最新美国发明专利第2010-02-16期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US07662702B2	Method for manufacturing a crystalline silicon layer A method of forming a crystalline silicon layer on a microrough face of a substrate by reducing the microroughness of the face and then performing a metal induced crystallization process on the face is disclosed.
US07662697B2	Method of forming isolation structure of semiconductor device A method of forming a semiconductor device includes etching a semiconductor substrate to form a first trench having a first width and a first depth; etching the semiconductor substrate to form a second trench having a second width and a second depth, the second trench overlapping the first trench, the second width being greater than the first width, the second depth being less than the first depth, whereby a trench having a dual structure is formed; and forming a first isolation structure within the trench having the dual structure. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of forming an isolation structure of a semiconductor device.
US07662694B2	Capacitor having adjustable capacitance, and printed wiring board having the same The capacitance of a capacitor is adjusted by forming openings in one of a pair of electrodes of the capacitor, the openings having different sizes d1, d2, d3, . . . , wherein d1>d2>d3> . . . and being arranged in numbers n1, n2, n3, . . . , respectively; and sequentially filling a necessary number of the openings with an electroconductive material in descending order of the size so as to adjust the capacitance gradually with an increasing degree of precision. The resulting capacitor is mounted to a printed wiring board.
US07662693B2	Lanthanide dielectric with controlled interfaces Methods and devices for a dielectric are provided. One method embodiment includes forming a passivation layer on a substrate, wherein the passivation layer contains a composition of silicon, oxygen, and nitrogen. The method also includes forming a lanthanide dielectric film on the passivation layer, and forming an encapsulation layer on the lanthanide dielectric film.
US07662692B2	Integrated process for thin film resistors with silicides The formation of devices in semiconductor material is provided using an HF/HCL cleaning process. In one embodiment, the method includes forming at least one hard mask overlaying at least one layer of resistive material. Forming at least one opening to a working surface of a silicon substrate of the semiconductor device. Cleaning the semiconductor device with a diluted HF/HCL process. The HF/HCL process including, applying a dilute of HF for a select amount of time and applying a dilute of HCL for a specific amount of time. After cleaning with the diluted HF/HCL process, forming a silicide contact junction in the at least one of the opening to the working surface of the silicon substrate and forming interconnect metal layers.
US07662687B2	Semiconductor memory having charge trapping memory cells and fabrication method thereof A semiconductor memory having charge trapping memory cells and fabrication method thereof. The direction of current flow of each channel region of the memory transistors runs transversely with respect to the relevant word line, the bit lines are arranged on the top side of the word lines and in a manner electrically insulated from the latter, and electrically conductive local interconnects of source-drain regions are present, which are arranged in sections in interspaces between the word lines and in a manner electrically insulated from the latter and connected to the bit lines, wherein gate electrodes are arranged in trenches at least partly formed in the memory substrate.
US07662684B2	Method for reducing poly-depletion in dual gate CMOS fabrication process Disclosed is a method for reducing poly-depletion in a dual gate CMOS fabrication process. The method reduces the poly-depletion in a dual gate CMOS fabrication process by increasing the doping efficiency in a gate polysilicon film. In order to increase the doping efficiency, the method employs the following four technical principles. First, the doping efficiency is increased when the dose of N+ ion implantation is increased. Second, the doping efficiency is increased when the thickness of N+ polysilicon is reduced. Third, the increase of depletion caused by the reduction of the channel width is inhibited when the EFH is adjusted to be less than 0. Fourth, the overall doping efficiency is increased when each step of polysilicon deposition and ion implantation is divided into multiple steps.
US07662667B2	Die rearrangement package structure using layout process to form a compliant configuration A die rearrangement package structure is provided, which includes a die that having an active surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of pads is disposed on the active surface; a package body is provided to cover a die and the active surface being exposed; a polymer material with at least one slit is provided to cover the active surface and the pads is exposed from said slits; one ends of a plurality of metal traces is electrically connected to each pads; a protective layer is provided to cover the active surface of the dies and each metal traces, and the other ends of the metal traces being exposed; a plurality of connecting elements is electrically connected other ends of the metal traces, the characterized in that: the package body is a B-stage material.
US07662666B2	Method of processing wafer An underfill material is provided on the surface of a wafer in such a manner as to cover bumps, then the wafer is irradiated with a laser beam from the surface thereof and along planned cutting lines so as to remove an insulation layer and the underfill material present over the planned cutting lines, and the debris generated in this instance are deposited on the underfill material and are thereby prevented from being deposited on the wafer surface and/or on the bumps. Subsequently, a surface layer of the underfill material is cut so as to make the bumps flush in height and to expose the tips of the bumps.
US07662664B2	Electronic circuit in a package-on-package configuration and method for producing the same An electronic circuit in a package-on-package configuration includes: a lower subassembly with a first electronic element, a first wiring carrier, a first housing with a first redistribution layer and an arrangement of solder balls disposed on the first redistribution layer and an upper subassembly with a second electronic element mounted on the lower subassembly. A method for producing the electronic circuit in a package-on-package configuration includes: adhering an upper side of the first electronic element to an underside of the first redistribution layer via a radiation-crosslinking thermoplastic adhesive.
US07662661B2	Method of manufacturing a substrate structure for increasing cutting precision and strength thereof A method of manufacturing a substrate structure includes the steps of: (1) providing a metal substrate having a metal portion; (2) chemically etching a plurality of trenches in the metal substrate; (3) applying a polymer composite material into the trenches to form a substrate having a polymer composite portion abutted to the metal portion; (4) polishing a surface of the substrate to make a height of the polymer composite portion equal to that of the metal portion; (5) forming a covering material on the surface of the substrate; and (6) cutting the substrate via the polymer composite portion for decreasing cutting bur produced on the metal portion. Furthermore, the method is provided for combining the metal substrate and the polymer composite material, thereby to increase cutting precision and strength of the substrate structure.
US07662660B2	Thin film transistor array substrate and fabrication method thereof A thin film transistor array substrate is disclosed. A gate electrode is disposed overlying a substrate. A gate dielectric layer covers the substrate and the gate electrode. A semiconductor layer is disposed overlying the gate dielectric layer, wherein the semiconductor layer comprises a channel. A source electrode electrically connects a portion of the semiconductor layer on one side of the channel, and a drain electrode electrically connects a portion of the semiconductor layer on the other side of the channel, in which the drain electrode does not overlap the gate electrode.
US07662659B2	Methods of forming arrays of nanoscale building blocks The invention is a method of producing an array, or multiple arrays of quantum dots. Single dots, as well as two or three-dimensional groupings may be created. The invention involves the transfer of quantum dots from a receptor site on a substrate where they are originally created to a separate substrate or layer, with a repetition of the process and a variation in the original pattern to create different structures.
US07662655B2	Vacuum packaged single crystal silicon device A method for forming a vibrating micromechanical structure having a single crystal silicon (SCS) micromechanical resonator formed using a two-wafer process, including either a Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) or insulating base and resonator wafers, wherein resonator anchors, capacitive air gap, isolation trenches, and alignment marks are micromachined in an active layer of the base wafer; the active layer of the resonator wafer is bonded directly to the active layer of the base wafer; the handle and dielectric layers of the resonator wafer are removed; windows are opened in the active layer of the resonator wafer; masking the active layer of the resonator wafer with photoresist; a SCS resonator is machined in the active layer of the resonator wafer using silicon dry etch micromachining technology; and the photoresist is subsequently dry stripped. A patterned SCS cover is bonded to the resonator wafer resulting in hermetically sealed chip scale wafer level vacuum packaged devices.
US07662654B2	Vacuum packaged single crystal silicon device A method for forming a vibrating micromechanical structure having a single crystal silicon (SCS) micromechanical resonator formed using a two-wafer process, including either a Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) or insulating base and resonator wafers, wherein resonator anchors, capacitive air gap, isolation trenches, and alignment marks are micromachined in an active layer of the base wafer; the active layer of the resonator wafer is bonded directly to the active layer of the base wafer; the handle and dielectric layers of the resonator wafer are removed; windows are opened in the active layer of the resonator wafer; masking the active layer of the resonator wafer with photoresist; a SCS resonator is machined in the active layer of the resonator wafer using silicon dry etch micromachining technology; and the photoresist is subsequently dry stripped. A patterned SCS cover is bonded to the resonator wafer resulting in hermetically sealed chip scale wafer level vacuum packaged devices.
US07662653B2	Method of manufacturing a hermetic chamber with electrical feedthroughs A method of manufacturing a hermetically-sealed chamber with an electrical feedthrough includes the step of hermetically fixing an electrode to a substrate in a predetermined location on the substrate. A passage is formed through the substrate through the predetermined location such that at least a portion of the electrode is exposed to the passage. The passage is then at least partially filled with an electrically conductive material. A housing is then formed including the substrate such that the housing defines a chamber, with the electrode being disposed within the housing and the chamber being hermetically sealed. The electrode within the chamber can be placed in electrical communication with an exterior electrical component by way of the electrically conductive material in the passage.
US07662652B2	Chemical sensor using semiconducting metal oxide nanowires Indium oxide nanowires are used for determining information about different chemicals or Biologics. Chemicals are absorbed to the surface of the nanowires, and cause the semiconducting characteristics of the Nanowires to change. These changed characteristics are sensed, and used to determine either the presence of the materials and/or the concentration of the materials. The nanowires may be between 10 and 30 nm in diameter, formed using a comparable size particle of catalyst material. The nanowires may then be used as part of the channel of a field effect transistor, and the field effect transistor is itself characterized.
US07662643B2	Reduction of the hook effect in membrane-based assay devices A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a chromatographic zone on which is disposed a plurality of microporous particles. The chromatographic zone can effectively reduce the “hook effect” in a simple, efficient, and relatively inexpensive manner. In particular, the plurality of microporous particles allows larger-sized analyte/probe complexes to reach the detection zone before the uncomplexed analyte. Because the uncomplexed analyte is substantially inhibited from competing with the complexes for the binding sites at the detection zone, the incidence of “false negatives” may be limited, even at relatively high analyte concentrations.
US07662637B2	Sensitive detection of urea and related compounds in water Methods and apparatus (FIG. 4a) are disclosed for selective and very sensitive detection of certain hydrolyzable compounds, especially urea, in water by hydrolyzing said hydrolyzable compounds in a sample of the water to one or more carbon dioxide group compounds and determining the difference in the carbon dioxide content of the water and the hydrolyzed sample using conductivity measurements or other carbon dioxide detector outputs.
US07662634B2	Method and device for determining the isomer composition in isocyanate production processes The invention relates to a method for determining the isomer composition in an isocyanate isomer mixture, wherein a spectrum of the isomer mixture is recorded and the spectrum is entered into a chemometric calibration model.
US07662633B2	Method of screening for inhibitors of osteopontin Amino acids 136 to 142 and amino acids 162 to 168 of human osteopontin constitute two sites at which osteopontin interacts with α4 integrins. Products capable of disrupting those interactions are useful in therapy, particularly in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
US07662631B2	Sample analyzers, bacteria analyzers, and solutions for diluting and cleaning Sample analyzers for analyzing a sample are described that include a pipette for suctioning the sample; a sample preparation unit for preparing a measured sample by diluting the sample supplied by the pipette with an acidic solution; a pipette washing unit for washing the pipette with the acidic solution; a detection unit for obtaining a detection signal from the measured sample prepared by the sample preparation unit; and a controller for calculating an analysis result from the detection signal obtained by the detection unit. Bacteria analyzers for analyzing bacteria and solutions for use in sample analyzers are also described.
US07662627B2	Adeno-associated virus materials and methods The present invention provides adeno-associated virus (AAV) materials and methods which are useful for DNA delivery to cells. More particularly, the invention provides recombinant AAV (rAAV) genomes, methods for packaging rAAV genomes, stable host cell lines producing rAAV and methods for delivering genes of interest to cells utilizing the rAAV. Particularly disclosed are rAAV useful in generating immunity to human immunodeficiency virus-1 and in therapeutic gene delivery for treatment of neurological disorders.
US07662625B2	Methods for detecting the differentiation status of cells using 5T4 antigen expression The present invention relates to methods for detecting the differentiation status of stem cells comprising detecting the expression of 5T4 antigen in said stem cells. The present invention also relates to methods for separating populations of undifferentiated or differentiated mammalian stem cells from a mixture of differentiated and undifferentiated stem cells through detection of 5T4 expression.
US07662623B2	Compositions and methods for enhanced expression of recombinant polypeptides from a single vector using a peptide cleavage site Vector constructs for expression of two or more functional proteins or polypeptides under operative control of a single promoter and methods of making and using the same are described. The vectors comprise a self-processing cleavage site between each respective protein or polypeptide coding sequence. The vector constructs include the coding sequence for a self-processing cleavage site and may further include an additional proteolytic cleavage sequence which provides a means to remove the self processing peptide sequence from expressed protein(s) or polypeptide(s). The vector constructs find utility in methods for enhanced production of biologically active proteins and polypeptides in vitro and in vivo.
US07662622B2	Flea peritrophin nucleic acid molecules The present invention relates to flea peritrophin proteins; to flea peritrophin nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such flea peritrophin proteins; to antibodies raised against such proteins; and to compounds that inhibit the activity of such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to obtain and use such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such inhibitory compounds, particularly those that specifically inhibit flea peritrophin activity, as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to treat animals.
US07662621B2	Bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) based vectors This invention pertains to BIV constructs encompassing BIV combination vectors, BIV vectors and BIV packaging vectors and particularly the invention pertains to a three vector system comprising: a) a BIV vector construct including a DNA segment from a BIV genome, a packaging sequence to package RNA into virions; a promoter operably linked to the DNA segment; and a transgene operably linked to a second promoter; b) a BIV packaging vector construct comprising a BIV DNA sequence fragment comprising at least a gag gene or pol gene of BIV; a promoter operably linked to the BIV DNA fragment; and a polyadenylation sequence located downstream of the BIV DNA fragment; and c) an expression vector construct comprising a gene encoding a viral surface protein. Also provided is a method for transferring a gene of interest into a mammalian cell.
US07662620B2	Human and mammalian stem cell-derived neuron survival factors The present invention relates to human, rat and mouse stem cell-derived neuron survival factor polypeptides (SDNSF), a process for producing them, cDNA encoding SDNSF, a vector comprising the cDNA, host cells transformed by the vector, an antibody against SDNSF, pharmaceutical compositions containing SDNSF or the antibody, a method of assaying SDNSF, a reagent for assaying SDNSF, and a screening method using SDNSF. The polypeptides are effective in the survival of nerve cells and neuronal stem cells, therefore, efficacious in treating injury to the central nerve system and cancer.
US07662619B2	Sol-fusin: use of GP64-6His to catalyze membrane fusion The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid comprising the nucleotides set forth in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO: 1. SEQ ID NO: 1 is an example of GP64-6His nucleic acid. The invention further provides polypeptides encoded by GP64-6His nucleic acids as well as the polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention also provides liposomes comprising GP64-6His polypeptides as well as liposomes comprising GP64-6His polypeptides and biological molecules. The invention further provides a method of increasing the solubility of polypeptides comprising linking a 6His tag to a polypeptide and measuring the solubility of the 6His-tagged polypeptide, whereby an increase in solubility of the 6His-tagged polypeptide can be detected. The invention also provides a method of solubilizing a viral fusion polypeptide comprising linking a 6His tag to a viral fusion polypeptide. Further provided is a method of delivering a biological molecule to a cell comprising, administering the liposome comprising a GP64-6His polypeptide to a cell. This invention also provides a method of delivering a viral vaccine to a cell comprising administering the liposome comprising a GP64-6His polypeptide to a cell. Also provided is a method of delivering a DNA vaccine to a cell comprising administering the liposome comprising a GP64-6His polypeptide to a cell. Further provided is a GP64-6His polypeptide further comprising a binding site for a cell surface molecule. Also provided by this invention are chimeric proteins comprising GP64-6His.
US07662616B2	Photosynthetic oil production with high carbon dioxide utilization A system for processing oil from algae is disclosed. Specifically, the system recycles byproducts of the process for use as nutrients during algae growth and oil production. The system includes a conduit for growing algae and an algae separator that removes the algae from the conduit. Also, the system includes a device for lysing the algae and an oil separator to remove the oil from the lysed matter. Further, the system includes a biofuel reactor that receives oil from the oil separator and synthesizes biofuel and glycerin. Moreover, the algae separator, oil separator and biofuel reactor all recycle byproducts back to the conduit to support further algae growth.
US07662612B2	Chemical sensor device A sensor device is provided for performing rapid and high-sensitivity detection. The sensor device comprising at least one support for immobilizing a subject to be detected and a cell for containing a solution in which a reaction product generated from the subject to be detected is diffused. At least one reaction region having a constant concentration of the reaction product is formed by diffusion of the reaction product into the solution, and the reaction region is formed in such a manner that the reaction product is specifically detected in a predetermined measurement time.
US07662607B2	Chalaropsis lysozyme protein and its method of use in anti-bacterial applications A Chalaropsis lysozyme (Lysozyme Ch) is provided which has a corrected amino acid sequence and which can be utilized to prepare recombinant proteins having higher activity than those proteins using the incorrect sequence. Methods are also provided to reduce immunogenicity or increase half-life of the lysozyme. The lysozyme Ch of the present invention will be extremely useful in killing bacteria, particularly resistance strains such as MRSA and VISA, and the enzyme can be utilized in a variety of settings wherein bacterial infection has been a particular problem such as the hospital setting or in veterinary applications, and can also be used as an effective means of combating bioterror agents.
US07662602B2	Polypeptides having lipase activity and polynucleotides encoding same The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US07662601B2	DNA glycosylases and their use Novel cytosine-, thymine- and uracil-DNA glycosylases, subcellular localization peptides, nucleic acid molecules containing the same, methods of identifying such enzymes and their use in various methods including mutagenesis, cell killing and DNA sequencing and modification, are desired.
US07662600B2	Modified flavin adenine dinucleotide dependent glucose dehydrogenase An object of the present invention is to provide a more practically advantageous enzyme usable as a reagent for measuring blood glucose than the known enzymes used as blood glucose sensors.A modified flavin adenine dinucleotide dependent glucose dehydrogenase (FADGDH) with more improved heat stability than FADGDH derived from wild-type FADGDH, the modified FADGDH being derived from preferably a eukaryote, more preferably a filamentous fungus, and furthermore preferably an Aspergillus fungus, and, for example, those having a primary structure with at least one amino acid substituted, deleted, inserted or added to FADGDH having an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID Nos. 2 or 46 in the sequence table.
US07662591B2	Nucleic acid sequences having gene transcription regulatory qualities The invention is concerned with the systematic elucidation and identification of regulatory sequences. The invention provides among others screenings and detection methods with which regulatory sequences can be identified. The invention further provides regulatory sequences and use thereof in various fields such as, but not limited to, protein production, diagnostics, transgenic plants and animals, and the therapeutic field.
US07662589B2	Polynucleotide encoding an IL-28A polypeptide Homogeneous preparations of IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 have been produced by mutating one or more of the cysteine residues in the polynucleotide sequences encoding the mature proteins. The cysteine mutant proteins can be shown to either bind to their cognate receptor or exhibit biological activity. One type of biological activity that is shown is an antiviral activity.
US07662588B2	Omp85 proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis, compositions containing same and methods of use thereof Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of the Omp85 proteins of N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis, and fragments thereof are useful in vaccine compositions, therapeutic compositions and diagnostic compositions for use in the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of non-symptomatic gonococcal infection or symptomatic disease and non-symptomatic meningococcal infection and symptomatic disease. Antibodies are developed to these proteins and also useful in the compositions and methods described herein.
US07662586B2	Synthetic gene encoding human epidermal growth factor 2/neu antigen and uses thereof Synthetic polynucleotides encoding human HER2/neu or a truncated form thereof, are provided, the synthetic polynucleotides being codon-optimized for expression in a human cellular environment. The gene encoding hHER2 is commonly associated with the development of human carcinomas. The present invention provides compositions and methods to elicit or enhance immunity to the protein product expressed by the hHER2 tumor-associated antigen, wherein aberrant hHER2 expression is associated with a carcinoma or its development. This invention specifically provides adenoviral vector and plasmid constructs carrying codon-optimized human HER2 and codon-optimized truncated HER2, and discloses their use in vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for preventing and treating cancer.
US07662582B2	Method of identifying cancer biomarkers and cancer progression An efficient method for identifying important cancer biomarkers and identifying progression of bladder cancer using pro-u-PA as a clinical tool is provided. Searching for biomarkers critical for bladder carcinoma diagnosis and prognosis, secreted proteomes of highly malignant U1 and pre-malignant U4 cell lines are first analyzed. Proteins in the cultured media of the U1 and U4 cell-lines were systematically examined by SDS-PAGE combined with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Expression of pro-u-plasminogen activator (pro-u-PA) was confirmed by Western blot analysis and further evaluated. A statistically significant relationship between the low level and absence of pro-u-PA in urine with high stages and grades of the tumor samples was established. Constitutive expression of Ras dominant negative protein led to increased expression of pro-u-PA in cultured media, indicating the loss of pro-u-PA is associated with oncogenic transformation. The loss of pro-u-PA in urine has been identified as a marker of more advanced bladder carcinoma.
US07662576B2	Method for identifying ester coolers The Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel, Subfamily A, Member 1 (TRPA1) protein has been identified as an ester cooler receptor and therefore is useful in screening assays for identifying ester coolers, in particular ester coolers with a relative cooling strength which exceeds (−)−menthol.
US07662574B2	Use of a G protein-coupled receptor and its cognizant ligand in the identification of compounds that affect prolactin secretion The polypeptides in the present invention possess the effects of promoting and inhibiting the secretion of prolactin, and are thus useful as drugs for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, in terms of prolactin secretion stimulants, which are associated with the secretion of prolactin, such as hypoovarianism, spermatic underdevelopment, menopausal symptoms, hypothyroidism, etc. The polypeptides are useful as drugs for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, in terms of prolactin secretion inhibitors, which are associated with the secretion of prolactin, such as pituitary tumor, diencephalon tumor, menstrual disorder, autoimmune diseases, prolactinoma, sterility, impotence, amenorrhea, lactorrhea, acromegaly, Chiari-Frommel syndrome, Argonz-del Castilo syndrome, Forbes-Albright syndrome, lymphoma, Sheehan's syndrome, spermatogenesis disorder, etc.
US07662573B2	Methods for evaluating osteoarthritis risk Methods are provided for evaluating osteoarthritis (OA), for example for diagnosing OA, to confirm a diagnosis of OA, to assess or prognose progression of OA, determining the severity of a subject who has OA, and determining a subject's risk of developing OA in the future, as are arrays and kits that can be used to practice the methods. In particular examples, the method includes determining an amount of activity (such as an amount of protein present or an amount of expression) of OA risk-related molecules, such as soluble vascular adhesion protein 1 (sVAP-1) or interleukin-15 (IL-15). Also provided are methods of identifying one or more compounds that alter the activity of an OA-related molecule, thereby identifying potential anti-osteoarthritis drugs.
US07662570B2	Labor biomarkers, methods comprising same, and methods targeting same The present invention provides methods of predicting or detecting labor in a female subject and methods of testing a compound for an ability to delay the onset of labor. The present invention also provides methods of testing a labor marker useful in the diagnostic methods, isolated peptides identified in the present invention, methods for inhibiting labor, utilizing the peptides, and kits comprising methods of the present invention.
US07662569B2	Methods of assessing Crohn's disease patient phenotype by I2 serologic response The invention provides a method of diagnosing or predicting susceptibility to a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease in a subject having Crohn's disease by determining the presence or absence of IgA anti-I2 antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-I2 antibodies indicates that the subject has a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease. In one embodiment, a method of the invention is practiced by further determining the presence or absence in the subject of a NOD2 variant, anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), IgA anti-OmpC antibodies, or perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA). The methods of the invention can be used to diagnose or predict susceptibility to a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease, for example, a fibrostenotic subtype, a subtype characterized by the need for small bowel surgery, or a subtype characterized by the absence of features of ulcerative colitis.
US07662567B2	Polymorphisms in the urocortin 3 gene and their associations with marbling and subcutaneous fat depth in beef cattle Aspects of the present invention also provide methods based on novel UCN3 nucleotide polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of AAFC03043460.1:g.8272-8281AATAATAAAT(SEQ ID NO: 9)>GGAGC, g.8208C>T, g.8265C>T, g.8287T>C, g.8412A>G, g.8426T>A, c.8786C>T, g.9074T>C, c.12609C>T, c.12621T>C, c.12667T>G and c.12669C>A , which may provide novel markers for marbling and/or subcutaneous fat. Additional aspects provide for novel methods which may comprise marker-assisted selection or marker-assisted management to improve marbling and/or subcutaneous fat depth in cattle.
US07662566B2	Gene copy number profiling The invention relates to copy number profile analysis. Specifically, copy number profile analysis is used to determine whether two or more separate tumors in a single individual are derived from a common source.
US07662564B2	Polymorphisms in mitochondrial transcription factor A (“TFAM”) gene and their associations with measures of marbling and subcutaneous fat depth in beef cattle The physiological regulation of intake, growth and energy partitioning in animals is under the control of multiple genes, which may be important candidates for unraveling the genetic variation in economically relevant traits in beef production. The present invention relates to the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the bovine gene encoding mitochondrial transcription factor A (“TFAM”) and their associations with economically relevant traits in beef production. The invention further encompasses methods and systems, including network-based processes, to manage the SNP data and other data relating to specific animals and herds of animals, veterinarian care, diagnostic and quality control data and management of livestock which, based on genotyping, have predictable meat quality traits, husbandry conditions, animal welfare, food safety information, audit of existing processes and data from field locations.
US07662563B2	Cancer diagnostic method based upon DNA methylation differences There is disclosed a cancer diagnostic method based upon DNA methylation differences at specific CpG sites. Specifically, the inventive method provides for a bisulfite treatment of DNA, followed by methylation-sensitive single nucleotide primer extension (Ms-SNuPE), for determination of strand-specific methylation status at cytosine residues.
US07662560B2	Broad specificity affinity arrays: a qualitative approach to complex sample discrimination Described is a method for discriminating complex biological samples using an array of discrete biological sensing elements immobilized onto a solid support in which constituents bound to the sensor array is directly determined by measuring the mass increase on the surface; data analysis of said method is performed using neutral network or statical based pattern recognition techniques. In a preferred embodiment the liquid sample is tested for the presence of soluble constituent(s) by contacting said sample with said sensor array under specific conditions, removing unbound sample constituent(s), determining the mass increase on the surface and comparising said mass increase data with a reference standard using pattern recognition software.
US07662556B2	Covalent joining of DNA to RNA by vaccinia topoisomerase and uses thereof The present invention provides a method of covalently joining a DNA strand to an RNA strand comprising (a) forming a topoisomerase-DNA intermediate by incubating a DNA cleavage substrate comprising a topoisomerase cleavage site with a topoisomerase specific for that site, wherein the topoisomerase-DNA intermediate has one or more 5′ single-strand tails; and (b) adding to the topoisomerase-DNA intermediate an acceptor RNA strand complementary to the 5′ single-strand tail under conditions permitting a ligation of the covalently bound DNA strand of the topoisomerase-DNA intermediate to the RNA acceptor strand and dissociation of the topoisomerase, thereby covalently joining the DNA strand to the RNA strand. The present invention also provides a method of tagging a 5′ end of an RNA molecule. The present invention further provides a DNA-RNA molecule which has been joined in vitro by the use of a topoisomerase. The present invention also provides a method of tagging a 5′ end of an mRNA. The present invention provides a method of isolating and cloning full-length gene sequences using capped mRNA after subtraction of non-capped RNA.
US07662555B2	Method for detecting biomolecule, labeling dye used therefore, and labeling kit The present invention provides a method for detecting a biomolecule. The method includes reacting a biomolecule sample with an organic EL-dye and measuring the fluorescence of the biomolecule sample labeled with the organic EL-dye. The method provides a highly sensitive method of detecting a biomolecule at lower cost.
US07662553B2	Polymorphisms in the ERCC1 gene for predicting treatment outcome The invention provides compositions and methods for determining the increased risks for recurrence of certain cancers and the likelihood of successful treatment with one or both of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The methods comprising determining the type of genomic polymorphism present in a predetermined region of the gene of interest isolated from the subject or patient. Also provided are nucleic acid probes and kits for determining a patient's cancer risk and treatment response.
US07662548B2	Method of screening for modulators of HIV infection The present invention provides polynucleotides that encode the chemokine receptors 88-2B or 88C and materials and methods for the recombinant production of these two chemokine receptors. Also provided are assays utilizing the polynucleotides which facilitate the identification of ligands and modulators of the chemokine receptors. Receptor fragments, ligands, modulators, and antibodies are useful in the detection and treatment of disease states associated with the chemokine receptors such as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, tumor growth suppression, asthma, viral infection, AIDS, and other inflammatory conditions.
US07662547B2	Compositions and methods for detecting and treating HIV infections HIV infection can be detected by measuring phosphorylation levels of the actin-depolymerizing factor (AFD)/cofilin family, and infection can be treated and/or prevented by modulating the HIV co-receptor signaling pathway.
US07662544B2	Method for manufacturing a master, master, method for manufacturing optical elements and optical element Disclosed are a method for manufacturing of a master for manufacturing of optical elements having optically effective structures by molding structures, which are formed on the master, onto a surface of an optical substrate, by providing a substrate; coating a surface of said substrate for forming a coating on said substrate; and patterning said coating for forming structures in said coating; a master for manufacturing of optical elements; and a method for manufacturing of optical elements as well as to an optical element having at least one surface, wherein at least in portions of said surface optically effective structures are formed.
US07662538B2	Derivatized polyhydroxystyrenes (DPHS) with a novolak type structure and blocked DPHS (BDPHS) and processes for preparing the same A process for preparing a blocked derivatized poly(4-hydroxystryrene)-DPHS having a novolak type structure which comprises the steps of (i) supplying a solution of methanol containing 4-hydroxyphenylmethylcarbinol, (ii) subjecting said solution to an acid catalyzed displacement reaction for a sufficient period of time and under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure to convert substantially all of said carbinol to 4-hydroxyphenylmethylcarbinol methyl ether in solution, (iii) polymerizing said ether containing solution in the presence of a suitable acid catalyst for a sufficient period of time and under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure to form a novolak type polymer; and (iv) reacting said polymer with a vinyl ether, a dialkyl dicarbonate, or a mixture of vinyl ether and a dialkyl dicarbonate to form the blocked DPHS. New compositions of matter which comprise the blocked derivatized poly(4-hydroxystyrene) prepared in the above manner and which have application in the electronic chemicals market such as in a photoresist composition and MEMS, and in other areas such as in varnishes, printing inks, epoxy resins, copying paper, tackifiers for rubber, crude oil separators, toner resins for photocopying, antireflective coatings, and the like.
US07662534B2	Apparatus for producing toner precursor, and method for the same, fibrous toner precursor, apparatus for producing toner, and method for producing electrophotographic toner and fine resin particles To provide a method including processing electrophotographic toner constituent material to a fibrous fine precursor and pulverizing and cutting it to obtain a uniform fibrous toner with energy efficiency in an apparatus for producing electrophotographic toner including a nozzle unit containing a nozzle having a flow path tapering toward the nozzle hole at 2° to 20° and a gas nozzle unit containing a gas nozzle and gas flow path tapering toward the nozzle hole at 15° to 33° relative to a direction of a nozzle axis, wherein the toner constituent material containing a raw material A containing a resin and pigment, and a raw material B containing one of a low melting point resin, wax and organic solvent, is extruded from the nozzle at 150° C. to 320° C., and drawn by gas flow from the gas nozzles so as to be a fibrous fluid while controlling the flow rate.
