pair of arms (12, 12′) extending from opposite ends of the base portion, one of the arms having a locking device (121) at an outer side thereof; a plurality of terminals (20) retained in the insulating housing; a shell (30) covering the insulating housing and defining a cavity for receiving the card, and defining an inserting/ejecting direction of the card; and an ejector for moving the card along the inserting/ejecting direction comprising a base (51) defining a heart-shaped slot therein, an ejecting member (53) protruding into the cavity to engage with the card, a pin member (54), and a resilient member (52). The base includes a vertical wall (510) abutting against the one arm of the insulating housing, and a locking portion is disposed on the vertical wall and fastening with the locking device of the arm.
US07654831B1	Cable assembly having improved configuration for suppressing cross-talk A cable assembly (1000) includes a housing (1) has a receiving space (10), said receiving space including a hollow portion and a mating port located in front of the hollow portion; a spacer (4) located in the receiving space; a first and second printed circuit boards (31, 32) partially enclosed within the spacer and arranged apart from one another, both the first and second printed circuit boards having mating interfaces extending into the mating port and mounting portions disposed in the hollow portion; a metallic plate (2) assembled to the spacer and disposed between the pair of first and second printed circuit boards; a plurality of cables (7) coupled to the mounting portions of the pair of first and second printed circuit boards, respectively.
US07654829B1	Electronic device and connector assembly A connector assembly includes a circuit board, a housing, terminals, a flexible circuit board and a reinforcement plate. The housing has a depression portion and is disposed on the circuit board. The depression portion has a first opening and a second opening adjacent to the first opening, and the terminals are disposed in the depression portion and electrically connected to the circuit board. The flexible circuit board has a first surface, a second surface and pads disposed on the first surface, and the reinforcement plate is disposed on the second surface near one end of the flexible circuit board, wherein when the flexible circuit board is joined to the housing and the first opening faces to the flexible circuit board, the pads contact the terminals, whereby the flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the flexible circuit board extends from the housing via the second opening.
US07654828B1	Socket with contact for being soldered to printed circuit board A socket, adapted for electrically connecting a printed circuit board to an IC package, comprises a housing and a plurality of contacts arranged in an angular fashion within the passageways. The housing defines a mating face and a mounting face opposed to the mating face and a number of angular passageways extending from the mating face to the mounting face. Each contact includes a bend portion, a first leg and a second leg extending from two opposed ends of the bend portion. The second leg has an arc contacting portion extending out of the mating face for contacting with the IC package. Firstly a solder ball is disposed on a bottom surface of the bend portion and soldered to the printed circuit board to mount the contact to the printed circuit board. Or secondly the contacts (Mounting end) have no solder balls and solder paste is applied to PCB then connector is placed onto PCB and reflow soldered into place without use of solder balls.
US07654819B2	Tubular flame burner and method for controlling combustion A tubular flame burner, a combustion method, and combustion controller, are disclosed. Here, the tubular flame burner comprises: a tubular combustion chamber whose h one end is open; fuel-spraying nozzles and oxygen-containing-gas spraying nozzles. The respective nozzle orifices are formed in the inner face of the combustion chamber so that each spraying direction is in a neighborhood of a tangential direction of the inner circumferential wall of the combustion chamber. And an ignition device is disposed at a position r/2 from the tube axis of the combustion chamber (r: the radius of the combustion chamber). The length of the combustion chamber can be adjusted, the tubular flame burner is a multi-stage burner formed of multiple tubular flame burners, and a gap between the inner tube and the outer tube serves as a gas-flow path. A combustion control method for the tubular flame burner is disclosed, wherein on/off of switching valves is controlled so that the spraying speed from each nozzle is maintained in a predetermined range corresponding to the combustion load.
US07654818B2	Hot runner nozzle system A hot runner nozzle system (500) comprising a nozzle tip (100) adjacent to a nozzle (405) in series, and a retainer (400) adjoining both the nozzle tip (100) and the nozzle (405) in parallel, the retainer (400) having a first retainer thread (435), for connection to a nozzle thread (420) to form a first seal (450) between the nozzle end (440) of the retainer (400) and a nozzle shoulder (430), a second retainer thread (460), for connection to a tip thread (455) to form a second seal (470) between the inlet end (475) of the nozzle tip (100) and the gate end (425) of the nozzle (405), a seal ring (115) for creating a gate seal (496) with a gate insert (120), and a plurality of flats (410) thereon to facilitate torquing of the retainer (400) to the nozzle (405), the torque value applied to the retainer (400) being about two to four times of that applied to the nozzle tip (100) to facilitate removal of the nozzle tip (100) independent of the retainer (400).
US07654817B2	Vent piece To provide a vent piece capable of being attached to and detached from a mold easily.A vent piece body 4 and a connection sleeve 5 are connected to each other to form a cylindrical shape. The vent piece body 4 and the connection sleeve 5 are inserted in an insertion hole 3 penetrating the wall surface of a mold 2 to connect the inside of the mold 2 to the outside thereof. One end portion 9 of the vent piece body 4 is beforehand formed into a countersunk head screw shape. A cone-shaped concave portion 10 is beforehand formed around the inside opening of the insertion hole 3 in the mold 2. The countersunk head screw shaped end portion 9 is fitted in the cone-shaped concave portion 10. Thereby, the movement of a vent piece 1 to the other side is restrained. A nut 8 is threadedly mounted in the other end portion 14 of the connection sleeve 5 from the outside of the mold 2. By mounting and demounting the nut 8, the vent piece 1 can be attached to and detached from the mold 2 easily.
US07654816B2	Lithographic mask alignment Systems and methods of aligning a lithographic mask are described. In one aspect, a substrate and a lithographic mask are aligned based at least in part on a motive force between a substrate alignment mark on the substrate and a mask alignment mark on the lithographic mask that induces movement of at least one of the substrate and the lithographic mask into mutual alignment.
US07654815B2	Belt-shaped mold and nanoimprint system using the belt-shaped mold There is provided a fine pattern transfer, belt-shaped mold, with which a fine structure having a high aspect ratio can be formed rapidly and stably using nanoimprinting, and a fine pattern transfer system (a nanoimprint system) that employs this mold. According to the present invention, a nanoimprint mold includes: a belt-shaped support member; a plurality of stampers, for each of which a fine convex-and-concave pattern, to be transferred, is formed on one surface; and an adhesive member, to which the belt-shaped support member and the stampers are to be securely adhered, wherein the adhesive member includes a porous member and adhesive layers, which are deposited on either face of the porous member, for impregnating one part of the porous member, and wherein, for the porous member, a porous area that is not impregnated with the adhesive layers, is provided and positioned so as to sandwich the porous member between portions impregnated with the adhesive layers.
US07654814B2	Rotary press Rotary press comprising a rotor rotatably driven about a vertical axis, said rotor exhibiting a die plate and upper and lower punches which are vertically guided in guides of the rotor working together with die holes in a die plate, at least one press station which exhibits an upper and a lower pressure passed by the punches and through which the punches are moved towards the die hole in order to compress the material in the die hole, characterized in that the rotor is provided with means which act upon compacts or parts thereof which adhere to the pressing surface or which means eliminate or prevent an adherence of a compact or parts thereof to the pressing surface of the upper punch, respectively, during the return stroke.
US07654813B1	High capacity extrusion die assembly High-capacity extrusion die assemblies (20, 90, 130, 140, 180, 252) each having a tubular sections (44, 146, 162, 268) and an elongated, axially rotatable, helically flighted screw section (56, 56a, 152, 168, 276, 278) which cooperatively define frustoconical, outwardly diverging material flow paths (75, 160, 291) at constant or differing divergence angles of from about 1-11°. The use of diverging tubular sections (44, 146, 162, 268) and screw sections (56, 56a, 152, 168, 276, 278) permits the use of larger die plates (76, 118, 292) with an increased number of die openings (80, 124, 296). This allows significant increases in extrusion production rates. The die assemblies (20, 90, 130, 140, 180, 252) can be used in the production of a wide number of human foods or animal feeds, and particularly aquatic feeds of the floating or sinking variety. In another aspect of the invention, an extruder (210) is provided having diverging and converging sections (212, 214) along the length thereof and defining corresponding flow paths (230, 246).
US07654809B2	Injection molding machine having a force peak time detecting device If a screw is moved forward after a metering step is completed, the screw moves in a state where a check ring on a tip end of the screw is in open state. Resin flows in a direction opposite to the injection direction. A rotational force is applied to the screw due to the backflow of the resin. If the check ring closes a resin passage, the rotational force acting on the screw is reduced. A peak time of the screw rotational force is detected as closing point in time of the check ring. Physical amounts such as a screw rotational force and a screw position at that timing are detected. Since the closing point in time of the check ring is precisely detected, correction of the injection/hold pressure switching position and the injection speed switching position can be adjusted more precisely. It is possible to precisely determine whether a molded article is non-defective or defective based on the detected physical amount.
US07654799B2	Modular rotor blade for a wind turbine and method for assembling same A sectional wind turbine rotor blade is provided, the sectional wind turbine rotor blade having first and second blade sections, wherein the first and second blade sections are fixedly mountable to each other via a connector. Furthermore, a method for assembling a sectional wind turbine rotor blade is provided.
US07654797B2	Blade with shroud A blade for a turbo machine has a blade section and a shroud element terminating the blade section in the blade section longitudinal direction. The blade section has a suction face and a pressure face. The shroud element extends essentially at right angles to the blade section longitudinal direction and has a first platform section projecting beyond the blade section and a second platform section projecting beyond the blade section. The platform sections are asymmetric with respect to one another. At least the first platform section of the shroud element is arranged at an additional inclination angle with respect to a normal alignment of the first platform section, with the additional inclination angle being in the opposite direction to the bending torque which acts on the first platform section during operation.
US07654796B2	Electric fan with bearing An electric fan includes a fan base (10), a bearing (40) and a rotor assembly (20). The fan base forms a central tube (11) receiving the bearing therein. The rotor assembly includes a fan hub (22), and a pivot axle (23) joined to the fan hub. The pivot axle pivotably extends into the bearing. The bearing has an outer wall (41) with a plurality of bulwarks (45) circumferentially formed thereon. At least one partition hole (424, 43a) corresponding to the bulwarks is defined in the bearing. The at least one partition hole effectively prevents a radially inward pressure exerted by the central tube on the bearing from being exerted to the pivot axle via the bearing. Therefore, a friction between the bearing and the pivot axle is reduced.
US07654794B2	Methods and apparatus for assembling steam turbines Method and apparatus for assembling steam turbines are provided. The method of assembling a steam turbine includes providing an annular outer member, providing an annular inner member, coupling a plurality of airfoils to the inner member with a plurality of generally radial fastener assemblies such that the plurality of airfoils extend substantially radially outward from the inner member, and coupling each of the plurality of airfoils to the outer member.
US07654791B2	Apparatus and method for controlling a blade tip clearance for a compressor An apparatus and method for controlling a blade tip clearance for a compressor of a turbo-engine, in particular of an aircraft engine, is disclosed. A blade tip clearance control device, which has a rotor and a housing surrounding the rotor forming a blade tip clearance, includes a sealing element that is movable into the blade tip clearance and an actuator unit, where the sealing element is designed as a circumferential shroud liner made of a flexible rubbery material in which at least one tubular diaphragm that is also circumferential is arranged. The diaphragm is acted upon with hydraulic fluid via the actuator unit. This makes it possible to counteract degradation that occurs during operation due to erosion, aging, etc. As a result, efficiency is maintained and the pump limit interval is retained.
US07654790B2	Wind turbine lightning connection means method and use hereof The invention relates to a wind turbine (1) comprising stationary means such as a nacelle (3) and a tower (2) comprising stationary lightning protection means (46), and rotating means such as a rotor including at least one wind turbine blade (5) and shaft means (14), each of said at least one wind turbine blade (5) comprising rotating lightning protection means (47). The stationary and rotating lightning protection means (46, 47) comprise contact surfaces (17, 18) connected by lightning connection means (15). The lightning connection means (15) comprises at least two contact means (19, 19a, 19b) adapted for connecting said rotating and stationary lightning protection means (46, 47). Further, it comprises at least one electric conductor (30) establishing a dedicated connection between said at least two contact means (19, 19a, 19b) and force transferring means (26, 27) for said at least two contact means (19, 19a, 19b) establishing a continuous connection between said at least two contact means (19, 19a, 19b) and the contact surfaces (17, 18) of said stationary and rotating lightning protection means (46, 47). The invention also relates to lightning connection means (15) for a wind turbine (1), a method and use hereof.
US07654788B2	Device for mounting a pneumatic tire onto a vehicle wheel rim A device for mounting a pneumatic tire onto a vehicle wheel rim comprises a handling robot, including a robot hand (7), which is movable about a plurality of axes and comprises a rotationally drivable flange (8) and a gripper (2) attached thereto, the gripper including a base element (10) and at least two gripper arms (15) which are movable radially relative to the centre axis of the gripper (2). The gripper arms (15) are coupled to a synchronization device, which synchronizes the radial movement of the gripper arms (15) and includes a disc (23), mounted on the base element (10) of the gripper (2) so as to be rotatable about the centre axis of the gripper and rotationally drivable via a motor, and coupling members (25) fixed to the disc (23) and the gripper arms (15) via hinged joints (26,27) in such a way that a rotation of the disc (23) produces a synchronous radial movement of the gripper arms (15).
US07654784B2	Device housing with integral fastener retainers The present invention is a housing for a surface-mountable device such as a security device (a PIR, a microwave motion detector, and the like). The housing has a surface-mountable housing portion with at least one aperture for receiving a surface-mounting member therethrough, the housing portion fabricated substantially from a plastic material. A member-retaining portion is integrally molded with the housing portion and extends substantially perpendicular from said housing portion, said member-retaining portion adapted to receive a surface-mounting member when inserted therethrough and retain said surface-mounting member in place. As a result of this configuration, when a surface-mounting member such as a screw is inserted therethrough, the surface-mounting member is held in place by the member-retaining portion and is insertable through the aperture when pressure is applied thereto. Preferably, the aperture is circular and the member-retaining portion is substantially cylindrical with at least one slot extending along said member-retaining portion. The member-retaining portion is adapted so as to allow a user to push a surface-mounting member therethrough and to hold the surface-mounting member in place. The member-retaining portion is compressible and/or collapsible so that when a surface-mounting member is inserted therethrough so as to force the surface-mountable housing portion against a wall, the member-retaining portion is substantially compressed and/or collapsed between a head portion of the surface-mounting member and the housing portion.
US07654783B2	Fastening element The invention relates to a fastening element comprising a clip part (4), which has a top plate (10), a base plate (3) and a joining section (9). A cutout (11) is made in the top plate (10), and a cutout (5) is made in the base plate (3), these cutouts facing one another. The fastening element also comprises an elongated shaft part (1), which is formed on the base plate (3), has a smooth-wall shaft cutout (2) that leads into the cutout (5) in the base plate and which provided for receiving a connection part. This connection part is provided with an external thread having a nominal diameter and can be guided through the cutout (11) in the top plate and through the cutout (5) in the base plate (3). The cutout (11) in the top plate has, at least in sections, a diameter that is less than the nominal diameter of the external thread but greater than the inside diameter of the shaft cutout (2). This prevents the component from tipping by establishing a pre-fixing in the area of the cutout (11) in the top plate before the external thread engages with the shaft part (1).
US07654782B2	Weld nut or stud, fastening system and method A threaded fastener such as a weld nut or a weld stud has a projection from a surface thereof, with the projection bearing a thread. A weld ring substantially surrounds the threaded projection. In a fastener system using the fastener, a mounting structure has a keyhole including a larger diameter hole and a narrower diameter slot. In the assembly, a portion of the weld ring projects into the slot to resist rotation of the fastener relative to the mounting structure.
US07654781B2	Anchor for hollow walls An anchor (910) for mounting to a hollow wall (W) made of friable material comprises a proximal flanged end (918) adapted to be engaged by a rotatable tool (B) to rotate the anchor (910) about a longitudinal axis (A) thereof and to cause is to gradually engage the wall (W). The anchor (910) also includes a distal end (912) adapted to cut through the wall (W) as the anchor (910) is rotated, and a shank (920) extending between the proximal and distal ends (918, 912). The shank (920) includes at least one expandable leg (924) that is in a collapsed position thereof when the anchor (910) is rotated to mount it to the wall (W) and that is located distally beyond a non visible surface of the wall (W) once the anchor (910) has been mounted to the wall and is in a first position thereof. The wall anchor (910) includes an outer thread (922) that securely engages the wall (W). A threaded fastener (B), e.g. a screw, is adapted to be introduced in the anchor (910) and to threadably engage the same distally of the leg (924) such that sufficient rotation of the threaded fastener (B) retracts the distal end (912) towards the proximal end (918) thereby causing the leg (924) to displace to a laterally expanded position thereof and to engage the non visible surface of the wall (W).
US07654770B2	Highway marking sphere dispensing apparatus A marking sphere dispensing apparatus for dispensing fluid-assisted marking spheres into pavement marking materials applied to a surface has a frame defining a marking sphere receptacle, a valve seat defining an opening between the marking sphere receptacle and an expulsion duct. A plunger is disposed coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing apparatus and defines an internal fluid passage for providing pressurized fluid. The plunger is moveable in a longitudinal direction within the marking sphere dispensing frame between a first position at which a plunger head of the plunger is seated against the valve seat to close the opening, and a second position at which the plunger head is axially offset from the valve seat to define a marking sphere inlet gap across the opening. A method for applying marking spheres uses the marking sphere dispensing apparatus.
US07654767B2	Transport securing arrangement A transport securing arrangement for a side extension arm of a vehicle includes a locking device and a securing hook, wherein the locking device is arranged in relation to the securing hook in such a way that release of the locking device leads to the release of the securing hook from its anchorage.
US07654763B2	Mechanical pencil A chuck unit (4) for grasping a writing lead (10) and a rotor (6) arranged to be movable in a direction of rotation and an axial direction within a body cylinder (1) are provided. First and second cam faces (6a) and (6b) are respectively formed at one end face and another end face of the rotor in the axial direction, and first and second fixed cam faces (13a) and (17a) are arranged on the body cylinder side to face the first and second cam faces respectively. The first cam face in the rotor is brought into abutment with and meshed with the first fixed cam face by retreat operation of the chuck unit under writing pressure, and the second cam face in the rotor is brought into abutment with and meshed with the second fixed cam face by releasing the writing pressure, so that the rotor rotates, whereby the writing lead also rotates.
US07654757B2	Diaphragm A diaphragm comprising a single plate, the single plate comprising: a first plate portion having an aperture; and a second plate portion formed at an outer side of the first plate portion, wherein a first thickness of the first plate portion is thinner than a second thickness of the second plate portion.
US07654754B1	Camera having improved camera cushion and seal A silicon-like resilient member is utilized for at least one of a mirror cushion and a light seal. This new member is believed to resist flaking and other problems associated with traditional foam members.
US07654751B2	Electro-optical data transmission arrangement, as well as method for its configuration The invention relates to an electro-optical data transmission arrangement with an optical multicore fiber, on the respective end faces of which an electro-optical transducer is arranged, wherein at least one of the electro-optical transducers consists of several segments. The electro-optical data transmission arrangement allows high data transmission rates and broad tolerances in the manufacture.
US07654747B2	Multi-fiber fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly A multi-fiber fiber optic assembly comprising a receptacle and a plug that correspond and mate to optically connect a plurality of optical fibers. The receptacle comprises a receptacle housing, a receptacle multi-fiber ferrule and an excluding feature. The plug comprises a plug housing, a plug multi-fiber ferrule and a clearance opening for receiving the excluding feature therein. The receptacle and plug may further comprise at least one of a threaded coupling nut, a key for engaging a first key slot defined by the plug housing, a sleeve defining a second key slot for receiving the key therein, and a biasing spring.