US07662532B2	Image forming method and image forming apparatus An image forming method including forming an image of a toner on a receiving material; and fixing the toner image on the receiving upon application of heat and pressure thereto, wherein the weight average particle diameter (D4) of the toner is from 2.0 to 4.5 μm, the pressure (P) is not greater than 15 N/cm2, P×D4 is not less than 30 N/cm2·μm, the melt viscosity (Gw110) of the toner at 110° C. is from 3,000 to 40,000 Pa·s, the melt viscosity (Gw140) of the toner at 140° C. is from 100 to 1,000 Pa·s, and the ratio Gw110/Gw140 is not less than 30.
US07662531B2	Toner having bumpy surface morphology The toner described herein contains toner particles containing polymer, colorant and cross-linked polymer. The cross-linked polymer is incorporated at least in the shell of the toner particles. Incorporating cross-linked polymer in the shell of the toner particles provide bumps in the surface of the toner particles. These bumps can behave as spacers. Such toner can be formed by aggregating at least polymer particles and colorant particles to form core particles; aggregating at least cross-linked polymer particles to the surface of the core particles; and coalescing the resulting particles to form toner particles.
US07662530B2	Image forming apparatus and image forming method Provided is an image forming apparatus containing a latent electrostatic image bearing member, a latent electrostatic image forming unit configured to form a latent electrostatic image on the latent electrostatic image bearing member, a developing unit configured to develop the latent electrostatic image using a toner to form a toner image, and a transferring unit configured to transfer the toner image on a recording medium, wherein a surface of the toner is coated with an external additive containing fine particles having an average particle diameter Da of 100 nm to 300 nm, and a value obtained by dividing an average F of non-electrostatic adhesion between the toner and the latent electrostatic image bearing member by a product of volume average particle diameter of the toner Dt and average particle diameter of the external additive Da, [F/(Dt×Da)] is 7.5×104 N/m2 or less.
US07662517B2	Organic/inorganic composite microporous membrane and electrochemical device prepared thereby Disclosed is an organic/inorganic composite porous separator comprising: (a) a polyolefin-based separator substrate; and (b) an active layer formed by coating at least one region selected from the group consisting of a surface of the substrate and a part of pores present in the substrate with a mixture of inorganic particles and a binder polymer, wherein the inorganic particles in the active layer are interconnected among themselves and are fixed by the binder polymer, and interstitial volumes among the inorganic particles form a pore structure. A method for manufacturing the same separator and an electrochemical device including the same separator are also disclosed. An electrochemical device comprising the organic/inorganic composite porous separator shows improved thermal and electrochemical safety and quality, simultaneously.
US07662506B2	Safety device of battery A safety device of a battery including a pressure releasing unit provided at a cell and the battery, in which the pressure releasing unit is configured to release an internal pressure within the cell when the internal pressure of the cell exceeds a predetermined set pressure. Also included is a space member covering the pressure releasing unit and configured to form an empty space around the pressure releasing unit such that when the internal pressure of the cell exceeds the predetermined set pressure, the released internal pressure is released into the empty space formed by the space member.
US07662505B2	Porous electrode, and electrochemical element made using the same The primary object of the present invention is to provide an electrode with which an efficient electrode reaction will occur. The present invention relates to a porous electrode which is an electrode composed of a porous material having electron conductivity, wherein (1) the porous material comprises a three-dimensional skeleton, (2) a substance having one or more proton affinity groups is present on all or part of the three-dimensional skeleton surface, and (3) a catalyst for separating hydrogen into protons and electrons is further included, with the catalyst being supported on the substance.
US07662502B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of power generation cells, and an ejector for supplying a fuel gas to the fuel cell stack. A flow rectifier for rectifying the flow of the fuel gas is provided at a portion of an insulating plate of the fuel cell stack connecting the ejector and the fuel gas supply passage. The flow rectifier includes an opening having a laterally elongated shape in correspondence with the bottom of the fuel gas supply passage having a laterally elongated shape, and a plurality of holes provided above the opening.
US07662501B2	Transpiration cooling and fuel cell for ultra mobile applications In some embodiments, transpiration cooling and fuel cell for ultra mobile applications is presented. In this regard, an apparatus is introduced having an integrated circuit device, a fuel cell to power the integrated circuit device, wherein the fuel cell produces water as a byproduct, a chassis to house the integrated circuit device and the fuel cell, and a skin to cover the chassis, the skin comprising a waterproof layer configured to prevent water from contacting the integrated circuit device and a water absorbent layer of hydro gel configured to absorb water. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US07662500B2	Package for a miniature fuel cell A package for a fuel cell having an upper plate having a plurality of openings, the front surface of a cell element being intended to be received under each opening to close it, each cell element having a first pad and a second connection pad, each opening being provided with at least one crossbar connecting two sides of the opening, this crossbar having at least a conductive track portion having a first end connected to a pad of a first cell element and having a second end connected to a pad of a neighboring cell element.
US07662496B2	Fuel cell cooling system and method for controlling circulation of cooling liquid in fuel cell A cooling system for a fuel cell is provided with a cooling apparatus that regulates the temperature of the fuel cell by supplying the fuel cell with a cooling liquid via a cooling liquid passage by means of a water pump; an impurity-removing device which is provided in the cooling liquid passage and which removes impurities from within the cooling liquid; and flow generating means for causing the cooling liquid in the cooling liquid passage to flow through the impurity-removing device when the fuel cell is not operating.
US07662494B2	Fuel cell system When an operation of a fuel cell system (100) is stopped, a flow of cathode off-gas into a circulation passage (28) is stopped. A stopped state of the flow of the cathode off-gas into the circulation passage (28) is held even after a start-up of the system (100) until the fuel cell (10) is brought into a predetermined state. Such structure prevents an outlet (52) of a three-way valve (50) from being frozen in an opened state. Accordingly the cathode off-gas that contains large amount of water and nitrogen hardly flows into the fuel cell (10) accidentally. This makes it possible to restrain various types of trouble, for example, generation of flooding upon start-up of the system, decrease in the oxygen partial pressure, and decrease in the power generation efficiency resulting therefrom.
US07662492B2	Perpendicular magnetic recording medium having a multi-layer interlayer that includes BCC material Perpendicular magnetic recording media and methods of fabricating perpendicular magnetic recording media are described. The perpendicular magnetic recording medium of one embodiment includes a soft magnetic underlayer (SUL), an interlayer, and a perpendicular magnetic recording layer. The interlayer comprises a layer formed from a first material (e.g., NiWCr) having a face-centered-cubic (FCC) structure, a layer formed from a second material (e.g., Cr) having a body-centered-cubic (BCC) structure, and a layer formed from a third material (e.g., Ru) having a hexagonal-close-packed (HCP) structure.
US07662489B2	Durable reactive thermal barrier coatings A turbine engine component is provided which has a substrate and a thermal barrier coating applied over the substrate. The thermal barrier coating comprises at least one layer of a first material selected from the group consisting of a zirconate, a hafnate, a titanate, and mixtures thereof, which first material has been mixed with, and contains, from about 25 to 99 wt % of at least one oxide. The at least one oxide comprises at least one oxide of a material selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, scandium, indium, and yttrium. If desired, a metallic bond coat may be present between the substrate and the thermal barrier coating system. A method for forming the thermal barrier coating system of the present invention is described.
US07662488B2	Nitride-based semiconductor substrate and method of making the same A nitride-based semiconductor substrate having a diameter of 25 mm or more, a thickness of 250 micrometers or more, and an optical absorption coefficient of less than 7 cm−1 to light with a wavelength of 380 nm or more. The nitride-based semiconductor substrate is made by the HVPE method that uses gallium chloride obtained by reacting a Ga melt with a hydrogen chloride gas. The Ga melt is contacted with the hydrogen chloride gas for one minute or more to produce the gallium chloride.
US07662470B2	Method and derived product, for the preparation of chips, flakes, pastes, and similar items, containing particles, to be added to moulding polymers and paints This invention concerns an agglomeration of particles to be used as additives for moulding thermoplastic polymers or paints, said agglomeration being in the form of chips, flakes, powder or paste in which a coating with a carrier of said particles is provided that moves in between the particles to keep them essentially separate from one another, said particles being substantially coated all over their surface. The invention also concern a method to obtain the particles coating with a carrier substantially all over the surface of said particles in form apt to be additivate to moulding thermoplastic polymers or paints in order to obtain flatting of moulded pieces with said thermoplastic polymers or painted with said paints said agglomeration being in the form of chips, flakes, powder or paste, characterized by the fact that said particles are mixed with said carrier in powder to obtain a mixture, said mixing occurring at a temperature which is close, but lower then melting point of said carrier, in order to provoke an adhesion of speck of said carrier on the surface of said particles.
US07662467B2	Carbon nanotube composite and method for fabricating the same A CNT composite (10) includes a matrix (14) and a number of CNTs (12) embedded in the matrix. The matrix has a surface (102) and an opposite surface (104). Head portions of the respective CNTs are consistently oriented, parallel to the surfaces of the matrix. A method for manufacturing the composite includes (a) providing a substrate and depositing a catalyst film on the substrate; (b) forming the array of CNTs via the catalyst film on the substrate; (c) immersing the CNTs in a liquid matrix material, infusing the liquid matrix material into the array of CNTs; (d) taking the carbon nanotubes with the infused matrix out of the liquid matrix; (e) pressing the still-soft matrix and the CNTs therein, in order to arrange the CNTs consistently and parallel to the surfaces of the matrix; and (f) solidifying and peeling away the matrix to produce the CNT composite.
US07662459B1	Versatile honeycomb matrix heat shield A thermal protection system for atmospheric entry of a vehicle, the system including a honeycomb structure with selected cross sectional shapes that receives and holds thermally cured thermal protection (TP) blocks that have corresponding cross sectional shapes. Material composition for TP blocks in different locations can be varied to account for different atmospheric heating characteristics at the different locations. TP block side walls may be attached to all, or to less than all, the corresponding honeycomb structure side walls.
US07662456B2	Guarded cover sheet for LCD polarizers and method of making the same The invention generally relates to polymer films used as protective cover sheets for polarizer plates, their manufacture, and to a method for producing polarizing plates employing such polymer films. More particularly, the invention provides a guarded cover sheet composite comprising a temporary carrier substrate having a first cover sheet comprising a first low birefringence film on one side and a second cover sheet comprising a second low birefringence film on the other side.
US07662453B2	Microwavable and ovenable pack A pack suitable for housing liquid and/or solid-liquid contents whose wall comprises a layer of board (3), an inner layer (2) sufficiently impermeable to create a seal between the board (3) and the pack's contents, and an outer protective layer (4,5) covering the board (3), wherein the pack's layers are microwavable and the outer layer (4, 5) is breathable.
US07662450B2	Ornamental ribbon and the process for its formation A ribbon used in binding and decorating includes two separate superposed flat films of polyolefin plastic, which are bonded or glued together to form an intimate union, the films differing form each other by their elastic elongaton and/or heat-shrinkage properties such that, on leaving the production equipment, the difference between the films results in a different extent of shortening between the two films, to thereby cause curving of their constituted assembly. The curving is contained within a range of elastic deformation compatible with the curvature of the subsequent winding of the ribbon and such as to create spontaneous curling of the ribbon at the ambient temperatures at which it is used, as soon as it is unwound.
US07662449B2	Liquid crystal display A liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display includes a color filter substrate and an array substrate, wherein at least one of the color filter substrate and the array substrate comprises polyimide having formula (I): wherein A and A′ are the same or different and comprise cycloaliphatic compounds or aromatic compounds, B and B′ are the same or different and comprise cycloaliphatic compounds or aromatic compounds, and x and y are 10˜10000, wherein at least one of A and A′ is a cycloaliphatic compound.
US07662441B2	High-speed diamond growth using a microwave plasma in pulsed mode Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a diamond film of electronic quality at a high rate using a pulsed microwave plasma. The plasma that has a finite volume is formed near a substrate (in a vacuum chamber) by subjecting a gas containing at least hydrogen and carbon to a pulsed discharge. The pulsed discharge has a succession of low-power states and of high-power states and a peak absorbed power PC, in order to obtain carbon-containing radicals in the plasma. These carbon-containing radicals are deposited on the substrate in order to form a diamond film. Power is injected into the volume of the plasma with a peak power density of at least 100 W/cm3, while maintaining the substrate to a substrate temperature of between 700° C. and 1000 ° C.
US07662437B2	Template for arranging spacers on a preform and method of densifying a preform including the use of spacers positioned by a template A template (10) configured for use with an annular preform (26) having a periphery (32) and an inner opening (34), the template (10) having an annular body with an outer periphery (16) and an inner opening (18) and a plurality of spacer openings (12) through its body each for receiving a spacer (25), one of the template inner opening (18) and the template outer periphery (16) having a width equal to the width of the preform inner opening (34) or the preform outer periphery (32). Also a method for densifying preforms that includes a step of positioning spacers using a template.
US07662436B1	Method of spin coating a film of non-uniform thickness Embodiments of the invention provide a method for spin coating a film onto a substrate. Preferred embodiments deposit a film, such as a resist, having a thickness gradient from the substrate's centrifugal center to its edge. The gradient may be linear or stepwise continuous, for example. Other embodiments of the invention provide a semiconductor fabrication method. The method comprises forming a resist layer having a predetermined thickness on a substrate. Preferably, the predetermining includes making swing curve measurements on a single test wafer that is coated according to embodiments of the invention.
US07662429B2	Laminate comprising polyimide and conductor layer, multi-layer wiring board with the use of the same and process for producing the same A laminate comprising a polyimide and a conductor layer, which is obtained by forming at least one conductor layer directly on the surface of a thermoplastic polyimide, is thermally fused by pressurizing and heating to thereby enhance the adhesion strength between the thermoplastic polyimide and the conductor layer. Thus, a laminate having an excellent adhesion strength between a conductor layer and a polyimide film can be obtained without performing any surface roughening treatment or using any adhesive metal layer.
US07662424B2	Method of making composite particle for electrode, method of making electrode, method of making electrochemical device, apparatus for making composite particle for electrode, apparatus for making electrode, and apparatus for making electrochemical device The method of making a composite particle for an electrode in accordance with the present invention comprises a granulating step of integrating a conductive auxiliary agent and a binder adapted to bind the conductive auxiliary agent and an electrode active material together with a particle made of the electrode active material while in close contact with each other in an inert gas atmosphere so as to form a composite particle for an electrode containing the electrode active material, conductive auxiliary agent, and binder. When the composite particle obtained by this method is used as a constituent of an electrode, an electrode having an excellent electrode characteristic and an electrochemical device having excellent electrochemical characteristics can be formed easily and reliably.
US07662422B2	Crisp meat-based food snacks Meat-based food products and methods and systems for making such products are described herein. One embodiment is directed toward a method of making a meat-based food product that includes forming meat into a bulk form, heating the bulk form, and slicing the heated bulk form into a plurality of slices. The slices have first and second sides that may be spaced apart by a thickness of about 3.5 mm or less. The slices are dried in a first drying stage to produce partially dried slices that have first and second surfaces sufficiently dry to allow them to lay atop one another substantially without adhering to one another. The partially dried slices are further dried in a second drying stage by passing a drying medium through a mass of the partially dried slices. In this second drying stage, at least a substantial minority, and preferably a majority, of the partially dried slices at least partially overlie at least one other partially dried slice.
US07662418B2	Preparation of high viscosity beta-glucan concentrates This invention relates to methods for secondary processing of plant material and in particular for the recovery of valuable products such as fiber including beta-glucan, starch, and ethanol solubles from plant material containing starch and fiber. In particular, the invention relates to the preparation of high viscosity beta-glucan products through methods involving sonication/sonification and enzymes.
US07662415B2	Microbially expresses xylanases and their use as feed additives and other uses The present invention relates to codon-optimized xylanase coding sequences and the expression of xylanases in microbes and yeast. The invention further relates to using multiple copies of the xylanase expression construct for high levels of protein expression. The invention also relates to the use of xylanases as feed or food additives. The invention also relates to methods of expression of enzymes to increase thermotolerance by expressing them in organisms that glycosylate proteins compared to expression that the same enzyme without the glycosylation. Further, the invention relates to methods of preparing feed, enzyme feed additives, and methods of reducing the feed conversion ration or increasing weight gain of animals.
US07662414B1	Easily-digestible pet chew that promotes oral health and prevents malodorous breath in animals, and method of making thereof The present invention is directed to an easily-digestible pet chew for promoting oral health and preventing malodorous breath in animals. The pet chew is formed with ingredients selected to promote mastication and ease digestibility, and additionally includes baking soda and abrasives to reduce tartar and plaque and eliminate malodorous breath. The pet chew has a soft, malleable texture that is easily chewed by animals and easily digested once swallowed. The pet chew also includes a white coloring interspersed with colored crystals formed in a bone-like shape that appeals to both animals and their owners.
US07662413B2	Extracts of sacred water lotus for the treatment of cancer The present invention provides Nelumbo extract and a method thereof. The present invention further provides a composition comprising said extract and a method for treating subject suffering from breast cancer with the composition.
US07662411B2	Process for removal of solvent and detergent from plasma The present invention relates to a process of disinfecting biological materials. In particular, a novel process is provided for removing detergent and/or solvent added to biological materials for the inactivation of viral contaminants. Safe, efficient, and economical methods for removing virucidal agents such as solvent-detergent from virus-inactivated pooled plasma by hydrophobic interaction chromatography are provided. Methods for clearing solvent-detergent from virus-inactivated biological materials in a single step are also provided.
US07662409B2	Protein matrix materials, devices and methods of making and using thereof The present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices and the methods of making and using protein matrix materials and devices. More specifically the present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices that may be utilized for various medical applications including, but not limited to, drug delivery devices for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents, encapsulated or coated stent devices, vessels, tubular grafts, vascular grafts, wound healing devices including protein matrix suture material and meshes, skin/bone/tissue grafts, biocompatible electricity conducting matrices, clear protein matrices, protein matrix adhesion prevention barriers, cell scaffolding and other biocompatible protein matrix devices. Furthermore, the present invention relates to protein matrix materials and devices made by forming a film comprising one or more biodegradable protein materials, one or more biocompatible solvents and optionally one or more pharmacologically active agents. The film is then partially dried, rolled or otherwise shaped, and then compressed to form the desired protein matrix device.
US07662408B2	Sustained-release preparations A sustained release preparation comprising a combination of a microcapsule which gradually releases a GnRH agonist or a salt thereof for a long term, and a microcapsule which gradually releases a GnRH agonist or a salt thereof for a short term.
US07662406B1	Chewable softgel capsules A chewable softgel capsule configured for encasing orally ingestible articles. The chewable soft capsule is provided with an outer shell composition which comprises at least one gelatin in a range of 20% to 60% of the total weight of the shell composition, at least one plasticizer in an amount selected to render flexible the outer shell composition, an anti-tacking agent in an amount selected to render the outer shell composition non-sticky, and water. In one embodiment the chewable soft capsule further comprises at least one starch in a range of 0.1% to 35% of the total weight of the shell composition. The chewable softgel capsule is suitable for encasing therein medicines, pharmaceutical compositions, nutraceuticals, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and the like.
US07662404B2	Transdermal delivery system for dried particulate or lyophilized peptides and polypeptides The present invention provides a system for transdermal delivery of dried or lyophilized pharmaceutical compositions and methods using thereof. The system comprises an apparatus for facilitating transdermal delivery of a peptide or polypeptide that generates hydrophilic micro-channels, and a patch comprising dried therapeutically peptide or polypeptide. Particularly, the system of the present invention facilitates transdermal delivery of parathyroid hormone useful for preventing or treating bone disorders.
US07662399B2	BASB054 polypeptides The invention provides BASB047, BASB054, BASB068 and BASB069 polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding BASB047, BASB054, BASB068 and BASB069 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.
US07662395B2	Method of enhancing a targeted immune response against tumors The present invention is a composition of recombinant virus which has incorporated into its genome or portion thereof a gene encoding an antigen to a disease causing agent and a recombinant virus which has incorporated into its genome or portion thereof a gene encoding an immunostimulatory molecule(s) for the purpose of stimulating an immune response against the disease causing agent. Methods of treatment of diseases such as cancer and diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms is provide using the composition.
US07662394B2	Nucleic acids encoding chimeric Flavivirus immunogens comprising the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) PRM signal sequence The present invention encompasses isolated nucleic acids containing transcriptional units which encode a signal sequence of one flavivirus and an immunogenic flavivirus antigen of a second flavivirus or of a chimeric immunogenic flavivirus antigen comprising sequence from more than one flavivirus. The invention further encompasses a nucleic acid and protein vaccine and the use of the vaccine to immunize a subject against flavivirus infection. The invention also provides antigens encoded by nucleic acids of the invention, antibodies elicited in response to the antigens and use of the antigens and/or antibodies in detecting flavivirus or diagnosing flavivirus infection.
US07662391B2	Chlamydia outer membrane protein (OMP) and vaccine uses of the protein The present invention provides vaccines and methods for immunizing a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae. The vaccine and method employ an OMP (outer membrane protein) of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.
US07662389B2	Use of serum amyloid A gene in diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and identification of anti-glaucoma agents The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating glaucoma, methods for diagnosing glaucoma, and methods for identifying agents which may be useful in the treatment of glaucoma. More specifically, the present invention describes the use of agents that modulate the expression of serum amyloid A.
US07662385B2	Agent for inhibiting proliferation of neural stem cells The object of the present invention is to provide methods for inhibiting proliferation of neural stem cells, an agent for inhibiting proliferation of neural stem cells, and methods for using the same. According to the method of the present invention, a galectin-1 inhibitor such as anti-galectin-1 antibody and/or an integrin β1 inhibitor such as anti-integrin β1 antibody is administered to a human or a vertebrate other than human for inhibiting proliferation of neural stem cells. This method can be used for treatment of nerve injury and nerve tumors.
US07662371B2	Composition for lowering the concentration of intestinal pathogenic peptides The present invention describes a pharmaceutical, veterinary or alimentary composition comprising one or more bacterial strains capable of lowering the concentration of intestinal pathogenic peptides by means of peptidases of probiotic strains. The invention also relates to the use of such compositions, and a method for selection of probiotic strains. Also, the invention relates to novel bacterial strains.
US07662368B2	Method of inducing SHC phosphorylation of inducing the SHC/MAPK pathway by administering a peptide of IL-2 The present invention relates to new peptides of IL-2, derivatives thereof, and their use as therapeutic agents.
US07662363B2	Amorphous silica An amorphous silica suitable for use in a dental composition has a weight mean particle size in the range 3 to 15 μm with at least 90 per cent by weight of particles having a size below 20 μm, a Radioactive Dentine Abrasion (RDA) determined on an aqueous slurry of the silica powder of 100 to 220, a Pellicle Cleaning Ratio (PCR), when incorporated in a dental composition at 10 per cent by weight, greater than 85, the ratio of PCR to RDA being in the range 0.4:1 to less than 1:1 and having a Plastics Abrasion Value (PAV) in the range 11 to 19. A silica having the above properties is prepared by a precipitation route. The silica made available by the invention is also useful as an anti-blocking agent in plastics.
US07662359B2	Titanium oxide product method for making the same and its use as a photocatalyst The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a particulate titanium dioxide product, wherein hydrated titanium dioxide is precipitated from an aqueous solution of titanium oxychloride by adding to the solution titanium dioxide particles as crystal nuclei and the product obtained from the precipitation step is isolated and optionally calcined. The process is characterized by the addition of crystal nuclei to an aqueous solution of titanium oxychloride having a content of >90 g TiO2/l calculated as TiO2 and the performance of precipitation at a temperature below the boiling point of the said aqueous solution and at normal pressure. In addition, the invention relates to a titanium dioxide product prepared by using the process, the use of the product as a photocatalyst, and a photocatalyst, which comprises a titanium dioxide product prepared according to the invention.
US07662358B2	Fine-particled alkaline-earth titanates and method for the production thereof using titan oxide particles The invention relates to fine-particled alkaline-earth titanates and to a method for the production thereof by reacting alkaline-earth metal compounds with titanium dioxide particles. The titanium dioxide particles have a BET-surface greater than 50 m2/g. The titanium dioxide particles can have a very low sulphate, chloride and carbon content. The reaction can take place at a temperature below 700° C. The alkaline-earth titanate can have a BET-surface of 5-100 m2/g. Advantageously, it does not contain any hydroxyl groups in the crystal lattice. The alkaline-earth titanate can be used in the production of microelectronic components.
US07662352B2	Method and system for removing mercury from flue gas A biomass feeding unit feeds biomass to a boiler. A hydrogen-chlorine monitoring unit measures hydrogen-chloride content in flue gas fed to a desulfurization equipment. A mercury monitoring unit measures mercury content in treated flue gas emitted from the desulfurization equipment. A feed-amount instruction unit instructs proper feed amount of the biomass to the biomass feeding unit based on measurement values obtained by the hydrogen-chlorine monitoring unit and the mercury monitoring unit.
US07662351B2	Process and plant for producing metal oxide from metal compounds The present invention relates to a process for producing metal oxide from metal compounds, in particular metal hydroxide or metal carbonate, in which the metal compound is conveyed into a reactor (25) with fluidized bed, heated there to a temperature of 650 15 to 1150° C. by combustion of fuel, and metal oxide is generated, as well as to a corresponding plant. To improve the utilization of energy, it is proposed to introduce a first gas or gas mixture from below through a gas supply tube (26) into a mixing chamber (20) of the reactor (25), the gas supply tube (26) being at least partly surrounded by a stationary annular fluidized bed (27) which is fluidized by supplying fluidizing gas, and 20 to adjust the gas velocities of the first gas or gas mixture and of the fluidizing gas for the annular fluidized bed (27) such that the Particle-Froude numbers in the gas supply tube (26) lie between 1 and 100, in the annular fluidized bed (27) between 0.02 and 2, and in the mixing chamber (20) between 0.3 and 30.
US07662349B2	Reactor Disclosed is a reactor including: a first reaction part and a second reaction part each comprising a reaction channel where a reactant flows, in which the reactant is applied to cause a reaction of the reactant, and which are arranged to form a gap therebetween; a heat insulating container covering at least entirety of the first reaction part, the second reaction part and the gap, in which a pressure within an inner space of the heat insulating container including the gap is lower than atmospheric pressure; and at least one getter material disposed in a space including the gap in the inner space. The getter material improves degree of vacuum in the inner space of the heat insulating container, and is disposed at the gap between the first reaction part and the second reaction part so as not to increase the size of the reactor.
US07662348B2	Air conditioner devices An air conditioner includes an ion generator that provides ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage generator that provides a voltage potential difference between first and second electrode arrays. At least one of the first and second arrays is removable from the housing for cleaning.
US07662339B2	Apparatus having improved gantry assembly suitable for use in a laboratory environment An assembly suitable for use in a laboratory instrument is set forth. The assembly comprises a plurality of guide rods that are disposed generally parallel with one another and a plurality of carriage assemblies connected for movement along the plurality of guide rods. A sub-carriage assembly is disposed on at least one of the carriage assemblies and is connected to the carriage assembly for movement in a direction transverse to the plurality of guide rods. A plurality of carriage drive mechanisms are employed to move the plurality of carriage assemblies independently along said plurality of guide rods and a sub-carriage drive mechanism is provided to move the sub-carriage assembly in a direction transverse to said plurality of guide rods.
US07662338B2	Manufacturing method of a sintered powder molded body A sintering compound containing a sinterable powder and a binder removable in a debinding step is injected into a metal mold set provided with a sintering compound injecting mold, in a sintering compound molding step (S104). An add-on forming compound which becomes removable or separable from the sintering compound injection molded body in the debinding step or the sintering step is injected into the metal mold set provided with an add-on mold in an add-on forming step (S102). The sintering compound injection molded body and the add-on are formed integrally with each other in the metal mold set. The integral formation of the add-on and the sintering compound injection molded body enables to prevent damage during release from the mold and make easy to handle the injection molded body.
US07662337B2	Hoisting mechanism for steel processing ladles in RH degassers A hoisting mechanism for raising a ladle filled with liquid steel from a transfer vehicle to immersion pipes of a vacuum treatment tank of an RH degasser. Two lifting arms are provided, one end of which can be brought into engagement with a support device formed on the ladle, and a bearing end of the arms is supported in a stationary saddle support comprised in such a way of a runway, disposed on the bearing ends of the lifting arms and having the shape of a circular arc, and of a path of rolling contact, adapted to axially fixedly guide the runway during pivoting of the lifting arms, that due to shifting of the point of load introduction in the saddle support occurring during a raising movement, reduction of a horizontal movement of the ladle occurs.
US07662335B2	Metal scrap submergence apparatus A material scrap submergence device comprises a body (10) of heat resistant and/or a refractory material that includes a side wall (12) and a base (14) that define a submergence chamber (10). The refractory body (10) can include passages (24) that receive rods (22). The rods (22) can place the refractory body (10) under compression. In another embodiment, the body is confined by a frame (72) attached to the body. The submergence chamber (10) can also be used as a gas injection chamber.
US07662333B2	Vacuum-assisted potting of fiber module tubesheets A tubesheet is formed at the end of a module containing polymeric material for gas separation, by immersing the end of the module in an epoxy material, or its equivalent. A vacuum, or partial vacuum, applied at or near the opposite end of the module, tends to draw the epoxy material towards the source of the vacuum, and results in a tubesheet having a desired thickness, even though the epoxy material may have relatively high viscosity. The method produces effective tubesheets, while minimizing the degree to which the tubesheet covers the otherwise useful surface area of the polymeric material. The method thus produces gas-separation modules having enhanced productivity.
US07662330B2	Use of desiccant material in rubber compounds for reducing the cure time of tires The present invention is directed towards the use of low levels of a desiccant material in a rubber compound, such as for use as a tire tread, that allows for reduced cure times of tires cured under pressure, thereby increasing tire production. The low level of desiccant material reduces the blow point of the rubber compound by substantially eliminating blows earlier in the pressure curing process, thereby allowing for the reduced cure time of the tire under pressure. In one embodiment, low levels of no greater than about 9 phr of desiccant material, which may include generally a metal oxide (e.g. calcium oxide or magnesium oxide), are provided in the rubber compound. The rubber compound including the low levels of desiccant material may be cured, under pressure, at less than 30% of full cure of the rubber compound.
US07662327B2	Manufacturing method of thin keypad assembly In a method of manufacturing a thin keypad of a keypad panel having a smooth surface, a mist surface or a lines layer, the method includes the steps of: preparing a mold with an internal bottom surface of a coarse surface, a smooth surface or a lines surface; applying an adhesive into the mold and coating a carrier onto the surface of the adhesive; rolling the surface of the carrier by a roller to level the adhesive in the mold; performing a ultraviolet projection to cure the adhesive to form a keypad layer on the carrier; filming a ground color layer, a function color layer and a font color layer sequentially on the carrier as the background of the keypad panel; and hot pressing and combining the keypad layer and silicon to produce the keypad panel.
US07662326B2	Compositions containing fast-leaching plasticizers for improved performance of medical devices Medical implants containing a temporary plasticizer, methods of producing such implants, and methods of using the implants in treating a disease, or ameliorating one or more symptoms thereof, in a subject are provided.
US07662325B2	Polyhydroxyalkanoic acid fibers with high strength, fibers with high strength and high modulus of elasticity, and processes for producing the same The present invention is a process for producing a fiber, comprising: melt-extruding polyhydroxyalkanoic acid; solidifying the polyhydroxyalkanoic acid by quenching it to its glass transition temperature +15° C. or less, to form an amorphous fiber; cold-drawing the amorphous fiber at its glass transition temperature +20° C. or less; and subjecting the fiber to heat treatment under tension. The present invention can provide: a process for producing a fiber with high strength, and the fiber produced through the process; and a process for producing a fiber with high strength and high modulus of elasticity and the fiber with high strength and high modulus of elasticity produced through the process, regardless of molecular weights of PHAs varying depending on origins such as a wild type PHAs-producing microorganism product, a genetically modified product, and a chemical product.
US07662323B1	Elastomeric bicomponent fibers comprising block copolymers having high flow Bicomponent fibers having a sheath-core morphology where the sheath is a thermoplastic polymer and the core is an elastomeric compound are made which can be continuously extruded from the melt at high production rates. The elastomeric compound comprises a coupled, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer having high flow. The block copolymer has at least one polystyrene block of molecular weight from 5,000 to 7,000 and at least one polydiene block of molecular weight from 20,000 to 70,000 and having a high vinyl content of 60 mol % or greater. The bicomponent fibers are useful for the manufacture of articles such as woven fabrics, spunbond non-woven fabrics or filters, staple fibers, yarns and bonded, carded webs. The bicomponent fibers can be made using a process comprising coextrusion of the thermoplastic polymer and elastomeric compound to produce fibers at greater than 800 mpm and having a denier from 0.1 to 50 g/9000 m.
US07662318B2	Method for post-injection in mold lamination with an adhesively coated functionalized film A method for laminating a functional film on to a plastic injection molded lens. An outer layer of the film is selected to perform an HMA-type function when subjected to the heat and pressure of the mold. After forming the lens, the mold is open and the film is loaded in to the empty insert. The residual heat and pressure bonds the film via the HMA to the lens, in a press lamination process. A functionally enhanced lens having a film intimately laminated on to one side.
US07662317B2	Dispersant, paste composition including the dispersant, inorganic device using the paste composition, and display apparatus including the inorganic device Provided is a dispersant including a hydrophobic moiety with a branched alkyl group and an arylene group and a hydrophilic moiety with an alkylene oxide group and a carboxylic acid group. The alkyl group is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group of 5-30 carbon atoms, the arylene group is a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group of 6-30 carbon atoms, and the alkylene oxide group is a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene oxide group of 2-10 carbon atoms. The dispersant has good dispersibility, and a low residual carbon content after sintering. Thus, a paste composition including the dispersant can maintain a low viscosity and disperse many inorganic particles. Thus, an inorganic device prepared using the paste composition can have a low residual carbon content and a high packing density.
US07662308B2	Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) based fluorescent colorants Novel fluorescent polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) colorants are provided. The colorants are strongly fluorescing and long lasting with excellent light stability. The novel colorants can be prepared from chromophores found in common pigments and provide a simple way to convert an insoluble pigment into a soluble fluorescent colorant.
US07662299B2	Nanoimprint lithography template techniques for use during the fabrication of a semiconductor device and systems including same A method for forming a template useful for nanoimprint lithography comprises forming at least one pillar which provides a topographic feature extending from a template base. At least one conformal pattern layer and one conformal spacing layer, and generally a plurality of alternating pattern layers and spacing layers, are formed over the template base and pillar. A planarized filler layer is formed over the pattern and spacing layers, then the filler, the spacing layer and the pattern layer are partially removed, for example using mechanical polishing, to expose the pillar. One or more etches are performed to remove at least a portion of the pillar, the filler, and the spacing layer to result in the pattern layer protruding from the spacing layer and providing the template pattern.
US07662294B1	Method for reducing organic contamination Certain exemplary embodiments provide methods for reducing a concentration of a contaminant associated with a medium, which can be any substance or material, such as soil, water, air, and/or fluid. In one exemplary method, the medium is treated with a ferric chelate and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant.
US07662292B2	Radium selective media and method for manufacturing Media for selectively removing radium ions from water where manganese oxide (DMO) has been dispersed in a cation ion exchange resin (gel or macroporous) to adsorb radium ions. The media is manufactured by precipitating a soluble manganese (II) salt such as manganous sulfate with a permanganate salt such as sodium permanganate inside a strong acid cation (SAC) to form a resin containing highly dispersed manganese oxides. The resin is then post treated with a reducing agent such as sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O2) to prevent the leaching of soluble manganese from the resin. The reducing treatment ensures that soluble manganese species will be converted into an insoluble oxide form.
US07662287B2	Wastewater denitrification system The disclosed process and system are used for the denitrification of wastewater. The system comprises: an influent flow meter for measuring an influent flow Q; an influent concentration analyzer for measuring an influent dissolved oxygen concentration DOin, an influent nitrate concentration NO3—Nin, and an influent nitrite concentration NO2—Nin; an effluent concentration analyzer for measuring an effluent nitrate concentration NO3—Neff, and an effluent nitrite concentration NO2—Neff′, and a feed chemical controller for providing a feed chemical at a controlled rate. The feed chemical controller is responsive to one or more output signals provided by an automated control loop that accepts input signals from the influent concentration analyzer and the effluent concentration analyzer, which input signals relate to at least NO3—Nin, NO2—Nin, NO3—Neff, and NO2—Neff.
US07662283B2	Modular drinking water filtration system with locking arrangement to assure filter cartridge compatibility A modular filter system using replaceable filter cartridges includes a locking arrangement that prevents rotation of the flow control valve spindle in the filter head, but includes an unlocking arrangement on the cartridge that unlocks the locking arrangement if the proper replacement cartridge is used. The locking arrangement may include spring biased locking pins carried on the filter head and matching unlocking pins on the filter cartridge to operate through an intermediate adaptor ring that is set on assembly to match the positions of the locking and unlocking pins.
US07662282B2	Permanent magnet array iron filter A permanent magnet array iron filter has a generally circular collar made of a high magnetic permeability material with a plurality of magnetic assemblies interiorly disposed longitudinally around an interior circumference therein. Each magnetic assembly has two magnets with opposite poles facing the center of the filter and a gap between the adjacent assemblies. This arrangement intensifies the resultant magnetic field and projects the field deeply within the interior region of the filter. Rare earth permanent magnets are used to maximize the magnetic field. The collar may be coated with a plastic coating to protect the filter. The collar has a gap to provide flexibility when sliding the filter over an oil filter. The thickness of the collar may be adjusted to meet the requirements of a particular application.
US07662281B1	Apparatus for treating sludge Sludge can be treated by placing it in a carrier sized for bulk shipment of sludge by road or by rail. An antipathogenic substance such as lime is mixed into the sludge located in the carrier in order to treat pathogens in the sludge. At least one mixer adapted for mixing sludge throughout the carrier is employed. A dispenser such as a conduit or a loader bucket can dispense the antipathogenic substance so that the mixer can mix the substance with the sludge. The sludge is transported in the carrier either before or after the mixing with the antipathogenic substance. The mixture of sludge and antipathogenic substance is allowed to remain in the carrier long enough to treat pathogens with the substance before unloading the sludge from the carrier at a destination established for utilization, storage, transfer or disposal of the sludge.
US07662279B2	Filtering device, in particular for fish basins A filtering device, in particular for fish basins, having a housing (10) encompassing a filter chamber (20) and a filter drum (30), which is rotatably disposed in the filter chamber (20) and is loadable with water to be purified, about which a filter belt (40) is guided along part of its circumference from a dispensing roller (42) to a receiving roller (41) that is driven by a paddle wheel (5) disposed outside the filter chamber (20). The paddles (51) of the filter wheel are activated by unpurified water in such a way that the filter belt (40) is wound from the dispensing roller (42) onto the receiving roller (41).
US07662267B2	Device and method for electrodialysis An improved apparatus and operating method related thereto for deionizing water to produce substantially pure water using electric field and ion exchange materials are disclosed, including embodiments incorporating one or more of the novel features of brine and electrode streams flowing in a direction counter-current to the stream being deionized, a filling of the brine stream with stratified ion exchange materials, a stream mixing feature for mixing the stream being deionized, a gas removal feature for removal of gases, a spiral-wound embodiment of an electrodialysis device according to the invention, and a method for determining the preferred operating current for electrodialysis systems according to this invention.
US07662266B2	Device and method for regenerating an electroless metal plating bath In regenerating an electroless metal plating bath by electrodialysis, it has been found that the metal of the metal plating bath deposits in the electrolysis arrangement. To overcome this problem, an improvement to prior art regenerating devices is suggested, said improvement consisting in providing main cation exchangers for removing ions of this metal from a concentrate fluid. The main cation exchangers are coupled to the concentrate compartments of the electrolysis arrangement in such a manner that the concentrate fluid flowing through the concentrate compartments is allowed to pass through the main cation exchangers and to be recirculated back into the concentrate compartments.
US07662264B2	Method for producing magnetic recording medium A method for producing a magnetic recording medium, includes: forming an SOG film on a surface of a magnetic layer; forming a concavo-convex structure in the SOG film comprising one selected from a group consisting of silica glass, alkylsiloxane polymer, methyl silsesquioxane polymer, hydrogen silsesquioxane polymer and hydro alkylsiloxane polymer; etching the SOG film to expose the surface of the magnetic layer; etching the exposed surface of the magnetic layer by ion milling; and forming a filling layer on the surface of the magnetic layer while leaving a portion of the magnetic layer having been subjected to the ion milling.
US07662262B2	Supercalendering optimization using a steam shower There is described a method and apparatus for applying steam from a steam source to a moving web to thereby improve the smoothness and gloss of the web. A housing has at least one cooling chamber upstream and at least one steam chamber downstream. The cooling air in the cooling chamber is used to cool the web before steam is applied to the web from the steam chamber. This allows a sufficient volume of steam to be delivered to the web to thereby raise its moisture content to a desired level to thus achieve optimized calendering of the web.
US07662259B2	Method for dewatering a fabric A method of dewatering a fabric includes contacting the fabric with an endless wicking substrate.
US07662258B2	Roofing mat using urea-formaldehyde binder of particular viscosity and surface tension Provided is thermosetting urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin binder formulation, preferably prepared with modified styrene-maleic anhydride. The formulation has a viscosity in the range of from 3 to 10 cP and a surface tension of from 35 to 50 mN/m, and is prepared using a UF resin composition exhibiting a viscosity of from 175 to 250 cP.
US07662257B2	Multi-ply paper towel with absorbent core A multi-ply absorbent sheet of cellulosic fiber with continuous outer surfaces is provided an absorbent core between the outer surfaces. The absorbent core includes a non-woven fiber network having: (i) a plurality of pileated fiber enriched of relatively high local basis weight interconnected by way of (ii) a plurality of lower local basis weight linking whose fiber orientation is biased along the direction between pileated interconnected thereby, and (iii) a plurality of fiber-deprived cellules between the fiber enriched and linking regions, also being characterized by a local basis weight lower than the fiber enriched regions. The cellules provide a sponge-like internal structure of low fiber density regions.
US07662254B2	Methods of and apparatus for aligning electrodes in a process chamber to protect an exclusion area within an edge environ of a wafer Positional relationships are established in a process chamber. A base is configured with a lower electrode surface to support a wafer, and an upper electrode has a lower surface. A drive mounted on the base has a linkage connected to the upper electrode. A fixture placed on the lower surface moves into a desired orientation of the lower electrode. With the upper electrode loosely connected by the linkage to the drive, the fixture transfers the desired orientation to the upper electrode. The linkage is tightened to maintain the desired orientation, the fixture is removed and a process exclusion insert is mounted to the upper electrode. The drive moves the upper electrode and the insert to define an inactive process zone between the upper electrode and the wafer on the lower electrode to protect a central area of the wafer during etching of a wafer edge environ around the central area.
US07662249B2	Semiautomatic jacketing method A method for jacketing a product having a generally cylindrical outer surface locates a sheet of jacketing material on first and second belts for conforming the sheet of jacketing material to and pressing the sheet of jacketing material against the outer surface of the product and locates the product on the sheet of jacketing material. Preferably, the belts are mounted on frames that are pivoted from a first position where the sheet of jacketing material can be placed on the belts and the product can be placed on the sheet of jacketing material to a second position where the belts are each wrapped part of the way around the outer surface of the product while the product remains stationary to conform the sheet of jacketing material to and press the sheet of jacketing material against the outer surface of the product so that the sheet of jacketing material may be bonded to the outer surface of the product. When the frames are pivoted from the first position to the second position, the frames draw the belts over the sheet jacket with a force less than that required to crush the product and greater than that required to overcome friction between the belts and the sheet of jacketing material.
US07662246B2	Steel for components of chemical installations An iron-based alloy for use in a material for high-pressure components. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US07662240B2	Seal for worm gear speed reducer The performance of a worm assembly seal is improved by (1) the use of a hardened steel worm with a bronze worm gear; (2) a tribological coating on one or both of the worm thread or spiral and the gear teeth; 3) a tribological coating on one or both of the input or output shaft or shaft sleeves; or (4) a tribological coating applied to the worm thread, the gear teeth, the input and output shafts or shaft sleeves, or combinations thereof. In each of the approaches, the worm, worm gear, and input and output shafts or shaft sleeves can have surface finishing treatments. Additionally, in each of the three approaches, carbon or carbon/nitrogen concentration gradients can be added to the worm.
US07662233B2	ALD apparatus and method Improved apparatus and method for SMFD ALD include a method designed to enhance chemical utilization as well as an apparatus that implements lower conductance out of SMFD-ALD process chamber while maintaining full compatibility with standard wafer transport. Improved SMFD source apparatuses (700, 700′, 700″) and methods from volatile and non-volatile liquid and solid precursors are disclosed, e.g., a method for substantially controlling the vapor pressure of a chemical source (722) within a source space comprising: sensing the accumulation of the chemical on a sensing surface (711); and controlling the temperature of the chemical source depending on said sensed accumulation.
US07662232B2	Plasma processing apparatus The object of the invention is to provide a plasma processing apparatus having enhanced plasma processing uniformity. The plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber 1, means 13 and 14 for supplying processing gas into the processing chamber, evacuation means 25 and 26 for decompressing the processing chamber 1, an electrode 4 on which an object 2 to be processed such as a wafer is placed, and an electromagnetic radiation power supply 5A, wherein at least two kinds of processing gases having different composition ratios of O2 or N2 are introduced into the processing chamber through different gas inlets so as to control the in-plane uniformity of the critical dimension while maintaining the in-plane uniformity of the process depth.
US07662231B2	Cord rotating head for a crystal drawing system The invention relates to the production of a cable rotating head, which is devoid of an abrasion ring, for a Czochralski-crystal drawing system which is used to drive a drawing cord in an azimuthal and vertical manner and the nucleus of a crystal is fixed therein. According to the invention, the cord rotating head comprises a cord winding mechanism which can be supported by a vertical hollow shaft, through which the drawing cord is suspended in the crystal drawing system, and the cord rotating head is rotationally mounted about the axis thereof and can be offset by a rotation motor, which is secured to the crystal drawing system, together with the cord winding mechanism and the drawing cord in a rotational movement, and said vertical hollow shaft is surrounded in a coaxial manner by a double toothed gear which is rotationally mounted opposite to the hollow shaft and can be driven by a drawing motor which is secured to the crystal drawing system. The double toothed gear can be driven by a gear of the cord winding mechanism, such that the mechanical drive energy of the drawing motor, which is secured in a stationary manner to the crystal drawing system, can be transferred to the cord winding mechanism which rotates in relation to the crystal drawing system.
US07662219B2	Wet type electrostatic precipitator An electrostatic precipitator that can prevent the corrosion of a discharge electrode even if a gas to be treated containing a corrosive mist is treated. In an electrostatic precipitator having a discharge electrode arranged along a flow path of the gas to be treated, a spray nozzle that can spray a water to the upstream side of the discharge electrode is mounted. A wet film is formed on the surface of the discharge electrode with the water sprayed from the spray nozzle. The sprayed water is desirably a water vapor or a water droplet having a particle diameter of less than 10 μm.
US07662218B2	Filter for purifying hydrogen and method for manufacture thereof A hydrogen-purification membrane comprises a Pd alloy film joined to one surface of a porous support substrate. Each pore in the porous support substrate is such that between the thickness T of the porous support substrate, the opening diameter D1 of the pore on the side joined to the Pd alloy film and the opening diameter D2 of the pore on the opposite side, there are relations represented by 1.0≦D1/T≦5.0 and 1.0≦D2/T≦5.0, and between the opening diameter D1 of the pore on the side joined to the Pd alloy film, the opening diameter D2 of the pore on the opposite side and the opening diameter D3 of the narrowest portion of the pore there are relations represented by D3/D1<0.8, D3/D2<0.9 and D3<250 μm. Furthermore, the total opening area of the pores on the side joined to the Pd alloy film accounts for 20 to 80% of the area of the porous support substrate.
US07662213B2	Silver-exchanged zeolites and methods of manufacture therefor The present invention relates generally to zeolites having a silica/alumina ratio of less than or equal to 10 (Si/Al≦10) that are exchanged with Ag+ and thermally treated in such a way to favor adsorption over alternative catalytic and chemically reactive functionalities. The adsorbents of the present invention and the method of producing such adsorbents maximize the working adsorption capacity through π-complexation. Applications for such adsorbents include any process in which contaminants from gas streams can form π-complexes with the Ag in the zeolite, particularly the removal of CO, ethylene, propylene and the like from air and CO/H2 from air in prepurifier adsorbers in the production of ultra high purity (UHP) N2.
US07662211B2	Dehumidification method and plant, particularly for granular materials The present invention relates to a granular-material dehumidification plant including at least one silo or hopper arranged to receive granular material to be dehumidified at the top thereof and provided with a controlled lower delivering mouth, at least one feeding duct designed to be dipped in the granular material contained in each hopper to supply hot and dry processing air thereto, and at least one exhaust duct for humid processing air; at least two molecular sieve towers arranged alternatively to supply hot and dry processing air to the at least one hopper, each tower delimiting therein a space for housing molecular sieves and a chamber for housing heating means, the space and the chamber being in fluid communication with one another at one end thereof, while being in fluid communication at the other end thereof, with a respective air inlet/outlet duct.
US07662205B2	Processes to beneficiate heat-dried biosolid pellets This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for modifying the process of producing dried biosolids pellets or granules into beneficiated inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The present invention describes a method to beneficiate heat-dried biosolids or sludge pellets or granules as presently manufactured by municipalities or companies from a) dewatered municipal wastewater biosolids or sludges within the municipal wastewater treatment plant heat-dried biosolids production facility or from b) finished dry heat dried biosolids pellets or granules in a separate manufacturing facility from the municipal wastewater treatment plant to produce a fertilizer containing sufficient organic and inorganic plant nutrients to be valuable and saleable into the commercial agricultural industry. The present invention describes beneficiation methods to increase the plant nutrient content to a level which permits the finished beneficiated dried biosolids pellet or granule product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace and also to reduce the odors associated with traditionally-produced heat dried biosolids.
US07662203B2	Air cleaner; replaceable filter cartridges; and, methods The disclosure concern air cleaners. Preferred air cleaners are shown which include a housing and a removable and replacement primary filter cartridge. Optional and advantageous features are shown. An optional mechanical interlock, operated with a non-threaded, movement of the cartridge, is provided between the primary filter cartridge and the housing. The preferred primary filter cartridge is conical in shape. A preferred optional safety or secondary filter cartridge is shown. Preferred methods of assembly and use are provided.
US07662202B2	Dust collector of vacuum cleaner Disclosed is a dust collector of a vacuum cleaner. The dust collector comprises: a cyclone body forming a cyclone chamber and having a bottom wall and an air inlet, air being admitted into the cyclone chamber and rotating in the cyclone chamber; an outlet pipe extending upwardly from the bottom wall of the cyclone body; and a dust-bin body surrounding the cyclone body in such a manner that a dust collection space is formed between the dust-bin body and the cyclone body. The inner diameter of the cyclone body is increased as approaching a height near the top end of the outlet pipe from the bottom wall of the cyclone body.
US07662199B2	Cyclonic filter for surface maintenance machine A filter system for a surface maintenance machine having a hopper assembly for receiving brush-thrown debris including a cyclonic separator for separating dust and debris from air drawn through the hopper via vacuum action. The cyclonic separator may include multiple cyclone and may be in fluid communication with the hopper assembly so as to periodically receive dust and debris exiting the filter system.
US07662197B2	Method of operating an exhaust gas cleaning unit with particle filter and nitrogen oxygen store In a method for operating an exhaust-gas cleaning unit of a diesel engine including a particle filter and a nitrogen oxide storage device arranged upstream of the particle filter, wherein sulfur regeneration of the nitrogen oxide storage device is performed periodically at raised exhaust gas temperatures and, in certain phases, with a rich exhaust gas composition, and also soot regeneration of the particle filter is performed at raised exhaust gas temperatures with a lean exhaust gas composition, at least some of the sulfur regeneration and the soot regeneration phases are performed in a combined soot and sulfur regeneration phase, and for the sulfur regeneration, at least temporarily, a rich exhaust-gas composition with a temperature higher than the temperature of the lean exhaust gas composition is provided for the soot regeneration of the particle filter.
US07662196B2	Procedure for gasification of glycerine Procedure for the use of glycerine as biomass, for the production of energy by means of a spray gasification process, based on the use of a mixture of oxygen, vapour and atmospheric air as gasifying agents, which are introduced into a Gasification Chamber at temperatures above 900° C., so that the gas produced is transferred to a Reformer wherein, also at temperatures above 900° C., the different partial oxidation/thermal cracking reactions in the presence of metal oxides are completed and, subsequently, hot cycloned to retain ashes greater than 5 microns in size, whereupon the gas is sharply cooled using a basket-type Evaporator.
US07662194B2	Binder composition for fuel cell, membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell, and method for preparing the membrane-electrode assembly The present invention relates to a binder composition for a fuel cell including a proton conductor and one or more binders selected from the group consisting of poly[2,2′-(m-phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole] (PBI), poly[2,5-benzimidazole] (ABPBI), polybenzoxazole (PBO), and polybenzothiazole (PBT).
US07662189B2	Massive modular system The specification discloses a modular system for the formation of a prosthesis for the replacement of a long bone in a human or animal body. The system provides a prosthesis comprising a proximal or distal end component such as a trochanter or condylar head, forming one component of a prosthetic joint, a shaft for assembly with the distal or proximal end component and a stem for engagement in a resected bone. The system allows the assembly of a custom fitted prosthesis from a limited range of components.
US07662183B2	Dynamic spinal implants incorporating cartilage bearing graft material A dynamic spinal implant utilizes cartilage bearing graft material in dynamic disc replacement and/or facet arthroplasty. Methods and apparatus for dynamic spinal implants incorporate bulk articular graft tissues derived from donor joint sources in human (allograft or autograft) or non-human (xenograft) tissue. The donor joint is preferably prepared as a biological dynamic spinal implant with articular cartilage as a bearing interface between adjacent bone surfaces that naturally articulate with respect to one another.
US07662179B2	Haptics for accommodative intraocular lens system An open chamber, accommodative, intraocular lens system operable to be positioned within the interior of an evacuated capsular bag of a human eye. The present invention provides new haptic cross-sections, novel complex lens structures by introduction of the concept of a lens ledge, fixation of haptics to lenses at a lens ledge, structural solutions to provide customized fitted correction, and accordion structural solutions to ease the insertion of complex lenses into the capsular bag of the eye.
US07662175B2	Upload shank swivel head bone screw spinal implant A polyaxial bone screw having a bone implantable shank, a head and a retaining ring. The retaining ring includes an outer partial hemispherical surface and an inner bore with radially extending channels and partial capture recesses. The shank includes a bone implantable body with an external helical wound thread and an upwardly extending capture structure. The capture structure includes at least one spline which extends radially outward and has a wedged surface that faces radially outward therefrom. The capture structure operably passes through a central bore of the retaining ring while the spline passes through a suitably shaped channel so that the spline becomes positioned above the head at which time the shank is rotated appropriately and the shank is drawn back downwardly so that the spline engages and seats in the capture recess.
US07662172B2	Pedicle screw systems and methods of assembling/installing the same The pedicle screw system may be used for fixation of spinal segments and may be advantageous when minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques are employed. The pedicle screw system includes a tulip assembly comprising of a tulip body, a inner member, and an expansion member. Installation of the pedicle screw system into pedicles of the spine, for example, includes inserting the pedicle screw into a portion of the spine and then coupling the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw. The tulip assembly may be locked onto the pedicle screw before a distraction rod is placed in the tulip assembly. After the rod is placed in the tulip assembly, the tulip body and the inner member can be rotated relative to one another to lock the rod into the tulip assembly. In addition, the relative rotation may also provide additional locking of the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw.
US07662168B2	Vascular closure An apparatus for closing an aperture comprising a horizontally extending member and elongated strand portions having extremity portions curving inwardly. The extremity portions have shape memory characteristics seeking to cause the extremity portions to curl to retain tissue engaged thereby when delivered from a delivery member. A central portion extends between the horizontally extending member and the elongated strand portions.
US07662165B2	Embolic protection device An embolic protection device has a filter assembly having a collar and a collapsible filter element mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire. The filter element has a collapsible filter body with a proximal inlet end and a distal outlet end and a filter support frame. The proximal inlet end has inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic materiel to enter the filter body. The outlet end has outlet openings which allow the passage of blood but retain embolic material within the filter body.
US07662164B2	Living-body tissue removing apparatus A living-body tissue removing apparatus according to the present invention includes a grip portion, an inserting portion which is connected to the grip portion and is inserted in the body, an endoscope inserting channel which is arranged in the inserting portion and in which an endoscope is inserted, and a blood vessel keeping member which is arranged in the inserting portion and which is movable back and forth in the axial direction of the inserting portion. The blood vessel keeping member includes a blood vessel keeping bed which keeps the blood vessel and a locking member which accommodates therein the blood vessel in closed space when the blood vessel keeping member keeps the blood vessel on the blood vessel keeping bed.
US07662162B2	Tool and method for minimally invasive bypass surgery A minimally-invasive coronary artery bypass graft procedure may be performed with a splittable proximal anastomosis tool. A distal anastomosis tool may be used as well, where that distal anastomosis tool may include a staple holder having two spaced-apart arms, staples detachably held by the staple holder, and an anvil connected to the staple holder.
US07662161B2	Vascular hole closure device A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising an elongated member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture. The elongated member has a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture. A material forms two curved legs having ends positionable external of the vessel. The legs curve in different directions and a retention portion is formed in the material to retain the legs during placement of the elongated member inside the vessel.
US07662157B2	Bone anchor system A bone anchor includes a screw portion configured to penetrate a bone. The screw portion includes a retention thread extending at least part of a length of the screw portion and a tip at a first end of the screw portion. The bone anchor includes a protrusion adjacent a second end of the screw portion. The second end is opposite the first end of the screw portion. The protrusion comprises a plurality of external sides forming a shape and a rounded interior surface enclosing a protrusion recess. The rounded interior surface includes a recess thread configured to retain a component at least partially in the protrusion recess. The protrusion has a maximum width that is less than a maximum diameter of the screw portion such that a shoulder is formed where the protrusion meets the second end of the screw portion.
US07662153B2	Minimal invasive endoscopic methods and apparatus for harvesting blood vessels A blood vessel in a patient is severed by inserting a shaft through an incision in the patient, the shaft carrying first and second clamps. The first and second clamps are closed against the vessel in closely adjacent relationship to one another. Thereafter, the clamps are moved in generally opposing directions to sever the vessel at a location between the clamps. Each clamp carries a cauterizing pad for cauterizing the severed ends of the vessel.
US07662150B2	Variable size apparatus for supporting diagnostic and/or therapeutic elements in contact with tissue A probe that facilitates the creation of circumferential lesions in body structures that may vary in size.
US07662145B2	Partial-length indwelling urinary catheter and method permitting selective urine discharge A partial-length catheter, or an extendable tube or sleeve member of the catheter, is selectively movable within the prostatic urethra to open a urine drainage passageway through and obstructed portion of the prostatic urethra or to open the external urinary sphincter muscle and thereby discharge urine from the bladder. A control element is manipulated at a position exterior of the urinary canal to selectively move the catheter or the extendable tube or sleeve member, thereby selectively controlling urine discharge. The catheter may also be used to diagnose urinary retention problems caused by a weak bladder or a prostatic obstruction.
US07662143B2	Apparatus and method for treating intravascular disease Medical devices and methods of treatment using medical devices, and more particularly, methods of treating a treatment site in a blood vessel and devices or apparatuses for use therewith. In some embodiments, a method and apparatus for treating a treatment site in a blood vessel using fluid movement or agitation adjacent the treatment site is disclosed. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided including one or more deployable structures adapted to create fluid movement within the vessel. The apparatus is inserted into the vessel, and the deployable structure is positioned adjacent the treatment site. The deployable structure is used to create fluid movement adjacent to the treatment site. In some embodiments, a treatment material, such as a medicine or drug, is introduced into the vessel proximate the treatment site, and the deployable structure is used to create fluid movement or agitation adjacent the treatment site to create a better interface between the treatment site and the medicine, or to move the medicine into the treatment site. In some embodiments, the fluid movement created by the deployable member aids in removal of tissue or other material from the treatment site.
US07662142B2	Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
US07662139B2	Pump cassette with spiking assembly An apparatus for use in a fluid processing system having a pump. The apparatus includes a pump cassette for use with the pump. The pump cassette includes at least one pump chamber and a first port in selective fluid communication with the at least one pump chamber. A spiking assembly includes at least one hollow spike having a piercing end for piercing a first container. The at least one hollow spike includes a first spike in fluid communication with the first port of the pump cassette.
US07662136B2	Disposable absorbent article A disposable absorbent article having a liner, an outer cover and an absorbent body therebetween for absorbing liquid body waste penetrating the liner. In one embodiment, the absorbent body has an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer has a lower absorbent capacity per unit weight than the outer layer. A flow control layer between the inner layer and the outer layer at least retards the flow of liquid body waste from the inner layer to the outer layer to facilitate a prolonged feeling of wetness to the wearer. In another embodiment, a surge layer lies between the liner and an absorbent body. A flow control layer between the liner and the surge layer, or between the surge layer and the absorbent body, at least retards the flow of liquid body waste through the surge layer toward the absorbent body.
US07662131B2	Liquid-injection syringe assembly, and a sheath for the assembly The assembly comprises a body forming a reservoir for the liquid, the body being provided with a liquid-injection needle, a plunger mounted to be axially movable in the body between a ready position and an end-of-injection position, and a sheath in which the body is mounted to be axially movable between an active position in which the needle projects from a distal end of the sheath, and a protecting position in which the needle is retracted inside the sheath. The assembly also comprises means for axially securing the plunger and the sheath in a relative position of said plunger and said sheath serving firstly to position the body in its protecting position relative to the sheath and secondly to position the plunger in its end-of-injection position relative to the body.
US07662126B2	Ultrasonic disbursement of magnetically delivered substances A system and method are provided for attracting a magnetically responsive substance inserted in a subject's body towards a target area within the body to treat the area. The system generally comprises a medical device having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one magnetic element disposed at the distal end of the medical device for orienting the distal end in a desired direction to place an aperture against the opposite wall of the vessel. The system further includes a voltage that may be applied to a coil that is disposed on the side of the medical device and proximally spaced from the magnetic element. A voltage is applied to the coil to attract the magnetically responsive substances inserted into the body around the coil. A high frequency alternating current voltage is applied to an adjacent transducer to ultrasonically disperse the collected magnetically responsive substances into the surrounding target tissue.