US07654745B2	Clinch spot bearing The rotatable joinder of two sheets is provided by a two-piece interfitting bearing assembly with each element separately attached to one of the sheets so that the sheets are joined but rotation is controlled by the interfitting bearing surfaces. The interfitting parts comprise an inner and outer race which are placed together in superposition with aligned apertures in the sheets. The rotatable attachment of the sheets is accomplished in a single pressing operation in which each race is simultaneously pressed into one of the sheets with a gap remaining between them.
US07654743B2	Bearing assembly, motor and recording disk drive A bearing assembly for use in an electric motor minimizes the generation of a negative pressure. In the bearing assembly, gaps are formed between a shaft provided with a flange portion, a ring member mounted on the shaft, and a sleeve member with a through hole formed therein are continuously filled with lubrication oil. When a rotor rotates, the rotor is supported by a fluid dynamic pressure. In the bearing assembly, herringbone grooves are formed in an upper surface of the flange portion of the shaft fixed to a base plate. When the sleeve member rotates with respect to the shaft, ends of all of the herringbone grooves and the through hole are superposed on each other sequentially. Thus, the lubrication oil can be efficiently supplied to an outer peripheral region in the thrust dynamic pressure bearing mechanism in which the negative pressure is most prone to be generated, and generation of the negative pressure can be efficiently minimized.
US07654742B2	Hydrodynamic bearing device, motor, recording disc driving apparatus and assembly jig A hydrodynamic bearing device 4 comprises a shaft 41, a second thrust flange 41c, a sleeve 42, a radial bearing 71, and a thrust bearing 73. The second thrust flange 41c is fixed near one end of the shaft 41. A third cylindrical protrusion 42e that protrudes farther in the axial direction than the second thrust flange is fixed to or integrally machined at one end of the sleeve 42. A notch 50 that communicates between a radial inner space and a radial outer space separated by the third cylindrical protrusion 42e is provided to the third cylindrical protrusion 42e.
US07654741B2	Rotatable supporting module and gantry apparatus having same An exemplary rotation module configured for a gantry apparatus includes a rotary plate, a base, and a bearing. The rotary plate has a through hole. The base is arranged in the through hole. The bearing is arranged between the rotary plate and the base. The bearing includes an inner race and an outer race rotatable relative to the inner race. The inner race is securely coupled to the base and the outer race is securely coupled to the rotary plate, whereby the rotary plate is rotatable relative to the base. A gantry apparatus are also provided.
US07654726B2	Multi-shaft extruder A multiple-shaft extruder comprises a core (4) with outward leading channels that can be flown through by a cooling liquid. At least two housing segments (16 to 19) are each provided with a cooling circuit with interconnected cooling bore holes (28), which can be flown through by a cooling liquid, are distributed in the peripheral direction and in an axially parallel manner, and which are located on the section of the housing segments (16 to 19) that faces the process chamber (2).
US07654716B1	Enhanced visualization illumination system A first light source producing a first light beam with a first intensity and a second light source producing a second light beam with a second intensity. A light filter device receives the first light beam and transmits a filtered portion of the first light beam. A first angling device reflects the filtered portion of the first light beam in a first angled direction and a second angling device reflects the second light beam in a second angled direction. A mirror receives and in turn reflects the filtered portion of the first light beam reflected by the first angling device and the second light beam reflected by the second angling device to form a converged light beam with a third intensity.
US07654711B2	Lamp assembly A lamp assembly includes a light module and a stem. The light module includes a reflector, a first fixing plate, a second fixing plated mounted on the first fixing plate and having a plurality of fixing pieces pivotally connected thereon for fixing the reflector between the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate, and a lamp. By rotating the fixing pieces, the reflector is easy to replace. The stem includes a plurality of connecting tubes and connecting assemblies. Each connecting assembly has a male joint with an L-shape projecting and a female joint with an L-shape slot. The male joint is fitted into the connecting tube, and the female joint is fitted into another connecting tube. By engaging the L-shape projection with the L-shape slot, the two connecting tubes can be connected without twisting a wire inside the stem.
US07654709B2	Compact fluorescent lamp high bay luminaire A compact fluorescent lamp luminaire with chambered structure to improve ventilation for controlling the temperature of ballasts and lamps in the luminaire. In such compact fluorescent lamp luminaires a plurality of compact fluorescent lamps is arranged inside a dome structure. The compact fluorescent lamps are powered through ballasts. Heat generated by the lamps is exhausted out of the luminaire without air heated by the lamps from passing through a chamber housing ballasts of the luminaire.
US07654706B2	Method and apparatus for securing a door to a lighting device chassis An apparatus and method according to which a door is secured to a lighting device chassis.
US07654705B2	Recessed fixture with hinged doors and rotatable lamp A recessed light fixture having a rotation ring allowing rotation of a lamp mounted over the fixture frame aperture, the rotation ring easily rotatable on the frame and held in place by a ring clamp. The recessed light fixture rotation ring has a mechanical brake for locking the ring in place after positioning of the lamp. The ring also has a slip disc positioned between the surface of the frame and the ring to allow easy rotation. The housing of the fixture has junction boxes mounted on side walls which are hinged to the sidewalls of the housing and which swivel into the interior of the housing for ready access after installation through the aperture of the frame. The lamp of the fixture movable about a horizontal adjustment and vertical adjustment axis while also maintaining position with respect to the reflector.
US07654704B2	Display with lighting device The present invention discloses a display with a lighting device comprising a display body having a housing and a power supply panel. The lighting device mounted at the bottom of the housing comprises a transparent base having a receiving cavity and a light source body disposed within the receiving cavity and powered by a power supply. Mounted at the bottom of the display body, the lighting device has the light downwards to illuminate the whole keyboard area of the medical diagnostic device such that the structure is tight without occupying extra space, thereby no inconvenience occurs during doctors' operation. Moreover, the entire lighting device is designed in a modularized manner, and therefore it is convenient for renewal and maintenance.
US07654703B2	Directly viewable luminaire A luminaire comprising a housing having thermally separate compartments for an electronics portion and a lighting portion. These thermally separate compartments can provide thermal isolation between the electronics portion and the lighting portion. The lighting portion comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements and further includes an optical device comprising two linear diffuser elements and can be used to further improve the light emission characteristics of the light-emitting elements thereby providing a directly viewable luminaire wherein the illumination produced by point light sources appears uniform along the length of the luminaire. A power supply for supply of energy to the light-emitting elements and a controller for controlling application of energy from a power source to the light-emitting elements is provided in the electronics portion and can be thermally separated within the electronics portion.
US07654693B2	Absolute fixture positioning A lighting fixture having at least one internal processor and at least one fixed element to which controllable moving elements are rotatably fastened, one moving element having at least one light source that generates a beam of light. Information concerning positions of moving components in a lighting fixture is automatically achieved. Correct position indication at start up is obtained without moving the components to their end stops for finding set points for step motors by the provision of at least one absolute encoding device, which encoding device indicates the angular movement of a first input axel in relation to the encoding device, which absolute encoding device has a gearbox with a second internal axel, which first input axle drives a first toothed timing wheel, intermeshing with a second toothed timing wheel that rotates the second axel with a angular velocity different from the angular velocity of the first input axle.
US07654692B2	Spread illuminating apparatus A spread illuminating apparatus includes a plurality (m×n pieces) of lighting units (P11 to Pmn) which are disposed in a matrix with m rows and n columns, and each of which is an edge light type principally including a light conductor plate and at least one LED disposed at one side of the light conductor plate, and the entire luminous region of the spread illuminating apparatus is divided into segment areas constituted respectively by the lighting units (P11 to Pmn) which can be turned on and off in a controlled manner independently of one another.
US07654691B2	Light-guiding modules and LED lamp using the same An LED lamp includes a heat sink, a plurality of LED modules mounted on the heat sink and a plurality of light-guiding modules respectively fixed on the LED modules. Each light-guiding module comprises a frame having a bottom panel placed on the LED module and two side panels extending upwardly from two opposite edges of the bottom panel and a plurality of guiding units each having two engaging flanges extending outwardly from two opposite lateral sides thereof. Each guiding unit receives an LED of a corresponding LED module therein. The two side panels respectively define two runners in inner sides thereof. The two engaging flanges of each guiding unit are respectively received in the two runners of the frame and movable therealong to adjust a position of the guiding unit in the frame.
US07654689B2	LED lamp assembly An exemplary LED lamp includes a housing having an opening, a printed circuit board, at least one LED, a light reflective element, at least one light-shielding sheet and a lamp cover. The printed circuit board is positioned on a bottom of the housing. The LED is electrically connected with the printed circuit board. The light reflective element defines at least one through hole, the LED passing through the corresponding through hole. The at least one light-shielding sheet corresponds to the at least one LED respectively. Each light-shielding sheet comprises a bottom reflective plate and a pair of opposite sidewalls extending from two opposite ends of the bottom reflective plate. A plurality of light holes is defined at ends of the bottom reflective plate adjacent to the two opposite sidewalls. The lamp cover is fixed on the opening of the housing. The LED lamp assembly has a uniform luminance.
US07654688B2	LED lamp with an improved heat sink A recessed LED lamp for being mounted in a wall or a ceiling, includes a housing (10), a printed circuit board (20) received in the housing, a plurality of LEDs (22) mounted on the printed circuit board, a casing (40) surrounding the housing, a pair of arms (50) resiliently and pivotably attached on the casing, and a heat sink (30) secured below the housing. The heat sink includes a base (32) contacting the printed circuit board and thermally connecting therewith, a plate (34) extending outwardly from the base and a plurality of fins (36) extending downwardly from the plate (34).
US07654685B2	Variable-wavelength illumination system for interferometry An illumination system for an interferometer combines a white-light source and a green source with a reflective green dichroic filter. When the green source alone is energized for PSI measurements, the output of the illumination system is green only. When a white-light output is desired for VSI measurements, both sources are energized and the intensity of the green light is judiciously calibrated to match the spectral band filtered out by the dichroic mirror. Therefore, the system can switch between green and white light simply by changing the selection of energized sources, without any mechanical switching and attendant delays and vibrations. Multiple narrowband sources may be combined with white light in a similar manner.
US07654683B2	Bi-directional rechargeable/replaceable induction power pack and method A bi-directional rechargeable/replaceable induction power pack and method employing sealed induction coils to power an electrical device underwater, in liquids, or in high humidity conditions.
US07654682B2	Glove supporting a pom pom at a finger tip A glove having a pom pom freely attached to a tip of one or more of the glove fingers. The glove may bear indicia, for example, a team logo. The pom poms are typically multicolored, consisting of strands of the team, school, or organization colors. The gloves provide warmth to the wearer's hands. In addition, the wearer's hands are free to hold other items, for example, beverage containers, cameras, programs, etc. Selective movement of a wearer's fingers and/or thumb causes a respective pom pom to move in response thereto. Patterns of successive finger/thumb movements may be executed to cause a variety of visual effects from the pom pom-bearing glove. Bells and/or light sources may also be attached to the gloves instead of or in addition to the pom poms. A motion sensitive switch and/or a simple sequencer may be used to create predetermined or random light patterns.
US07654681B2	Surface light source device using light emitting diodes A surface light source device using light emitting diodes, the device including: a housing having a top opening to emit light; a light emitting diode board disposed on an inner bottom surface of the housing, the board on which a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged; and a color conversion laminate formed by depositing a plurality of phosphor-mixed resin layers containing phosphors, the layers disposed at a top of the opening of the housing and providing light having different wavelengths.
US07654680B2	Console assembly A console assembly for an automobile is provided. The console assembly includes a console and a cable. The console has at least one cavity for receiving objects. The at least one cavity is illuminated by the cable containing an electroluminescent (EL) tape.
US07654674B2	Method and apparatus for determining the visual acuity of an eye The invention relates to a method for determining the visual acuity of an eye and a respective apparatus. The method comprises the steps of: providing the wavefront information of the eye, generating a point spread function based on the wavefront information of the eye, said point spread function representing a specific intensity distribution for a corresponding pupil size. After comparing the intensities of the point spread function with a selectable intensity level of intensity, those parts of the point spread function having an intensity being larger than the selectable intensity level are determined as a relevant part of the point spread function.
US07654667B2	Progressive addition lens operating in combination with a multi-order diffractive optic A multi-focal spectacle lens is presented having far distance, intermediate distance, and near distance vision correction, in which the lens includes a progressive addition surface with a progression of optical power. The lens further includes a multi-order diffractive surface relief structure with an optical add power. The multi-order diffractive structure reduces chromatic aberration as compared to a conventional diffractive structure of equivalent optical power. The lens may also include a wavefront splitting device diffractive structure for generating multiple optical powers simultaneously. When the progressive addition surface and the multi-order diffractive surface relief structure are in optical communication an overall progression of optical add power may be provided by the combination of the progressive addition surface with the multi-order surface relief diffractive structure.
US07654663B2	Transfix roller load controlled by motor current A printing device includes an image receptor adapted to have formed thereon an inked image layer, a transfer roller, and a transfer roller biasing system. The biasing system is structured to displace the transfer roller toward the image receptor upon actuation of a motor, exerting a backing pressure.
US07654660B2	Energy activated printing process Reactive inks and methods of generating an image on a substrate using both reactive and heat activated inks are presented. An image is printed on a substrate, without reacting the reagents in the ink. Subsequently, the reagents are reacted to fix the image to a substrate, with substantial permanency and fastness. Sublimation or similar heat activated dyes are printed are also printed on the substrate. The sublimation or similar heat activated dyes are activated, and have an affinity for polymer that is applied to the substrate.
US07654657B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head, a carriage carrying the liquid ejecting head, a plurality of subtanks carried on the carriage, a main tank disposed on a body of the apparatus, and a feed pipe. The carriage is moved back and forth in a main scanning direction. Each subtank contains a highly concentrated color ink which corresponds to one of the respective ink colors. The main tank contains a diluent containing no coloring component and/or a colorless ink. The diluent and/or the colorless ink is supplied from the main tank to the carriage through the feed pipe. The liquid ejecting head is supplied with the respective color inks and ejects the inks.
US07654656B2	Ink-jet recording apparatus A switching unit is provided near a tube for connecting an atmosphere communicating section of an ink cartridge to a charge tank. This switching unit comprises: a base; and a pressing mechanism arranged inside the base and capable of individually pressing tubes, so that the switching unit can apply the pressure from the charge tank and the tube pump selectively onto a plurality of the ink cartridges.
US07654649B2	Liquid delivering device A liquid delivering device including: a flow passage unit having a plurality of pressure chambers each of which communicating with a liquid ejection port; a piezoelectric actuator for selectively changing the volume of the plurality of pressure chambers, the piezoelectric actuator including a plurality of individual electrodes corresponding to the plurality of pressure chambers, a common electrode opposing the plurality of individual electrodes, and a piezoelectric layer sandwiched between the plurality of individual electrodes and the common electrode; and a rigidity reduction section which reduces the rigidity of the piezoelectric actuator and which is provided in an area where at least the pressure chamber is formed and in a vicinity of the individual electrode, in perspective plan view.
US07654646B2	Ink jet head Disclosed is an ink jet head driven by a drive IC for ejecting an ink droplet having conductivity, comprising a chamber for storing ink, a nozzle plate attached to the chamber, an actuator provided with an electrode electrically contacting ink in the chamber and activated by a current flowing through the electrode from a power supply, a conductive plate including an opening and glued to the nozzle plate such that the nozzle is exposed through the opening, and a current limiter limiting the current when the ink is purged from the nozzle during a period other than that of ink being ejected. Even if the purge is repeatedly carried out, an extraordinarily rising in temperature of the drive IC and resultant breakdown of the IC can be prevented.
US07654644B2	Printhead nozzle arrangement having variable volume nozzle chamber Provided is a printhead having a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each arrangement includes a substrate which defines an ink inlet aperture with a wall portion bounding the ink inlet aperture and a crown portion defining a nozzle opening. Each arrangement also includes a skirt portion depending from the crown portion to form part of a peripheral wall of the nozzle assembly. The crown and skirt portions are displaceable with respect to the wall portion towards the substrate to alter a volume of a nozzle chamber defined by the wall, crown and skirt portions such that when the volume is altered, ink is ejected from the nozzle opening. Each arrangement also includes a thermal actuator that interconnects the crown and skirt portions with the substrate, the actuator for displacing the crown and skirt portions. The wall portion and skirt portion are configured to define a fluidic seal to inhibit the egress of ink during such displacement.
US07654643B2	Inkjet printhead nozzle assembly having a raised rim to support an ink meniscus Provided is a nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle assembly includes a substrate defining a nozzle chamber and an ink inlet channel leading to the chamber. The nozzle assembly also includes a nozzle defined on the substrate and located over the nozzle chamber, the nozzle having a crown portion with a skirt portion depending from the crown portion, the skirt portion forming a first part of a peripheral wall portion of the nozzle chamber, the nozzle surrounded by a raised rim which supports a meniscus of a body of ink in the nozzle chamber. Also included is an actuator with a connecting arm fast with the nozzle to operatively displace the nozzle towards the substrate, wherein the nozzle, actuator and connecting arm are defined according to micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques.
US07654641B2	Inkjet nozzle assembly having moving roof portion defined by a thermal bend actuator having a plurality of cantilever beams An inkjet nozzle assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a nozzle chamber comprising a floor and a roof. The roof has a nozzle opening defined therein, and a moving portion moveable towards the floor. The assembly further comprises a thermal bend actuator, having a plurality of cantilever beams, for ejecting ink through the nozzle opening. The moving portion of the roof comprises the actuator.
US07654640B2	Printhead with drive circuitry components adjacent the printhead IC A printhead for an inkjet printer, that has a printhead IC with an array of nozzles for ejecting ink and a support structure for mounting the printhead IC in the printer adjacent a paper path. The printhead IC is mounted on a face of the support structure that, in use, faces the paper path. A flexible printed circuit board (flex PCB) has drive circuitry for operating the array of nozzles on the printhead IC. The drive circuitry has circuit components connected by traces in the flex PCB, and contacts for receiving print data from the print engine controller. The flex PCB being mounted to the support structure at the contacts onto a face that does not face the paper path such that the flex PCB extends through a bent section between the printhead IC and the contacts. The printhead IC and the circuit components are adjacent each other and separated from the contacts by the bent section of the flex PCB. The bent section reduces the likelihood of trace cracking by holding the flex PCB at a set radius rather than allowing the flex to follow an irregular curve and thereby risking localized points of high stress on the traces.
US07654635B2	Media print system A media print system includes a first print unit, a second print unit, at least one actuator configured to move the first unit and the second unit relative to one another and a controller configured to generate control signals. The at least one actuator positions the first unit and the second unit at the first and second positions, respectively, during a first longitudinal pass of a medium and positions the first unit at a third position during a second longitudinal pass of the medium in response to the control signals.
US07654621B2	Tracked traveling gear with two drive units per chain The present invention relates to a tracked traveling gear with two drive units per chain, wherein at least one of the drive units is linearly movable and pretensionable against the traveling gear frame. In an embodiment the drive unit is asymmetrically mounted to a supporting element which is linearly movable and pretensionable against the traveling gear frame. The drive unit includes a tumbler which is laterally detachable and removable from the drive unit while the drive unit is mounted to the travelling gear frame.
US07654620B2	Method for control regenerative braking of electric vehicle A method for controlling regenerative braking of a vehicle includes: initiating the regenerative braking; detecting an amount of slip of a wheel during the regenerative braking; if the amount of slip is increasing, reducing a regenerative braking torque; and if the amount of slip is greater than a set value, actuating an antilock brake system and reducing the regenerative braking torque or a hydraulic braking torque continuously until the vehicle is stopped. Alternatively, if the amount of slip is increasing, the regenerative braking torque is not reduced.