US07662122B2	Orthotic or prosthetic devices with adjustable force dosimeter and sensor An orthotic knee brace for treating unicompartmental osteoarthritis in a knee joint is described. The brace includes a fabric sleeve mounting and a bracing member removably positioned in the sleeve to provide a therapeutic force on the joint. The force is applied by a force dosimeter assembly that draws an incrementally adjustable amount of force on cables connected to the bracing member. The amount of force applied by the force dosimeter is detected by a force sensor, and is indicated by a force indicator, each also removably attachable on the fabric sleeve mounting. The foregoing features, while exemplified in the context of a knee brace, are adaptable to any orthotic or prosthetic device where it is desired to apply an adjustable amount of force to a point on the device to provide a therapeutic benefit, and to provide a real-time indication to the user of the amount of force being applied.
US07662118B2	Orthotic hinge system with spring-biased pawl control of ratchet member The invention relates to an orthopedic hinge system, including an outer and an inner lateral base, each substantially complemental in peripheral dimension to each other, the bases each having a major vertical axis, the inner base having a recess. Also included is an elongate distal member having a semi-circular pivot end including, upon a portion of the end, ratchet teeth pointing in a counter-clockwise direction, the pivot end rotationally secured to both of the bases. Further included is an elongate proximal member having a transverse end element proportioned for complemental securement within the recess of the inner base, transverse end element including an axis of rotation co-linear with an axis of rotation of the distal member and defining an axis of rotation of the pivot end of the distal member. The system also includes a cam lever including a pawl surface having teeth pointing in a clockwise direction and, upon contact with the ratchet teeth of the distal member, then complemental therewith, the lever having an axis of rotation co-linear with a second axis within a transverse end element of the proximal member, the lever also including a radial projection disposed radially oppositely from the pawl surface to which an end of a biasing spring is attached.
US07662114B2	Ultrasound phased arrays Ultrasound transducers are disclosed which focus acoustic energy at various focal locations while minimizing focal spot degradation and the generation of unwanted on-axis or off-axis energy concentrations through using a generally constant f-number at the various focal locations.
US07662112B2	Medical measuring device and method A subsurface wound measuring device and method are provided for measuring a subsurface wound or cavity of a patient, the device including a flexible strip having first and second sections, the sections having first and second ends respectively with an intermediate bend being located between the first and second ends. The first end is adapted for being located internally to a patient, the second end being adapted for being located externally to the patient. The first and second sections have generally concave-shaped cross-sections with measuring indicia being located along at least one of the sections. The device also optionally includes a measuring strip and a receiver mounted on the second end for receiving the measuring strip, where the measuring strip and the flexible strip form complementary structure for measuring a subsurface wound or cavity.
US07662110B2	Devices for collecting blood and administering medical fluids Novel devices which can be used to both collect blood samples from and administer medical fluids to a patient on a repeated and continual basis using one rather than multiple needle insertions. The device typically includes a main tubing segment confluently connected to a cannula for insertion in the patient's vein. A syringe port and a volumeter for collecting blood branch separately from the main tubing segment. The device is used to collect blood by attaching an empty blood collection syringe to the syringe port, inserting the cannula in the patient's vein, allowing passive flow of blood from the main tubing segment into the volumeter under intrinsic venous blood pressure and capillary action, and then facilitating active flow of blood from the volumeter into the blood collection syringe by extending the syringe plunger. The device may be used to administer medical fluids to the patient through the main tubing segment from a medical fluid syringe or catheter attached to the syringe port.
US07662105B2	Systems and methods for determining respiration metrics Systems, devices and methods provide for acquiring respiration information. A respiration information device includes timer circuitry to time a plurality of shorter time apertures and a plurality of longer time apertures. A respiration sensor, which may be implemented as a transthoracic impedance sensor, is configured to generate a signal indicative of patient respiration. For each aperture of the plurality of shorter time apertures and for each aperture of the plurality of longer time apertures, an estimated characteristic of the respiration is determined. Respiration metrics are developed using one or both of the estimated respiration characteristics of the shorter time apertures and the estimated respiration characteristics of the longer time apertures.
US07662103B2	Apparatus for non-invasive diagnosis of vasovagal syncope in a patient An apparatus for non-invasive diagnosis of states of vasovagal syncope in a patient placed on a tilt table and subjected to a tilt-test, the apparatus comprising: circuits for sensing the patient's endocardiac acceleration; circuits for sensing the patient's heart rate; and analyzer circuits receiving as inputs said endocardiac acceleration and said heart rate, and outputting information about the sympthetico-vagal activity of the patient. The circuits for sensing endocardiac acceleration comprise an external accelerator sensor suitable for being held in contact with the patient's rib cage. The analyzer circuits comprise classifier circuits suitable, in the event of a syncope occurring, for determining one type of syncope amongst a plurality of syncope types as a function of the endocardiac acceleration and heart rate values sensed during a plurality of heart cycles preceding the occurrence of the syncope.
US07662102B2	Method of measuring instantaneous arterial blood pressure and compliance and device thereof A method of measuring the instantaneous arterial blood pressure and compliance and the device thereof are disclosed. The method identifies a critical depth under the skin. At this critical position, the arterial mean blood pressure is equivalent to the mean blood pressure obtained on the skin. The variation in the arterial mean blood pressure is tracked and controlled to maintain the equivalence between the mean blood pressure measured on the skin and the arterial mean blood pressure. In this case, the compliance of the muscle tissues remains invariant. Therefore, the variation measured on the skin is simply the behavior of the blood vessel. Using the skin-artery correlation, the invention can obtain the instantaneous blood pressure after some computation and the dynamic compliance at the critical position.
US07662099B2	Method and instrumentation to sense thermal lesion formation by ultrasound imaging A combination therapy and imaging instrument is provided. The instrument includes: a therapy probe for producing energy to alter tissue; and an imaging probe proximate the therapy probe for imaging the tissue altered with the therapy probe.
US07662098B2	Ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic device An ultrasound probe comprises therapeutic transducers which include a plurality of arrayed first transducer elements and emit therapeutic ultrasounds to a subject, and diagnostic transducers which include a plurality of arrayed second transducer elements and emit diagnostic ultrasounds to the subject and receive the diagnostic ultrasounds, wherein the therapeutic transducers are stacked over the diagnostic transducers.
US07662093B2	Reduced size imaging device A reduced diameter in vivo imaging device, such as a swallowable imaging capsule. The imaging device includes a first circuit board configured for accommodating at least an image sensor, and a second circuit board, which is in electrical communication with the first circuit board and which extends substantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the first circuit board.
US07662092B2	Endoscope device with electrically actuated bending An electric bending endoscope according to the present invention includes a bending portion arranged to an inserting portion, a bending driving mechanism which electrically bends the bending portion, an operation input member which instructs an operation to the bending driving mechanism so that the bending driving mechanism bends the bending portion, and a bending angle holding mechanism which holds the bending angle of the bending portion.
US07662088B2	Adult sexual novelty device for those physically challenged An adult sexual novelty device for those physically challenged which comprises a handle. A first stimulating component is provided. A mechanism is for attaching the first stimulating component at a right angle and in an adjustable manner near to a first end of the handle for insertion into an orifice of a person. A second stimulating component is also provided. Another mechanism is for attaching the second stimulating component at a right angle and in an adjustable manner near to a second end of said handle for insertion into an orifice of a person. The first stimulating component and the second stimulating component are in a parallel relationship to each other, to be used as prescribed by a physician, therapist and persons having special expert professional knowledge in the field.
US07662087B2	Gastric ring for treatment of obesity This gastric ring (1) comprises: a band (3) which is able to surround the wall of the stomach, and connection means (4, 40, 51, 54) with which this band can be maintained in the form of a ring. According to the invention, the band (3) is made of a bioabsorbable material.
US07662086B2	Detection and/or monitoring of diastolic heart failure In an implantable medical device for detecting and/or monitoring the progression of diastolic heart failure (DHF), and a corresponding method, a parameter is measured that is indicative of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and a variable is also measured that is indicative of the workload of the patient, and a relation is determined between LVEF and the workload, and DHF is detected and/or the progression of DHF is monitored, dependent on this relation.
US07662084B2	Blood pump actuator and a blood pump system thereof A blood pump actuator to generate a driving force for driving a blood pump is disclosed. The blood pump actuator includes: a motor unit having a stator and a rotor, and rotating to generate a rotating force; a cam unit to convert the rotating motion of the motor unit into a rectilinear reciprocating motion; and a bellows unit having a bellows, which is expandable and contractible and contains a fluid therein, and an upper bellows plate and a lower bellows plate respectively attached to the upper and lower ends of the bellows, wherein the lower bellows plate moves upwards and downwards in a vertical direction according to the rectilinear reciprocating motion of the cam unit engaging with the lower bellows plate, and the bellows repeatedly expands and contracts according to the vertical movement of the lower bellows plate.
US07662081B2	Apparatus, composition, and methods to remediate an acid and/or liquid spill A method to remediate a release of one or more acidic materials, by supplying a powder composition comprising a polyacrylamide, and disposing that powder onto a liquid spill comprising one or more acidic materials.
US07662077B1	Ab/back bench system A platform has upper and lower surfaces with upper, lower and side edges. A primary support bar has upper and lower ends. The primary support has a linear major extent and an arcuate minor extent. A cylindrical rear cross bar is coupled to the minor extent. A secondary support bar has upper and lower ends. A cylindrical front cross bar is coupled to the secondary support bar adjacent to the platform. A hinge has an axis of rotation coupling the secondary support bar to the primary support bar. A supplemental support bar has upper and lower ends. The lower end is slidably received in the secondary support bar. Knee cylinders extends laterally with respect to the supplemental support bar adjacent to its upper end. A pair of instep cylinders is provided. A bar rotatably receives the instep cylinders. A foot hinge pivotably couples the small bar to the secondary support bar.
US07662076B1	Exercising machine An exercising machine includes a front foot member, a rear foot member, an upright mounted on the front foot member to support a handlebar, two sliding tubes connected in parallel between the upright and the rear foot member, two slide members respectively coupled to the sliding tubes by a respective set of sliding wheels to hold a respective footplate for movement along the slide members, two elastic pull straps respectively inserted through the sliding tubes and connected between the upright and the slide members, and two tension adjusters for adjusting the tension of the elastic pull strap.
US07662075B2	Squat machine for exercising The squat machine of the present invention includes a base having opposite sides, a stationary foot plate fixed on the base, a pair of frames each pivotally mounted to respective sides of the base, and a back rest pivotally mounted to the frames so that the frames and back rests are moveable between an initial squat position and an extended position. The back rest is oriented at approximately a 45°-60° angle in the squat position and moves toward a substantially horizontal orientation in the extended position. In use, with proportional foot platement on the foot plate, the user's knees remain behind their toes throughout full range of motion through the hips during movement of the back rest so as to minimize risk of knee shear. The orientation of the back rest minimizes risk of spinal compression during use of the machine.
US07662071B2	Verticle exercise bicycle A vertical exercise apparatus having overhead and waist high support rails capable of supporting the users body weight for use in conditioning upper body and lower body muscle groups. A kit having overhead and waist high support bars with attachment clamps that attach to a conventional exercise bike so as to convert the conventional exercise bike into a vertical exercise apparatus for use in conditioning upper body and lower body muscle groups.
US07662070B1	Recumbent bicycle for disabled users A recumbent bicycle for use by disabled users. The bicycle includes a seat unit that is adjustable in both the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction as well as a pedal unit that has a motor for controlling both the time and rotational speed of pedals. Straps are located to hold the user in the seat unit. The pedals are oversized with respect to the user's feet and have a heel-engaging ledge as well as straps to hold the user's feet on the pedals.
US07662069B2	Ellipical exercise apparatus with flexible unitary force imparting member An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical movement of a force receiving member. The linkage assembly includes a flexible drawbar interconnected between the crank and frame of the exercise apparatus.
US07662067B2	Exercise apparatus An exercise apparatus comprises at least one upright joined to a cross bar provided with a limb support means. The limb support comprises an upright connecting cross bar of such a length that the cross bar is spaced from the floor sufficiently such that, in use, the legs of the user can rest on the cross bar when the user is positioned beneath the cross bar. The cross bar also being sufficiently spaced from the floor such that, in use, the limb support comprises a handgrip to enable a user to push down on the exercise apparatus so that the exercise apparatus supports at least some of the user's weight. The limb support comprises two outer concave regions that are relatively spaced along the longitudinal axis of the cross bar. The cross bar is provided with a third inner concave region in between the two outer concave regions.
US07662066B2	Facial and neck muscle exerciser The present invention is a way to exercise the face and neck by choosing a resistance strength by a user by locating a at least one dot on a tension adjuster barrel or lining up at least two orifices. The user will place end cups of the face and neck exercise device securely into both corners of an open mouth of the user. The user will press upper and lower lips smoothly over teeth of the user and attempt to close a mouth of the user.
US07662065B1	Method and apparatus to provide daily goals in accordance with historical data A method and apparatus for identifying a raw target exercise level for a user and applying a goal setting algorithm to adjust the raw target exercise level for the user, the adjustment made in accordance with analysis of the user's data, and displaying an adjusted target exercise level to the user, in order to achieve the raw target exercise level for the user.
US07662060B2	Resiliently loaded side gears in a differential mechanism A differential mechanism includes annular wave springs, each spring located between the back of a side gear and the inner surface of a differential casing. The spring is formed with waves that extend around the spring's circumference and radially across its width, each wave having an amplitude formed of angularly spaced peaks and valleys spaced angularly and located between the peaks. When the mechanism transmits torque, each spring is compressed by a thrust force at the mating teeth of the pinion and side gears, thereby producing a spring force that urges the side gears toward the pinions.
US07662053B1	Ball returning backstop A ball returning backstop assembly includes a backstop that collects a thrown ball and a ball return assembly that returns the collected ball. The ball return assembly includes a housing that supports a linkage for propelling the collected ball and a motor for driving the linkage. The housing includes a tube that receives the collected ball, with the linkage having a piston that is slidable within the tube to propel the ball out of the tube. The motor is electrically connected to switches that control when the motor drives the linkage. One switch being configured to turn the motor on when the collected ball is ready to be returned and the other switch being configured to turn the motor off after the ball is propelled out of the tube.
US07662047B2	Information processor having input system using stroboscope A stroboscope is utilized as an input device of a golf game system (10), for example. The golf game system includes a game machine (12) as an information processing apparatus and a golf-club-shaped input device (14), and within a housing of the game machine, an imaging unit (28) is housed, and the imaging unit is provided with an image sensor (40) and an infrared-LED. By utilizing the infrared-LED, an infrared ray is intermittently emitted to a predetermined range of an upper portion of the imaging unit. Accordingly, the image sensor intermittently images a reflective body provided in the golf-club-shaped input device moving within the range. Such the stroboscope image processing of the reflective body enables calculation of a velocity, and so on as an input of the game machine.
US07662042B2	Adjustable video game cockpit An adjustable video game cockpit that facilitates a number of independent adjustments to accommodate users of all sizes. The video game cockpit may include a video monitor stand and a universal video game console mount. The inclusion of the video monitor stand and universal video game console permit the cockpit to operate as a single gaming unit. The video game cockpit collapses down to a low profile for convenient relocation and storage.
US07662038B2	Multi-matrix lottery The invention is a system and method for hosting a multi-matrix game where a player makes selection from two matrices and the winning numbers are also drawn from these two matrices. Matches are allowed between the player's selection from one matrix and the winning numbers selected from a different matrix.
US07662037B2	Roof ridge vent A roof ridge vent is formed with separation lines parallel with its outer edges which permit separation of the outer edge portions of the structure. In its original configuration, the roof vent structure may be used with wide cap shingles. Removal of the outer edge portions permits the ridge vent to be used in connection with narrower cap shingles.
US07662036B2	3-cone diffuser 3-Cone Diffuser including a central cone (1), an intermediate cone (2) and outer cone or outer frame (3) placed one above the other in a spaced apart relationships having same vertical axis (14). The central cone (1) at the back is provided with bracket (8) spot welded or brazed or rivetted directly or via an intermediate plate to the central cone to hold the centre cone which is fixed on the intermediate cone with the central opening (15) having outwardly projected flanges (16) having holes (17) to accommodate the front (18) and back (19) support of the bracket. The back support is provided with springs (9) for easy removal of the bracket, thereby enabling dismantling the central cone easily. The intermediate cone (2) on its outer flanges of the central opening (15), provided with pipe/rod (6) with spring (7) welded or brazed so as to fix the intermediate cone on the brackets (5) provided in the inner part of the outer cone enabling dismantling the intermediate cone by a slight pressing of the biasing spring (7). The outer cone (3) has a central inlet (20) with flanged portion outwardly directed (4) to connect with the ducting or damper. The inlet is adjustable as per the requirement of the ducting and the central cone is further provided with a hole (10) to adjust the aperture of the damper.
US07662032B1	Portion cutter An apparatus for producing selectively sized multiple portions of meat from a larger piece of meat. A plurality of product carriers having open-top recesses are mounted on a conveyor for travel along a path. At least two transverse sets of parallel slots are provided in each carrier. Each product carrier is moved through a pair of cutting stations having a number of spaced knife edges extending downwardly into a passage that receive the product carriers. The blades are removably mounted to removable knife blocks. The product carrier is rotated via engagement between a rotation gear on the carrier and a rotation bracket along the path of travel. In this manner, a plurality of laterally spaced cuts are made in two directions through the larger piece of meat to produce a multiplicity of smaller portions having a similar size, shape and weight.
US07662031B1	Turkey breast defatter An automated poultry defatting apparatus which includes a housing having a product feed inlet and discharge outlet and housing a conveyor aligned to engage the upper surface of a piece of poultry product entering the feed inlet. The apparatus is provided with upper and lower peeling members for engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the poultry product passing between the conveyor and the peeling members. The peeling members have a plurality of grooved rollers that rotate in a cooperative manner to pinch and pull fat off the product while leaving the underlying muscle intact. The conveyor is pivotably mounted to the housing to permit automatic adjustment to a range of sizes of poultry product while maintaining a controlled downward force against the product to maintain firm engagement with the peeling members.
US07662027B2	Rotor with wear-resistant core for a power abrading or polishing tool A power driven abrading or polishing tool is provided that includes a motor having a rotor; a carrier part having a shaft and a key extending from the shaft; and an abrading or polishing head attached to the carrier part. The rotor includes an outer body of a first material and a core of a second material having a resistance to wear greater than the first material. The core includes an inner passage with a keyway which receives the key on the shaft of the carrier part such that a rotation of the rotor is transmitted to the carrier part and the head.
US07662023B2	Double side wafer grinder and methods for assessing workpiece nanotopology A double side grinder comprises a pair of grinding wheels and a pair of hydrostatic pads operable to hold a flat workpiece (e.g., semiconductor wafer) so that part of the workpiece is positioned between the grinding wheels and part of the workpiece is positioned between the hydrostatic pads. At least one sensor measures a distance between the workpiece and the respective sensor for assessing nanotopology of the workpiece. In a method of the invention, a distance to the workpiece is measured during grinding and used to assess nanotopology of the workpiece. For instance, a finite element structural analysis of the workpiece can be performed using sensor data to derive at least one boundary condition. The nanotopology assessment can begin before the workpiece is removed from the grinder, providing rapid nanotopology feedback. A spatial filter can be used to predict the likely nanotopology of the workpiece after further processing.
US07662021B2	Lapping plate texture for increased control over actual lapping force A slider lapping texture for implementation in a lapping environment. The slider lapping texture includes a lapping texture structure for utilization in a lapping process performed on a slider. The structure also includes a first surface having a base elevation. The structure further includes a second surface at an elevation higher than the base elevation. The second surface is for lapping the slider. The structure additionally includes an opening for expelling residue associated with a lapping process. The slider lapping texture is configured to generate an attractive force when the slider is motioned thereupon in a substantially unidirectional manner.
US07662017B2	Toy vehicle A toy vehicle comprises a lift mechanism which allows the toy vehicle to be lifted from a support surface in a lifting motion and roll end over end over end. The lift mechanism includes a lift arm pivotally mounted to a housing of the toy vehicle. A lift arm actuating motor is coupled to a lift arm drive screw that is in threaded engagement with a lift arm drive nut. A strut is coupled between the drive nut and the lift arm. In operation, the lift arm actuating motor drives the lift arm drive screw and causes the lift arm drive nut to drive the strut and move the lift arm into an extended position, causing the lift arm to engage a support surface to lift the toy vehicle. In the extended position, the toy vehicle is sufficiently rounded to permit the vehicle to roll end over end over end.
US07662015B2	Interactive toy unicorn An interactive toy unicorn is disclosed, where the unicorn can emit sounds and flap its wings. Pressing a button on the unicorn's head, where this button also doubles as the unicorn's horn, will trigger this functionality. Alternatively, the unicorn will emit sound and flap its wings if a magnet is placed over a magnetic switch located in the nose of the unicorn. This magnet can be placed inside of a toy wand, to give a magical effect to the toy unicorn. Lights can be placed inside the wings and light up when the wings flap.
US07662014B2	Joining system for polyhedric modules A joint system for joining polyhedric facet elements together. Polyhedrons have a plurality of facets. The polyhedric facet elements have facet planes that are generally congruent with the facets of the polyhedrons in which they are found. Various facet elements occupy angular relationships such that they can be joined in rigid stable joints by means of key elements where the planes of the key elements extend generally perpendicular to the planes of each of the facet elements. The joint system is suitable for inter-polyhedron joint systems where the joints include four joint elements, three of which are in the respective polyhedrons that are to be joined, and the fourth is a key element perpendicularly disposed between the other three joint elements. The joint system is likewise suitable for intra-polyhedron joint systems where there are three joint elements, two of which are in the polyhedron (in-polyhedron) and the other is a key element that extends in perpendicular relationship inter-facet between the two in-polyhedron facet elements. The intra-polyhedron embodiment of the joint system is particularly well suited to permitting polyhedron structures to be formed with alternating open and closed facets for aesthetic, structural, and other utilitarian purposes.
US07662008B2	Method of assembling displays on substrates Various embodiments of methods and systems for designing and constructing displays from multiple light-modulating elements are disclosed. Display elements having different light-modulating and self-assembling characteristics may be used during display assembly and operation.
US07662006B2	Shaped inflatable water sports board A shaped inflatable water sports board is presented. The inflatable water sports board includes an airtight elongated housing having a predetermined shape. An internal structure is contained within the housing for substantially maintaining the predetermined shape when the board is inflated. An inflation valve is provided for inflating the board where when the board is inflated the board is sufficiently rigid to maintain the predetermined shape under the weight of an adult.
US07662005B2	Outboard motor with reverse shift An outboard motor for small watercraft, such as a pleasure boat, has a capability of changing between a forward shift position and a reverse shift position by causing a lower part of the unit to rotate in small increments and move along an arc formed by a ratchet plate secured above the propeller assembly.
US07662004B1	Human-powered flapping hydrofoil craft A pair of foils are pivotably coupled to a nacelle. The nacelle is pivotably coupled to a mast extending down from to a frame and below a water surface. A push rod oscillates, causing the nacelle to experience a heaving motion, in turn causing the foils to flap up and down. The push rod is driven by a power plant such as a human rider. Angles of attack for the foils are actively controlled to optimize lift and propulsion forces provided by the foils to cause the water craft to move over the water. A steering fin is also provided for heading control of the water craft. A control system for separate angles of attack for the foil sends appropriate information to servo motors which cause the foils to rotate relative to the nacelle to achieve optimal angles of attack relative to the particular position of the nacelle at any given moment.
US07662002B2	Carbon fiber tow termination and method for making Discrete portions of a carbon fiber tow, selected from a group of tows, ranging in number of fibers from about 1,000 to about 150,000, and terminated by discrete contact portions of a metal conductor within a non-metallic termination assembly formed by the joinder of a cradle and a cap defining opposing parallel clamping surfaces receiving the tow portions and the contact portions in crossing engagement therebetween. Opposing energy directors on the cradle and cap serve as temporary guide rails for positioning the carbon fiber portions before and during assembly. Meltdown of the energy directors during a pressure and ultrasonic welding cycle enable self-leveling of the carbon fiber portions whereby uniform distribution of carbon fiber over the entire cross section of each of the carbon fiber portions of the assembly may be attained. The clamping surfaces remain intact after welding and retain clamping integrity.
US07661993B2	Electronic device and receptacle connector thereof A receptacle connector is provided for connection with a plug having two hooks. The receptacle connector includes a first tongue segment, a second tongue segment, and a housing forming an opening and two holes. The first and second tongue segments are disposed in the housing and opposite to each other. The first tongue segment includes a main body, a plurality of first contacts and two stoppers, wherein the two stoppers are located at opposite sides of the contacts and fixed to the main body. When the plug is inserted into the housing through the opening with a normal posture, the hooks are engaged in the holes. When the plug is wrongly inserted into the housing with an inverted posture (upside down), the stoppers obstruct the hooks to prevent insertion of the plug.
US07661990B1	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes a dielectric housing, a plurality of terminals and a shield. The dielectric housing defines a plurality of terminal grooves therein for receiving the terminals. At least one recess is formed in an outer surface of the dielectric housing. The shield has a plurality of sidewalls to define a receiving space therebetween for receiving the dielectric housing therein. At least one of the sidewalls is punched inward at a portion corresponding to the recess of the dielectric housing to form a retaining portion restricted in the recess after the dielectric housing is mounted in the receiving space. The retaining portion is restricted in the recess for fixing the dielectric housing inside the shield. The depth of the recess and the retaining portion restricted in the recess is not limited by the depth of the material of the shield. The dielectric housing is fixed in the shield firmly.
US07661986B2	Connector First terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) are arranged in a width direction in a housing (41) of a connector (40) for receiving first terminal fittings (42). A second terminal fitting accommodating chamber (61B) for receiving a second terminal fitting (42) is adjacent the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) in a height direction and between the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) in the width direction. First lances (64A) are in the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) for engaging the inserted terminal fittings (42) and are deformable into first deformation spaces (65A) lateral to the second terminal fitting accommodating chamber (61B). A second lance (64B) is in the second terminal fitting accommodating chamber (61B) for engaging the second terminal fitting (42) and is deformable into a second deformation space (65B) between the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A).
US07661981B2	Tamper evident connector system An electrical assembly is disclosed that provides evidence of tampering. The assembly includes a plug housing with a seal cover attached thereto. A wire dress cover is attached over the seal cover, and a locking insert is placed through the wire dress cover and is held in place by a serialized lock-wire. The locking insert overlies a jack screw, which prevents the disconnection of the plug housing or removal of a wire cover without first removing the locking insert or lock-wire.
US07661977B2	Snap-lock connector An end cap may include an end cap body that is tubular in shape, an end cap face provided at a first end of the end cap body, a plurality of end cap terminals provided on the end cap face, and a clip notch provided on an exterior side of the end cap body. The second end of the end cap body may be open and structured to receive the lamp therein. A socket may include a socket body that is generally tubular in shape, a socket face provided at a first end of the socket body, a receiving wall extending from an outer periphery of the socket face and extending in a direction away from the socket body, a plurality of socket terminals provided on the socket, and a resilient clip provided on an inner side of the receiving wall.
US07661973B2	Card edge connector positioning apparatus A card edge connector positioning apparatus has a first retaining trough, a second retaining trough and a support member. The first retaining trough is closer to a distal end of the positioning apparatus than the second retaining trough. The support member has a first edge and a second edge at two opposite sides. The first edge is wedged in the first retaining trough to form a movement fulcrum. The second edge is held in the second retaining trough to form a gap greater than that of the first edge in the first retaining trough. Thus the second edge has a greater displacement in the second retaining trough than that of the first edge in the first retaining trough. Thereby a displacement space for installation tolerance is formed for the support member.
US07661969B2	Lever fitting connector A lever fitting connector includes: a connector having a housing; a lever pivotally mounted on the housing and rotated to connect/disconnect the connector to/from a mating connector; a center portion provided on the lever to serve as a pivot of the lever; a center supporting portion provided on an outer surface of the housing at a center along a direction perpendicular to a connecting direction of the connector toward the mating connector so as to pivotally support the center portion; a pair of expanding-prevention portions symmetrically provided with respect to a virtual line parallel to the connecting direction of the connector through the center supporting portion so that the lever is prevented from expanding to outside of the housing.
US07661965B2	Surface mounting lug terminal and method for mounting the same A surface mounting lug terminal formed of a metallic plate having terminal leads and positioning projections can readily be positioned on a printed board with high precision by fitting the positioning projections into positioning cutouts formed in the printed board. The terminal leads of the surface mounting lug terminal can easily be soldered to land patterns on the printed board to secure the surface mounting lug terminal onto the printed board irrespective of the number of terminal leads. The surface mounting lug terminal can be reduced in size, thus to contribute miniaturization of electronic circuits.
US07661962B2	Socket for electric component A socket for an electric component may have a socket main body, a plurality of contact pins disposed within the socket main body, a socket cover, a slide plate disposed inside the socket main body to be movable up and down, and drive levers which are provided between the socket main body and the bottom face of the socket cover. The drive levers press both end portions of two opposing sides of the slide plate by a down-movement-operation of the socket cover to lower the slide plate. The socket may also include sub-levers provided between the socket main body and the bottom face of the socket cover for pressing one or plural positions of other opposing two sides of the slide plate, which oppose to each other in a direction perpendicular to the two opposing sides pressed by the drive levers to lower the slide plate.
US07661961B2	Electrical connection guide assembly for break-apart personal mobility vehicle A personal mobility vehicle includes a first vehicle unit and a second vehicle unit. A connection assembly, for electrically coupling a first electrical plug-in unit fixedly mounted to the first vehicle unit and a second electrical plug-in unit fixedly mounted to the second vehicle unit, includes a guide disposed on the second vehicle unit intermediate the first electrical plug-in unit and the second electrical plug-in unit. The first electrical plug-in unit has a first plurality of electrical wires and has an outer configuration. The second electrical plug-in unit has a second plurality of electrical wires. The guide has an aperture sized to accept the outer configuration of the first electrical plug-in unit.
US07661959B2	Interior design system and method An interior design system of the present disclosure can comprise a user interface configured to display a plurality of interior design components. The system may further comprise logic configured to receive a user selection of one of the components and display the selected component in the user interface. The logic may further be configured to receive a plurality of user inputs, via the user interface, the inputs related to characteristics of the selected component.
US07661957B2	Method for reversible fixing of a tool to an implantable element and device for carrying out such a fixing method A method for reversible fixing of a tool to an implantable element, when fitting of a dental prosthesis is performed, comprises, in a first step, reversible fixing of a hollow intermediate connecting part onto an external complementary part of the tool. In a second step, the method consists in placing the tool equipped with the intermediate connecting part, on the end of the implantable element until the intermediate connecting part clips onto an external complementary part of the implantable element. The hollow intermediate connecting part is preferably fixed by clipping or screwing onto the external complementary part of the tool.
US07661952B2	Hot runner device and injection molding machine The present invention enables one hot runner device to be shared between a plurality of molds whose resin inlets are disposed at different positions.This hot runner device discharges supplied molten material to a resin inlet 18b of a mold 18. A hot runner body 42 comprises an inlet opening into which the molten material is supplied, an outlet opening from which the molten material is discharged, and a flow passage. The inlet opening is formed at one end, and the outlet opening is formed at the other end. The flow passage connects the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The hot runner body 42 is driven and moved by a drive mechanism 56 so that the outlet opening 52 can make contact with the resin inlet 18b of each of a plurality of molds whose resin inlets 18b are disposed at different positions. Accordingly, the hot runner device can be commonly used for the plurality of molds whose resin inlets are disposed at different positions.
US07661950B2	Device for separating molds A mold separating device includes a base with a driven member and a driving member rotating on the base. The driven member has a first through hole in it, and the base has a second through hole in it. The through holes receive a first mold and a second mold. The first through hole is coaxial to the second through hole. A cavity is defined in an inner wall of the driven member. An ejector is elastically fixed in the cavity and can be expelled from the cavity. A separator is disposed on a front portion of the ejector. A rotatable shaft is fixed in the driving member.