US07654619B2	Method for braking a vehicle by means of a fluidically triggered vehicle brake system, and vehicle brake system In a method for braking a vehicle by means of a fluidically triggerable vehicle brake system, wherein the vehicle brake system comprises a respective fluidically triggerable brake unit that is assigned to a vehicle wheel and is fluidically coupled to a brake force generator via at least one fluid circuit, wherein a pumping mechanism by means of which at least one of the brake units can be fed with brake fluid regardless of whether the brake force generator is activated, is provided in the at least one fluid circuit in order to convey brake fluid, and wherein control valves by means of which the brake force generator can be fluidically coupled to and disconnected from the brake units and the pumping mechanism are provided in the fluid circuit, it is provided that in order to comfortably create a parking brake condition, the following steps are carried out: A) a fluid pressure is built up in the at least one fluid circuit via the brake force generator such that at least two of the brake units are fluidically triggered; B) the brake force generator is disconnected from the brake units and the pumping mechanism by closing the control valves; C) the pumping mechanism is activated (in two) and brake fluid is conveyed from one of the at least two brake units to the other one of the at least two brake units, respectively.
US07654618B2	Webbing tack A webbing tack in a seat belt prevents overspooling in the seat belt webbing. The webbing tack is configured to be temporarily tacked. The webbing tack includes an elongated filament and first and second bars; each bar is attached to opposite ends of the filament. The filament extends through first and second layers of the webbing, the first bar is positioned adjacent the first layer and the second bar is positioned adjacent the second layer.
US07654614B2	Lumbar support and control device for a lumbar support and method for controlling a lumbar support of a motor vehicle Lumbar support and control device of a lumbar support and method for controlling a lumbar support of a motor vehicle. An electric control device is provided for a lumbar support which has a drive coupled mechanically to an adjusting mechanism for setting the seat contour of the lumbar support. The control device has at least one computer unit which controls a massaging movement of the lumbar support whereby the massaging movement is characterized through several predefinable ideal speeds. Several ideal speeds for one or more adjusting directions of the lumbar support are controllable through the computer unit. For control by the ideal speeds a drive moment of the drive is adapted to an actual load of the drive so that the massaging movement can be controlled substantially independent of the actual time-changeable or locally variable load. The drive moment is consequently changeable through the control device.
US07654608B2	Extended-travel sliding door with articulating roller bracket A sliding door for a vehicle has a door bracket. A track is mounted along the vehicle and extends to a remote end. A roller bracket is movable between a first position proximate the opening and a second position at the end of the track. The roller bracket includes an articulating arm retained by the roller bracket by a first pivot and pivotally retained at a second end by the door bracket. The articulating arm has a first orientation for rotationally positioning the sliding door toward the closed position and a second orientation for rotationally positioning the sliding door into the open position. Movement of the roller bearing into the second position results in the articulating arm moving from the first to the second orientation. An over-center spring mechanism may maintain the positioning of the roller bracket relative to the sliding door throughout the travel of the bracket.
US07654605B2	Roof opening/closing apparatus A roof opening/closing apparatus includes a roof moved between first and second positions and structured with first, second and third panels, a first supporting mechanism movably supporting the first and second panels in association with each other, a second supporting mechanism movably supporting the third panel, a first lock mechanism locking the first panel to the vehicle body, a second lock mechanism locking the first supporting mechanism, and a third lock mechanism locking the third panel to the second panel. The roof is moved between the first position and the second position by the first and second supporting mechanisms and retained at the first position by the first to third lock mechanisms. The second and third lock mechanisms are connected to each other by an operational member and operated in association with each other to release locking operations thereof by the operational member.
US07654602B2	Reclining seat for a material handling vehicle A reclining seat for use in a material handling vehicle includes a seat back that is pivotally coupled to a wall of the operator compartment and to a seat pad. The seat pad is moveable toward a center of the operator compartment to provide the capability to recline, and is typically maintained in the upright position by a spring.
US07654600B2	Vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism using lever driven rotary damper A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism including a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions, and a tailgate lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A drive lever may be pivotally connected to the lever arm and to a bell crank at opposite ends thereof. The bell crank may be connected to a shaft of a rotary gear pivotally anchored to a vehicle body. A rotary damper may be anchored to the vehicle body and include a damper gear connected to a shaft thereof. The damper gear may be rotatably meshed with the rotary gear. Rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the lever arm to move the drive lever and the bell crank to thereby rotate the rotary gear which rotates the damper gear to actuate the rotary damper to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate.
US07654595B2	Articulated driving mechanism, method of manufacturing the mechanism, and holding hand and robot using the mechanism A multi-joint drive mechanism includes a bone-member layer member (101) in which a plurality of bone members are arranged in arrays and in a generally planar fashion, the plurality of bone members being movably coupled at coupling portions (3A), and elastically expanding/contracting members (3) which are arranged so as to stretch over the coupling portions on one side or both sides of the bone-member layer member and moreover which are fixed between the plurality of bone members, wherein the multi-joint drive mechanism drives flexural motions of joints between the plurality of adjoining bone members by expanding or contracting the elastically expanding/contracting member.
US07654594B2	Shackle The present invention provides an improved shackle having particular utility in underwater salvage operations. The present invention discloses a shackle that has a generally U shaped body that is comprised of a bow portion and first and second spaced apart arms. Each arm has an end portion with an opening for receiving a shackle pin. The shackle pin is sized and shaped to simultaneously fit through the shackle pin openings, and end portion of the pin having external pin threads. A nut provides an internally threaded opening for engaging external threads of a shackle pin. The nut is rotatably mounted to a second end portion of the shackle body. The external pin threads of the shackle pin and the internal threads of the nut are engaged when the pin is connected to the nut by rotating the nut. The pin does not rotate relative to the shackle body, due to an elongated groove in the pin that travels on a key portion of the shackle body that is in one of the openings.
US07654593B2	Safety hook for patient lift A safety hook for mounting on the extremity of a spreader bar of a patient lift is secured to a base member that is connected to or integral with the spreader bar. A load-bearing hook member is pivotally suspended from the base member to allow the hook member to move in the plane of the hook member between an open position and a closed position in which the free end of the hook member engages the base member at an engagement point. The hook member is shaped such that it is urged to the closed position when a downward load is applied to it, and that it is urged to the open position when an upward load is applied to it. Under normal circumstances the safety hook closes automatically because of the weight of the load.
US07654592B2	Wheeled snow shovel having vertical lift and projected forward and/or side dump a) A frame having a handle, an upright post extending therefrom having a slide stop on an upper portion, a lower and upper slide on a central portion, a lever having a central portion hinged to the frame having a rearwardly extending end, and a forwardly extending slide lift end, attached and configured through a slide lift to lift the lower slide when the rearwardly extending end is depressed; b) a shovel having a bottom snow carrying portion and an upright back portion; c) a lower shovel arm having one end hinged to a lower portion of the upright back portion of the shovel, and the other opposite end hingably connected to the upper slide; d) an upper shovel portion projecting/dumping linkage, having an upper shovel arm having one end hinged to an upper portion of the upright back portion of the shovel and having the other end hingably connected to an upper end of a pivoting arm, the other end hingably connected to the lower slide and a central portion pivotably pinned to a central portion of the lower shovel arm. When the slides are lifted by the lever the shovel is first lifted up the post, and then when the top slide is prevented from further sliding, the bottom slide continues to move, causing the other ends of the lower arm and the pivoting arm to move together, thereby causing the shovel to extend outwardly and turn from a snow collection to a dumping position.
US07654591B2	Dual or triple surface snow removing device A snow shovel includes a blade, a handle stem, a stabilizer bar, and multiple positions to couple the handle stem to the blade. The blade may include a soft edge and a hard edge. One position is achieved by coupling a taper in the handle stem to the blade at a strap for shoveling snow at the ground level with the hard edge. One position is achieved by coupling the taper in the handle stem to the blade at a folded tab for shoveling snow off a car with the soft edge.
US07654589B2	Rotary action draw latch A latching system including a latch assembly, a cup, and a keeper plate. The latch assembly includes a base, a lever, and a catch. The lever is pivotally connected to the base and the catch is pivotally connected to the lever. The base is pivotally attached to the cup such that it rotates about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular in direction in relation to the direction of the axis of rotation of the lever relative to the base. The keeper plate includes a keeper projection. The lever can be lifted and the latch assembly rotated about the axis of rotation of the base to clear the keeper from the catch and thereby allow the opening of a first closure member relative to a second closure member.
US07654585B2	High-pressure threaded union with metal-to-metal seal, and metal ring gasket for same A metal ring gasket provides a high-pressure temperature tolerant metal-to-metal seal between subcomponents of a threaded union. The metal ring gasket is received in an annular cavity formed between mating surfaces of the subcomponents of the threaded union. The metal ring gasket is capable of maintaining a fluid seal even at very high temperatures resulting from direct exposure to fire. At high fluid pressures the metal ring gasket is energized because hoop stress induced by the fluid pressure forces the metal ring gasket into tighter contact with the subcomponents of the threaded union.
US07654584B2	Guide bushing easily inserted into a coupling bore, and a corresponding coupling A guide bushing for guiding a tubular element in a bore of a coupling, the bushing being provided externally with retaining elements for retaining the bushing in the bore, and internally with guide shoes for guiding the tubular element inside the bushing, the retaining elements and the guide shoes being associated with portions of the bushing that are deformable between a first state in which the retaining elements are in an active position anchoring the bushing in the bore and in which the shoes define a section for passing the tubular element, and a second state in which the retaining elements are in inactive position set back from their active position and in which the guide shoes define a section that is smaller than the section for passing the tubular element. The invention also provides a corresponding coupling.
US07654583B2	Device for a pressure-compensated swivel A device for a pressure-compensated swivel comprising a swivel housing and a swivel pipe rotatably arranged in the swivel housing, wherein pressure from fluid in the swivel acts on opposing compensating areas in the swivel, whereby an axially compressive force is established between the swivel housing and the swivel pipe.
US07654581B2	Security document with ultraviolet authentication security feature The invention relates to the field of printed security documents and, more particularly, to security documents and methods of making security documents bearing enhanced security features. The security documents may include identification documents or any other known documents of value. The security document includes a transparent window area with an ultraviolet blocking agent incorporated therein. Invisible ultraviolet fluorescent ink patterns are printed on respective opposite sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the region of the transparent window area. When either the face side or back side of the security document is illuminated with ultraviolet light, only the pattern printed proximate that side within the area of the transparent window becomes visible. When both face and back sides are simultaneously illuminated with ultraviolet light, the patterns printed on both sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the area of the transparent window become visible at the same time.
US07654577B2	Notepad system for holding and dispensing various sized notepads A notepad system includes a piece of generally flat backing material, and a plurality of generally rectangular notepads removably mounted to the piece of backing material. The plurality of notepads are located immediately adjacent to each other and define a recognizable shape.
US07654571B2	Joining structure for side members and cross members in chassis frames A structure for joining a cross member (2) to a side member (1) of a chassis frame, wherein a flange (4) is formed integrally at an end of the cross member via a flare (3), an extension member (5) inserted into the end of the cross member (2) to project from the afore-mentioned flange (4) is welded to the flare (3), the extension member (5) is passed through an inside hole (9i) formed in an inside part (8i) in the width direction of the vehicle in the closed-section part of the side member (1) and welded to an outside hole (9o) formed in an outside part (8o) in the width direction of the vehicle, and the outer periphery of the flange (4) is welded to the inside part (8i) in the width direction of the vehicle. The closed-section part (8) is formed in a rectangular shape, and the top and bottom parts of the periphery of the flange (4) are located near top and bottom bends (12) of the closed-section part (8).
US07654570B2	Support leg assistant A support leg assistant for use with a support jack having a telescoping support leg comprises an elongated housing member having a first end attached to the stationary outer tube of the jack and a second end extending outwardly from the jack. Preferably, housing member is generally horizontal and the second end thereof is at or near the edge of a trailer supported by the jack. An elongated pin extends through the housing member with a first end passing through a portion of the support leg in the outer tubing to hold the leg in position and a second end extending outwardly of the housing member to a handle. A elongated member, such as a cable, wire or rope, interconnects a crank with the bottom of the support leg so that the operator may raise, lower and secure the leg without crawling, bending or reaching under the trailer.
US07654569B2	Rollover protection system for a motor vehicle and related method A reinforced frame having a roof member and a pillar includes a brace interconnected to the frame. The brace is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The deployed position is defined by the brace extending diagonally between the pillar and the roof member.
US07654563B2	Cover to wheel attachment method for improved gap control A steering wheel assembly that receives an airbag may include a steering wheel framework. This framework may include a back cover and a first attachment feature. The steering wheel assembly may include an airbag cover having a second attachment feature for engaging the first attachment feature to directly attach the airbag cover to the steering wheel framework. This attachment may be accomplished without the use of an airbag housing. In some situations, the framework further includes an armature. The first attachment feature is positioned either on the armature or on the back cover.
US07654559B2	Airbag apparatus An airbag apparatus equipped with an airbag, a garnish, a hinge, a protector and a bracket fixed to a vehicle body. An upper side of the garnish is supported by the bracket via the hinge. An engaging part protruding from the lower part of a garnish main part is engaged with an engagement receiving part disposed at the protector. Normally, the engaging part is engaged with the engagement receiving part, thereby retaining the shape of the garnish. On expansion of the airbag, the airbag presses the engaging part, by which the engaging part is disengaged from the engagement receiving part, and the garnish is opened smoothly. The airbag can be covered with the garnish, thereby allowing the garnish to move smoothly on expansion of the airbag.
US07654556B2	Passenger airbag module A passenger airbag module includes opposite side walls connected by a rear wall. The side walls each include at least one inward projection that traps a semi-cylindrical retainer between the projections and the rear wall. The retainer holds the inflator and airbag within the housing. End walls connect the side walls with interlocking channels thereby preventing the side walls from releasing the retainer, inflator and airbag.
US07654555B2	Module for an occupant-protection device of a motor vehicle The invention relates to a module (1) for an occupant-protection device of a motor vehicle. Said module containing a functional element (2), which can be activated if the motor vehicle is involved in a collision and which comprises an electrically conductive material and a fixing device (3) mechanically fixing the functional element (2) to the bodywork of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the functional element (2) is electrically insulated in relation to the bodywork of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the functional element (2) is electrically insulated in relation to the bodywork of the motor vehicle. This guarantees that the functional element, which can be activated in a collision, cannot electrically interact with the bodywork of the motor vehicle, is particular in the form of a voltage surge. The invention permits the reliability of a module for an occupant-protection device of a motor vehicle to be increased and prevents potential malfunctions in a simple manner.
US07654553B2	Fifth wheel coupling with safety latch A safety latch is mounted in the keyhole of a fifth wheel coupling for joining the sections of an articulated vehicle. The safety latch is movable from an inactive position permitting the kingpin to move through the slot and into the aperture to an active position blocking the keyhole slot thereby preventing movement of the kingpin through the keyhole slot when the sections are coupled together.
US07654550B2	Apparatus for attaching accessory to bicycle An apparatus for attaching an accessory to a bicycle includes a plug, a socket and a quick release. The plug is attached to the bicycle or the accessory. The socket is attached to the remaining one of the bicycle and the accessory. The socket is used to receive the plug. The quick release is used to retain the plug in the socket.
US07654547B2	Cycle headset The headset rotationally connects a fork pivoting tube (1) to a steering tube (2) of a cycle frame. It includes a lower roller bearing (3), an upper roller bearing (4), and an element (9, 10) for axially locking the lower and upper roller bearings (3, 4) against a lower or upper end of the steering tube (2). The mechanism for axial locking includes a first element of axial locking that consists of a circular groove (9) that is provided on the outside face of the pivoting tube (1) that works with a second element of axial locking that consists of a rib (10) with an essentially matching shape that is provided on an elastically deformable annular element (11) in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis (A-A) of the pivoting tube (1) and placed above the upper roller bearing (4) so as to exert a thrust against the latter.
US07654541B2	Cart for discretely securely transporting audiovisual and other equipment A cart for securing an transporting audiovisual equipment comprises two pairs of leg assemblies wherein each leg assembly is parallel and faces the other leg assembly. Each pair of legs further comprises individual legs secured to one another. Each leg has a bottom end, a top end, and an outer wall. In one embodiment, at least one of the legs has a hollow channel extending through at least on hollow leg. The hollow leg also comprises at least one aperture extending through the outer wall of the leg and communicating with the hollow channel. A top shelf is removably mounted at the top end of the legs and may also comprise at least one aperture near a corner of the shelf which communicates with the channel in the hollow leg. In an embodiment, the cart further comprises a utility shelf having a first and second portion, each portion pivotally connected to a connecting member at the bottom end of the legs and having a first open position and a second closed position to provide a flat lower storage space in the second closed position.
US07654540B2	Electromechanical transducing An electromagnetic transducer including a stator and an armature, the armature defining a first axis and being driven to ride between first and second couplers back and forth relative to the stator along the first axis. The second coupler is configured to permit movement of the armature along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.
US07654538B2	Gasket A high-performance gasket (1) capable of coping with a reduction in size and developing a sealing property without producing a squeeze-out at the time of attachment and using a material having a hardness range of 30 to 80 degrees (JIS durometer type A), wherein the requirement of W1/W0<0.9 is satisfied where the bonding width of a base part (1a) is (W0) and the width thereof at a position half a height from the bonding part of the base part (1a) to the tip end of a main bead part (2) is (W1), the requirement of 1.15=3 is satisfied where the length of the non-bonded portion of the base part (1a) around the cross-section thereof excluding the bonded portion is (L), and the compressibility of the gasket when compressed is 13.5% or higher.
US07654537B2	Gasket for a valve in an internal combustion engine A gasket for a valve in an internal combustion engine is provided with a support element having a tubular configuration according to an axis and coaxially mounted on the valve. An elastically deformable element is interposed between the support element and the valve. The support element includes a first portion elongated according to the above mentioned axis, and a second portion extending from the first portion in a direction transversal to the axis, at least partially housed in an annular seat of the elastically deformable element and having its radially outermost end connected to the first portion itself. The support element comprises a third portion extending from the radially innermost end of the second portion and folded on the second portion itself so as to generate, in the folding area, a rounded edge cooperating with the annular seat of the elastically deformable element.
US07654532B2	Method of playing a poker-type bonus A method of playing a poker-type bonus to another game that is triggered by an event in the game. After being triggered, a plurality of revealed, two-card starter hands and five unrevealed community cards are displayed. The unrevealed cards are then revealed. Each starter hand is combined with the community cards to form complete hands. The player is paid a predetermined amount if any of the complete hands is found in a pay table.
US07654529B2	Combination scratch ticket and on-line game ticket A system and method for implementing a secondary lottery game with a first instant lottery game in an instant lottery game ticket is disclosed. The player purchases an instant lottery game, where chances for winning instant prizes are provided to the player. The player may also be provided a chance to win entry with predetermined entry indicia into a secondary lottery game if the instant lottery ticket indicates that the player has won a ticket to the secondary lottery game.
US07654518B2	Image forming apparatus and paper guide unit thereof An image forming apparatus including a guide unit including: a length-adjusting assembly including a length-adjusting rack part, which is adjusted according to a length of printing medium; a width-adjusting assembly including a width-adjusting rack part, which is adjusted according to a width of printing medium; and a pinion assembly, which interlocks the width-adjusting assembly interlock with the length-adjusting assembly. The pinion assembly includes a first pinion part, which engages with the length-adjusting rack, and a second pinion part, which engages with the width-adjusting rack and rotates together with the first pinion part. The first pinion part and the second pinion part have a stepped shape.
US07654517B2	Image scanning apparatus and image scanner In an image scanning apparatus, when documents on a document tray are sequentially transferred, different control steps are performed according to a scanning speed when an upper surface height of the documents is lowered thereby turning off a height detection sensor. In a low scanning speed, the document tray is elevated one time until the upper surface height becomes a target height which is higher by a predetermined distance since a height detection sensor is turned on at an inter-transfer time between completion of document transfer and start of a subsequent document transfer. In an intermediate scanning speed, the document tray is elevated little by little in each transfer of one document at the inter-transfer time until the upper surface height reaches the target height. In a fast scanning speed, the transfer of the document is tentatively interrupted, the document tray is elevated one time until the upper surface height reaches the target height, and the transfer of the document is resumed.
US07654516B2	Paper sheet running-out mechanism Feed rollers, stopper rollers situated on both outer sides with respect to the feed rollers, each of the stopper rollers having part of the periphery being a highly frictional portion compared with other peripheral portions, and a flexible, radial member in a position on an inner side with respect to the stopper rollers are disposed on a feed roller shaft; and the highly frictional portions of the stopper rollers are in positions at which phases of the highly frictional portions are the same as phases of highly frictional portions of the feed rollers in a rotational direction respectively. On a pick roller shaft, pick rollers, which have highly frictional portions for passing a paper sheet to a paper sheet running-out section, and have flexible, radial members in positions at a side opposite to the highly frictional portions, are disposed in the same or inside positions in an axial direction with respect to both the outside stopper rollers disposed on the feed roller shaft.
US07654513B2	Feed assist assembly A media feedpath having a feed assist roller, comprises a media feedpath having a C-shaped portion, a media input and a feed roll nip, an input roller feeding media from the media input, a feed assist roller downstream of the C-shaped portion of the media feedpath, the feed assist roller assisting media indexing through the media feedpath on a single side and without an opposed pinch roller, the feed roll nip having a driven roller and a feed roll pinch roll opposite the driven roll, the feed assist roller being driven by a toggle gear transmission from the driven roller of the feed roll nip, the gear train adapted for toggling to operably engage or disengage the feed assist roller depending on a driving direction of the driven roller of the feed roll nip.
US07654512B2	Image forming system, image forming method and image forming apparatus Image forming system including at least one image forming apparatus for forming images on sheets on the basis of image data. At least one temporary containing apparatus is disposed downstream of the image forming apparatus for temporarily containing therein the sheets on which the images have been formed. A separating and conveying apparatus separates and conveys the sheets contained in the temporary containing apparatus one by one. A sheet post-processing apparatus conveys the sheets conveyed by the separating and conveying apparatus and the sheets on which the images have been formed by the image forming apparatus and which bypass the temporary containing apparatus in an arbitrary order, in order to effect a set post-process on the conveyed sheets.
US07654511B2	Sheet post-processing apparatus and image formation apparatus provided with the same An apparatus is provided with a processing tray 42 to mount sheets ejected from an image formation section, aligning means (aligning plates 61, etc.) for aligning end portions of a sheet ejected on the processing tray 42, a post-processing apparatus 43 that performs binding processing on the sheets aligned by the aligning means, and moving means (unit moving motor 60, etc.) for moving the post-processing apparatus 43 to a plurality of post-processing positions set to perform the binding processing at different binding processing target position on the sheets, and moves the sheets to a post-processing undergoing position corresponding to the post-processing position substantially in parallel with a travel direction of the post-processing apparatus 43. It is thereby possible to perform the binding processing on the ejected sheets appropriately while implementing the apparatus compact in size.
US07654510B2	Anti-slip device An anti-slip device provided with a supporting plate of metal or resin having an attachment portion on a reverse face for other members, and a rubber elastic body unitedly mounted on the supporting plate. Plural connection holes are formed from an obverse face to the reverse face of the supporting plate. Further, the rubber elastic body is composed of a receiving piece portion covering approximately whole of the obverse face and a falling-prevention portion from the reverse face to connect the receiving piece portion through a peripheral portion and the connection hole.
US07654506B1	Stairway handrail The stairway handrail of the present invention includes first, second rail bodies, a substantially cylindrical joint, and a first connecting element. The first, second rail bodies can engage with the joint, and the joint has a central axis and a longitudinal slot radially disposed from the pivot portion to the joint surface of the joint. The first connecting element is disposed in the longitudinal slot, and it has a pivot end pivotably disposed in the pivot portion and a connecting end fixed on the first rail body. Thereby, the first rail body is rotatable about the central axis to adjust the included angle between first and second rail bodies.
US07654500B1	Wall hanging adjustable mount An adjustable mounting and method for a wall hanging utilizes a disc mounting element secured to the wall with a threaded fastener passing through an eccentrically located hole. The disc is rotated to bring the top of a groove to a desired position and the fastener tightened to secure the disc in the adjusted position. The wall hanging has one or more supports which are engaged with the top of the disc perimeter. A peripheral groove engaging the support may be defined by continuous flared sides or two series of offset outwardly flared teeth. A stepped depth groove can better engage toothed supports.
US07654497B1	Universal attaching bracket A system for securing a horizontal display component on different brands of slotted vertical rails, where the different brands of slotted vertical rails have different distances between the vertical rails, and different distances between slots. The system includes a pair of brackets, which slidably adjust their horizontal positions on the horizontal display component. Each of the brackets include a bracket front, secured to a bracket back, at a spacing which slidably encloses a horizontal member of the horizontal display component. A first hook is affixed to the bracket. A vertically slidable lower is slidable on the bracket. The vertically slidable lower has a second hook. The second hook has a slidably variable distance from said first hook, so that the first and second hooks may engage different pairs of said slots at their different distances.
US07654496B2	Quick release bracket A backrest for a motorcycle includes a base plate including an upper portion, and a lower portion including first and second opposing ends. A frame and/or pad are attached to the support portion. The lower portion includes a first vertical recess in the first end, and a second horizontal recess in the second end. A bracket is slidably mounted to the base portion, the bracket being slidable along a transverse axis between open and closed positions. In the closed position, a third recess in the bracket at least partially encloses the second recess for securing a pin within the second and third recesses. A locking arm is pivotally mounted to the bracket member for releasably securing the bracket member in the closed position. The bracket member and locking arm allow the backrest to be quickly attached to and released from a motorcycle.
US07654492B2	Wire bundle support system A support system for an elongate object comprising an elongate support bar, a tower member, and a stackable riser for securing the elongate object to the tower member.
US07654483B1	Disengagable adjustable drag system for a fishing reel A fishing reel drag system may comprise a drag housing having a cavity and fixed rotationally relative to a shaft or a spool. A driven member adjacent the cavity is rotatable relative to the drag housing and with the other of the shaft or spool. A drag stack of washers in the cavity includes a plurality of friction washers keyed to the drag housing or the driven member and at least one metal washer keyed to the other of the drag housing or driven member. A cam and follower move the driven member to bias the drag stack for exhibiting friction. A spring biases the drag stack for producing a desired level of friction and an actuator actuates the cam and follower. The actuator may disengage the spool from the drag stack.
US07654481B2	Variable protection board for the paper shredder opening This specification discloses a variable protection board that can change the width of the opening of a paper shredder. A sliding block is disposed on one side of the paper shredder opening to change the relative position between the sliding block and the opening. When the shredder is operating, the opening width thereof can be changed to a narrower default state, preventing the user from putting fingers into it and getting hurt. To back the paper out, the opening width of the shredder is changed to a wider default state for the user to take out the paper. A switch can be disposed along the stroke of the sliding block. When the sliding block goes to the state with a wider opening width for backing out paper, the shredder is powered off at the same time to shut down the running motor and thus protect the safety of the user.
US07654478B1	Trash harvester apparatus and method A trash harvester apparatus and method includes a trash grabber. At least one trash shredder for shredding trash from the trash grabber is connected with the trash grabber. A magnetic device for picking magnetic trash from the trash is provided where the magnetic device is connected with a first receptacle for containing the magnetic trash. An auger device for moving non-magnetic trash is provided where the auger device is connected with a second receptacle for containing the non-magnetic trash.
US07654477B2	Pulverization process of a vulcanized rubber material A process for producing a rubber powder from a vulcanized rubber material by the steps of: a) feeding a grinding device with the vulcanized rubber material; b) contacting the vulcanized rubber material with at least one liquid coolant; c) introducing at least one grinding aid additive into the grinding device; d) operating the grinding device so as to grind the vulcanized rubber material to form a rubber powder, and e) discharging the rubber powder from the extruder.
US07654476B2	Broadcast spreader with movable deflector A broadcast spreader with a movable deflector is disclosed. The spreader distributes particulate material by a rotating plate which when operating, always impacts material on the deflector. The deflector and a mounting track prevent dispensing material impacting on a user of the spreader, and when the deflector is extended, also prevent dispensing material distributing to the right side of the spreader. In this way, lawns which abut a driveway or a flowerbed may have material distributed on them without also depositing material on the driveway or flowerbed. Further, the deflector is integral with a port closure panel which automatically reduces, in a proportional manner, the flow of particulate material as the deflector is extended.
US07654474B2	Rotating sprinkler head valve The rotating sprinkler head valve includes an upper assembly with a stationary rigid cone received in a conical interior chamber of a rotor, and a cylindrical shaft extending through the stationary rigid cone and rotor. A lower assembly includes a bottom helix member, a strainer adapter having an internal transverse slotted plate and a rotatable slotted flow plate to permit flow when the flow plate slots are aligned with slots in the internal transverse slotted plate. A base top member includes a downwardly extending inner tubular portion and a lower interior edge surface with a helical lower surface forming an adjustable helical aperture in cooperation with the bottom helix member, and a recessed inner helical lip is configured to receive the upper helical surface of the bottom helix member for adjusting a helical aperture.
US07654472B2	Rotary atomizer with a spraying body The bell shaped plate of a rotary sprayer is attached to its drive shaft by means of a detachable device. An accidental self-release of the mounting device that would cause the rotating bell shaped plate to be flung off is avoided by measures that prevent at least accidental movements of the bell shaped plate radial to the axis of rotation.
US07654467B2	IC card case and IC card unit An IC card case storing an IC card in a case body which has an opening part formed on one side plate thereof and a fingerprint sensor set up on an internal side of other side plate thereof in a manner of facing inside the opening part, the case body includes: a case side control controlling the fingerprint sensor and performing communications with the IC card; and a power source supplying power to the case side control, wherein the case body is constituted such that when storing the IC card inside the case body, the IC card covers over the fingerprint sensor facing the opening part.
US07654464B2	Method of processing a ticket order A method of processing a ticket order requesting the production of an identification tag for an article of commerce can be accomplished in the following manner. In the first step, a ticketing services provider receives the ticket order placed by the client, the ticket order including, inter alia, order information (e.g., purchase order information) with respect to the article to which the tag is to be affixed. Having received the order, the ticketing services provider associates a unique identification code, such as an automatically-retrievable electronic product code (EPC), with the identification tag (e.g., by programming the IC chip of an RFID tag with the unique identification code). In turn, a file is stored in an electronically-accessible database which links the unique identification code for the ID tag with the order information for the article to which the tag is to be affixed. In this manner, the client can retrieve the order information relating to each individual article of commerce that it produces. The ability to track order information for individual articles of commerce is useful in, among other things, anti-counterfeit, anti-diversion, inventory management and article return applications.
US07654461B2	Automatically-triggered digital video imaging based code symbol reading system employing illumination and imaging subsystems controlled in response to real-time image quality analysis An automatic automatically-triggered digital video imaging based code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing an adaptive control process involving the real-time analysis of the exposure quality of captured frames of digital image data and the real-time reconfiguration of system control parameters (SCPs) based on the results of such exposure quality analysis. By virtue of the present invention, the system enables the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, under demanding point-of-sale lighting conditions and other challenging environments.
US07654456B2	Method and system for managing supplies and performance in a collision center A method and system for measuring performance and ordering supplies in a collision center includes an identification reader for reading product identification tags corresponding products removed from a supply of products. The identification reader also reads a repair order identification tag corresponding to a repair order of a vehicle under repair and a technician identification tag corresponding to a technician using the product(s) to repair the vehicle. The system further includes a computer having a plurality of database for storing repair order data, technician data, benchmark data, and inventory data. The computer receives data from the identification reader and computes a performance level of the technician by comparing the product(s) used by the technician to a standard benchmark. The computer also analyzes the inventory data and automatically generates a supply order for products that fall below an inventory level. The supply order is electronically sent to a supplier.
US07654455B1	Method and apparatus for achieving a tailored content response based upon a product identifier combined with a user identifier and a device identifier A method and an apparatus for achieving a tailored content response based upon a product identifier coupled with a user identifier and a device identifier are provided. In one method embodiment, the present invention receives a machine readable indicia wherein at least a first portion of the machine readable indicia pertains to the product identifier, at least a second portion of the machine readable indicia pertains to the user identifier and at least a third portion of the machine readable indicia pertains to the device identifier. Next, a product associated with the product identifier is identified in a database not required to be formatted according to an extrinsic product identification standard. Moreover, a user profile and device profile associated with the user identifier and device identifier is identified. A tailored content response is then compiled for the device based upon the product and context information.
US07654450B2	Automated banking machine system and method An automated banking machine (152) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a keypad (172), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a code reading device (180), a display (182), a cash acceptor (184), a check acceptor (186) and a biometric reader (188). The banking machine operates responsive to indica read from user cards. The banking machine operates responsive to instructions executed by at least one processor (190) in the machine. The banking machine is operative responsive to reading gaming tickets or other items through operation of the code reading device, and/or a biometric feature reading device, to dispense cash or provide other value to users. The banking machine is also operative to cause value to be transferred by users for the purchase of gaming items. Other transactions may be conducted, including redeeming or changing forms of value including forms of value that can be used within a gaming establishment (154).
US07654449B2	Method and system for performing money transfer transactions A method of performing a send money transfer transaction through a financial services institution includes storing transaction details on a data base, wherein the transaction details include a desired amount of money to be sent; establishing a code that corresponds to the transaction details stored on the data base; entering the code into an electronic transaction fulfillment device in communication with the data base to retrieve the transaction details from the data base; and determining a collect amount based on the transaction details. A system for performing a send money transfer transaction is also disclosed.
US07654446B2	Monitor with interchangeable base for point-of-sale applications A point-of-sale system includes a monitor and interchangeable bases. The monitor includes a display and a connecting member. The interchangeable bases receive the connecting member and are selectively removable therefrom. A point-of-sale monitor includes a display and a connecting member. The connecting member is received by each of a plurality of interchangeable bases and selectively removable therefrom. A plurality of interchangeable bases for a point-of-sale system include a receiving area for a point-of-sale monitor, and a mounting device to removably attach the interchangeable base to the monitor. A method of displaying point-of-sale information includes providing a monitor with a display and connecting member coupled thereto, adapting the interchangeable bases to receive the connecting member, and adapting the interchangeable bases to be selectively removable from the connecting member.
US07654445B2	System and method for revenue and expense realignment A system and method for revenue and expense realignment is provided. A revenue and expense realignment application (RECAST) comprising of a rules engine executing on a computer receives revenue and/or expense transactions. At predetermined time intervals, the RECAST executes a series of steps, each of which has one or more user defined rules associated therewith to transform inbound transactions. The transformed transactions are then posted to other applications including, for example, a general ledger.
US07654442B2	Device for the intake and output of paper currencies A device for the intake and output of paper currencies comprises an arrangement for examining the value and authenticity of the currency, which thereafter is fed to a transport system of a currency stacking bank via a currency storage module, wherein the storage module, which is exchangeable located below the currency stacking bank is constructed as a revolving magazine and comprises a series of roller magazines, whereby the intake and output opening of each of the roller magazines is pivoted by means of an actuator into a d position of the transport system.
US07654440B2	Octagonal bulk bin with self-locking webbed bottom flaps An octagonal bulk bin has sidewalls, end walls and diagonal corner panels interposed between adjacent sidewalls and end walls. Major bottom flaps are foldably joined to a bottom edge of the sidewalls, minor bottom flaps are foldably joined to a bottom edge of the end walls, and diagonal bottom flaps are foldably joined to a bottom edge of the diagonal corner panels. A cut separates each major bottom flap from an adjacent diagonal bottom flap, and a web panel connects adjacent side edges of the minor bottom flaps and diagonal bottom flaps. According to one aspect of the invention, each diagonal bottom flap, web panel, and portion of an adjacent major bottom flap are crushed. According to another aspect of the invention, differently shaped notches in a free edge of the minor flaps form locking tabs that are engaged in slots near a free edge of the major flaps.
US07654438B2	Copper-based brazing alloy and brazing process The invention proposes a brazing alloy, which can be produced in particular as a homogenous, ductile, amorphous brazing foil and consists of 2 to 20 atom % of nickel, 2 to 12 atom % of tin, 0.5 to 5.0 atom % of zinc, 6 to 16 atom % of phosphorus, remainder copper and incidental impurities. The total amount of copper, nickel, tin and zinc is between 80 and 95 atom %. The addition of more than 0.5 atom % of zinc produces excellent resistance to surface oxidation in air and/or atmospheric humidity. These brazing alloys can be used to produce excellent brazed joints.
US07654436B2	Wire bonding system utilizing multiple positioning tables A wire bonding apparatus and method in which separate first and second positioning tables are provided for mounting electronic devices to be wire bonded, and a bonding tool is provided at a bonding position for bonding the electronic devices. First and second loading/unloading positions are provided for loading electronic devices to or unloading electronic devices from the positioning tables. The first and second positioning tables are operative to move independently of each other, such that the first positioning table is movable between the first loading/unloading position and the bonding position and the second positioning table is movable between the second loading/unloading position and the bonding position.
US07654435B2	Rotary tool for friction stir spot welding and method of friction stir spot welding using the same A rotary tool for friction stir spot welding including: a rod-like probe to be inserted into one side of stacked planar portions of plural metal members to be joined while being rotated; and a cylindrical shoulder member which is disposed coaxially outwardly of the probe and which has a shoulder surface to be abutted against the one side of the stacked portions while being rotated, wherein the probe and the shoulder member are individual components and are disposed so as to have a double-acting structure which enable them to move independently in their axial direction, and in which a gap between an inner surface of the shoulder member and an outer surface of the probe is formed to have a small gap on a tip side of the rotary tool and to have an enlarged gap having larger clearance than the small gap on a base portion side thereof.
US07654433B2	Flux overspray removal masks with channels, methods of assembling same, and systems containing same Some embodiments include an apparatus comprising a spray head to spray a substrate, the substrate having a region to be sprayed and a region to be masked, the two regions separated by a boundary, and a mask having channels, the mask located between the spray head and the substrate. In an embodiment, the mask further has a lip to prevent flux overspray from falling onto a substrate below. In an embodiment, flux overspray removal is assisted with a vacuum system. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07654428B2	Turner bar for rotary presses A turner bar for a rotary press for deflecting a substrate web in two web running directions is acted upon by pressurized air. The turner bar includes at least one inner tube and one outer tube, which have air discharge holes assigned to one another to produce an air cushion above the turner bar. The inner tube can be adjusted relative to the outer tube, so that the air discharge holes can be closed in such a way that the air cushion is adapted to the margins of the substrate web. It is thus possible to use the turner bar in both web running directions.
US07654425B2	Adjustable dashboard-mounted camera mount A mounting assembly for mounting a camera to a vehicle dashboard, the assembly having a low-profile base plate, adjustable feet extending between the base plate and the dashboard, hooks that extend around a rearwardly facing edge of the dashboard, a suction mount that is releasably attached to the vehicle windshield, and adjustable tensioning cables that attach the base plate to the suction mount. The mounting assembly permits one or more cameras to be stably secured to the dashboard at a desired location without damaging the dashboard.
US07654423B1	Motor vehicle roof standoff A motor vehicle roof protection system includes a pair of magnetically attachable elongated roof standoffs to carry cargo above a car (or any motor vehicle) roof. One elongated roof standoffs may be positioned near a forward end of the car roof and another elongated roof standoffs may be positioned near a rearward end of the car roof. Magnets are embodied within the elongated roof standoffs to resist movement on the roof surface, with a layer of material under the magnets to protect the roof finish. The elongated roof standoffs have sloped tops, and the roof standoffs are positioned with the slopes facing forward to produce downward force on the roof standoffs, and thereby secure the roof standoffs with fewer magnets than otherwise required. The tops include a textured portion for contact with cargo. The cargo may be held against the elongated roof standoffs using straps, ropes, or any suitable fastener.
US07654421B2	Automatically configurable chemical dosing apparatus for cleaning equipment A dispensing system responds to reading data stored on a container by determining a dose for a chemical stored in that container. Then each time that the chemical is to be fed into a cleaning machine, the dispensing system operates a flow control device to deliver the designated dose. Thus the dispensing system is automatically reconfigured when different concentrations of the chemical are supplied to the dispensing system. Various mechanisms for storing the data on and reading the data from the container are described.