US07661945B2	Apparatus for extruding and blow molding multicolored plastic articles Cylindrical extrusions having multiple colors, capable of serving as parisons for subsequent blow molding operation, are formed in an apparatus in which plastics of each color to be incorporated in the finished product are fed by separate extruders to an extruding head having a stack of cylindrical spools each formed with a number of apertures around their periphery. The apertures in each spool are interleaved with corresponding apertures in the other spool or spools. The interiors of the apertures are fed into a conduit which extends coaxially with the axes of each of the spools so that the outputted plastic has multicolored stripes along its length. In an embodiment in which the spool is rotated in timed relation to the feed from the extruders, the output is twisted along the central axis to form a “barber pole” stripe arrangement. In an alternate embodiment a programming plate is disposed beneath the output. The plate has apertures which align with certain of the feeds from the spool and block others, and the plate may be rotated between a number of alternating positions to provide extrusions with horizontal stripes or checkerboard patterns. By blow molding the resulting parisons, multicolored containers with interesting patterns may be produced.
US07661944B2	Tire vulcanizing device A tire vulcanizer is provided in which upper and lower clamp rings can be positioned at a shaping position easily and smoothly with a simple engagement structure. The tier vulcanizer with a vulcanizer body (A) and a shaping unit (B) is configured that the upper and lower clamp rings (5, 6) are connected by an extendable shaft (5a) having an inner shaft (51) and an outer tubular shaft (61) so that the inner shaft is slidably fitted into an inside of the outer tubular shaft. A latch member (53) on the inner shaft is engaged with a step portion (63) on an inner surface of the outer tubular shaft, thereby positioning the upper and lower clamp rings at the shaping position.
US07661939B2	Drive shaft for a compressor A compressor drive shaft may include a first bearing portion, a second bearing portion, and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. The intermediate portion may include a continuous, nonlinear, central axis in an unloaded state.
US07661938B2	Linking element for connecting the two volutes of a scroll compressor The invention concerns an element comprising an annular body (9) provided with two series of pins (10, 12) projecting from at least one side of the body (9), the pins (10) of a first series being engaged in grooves (7) of the fixed volute (3) and the pins (12) of a second series being engaged in grooves (8) of the mobile volute (4), to provide an orbital movement of the mobile volute (4) relative to the fixed volute (3), the contact surfaces of the pins (10, 12) of a common series with the walls of the grooves of the corresponding volute being parallel and the contact surfaces of the pins (10, 12) belonging to two series of pins being perpendicular. The annular body (9) is made of a first metal with a specific density and the pins are made of a second metal having a lower density than that of the first metal.
US07661937B2	Axial piston machine and a control plate for an axial piston engine The invention relates to a control plate (20) for an axial piston engine (1). The inventive control plate (20) comprises a through hole (38) and a radial internal edge of said control plate (20) embodied in the form of a centering surface (29) which centers the control plate (20) to a centering body (7) arranged on the side of a bearing surface. Said centering surface (29) consists of several partial surfaces (29.1, 29.2, 29.3) formed on segments (43.1, 43.2, 43.3) of the internal edge (47) of the control plate (20) radially extending towards the internal space of said through hole (38). The segments (43.1, 43.2, 43.3) are divided by cuts (36.1, 36.2, 36.3).
US07661931B1	Bladed rotor with shear pin attachment A fan type compressor includes a rotor disk with a plurality of root insertion openings to receive a blade. Each insertion opening includes two shear pin slots on the sides, and the blade includes a root portion with shear pin slots formed on the pressure side and the suction side of the root. The blade is inserted into the insertion opening such that the slots are aligned, and a shear pin is inserted into both slots to secure the blade within the rotor disk. The shear pin slots are formed below the airfoil curvature and follow the airfoil curvature at the root portion. The shear pins are flexible enough to bend during insertion into the slots, and are strong enough to prevent from shearing off during rotor disk operation. The blade attachment structure provides for reduction of the dead weight from the attachment structure in order to simulate an IBR while providing for easy removal and replacement of a damaged blade.
US07661928B2	Device for rotationally locking a clamping nut for a component on a shaft, clamping nut and shaft comprising it, and aircraft engine equipped therewith The device for rotationally locking a clamping nut for a component on an end of a hollow shaft, said clamping nut being screwed inside said shaft and having a free end, comprising: at least one shaft cutout on the radially inner periphery of said end of the shaft, at least one nut cutout on the radially outer periphery of an end of said clamping nut, and a locking plug intended to be placed in a locking hole formed by bringing a shaft cutout into coincidence with a nut cutout.
US07661926B2	Turbomachine blade A turbomachine blade presenting a free end having an end wall from which there projects a rim, the rim including a first fraction starting from the trailing edge of the blade and running along the suction side of the blade to a connection zone, and a second fraction of closed outline connected to the first fraction at the region of the connection zone. The second fraction extends the first fraction, running along the suction side of the blade, along the leading edge of the blade, and then returning to the connection zone.
US07661923B2	Casing, equipment unit and fan units provided with the casing, and electronic equipment provided with the fan units The invention provides a casing, equipment unit, fan unit and electronic equipment capable of easily implementing assembling, disassembling, attaching and so forth without using fixture components, tools, and so forth. The structure is made up of casing sections, hinge parts and a coupling part. The casing sections are made up of not less than two sections and enclosing a hosing space, and members for securing the housing space thereby. The hinge parts are members coupled with the casing sections and supporting each casing section. That is, not less than two casing sections couple the edge parts of each casing section, and bendably support each casing section. The coupling part is a member for restraining the casing sections positionally and maintaining and fixing the housing space. That is, the coupling parts detachably couple each casing section to hold the housing space on each casing section.
US07661918B2	Binding machine and method A machine for binding a sheath of punched sheets together by means of a spine binder includes a closing assembly for closing the spine binder over the sheath of punched sheets. The closing assembly includes a rail and a closing tool carried by and movable along the rail, and adapted to engage the spine binder for closing the spine binder over the sheath as the closing tool is moved along the rail.
US07661917B2	Three piece garage hook In one aspect, a holder mountable to a friable substrate may include a self-drilling drywall fastener, a wall engaging base plate having an opening for receiving a fastener, and at least one leg extending from the base plate for holding an object. In another aspect, a holder may include a self-drilling drywall fastener having a drilling portion longer than a drywall thickness followed by a high-threaded portion, a wall engaging base plate, and at least one leg for holding an object. In still another aspect, a holder may include a self-drilling drywall fastener having a screw-like drilling portion longer than a drywall thickness followed by a high-threaded portion, a drywall engaging base plate having a recess for receiving a rotary driver and a pair of openings each capable of receiving a threaded drywall fastener and engaging threads thereof.
US07661914B2	Loosening-proof method used for a screw fastening unit and the device thereof A loosening-proof screw fastening device, including at least one stop wheel on at least one of a plurality of contacting faces; the at least one stop wheel is rotatably assembled in a locating hole on said at least one contacting face with its stop tooth slightly protruded beyond the contacting face; upon application of a backward action force for loosening the fastening device a created torque will bring the at least one stop wheel into rotation and make a stop tooth of the at least one stop wheel protrude beyond the contacting face and penetrate into a surface closely opposed to the at least one contacting face for preventing the fastening device from loosening.
US07661908B1	Trench shield with adjustable vertical panels A trench shoring or shielding unit, for securing the sidewalls of an earthen formation, trench or excavation, includes a plurality of adjustable, vertically arranged panels forming a protective wall. As a shielding unit, two opposing protective walls are spaced and attached by at least two spreader bars. Each adjustable panel has opposing top and bottom ends, a C-shaped channel traversing the panel's height, and opposing side edges that inter-engage with the side edges of adjacent panels. Further, each adjustable panel is attached to at least one of two or more whalers along an inner surface of the panel by a clamp-like fastener having a bolt passing through the whaler and into the C-shaped channel of the corresponding panel. The inter-engaging side edges are segmented, preferable concave and convex, so that adjacent adjustable panels inter-engage to resist lateral torque or twisting that may be caused by shifting or collapse of the excavation.
US07661907B2	Ground engineering method A method of modifying geotechnically unsuitable soils at a site involving soil stabilization treatment and rolling dynamic compaction. A portion of the site is excavated to a predetermined depth x. Both the excavated site and the soil excavated therefrom are subjected to soils stabilization treatments before the treated excavated soils is backfilled in layers and subjected to both standard compaction and rolling dynamic compaction.
US07661906B2	Woodpile connector A woodpile connector has a tubular body defined by an open-end lower portion and an open-end upper portion. The upper portion and the lower portion are fixedly connected, at their free ends, to a separating plate, which is secured between an inner surface and an outer surface of the tubular body. The open ends of the connector body have beveled edges to facilitate compression of the wood being forced into the connector body. By aligning the connector portions in relation to the pile sections, while forcing the connector portions into the ends of the adjoining pile sections, alignment of the pile sections is achieved even when the pile sections do not have evenly cut connecting surfaces.
US07661905B2	Suction pile installation method and suction pile for use in said method Suction pile installation method comprising the steps of lowering a suction pile to the sea bed, while keeping a top end substantially closed providing openings in the suction pile near a lower end, the interior of the suction pile being in open fluid communication with the exterior via the openings, dropping the pile onto the sea bed, while allowing air to escape from the pile via said openings, and allowing the suction pile to penetrate into the sea bed driven substantially by its weight over such a distance that the openings become closed from the exterior, and pumping air from the suction pile for driving the pile further into the sea bed.
US07661903B1	Low-pressure dosing system for sewage disposal and associated methods A drain field assembly includes a distribution pipe for receiving liquid effluent that has a plurality of holes through the wall. A plurality of generally cylindrical void pipes receive effluent from the distribution pipe, retaining the effluent for a time, and distributing the effluent to an area of soil. The void pipes are positioned in a trench atop one another so that the cylindrical axis of a bottom void pipe is substantially vertically aligned with the cylindrical axis of a top void pipe, and the cylindrical axis of a middle void pipe is offset from those of the bottom and top void pipes. A distribution pipe is positioned within the top void pipe. In some embodiments a second distribution pipe can be positioned atop the top void pipe. A protective soil-impervious, liquid-permeable sheeting is placed atop and beneath the assembly for protecting the holes pipes from intrusion by soil.
US07661899B2	Lever for a ring binder mechanism A ring mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages comprises a housing and ring members for holding loose-leaf pages that are moveable relative to the housing between an open and closed position. An actuation system moves the ring members and includes hinge plates pivotally mounted on the housing and a lever actuating pivoting movement of the hinge plates in at least one direction (e.g., moving the hinge plates and ring members to the open position). The lever is connected to a travel bar that moves lengthwise of the housing between a position blocking pivoting movement of the hinge plates and a position allowing pivoting movement of the hinge plates. At least one of the lever and the hinge plates deforms when the lever moves to delay pivoting movement of the hinge plates so that the lever may move the travel bar so that it does not block movement of the hinge plates.
US07661897B1	Lotion applicator A unique apparatus for the application of lotions, balms and creams to a person's back area includes interchangeable applicators each having a removable connection through which lotions is introduced to the applicator. Soft, flexible tubing transmits the lotion throughout the interior of the applicator that, in turn, has a series of small apertures allowing the liquid-based material to be dispersed onto the applicator pad when gently squeezed. In use, a person pulls the pad back and forth across their back using the long straps attached to each end. It is also envisioned that the pad could be supported from a shower wall to allow the user to rub their back against it. One side is the applicator pad while the other side and side edges are coated with a waterproof sealant to keep the material from saturating the side that is not is use.
US07661892B2	Image-capturing device, light adjustment mechanism, and light control blade An image-capturing device includes a lens barrel having therein an optical image-capturing system; a light control blade which opens and closes an optical path of the optical image-capturing system so as to control the amount of light entering the system; and a base body having a transmission hole through which the optical path extends and supporting the light control blade in a movable manner. The light control blade includes a multilayer laminate including a base material composed of a film and serving as a substrate, and at least a metallic layer disposed on the base material; and a light-blocking layer disposed on a first section of the multilayer laminate. A second section of the multilayer laminate not having the light-blocking layer disposed thereon defines a light adjustment filter for adjusting the amount of incident light. The first section having the light-blocking layer defines a light-blocking portion for blocking incident light.
US07661890B2	Imagine apparatus with rotatable lens barrel An imaging apparatus with a rotatable lens barrel includes the following elements. An optical block includes a lens. An imaging block includes an imaging device. The lens barrel receives the respective blocks and includes a rotating truncated ball larger than a hemisphere of a virtual sphere formed by extending the curved surface of the truncated ball. A mount rotatably holds the lens barrel. The mount includes a support and a retainer. The support has a circular hole with a diameter smaller than that of the truncated ball and holds the ball such that the ball is fitted in the hole. The retainer has a circular opening with a diameter smaller than that of the truncated ball and holds the ball in the opening so as to prevent the lens barrel from coming out. At least part of the optical block is located within the virtual sphere.
US07661885B2	Ball bearing assembly for bicycle A ball bearing assembly for a bicycle comprises a outer race, a ball cage, settled in the outer race, a cap, having a center hole and a ring portion extended axially from the periphery of the center hole, an inner race, with the inner surface thereof closely surrounding the outer surface of the ring portion, and a packing ring which is in an annular shape and having an annular flange around the bottom outer edge so that when the cap is put over the outer race to make the ball cage press upon the ball cage, the packing ring can be inserted into the center hole of the cap, and the flange is retained around the bottom of the ball cage. The disclosed ball bearing assembly is characterized by improved assembling accuracy and automatic center adjusting function.
US07661883B2	Sealing element for a rotatable part with a tractrix form A sealing element for rotatable parts is provided by the invention. To achieve low and uniform wear, automatic reshaping of the sealing surfaces for advancing wear, low friction forces, and long service life, the sealing element has sealing surfaces (4) and sealing counter surfaces (5), whose sealing effect is provided by the interaction of a sealing element (3, 11) constructed as a tractrix body with a correspondingly shaped sealing counter element (6, 13, 14).
US07661879B2	Apparatus for detecting temperature using transistors An apparatus for detecting a temperature using transistors includes a plurality of temperature detecting units that become selectively active according to predetermined temperature intervals; and a detection signal output unit that generates detection signals according to the signals transmitted by the plurality of temperature detecting units, and outputs the detection signals.
US07661872B2	Apparatus for mixing chemicals with a liquid carrier An application for a device for mixing chemicals into a flow of a liquid includes a mixing chamber and an input port at a first end of the mixing chamber. The input port has an input connection for accepting a flow of the liquid and a plurality of input port channels. The input port channels direct the flow of the liquid from the input connection to the mixing chamber at an angle with respect to an inner wall of the mixing chamber. Located close to the input port is a chemical input orifice for accepting a chemical into the mixing chamber. Located at a distal end of the mixing chamber is an output port that has an output connection for discharging a mixture of the liquid and the chemical and a plurality of output port channels. The output port channels direct a flow of the mixture angularly with respect to the inner wall of the mixing chamber to the output connection.
US07661870B2	Field bendable line voltage track lighting system A bendable line voltage track lighting system includes a track having a conductor subassembly and first and second bendable sheaths that engage the conductor subassembly. The conductor subassembly includes first and second insulators that receive first and second bus-bars, respectively, and a compression gasket for biasing the two insulators into engagement with guide grooves in the bendable sheaths. Power is fed to the track by power connectors that engage the bus-bars contained within the conductor subassembly. Light fixtures are powered by making electrical contact with the bus-bars of the conductor subassembly.
US07661863B2	Prism sheet including reflective elements with different curvature surfaces A prism sheet, including a reflective surface having a first side formed by at least a small curvature surface and a surface different from the small curvature surface, and a second side formed by a planar surface.
US07661858B2	Quick connect/disconnect bicycle power pack A quick connect/disconnect bicycle power pack includes a mounting device mounted on a bicycle and a spare power pack having a mounting portion adapted for quick attachment/detachment with the mounting device. The spare power pack is adapted to connect to and supply electricity to a plurality of electrically-powered accessories, such as a flashlight, a stop watch, and a loudspeaker.
US07661856B2	Vehicular lamp A vehicular lamp 1 including a lamp chamber 7, which is formed with a lamp body 3 and a transparent front cover 5 attached to the front opening of the lamp body, and a lamp unit 13, which includes a reflector 9 and a light source 11 and is provided in the lamp chamber 7 so that the optical axis direction of the lamp unit is adjusted by a tilting movement adjustment mechanism 15, wherein a millimeter wave radar device 25 is attached to the lamp body, and a reflection mirror 31 that reflects, toward the front of the lamp, a millimeter wave signal 29 emitted by the millimeter wave radar device is attached to a supporting frame 21 which is a part of the tilting movement adjustment mechanism.
US07661852B2	Integrated LED bulb Disclosed is an integrated LED bulb that utilizes LEDs and can be used as a standard replacement bulb for incandescent lights that operate on standard household current. One or more LEDs are disposed in a lens 102 that is capable of high optical transmission efficiencies. A base portion encapsulates a printed circuit board and connectors, as well as the LED pin leads to hold the package in a secure mounting. The lens can be molded directly to the base or can be removable. The base can be formed to fit standard threaded sockets or bayonet sockets.
US07661851B2	Decorative lamp and method of manufacture The present invention relates to a decorative lamp comprising a source of light and a shade of a translucent or semi-opaque porcelain material and its manufacturing method. The lamp further includes at least one decorative element of a material of greater opaqueness than that of the porcelain shade located on an inside interior surface of the shade to block the passage of light to reveal its form when the source of light is turned-on and not being visible to the naked eye.
US07661850B2	Decoration plate A decoration plate includes a transparent substrate; an opaque ink layer provided on a portion of the transparent substrate surface, so that the transparent substrate has a plurality of transparent regions and opaque regions; a deep color transparent ink layer provided on the transparent regions of the transparent substrate; and a multicolor transparent ink layer provided on the deep color transparent ink layer, the transmittance of the multicolor transparent ink layer regarding light being larger than that of the deep color transparent ink layer. Via this arrangement, after the light is transmitted via the transparent regions of the decoration plate, the transparent regions will exhibit different colors.
US07661847B2	Formed lighting fixture having a fibrous layer An improved formed lighting fixture having a frame, a light source, a cover layer coupled to the frame, and a fibrous layer coupled to the cover layer, in which the frame is formed by gathering a plurality of rods and profiled in a specific contour, the light source is configured to provide light from inside the frame and out through the cover layer onto the fibrous layer. The fibrous layer is configured to provide decorative and functional aspects to the lighting fixture, including, in some embodiments, a contoured or fur-like appearance, or where the fibrous layer has light-diffusive properties, a dazzling glow effect when light from the light source is diffused.
US07661846B2	Fixing structure and backlight module using the same A fixing structure and a backlight module using the same are provided. The fixing structure is used for fixing a circuit board. The circuit board with several openings has an upper surface and a lower surface. The fixing structure includes a back plate and several hooks. The back plate has a contact surface. These hooks are disposed on the contact surface. The hooks go through the openings so that the contact surface contacts the lower surface. The hooks move toward the walls of the openings and press against the upper surface so as to fix the circuit board onto the back plate.
US07661841B2	Illumination device and display device provided with the same An illumination device has a blue light emitting element that emits blue light and a light guide member that guides blue light emitted from the blue light emitting element to a light exit surface of the light guide member. A first color conversion element includes a red phosphor that emits red light in response to excitation with the blue light. The first color conversion element is disposed on an optical path between the blue light emitting element and the light guide member. A second color conversion element is disposed on a light exit surface side of the light guide member and separated from the first color conversion element. The second color conversion element comprises a pair of non-permeable transparent substrates, a resin disposed between the non-permeable transparent substrates, and a green phosphor dispersed in the resin for emitting green light in response to excitation with the blue light.
US07661830B2	Lamp device and projector equipped with the same Aspects of the invention can provide a lamp device that is capable of avoiding concentration of stresses in a sub-mirror fixing portion of an arc tube. The lamp device can include an arc tube provided with a bulb portion encapsulating inside a pair of electrodes, and a pair of sealing portions formed continuously from the bulb portion and sealing inside electrode axes having the electrodes at tip ends and conductor foils to bring the electrode axes into conduction, a main reflection mirror, to which the sealing portion is fixed, to reflect lights emitted from the arc tube toward an illuminated region, and a sub-mirror fixed to the sealing portion in such a manner that a reflection surface opposes the main reflection mirror with the bulb portion in between. The sub-mirror can be bonded with a bonding agent to a surface region of the sealing portion present in a direction moving away from the bulb portion in reference to a position corresponding to a termination of the electrode axis.
US07661829B2	Projection display apparatus A projection display apparatus is provided which offers improved contrast while smoothly controlling the amount of light, with a simple structure and without deterioration of lifetime due to the heat of the light from a light source. This projection display apparatus includes a light valve, a light source for emitting light to the light valve, an integrator lens disposed on the optical path of the light propagating from the light source to the light valve, for making uniform the illuminance distribution of the light from the light source, and a shutter mechanism disposed on the light path, for controlling the amount of light that illuminates the light valve. The shutter mechanism has a pair of light-blocking members having cuts formed in their respective protruding sides to regulate the passage of light, and the pair of light-blocking members are moved straight to protrude/retract on the optical path, perpendicularly to the optical path from both sides of the optical path, so as to control the amount of the light according to the extent of their protrusion on the optical path.
US07661823B2	Prism structure and projector A prism structure that includes: a plurality of liquid crystal devices each include a liquid crystal panel and a light emitting-side optical element, and generate an image light through modulation of any of a plurality of color lights in accordance with image information; and a cross dichroic prism that combines the image lights coming from the liquid crystal devices. In the prism structure, each of the liquid crystal devices further includes: a fixture member that is fixed to the cross dichroic prism; a retention member that keeps hold of the liquid crystal panel, and is fixed to the fixture member; and a light emitting-side optical element retention member that keeps hold of the light emitting-side optical element, and is rotation-adjustable about an illumination axis. The light emitting-side optical element retention member is rotation-adjusted about the illumination axis before fixation to the retention member.
US07661820B2	Ophthalmologic instrument The present invention provides an ophthalmologic apparatus that can noninvasively measure the state of the lacrimal layer formed on the cornea surface and that can quantitatively measure the state of the lacrimal layer without utilizing a reflection image from the retina.The ophthalmologic apparatus according to the present invention comprises an optical projection system for projecting light of a specified pattern onto a cornea surface, and an imaging device for photographing a reflection image of the projected light from the cornea surface. An operating unit calculates the degree of distortion of the reflection image on the basis of the density value distribution of the image photographed by the imaging device. The operating unit can determine the state of the lacrimal layer using the calculated degree of distortion.
US07661818B2	Clip-on light apparatus A clip-on light apparatus is provided having a polyaxial coupling joint between a light module and frame to permit the light module to be pivoted about a plurality of axes relative to the frame for directing light in a plurality of directions. The polyaxial coupling joint preferably permits pivoting of the light module about at least two orthogonal axes. In one form, the light module is mounted to a pivot shaft about which the module can be turned with the pivot shaft itself being pivoted along one of the two orthogonal pivot axes.
US07661810B2	Image recording apparatus and inkjet apparatus for double-side recording The inkjet apparatus for double-side recording includes liquid ejection heads which are disposed on either side of a recording medium and face each other across the recording medium, the liquid ejection heads ejecting liquid onto recording surfaces of the recording medium; conveyance devices which hold the recording medium in such a manner that a normal of each of the recording surfaces is substantially horizontal, and convey the recording medium in a horizontal direction in such a manner that the recording surfaces face ejection surfaces of the liquid ejection heads; and end supporting devices which support an upper end and a lower end of the recording medium, as the conveyance devices convey the recording medium in a horizontal direction while holding the recording medium in such a manner that the normal of each of the recording surfaces is substantially horizontal.
US07661809B2	Method and apparatus for forming image A method and apparatus for forming an image which can form a high-quality image on a great variety of print media regardless of the surface roughness or ink absorptivity of the print medium, without sacrificing the high degree of freedom of the ink jet printing system are provided. An ink jet printing section ejects ink to an intermediate transfer body to form an ink image on the intermediate transfer body. Before the ink image thus obtained is transferred to a print medium, an ink transfer adjuvant is applied to the print medium. Then, the ink image formed on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to the print medium to which the ink transfer adjuvant has been applied.
US07661808B2	Image recording method and image recording apparatus employing the same Disclosed in an image recording method comprising the steps of ejecting a first water-based UV curable color ink onto a non-absorptive substrate to form a first color ink image on the non-absorptive substrate, exposing to ultraviolet rays the first color ink image to form a first UV cured color ink image, ejecting a second water-based UV curable color ink onto the first UV cured color ink image to form a second color ink image on the first UV cured color ink image, and exposing to ultraviolet rays the second color ink image to form a second UV cured color ink image, wherein a static contact angle of the second water-based UV curable color ink to the first UV cured color ink image is in the range of from 10 to 50°.
US07661805B2	Ink-jet printer An ink-jet printer including: a buffer tank; an air-discharging valve device; and a valve opening-and-closing device. The ink-jet printer further includes an operating member which is arranged to be interposed between the air-discharging valve device and the valve opening-and-closing device. The valve opening-and-closing device operates the air-discharging valve device via the operating member, such that the air-discharging valve device is placed in a valve-open state and a valve-close state. The ink-jet printer is arranged to execute a first discharge operation in which the air separated from the ink in the buffer tank is discharged while placing the air-discharging valve device in the valve open state, and a second discharge operation in which an inside of the air-discharging valve device is exhausted to remove the ink remaining in the air-discharging valve device while placing the air-discharging valve device in the valve-close state.
US07661799B2	Recording apparatus and method for producing the same A circuit element which ensures an operation of a driving IC chip and a recording element, is mounted between a power supply and the driving IC chip of a flexible flat cable. Since the circuit element is arranged so as to avoid a bending portion of the flexible flat cable, even in a case of mounting the circuit element near the driving IC chip, it is possible to prevent the circuit elements from being peeled off, and to let the driving IC chip and the heat sink make a close contact assuredly.
US07661797B2	Printhead of an inkjet printer having densely spaced nozzles A printhead for an Inkjet Printer is disclosed. The printhead has a large number of nozzle assemblies. Each nozzle assembly has an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of said actuator, and control logic for controlling said drive transistor. Nozzles are spaced from other nozzles ejecting ink of a different color by less than 400 microns.
US07661795B2	Inkjet nozzle device with static and movable nozzle portions A nozzle device is provided for an inkjet printer. The nozzle device includes a support structure defining an ink inlet chamber connected to a source of ink. An elongate actuating arm is cantilevered relative to the support structure. A nozzle chamber structure defines a nozzle chamber for receiving ink from the ink inlet chamber. The nozzle chamber structure includes a static portion extending from the support structure and defines a nozzle opening through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. The nozzle chamber structure further includes a movable wall portion mounted to the actuating arm, between its ends, so that the actuating arm terminates in a free end within the nozzle chamber. Upon actuation of the actuating arm, the free end of the actuating arm moves within the nozzle chamber and ejects ink therein through the nozzle opening.
US07661794B2	Electrostatic actuator, droplet discharge head, method for driving droplet discharge head, and method for manufacturing electrostatic actuator To provide an electrostatic actuator capable of attaining a large diaphragm displacement by low voltage drive. Furthermore, a droplet discharge head provided with this electrostatic actuator, a method for driving a droplet discharge head, and a method for manufacturing an electrostatic actuator are provided. A diaphragm, an individual electrode facing the diaphragm with a gap therebetween, while a voltage is applied between the diaphragm and the individual electrode, and an insulating film which is disposed on a surface of the diaphragm, the surface facing the individual electrode, are included, wherein the insulating film is converted to an electret.
US07661790B2	Liquid recovery containers and liquid ejection apparatus First, second, and third ink absorbing bodies are accommodated in a container of a recovery reservoir in this order from the side corresponding to a bottom surface of the container, so that an introduction chamber is defined in the middle of a recovery space. A lid having a shutter plate and a communication hole is located over the third ink absorbing body. The upper side of the introduction chamber is covered by the shutter plate to suppress volatilization of solvent element of waste ink introduced into the introduction chamber. In addition, the communication hole is located in a portion of the upper surface of the third ink absorbing body, so that solvent element of ink absorbed by the third ink absorption body volatilizes.
US07661787B2	Printing method, computer-readable medium, printing apparatus, method of manufacturing printing apparatus, printing system, and correction pattern Darkness correction is carried out effectively. A printing method is provided with the following steps: A step of, when a plurality of nozzles arranged in a predetermined direction for each of a plurality of colors of ink is moved in a movement direction intersecting with the predetermined direction while ejecting ink of the plurality of different colors, correcting a darkness of only a predetermined color, of the plurality of colors, for each dot row region so as to inhibit darkness non-uniformities between dot row regions that are formed on a medium by dot rows in the movement direction of the nozzles, and a step of performing printing by moving the plurality of nozzles while ejecting ink.
US07661785B2	Ink jet head driving method and apparatus In an ink jet head driving method for applying a drive pulse to an actuator ACT to change capacities of a plurality of pressure chambers in which ink has been filled, ejecting an ink droplet from a nozzle formed in communication with the pressure chamber to print onto a printing medium, and moreover, controlling the number of ink droplets ejected according to the number of drive pulses to carry out gradation printing, a control is made such that, in the case where the number of ink droplets is small, a boost pulse Pb for amplifying a pressure vibration of the pressure chamber is applied prior to a drive pulse for ejecting a first ink droplet, and in the case where the number of ink droplets is large, applying of the boost pulse Pb is disabled.
US07661784B2	Methods and apparatus for control of a signal in a printing apparatus A printing apparatus is provided that precisely control the transition of an electrical signal that causes a printing substance to be deposited. In particular, in some embodiments, a circuit is configured to control the application of a firing pulse to a printing element, and the printing element is configured to control the application of a printing substance. The circuit in this embodiment is configured to condition or control the transition of the firing pulse from the first state to the second state such that current through the printing element dissipates to zero over a period of tine that is neither too fast nor too slow.
US07661779B2	Printing and display device incorporating at least two printheads A printer configured to receive documents to be printed from a computer system, the printer including an interface, and being configured to: receive, via the interface, input from a user indicative of a print command; send, from the printer to the c A printing and display device comprising: a flat panel display for displaying images from a computer; and a printer, the printer including at least two the printheads, the printheads being disposed on either side of a path through which print media is fed for printing, thereby enabling substantially simultaneous printing of both sides of the print media.
US07661772B2	Method and device for improving braking behavior A method to improve the braking behavior of a vehicle is provided, in which it is not permitted to exceed a maximum allowable braking pressure difference between the braking pressures on the two wheels of one axle, and in which the maximum allowable braking pressure difference between the wheels of one axle is a function of at least one variable describing the vehicle dynamics. When an unstable behavior of the vehicle is recognized, the maximum allowable braking pressure difference between the wheels of the axle is maintained or reduced.
US07661771B2	Speed sensor fitting structure When a vehicle speed sensor is provided as a separate unit, the vehicle sensor should be removed when a vehicle wheel is changed. A brake caliper is fitted to an upper stay and a lower stay formed at a lower part of the front fork supporting the front wheel. The sensor stay is fitted to the inside of the lower stay in the vicinity of the brake caliper. A sensor cover is fastened integrally in an overlapping manner to the outside of the sensor stay. A projection formed on the sensor cover overlaps with a fitting bolt of the brake caliper. Thus, it is not possible to remove the brake caliper without first removing the sensor cover. Further, a vehicle speed sensor is sandwiched by the sensor stay and the lower end of the sensor cover and the three members are fastened together.
US07661770B2	Pneumatic emergency brake assurance module A pneumatic emergency brake assurance module comprises a high capacity transfer valve connected in a first position to the output of the variable load relay valve and in a second position connected to a source of emergency braking air pressure. A timing reservoir is in communication with the pilot port of the high capacity transfer valve. A check valve/choke circuit provides parallel connections between a double check valve and the output of the variable load relay valve such that flow from the variable load relay valve passes through a charging choke and opposite flow to the variable load relay valves passes through a dissipation choke.
US07661768B2	Integral brake system having antilock braking for a motorcycle In an integral brake system having antilock braking and including at least one brake actuating element, one front wheel brake, and one rear wheel brake, the antilock braking may optionally be selectively deactivated for the front wheel brake.
US07661764B2	Vehicle seat assembly having a hardness gradient via “A” surface intrusions and/or protrusions A vehicle seat assembly comprising a cushion having an “A” surface and a “B” surface, a central portion, and two bolster areas. Each bolster area is adjacent the central portion, with the cushion having a plurality of intrusions extending from the “A” surface towards the “B” surface to form a hardness gradient between at least one of the bolster areas and the central portion of between 8% to 25%.
US07661761B1	Motorcycle backrest assembly A motorcycle backrest assembly includes a pair of side plates each for mounting on either the left or right side of the motorcycle's rear fender. A receiver is securable to each plate for adjustably receiving one of two side rails depending from a backrest. Each receiver is angularly adjustable to vary the position of the backrest. The entire assembly can be quickly removed from the motorcycle and stored, if desired.
US07661760B2	Device for vehicle seat When a seat back in a forwardly folded state is raised to a predetermined raised state by activating an electric motor by turning on a switch, the electric motor is immediately stopped even if the switch is still turned on, and the seat back is retained in the raised state. There are provided a locking member which operates to retain the seat back in the raised state when the seat back is in the predetermined raised state and a lever which turns in association with the operation of the locking member. The lever turns on another switch to open a drive circuit for the electric motor.
US07661759B2	Vehicle headrest cover A vehicle headrest cover for covering a vehicle headrest having a display mounted therein includes a material designed to correspond with the shape and dimensions of the vehicle headrest and fit over the vehicle headrest for covering the vehicle headrest. The material has a cut-out in a face thereof which corresponds to the position of the display and also includes a zipper mechanism located on the material of the headrest cover which allows the material of the vehicle headrest cover to be zipped up to cover the vehicle headrest with the vehicle headrest cover or unzipped for removing the headrest cover from the vehicle headrest.
US07661755B2	Flatbed trailer sidewall panels A wall panel for use in a flatbed trailer sidewall system includes a frame and a waterproof fabric sheet. The frame may include a bore therein to receive an enlarged edge profile of the fabric sheet. The frame of the wall panel is generally rectangular in shape and consists of a top rail, a bottom rail, and two opposing side rails extending between the top rail and bottom rail. The rails may be secured to one another using one or both of a corner bracket and a threaded insert and threaded fastener assembly.
US07661749B2	Interior trim assembly and method for operating the same An interior trim assembly for a vehicle includes a trim component having a first panel; a second panel opposite the first panel; and one or more side panels joining the first and second panels. The first, second and one or more side panels define a cavity; and an acoustic transducer is disposed within the cavity. The acoustic transducer is located adjacent an interior surface of one of the first, second and side panels. Also, the assembly is movable relative to a static headliner.
US07661748B2	Apparatus for preventing transfer of odors from a vehicle to a hunter An apparatus for preventing transfer of odors from a vehicle to a hunter from a self propelled vehicle has at least one seat, a floorboard and a steering wheel. A cover for the seat, and/or floor mat and/or steering wheel has a vapor barrier to prevent odors from the seat, and/or floor mat and/or steering wheel from passing therethrough, and a material such as silk or RAYON® disposed on top of the vapor barrier of the seat, and/or floor mat and/or steering wheel which is free of any substance foreign to it that would have an odor associated with it, or it can be treated with an odor absorbing substance, or it can be treated with a “cover scent” such as acorn or earth/dirt scent which would be transferred to the hunter's hands and/or clothing and/or boots. Alternatively, a scent absorbing layer, such as a SCENT LOK® layer, can be disposed under the vapor barrier.
US07661745B2	Supporting device A supporting device supports a cockpit, in particular a control panel, on a central tunnel of a motor vehicle. The supporting device has an X-shaped configuration with two arms which carry the cockpit and two legs which are supported on the central tunnel. The tendency of the cockpit to vibrate is minimized precisely because the central tunnel is connected to the cockpit by the X-shaped support.
US07661737B2	Sling with predictable pre-failure warning indicator A pre-failure warning indicator is provided for use with a sling. The pre-failure warning indicator triggers at a point that is predictable within a relatively narrow range, thereby increasing the possibility that a damaged sling is removed from use. The pre-failure warning indicator includes a dedicated strand of material that is placed in close proximity to the load-bearing core yarns of the sling but remains separate and independent from the core yarns; the ends of the dedicated strand are connected via a sacrificial “ring.” A warning fiber having an end that is visible to operators/riggers works in conjunction with the sacrificial strand and the ring. The ring is designed to fail when the sling is subjected to a specifically chosen condition (e.g., excessive weight). The failure of the ring causes the warning fiber to withdraw from the rigger's view thereby warning the rigger that the sling was subjected to the specifically chosen condition and may be damaged.
US07661735B2	Assembly consisting of a bumper skin and of a shock absorber The invention relates to an assembly comprising a vehicle bumper skin and a channel-section bumper impact absorber, the absorber being made of thermoplastic material and comprising a web and two flanges, each having a free longitudinal edge and an opposite longitudinal edge that is connected to the web, the flanges and the web defining a longitudinal channel, in which the bumper skin and absorber are connected together in such a manner that the concave side of the absorber faces towards the bumper skin.
US07661732B2	Switch assembly and foldable portable electronic device using same A switch assembly (40) and a portable electronic device (100) are provided. The portable electronic device includes a body section (20), a cover section (10) rotatably connecting to the body section, and the switch assembly. The switch assembly includes a first magnetic component (43), a second magnetic component (45), and a movable magnetic component (47). The first magnetic component is mounted on the cover section. The second magnetic component is mounted on the body section, and attracts to the first magnetic component to maintain the portable electronic device at a closed position. The movable magnetic component is movably mounted on the body section, and repels both to the first and second magnetic. The movable magnetic component provides a repulsive force to repel the cover rotates outwards from the body section, when the magnetic component is driven to move close to the first and second magnetic components.
US07661728B2	Threaded tubular connection with progressive axial thread interference A threaded connection includes at least one contact zone axially separated from threadings in which male and female elements are in sealed contact via bearing surfaces respectively constituted by a cambered surface and by a tapered surface.
US07661722B2	Gas riser apparatus, and method for making and using same A gas riser apparatus, and methods for making and using a gas riser apparatus, utilize a swivel-nut having an annular collar section thereof which includes a radially outwardly opening annular groove therein adapted for swaged/crimped attachment to the remainder of the riser, at an above-ground end of the riser. For risers including a rigid metallic pipe section, the above-ground end of the pipe may be configured for swaged/crimped attachment to the annular collar of the swivel-nut through application of radially inwardly directed pressure on the above-ground end of the rigid riser pipe. For risers not having a rigid metallic section, a swage/crimp collar may be utilized for forming a connection between a flexible metal conduit and the swivel-nut, through application of radially inwardly directed pressure applied to the swage/crimp collar while the collar is disposed about the above-ground end of the flexible metal conduit.
US07661721B2	Joint assembly for flexible and semi-rigid pipings A joint assembly, including a piping, comprises a joint end sleeve, a tightening ring and a nut. The ring has an external truncated-cone shaped surface and an internal cylindrical surface with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the piping, and an internal cylindrical surface with at least one annular edge to cooperate with at least one annular groove in the sleeve in such a way that an inside diameter of the annular edge is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the piping. The nut has an internal cylindrical surface with a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the piping and is disposed opposite a cylindrical portion of the sleeve when the nut is installed. The smaller outside diameter end of the tightening ring is adjacent the internal cylindrical surface of the nut when the nut is installed. An internal truncated-cone shaped surface of the nut has a larger diameter end a size slightly larger than a smaller outside diameter end of the ring.
US07661716B2	Securing arrangement of loose elements in draft arrangement on work surface of hand portable object An apparatus for securely holding and protecting a layout of elements includes a portfolio having a first cover and a first overlay. The first overlay and the first cover are releasably cohered together, preferably utilizing magnetic forces. A loose arrangement of elements can be secured to a work surface of the first cover using the first overlay for safe storage and transport. The apparatus is used in rubber stamping design, stained-glass design, and quilting design.
US07661715B2	Books and binding method A method and apparatus for binding a stack of sheets. The stack may form a book and may have a binding region about which a binder can be clamped.
US07661714B2	All terrain vehicle A vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle, includes a saddle type seat for the rider to sit on, and a fuel tank arranged below the seat. The fuel tank includes a fuel inlet positioned in front of the seat, in a traveling direction of the vehicle. The all terrain vehicle provides a comfortable ride to a rider by providing the fuel tank in the center of the vehicle, while mounting a fuel tank that is convenient to access.
US07661713B2	Unit for coupling and releasing the wrist strap to/from the handgrip of a pole for sporting activities like skiing, trekking and the like The invention is a unit for coupling and releasing the wrist strap to/from the handgrip of a pole for sporting activities, e.g. skiing, trekking and the like, comprising: a buckle with which the wrist strap is associated; a housing obtained in the handgrip housing the buckle; coupling means comprising an elastic tab projecting from the body of the buckle and cooperating with a corresponding support surface obtained in the housing to fix the buckle to the handgrip; releasing means that can be reached by the user and are inserted in the housing, suitable for cooperating with the elastic tab to release the buckle from the handgrip.
US07661711B2	Steering column assembly with active energy absorption device A collapsible steering column assembly is provided that includes a column jacket and a bracket for attaching the assembly to a vehicle. A plate is coupled to the column jacket, and defines a opening therethrough and a slot extending along a longitudinal axis from the opening. A pyrotechnic device interconnects the bracket to a pin, and transversely moves the pin relative to the plate into the opening in response to a collision event. The pin deforms the slot as a result of longitudinal movement of the plate relative to the pin for absorbing energy imparted to the vehicle during the collision event, thereby reducing the likelihood of injuring a driver of the vehicle.
US07661709B2	Vibration dampening systems for overhead frame structures Embodiments of the invention relate to providing a vibration dampening system for an overhead frame structure used with a vehicle. The system involves the provision of one or more dampening members and/or components between portions of one or more members forming the overhead frame structure. The dampening members or components are compressed when certain portions of the members are set in position. As a result, the vibration and contact normally encountered between the portions and/or interconnecting brackets is limited, and in turn, the stress normally experienced by the one or more fastener assemblies holding the portions and/or the interconnecting brackets due to such vibration is also limited.
US07661706B2	Vehicle occupant sensing system A vehicle occupant sensing system includes a plurality of image pickup devices arranged to capture a three-dimensional image in a region including at least a cover part of the front airbag system and an upper part of the front passenger seat, and a signal processing unit for processing image signals taken by the image pickup devices to determine a three-dimensional position of the captured image. The signal processing unit is configured to determine a three-dimensional position of a part of the captured image pertaining to the cover part and includes a storage section which stores in advance a reference three-dimensional position corresponding to an external configuration of the cover part, and a comparing section which compares the three-dimensional position of the image part pertaining to the cover part with the reference three-dimensional position to determine if there is an object placed on the cover part.
US07661704B2	Combination grab handle and airbag bracket A dual function mounting bracket is affixed to a hydroformed roof side rail to allow the connecting brackets to be located at the same position as previously known despite the use of a hydroformed roof side rail frame member that has a substantially different shape and configuration. The dual function mounting bracket has a first mounting surface projecting upwardly from a second mounting surface to provide support for a grab handle connecting bracket. The second mounting surface provides support for the connecting bracket of a side curtain air bag. The second mounting surface is also configured with a pair of side tabs and a front tab for welding the mounting bracket to a hydroformed roof side rail. The grab handle spans between the mounting bracket and a spaced apart sole function mounting bracket. A bead between the first and second mounting surfaces on the dual function mounting bracket provides stiffness.
US07661703B2	Automobile interior structure and headliner interior material A cut that widens a through hole of an end portion of a headliner interior material breaks when an airbag is deployed, and is formed on an exterior-side of the end portion. The end portion of the headliner interior material is in close contact with a surrounding member provided around the end portion. In addition, an accessory is passed through the through hole and fixed to a body, while the end portion of the headliner interior material is held to the accessory around the through hole. When the airbag installed folded on the exterior side of the headliner interior material is deployed, the airbag deploys into a cabin from between the end portion and the surrounding member.
US07661699B2	Airbag system An airbag system for a motor vehicle including a gas bag having first and second chambers. The system includes an inflator and a arranged in the connecting portion so that gas is guided into both the first and second chambers. The system includes at least one protective layer extending from the mass flow divider into the first chamber. Upon inflation of the gasbag, an inner pressure in the first chamber is significantly higher than an inner pressure in the second chamber, and wherein the protective layer comprises a flexible material deformed by the inner pressure in the first chamber to prevent gas from flowing from the first chamber through the connecting portion into the second chamber.
US07661693B1	Combined vehicle tow and step assembly A combined vehicle tow and step assembly in which a trailer hitch and step platform are interconnected with each other and function as a unit so as to provide both towing and step functions without the need of removal from the vehicle high mount to achieve such functions.
US07661692B1	Vehicle dolly and method A dolly and method of use allow a disabled tractor to be efficiently and safely towed to a distant location. The dolly includes a ramp whereby the tractor can be easily rolled onto the dolly and secured thereto by tie-down chains. The method of use includes the steps of towing the dolly by wrecker to the disabled tractor, disengaging the dolly from the wrecker and connecting the wrecker to the tractor. The tractor is then urged by the wrecker up the ramp of the dolly where it is then secured. Electrical and pneumatic lines are connected from the wrecker to the dolly to operate brake lights, warning lights and the brake system of the dolly as conventional with trailers so the tractor can be safely towed to a distant location.
US07661688B2	Double-joint type suspension for steerable wheel A double-joint suspension system for a steerable wheel of a vehicle includes suspension arms connecting a vehicle body and a knuckle arm, consisting of a first suspension arm located approximately in a lateral direction and a second suspension arm in which an angle between a longitudinal axis and the second arm is smaller than an angle between the first arm and the axis, a first elastic member between the body and the first arm, a second elastic member between the body and the second arm a first connecting member rotatably connecting the knuckle and the first arm and a second connecting member rotatably connecting the knuckle and the second arm.
US07661687B2	Vehicle and chain play adjusting device thereof In the rough-terrain traveling vehicle in which rear wheels as left and right wheels are independently suspended via left and right lower arms respectively, and an anti-roll bar device is extended between the left and right lower arms, the left and right rear wheels are driven from an engine side via a chain, and the anti-roll bar device is disposed so as to extend across the inside of the circle of the chain.
US07661683B2	Apparatus for draining and transporting large diameter hoses An apparatus for draining and transporting large diameter hoses includes a frame that is movable by virtue of a pair of wheels. The center of gravity of the frame, and of the frame and a coiled hose situated on it, is located directly above the wheels. The frame includes a front toe for facilitating the rolling of a coiled segment of hose up and onto the frame. The frame includes horizontally disposed rollers that facilitate removal of the coil from the frame. The frame also includes a guide bar to assist in maintaining the coil in an upright position during transport. An attachment is removably secured to the frame to allow a portion of the hose to drape over an attachment roller to extract water from the hose and to allow a power-driven winding rod to wind the hose into a coil.
US07661679B2	Electronic target system for sports Sports shooting target assembly that electronically detects successful shots through the aperture of the target frame. One or more target assemblies are attached to a goal post or crossbar in desired practice locations. The target assemblies are electronically controlled by a central unit to form a sports shooting practice system. In one embodiment, a microcontroller is programmed to control the target assemblies and provide a number of entertaining games. Other embodiments add lights to each target assembly and a siren to provide feedback on successful shots through the target assembly's aperture.
US07661677B2	Hard pass craps wager A wager for casino craps which allows a player to win when a come out shooter makes a hard point (e.g. rolls 2/2 or 3/3 or 4/4 or 5/5), and then the shooter makes the point (before the shooter rolls a seven) with the same hard point (e.g. 2/2 or 3/3 or 4/4 or 5/5). If the shooter does not roll a hard point (1/1 and 6/6 are considered ‘craps’ and are not points) or the shooter rolls a hard point on the come out roll but does not make the same hard point before rolling a seven (or makes the point without rolling the hard point), then the player loses the wager.
US07661674B2	Feeding device and image recording apparatus equipped with the feeding device A feeding device including a drive roller and a driven roller opposed to the drive roller and biased toward the drive roller, such that the drive and driven rollers cooperate to feed a sheet while holding the sheet therebetween. The driven roller includes a toothed wheel portion and a contactable portion having a diameter smaller than that of the toothed wheel portion. The drive roller includes first and second portions. A radially outer end of the second portion is more distant from an axis of the drive roller than a radially outer end of the first portion. During absence of the sheet between the drive and driven rollers, the contactable portion of the driven roller is held in contact at its circumferential surface with a circumferential surface of the second portion of the drive roller, while a radially outer end of the toothed wheel portion is not in contact with a circumferential surface of the first portion. Also disclosed is an image recording apparatus including the above-described feeding device.
US07661670B2	Sheet discharge device A sheet discharge device neatly and uniformly aligns edges of print sheets irrespective of the thickness of a print sheet, and exerts the same effect even at a low discharge speed. The sheet discharge device includes: sheet information sensing means for detecting thickness of a print sheet to judge the sheet as a thick sheet, a regular sheet, or a thin sheet; conveying means for discharging the print sheet bearing a printed image in a predetermined direction; a discharge tray that accommodates a stack of the print sheets discharged by the conveying means; wings arranged at a tail end portion of the conveying means, coming in contact with two side edges in a widthwise direction of the print sheet so as to give a U shape curl by curving the sheet in a rough U shape during discharge; control means for commanding, based on the judgment by the sheet information sensing means, the wing to take a predetermined shift mode during discharge of the print sheet; and drive means for moving the wing in a shift mode designated by the control means.
US07661661B2	Evaporator assembly unit, especially for a vehicle heater or a reformer arrangement of a fuel cell system An evaporator assembly unit, especially for a vehicle heater or a reformer arrangement of a fuel cell system, includes a wall arrangement (12) enclosing an evaporation chamber (20) with a circumferential wall (14) and with a bottom wall (16). An air introduction shoulder (18) extending in the direction of a wall longitudinal axis (L) is provided with a plurality of first air introduction openings (22). Evaporator medium (26), that is porous at least in some areas, is provided on the side of the wall arrangement (12) facing the evaporation chamber (20). An auxiliary air opening arrangement (34) with at least one second air introduction opening (36) is provided in the wall arrangement (12).
US07661657B2	Deep well sparging Method for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.
US07661652B2	Electromagnetically actuatable valve An electromagnetically actuatable valve for brake systems in motor vehicles, comprises a hydraulic part and an electric part. The valve is partially placed inside a valve block, in which an inlet borehole and an outlet borehole for a hydraulic fluid are made. The hydraulic part comprises a valve element inside of which a transversal borehole is made that communicates with the inlet borehole. In addition, a number of longitudinal boreholes, which are connected to the outlet borehole, are made in the valve element. The transversal borehole and the longitudinal boreholes are connected via a closing element. The valve enables a controlled opening and closing of the closing element thereby making a low-noise switching of the valve possible.
US07661647B2	Vehicle seat slide device A vehicle seat slide device includes a lower rail formed so as to include a first opening portion opening upward and fixed at a vehicle floor, an upper rail supported by the lower rail through the first opening portion so as to be slidable and supporting a vehicle seat, a screw member provided between the upper rail and the lower rail so as to extend in a sliding direction thereof, a nut member fixed at the lower rail and threadedly engaged with the screw member, a covering member formed so as to include an upper wall covering the first opening portion and fixed at the lower rail, a driving mechanism generating a driving force by which the screw member is rotated relative to the nut member so that the upper rail slides relative to the lower rail and the screw member positioned below the upper wall of the covering member.
US07661642B2	Motorized mount to pivot a monitor A motorized mount system includes first and second mount brackets, where one or both of the mount brackets is motorized to pivot a monitor. The motorized bracket includes a motorized actuator system that releaseably engages with the monitor. The actuator system includes a moving block that releaseably pushes the monitor to tilt up, and uses the weight of the monitor to tilt down the monitor. The monitor can be separated with the moving block so that if a foreign object gets between the bottom end of the monitor and the wall, the foreign object needs to counteract the weight of the monitor but not the force due to the motor.
US07661638B2	Suction cup structure A suction cup structure includes a suction cup, a lifting rod, a holder base, a slide bolt, a radial arm and an axial-bolt. The lifting rod is vertically connected to the suction cup, and has a through hole with horizontal penetration. The sleeve of the holder base has a rotation axis hole with horizontal penetration and a slide notch. The lifting rod is disposed in a sleeve of the holder base. The suction cup is under a disk body of the holder base. The slide bolt passes through a first hole of the button arm, the slide notch and the through hole. The axial-bolt also passes through the rotation axis hole and a second hole of the button arm. By pressing a button end of the button arm, an activation piece of the button arm rotates based on the axial-bolt to pull the slide bolt. The slide bolt then slides toward the upper portion from the lower portion of the first hole, and slides into the slide notch simultaneously to lift the lifting rod. The suction cup is therefore lifted to generate the suction.
US07661637B2	Seat attachment application The invention is based on a seat attachment apparatus, in particular for attachment of a seat to a floor in an aircraft, having at least one horizontal attachment means and at least one vertical attachment means which can be moved in a horizontal longitudinal direction relative to the horizontal attachment means and having an operating means which can rotate, as well as a transmission unit for transmission of a rotary movement of the operating means to a linear movement of the vertical attachment means in the horizontal longitudinal direction. Preferably, the operating means has at least one rotation axis which includes an angle greater than zero with the horizontal longitudinal direction.
US07661636B1	Combined bottle holder and activity center apparatus for infant An combined bottle holder and activity center apparatus for an infant is provided. The apparatus generally comprises at least one mounting strap portion having upper and lower ends; a holding ring portion disposed at a lower end of the mounting strap portion; a support strap portion coupled to at least one of the mounting strap and holding ring portions; and, a plurality of interactive elements coupled in manipulable manner to at least one of the mounting strap and holding ring portions. The holding ring portion defines a looped receiving space for a base portion of a feed bottle. The support strap portion includes an engaging member for retentively engaging a forward portion of the feed bottle. Each of the interactive elements is thematically configured with visual and tactile distinction one from the other.
US07661632B2	Mounting device for studs comprising T-shaped channels A mounting device securable to a structure comprising a channel comprises a plate, a cable management member and an engagement member for securing the device to the structure. The mounting device may be secured to the structure by inserting an installation tool into the geometric opening and rotating the mounting device. The engagement member may comprise opposing retaining tabs extending from a bottom surface of the plate or opposing depressions formed in a top surface of the plate. The cable management member may comprise a pair of bridge arms that form a geometric opening.
US07661629B2	Systems and methods for destabilizing an airfoil vortex Apparatuses and methods for the controlled trailing wake flows. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment is directed to an aircraft system that includes an airfoil having first and second oppositely facing flow surfaces and a tip. The system can further include a vortex dissipation device carried by the airfoil, with the vortex dissipation device including a fluid flow nozzle, a valve device, and a controller. The fluid flow nozzle can be coupleable to a source of pressurized fluid and can include an orifice positioned to direct a flow of fluid outwardly from the tip. The valve device can be coupled in fluid communication with the fluid flow nozzle to selectively control the flow passing through the orifice. The controller can be coupled to the valve device to direct the operation of the valve device. Accordingly, the vortex dissipation device can be activated to accelerate the rate at which vortices (e.g., wing tip vortices) dissipate after they are generated.
US07661618B2	Drag mechanism for dual-bearing reel The drag mechanism includes a friction disk, a cover member, a brake disk, and a drag adjusting mechanism. The friction disk is in a storage space of a first flange portion of a spool and has an engaging recess formed in an external circumferential surface. The cover member has a cylindrical portion that fits into an internal circumferential surface of the storage space, an engaging protrusion on a distal end surface of the cylindrical portion to engage with the engaging recess, and a protruding portion that mate closely with an end face of the first flange portion. The cover member is fixed to the first flange portion and covers the storage space from the outside. The brake disk is arranged in the storage space facing opposite the friction disk and constructed not to rotate in a line reel-out direction. The cam mechanism is designed to move the friction disk and the spool together along an axial direction of the spool with respect to the brake disk such that the friction disk is pressed against the brake disk.
US07661617B2	Device and method for canceling sheet material The invention relates to an apparatus and a corresponding method for canceling, in particular destroying, sheet material, in particular bank notes. The apparatus comprises at least one canceling means (2) to which the sheet material (1) to be canceled is fed, in which the fed sheet material (11) is canceled, in particular destroyed, and from which the canceled sheet material (11) is discharged. The apparatus comprises furthermore at least one supervising means (7) for monitoring the sheet material (11) being discharged or having been discharged from said canceling means (2).For improved monitoring of the cancellation of sheet material, in particular with respect to malfunctions, there is provided at least one monitoring means (6a, 6b) for monitoring the fed sheet material (1). The fed sheet material (11) is compared to the sheet material (11) being discharged or having been discharged in an evaluation means (9).
US07661615B2	Grid cutting device A device for comminuting a residual sheet metal grid includes a grid supply system defining a grid supply plane and supplying the grid in a longitudinal direction; and a cutting assembly including a plurality of shearing teeth extending along a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The shearing teeth can include a cutting edge, a cutting edge portion, or both a cutting edge and a cutting edge portion. The cutting assembly can be constructed and arranged to cut the metal grid along the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.
US07661612B2	Shredder The present invention relates to a shredder having a thickness triggering device. During the shredding operation, the trembling of the article is minimized or eliminated by using the shredder. The shredder includes a sustaining mechanism and a driving assembly. Since the sustaining mechanism is sustained against the shredding article, the amplitude of the trembling article is largely reduced. As a consequence, the influence of the shredding article on the thickness triggering device is reduced so as to prevent interruption of the shredder.
US07661610B2	Electrostatic coating device An atomizer including an air motor and a rotary atomizing head, mounted in a front side of a housing member, while a high voltage generator applying a high voltage to paint through the air motor is mounted in a rear side of the housing member. A cover member is fitted on the housing member to cover an outer surface of the housing member. Opposite axial ends of the cover member are fitted on and attached to opposite axial ends of the housing member so as to leave an annular gap space between the cover member and the housing member. The annular gap space keeps almost entire radially confront areas of the cover member and the housing member, preventing high voltage electrostatic charges on the outer surfaces of the cover member from leaking through the housing member.
US07661609B2	Pressure washer with soft start washer wand A pressure washer wand having first and second valves that can be opened in a predetermined or user-adjustable manner through movement of a trigger. In one form, the first and second valves are opened sequentially in response to movement of a trigger to transition from a no-flow condition to a relatively low pressure flow and thereafter to a relatively high pressure flow. In another form, the sequencing of the valves can be changed such that only the first valve, which provides a relatively low pressure flow, is opened in response to movement of the trigger. A pressure washing system having the pressure washer wand is also provided.
US07661604B1	System and method for controlled dosing and dispensing of liquid material A system and method are provided for selectively dosing and dispensing a predetermined liquid material in and from a pre-dispensing measuring sight glass container vessel, wherein a housing is disposed to receive a pressurized fluid stream, to provide an intermediate measurement and storage vessel for the liquid material and to provide a selectively operable valve assembly that is disposed in a flow path defined in the housing. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween, which is formed with an admission port for admitting the predetermined liquid material. The valve assembly is disposed between the housing's inlet and outlet, and may be selectively operated to fill the sight glass container from the source container; or, to dispense the liquid material from the sight glass container; or, to clean the sight glass container; or, to just provide a flow of the pressurized fluid without any liquid material. At no selection or operating condition can liquid material from the source container be dispensed without first being measured into the sight glass container.
US07661599B2	Label and method of making A method of providing an image on a media having a image-receiving layer and a protective overlayer, comprising the steps of providing an image on the image-receiving and providing machine-readable indicia on said protective overlayer by varying the temperature of a thermal head used to apply the protective overlayer.
US07661598B2	Mechanism for attaching RFID tag, transfer device and transfer system using RFID tag In a mechanism for attaching to a cart an RFID tag used for transmitting and receiving data to and from an RFID reader/writer, a holding pocket retains the RFID tag. The orientation of the pocket is kept constant in such a manner that a surface of the RFID tag from which data can be read highly accurately faces an antenna for the RFID reader/writer while keeping the distance between the RFID tag and the antenna within a certain range regardless of the transfer direction of the cart.
US07661590B1	Electronic fund transfer or transaction system An electronic fund transfer (EFT) system capable of displaying a menu including one or more user-defined custom transactions associated with an identification card so that the user can select a desired translation by a single selection or with limited inputs. The ATM system may preselect transaction types and/or transaction parameters based on stored information relating to the user (such as a previous transaction or other information). If the selections are as the user desires them to be for the desired transaction, then the user can simply click on a command button (e.g. a button labeled “OK”) to cause the transaction to be executed. This potentially reduces the number of inputs or selections that a user must make to execute a desire transaction.
US07661589B2	Security management software, print control device, and security management method of print control device A security management software is executed in print control device connectable via a network to an information processing device that sends an instruction and data thereto. The software includes: a step of relating a fingerprint of a user of the print control device to information registered for security authentication system on the print control device, wherein the information is to log into the print control device; and a step of allowing the user to log into the print control device, in case that a fingerprint of the user inputted for logging into the print control device is authenticated based on the related fingerprint.
US07661587B1	Systems and methods for determining false MICR Systems and methods are disclosed, where check transaction risks can be determined based on a pattern of changes in identifier information such as MICR field information and driver license number. A MICR field on a given check includes a routing transit number and an account number. Some fraudulent check transactions involve a pattern of alterations of the MICR field, such as changing, adding, or removing of one or more digits or characters of the account number or the routing transit number. Various embodiments of systems and methods can be configured to detect such pattern of changes in the MICR field, thereby facilitating detection of fraudulent check transactions. Various techniques of the present disclosure can be used to detect fraudulent electronic check transactions such as web-based transactions, as well as paper check transactions.
US07661581B2	Multifunctional box organizer A multifunctional box organizer includes a hollow main body provided with at least one slit, via which magnetic bookmarks may be extended and then bent to magnetically attach to the main body, and a coin slot located at a distance from the slit; an open bottomed enclosure fitly received in a lower part of the main body; and a bottom cover closed to a lower open end of the main body to define a closed storage space in the enclosure. The enclosure is provided with an opening corresponding to the coin slot, so that coins may be inserted through the coin slot and collected in the storage space. Coins collected in the enclosure may be taken out by opening a cap on the bottom cover. A space in the main body above the enclosure is divided by a partition into several subspaces for holding and sorting pens and different articles.
US07661580B1	Hot food container Described is a food container made from a single piece of material. The food container includes a front and rear panel joined by opposite sides and a bottom. The rear panel includes a flap cover with a pair of locking members and the front panel includes a flap and a pair of cut-outs on opposite sides thereof wherein the cut-outs are configured to secure the locking members so that the flap is positioned beneath the flap cover when the container is closed. The disclosed container allows for the quick and efficient collection of food product without the food product being touched by human hands. The container, having closure means, acts as a measuring device such that the size of portions is consistent. The closure means also maintains the temperature of the food product, allows for later storage of food product and prevents food product from unintentionally spilling from the container.