US07654417B2	Refillable product dispenser and system A refillable product dispenser includes a housing having a frame and a front cover with open and closed positions relative to the frame, a receptacle associated with the housing, and a pushbutton configured to be at least partially received by the receptacle in one of alternative unlocked and locked orientations. The dispenser further includes a dispensing system with a product container having a spout disposed at a first dispensing angle, a nozzle disposed at a second dispensing angle and a dispensing lever configured to activate the spout when force is applied to the lever.
US07654415B2	Dispensing unit The invention relates to a combination of a first container and a second container to form a dispensing unit. The first and second containers each have a reservoir for a liquid substance and pump which is secured to the reservoir, can be actuated by hand and has a dispensing opening and a pump-actuating button for dispensing substance from the reservoir. The combination also comprises coupling means for coupling together the first and second containers in a position next to one another. The invention is characterized in that the coupling means comprise: one or more first coupling members, which are each arranged on the first container, and one or more second coupling means, which are each arranged on the second container and which can each be directly coupled to an associated first coupling member on the first container. It is preferable for a first coupling member and an associated second coupling member each to be arranged fixedly on the assembly of reservoir and pump of the associated container in order to create a stable coupling between the assemblies reservoir and pump of the two containers.
US07654412B2	Wet wipe dispensing system for dispensing warm wet wipes In a dispensing system and process for dispensing a warm wet wipe, a wet has an aqueous solution and microencapsulated delivery vehicles including a temperature change agent capable of generating a temperature change upon contact with the aqueous solution. An activating device facilitates rupturing of the microencapsulated delivery vehicles as the wet wipe is removed from a wet wipe container to allow contact between the temperature change agent and the aqueous solution of the wet wipe to thereby dispense a warm wet wipe. In another embodiment the wet wipe in the container has an aqueous solution. A lotion having the microencapsulated delivery vehicles is disposed in a lotion container free from contact with the wet wipe. An applicator in communication with the lotion is operable to apply the lotion to the wet wipe while the wet wipe is disposed at least in part within the wet wipe container.
US07654408B2	Container with locking strips The present invention provides for a container that has a base and a pair of side walls extending upwardly therefrom, the side walls having a concave portion and a plurality of apertures. Partitions are positioned between the side walls, each having tabs at each end which extend through the side wall apertures. Locking strips extend through the slots in the tabs of the partitions and are positioned in the concave portions of the container side walls. In an alternative embodiment, each locking strip has a locking member to prevent movement of the locking strip.
US07654406B2	Slide cover and electronic device having slide cover A sliding cover includes an outside plate, a structural member fixed to the rear face of the outside plate, a movable holding member disposed between the outside plate and the structural member, and a toggle disposed between the holding member and the outside plate or the structural member. The holding member includes two parallel racks and guiding portions disposed at both end portions and extending in the same direction as the racks. The holding member includes a holding plate; an even number of pinions meshed with each other and supported by the holding plate so as to be rotatable; and guiding components supported by the holding plate. The pinions, disposed between the guiding components, are meshed with the racks, and the guiding components are engaged with the guiding portions so as to be slidable. The biasing direction in which the toggle biases the holding member is reversed substantially at the midpoint of the movable range of the holding member.
US07654403B2	Fuel tank vacuum-relief system A filler neck cap includes a vacuum-relief valve member that moves from a normally closed position to an opened position when exposed to certain vacuum conditions to open a vent aperture and allow atmosphere to flow therethrough. The filler neck cap also includes a pressure-relief valve member formed to include the vent aperture that is closed normally by the vacuum-relief valve member.
US07654401B2	Wood joint for a barrelhead A wood joint is disclosed which comprises a first heading having a first profile comprising an upper lobe, a lower lobe, and a valley section intermediate the lobes, a second heading having a second profile comprising an upper socket, a lower socket, and a ridge section intermediate the sockets, and the first profile for engaging the second profile for securing the headings together.
US07654400B2	Tool holder A tool holder. The tool holder includes a back plate and a tubular tool support assembly. The tubular tool support assembly has opposite first and second ends. The first end is attached to the back plate such that when the back plate is held in a vertical plane the tubular tool support assembly extends at a downward angle away from the front face surface of the back plate. The tubular tool support assembly defines upper and lower downward sloping sides of which the upper side comprises a plurality of handle bar sections each comprising upper and lower tube sections and a middle tube section therebetween. At least one lower tube section is aligned in a horizontal plane when the back plate is aligned in a vertical plane, and at least one lower tube section forms part of a tool support hook.
US07654399B2	Configurable display system and modular display arrangement for consumer electronic devices A method of displaying consumer electronic devices comprises supporting a plurality of rails on a frame in a generally parallel, spaced relationship and configuring each rail for slidable movement relative to the frame in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each rail. A first row of display units is supported between a first adjacent pair of the rails and a second row of display units between a second adjacent pair of the rails, with each display unit comprising at least one of a device support unit and a plate. The plurality of display units are reconfigurable by exchanging the display units between different lateral positions within at least one of the first and second rows of display units and/or by exchanging at least one display unit between the first row and the second row of display units.
US07654395B2	Screening module A screening module for a screening assembly includes a panel member having a periphery defined by a pair of opposed, parallel sides and a pair of opposed parallel ends. A mounting formation is arranged about at least a part of the periphery of the panel member for mounting the panel member on an underlying frame. A plurality of discrete aperture arrays are defined in a surface of the body member. A skirt portion circumscribes each aperture array, each skirt portion depending from a lower surface of the panel member. A reinforcing arrangement is arranged beneath each aperture array, the reinforcing arrangement being bounded by its associated skirt portion.
US07654394B2	Flexible mat screening or conveying apparatus Mechanical separators and screening machines, and methods for flexible sieve mat screening and flexible mat conveying are disclosed. In an example configuration, a flexible mat screening apparatus is provided with geometrically optimized guiding edge seals at lateral sides. One preferred configuration includes an assembly wherein a sieve mat has upwardly curved lateral sides forming a non-vertical, gradually curved shape. In another configuration, a movable support section is supported on a main frame section via a plurality of shear blocks, each arranged with its compression axis disposed horizontally. In yet another configuration, the movable support section is further connected to the main frame section via vertical stabilizers or leaf springs, the vertical stabilizers permitting longitudinal movement between the movable support section and the main frame section, but inhibiting vertical and/or lateral movement therebetween. Yet another configuration includes a boltless mat section attachment assembly.
US07654393B1	Retail display incorporating accessories with packaging A retail display case for retail items such as a doll packaged in a center tubular section with end caps that may be removed from a center tubular section and assembled to form various accessories including a storage case. In addition one or more of the end caps may be used to provide a display stand for the doll. The retail display packaging includes the set of top and bottom end caps, and further includes the center tubular section made from clear plastic or the like. Internal components such as foam pieces or a set of molded plastic sections may be used with molded components for storage and subsequent use from the storage case. The display case is thus convertible from its original retail housing purpose into a storage case or use by the consumer for novel use as an alternative to discarding the packaging. Accordingly, the center section is provided as being disposable. The display assembly includes the set of top and bottom package end caps as molded parts secured to the center tubular section with a set of straps securing the top and bottom molded package end caps thereto. The set of top and bottom molded package caps can be removed from the tubular center section and assembled together with a variety of components and securing devices to form a storage case.
US07654389B2	Rivet collating system including rivet holder and method of forming the same A rivet collating system is provided that includes a rivet holder for supporting rivets in a predetermined pattern. In one form, the rivet holder includes a unitary plate in which apertures are configured for supporting the rivets depending therefrom. In another form, the collating system includes a plate body and drive heads that are integrally connected via frangible portions to the plate body. Preferably, retaining webs are provided about the apertures to releasably hold the rivet heads therein. The drive heads are driven downward to sever the frangible portions with the webs flexing to release the rivet heads so that the rivets can be received in bores of a guide block of a belt fastener installation tool. A method of manufacture of the rivet holders is also disclosed.
US07654387B2	Pipe conveyor A conveyor for use in a conveying plant for recovery of diamond and other precious stones, semi-precious stones and minerals, and for conveying any material includes an endless conveyor with both its feed and return portions enclosed in a pipe, with a drive for driving the belt and a return idler, with the feed portion above the return portion and the feed portion cupped by the pipe, the pipe preferably being of plastic material and supported by a steel half pipe under the plastic pipe.
US07654386B2	Machine for wrapping bundles of roll products A machine (1) for wrapping bundles (2) of roll products (3), where the products (3) are grouped together in piles (4), comprises a bundle (2) forming line (6), equipped with a chain conveyor (7), and a product (3) feed line (12) that serves the forming line (6); the feed line (12) having an elevator (13) which is equipped with a product (3) supporting platform (14) and which is vertically mobile under the forming line (6) between a lowered position where it receives the products (3) and a raised position where it delivers the products (3) to the forming line (6); a screw mechanism, fixed to a fixed machine mounting structure and screwed on a lead nut placed inside a mounting frame, adjusts the position of the chain conveyor, the pair of pulleys and the pusher rods relative to the raised position of the product supporting platform.
US07654384B1	Adjustable conveyor for varied size and shape containers A conveyor for varied size and shape containers has a pair of feed screws mounted parallel to one another on opposite sides of a line of container travel. A mechanism is provided for moving the screws toward or away from one another in a manner to maintain an equal distance of each screw from the line of container travel. The screws are preferably formed with a helix having straight sidewalls that are at an angle of 90° to 100° to one another. In one embodiment one feed screw has a left hand helix and is rotated in a first direction and the other feed screw has a right hand helix and is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
US07654383B2	Turnaround device for a transfer line The object of the invention is a turnaround device (18) for a transfer line of products P, in particular pharmaceutical products, comprising at least one turnaround wheel (20) that uses a guide surface Sint, whereby said wheel (20) is mounted so as to rotate around a so-called turnaround axis (30) and at least two belts clamp the products P that are to be turned around, at least one input belt (22) guided by the surface Sint and moving at a speed Vint and at least one output belt (24) moving at a speed Vext, whereby Vint is different from Vext, characterized in that said turnaround device uses guide means (38) that comprise at least one guide surface Sext at the speed Vext of the output belt (24).
US07654379B2	System and method for machining elongate members A system and method for machining an elongate workpiece in a plurality of work cells are provided. The work cells are positioned along a substantially linear process flow path so that the work operations can be performed on different lengthwise portions of the workpiece simultaneously. A transport system advances the workpiece from an infeed system along the process flow path, thereby moving the lengthwise portions of the workpiece successively through the work cells. The transport system includes a plurality of pallets that can be engaged to the workpiece so that the workpiece is supported by the pallets throughout at least part of the machining system.
US07654378B1	Conveying device A conveying device comprising a conveyor bed having a first end and an opposite rear end and a platform rotatably connected to the conveyor bed at the first end. The platform may be rigidly connected to a rotor of the device and the rotor may include a curved roller surface. The platform is preferably substantially offset from a pivot of the rotor. Conveying elements travel over the roller surface to accomplish a smooth extraction or retraction of the conveying elements from within the device. The device is tiltable and may accommodate loading and unloading of luggage into a cargo hold of an aircraft, for instance.
US07654377B2	Hydraulic actuator for a vehicular power train An actuator system includes a piezoelectric pump; an accumulator including a cylinder, a piston located in the cylinder, a port located at a first side of the piston and hydraulically connected to the pump outlet and a switching circuit, a relief port hydraulically connected to the reservoir and located at a second side of the piston, and a spring biasing the piston toward the port; and a hydraulically actuated servo including a front port hydraulically connected to the switching circuit, a back port hydraulically connected to the reservoir, and the servo causing the friction element alternately to engage and to disengage in response to a magnitude of hydraulic pressure in the servo.
US07654373B2	Torque transmission device The present invention relates to a torque transmission device in the drive train of a motor vehicle for torque transmission between a drive unit, in particular an internal combustion engine, a gearbox, and with a hydrodynamic torque converter. The torque converter lockup clutch comprises outer lamellae which work together with inner lamellae to connect to a driver plate which is connected to a torsional vibration damper. In order to provide a torque transmission device which has a long service life and can be produced economically, a coupling is fastened to the inner lamella carrier in such a manner that it cannot be turned, and to the radially inner edge area of the driver plate which bounds an annular space in which the radially inner edge area of the driver plate can be moved in the axial direction.
US07654365B2	Two-piece floating disc brake assembly A two-piece floating disc brake assembly comprises a hub with a plurality of radially extending drive cogs that engage a corresponding plurality of teeth that extend radially inwardly from the disc brake rotor. The disc is retained to the rotor by a plurality of retainers that are bolted to the axially outward surface of the brake rotor to engage the axially outward surfaces of the drive cogs. Axially float of the brake disc relative to the brake hub is provided by a plurality of axially slots between the drive cogs that are deeper than the thickness of the drive cogs. Because the axial clearance is established by the depth of the radial slots alone, tolerance on axially float is easier to maintain and is independent of the thickness of the brake disc.
US07654364B2	Sound absorbing structure A sound absorbing structure having excellent in sound absorbing performance, which is capable of achieving 0.4 or higher in the sound absorbing coefficient even in the case where a perforated panel is a thin plate such as aluminum foil within a range where a reduction in the weight of a vehicle body is not impaired and through holes have a large hole diameter in order to make the processing of providing a large number of through holes in the perforated panel. The sound absorbing structure 1 is the sound absorbing structure 1 for suppressing noise generated on a sound source side, which is equipped with: a perforated panel 2 having a large number of through holes 3 and a fiber material 4, which are provided so as to face the sound source side and provided so as to overlap with each other; and an air layer 5 provided behind the perforated panel 2, in which the density and the thickness of the fiber material 4 and the hole diameter and the aperture rate of the through holes 3 of the perforated panel 2 severally have a specific relationship.
US07654362B2	Speaker and method of outputting acoustic sound A speaker has a pipe member with opposed open ends, and a sounding body that is attached to any one of the opposed open ends of the pipe member on the same axle as that of the pipe member. The sounding body is driven on the basis of an acoustic signal that is applied to the sounding body. Sound wave radiated from the sounding body and passed through an inside of the pipe member vibrates with a pipe wall of the pipe member, thereby to enable sound wave corresponding to the acoustic signal to radiate from a whole of an outside surface of the pipe member to outside.
US07654358B2	Motorcycle gear shift control A foot operated gear-shift assembly, gear shift conversion kit, and method for converting the shifting gears of a conventional motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, and like vehicle wherein the heel and toe shift elements of the conventional rocker-arm gear shift assembly are separated and pivot about separate pivot axes.
US07654351B2	Power source device and battery cooling structure for vehicle A battery box housing a battery is mounted between left and right side frames extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body so that the battery box is offset to a left side of the vehicle body, and an intake duct and an exhaust duct for cooling air for cooling the battery are connected to an end of the battery box on a right side of the vehicle body. Therefore, it is possible not only to protect the battery between the left and right frames from a shock caused upon a side collision, but also to ensure a space for disposition of the intake duct and the exhaust duct while ensuring a volume of the battery box to the maximum. Moreover, the battery box is connected at its left and right ends to the left and right side frames.
US07654350B2	Drive and steering unit for a wheel of a floor conveyor Drive and steering unit for a wheel of a floor conveyor, in which a driving motor and a steering motor are disposed coaxially one below the other and are each one coupled via a drive gear or a steering gear, respectively, with a shaft of the wheel or the bearing equipment of the wheel, respectively, wherein one shaft extends as a hollow shaft and the other shaft extends through the hollow shaft, and an electronic control for the driving motor and the steering motor, which is connected with desired value transmitters for the rotational speed and the steering angle, characterised in that the electronic control has at least one circuit board which is coaxially arranged between the driving motor and the steering motor and/or the steering motor and the steering gear.
US07654341B2	Drill stem coupling and method for a directional drill A drill stem connection assembly includes a first drill stem section and a second drill stem section. At least one engaging feature is located at an end of the first drill stem section. At least one mating feature accepts the at least one engaging feature. The at least one mating feature is located at an end of the second drill stem section. Coupling of the respective ends of the first and second drill stem sections forms a drill stem joint. A threaded collar engages with at least one of the coupled first and second drill stem sections. When placed in a securing position, the threaded collar holds the engaging feature securely mated with the mating feature and at least partially covers the drill stem joint.
US07654337B2	Arrangement for controlling rock drilling A method for controlling rock drilling and a rock drilling arrangement having at least one feed channel of a feed actuator provided with a restrictor, which causes a pressure drop if the penetration rate increases and, consequently, a flow through the restrictor increases. A pressure difference and an increase in the penetration rate can be detected by sensing the pressure before the restrictor and after the restrictor. When the feed rate increases, a hydraulic system is arranged to decrease percussion pressure.
US07654334B2	Downhole tool and running tool system for retrievably setting a downhole tool at locations within a well bore A downhole tool and a running tool are described, each being retrievably settable within a suitably sized cased well bore without the need for any interaction between the downhole tool or the running tool and any restrictions or recesses in the well bore to land, anchor or retrieve either tool. The downhole tool has a mandrel, an anchoring means mounted on the mandrel and controllably reconfigurable from a retracted configuration to permit movement of the downhole tool through the well bore to a radially expanded configuration for releasably engaging the cased well bore. The downhole tool anchoring means is reconfigured using a ratchet that resists movement of the tool anchoring means from the expanded configuration back to the retracted configuration until a release mechanism is released to allow retraction of the downhole tool anchoring means and retrieval of the downhole tool from the well bore.
US07654331B2	Method and apparatus for reduction of control lines to operate a multi-zone completion A control system for a plurality of devices including a plurality of devices in at least one group. A first control line is in operable communication with the plurality of devices. A second control line in operable communication with the at least one group. A step-advance mechanism is in operable communication with each of the plurality of the devices, each mechanism being distinct from each other mechanism within the group of devices. Further disclosed herein is a method for reducing the number of control lines needed to control a plurality of downhole devices including supplying a first control line in operable communication with a plurality of devices including at least one group of devices and supplying a second control line in operable communication with the at least one group.
US07654329B2	Dual-type plug for wellhead The invention concerns a dual-type plug to be used in a wellhead. The plug has a separate retrievable inner plug (50). Retrieving only the inner plug allows the use of lighter workover equipment than if the whole plug (10) must be pulled.
US07654323B2	Electrofused proppant, method of manufacture, and method of use An embodiment consistent with the present invention is a high strength proppant comprising an electrofused pellet. In another embodiment, a high strength proppant comprises a substantially solid and substantially spherical pellet produced by electrofusion of at least one metal oxide. A method of making a proppant is also provided, with that method comprising melting at least one metal oxide in an electrical arc furnace, pouring the molten metal oxide to create a pour stream, and separating the pour stream to form at least one electrofused pellet. A method of fracturing subterranean formations is also provided, with that method comprising injecting a fluid containing at least one electrofused pellet.
US07654322B2	Systems and methods for producing oil and/or gas A system including a mechanism for recovering oil and/or gas from an underground formation, the oil and/or gas comprising one or more sulfur compounds; a mechanism for converting at least a portion of the sulfur compounds from the recovered oil and/or gas into a carbon disulfide formulation; and a mechanism for releasing at least a portion of the carbon disulfide formulation into a formation.
US07654321B2	Formation fluid sampling apparatus and methods A fluid sampling system retrieves a formation fluid sample from a formation surrounding a wellbore extending along a wellbore axis, wherein the formation has a virgin fluid and a contaminated fluid therein. The system includes a sample inlet, a first guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a first direction along the wellbore axis, and a second guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a second, opposite direction along the wellbore axis. At least one cleanup flowline is fluidly connected to the first and second guard inlets for passing contaminated fluid, and an evaluation flowline is fluidly connected to the sample inlet for collecting virgin fluid.
US07654318B2	Fluid diversion measurement methods and systems Fluid diversion measurement systems and methods are described. One system includes a section of tubular having a main flow passage and a fluid diversion port, the section of tubular adapted to be either moving or stationary during a fluid diversion operation, at least two sensors in the section of tubular, at least one sensor located upstream of the fluid diversion port and at least one sensor located downstream of the fluid diversion port, each sensor adapted to measure a parameter of a fluid diverted into a wellbore through the fluid diversion port; and means for using the measured parameters in realtime to monitor, control, or both monitor and control diversion of the fluid. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
US07654315B2	Apparatus, pumping system incorporating same, and methods of protecting pump components Apparatus and pumping systems including the apparatus are described, the apparatus including a protector body comprising a material allowing expansion and contraction of an internal fluid, the body serving as a barrier between fluids external of the body and the internal fluid. The body has first and second ends, at least one end adapted to connect the body to other components, the protector body further comprising structural features permitting facile cleanout and reuse of the protector body. Methods of use of the apparatus and systems are described, particularly in oilfield exploration, testing, and production. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US07654314B2	Chemical delivery system for plunger lift An improvement in a chemical delivery system for a plunger lift for enhancing oil and gas recovery in a well having a well head and which employs a plunger includes a chamber communicably connected to a top of the well head and operably disposed thereon and including a ball check valve device which controls communication between a first section which receives chemicals therein for delivery into the well and a second section which communicates chemicals from the first section to a plunger in the well, and means for retaining the ball valve in one of an open position and a closed position as a function of the well being shut in.
US07654313B2	Method and assembly for casing handling using a kelly rig A method for converting a kelly rig for handling casing includes the formation of a torque reaction guide with elongate members available at a drill site including for example, any of drill collar stands, casing strings, drill pipe stands and cables held in tension. A method for converting a kelly rig for handling casing may include the step of installing a torque reaction guide in a simple way, such as by securing the track to the monkey board. In one embodiment a torque reaction frame is used for securing between a torque generating device and a torque reaction guide that operates in a float mode to allow for misalignment of the torque reaction guide relative to the well hole center.
US07654308B2	Heat exchanger A heat exchanger which has a base plate and several carrier plates projecting from the base plate. At least one cooling element is located on each carrier plate. The cooling elements have a substrate with an underside and an upper side. Webs project from the upper side of the substrate and lie one behind the other, the height of which is less than the distance between adjacent webs. The substrate has a plurality of regularly arranged channels that extend through the substrate.
US07654306B2	Heat-storage unit and operation method of heat-storage unit Provided is a heat-storage unit capable of efficiently storing heat in a heat-storage material and sufficiently taking out the stored heat.The heat-storage unit capable of exchanging heat by direct contact between sodium acetate and oil, storing heat in the sodium acetate, and radiating heat from the sodium acetate by supplying the oil, which has a smaller specific gravity than the sodium acetate and is separated from the sodium acetate, into a heat-storage tank housing the sodium acetate, which stores heat depending on a state change between solid and liquid, in an internal space, in which the unit includes: a third flow pipe of a supply pipe, at least a part of which is provided in a lower portion of the internal space and in which the oil flows; a plurality of discharge holes which are provided for the third flow pipe and discharge the oil flowing through the third flow pipe into the sodium acetate; a fourth flow pipe of the supply pipe, which is connected to the third flow pipe and discharges the oil flowing through the third flow pipe to the outside of the sodium acetate; and a valve that shuts off the fourth flow pipe corresponding to the state change of the sodium acetate.
US07654302B2	Method and apparatus for molding an upper and a lower mold having no flask, and a method for replacing a match plate used therefor A method and apparatus for molding molds having no flask wherein a match plate is put between an upper and a lower flask having intakes for foundry sand. An upper and a lower molding space are defined by inserting an upper and a lower squeeze device into openings of a pair of the upper and the lower flask having no match plate, and a pair of the upper and the lower flask and the match plate are rotated and moved so that they become perpendicular, and are moved so that the intakes of the flasks move upward. The upper and the lower molding space are filled with the foundry sand. The foundry sand in the molding spaces is squeezed by the squeeze devices. A pair of the flasks and the match plate are rotated so that they become horizontal. Then the match plate is removed. While the preceding processes are being carried out, if necessary a core can be installed between the molds, the flasks are matched to each other, and the molds are removed from the pair of flasks.
US07654296B2	Grooved single facer belt The present invention relates to a single facer corrugator belt having a base structure. The base structure includes an inside and an outside surface and a machine or running direction and a cross machine direction. The base structure is formed by machine direction yarns and cross machine direction yarns and has grooves formed in a surface of the base structure. Alternatively, the corrugator belt may include includes holes formed in a surface of the base structure.
US07654295B2	Tire for motorcycle with sidewall upper layer and sidewall lower layer A tire 2 comprises a tread 4, a pair of sidewalls 6 extended almost inward in a radial direction from an end 18 of the tread 4, a pair of bead cores 8 positioned on an inside in the radial direction of the sidewalls 6, and a carcass 10 laid between both of the bead cores 8 along insides of the tread 4 and the sidewalls 6. The carcass 10 includes a carcass ply 20. The carcass ply 20 is turned up around the bead core 8. The sidewall 6 has a lower layer 34 positioned on an outside in an axial direction of the carcass ply 20 and an upper layer 36 positioned on an outside in the radial direction of the lower layer 34. The upper layer 36 has a hardness which is equal to or higher than 50 and is equal to or lower than 70. The lower layer 34 has a hardness which is equal to or higher than 70 and is equal to or lower than 100.
US07654294B2	Handle assembly An apparatus for providing convenient grasping of a router adjacent base/motor housing includes a base for supporting a motor housing for driving a working tool. A generally L-shaped handle including a connecting member and grasping member is connected to the base for permitting a user to comfortably manipulate the power tool adjacent the motor housing. In further aspect, a removable a generally L-shaped handle includes a channel extending through the handle for directing dust and debris away from the working tool.
US07654289B2	Warp-tied forming fabric with selective warp pair ordering A double layer forming fabric for a papermaking machine is warp-tied, all the warp yarns comprising binder pairs which forming a single combined path in the paper side surface. The pair members exchange positions at an exchange point between successive path segments and are laterally displaced in relation to each other at and between each exchange point. For each successive pair, an order of insertion of the first and second members in relation to each other into the weave is inverted in relation to the order of insertion for members of the immediately preceding pair, such that each first member is adjacent to the first member of the adjacent pair at the closest exchange point, and each second member is adjacent to the second member of the adjacent pair at the closest exchange point. The fabric has improved drainage uniformity leading to improved paper formation and reduced sheet marking.
US07654288B2	Heat-resistant rubber hose for diesel engine A heat-resistant rubber hose for a diesel engine is provided, which is excellent in exhaust gas water resistance (acid resistance), heat resistance, flame resistance and low-temperature property. The heat-resistant rubber hose includes a tubular inner layer (1) and an outer layer (2) provided on an outer peripheral surface of the tubular inner layer (1), the inner layer (1) being composed of an inner layer material essentially including the following components (A) and (B) and free from an acid acceptor, the outer layer (2) being composed of an outer layer material essentially including the following components (A) to (C): (A) an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer rubber (EVM); (B) an organic peroxide crosslinking agent; and (C) at least one of a metal hydroxide and a surface-treated metal hydroxide.
US07654282B2	Easy-type water pressure reducing apparatus An easy-type water pressure reducing apparatus comprises a connecting tube having a bore extending through an inlet end and an outlet end. The bore has an annular seat with a smaller-diameter inlet chamber integrally extending at both sides to which a movable element with an inlet port to receive a spring element is mounted. The movable element also includes positioning guide blocks to fit to water-guiding vents of the inlet chamber, and a ringed groove with a sealing ring to abut tight against the inlet chamber, forming a back-and-forth movable positioning space there-between. Therefore, when water pressure at the outlet end is larger than that at the inlet end, water flow blocked by a water plug of the movable element will push the movable element towards the inlet end, compressing the spring element and closing the water-guiding vents gradually to reduce the water flow and stabilize the water pressure thereby.
US07654280B2	Anti-freezing hydrant An anti-freezing hydrant is provided with a hollow valve rod of which a back end is provided with a lump formed with an oblique cone where a water leakage hole is formed communicating with the valve rod. A one-way valve is provided in a inner water inlet in a valve chamber of a valve and comprises a rubber cushion being made of a soft rubber and thus elastically suppressing the inner water inlet. The bore of a back pressure stopper in a back pressure is a complement of an inner inclined cone with the oblique cone. Thus, the rubber cushion may enhance the capability of sealing of the valve. Further, the back pressure stopper may also be a good sealant for the inclined cone.
US07654278B2	Level control for liquid throughfeed A reservoir is disclosed for a throughfeed for liquid, such as a liquid pump, to be set into operation selectively, from and/or to a body of liquid such as a pond, aquarium or bath. The reservoir includes a container for containing liquid and with an outlet for connecting onto the throughfeed to the body of water. It further includes a refill container which, depending on the level of the liquid in the container, is movable reciprocally between a high position and at least one lower position, and which is connected to an inlet of the reservoir connected to the body of liquid. The refill container includes an overflow along which liquid flows from the refill container into the container in the at least one lower position of the refill container.
US07654276B2	Adjustable collapsible panels Collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. A connector couples the first and second panels in a manner that allows the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted.
US07654273B2	Dental flosser dispenser A Refillable dental flosser dispenser stores and sequentially dispenses a plurality of dental flossers each of which flossers has first and second sides and an edge extending between the first and second sides. The dispenser includes a housing having a refill end, a dispensing end and a housing side wall extending between the refill and dispensing ends. The housing side wall defines an internal storage cavity within which plural flossers are stored in a side-by-side serial arrangement. A dispensing-end wall combines with a housing side wall to define a side-emitting dispensing slot dimensioned so as to permit the edgewise withdrawal from within the storage cavity of only a single flosser at a time. Flossers within the storage cavity are positionally biased toward the dispensing wall for edgewise alignment with the dispensing slot such that, as each successive flosser is extracted from the storage cavity through the dispensing slot, each remaining flosser is incrementally advanced toward the dispensing-end wall by a distance corresponding to a single flosser width. A replaceable refill cartridge capable of containing plural flossers includes an open end through which flossers are sequentially fed into edgewise alignment with the dispensing slot.
US07654268B2	Artificial nail form An artificial nail forming device is disclosed which is formed of stamped sheet metal and has a front section and a rear section formed by an intermediate opening between the sections. The rear section has bendable ears for attaching the device to a finger so the natural nail of the finger is exposed in the opening. The front section of the device has an outer surface that defines orthogonal curvatures that simulate the orthogonal curvatures of a natural nail. The exposed nail has its tip overlying the front section outer surface so that the artificial nail can be applied to the exposed natural nail and to the device front section outer surface. After curing, the artificial nail is separated from the forming device by pressing on two tabs extending from the front section to bend and thus displace the front section relative to the rear section and to the finger. This displacement breaks the bond between the artificial nail and the front section.
US07654264B2	Medical tube including an inflatable cuff having a notched collar A medical device may include a tubular body configured to communicate gas and an inflatable cuff coupled to the tubular body at least by a collar. The tubular body may include an opening. The collar may include a notch positioned relative to the opening in the tubular body such that a passageway extends through at least a portion of the notch and at least a portion of the opening.
US07654263B2	Breathing mask arrangement and a forehead support device for same A breathing mask arrangement for feeding a respiratory gas to a patient includes a forehead support device, an arch body, a sealing lip means for bearing against the surface of the patient's face, a respiratory gas conduit means for feeding respiratory gas to a mask internal space defined by the arch body and in communication with the nose and/or mouth opening of the patient. The breathing mask arrangement includes an application structure for application of the sealing lip means jointly with the arch body, wherein the application structure has a carrier portion on which a respiratory gas conduit member in the form of a docking port is releasably mounted. The forehead support device includes a contact element provided in the application position of the breathing mask for bearing against the forehead region of the patient, and a holding device for holding the contact element in tiltably movable manner.
US07654262B1	System for reducing hydrostatic load imbalances in a driver's open-circuit breathing apparatus The system of the present invention reduces hydrostatic imbalances acting on the diaphragm of a diver's open-circuit breathing apparatus' regulator. In general, the system applies a flexing force to the diaphragm based on the position of the diver's head relative to gravity when the mouthpiece is in the diver's mouth. The system can be realized by a simple mechanical pendulum assembly attached to the regulator.
US07654251B2	Centrifugal compressor with improved lubrication system for gear-type transmission A centrifugal supercharger includes a case presenting a compressor chamber and a transmission chamber. An impeller in the compressor chamber is mounted to a shaft that extends into the transmission chamber. The impeller shaft is drivingly connected to a power input shaft by intermeshing gears provided on the shafts. A portion of the transmission chamber defines a fluid reservoir in which lubrication fluid is held. The intermeshing gears, as well as the bearing assemblies supporting the shafts, are located outside the fluid reservoir portion of the transmission chamber. A rotatable fluid-propelling element partly submerged in the lubrication fluid contained within the reservoir portion ensures that sufficient but not excessive lubrication fluid is supplied to the intermeshing gears and the bearing assemblies. A dedicated lubricant reserve system ensures that the required operating level of fluid is provided to, and maintained in, the reservoir portion.
US07654243B2	Method for facilitating vaporization of a fuel for a diesel type direct-injection internal-combustion engine A method facilitates vaporization of a fuel in a direct-injection four-stroke engine including at least one cylinder with a combustion chamber, at least one fluid intake with an intake pipe and a valve, at least one burnt gas exhaust with an exhaust pipe and a valve, a valve controller and fuel injector. The method includes, in the vicinity of the intake phase start, in opening the intake valve so as to allow the intake fluid into the combustion chamber, in opening exhaust valve so as to feed again into this chamber at least part of the burnt gas contained in exhaust pipe; prior to the end of the intake phase, in closing the exhaust valve; in the vicinity of the intake phase end, in closing the intake valve; and during this intake phase, in carrying out at least one fuel injection into the combustion chamber.
US07654240B2	Engine piston having an insulating air gap A piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper crown with a top and a bottom surface, and a lower crown with a top and a bottom surface. The upper crown and the lower crown are fixedly attached to each other using welds, with the bottom surface of the upper crown and the top surface of the lower crown forming a mating surface. The piston also has at least one centrally located air gap formed on the mating surface. The air gap is sealed to prevent substantial airflow into or out of the air gap.
US07654234B2	Barrel engine block assembly A barrel internal combustion engine includes a drive shaft assembly, a monoblock, a plurality of piston assemblies, and a valvetrain. The driveshaft assembly has a central drive shaft and a cam plate extending therefrom. The one piece monoblock has a longitudinal central axis with a central longitudinal opening receiving the drive shaft, the one piece monoblock further defines a plurality of combustion chambers, a coolant system, a plurality of intake passages and a plurality of exhaust passages. The combustion chambers each have an axis parallel to the central axis and are defined in a circle concentric with the longitudinal axis. Each chamber has a generally cylindrical side wall, a first closed end and a second open end, an intake valve opening and an exhaust valve opening being defined in the first closed end of each combustion chamber. The coolant system includes a plurality of coolant passages.
US07654233B2	Engine device for an oxyhydrogen vehicle An engine device for an oxyhydrogen vehicle includes an oxyhydrogen generator for electrolytically converting an electrolyte into oxyhydrogen gas, a fuel tank for storing combustible fuel, a first pipe unit connected to the oxyhydrogen generator, a second pipe unit connected to the fuel tank, and an engine unit. The engine unit includes a cylinder block, an intake manifold, and fuel injectors. The intake manifold is connected to the cylinder block, is provided with passages, and is further connected to the first pipe unit such that the oxyhydrogen gas generated by the oxyhydrogen generator is fed into the passages. The fuel injectors are connected to the intake manifold, are further connected to the second pipe unit, and serve to inject the combustible fuel in the fuel tank into the passages.
US07654228B1	Paw sucker The nature of this invention is to develop a new way to clean dog's paws of any debris, such as mud, etc., which it may encounter. The present invention provides a safe, easy, efficient, innovative way to clean the paw. It will eliminate the use of several towels for this purpose and save the life of the owner's carpeting and floors. A main unit (28) will house a rechargeable battery (60); however an ac adapter (52) is also available. Two canisters (20, 24) will provide a container (20) for clean water and a container (24) for dirty, waste water. Each canister is easily removed for filling and cleaning, yet secured onto the main unit via the construction of the molding (90, 92, 94). The paw is placed into a pouch (70). The pouch (70) is secured by means of an elastic band (72). When a spray switch (46) is depressed, water is released through a hose (34) and onto the paw with sufficient pressure to remove debris from the paw. By depressing a suction switch (48), the debris and water are extracted from the pouch (70), through the hose (34), and into the canister (24) designated for this purpose. The paw is taken out of the pouch (70) and the paw is clean and virtually dry. A separate attachment (50) may be used to remove debris or excess water from the animal's body.
US07654227B1	Absorbent pad for entrapping small and large particles, retaining liquids and eliminating odors A layered pad comprising a bottom impervious layer, a top layer of a fibrous high loft non woven capable of entrapping small or large particles and preventing their scatter, optionally combined with a middle layer of fibers and super absorbent agent, wherein liquids pass through the top layer, become absorbed by the middle layer, and evaporate; and a method for manufacturing a non-woven pad layer having an at least partially open-ended configuration. The method of manufacturing the open-ended non-woven layer includes cutting at least one surface of the non-woven layer and then abrading the cut surface with an abrading tool.
US07654222B2	Fluidized bed apparatus A fluidized bed apparatus includes a fluidizing container, a porous plate, a lower spray nozzle, a bag filter, an upper spray nozzle, a backwash nozzle, and a backwash nozzle elevator. The fluidizing container is formed in an inverted truncated conical cylindrical shape. The porous plate is provided so as to block a lower opening of the fluidizing container. The lower spray nozzle jets out air into the fluidizing container via the porous plate. The bag filter is provided at an upper opening of the fluidizing container. The upper spray nozzle sprays spray liquid downward. The backwash nozzle sweeps away powder particulates adhered to the bag filter by jetting out air from the outside of the bag filter toward the inside and is moved up and down by the backwash nozzle elevator. The fluidizing container may be vibrated by a vibrator.
US07654215B2	Diver propulsion system with separate battery and motor-transmission modules A diver propulsion system includes separate operatively associated battery, motor, transmission, and clutch modules.
US07654213B1	Normal belt capstan assembly A normal belt capstan assembly for arrays towed by vessels includes a drive wheel mounted on the vessel and adapted to deploy and discharge an array. The drive wheel has a continuous groove throughout an outer edge thereof with opposed rims on either side of the groove. The assembly further includes a normal belt mounted on a plurality of rollers and disposed along a portion of the periphery of the drive wheel, the belt having a continuous central groove formed in a surface facing the drive wheel. The combined drive wheel groove and central groove are adapted to receive the array and termination module, and a retaining groove on either side of the central groove are adapted for receiving the drive wheel rims. The normal belt provides a normal force to the array and termination module.
US07654210B2	Threading device of sewing machine A threading device of a sewing machine includes a thread inserting base formed with a thread path hole having a thread inserting port opened toward an outer side of a sewing machine frame, and further formed with an air path hole which joins the thread path hole in the vicinity of the thread inserting port, an air supply device coupled to the air path hole to supply compressed air, and illuminating means provided on the sewing machine frame to irradiate a joining portion of the thread path hole and the air path hole. The thread inserting base includes a transparent member through which at least the joining portion of the thread path hole and the air path hole can be visually recognized.
US07654208B2	Multi-positionable work surface An adjustable work surface comprises first and second decks that are pivotally connected by pivot arms. The pivot arms are located and configured so that the second deck can pivot relative to the first deck between a storage position and an extended position where the two decks are in substantially the same plane. The pivot arms are located and configured so that the upper surfaces of both decks are substantially parallel both in the storage position and the extended position. Preferably the forward wall of the first deck and the rear wall of the second deck are configured so the first deck supports the second deck in the extended position.
US07654200B2	Photosensitive planographic printing plate and method of producing the same In a method of producing a photosensitive planographic printing plate according to the present invention, a web is coated with a coating solution, and a coating solution film thus formed is rapidly dried. For this drying, fresh air is blown onto the web W heated with a heat roll such that the air is blown parallel to the coating solution film. The coating solution film can thereby be prevented from changing its thickness due to an air stream during drying, while the coating solution film can be rapidly dried. Accordingly, the coating solution film can be dried before the film is leveled, to form a coating layer having uniform thickness.