US07661578B2	Packing box A packing box includes four walls, a bottom support, a cover and plates. The walls, the bottom support and the cover cooperatively define a space for accommodating items to be packed therein. The bottom support is formed with the walls for supporting the items packed in the space. The cover is configured for closing the packing box. The plates are disposed in the space and are formed by folding a cardboard extension from one or more of the walls. The plates separate the space into compartments.
US07661570B2	Stapler A clincher mechanism 7 is provided with a clincher member 10 having an inductive guiding face 11 for bending and guiding staple legs; a sheet-shape piece 12 arranged between the inductive guiding face and sheets; and operating pieces 18 for advancing/retracting the sheet-shape piece 12 onto the inductive guiding face of the clincher member 10. The staple legs penetrated the sheets are guided along the lower surface of the sheet-shape piece 12, and the sheet-shape piece 12 is operated by the action of operating pieces 18 so that it is extracted from between the staple legs. A paper pan 26 for guiding the sheets is arranged swingably above the clincher mechanism 7. The operating pieces 18 are operated through the paper pan 26 which is swung by the action of the staple driving portion 2.
US07661569B2	Stapler A flat-type stapler is provided which can fasten a large number of sheets of paper with a small force and in a smooth fashion. The stapler includes a base portion, a magazine portion, a push-down member, handle supporting members, and a handle portion. The handle portion causes the push-down portion to descend by virtue of the principle of the lever with the handle shaft made to act as a movable fulcrum. A portion of the handle may be used to apply force, and the connecting shaft may be used as a point of action.
US07661566B2	Infant carrier with hood An infant carrier with hood comprises a belt portion to be mounted on a user, and a support portion connected to the belt portion for supporting an infant. A bag-like accommodating portion is provided on an outside face of the support portion and a hood capable of being developed so as to cover the infant supported by the support portion is accommodated in the accommodating portion.
US07661562B2	Micro powered dispensing device A liquid dispenser includes a reservoir for holding a liquid, and a chamber in communication with the reservoir. The chamber receives the liquid, and a micro power source generates electricity for heating the liquid disposed in the chamber. A nozzle is included for releasing the heated liquid from the chamber through an orifice in the nozzle.
US07661561B2	Dual component dispenser A method and apparatus for extruding the first fluid capable of foaming through a porous member to produce a first foamed extrudate while simultaneously dispensing a second flowable material preferably containing particulate matter adjacent the first extrudate.
US07661557B2	Metering device for a medium A metering device with an applicator housing having an application orifice for medium discharge. A metering pump conveys medium from a medium store to the applicator. An electronic counting module having a stroke detection means operatively engageable with a relatively movable pump portion of the metering pump. A data processing processor evaluates signals from the stroke detection means, and an indicator unit indicates data produced by the data processing processor. A current source supplies the data processing processor with current. A module housing houses an electronic counting module. The external dimensions of the module housing are conformed to the internal dimensions of a reception space. The reception space is open on one side of the applicator housing, so that the module housing can be inserted completely into the reception space through the opening and be fastened therein.
US07661554B2	Tissue sheet dispenser and process for making same A dispenser, and associated method for producing such dispenser, for interfolded disposable sheets includes a dispensing container defining an interior volume sufficient for receipt of a clip of interfolded disposable sheets, the container including a first wall with a dispensing opening defined by a removable panel. At least a portion of an adhesive material is disposed at a location on the removable panel such that the adhesive is not exposed to the interior volume of the container in an adhesive state. A clip of interfolded disposable sheets is inserted into the interior volume of the container. After insertion of the clip, the adhesive material is exposed in an adhesive state to the interior volume of the container and contact is made between the adhesive and the uppermost sheet of the clip of interfolded sheets such that the removable panel is attached to the uppermost sheet.
US07661551B2	Multi-compartment reagent container having means to inhibit re-use thereof A method for automatically determining whether a reagent container is new and unused or whether the reagent container has been previously used whenever reagent containers are initially placed onto an analyzer. Unused containers have a flag or lock-out member that can be dislodged or relocated by a moveable sensor probe when containers are placed onto the analyzer.
US07661550B2	Filler neck of a fuel tank with an arrangement for preventing incorrect fueling The filler neck of a fuel tank with an arrangement for preventing incorrect fueling has a rotatable ring and closing elements which are actuated by said ring, with a transmission device having the following features being arranged between the movable part and the rotatable ring: there are two slides which are situated opposite one another and which have run-on faces which face toward one another in the support body, the two slides are connected to one another by means of a rigid bar, which rigid bar is movably articulatedly connected with its first end to the first slide and with its second end to the second slide, the second end of the bar is a bolt which engages into a first slot of the second slide and into a second slot of the rotatable ring.
US07661548B2	Hot-fill container with improved top-load performance A plastic container comprising a base that is attached to a body section which is connected to a dome section by a circumferential ring is provided. The dome section comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced hydrostatic pressure absorption panels each located between vertically extending, circumferentially spaced ribs that absorbs at least a substantial portion of the external downwardly directed vertical forces exerted on the container and restores the container to its original shape. In addition, a method of absorbing a downward, vertical top-load is provided.
US07661546B2	Switch cap for drinking bottle A switch cap for drinking bottle of the invention includes a rotatable cap; a sucker received inside the rotatable cap; a cap cover covering the rotatable cap; and a switch portion; wherein the rotatable cap is rotatably connected with a circled round mouth the drinking bottle by the switch portion.
US07661545B2	Product securement and management system A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred. In another embodiment, an alert device may be configured to detect and monitor movement of the moveable barriers and may provide an alert signal corresponding to the management of product on the shelf or corresponding to a potential theft situation. In an embodiment, the alert device may communicate with a security camera to monitor the vicinity and provide a notification to the potential thief that his actions are being monitored and recorded, or provide a notification to store computer, pager, cellular telephone, or the like.
US07661544B2	Semiconductor wafer boat for batch processing A boat is provided for stacking semiconductor wafers vertically in processes in which low friction deposits may coat wafer supporting surfaces. In carbon processes, for example, low friction coatings can form that allow the wafers to slip sideways in the boat, leaving them sufficiently out of alignment to cause wafer breakage in handling. Typical boats for these processes having vertical legs, typically three or four in number, in which aligned notches support each of the wafers. The slots provide enough clearance around the edge of the wafer to facilitate loading and unloading of the wafers without wafer damage, as long as the wafers remain centered. For low friction process environments, each notch is provided with a shallow recess on which the edge of a wafer can rest. The recess adds a low step close to the wafer edge that resists horizontal sliding movement of the wafer. Wafers are loaded by inserting them into the boat in a plane spaced above the steps, then lowered onto the recesses.
US07661542B2	Proton-conducting polymer membrane that contains polyazoles and is coated with a catalyst layer, and application therof in fuel cells The present invention relates to a proton-conducting polymer membrane which comprises polyazoles and is coated with a catalyst layer and is obtainable by a process comprising the steps A) preparation of a mixture comprising polyphosphoric acid, at least one polyazole (polymer A) and/or one or more compounds which are suitable for forming polyazoles under the action of heat according to step B), B) heating of the mixture obtainable according to step A) under inert gas to temperatures of up to 400° C., C) application of a layer using the mixture obtained according to step A) and/or B) to a support, D) treatment of the membrane formed in step C) until it is self-supporting, E) application of at least one catalyst-containing coating to the membrane formed in step C) and/or in step D).
US07661541B2	Porous spun polymeric structures and method of making same A non-woven polymeric matrix for separating leukocytes from a blood sample includes a non-woven three dimensional matrix formed from polymeric fibers having a predetermined pore volume fraction including a defined channel configuration, a predetermined pore size in the range of from about 10 μm to about 250 μm, and a plurality of connections between the plurality of fibers. The matrix is configured so as to remove at least about 98% of leukocytes from at least one unit of packed red blood cells. Methods of making and using the matrix are also provided.
US07661539B2	Liquid filtration device A liquid filtration device that efficiently filters a filter element and vents pressurized vapors from inside the filter element. The liquid filtration device is comprised of a vent valve apparatus that is furnished within the main body of the filter head and a plug which is located on the filter housing. The main body has a first opening that is located on the outside of the filter housing, a second opening that communicates with the inside of the filter element, an opening that communicates with the second opening and the first opening and a third opening. The third opening permits communication between the filter element and the filter housing as well as between space and the passage found within the third opening. The plug is installed within this passage, and can move between a first position that does not vent pressurized vapors that are within the housing and a second position that vents pressurized vapors that are within the housing.
US07661538B1	Disposable vacuum filtration funnel with integral prefilter A filtration funnel with integral prefilter usable for filtering fluids. The integral prefilter is disposed above the final filter which is sealed to the funnel. The prefilter may contain one or more layers of prefilter material, and is sealed to the funnel with one or more seal rings. The funnel may be used with either vacuum or pressure.
US07661532B2	Tray insert for medication on demand device In one embodiment, the invention comprises a tray insert for a medication dispenser, the dispenser permitting access to a medication dose after a minimum dosing interval has elapsed since presentation of an immediately previous dose. The dispenser comprises a dispenser cover having an opening through which a patient accesses the medication dose presented through the opening and a carousel for receiving the tray insert. The tray insert comprises a substrate, a plurality of medication retention areas in the substrate each for holding at least one medication dose, each medication retention area received within a depression of the carousel and a cover removably affixed to an upper surface of the substrate for retaining the medication doses in the medication retention areas prior to use, wherein after the tray insert is mated with the carousel the cover.
US07661529B2	Stackable storage trays An improved stackable storage tray has a flat bottom wall with a generally U-shaped recess formed therein, a pair of end walls with a bar extending therebetween for manually transporting the tray, a pair of outwardly sloped side walls, and a plurality of dividers extending between the side walls and upwardly extending divider walls forming a plurality of sub-compartments. The improvements include a pair of spaced generally right angled ledges on the end walls which lie in a horizontal plane with top edges of the side wall, sub-compartment dividers, and a divider edge formed by the upstanding divider walls for supporting an upper tray stacked thereon; a plurality of bosses on the bottom wall providing support feet for the tray; and drain holes in the bosses and in the sub-compartments dividers for removing any liquid trapped in the sub-compartments.
US07661527B2	Tray for stacking containers Film wrapped stacked containers having a molded transparent plastic tray 1 inserted between containers 6 and containers 5 are structurally stable to facilitate film wrapping. The top side of the tray has protuberances 2 forming groove rings 4 on the top side of the tray. The groove rings 4 acts to locate the bottom of the containers 5 on top of the tray in a preset configuration. The bottom of containers 5 rest within the groove rings. The bottom side of the tray has separation means such as cones 6 or other protuberances that act to separate and position the containers 6 beneath the tray 1. By providing a plastic insert that can be molded to a preset configuration, structural stability can be provided for containers with different shapes.
US07661525B1	Collapsible pill cup with timer A pill case has an oblong base with pill spaces on opposite sides of a cup holder in the base. A collapsible cup is provided within the cup holder. A lid has an accessory housing. The lid is attached to the base via a hinge or fold joint. The lid may have a lower edge or lip generally having the same shape as an upper edge, lip or groove on the base, to form a clamshell-type container. The accessory housing fits into the cup within the cup holder when the pill case is closed. An electronic accessory, such as a clock, may be contained within the accessory housing.
US07661523B2	Linear hydraulic motor and reciprocating floor conveyor A linear hydraulic motor (12) includes an elongate cylinder (26) and at least one piston (34) slidingly located inside the cylinder. The piston (34) has a longitudinally extending portion which fits with clearance in the cylinder and which describes a path in use which penetrates an interior zone of the cylinder which extends radially inwardly from an aperture in the cylinder wall. An internal reinforcing member (300) is slidingly located inside the cylinder to travel with the piston. The reinforcing member describes a path in use which also penetrates said interior zone of the cylinder which extends radially inwardly from the aperture in the cylinder wall and the reinforcing member has portions which are concentric and radially aligned with circumferentially spaced portions of the cylinder wall that are on opposite sides of said aperture in the cylinder wall.
US07661521B2	Coin selector A coin selector prevents illegal actuation of a coin sensor for real coin detection and is reduced in size and has a high coin processing rate, and which can cancel a coin to be cancelled reliably. The coin selector detects the passage of a coin based upon a signal from a coin sensor disposed downstream of a real/fake discriminating unit formed along a coin passage through which the coin moves. A moving direction changing unit for a coin is provided on the coin passage downstream of the real/fake discriminating unit and the coin passage downstream of the moving direction changing unit is disposed on a plane different from a plane on which the moving direction changing unit is present.
US07661518B2	Preventing ratcheting on rockers of a one-way clutch An overrunning one-way clutch includes a cam plate including notches angularly spaced about an axis, a rocker plate including pockets angularly spaced about the axis and facing the notches, each pocket including a lock surface, a plurality of rockers, each rocker being located in one of the pockets for movement toward and away from engagement with the notches, each rocker including a contact surface that engages one of the lock surfaces to prevent the rocker from moving into engagement with one of the notches when the notches rotate in a first direction relative to the rockers, and springs supported on the rocker plate, each spring urging one of the rockers toward the notches.
US07661516B2	Pneumatically actuated clutch A clutch assembly having a drive shaft operably connected to a first hub or clutch plate. A second hub or clutch plate adjacent to the first clutch plate and operably connected to a second drive shaft. A release ring positioned to selectively release both clutch plates. Positioned to engage the release ring is a pneumatic actuating member that is operably connected to a source of compressed air.
US07661514B2	Elevator belt for an elevator installation and method of producing such an elevator belt An elevator belt for an elevator installation includes a belt body in which a tensile carrier arrangement with several tensile carriers for transmission of a tension force in a longitudinal direction of the elevator belt is arranged. A profile body which spaces these tensile carriers from one another is arranged between adjacent tensile carriers of the tensile carrier arrangement.
US07661512B2	Pump jack and method A pump jack for a scaffold in a system to support a work platform and move the platform up and down a pole to access a vertical work surface. The pump jack includes an L-shaped framework having a horizontal frame member which supports the work platform and a vertical frame member. The vertical frame member having laterally opposing Z-shaped channels, each having a leg that bends about the pole and extends inward toward the pole. The pump jack includes an upper shackle supported by the framework. The pump jack includes a lower shackle supported by the framework, which with the upper shackle applies a coupling force for gripping the pole. The pump jack includes a pump arm lever pivotably coupled to the vertical frame member to step upwardly the pump jack relative to the pole. The pump jack includes a crank mechanism coupled to the vertical frame member. A method for supporting and moving a work platform up and down a pole to access a vertical work surface.
US07661505B2	Vehicle console A console system (10) configured to support a control module (44) (e.g., a user interface, etc.) operatively coupled to a vehicle system (e.g., a vehicle transmission, etc.), and which can be selectively and conveniently repositioned and/or reconfigured within a vehicle in a variety of positions is disclosed. The control module (44) is operatively coupled to the vehicle system without the use of conventional mechanical linkage. By providing flexibility in the positioning of the control module (44), the console system can be configured and/or reconfigured to meet the desires and/or needs of a variety of users.
US07661495B2	Drive unit for motor vehicles with hybrid drive in a longitudinal arrangement A drive unit for motor vehicles with hybrid drive and a drive train in a longitudinal arrangement, between the internal combustion engine and the first axle, comprising a housing piece, a through driveshaft, an electric motor, surrounding the through driveshaft with a first clutch before the electric motor and a second clutch thereafter, whereby a second axle is also to be driven with minimal space requirement. A first electric motor is thus physically combined with the first clutch, surrounding a second electric motor and the through driveshaft and is connected to the second axle by means of a third clutch, an offset gear and a shaft.
US07661494B2	Power supply system of fuel cell vehicle This power supply system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided with a load, a fuel cell, a power storage device, a first DC-DC converter, a second DC-DC converter, a current-measuring device, a voltage-measuring device, and a controller. The controller performs a feedback control of the first DC-DC converter such that input current or output current measured by the current-measuring device becomes a target current, and also performs a feedback control of the second DC-DC converter such that input voltage or output voltage measured by the voltage-measuring device becomes a target voltage.
US07661492B1	Motorized wheeled vehicle having a multi-stage speed reduction function when turning A motorized wheeled vehicle includes a support frame, a head tube secured on the support frame, a front fork pivotally mounted on the head tube, a front wheel rotatably mounted on the front fork, a steering tube pivotally mounted on the head tube and secured on the front fork, a speed reduction control switch mounted on the head tube and provided with a plurality of contact points, and a contact board mounted on the steering tube and movable relative to the speed reduction control switch to press or detach the contact points of the speed reduction control switch. Thus, the speed reduction control switch has a multi-stage and micro-adjustment speed reduction function so as to reduce the speed of the motorized wheeled vehicle gradually when the motorized wheeled vehicle is turned.
US07661491B2	High-strength, high-toughness matrix bit bodies A new composition for forming a matrix body which includes spherical sintered tungsten carbide and an infiltration binder including one or more metals or alloys is disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition may include a Group VIIIB metal selected from one of Ni, Co, Fe, and alloys thereof. Moreover, the composition may also include cast tungsten carbide. In addition, the composition may also include carburized tungsten carbide.
US07661490B2	Stabilizing system and methods for a drill bit A drill bit stabilizing system comprising a body member having an axis and at least one recess formed in the body member housing at least one stabilizing member when in a first retracted position. The stabilizing member is positionable along a diagonal angle with the axis to a second extended operating position which extends downward and outward relative to the main body to selectively engage the surface of a pilot bore hole wall during a drilling operation so as to stabilize an under gauge drill bit used in association with the stabilizing system. The body member further comprises at least one fixed stabilizing surface positioned in an axially spaced relationship to the at least one moveable stabilizing member. The body member further comprises a gauge cutter positioned above the moveable stabilizing member and below the fixed stabilizing surface to expand the pilot hole to the final gauge.
US07661489B2	Roller reamer This invention describes a reaming tool (10) for attachment to a drill string having a body (12) that has connection means (14a, 14b) at either end for attachment to a drill string, at least one roller reamer (16) rotatably mounted to the body (12), and at least one channel (18) extending on the body positioned to intersect with the roller reamer (16). This ensures that flushing fluid flow is directed to each roller reamer (16).
US07661488B2	Regulator of angle and reactive moment of a gerotor type motor having a spindle and drilling bit in a bent drilling string A device for drilling controlled directional wells comprises a central hollow element and three hollow tubular elements connected thereto out-of-line with respect to each other. The first hollow tubular element connected by a thread to the spindle and the central hollow element, are each provided with a contact segmental section, thereby forming a pair of contact segmental sections. The sections are disposed on the opposite sides with respect to the meridian plane of the spindle in the bending plane of the drill string and at a distance L between the nearest edges of the contact segmental sections along the central axis of the first element. L≧D, where D is the spindle outer diameter. The contact segmental section of the first element is deviated from the meridian plane of the spindle in the bending plane of the drilling string in an opposite direction with respect to the reaction torque of a drilling bit.
US07661482B2	Tree fire extinguishing device The present invention provides a tree fire extinguishing device including an upright standing hollow body. An air compressor pump is connected to the hollow body for providing pressurized air to the hollow body. At least one heat activated fluid release valve is connected to the hollow body. The present invention further provides a method of configuring a tree display.
US07661481B2	Downhole wellbore tools having deteriorable and water-swellable components thereof and methods of use An apparatus is provided for use as a downhole tool or a component thereof for insertion into a wellbore. According to one aspect, the apparatus has a body having a chamber, wherein at least a portion of the body is radially expandable; and a water-swellable material in the chamber, wherein the water-swellable material is dissolvable in water. According to another aspect, the apparatus has a body having a chamber, wherein at least a portion of the body is radially expandable, and wherein at least a portion of the body is made with a material that is deteriorable by hydrolysis; and a water-swellable material in the chamber. According to a further aspect, the water-swellable material is dissolvable in water. A process of temporarily blocking or sealing a wellbore is also provided, including moving an apparatus according to the invention through a wellbore to a selected position in the wellbore; exposing the water-swellable material to water or an aqueous fluid to expand the apparatus into engagement with the wellbore; performing a well completion, servicing, or workover operation in which the apparatus is contacted with fluids; and thereafter, allowing the deteriorable material to deteriorate and/or allowing the water-swellable material to dissolve.
US07661472B2	Methods and apparatus for injecting fluids at a subterranean location in a well Disclosed are retrievable through-tubing tools and methods for use in wellbores to inject fluids at subterranean locations wherein the tools have spaced foamed seal elements that are retracted during installation and expand when in use.
US07661470B2	Expandable packer with anchoring feature An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel. Upon expansion, a sealing element engages an outer tubular and the gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.
US07661464B2	Evaporator for use in a heat transfer system An evaporator includes a cylindrical barrier wall and a cap that fits at an end of the cylindrical barrier wall. The cylindrical barrier wall defines a central axial opening and an outer cylindrical surface. The cap includes an outer surface that is external to the central axial opening and an inner surface that abuts the central axial opening. A portion of the outer cylindrical surface is configured to define a liquid port extending through the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical barrier wall.
US07661462B2	Heat dissipation assembly A heat dissipation assembly includes a heat sink and a fan. The heat sink device has a base and a plurality of fins formed on the base, the fins are parallel with each other, one or more of the fins cooperatively form at least two concave engagement parts. The fan has at least two elastic arms extending from middle positions of two opposite sides of the fan, an engagement hook is formed at an end of the at least two arms. The at least two engagement hooks are engagable with the at least two engagement parts, for fastening the fan on the heat sink device.
US07661456B2	Method of axial porosity elimination and refinement of the crystalline structure of continuous ingots and castings Apparatus and methods are provided for eliminating axial porosity accompanied by impurity segregation arising at bulk crystallization of the axial zone of the liquid core of a continuous ingot.
US07661455B2	Window shade for motor vehicles with simplified guide rail coupling A window shade for motor vehicles is provided that includes a base unit in which the windup shaft is rotatably supported. The base unit is also provided with coupling devices, wherein guide tubes for thrust elements originate at these coupling devices and lead to a driving motor. The coupling device contains a channel into which a plug-type pin of a corresponding guide rail that is rigidly connected to a side trim section of the motor vehicle can be inserted. The guide groove extends through the plug-type pin such that the pull bar can be arbitrarily moved back and forth between the guide rail and the coupling device after the installation when the roller blind web is respectively retracted and pulled out.
US07661453B2	Annular reinforcing element for a tyre and tyre including the annular reinforcing element A tire for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a tread band extending circumferentially around the carcass structure, a belt structure circumferentially located between the carcass structure and the tread band, and at least one pair of sidewalls applied to the carcass structure in axially opposite positions. The carcass structure includes at least one carcass ply. Ends of the carcass structure are fastened to a pair of annular reinforcing elements, wherein each annular reinforcing element is incorporated in a respective bead of the tire includes at least one cord. The at least one cord includes at least one preformed metallic thread element.
US07661451B2	Method and machining installation for the machining of wood workpieces A method as well as a bonding installation for machining of wood workpieces. At least one machining aggregate is provided where in the supplying and discharge region one conveying system each is arranged. Besides machining of the front end region by the machining aggregate also other machinings are carried out on the wood workpiece.
US07661450B2	Process for making a bamboo filament slab floor by opposite directional hot pressing The present invention relates to bamboo manufacturing field, in particular, to a process for making a bamboo filament slab floor by opposite directional hot pressing. Aiming to overcome the defects that, while compressing, the existing bamboo filament slab floor at normal temperature under cold pressing is easy to rebound and expand, has low strength and weak resistance to abrasion and is easy to mildew while using for a long time, the present invention adopts shredding bamboo sheet, sizing treatment, molding bamboo filament and etc. procedures, characterized in that, a secondary drying procedure should be inserted between said sizing treatment and bamboo filament molding procedure; said sizing treatment should be implemented by soak sizing bamboo filament; said compressing includes opposite directional hot pressing of positive pressing and side pressing. The present invention adopts specific manufacturing technology, thus the floor can avoid the occurrence of holes and gaps inside bamboo filament slab floor and discharge formaldehyde and has stable quality, and will be not prone to mildew and deform while using for a long time. It can be widely used and suitable for indoor and outdoor flooring and various boards used in decoration and furniture.
US07661447B2	Method and apparatus for loading a container with a product There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product comprising closing off a perforation in a perforated plate; directing powder into the closed-off perforation by the sweeping action of a first director blade spaced from said perforated plate; and transferring the contents of the perforation to said container. The method is characterized by relative rotary motion of the perforated plate and said first director blade. Suitable apparatus is also provided.
US07661446B2	Method for operating and managing a re-fueling business Disclosed is a method for operating and managing a re-fueling business. The method includes contracting with a customer to fuel a fuel consuming vehicle for the customer, providing a locking device with a fuel tank of the vehicle, the locking device being unlockable by the re-fueling business and the customer, and transporting a fuel containing structure from the re-fueling business to various locations of the customer's vehicle whenever a fueling of the vehicle is desirable to the business and the customer, the locations being remote of the business, unlocking the locking device of the fuel tank upon arrival at the locations, filling the fuel tank with an amount of fuel from the fuel containing structure upon the transporting of the fuel container to the locations, and re-locking the locking device after filling the fuel tank with the amount of fuel.
US07661444B2	Corrugated pipe hose assembly and connection method The invention relates to corrugated pipe hose assemblies which are not provided with fixtures and which are used to transport preferably gaseous media in high-pressure applications, wherein a mount (3) is provided in order to receive an open end of the corrugated pipe (6) of the corrugated pipe assembly (2) and which is pressed therewith in order to form a metallic seal. The seal is obtained by means of a sealing bushing (25) between the inner wall (18) of one part (16) of the mount and the ribs (8) of the corrugated pipe (6). Another part (17) of the mount (3) firmly holds a section (27) of the covering (11) of the corrugated pipe hose assembly (2) in an axial direction and also with respect to tilting movements such that pivoting movements of the corrugated pipe hose assembly (2) do not result in a relative movement between the corrugated pipe (6) and the mount (3), especially with regard to one part (16). The sealing area thus remains unaffected even when mechanical load of the corrugated pipe hose assembly (1) occurs as a result of traction or bending.
US07661442B2	Compact hydraulic accumulator A lightweight, optimally efficient, easily serviced, piston-in-sleeve high pressure accumulator is provided. The accumulator includes one or more cylindrical composite pressure vessel separate end cap manifolds. A piston slidably disposed in a thin impermeable internal sleeve in the accumulator separates two chambers, one adapted for containing a working fluid and the other adapted for containing gas under pressure. Gas is provided in a volume between the impermeable internal sleeve and the composite pressure vessel wall. Additional gas is optionally provided in gas cylinders. Further components are provided for withstanding harmful effects of radial flexing of the composite vessel wall under high pressures, and from stresses present in use in mobile applications such as with a hydraulic power system for a hydraulic hybrid motor vehicle.
US07661439B2	Safety override circuit for pneumatic positioner and method of use thereof Systems and processes may provide improved performance for a pneumatic positioner during a safety override. In certain implementations, a system and process may include the ability to receive an input control signal, power control circuitry of the pneumatic positioner using the input control signal, and generate a control signal for a signal-to-pressure converter with the control circuitry based at least partially on the input control signal. The system and process may also include the ability to detect an unsafe operating condition for the pneumatic positioner based on an input signal and modify the control signal in response to detecting the unsafe operating condition, to cause the converter to transition to a safe state. The system and process may additionally include the ability to allow the control circuitry to continue being powered by the input control signal while the converter is in the safe state.
US07661438B2	Water saver fill valve and assembly An improved fill valve has a pivot valve body that is pivotally suspended immediately below a float housing and is movable between two positions. In a first position, the pivot valve body blocks the flow of water from the float housing. In a second position, the pivot body allows the flow of water from the float housing. The pivot valve body has two top compartments, each separated from the other by a wall. The first compartment retains an amount of water in it. The second compartment functions as a water flow restriction apparatus and includes an upwardly-extending member for sealing off a check valve that is disposed within the bottom of the float housing. The fill valve also includes structural elements that allow the water to trickle into the float housing at a very slow rate. The fill valve can be re-set for normal toilet tank operation.
US07661437B2	Food and beverage industry membrane valve structure A food and beverage industry membrane valve structure with a membrane which separates a control compartment from a product compartment in a food or beverage handling or processing machine. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US07661433B2	Smokeless non-tobacco composition and method for making same The present invention provides a non-tobacco moist snuff composition having an herbal component consisting essentially of corn silk. The most preferred herbal component has 75-80% by weight of corn silk and 20-25% by weight of red clover blossoms. The present invention also provides a method of producing a non-tobacco moist snuff composition having the herbal component. When the herbal component is combined with a suitable casing component, the resulting leaf-free non-tobacco moist snuff composition has a light, elastic, and moist texture, a soft and smooth mouth feel, a uniform color and particle size, and a long lasting and tobacco-like smell and taste with a characteristic tobacco-like “bite.”
US07661424B2	Method of use of gas mixtures to achieve nitrogen washout from the body and mitochondria of the heart The disclosure details methods and gas mixtures which are useful for washing nitrogen out of the body and mitochondria following acute cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) or myocardial infarction (heart attacks) and allow the reuptake of oxygen into mitochondria of ischemic tissues following re-flow, thereby reducing the severity of reperfusion damage and cell death.
US07661411B2	Multi-cylinder engine fuel control method, engine fuel injection amount control method and engine operation state discrimination method using the same, propulsion apparatus for multiple engines, and fuel injection control method during crash astern in marine engine with reduction and reversal device A fuel control method which recognizes a revolution of a crankshaft based on the cylinders before the combustion cycle of a cylinder in question. When the supply of fuel by injection from an injector to a certain cylinder of the six cylinders has become impossible, then control is performed to change the number of cylinders targeted by the rotation recognition means so as to recognize the revolution of the crankshaft for all six cylinders whose combustion cycles are consecutive prior to the combustion cycle of the cylinder in question, and to stop the supply of fuel from the injectors for supplying fuel to cylinders whose combustion cycles are equally spaced from the cylinder to which the supply of fuel is not possible, so that the spacing between the combustion cycles in the cylinders whose combustion cycles come before and after and sandwich the cylinder to which the supply of fuel is not possible becomes uniform.
US07661404B2	Angle-adjustable engine starting structure for remote-control toy car An angle-adjustable engine starter structure for remote-control toy car is disclosed to include an engine, a driven gear coupled to an one-way axle bearing at the output shaft of the engine, a drive gear meshed with the driven gear and rotatable by an electric starter, a side cover covering the drive gear and the driven gear and having outside radial teeth, and an outer cover detachably fastened to the engine with screws and having radial teeth meshed with the radial teeth of the side cover to hold the side cover and the drive gear in position and for allowing adjustment of the angular position of the side cover and the drive gear relative to the driven gear after disconnection of the outer cover from the engine.
US07661403B2	Start controller for internal combustion engine At an intake timing of an initial combustion cylinder, an actual intake valve timing is adjusted to a target intake valve timing corresponding to a target intake air flow rate of the initial combustion cylinder. At intake timing of the other cylinders which contributes to increment of the engine speed after the initial combustion, the actual intake valve timing is adjusted to a target valve timing corresponding to a target intake air flow rate of the other cylinders. Thereby, the intake air flow rate of each cylinder is accurately controlled, so that the increment of the engine speed is restricted within a range in which a startability is not deteriorated and a vehicle vibration and an over shoot of the engine speed is appropriately restricted.
US07661402B2	Multipoint ignition engine A multipoint ignition engine (1) includes a central electrode pair (9), disposed in the center of a combustion chamber (2), for forming a central spark gap (10), and a plurality of peripheral electrode pairs (12) held in a head gasket (15), which has an opening portion having a substantially identical diameter to an opening portion of a cylinder (5) in a position corresponding to the opening portion of the cylinder (5), for forming a plurality of peripheral spark gaps (13) around the inner periphery of the opening portion in the cylinder (5). An air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber (2), which is obtained by mixing together fuel and air evenly to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio or a richer/leaner air-fuel ratio than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, is ignited using both the central spark gap (10) and the plurality of peripheral spark gaps (13).