US07654199B2	Printing device A printing device capable of printing with either UV curable ink or non-UV curable ink and having a function of controlling so that printing under the printing conditions of the printing device in accordance with the selected ink to be used can be performed with simple operation. The printing device has a controller for performing control of executing warning report and/or disabling printing operation, when the type of the ink identified by the ink type detection device is not consistent with the type of the master identified by the master type detection device.
US07654198B2	Type unit of a hand stamp including a hood-shaped cover A type unit (3) for a self-inking stamp (1) with at least one type band (32) placed over a drive wheel (33-36), the drive wheel being rotatably mounted in two legs (30) of a bearing member (28) and provided with an adjustment wheel (38), and with a hood-shaped cover (48) which includes at least one slot (51) for the passage of a circumferential part of the adjustment wheel (38) of the drive wheel (33-36) as well as snap-in elements (47) in the region of its free ends and which covers the at least one type band (32) in the region of the drive wheel (33-36) in a position releasably fastened by snapping in on the bearing member (28), wherein the two legs (30) of the bearing member (28) each have two projecting snap-in noses (44) on their outer side that faces away from the type band (32), and the cover (48) includes two cantilevering extensions (50) on each one of its two front sides, as snap-in elements (47) for snapping engagement with the snap-in noses (44) of the bearing member (28).
US07654197B2	Hand press for food A hand press (1) for squeezing garlic cloves having a double lever linkage driving a ram 30 into a receiving container (2). Two handles (4,5) pivoted together at one end to operate as levers operate two crossing lever arms (6,7) which are pivoted to each other. Pressing with minimal effort takes place due to the mechanical advantage which is produced by the double lever linkage. Additional advantages of the device are that it can be manufactured with minimal edge clearance between the ram (3) linkage and the receiving container (2), a stop (71) for automatically positioning the ram (3), a return spring (8) for automatically opening the hand press (1), and an anti-adhesive coating of the discharge pins (33) on the ram (30) and the base (20) of the receiving container (2).
US07654191B2	Beverage dispenser A beverage dispenser and method of operation, in which incoming water for beverage preparation is heated by a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger. The heated water may be mixed with cold water using controlled valves, to generate a selected temperature stream. This controlled-temperature stream may be mixed with beverage concentrate or sprayed over coffee grounds to brew fresh coffee.
US07654190B2	Dispensing device for drinks Many kinds of dispensing devices for drinks or similar fluid foodstuffs, especially for coffee and/or milk are already known. Said devices comprise supply means for supplying at least two different hot drinks, filling outlets for dispensing hot drinks into at least one cup and valve means for stopping and releasing drink pipelines between the supply devices and the filling devices. According to the invention, in order to improve hygiene and product quality, the valve means are embodied in such a manner that additional pipelines for supplying and/or discharging flushing agents for cleaning, hot water or steam for preheating or other similar fluids, can be connected to the valve means instead of to the drinks pipelines in order to treat the valve means in the areas through which hot drinks flow. As a result, a rinsing process can be automatically controlled between two dispensing steps.
US07654189B2	Heavy duty cylinder A cylinder for a piston-cylinder assembly comprises an extruded stainless steel cylinder body and stainless steel end caps mounted to opposite ends of the body. A unique configuration of three seals is used to seal each end cap to the cylinder body.
US07654187B2	Firearm fire control selector An automatic firearm capable of automatic or semiautomatic fire. The firearm has a receiver having a moveable hammer. A selector is rotatably mounted in the receiver. A first sear is rotatably mounted in the receiver to engage the hammer where the first sear contacts a first camming surface of the selector. A second sear is rotatably mounted in the receiver to engage the hammer where the second sear contacts a second camming surface of the selector. A disconnect is rotatably mounted in the receiver where the disconnect contacts a third camming surface of the selector. The selector has a number of selectable positions disposed so that rotation of the selector between a first and last selectable position of the number of selectable positions is less than 180 degrees.
US07654182B2	Coated sheet cutting method and apparatus A discoid lower blade and a discoid upper blade, having a sharper knife angle compared with that of the lower blade, are arranged such that rotational axes thereof are parallel to each other, and portions of the blades overlap one another in the direction that the rotational axes extend. A sheet with a coating layer on one side is fed through and shear-cut between the upper and lower blades in the direction perpendicular to the rotational axes, with the surface of the sheet opposite the coating layer in contact with a periphery of the lower blade while the blades are rotated. When the sheet is shear-cut, a contact start position, where contact between the sheet and the upper blade starts, is positioned upstream in the feed direction of the sheet but outside a contacting area of the sheet, where the sheet contacts the periphery of the lower cutting blade.
US07654170B2	Centering spring apparatus for a transmission shift control mechanism A centering spring apparatus in a shift control mechanism includes a plurality of brackets providing stationary ground members for spring members and a shift control lever, which is operable to pick up the springs from the grounded portion to impose a centering force on the shift lever. These springs are disposed such that three different centering forces can be occasioned upon the shifting of the lever from one neutral position toward other neutral positions.
US07654167B2	Electric power steering apparatus equipped with worm gear mechanism An electric power steering apparatus includes a worm gear mechanism for transmitting the torque generated by an electric motor to a steered road wheel of the vehicle. The worm gear mechanism has a worm gear made of metal and a worm wheel formed of plastic material and meshing with the worm gear. The worm gear has a tooth profile including a dedendum part formed in an involute shape and an addendum part formed in a circular arc shape with a center located on a line of action.
US07654165B2	Composite steering rack A steering rack for a vehicle rack and pinion steering gear and a method of manufacturing a steering rack includes a first member having a toothed region, attached to a tubular second member, the second member includes a bore, the cross section of the bore being circular along the length of the second member. The second member has at least one region of increased wall thickness and reduced bore diameter formed by an upsetting operation.
US07654164B2	Travel multiplying device (57) A travel multiplying device (1) has at least one outer pipe (2), one inner pipe (3) and one intermediate pipe (4) positioned between them, which can be moved relative to each other in the longitudinal direction (5) each by a particular distance of travel (16-36) with at least one cut-out formed (11-17) between facing surfaces (7, 8, 9, 10) of each pipe (2, 3, 4), which cut-outs show different gradients (18, 19) relative to a transverse plane (21) through the pipes (2, 3, 4), and which are coupled with each other by at least one movement linking element (22-26) to link the movements of the pipes. By such a travel multiplying device, a small movement of one element is transformed into a magnifying movement of another element in a simply designed and reliable manner.
US07654158B2	Real time torque system Apparatus and methods for measuring in-situ applied torque in tubular operations. A torque cylinder has a first end and a second end. A torque rod is at least partially contained in the torque cylinder and is coupled to the first end of the torque cylinder. The torque rod extends longitudinally outward from the second end of the torque cylinder. A strain gauge is connected to the torque rod at a predetermined distance from the first end of the torque cylinder. The strain gauge is configured to measure in-situ the applied torque between two tubular drill string segments each coupled to a respective one of the torque cylinder and the torque rod.
US07654157B2	Airflow sensor with pitot tube for pressure drop reduction An airflow sensor apparatus for measuring flow rate includes a pitot tube with a bypass channel wherein the pitot tube extends halfway into a flow channel in order to reduce a pressure drop. One or more upstream taps can be spaced along the pitot tube facing into a direction of a flow stream which directs the flow to the bypass channel. At least one or more downstream taps can be located to face perpendicular to the direction of flow, such that the fluid after passing over a flow sensor passes through the downstream tap(s). The upstream tap senses stagnation pressure and the down stream tap senses static pressure which is exerted in all directions in the flow channel in order to determine a velocity pressure based on a difference between pressures.
US07654156B1	Distal tip of fluid velocity probe A distal tip of a fluid velocity probe generally includes at least a portion of a housing having first and second sidewalls defining a passageway therebetween, the passageway having inlet and outlet regions. The first and second sidewalls each are substantially symmetrical along an axis extending in the direction of the passageway through the center of each sidewall. The distal tip further includes a mass flow sensor disposed in the passageway between the inlet and outlet regions.
US07654149B2	Roller chain wear gauge The present disclosure relates to a handheld, single-piece wear gauge for chains, and more specifically, to a wear gauge with an elongated body carved into segments with markings, varied widths, and varied heights arranged along a guiding back rail. A roller chain wear gauge includes a single-piece body with a measuring end and a handle connected to the measuring end, wherein the measuring end includes a plurality of adjacent and contiguous calibrated segments each having a measuring length, a measuring width, and a measurement marking, and wherein the measuring end defines on one side a back rail formed by an alignment of a first side of each of the calibrated segments and a step function formed by the second side of each of the calibrated segments.
US07654143B2	Method and apparatus for in-situ inspection of rotary machine components A method and apparatus for the inspection of rotary machine components is provided. A positioning fixture is clamped to the component to be inspected, and supports a transceiver that is used during the inspection. The positioning fixture can be navigated through and between rotary machine components to the desired location to be inspected. In one example, an ultrasonic transceiver can be used to perform the inspection. The apparatus can be used to perform in-situ inspections.
US07654138B2	Method and device for dynamically measuring the unbalance of a rotor Dynamically measuring the unbalance of a rotor arranged in a device housing (1) and rotating at high angular velocity, wherein the rotor is supported in a separate bearing housing (14), involves the following steps: fastening the bearing housing (14) on the device housing (1) with interposition of resiliently yielding elements (6) so that the bearing housing (14) can be moved relative to the device housing (1) in at least two spatial dimensions and the rotor is arranged in a working position in the device housing (1) suitable for driving, accelerating the rotor, measuring the vibrations induced by unbalance while the rotor rotates at a substantially normal working speed, determining the phase position of the induced vibrations to the relative position of the rotor at the measuring speeds, and using the measured vibrations and the phase position to determine the unbalance of the rotor to be compensated.
US07654136B2	Tire pressure sensor capable of preventing pressure and moisture damage A tire pressure sensor including a body, a sealing member and a circuit and signal transmission apparatus is provided. The body includes a first casing, a first hole, a receiving portion and a second casing. The receiving portion connects with the first hole passing through the first casing. The sealing member includes a second hole that is set through the rubber component of and communicates with the first hole. The sealing member is located in the receiving portion. The circuit and signal transmission apparatus includes a circuit apparatus and a hole. The hole positioned on the surface of the circuit apparatus communicates with the first hole and second hole to form an air seal channel. The air pressure of the tire is injected through the air seal channel into the hole, and the tire pressure sensor can detect the pressure and temperature of the air of the tire.
US07654135B2	Multiple transmission test system and method A test system for a plurality of transmissions is disclosed. Each of the plurality of transmissions may have a transmission input member and a transmission output member. The test system may have a prime mover. The prime mover may have a prime mover output member configured to connect to the transmission input member of each of the plurality of transmissions. Additionally, the test system may have a plurality of inertia devices. Each of the inertia devices may be configured to connect to the transmission output member of one of the plurality of transmissions via a drive shaft. The test system may also have a controller. The controller may be configured to communicate with the prime mover and the plurality of transmissions to control a transfer of power between the plurality of transmissions.
US07654125B2	Metal forming apparatus Metal forming apparatuses provide enhanced thermal efficiency by reducing thermal conduction from a forming tool to a shield. In one embodiment, a shield extends between a tool and a mounting plate, and is in conductive heat transfer relationship with the tool via a plurality of protuberances. In another embodiment, a shield extends between a tool and a mounting plate, and thermally insulating material separates the tool and the shield.
US07654118B2	Laundry amount sensing apparatus and method for washing machine The present invention discloses a laundry amount sensing apparatus and method for a washing machine. The laundry amount sensing apparatus for the washing machine in which a tub is inclined at a predetermined angle in a non-load state includes a control unit that senses an inclination of the tub, determines a laundry amount corresponding to the sensed inclination of the tub, and controls a spin-drying speed according to the selected laundry amount.
US07654113B2	Apparatus for cooling a filament forming area of a filament forming apparatus A cooling apparatus includes a manifold defining a fluid channel, and also includes a plurality of cooling fins connected to the manifold, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the fins includes porous material.
US07654112B2	Jewelry forming article and method A jewelry forming article utilizes free magnetic bodies and free deformable chains to form various jewelry objects, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and the like. The various jewelry objects are formed by magnetically engaging the surfaces of the free magnetic bodies to two or more regions along a length of the deformable free chains, forming one or more loop circumferences along the length of the chains between the engaging regions, where the loop circumference may be increased or decreased by changing the positions of the engaging regions relative to the surfaces of the magnetic bodies to enable a person to secure the article on his or her body in the form of the various jewelry objects.
US07654109B2	Refrigerating system with economizing cycle The invention relates to refrigerating systems, primarily, to refrigerating systems employing compressors with economizing inlets and multi-pass condensers. In accordance with the invention a refrigerating system with economizing cycle employs a compressor unit with an economizer inlet and a condenser unit having a first condensation stage, a second condensation stage, and means to remove liquid refrigerant portion between the condensation stages. An intermediate liquid outlet from the first condensation stage feeds a circuit with the evaporator and a liquid outlet from the second condensation stage feeds a circuit with the economizer inlet. The invention provides a high efficiency refrigerating system incorporating of advantages of cost-effectiveness provision of liquid sub-cooling or/and liquid temperature inherent for refrigerating systems with economizing cycle and cost-effectiveness advantages of two-stage condensation condensers.
US07654107B2	Low-temperature storage A low-temperature storage cooled/maintained in an ultra low temperature range, in which door lowering is automatically modified by an opening/closing operation of a thermal insulating door, and a concave/convex portion which is a contact portion with respect to a door switch disposed on the door can be secured. The low-temperature storage includes a thermal insulation box main body having an opening in a front surface thereof; a thermal insulating door openably/closably attached to the thermal insulation box main body by a plurality of hinges to close the opening; and a cooling device which cools a storage chamber formed by the door and the main body, wherein a spacer having a guide surface to forcibly correct door lowering by a closing operation of the thermal insulating door is disposed on a side on which any hinge is not disposed.
US07654106B2	No-frost refrigerator A no-frost refrigerator having an opening in a separating wall for the through passage of air between a storage chamber and an evaporation chamber. A control element is arranged in the opening and can be displaced or shifted between positions in which the control element covers the opening to different extents. The control element can be rotated about an axis substantially perpendicular to an axis or plane of the air passage opening.
US07654104B2	Heat pump system with multi-stage compression A multi-compressor heat pump system configured to provide heating and cooling over a range of ambient temperatures. The compressors can be operated independently and alone or together in series for maximum output. Heat exchangers are selectively fluidically connected to the compressors to enable refrigerant flow between the compressors and at least two heat exchangers in a manner that enables the heat pump system to be selectively operable in various modes. Preferred aspects include selectively operating the compressors based on the ratio of the evaporating and condensing pressures of the refrigerant within the heat pump system, a mixing chamber between the compressors, and a lubricant management system to prevent the accumulation of a lubricant in one of the compressors.
US07654100B2	Method and apparatus for high heat flux heat transfer The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for high heat flux heat transfer. The subject invention can be utilized to transfer heat from a heat source to a coolant such that the transferred heat can be effectively transported to another location. Examples of heat sources from which heat can be transferred from include, for example, fluids and surfaces. The coolant to which the heat is transferred can be sprayed onto a surface which is in thermal contact with the heat source, such that the coolant sprayed onto the surface in thermal contact with the heat absorbs heat from the surface and carries the absorbed heat away as the coolant leaves the surface. The surface can be, for example, the surface of an interface plate in thermal contact with the heat source or a surface integral with the heat source. The coolant sprayed onto the surface can initially be a liquid and remain a liquid after absorbing the heat, or can in part or in whole be converted to a gas or vapor after absorbing the heat. The coolant can be sprayed onto the surface, for example, as a stream of liquid after being atomized, or in other ways which allow the coolant to contact the surface and absorb heat. Once the heat is absorbed by the coolant, the coolant can be transported to another location so as to transport the absorbed heat as well.
US07654099B2	Air conditioner and air conditioner duct An air conditioner has an air conditioning unit for conditioning air to be introduced into a passenger compartment. The air conditioning unit has an air passage, an air conditioning case defining at least a part of the air passage and a noise absorbing member having a multi-layer structure. The noise absorbing member defines at least a part of the air passage. The noise absorbing member has an unbreathable middle layer, a first noise absorbing layer on an inner side of the middle layer and a second noise absorbing layer on an outer side of the middle layer. The second noise absorbing layer has a hardness greater than that of the first noise absorbing layer to maintain the shape of the noise absorbing member. Also, an air conditioner duct is formed of the multi-layer structure.
US07654093B2	Method of adjusting a triggering clearance and a trigger A method of adjusting a triggering clearance and a trigger wherein the triggering clearance can be readily adjusted directly on the assembly line by selectively fixing an axial adjustive position between first and second triggering members.
US07654087B2	Compact compound engine package A compound cycle engine (10) comprises a compressor (19) and a turbine section (16 & 20), and at least one cycle topping device (12) cooperating with the turbine section (16 & 20) to provide power. The cycle topping device (12) has an output shaft (26) extending at an angle to the turbine shaft (28). Angled gearing (34) is provided for connecting the gas turbine shaft (28) and the cycle topping device (12).
US07654085B2	System of an induced flow machine A system of an internal combustion engine which is induced by an air flow amplifier via a turbine and centrifugal compressor, one side of which is mechanically and pneumatically connected to the turbine and the other side with an air intake of the internal combustion engine. The operation of the engine induction system can be enhanced by using an intercooler that supplies a cooled primary flow of compressed air to the air amplifier. The use of the engine induction system without a turbocharger and, hence, without hot exhaust gases, makes it possible to utilize light magnesium alloys for parts of the turbine and compressor and thus to reduce the weight of the system as a whole.
US07654083B2	Axle driving apparatus for a zero turn radius vehicle An axle driving apparatus includes a first housing having a plurality of cooling fins, an axle rotatably mounted in the first housing, a hydraulic stepless speed change assembly disposed within the first housing. The axle driving apparatus also includes a second housing having a plurality of cooling fins, an axle rotatably mounted in the second housing, a hydraulic stepless speed change assembly disposed within the second housing. A connecting means, such as a bar and/or plate connects the first and second housings. The plurality of cooling fins on the first housing has a different configuration that the plurality of cooling fins on the second housing.
US07654082B2	System of underwater power generation An underwater power generation system (10) that has a line member (30) that moves along a defined pathway. A number of foils (40) drive the line member using the flow of a water current. The defined pathway lies in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the flow of water current. A power take-off (114, 124) is connected to the line to produce power.
US07654079B2	Diesel oxidation catalyst filter heating system A system, method, and software that rapidly heats a diesel oxidation catalyst unit to an effective operating temperature at engine startup is disclosed. Upon ignition of an engine an electronic control unit is operable to lower a fresh air flow target value to a reduced fresh air flow target value as well as lower a valve opening limit of an exhaust gas recirculation valve to a reduced valve opening limit. The electronic control unit monitors a temperature value of a flow of exhaust entering the diesel oxidation catalyst unit until the temperature value reaches a first predetermined threshold value. After reaching the first predetermined threshold value, the electronic control unit causes the fuel system to set post-injection fueling to a predetermined post-injection fueling value until the temperature value of the flow of exhaust entering the diesel oxidation catalyst unit reaches a second predetermined threshold value.
US07654077B2	Method for controlling an operation of a heatable exhaust-gas sensor of a motor vehicle A method is for controlling the operation of an exhaust-gas sensor disposed in an exhaust duct of a motor vehicle and equipped with an internal or external sensor heating device, the motor vehicle including a combustion engine and an automatic switchoff, which causes an automatic switching off of the combustion engine when at least one stop condition is present. It is provided that: (a) following an automatic switching off of the combustion engine by the automatic switchoff, a first future instant is determined at which the exhaust-gas temperature in the exhaust duct will drop below a condensation temperature below which condensate precipitation from the exhaust gas may occur; (b) a second instant is determined at which a heat output of the sensor heating device must be interrupted or reduced so that a sensor temperature of the exhaust-gas sensor will have dropped to a maximally allowed sensor temperature no later than the first future instant; and the heat output of the sensor heating device is interrupted or reduced when the second instant is attained.
US07654073B2	Power generating systems and methods A power-generating system is provided for operating adiabatically and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. The system may include gas reactors and/or combustors that burn a fuel and an oxygen-containing gas under substantially adiabatic conditions such that high-pressure combustion products and low pressure combustor housing cooling air are combined to produce a medium pressure working fluid. Higher thermal efficiencies reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Products of combustion can be processed to further reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from portable and stationary exhaust-producing devices using different fuels. The system may also include solar collectors that pick up a spectrum of solar energy by means of cells containing fluids, aligned to concentrate the solar rays. The collectors may pick up direct and/or diffused solar radiation and can be used to power self-propelled vehicles or function as a roof of a building.
US07654068B2	Device for adjusting the position of the post-accelerator in an agricultural harvesting machine In a device for adjusting the crop material passage at the post-accelerator in an agricultural harvesting machine, in particular in a self-propelled forage harvester that includes at least one front attachment for picking up the crop material, and that is assigned to at least one processing device, the crop material handed off by the processing device passes through at least one post-accelerator, which is at least partially enclosed by a machine housing and is movable relative to the machine housing via a displacing mechanism, while the post-accelerator is fixed on the machine housing is position such that it is decoupled from the displacing mechanism.
US07654060B2	Reinforced blow-molded plastic panels and structures A partition system may include one or more panels. A panel may be constructed using blow-molded plastic. A panel may include one or more depressions, which may be aligned with one or more depressions on an opposing side of the panel. The depressions may provide additional structural integrity for a panel. The depressions on opposing sides of the panel may extend toward and engage each other. The panels may include patterns with which one or more depressions may intersect. The panels may include symmetric patterns on opposing sides. The partition system may include one or more connectors adapted to receive a portion of one or more panels. The partition system may include one or more feet that may be attached to one or more panels. The panels may include one or more reinforcing members of various shapes disposed proximate one or more edges of a panel.
US07654056B2	Rotor-disc connecting member for a glass curtain wall or roofing The present invention relates to a rotor-disc connecting member for a glass curtain wall or roofing, comprising: a support abutment, one end connecting with a truss frame, and the other end connecting with an interconnecting part; and the interconnecting part connecting with one end of at least two support arms. The support abutment connects with the interconnecting part via a ball pivot, and the support arms hinge with the interconnecting part. The present invention is a simple structure and conveniently assembled during the construction phase of a glass curtain wall or roofing.
US07654054B2	Floor panels with edge connectors Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
US07654053B1	Concrete vapor barrier integrity system The present invention provides a device and method to maintain the integrity of a vapor barrier for use with concrete slab on grade construction. In accordance with the present invention an apparatus to repair a punctured concrete slab vapor barrier includes a substantially planar concrete slab vapor barrier patch having a resealable aperture to receive a removable, substantially upright support. The patch is secured to the existing vapor barrier and the concrete is poured and substantially set. The support is removed and the malleable concrete flows, causing the engagement of the resealable aperture, thereby repairing the punctured vapor barrier.
US07654047B2	Expandable form for mixed-capsules foam structural member A method for forming an expandable member is provided. The method including: expanding a covering to define a cavity; and expanding foam in the cavity in an expansion direction to expand the covering into a predetermined shape.
US07654044B2	Hurricane protection system A window or door with a radially extending metal or vinyl casing flange mounted in an opening of a building having vinyl siding is protected from hurricanes and other violent weather by providing a panel having dimensions greater than the opening and bracket receiving slots; and a plurality of L-shaped brackets having base plates and perpendicular mounting plates. The bracket base plates are inserted between the window flange and the vinyl siding and secured to the building with fasteners, which are inserted into a wooden frame surrounding the building opening. The panel is then positioned over the opening, with the mounting plates inserted through the slots. The panel is secured in place by temporary fasteners, such as cotter keys.
US07654039B2	Method of controlling a closure drive system of a motor vehicle A method for controlling a closure drive system of a motor vehicle utilizes a control device that includes a pinch protection circuit. A supply voltage across the control device is measured, and depending on the supply voltage, a differentiation is made as to whether the pinch protection circuit is operated with pinch protection parameters for a stationary vehicle or a moving vehicle.
US07654037B2	Method to improve plant somatic embryo germination from manufactured seed The invention provides methods for improving germination of manufactured seeds. In some embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of (a) incubating a plant somatic embryo under suitable conditions for reducing the size of the embryo to produce a compact plant somatic embryo and (b) assembling the compact plant somatic embryo of step (a) into a manufactured seed.
US07654035B2	Device for the creation of containment barriers for cold air in atmospheric conditions corresponding to radiation frosts A method for generating a pneumatic barrier with a device that operates in a stratified atmosphere associated with the occurrence of radiation frost. This device takes cold and dense air found close to the ground by means of an axial fan with a vertical axle that propels the air upward to an elbow that forces the airflow to make a 90° turn. The airflow discharged from the device through the outlet section forms a jet with a horizontal axis. The jet's vertical cross-section, perpendicular to its axis, has a rectangular shape and sides that grow with the distance to the outlet. The momentum transported by the jet is able to create at a certain distance from the outlet a pneumatic barrier that fits the jet's section. This pneumatic barrier faces an air mass that is colder and denser than the air transported by the jet and prevents such colder and denser air from advancing toward the device.
US07654031B2	Trolling apparatus and method of use A trolling apparatus and method of use are provided. According to one aspect, a trolling apparatus includes a frame including an upper line guide positioned toward a rear portion of the frame and operable to engage a fishing line during a release state and a lower line guide coupled to the rear portion of the frame and operable to engage the fishing line during a retained state. The apparatus further includes a line retainer operable to be coupled to a holder aft of the lower line guide and a release mechanism operable to engage a portion of the line retainer to provide the retained state and the released state.
US07654030B2	Rabbit ear no-gaff spear The present invention includes a spear tip that is removably mounted onto the upper end of a spear shaft, which is securely engaged upon the upper end of a handle. A rubber band secures the spear tip to the upper end of the spear shaft. Spear tip has a conical portion integrally formed upon the top of a cylindrical portion. A cable is fixed to the spear point by passing the end of cable through a transverse passageway formed through the cylindrical portion below conical portion and forming a loop at the end of the cable. A pair of parallel rabbit ears is affixed to opposing sides of the cylindrical portion. The cable is adapted with a quick connect/disconnect mechanism.
US07654021B2	Three-dimensional image retainer A 3-D image retainer is configured to have a plurality of perforated retainer plates and a retainer assembly displaceable to lock selectively impressed pins, which traverse the retained plates, in the desired position corresponding to the 3-D contour of the applied load.
US07654019B2	Quick coupling mechanism for tool attachment A quick coupling apparatus for coupling a tool to a tool arm comprises a coupler member attached to the tool arm, and configured to engage a mounting bracket extending out from the tool. A wedge is mounted on the coupler member and is movable, when the coupler member and mounting bracket are engaged, from a closed position engaged in a groove on the mounting bracket to an open position where the wedge is removed from the groove. A wedge positioning mechanism selectively moves the wedge to the closed position and the open position. When the wedge moves into the groove and into the closed position, a remotely operated latch control moves a safety latch from an unlatched position to a latched position to prevent the wedge from moving toward the open position. The wedge positioning mechanism can be configured to utilize a single or double acting actuator.
US07654015B2	Bowling shoes with interchangeable heels A shoe with a removable and interchangeable heel that may be removably secured to a heel region of a shoe sole, thus, allowing a user to adjust a way the shoe engages a ground surface. The shoe includes an attachment system for removably securing the removable and interchangeable heel to the heel region of the shoe sole, the attachment system comprising a magnetic fastener between the removable and interchangeable heel and the heel region of the shoe sole.
US07654004B2	Hand tool having fixed and rotatable implements and an associated locking mechanism A hand tool is provided that includes both a fixed implement and a folding or rotatable implement, thereby taking advantage of the security and reliability of a fixed hand tool while also providing an additional implement in order to increase the utility of the resulting hand tool. In order to facilitate use of both fixed and rotatable implements, also provided are a locking mechanism, such as for individually locking the rotatable implement and the handle relative to the fixed implement, and a compound tool that can serve as the rotatable implement in order to mate with and receive at least a portion of the fixed implement, such as in instances in which both the fixed and rotatable implements are deployed.
US07654002B2	Side member for a vehicle A side member for a vehicle is formed by an extruded profile as well as a closed profile which are both constructed as open profiles with an approximately L-shaped cross-section. On the interior side of the extruded profile, a hollow chamber is situated which is removed in sections along the longitudinal course of the side member in order to achieve a targeted compression behavior (folding) of the side member in the event of an impact of the vehicle. Bushes for receiving the chassis components are inserted in the extruded profile. Like the partial weakening of the hollow chamber, the insertion of bushes takes place before the closing of the side member by connecting the profiles.
US07654000B2	Modular fuel nozzle and method of making A modular fuel nozzle configuration is defined which permits lower-cost manufacturing operations such as injection moulding to be employed. Also described is a method of making such a component.
US07653998B1	Wound process element and method of production A wound process element and method of assembly wherein at least one dimpling element is positioned between the outer perimeter of a wound element strip and an outer holding band.
US07653995B2	Weld repair of superalloy materials A method of weld repairing a superalloy material at ambient temperature without causing cracking of the base material. A superalloy material such as CM-247 LC, as is commonly used in gas turbine blade applications, is subjected to an overage pre-weld heat treatment in order to grow the volume percentage of gamma prime precipitate in the material to a level sufficient to permit ambient temperature welding without cracking. CM-247 LC material is heated in a vacuum furnace at a rate of about 0.5° C. per minute to an intermediate temperature of about 885° C. The material is then gas fan quenched to a temperature of about 52° C. to grow the gamma prime precipitate percentage to about 55%. A fusion repair weld may then be performed on the material at an ambient temperature using a filler material having a chemistry matching a chemistry of the base material.
US07653988B2	Method for order receipt production of electric wire and its order receipt production system A method and a system of manufacturing electric wires by ordering, possible to save the cost and materials, is provided. A system includes an order-receiving section, a manufacturing section and a coloring/cutting section. The order-receiving section receives orders of electric wires, and outputs a first datum of amount of electric wires DT1, informing a length of a monochromatic electric wire, and outputs a second datum of amount of electric wires DT2, informing lengths for respective colors of electric wires. The manufacturing section manufactures a monochromatic electric wire according to the first datum DT1 and conveys the electric wire to the coloring/cutting section. The coloring/cutting section colors and cuts the electric wire according to the second datum DT2.
US07653987B2	Wire-holding device A device for holding electrical wires that supply power to an in-wheel motor. A clamp for restricting movement of the electrical wires only in a longitudinal direction is provided to a front area in which the electrical wires fixed at one ends to the motor are bent at about 90°. A fixing member for fixing the rotation and longitudinal movement of the wires is provided in proximity to the power source.
US07653985B1	Method of fabricating an RF MEMS switch with spring-loaded latching mechanism Disclosed are methods for fabricating a micro-electro-mechanical switch. The switch has a cantilever arm disposed on a substrate that can be moved in orthogonal directions for latching and unlatching. For latching, the cantilever arm is moved back by a comb-drive actuator and then pulled down by electrodes disposed on the substrate and the cantilever arm. The comb-drive actuator switch is then released and the cantilever arm moves forward to be captured by a dove-tail structure on the substrate. When the voltage is removed, the cantilever arm is held in place by the dove-tail structure. The switch is unlatched by actuating the comb-drive actuator to move the cantilever arm away from the dove-tail structure. The cantilever arm will then pop up once it is released from the dove-tail structure.
US07653982B2	Individually unique hybrid printed antennae for chipless RFID applications A method of printing chipless RFID tags with unique features, includes printing a RFID antenna pattern precursor using a first printing process, wherein the RFID antenna pattern precursor includes a plurality of disconnected wire segments; and printing a conductive ink using a second print process to interconnect at least two of the plurality of disconnected wire segments, to produce a final RFID antenna with a unique antenna geometry.
US07653980B2	Spin milled grooves for a golf club The present invention is directed to a method of forming a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves have sharp edges, radiused ends, and a draft angle between about 2° and 12°. The striking face is machined such that it has a uniform texture with a roughness of more than 40 Ra.
US07653979B2	Method for forming ballistic joints A bullet trap is disclosed which is formed without intervening sidewalls to enable cross-shooting and the like with reduced risk or ricochet or damage to the bullet trap. Furthermore, the bullet trap can be configured in a variety of ways to eliminate the need for facing plates while providing a removable attachment mechanism, to enable repair on the trap, to reduce bullet adhesion to the trap and to provide improved containment of lead and improved access to the trap.
US07653977B2	System and method for machining body parts, wherein robots are synchronised with a conveyor belt A method and a system are provided for machining, especially for joining work pieces (2) in the shell of a body structure. The work pieces are transported in a continuous manner along a transfer line (3) by a conveyor (5) and are machined by several robots (7, 8) which are preferably arranged in a stationary manner on the transfer line. The robots (7, 8) are synchronized with the conveying movement of the workpieces (2). The movement and the position of the workpieces (2) are detected by a sensor system (13) which informs a control system (12) which controls the conveyors (5) and the robots (7,8). The machining system (1) can comprise a monitoring system (11) provided with an optical image detection system, which enables synchronization to be monitored and possibly retroactively adjusted.
US07653975B2	Clamping apparatus of a puller A clamping apparatus of a puller includes a first clamping element, two second clamping elements, four pivoting elements and three adjusting rod modules. Each pivoting element is pivotally coupled to both ends of the first clamping element and an end of each second clamping element corresponding to the first clamping element. Another end of each second clamping element has a transverse penetrating hole. One of the adjusting rod modules is passed through a penetrating hole of each second clamping element, and the other two adjusting rod modules are passed through the penetrating hole of each pivoting element, so that the adjusting rod modules are arranged substantially in a triangular shape. The pivoting element is installed between the clamping elements for pivotally turning each adjusting rod module and automatically guiding to the central position and increasing the range between the clamping elements for mounting and installing a bearing easily.
US07653969B2	Three-piece hinge A three-piece hinge supports a two-panel window assembly in a frame. The hinge includes a base member securable to the frame, a first pivot member pivotably coupled with the base member at a first pivot joint, and a second pivot member pivotably coupled with the base member at a second pivot joint spaced from the first pivot joint. The first and second pivot members each have a glass channel for supporting a panel of the two-panel window assembly. In one arrangement, an insert is secured in a pivoting path of the second pivot member to thereby limit a pivot range of the second pivot member. The hinge eliminates the significant machining time required for prior hinge designs, thereby resulting in a simpler less expensive hinge.
US07653965B1	System and method for carpet cleaning A system and method for carpet cleaning for cleaning carpets along longer runs from a central tank and vacuum assembly while using less chemicals. The system and method for carpet cleaning includes a central tank and vacuum assembly, a wand assembly, and a hose assembly. The central tank and vacuum assembly facilitates the routing of clean and waste water and creates vacuum pressure for recapturing water applied to a carpet being cleaned. The wand assembly is designed for applying clean water to a carpet to be cleaned, and for recapturing the water in the form of waste water from the carpet. The hose assembly includes a first end operationally coupled to the central tank and vacuum assembly, and a second end operationally coupled to the wand assembly. The hose assembly is used to conduct water and waste water between the wand assembly and the central tank and vacuum assembly.
US07653964B2	Apparatus for adjusting height of suction brush An apparatus for adjusting a height of a suction brush for use in a vacuum cleaner includes a height adjusting knob rotatably disposed in an inserting recess formed in the suction brush, and having an inclined part formed thereon, so that a height of the suction brush from a surface to be cleaned is varied as a position of the height adjusting knob rotated, a supporting member to support the suction brush in contact with the inclined part thus to allow the suction brush to be ascended and descended by the inclined part, and a passage disposed between an inner circumferential surface of the inserting recess and an outer circumferential surface of the height adjusting knob to pass fine dirt therethrough. With the passage, the fine dirt is not tied up between the inner circumferential surface of the inserting recess and the outer circumferential surface of the height adjusting knob. Accordingly, the rotation of the height adjusting knob is not restricted or obstructed due to the fine dirt.
US07653962B2	Retractable hose for central vacuum cleaning system The invention includes a central vacuum system for use in a dwelling. The system features a vacuum unit having an exhaust outlet and a vacuum inlet connected to a fixed gooseneck shaped tube, a flexible cloth hose having a first end and a second end, where the first end is operatively connected to the gooseneck shaped tube with clamping means and the second end contains means for connecting a vacuum attachment. The gooseneck tube contains a flange to engage the clamp attached to the hose so that the hose cannot be pulled from the vacuum system during use. The flexible hose is adapted to extend from the vacuum unit within the dwelling and out through a wall orifice provided to access a living space of the dwelling. The hose is manually collapsible over the tube by a user when the system is not in use.
US07653958B2	Multi-directional actuator for a pump A steam mop having a main body including a water pump for pumping water from a water tank to a steam generator in response to any movement of the mop is provided. Movement of the mop causes a pump actuator to slide within a frame. The actuator has a camming surface with a pump piston rod biased against the camming surface that causes the pump piston rod to move in and out of a pump cylinder when the actuator moves. This operates a the pump to pump water to the steam generator for feeding steam to a steam pad mounted on a mop steam frame connected to the steam generator outlet.
US07653955B2	Washing machine and method for guiding use of the same A washing machine and a method for guiding use of the same are disclosed. The method for guiding use of a washing machine having an LCD includes the steps of displaying at least one or more washing strokes on the LCD if a user selects a washing following menu displayed in the LCD by applying a power source, selecting a desired washing stroke from the displayed washing strokes, and displaying a guide message for processing the selected washing stroke. The method provides the user with convenience for use and processes the exact washing stroke.
US07653954B2	Lift system for a patient-support apparatus A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck coupled to first and second lift systems configured to lift the patient-support deck relative to the floor. The lift systems each include a pair of supports and a carriage coupled to the patient-support deck and suspended from the supports by tethers which are wound and unwound to raise and lower the patient-support deck.
US07653951B2	Flushing device comprising a pressurized chamber and evacuation fitting for a flushing device and system comprising a flushing device and a toilet bowl A flushing device comprising an evacuation fitting (6) that is provided with a sealing member (7) within a pressurized container (2). The sealing member (7) is lifted counter to the pressure of a piston (16) in order to initiate the flushing process. A connecting device (39) for a water pipe (24) is disposed on the container (2). The flushing device further comprises a structure (49, 50) for flushing with a partial quantity of the flushing water. For example, the structure (49, 50) is provided with a power-loaded part (50) which moves the valve member (7) down onto the valve seat (5) of the evacuation fitting (6) when the flushing process is interrupted. In an alternative embodiment, two chambers are provided, only one of which is emptied during partial flushing. Flushing water can be conserved by the fact that the flushing process can be interrupted.
US07653950B2	Stiffening device for apparel In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates a T-shaped stiffening device to prevent a trouser leg from becoming entangled between the foot and a shoe, particularly and open-back shoe, of a wearer. Accordingly, the device includes a stiffening device having a central stiffening member arranged between two opposing layers, one layer having an exterior face having an adhesive. One method of use includes locating an interior portion of a trouser leg, preferably near the hem-line, where stiffening is desired and arranging the device vertically starting at the hem-line at a rear portion of the interior portion of the trouser leg. Finally, adhering the device to the interior portion of the trouser leg using an adhesive provided on the device.
US07653949B2	Mitten-sleeve combination for a winter garment A winter weather garment, such as an undergarment or a middle layer of winter wear, which has mittens with an extended forearm section permanently attached to the end of the sleeves so that the elements of winter never come into contact with the wearer's forearm or wrist area. The garment typically precludes the wearer, such as a child, from removing the mitten end without the assistance of an adult. The garment typically has a torso portion for substantially covering the torso of the wearer, a left distal portion, and a right distal portion, with each distal portion being permanently attached to the torso portion and protecting the respective left or right hand, wrist and forearm of the wearer from the outside elements.

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