US07661396B2	Actuation subsystem of variable compression ratio control system for internal combustion engine The VCR actuation subsystem includes a drive mechanism, a connecting mechanism, and an actuator mechanism. The drive mechanism includes generally identical first and second clutch assemblies. The clutch assembly includes a clutch driver plate assembly mounted on the power shaft of an engine, and a clutch driven plate assembly rotatably and longitudinally slidably mounted in a groove on the power shaft. The clutch driven plate assembly includes a pulley tire longitudinally slidably mounted on its outer wall and a spring that holds the clutch driven plate assembly away from the paired clutch driver plate assembly and pushes the clutch driven plate assembly against the other clutch driven plate assembly when the drive mechanism is not activated. The connecting mechanism includes a pair of pulleys mounted on a drive gear shaft that rotatably connects the power shaft and the actuator mechanism.
US07661394B2	Cat track A cat track composed of several track sections when attached end-to-end in other than an endless loop has end caps to retain a ball that rolls freely in the track. Assembled, the sections may be used together with a cat scratcher and/or a cat spa or other animal toy to increase the animal's interest. The sections may be made in different shapes but are capable of being connected end-to-end to define a variety of patterns, either as an endless or open (non-continuous) track.
US07661393B2	Hoof bath system The present invention is directed to methods for applying bovine foot and hoof treatment compositions having two or more specific and complimentary antimicrobial components in a hoof bath just prior to use to work more effectively. These antimicrobial components may include antimicrobial inorganic salts of certain heavy metals, cationic agents, peroxides, aldehydes, fatty acids, iodines or other suitable compounds effective in the killing of microorganisms.
US07661386B2	Film forming device A film-forming apparatus of the invention is a film-forming apparatus that includes: a processing container that defines a chamber, a pedestal arranged in the chamber, on which a substrate to be processed can be placed, a showerhead provided opposite to the pedestal, which has a large number of gas-discharging holes, a gas-supplying mechanism that supplies a process gas into the chamber through the showerhead, and a showerhead-temperature controlling unit that controls a temperature of the showerhead.
US07661385B2	Device for spin-coating substrates A device for spin-coating substrates with liquid media is provided, including a rotatable substrate plate for horizontally supporting a substrate, and a covering unit for covering the substrate during a distribution operation of the liquid medium by means of rotation of the substrate holder. The substrate holder is adapted to be joined tightly to the covering unit, so that passage holes arranged circumferentially on the substrate holder so that an internal coating space, defined by the covering unit and the substrate holder, is in fluid communication with the environment outside the internal space.
US07661380B2	Method of and apparatus for detecting and controlling bilge water in a sea vessel An improved bilge water level monitor, alert and control system for boats and other vessels. The system provides a method of detecting excessive leakage of water into the bilge and in response to the excessive water in the bilge, triggering an alarm to notify the operator and others and energizes bilge pumps to remove the excessive water. The system is designed with many redundancies in the sub elements and subsystems for safety. The system provides a means for reducing the likelihood of exhausting battery power in the event of a significant seawater leakage problem. The electrical power rating of the monitoring circuitry components is relatively low, thereby reducing the size and weight of those components relative to prior bilge pump monitoring and alert systems. There is no electrical wiring exposed to bilge water during system operation thereby reducing damage to the wiring components. The water level detection and control circuitry operates with sufficiently low amperage to substantially eliminate the hazard of spark-induced combustion.
US07661377B2	Seed meter with flexible seed disc A seed meter for use in an agricultural seeding machine includes a housing having an inner chamber and one or more deflectors within the inner chamber, and a seed disc rotatably carried by the housing. The seed disc includes at least a portion thereof formed from a flexible material which is deflectable by the one or more deflectors during rotation within the housing.
US07661375B2	Secure enclosure and door A door for a secured enclosure includes a door panel and a generally L-shaped flange extending along one edge of the panel. The L-shaped flange is adapted to engage a corresponding flange of the enclosure, whereby the L-shaped flange and the corresponding flange overlap. The structure prevents access to the secured enclosure between the flanges.
US07661373B2	Pallet assembly A pallet assembly includes an upper deck and a lower deck spaced by a plurality of columns. The weight of the pallet is reduced without significant reduction in strength by providing only a single cross beam in each of the upper and lower reinforcement members and orienting them perpendicular to one another. The reinforcement members are minimized for weight reduction and for improved performance in heat tests. The peripheral rail of the upper reinforcement member is reduced such that it rests on only an inwardly open recess on an inner corner of each of the corner columns. This reduces the size and weight of the upper reinforcement member, while still providing support to the upper deck. Additionally, the peripheral rails of both the upper and lower decks are reduced in length such that either ledge does not directly support them while the pallet is stored on a rack. As a result, in the case of sufficient heat source on the pallets, the pallets will eventually collapse without interference from the reinforcement members and at least partially smother the heat source.
US07661370B2	Design of a large low maintenance battery pack for a hybrid locomotive The present invention is directed to systems for prolonging battery life, such as maintaining battery cell temperatures in battery packs within specified limits, providing vibration and shock resistance, and/or electrically isolating groups of batteries from nearby conductive surfaces.
US07661367B2	Radial-linear shaped charge pipe cutter A radial-linear shaped charge pipe cutter is constructed with the booster explosive packed intimately into a booster aperture that is bored axially through the charge upper end plate. The cutter explosive is initiated at the interface between the upper margin of the cutter explosive and the contiguous inside surface of the upper end plate. This interface is within a critical initiation distance from the half charge juncture plane. In one embodiment, a half charge liner is configured as the assembly of two, coaxial, frusto-cones with the smaller cone diverging from the half charge juncture plane at a smaller angle than the outer cone. In another embodiment, the liner thickness increases from the juncture plane out to the liner perimeter.
US07661366B2	Signal conducting detonating cord A downhole perforating device includes: a perforating gun having incorporated therein at least two shape charges; an elongated detonating cord incorporated with the perforating gun and extending along a length of the perforating gun, the detonating cord including: a flexible jacket surrounding an explosive; and a communication medium extending within or attached onto the flexible jacket layer.
US07661365B2	Connector block configured to induce a bend in shock tubes retained therein The present invention provides for a connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator. The connector blocks of the present invention comprise a slot (7, 26, 46, 64, 87) for the retention of shock tubes therein, wherein the slot is configured to induce a bend (8a, 27a, 47a, 91a) in the shock tube(s). In this way, the position of the shock tube(s) relative to the detonator is significantly improved. Air gaps between the shock tubes and the detonator, resulting from manufacturing tolerances, can be substantially eliminated. Moreover, the connector blocks of the present invention provide an increased security of shock tube retention, thereby reducing the risk of accidental shock tube removal or displacement.
US07661364B2	Safety and arming unit for a spinning projectile fuze A safety and arming unit (11) which is designed in particular for an electrical fuze circuit (27) does not reliably respond just to lateral loads on one side, but responds only to centrifugal forces produced by the spin during free flight, in that two contact pairs (22-23, 22-23) which are connected electrically in parallel with one another via rings (14, 15) and are arranged diametrically opposite one another on a cross-sectional plane of the fuze (12) are both no longer electrically conductively bridged at the same time by the bolt (17) because, just by virtue of the centrifugal force, both bolts (17) are simultaneously moved radially outwards from their short-circuit safety positions in their blind holes (16), which are oriented transversely with respect to the rotation axis (13).
US07661362B2	Energetic material initiation device utilizing exploding foil initiated ignition system with secondary explosive material An igniter assembly that includes a housing, a secondary explosive input charge, a pyrotechnic output charge and a barrier system that is disposed between the input charge and the pyrotechnic output charge. The barrier system shields the pyrotechnic output charge from energy released by the input charge to prevent the output charge from being cooked-off or initiated unless the input charge is detonated.
US07661361B2	Printing and drying method, method of production of electronic device, and printing and drying system A printing and drying method comprising laying a support sheet 20 elongated in the long direction so as to bridge both a printing zone 42 and a drying zone 44, in the printing zone 42, giving the support sheet 20 a first tension F1, in that state, printing the support sheet 20 with predetermined patterns, then feeding the support sheet 20 toward the drying zone 44, in the drying zone 44, giving the support sheet 20 on which the predetermined patterns were printed a second tension F2, and in that state, drying it in a drying chamber 62. The first tension F1 and the second tension F2 are given by separate tension giving means, and the second tension F2 is tension given along the support sheet 20 in the long direction and able to prevent shrinkage of the support sheet 20 in the long direction while passing through the drying zone 44.
US07661360B2	Device for receiving a cylinder of a printing unit and corresponding printing unit A cylinder of a printing unit is received in a bearing structure that includes a bearing block having a rotary bearing and which is movable along an adjustment path in linear bearings. The bearing structure is configured as a bearing unit that can be mounted as a whole. The bearing structure thus includes the rotary bearing, the bearing block and the linear bearings which enable the relative movement of the bearing block.
US07661353B2	Hot beverage maker A hot beverage maker has an infusion device including a water container having a base and a lid and a filtration tank in the water container. The filtration tank includes a stopper on a bottom, an overflow outlet on a side wall, a filtration mesh having a hot-water duct of silicone rubber, and a lid pivotally connected to a top. When the hot beverage maker is activated to heat, cold water in the water container flows into heating tubes of a heating device via a first connective tube to be heated. Then, hot water flows upwards via a second connective tube into the filtration tank from the bottom of the filtration tank. Thus, the coffee powder/tea leaves inside of the filtration mesh is/are sufficiently infused. The stopper can be pressed upwards to be opened so as to cause the sufficiently infused coffee/tea to drip.
US07661349B1	Multifunctional firearm muzzle attachment system primarily for attaching a noise suppressor to a firearm An apparatus and method for easily, quickly and reliably attaching a noise suppressor or other auxiliary device to the muzzle end of a firearm barrel and for easily, quickly and reliably removing the noise suppressor or other auxiliary device there from. My invention also provides for adjusting the host firearms point of impact by changing the orientation of the noise suppressor in relation to the host firearms bore.
US07661348B2	Exchangeable barrel modules for firearms A method and apparatus are described for an exchangeable barrel module for a firearm equipped with the same. An example firearm includes an exchangeable barrel module, which includes a barrel and a barrel jacket. The barrel module also includes a range finder, control electronics, a transmitter to transfer the result of the control electronics to a projectile, an operating element, and a power supply. Further, the barrel jacket holds the barrel and at least a portion of the range finder, the control electronics, the transmitter, the operating elements, or the power supply.
US07661341B2	Wrench with electronic torque display unit A wrench with electronic torque display unit includes a torque adjustment mechanism which includes a sleeve, two gears, a rod and a movable tube, and a locking mechanism which includes a positioning cap, wherein the value of the torque to be output can be set by operating the adjustment mechanism by rotating the positioning cap. The pre-set value is displayed on the display screen so as to provide a wrench with convenient operation and precise feature.
US07661339B2	Driving surface configuration for hand tools A wrench includes a handle and an open-end with two jaws and each jaw has a driving surface. Each driving surface has a contacting area and two yielding areas. The contacting area is located between the two yielding areas and includes a contact portion and two notches. The contact portion is located between the two notches, and two extension areas each are connected between the yielding area and the notch corresponding thereto. A corner is formed at a joint area of the contact portion and an inside of the notch so as to bite a rounded fastener head. The contact portions are matched with straight sides of a normal fastener head.
US07661337B2	Fixing structure of direction switch button for reversible wrench A fixing structure of direction switch buttons for a reversible wrench, in which the wrench is equipped with two direction switch buttons on a driving portion of the wrench. The wrench includes button-restricting portions and location-restricting portions relative to the driving portion. The two direction switch buttons can be inserted and arranged inside the driving portion. Moreover, a button-fixing device is provided between the two direction switch buttons, the button-fixing device includes an actuating member and a restoring member. The two ends of the actuating member are wedged into the two direction switch buttons respectively so that the two direction switch buttons are driven simultaneously. The actuating member is able to move elastically between the two direction switch buttons by the restoring member so as to connect the two direction switch buttons elastically.
US07661336B2	Hydraulic screw tightening or tensioning device A hydraulic screw tensioning device includes a cylinder supported on a machine part that is to be clamped by a threaded bolt and nut. A first annular piston is guided in a sealed manner in a cylinder element, is disposed on the change sleeve, and is supported against an inclined surface of a monolithic collar of the change sleeve. At least one second annular piston is guided in a sealed manner in a cylinder element, is disposed on the change sleeve, and is supported against the first annular piston. Respective, facing inclined axial annular surfaces on the annular pistons and on the cylinder elements or annular shoulders thereof are inclined in the same direction and are pressure-remote. Annular surfaces on the second annular piston or pistons and on the annular shoulders of the cylinder elements extend perpendicular to the cylinder axis and are pressurized.
US07661332B2	Worm reducer and electric power steering apparatus In a worm reducer for reducing the rotation transmitted to a worm and transmitting the reduced rotation to a worm wheel, the worm reducer being composed of the worm with screw faces formed on its outer periphery and the worm wheel with worm wheel teeth formed on its peripheral surface, the worm wheel teeth being in mesh with the screw faces of the worm, the worm wheel teeth are formed so that the lead angle of the worm wheel is smaller than that of the worm.
US07661326B2	Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing liquids in an automated analyzer Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples in an analytical instrument, e.g., a hematology instrument, includes a liquid-sampling valve that, while operating to segment and position for dispensing one or more precise volumes of a liquid sample that has been aspirated into the valve by a pump, simultaneously enables the apparatus to be operated in an aspirate/dispense (suck-and-spit) mode in which a liquid sample can be selectively driven through the valve in opposite directions by a pump, e.g., a syringe pump.
US07661322B2	Piezoelectric sensor device with sensor housing and holder for holding a piezoelectric sensor element A piezoelectric sensor device, especially for use with a microbalance, with a sensor housing and a holder for holding a piezoelectric sensor element. In order to permit quick exchange of crystals and to minimize the size of the assembly, the holder is configured as a clamping element which has at least one elastic first arm for clamped holding of the contact region of the essentially strip-shaped piezoelectric resonator element, whose measuring region is subjected to a fluid stream to be measured.
US07661321B2	Force sensing clevis insert A sensor includes a clevis insert for reception within a first bore of a clevis. The clevis insert is configured to accommodate a latch pin. A strain sensing element is operatively associated with the clevis insert for detecting mechanical strain imparted to the clevis insert when a force acts on the clevis insert through the pin. The invention also provides a method of retrofitting a cowl latch assembly.
US07661318B2	Stress isolated pressure sensing die, sensor assembly inluding said die and methods for manufacturing said die and said assembly The invention concerns a pressure sensing die to be mounted on a base, comprising: a diaphragm structure with a deflectable pressure sensing diaphragm whose deflection is representative of the pressure and sensing elements for detecting the deflection of the sensing diaphragm; a pedestal supporting the diaphragm structure; wherein the pedestal is a composite pedestal comprising top and bottom platforms connected by at least one small link having a mean cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the top platform, said small link isolating at least some of the stresses, produced by the mounting of the pressure sensing die on the base, from said deflectable pressure sensing diaphragm.
US07661314B2	Method and system for defect investigation of component One surface of a component is obliquely ensonified through a liquid or gaseous first medium with a checking sound beam produced by a transmission/reception transducer for defect investigation of the component. A response sound beam, which is reflected back from the surface to the transmission/reception transducer, is received and its delay time in the medium between the transmission/reception transducer and the surface is evaluated. The delay time in the medium determined in this way is taken into account for localization of a defect within the component.
US07661312B2	Methods and systems for segregating sensors within a housing An inertial measurement unit is described that includes a first subassembly comprising one or more inertial sensors, a second subassembly comprising support electronics for the one or more inertial sensors, and at least one pair of mating connectors configured to provide an interface between the first subassembly and the second subassembly.
US07661306B2	Instruments for flow meters Some embodiments of an instrument for a flow meter can automatically adjust in response to the rotational direction of the drive shaft of the flow meter, thereby permitting the instrument device to perform its intended function regardless of the fluid flow direction through the flow meter. In one example, the instrument may comprise a corrector instrument that includes a counter.
US07661303B2	Flow measuring device having heating resistor in inclined position with respect to the flow direction An airflow measuring device includes a sensing portion provided in a bypass passage, which perpendicularly deflects part of air from a main passage to therethrough bypass the part of air. The sensing portion includes a heating resistor energized and dissipate heat to airflow. The sensing portion is configured to measure airflow in the bypass passage based on the heat radiation. The sensing portion further includes a pair of support members erected in the bypass passage to support the heating resistor. The heating resistor of the sensing portion is inclined at a first inclination angle with respect to a direction, which is perpendicular to a flow direction of air in the bypass passage. The heating resistor is inclined toward downstream at an outer streamline of the airflow in the bypass passage.
US07661302B2	Multi-phase flow measurement system having a fluid separator An apparatus for determining a characteristic of a fluid flow within a pipe is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a separating device for separating the fluid into a gas component and a liquid component and directing the gas component to flow within a gas leg portion of the pipe and the liquid component to flow within a liquid portion of the pipe. The apparatus includes a gas leg portion metering device for generating gas component data and a liquid leg portion metering device for generating liquid component data. Moreover, the apparatus includes a processing device communicated with at least one of the gas leg portion metering device and the liquid leg portion metering device, the processing device being configured to receive and process at least one of the gas component data and the liquid component data to generate fluid flow data responsive to a fluid flow characteristic.
US07661297B2	Method and system for making available an improved phase signal of a phase sensor on a camshaft of an internal combustion engine A method and system for making available an improved phase signal of a phase sensor on a camshaft of an internal combustion engine immediately after switching on the phase sensor and/or the internal combustion engine are provided. In this context, the phase sensor scans the angle marks of a signal-generating wheel that is connected to the camshaft in a torsionally fixed manner. In addition, a crankshaft sensor scans the angle marks of a signal-generating wheel that is connected to the crankshaft in a torsionally fixed manner.
US07661290B2	Gas sensor test and calibration system A system for testing and calibrating gas sensors with gas stored in a strip of packets. The strip may be fed into a chamber having a defined volume of air. A packet may be punctured with a mechanism to release one or more gases into the volume of air to result in an air-gas mixture. New air may be moved into the chamber to push the mixture out of the chamber to a sensor for testing and/or calibration. Then another packet may be punctured to release one or more gases into the volume of new air in the chamber for another air-gas mixture. This mixture may be moved out of the chamber, in the same manner as the previous mixture, to another sensor for testing and/or calibration. This procedure may be repeated with additional packets on the strip.
US07661289B1	Method for calibrating an acoustic droplet dispensing apparatus The present invention comprises a method for calibrating a droplet dispensing apparatus using acoustic energy to dispense a plurality of droplet sets of a liquid from a source container into a plurality of target containers, with each droplet set being comprised of one or more individual droplets of the liquid, and with a liquid level of the liquid in the source container being measured before each of the droplet sets are dispensed. The average droplet volume for the individual droplets in each of the droplet sets is then calculated by detecting the presence of an indicator, such as a fluorescent chemical. Once the average droplet volume has been calculated, it is determined if the average droplet volume for each droplet set is acceptable or not acceptable. Where the average droplet volume is determined to be not acceptable, an existing droplet dispensing parameter is changed to a new droplet dispensing parameter that will cause the average droplet volume for that droplet set to change. A burst curve is then generated that will cause the new droplet dispensing parameter for each droplet set to be used if a subsequent plurality of droplet sets are dispensed.
US07661288B2	Press brake tool safety key assemblies The invention provides a press brake tool having a retractable safety key. In some embodiments, the tool includes a lock that can positively lock the safety key in an extended position. Different lock assemblies of this nature are provided. Also provided is a combination including a press brake tool and a tool holder. In some embodiments, the invention provides a press brake tool having a retractable safety key with an engagement portion having a tapered leading region (adapted to facilitate mounting the tool in a recess of a tool holder) and a tapered trailing region (adapted to facilitate dismounting the tool from the recess of the tool holder). Methods of use are also provided.
US07661284B2	Application method of Cr-plated mandrel bar for hot rolling The present invention provides an application method of a Cr-plated mandrel bar repeatedly used in mandrel mill rolling by the Mannesmann tube making process. A regeneration treatment is performed to use the mandrel bar again as a tool of like size when an opening width H of a surface defect generated on the mandrel bar by its use in the mandrel mill rolling is not less than 1.5 mm and a depth of the surface defect is in the range of 0.3 mm to less than 2.0 mm. Alternatively, a downsizing treatment is performed to use the mandrel bar again as a tool of a smaller size when the depth of the surface defect generated on the mandrel bar by its use in the mandrel mill rolling is not less than 2.0 mm. The regeneration treatment or downsizing treatment is performed according to conditions or a configuration of the surface defect to achieve repeated application to the mandrel mill rolling, allowing life-extension of the mandrel bar and improvement of cost performance thereof.
US07661283B2	Bulging method and apparatus A bulging apparatus has a heating station, a tube expanding station, a preforming station, and a main forming station. A straight tube as a workpiece is gripped by first holding mechanisms or second holding mechanisms, and delivered between the stations as the first holding mechanisms or second holding mechanisms are displaced. During a preforming process and a main holding process, both the first holding mechanisms and second holding mechanisms can be lifted and lowered vertically and can be moved horizontally.
US07661282B2	Hot forming process for metal alloy sheets Magnesium and other metal alloy sheet materials are deformed at hot forming temperatures into vehicle body panels and other articles. Many such hot forming operations are improved in speed and product quality by predetermining a static recrystallization temperature of the sheet material. As the sheet material is being heated to its hot forming temperature, deformation is commenced below the static recrystallization temperature. As heating and deformation are continued, dynamic recrystallization of the workpiece occurs and deformation may proceed faster and to a greater extent.
US07661281B2	Method and device for shaping an orthodontic archwire Methods and an apparatus for bending orthodontic wires are provided. An apparatus for bending an orthodontic wire can determine an optimal shape of a portion of an archwire to include a pair of nominal bends, apply an actual bend to the archwire at a location coinciding with the location of one of the pair of nominal bends, measure the actual bend applied, compare the actual bend to the nominal bend to determine an amount of deviation from that desired, determine corrective movements to substantially eliminate the deviation, iteratively reexecute such steps until the deviation is within a predefined tolerance, and recalculate a value of the other of the pair of nominal bends to compensate for any remaining deviation.
US07661275B2	Ice making method and machine with PETD harvest An ice making has an ice making mold with a plurality of ice making cells opened at the bottom, a water tank, water spray nozzles adapted for spraying the water contained in the water tank towards the ice making cells, an ice bin adapted for storage of ice cubes formed in and harvested from the ice making cells, and an inclined plate having water spray openings and recovery openings and mounted between the ice making mold and the water spray nozzles. The ice making cells are each attached to a serpentine evaporator tube, which is cooled by a refrigeration system and also heated by way of electrical pulse energy. The electrical pulse heating of the ice making cells allows ice to be quickly and efficiently harvested from the cells.
US07661272B2	Turbofan jet engine with an ancillary-connecting arm, and the ancillary-connecting arm A turbofan jet engine includes an external easing, connected by radial arms to an annular internal device, downstream of which is mounted, opposite to the external casing, a shell forming a fairing, ancillaries on the outside of the external casing, and ancillaries on the inside of the shell. The turbofan jet engine further includes at least one monoblock arm for the connection of ancillaries between the outside of the external casing and the inside of the shell, placed parallel to a radial arm.
US07661271B1	Integrated electric gas turbine An integrated electric gas turbine comprises a compressor that includes a plurality of airfoils. An electric motor is arranged to drive the compressor, and a combustor is arranged to receive compressed air from the compressor and further arranged to receive a fuel input. A turbine is arranged to receive the combustion gases from the combustor. A generator is integrated with the turbine and arranged to provide a power output. A controller is connected between the generator and the electric motor and arranged to direct a portion of the power output from the generator to the electric motor.
US07661270B2	Control apparatus for gas turbine An exhaust-side bearing rotatably supports a rotor of a turbine. A seal air-pipe and a first air-supply pipe supply compressed air extracted from a compressor of the turbine to the exhaust-side bearing. A second air-supply pipe supplies compressed air from a supplementary air-source to the exhaust-side bearing. A control apparatus switches between the first air-supply pipe and the second air-supply pipe based on the operation state of the gas turbine.
US07661262B2	Method and device for monitoring a heating up of an exhaust gas catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine has an intake duct, at least one cylinder that takes in air via the intake duct and an exhaust gas duct, in which the exhaust gas catalytic converter is located, and into which the combusted air/fuel mixture is ejected from at least one cylinder. Depending on measurement values that are determined by sensors, input signals for the control of actuators of the internal combustion engine are generated by means of control functions based on torsional moment and by means of a dynamic charging model of the intake duct. A measurement is determined, which characterizes the difference of a desired air mass flow into the respective cylinder from an actual air mass flow into the cylinder. Depending on the measurement, a proper or improper heating up of the exhaust gas catalytic converter is identified.
US07661261B2	Acoustic flow straightener for turbojet engine fan casing The present invention relates to a structural or non-structural turbojet engine fan casing connecting arm that also acts as a flow straightener downstream of the fan rotor. Its distinctive feature is that it is constructed to form an acoustic attenuator. In particular, it comprises a closed cavity and perforations on one of the faces so as to form a Helmholtz resonator. The arm forms part of the intermediate casing.
US07661249B2	Device for picking up articles from a supply station and depositing the articles in corresponding blisters of a blister strip A device for picking up articles from a supply station and depositing the articles in corresponding blisters of a blister strip, comprising: at least a group of depression-activated gripping units, each of which units is shaped to a specific format for receiving and retaining a corresponding article having predetermined lie and orientation; connecting organs of the gripping units to an operating head whereby the gripping units are positioned in relation to a positioning of the corresponding blisters afforded in the blister strip; organs for moving the operating head in outward and return runs, respectively between the supply station of the articles and a release station of the articles in the corresponding blisters of the blister strip; enabling organs being activated in phase-relation with the movement organs, for activating the gripping units in the supply station, which gripping units collect a number of articles equal to a number of the gripping units, and for deactivating the gripping units in the release station with a disengagement of the articles from the gripping units and a falling of the articles into the corresponding blisters of the blister strip.
US07661247B2	Abrasive article packaging and method of making same A system for packaging resin bonded molded abrasive articles having a flexible package comprising at least one sidewall defining an enclosed volume and at least one resin bonded abrasive article positioned within the enclosed volume. The sidewall comprises a multilayer barrier composite having a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.5 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours.
US07661245B2	Capping device with bearing mechanism having a plurality of bearing members between a drive member and a capper body A capping device fits caps onto containers by applying an axial force to the caps as they are threaded onto the containers. The capping device utilizes a drive member rotatable about an operational axis for imparting rotation to a capper body slidably coupled to the drive member. A helical spring urges the capper body away from the drive member with a biasing force. A bearing mechanism allows relative free sliding movement of the capper body relative to the drive member. The bearing mechanism includes a plurality of bearing members. In one embodiment, the bearing members are bushings. In another embodiment, the bearing members are ball bearings.
US07661243B2	Apparatus for transporting rolls during packing A method for moving paper, board and cellulosic web rolls in a roll packaging system comprising a plurality of roll handling stations. The system imports at least three rolls (10, 16, 17) via a receiving station (5), the rolls (10, 16, 17) are moved in the system by the use of a car (4) of an indexing conveyor, the car being adapted to move synchronously at each roll handling station, the car (4) is moved in a return motion when the indexing conveyor car (4) is in its lowermost position (elevation level −1), the rolls (10, 16, 17) are moved in synchronism forward to at least one station, e.g., the wrapping station (7) and to at least one other station (6 or 8 or 9), and at least one roll (10) is moved at one station (7) in the direction of the roll's longitudinal axis. All rolls (10, 16, 17) in the system are moved at least once synchronously having the indexing conveyor car (4) driven into its uppermost position (second elevation level 2), and at least one roll (10) is moved at one station (7) having the indexing conveyor car (4) driven into a vertical position (elevation level 1) situated at any level between the uppermost and the lowermost elevation level.
US07661240B2	Rooftop structure supporting stand A roof top structure support has a flat bottom rigid base to be positioned on a roof and spread the load supported by the support substantially evenly over the surface of the base in contact with the roof. A tower rises from the base and includes a slot across the top thereof and a bore therein extending downwardly from the bottom of the slot and adapted to receive a threaded rod therein. The slot in the top of the tower is sized to receive a strut therein. A bolt extending through the strut and into the bore secures the strut to the support. Struts and other structures can be supported above the tower and slot by threaded rod such as “all thread” screwed into and extending from the bore.
US07661237B2	Skin attachment structure for wall system A snap-on attachment structure for attaching a side skin to an upright frame of a wall system. The attachment structure includes resilient attachment strips secured to the rear of the skin and extending along upright edges thereof. Each strip cooperates with a projection formed on an upright frame member and extending vertically therealong. The snap-on strip has a pair of cantilevered spring legs which protrude outwardly in angled relationship. The spring legs adjacent outer ends are provided with coil-shaped head parts which protrude inwardly toward one another. The head parts have hollow arcuate configurations and move into gripping engagement with shallow arcuate recesses formed on opposite sides of the projection.
US07661235B2	Modular panel system and method Methods and systems are provided for an exterior covering capable of withstanding extreme wind loads. In one embodiment, a wind resistant exterior covering includes a first panel fastened to a substrate and a second panel fastened to the substrate. The second panel engages the first panel, and a clip fastened to the substrate is adapted and located to laterally restrain movement of the second panel with respect to the first panel. In another embodiment, a method of engaging panels of a modular exterior covering system includes coupling a protruding portion of a first panel with a respective receiving portion of a second panel. The coupling is such that the first panel is laterally restrained by the second panel and a clip, and the first panel is outwardly restrained by the receiving portion of the second panel.
US07661231B2	Concrete building system and method A system of building concrete homes and apartment buildings. The system creates a structure that is well insulated and that is very practical and economical to build. The system uses standard components such as wall ties, concrete forms, rigid foam insulation, and concrete, all of which are readily available in the market today. The system creates a building that is insulated and thermally broken at its structural connections such that use in temperate and colder climates is possible. Presently concrete construction finds only limited use for the construction of single family and multi-family housing. The system is economical to construct when compared to wood frame housing.
US07661217B2	Shot counter A method including sensing movement of an existing non-shot-indicator of a handgun, and interpreting a sensed movement of the existing non-shot-indicator as a shot fired from the handgun so that the sensed movement serves as a shot counter for the handgun.
US07661213B2	Yard sign assembly A durable yard sign assembly includes: (a) a central message panel including a lightweight, thermoplastic core, lightweight metallic front and rear face sheets, and a plurality of parallel panel apertures within the core; the front and rear face sheets being attached to opposite, front and rear sides of the core; each panel aperture extending from one end of the central panel to the opposite end; (b) two substantially rectangular side posts, each including an open upper end accessing an upper post hollow, each side post including at least two inside side post apertures on an inside wall, and at least one outside side post aperture on an outside wall; (c) at least two panel support rods, each extending through a different one of the panel apertures; (d) at least one pair of support rod connectors, each being connectable to an end portion of the at least two panel support rods; and (e) two removable upper end caps; wherein the yard sign assembly includes an unassembled position for storage or transport, and an assembled, rail-less position. A free-standing double sign is also described herein.
US07661210B2	Plow A support or hitch box supports a mounting bar in a selected vertical position. The mounting bar is received in a standard hitch receiver of any car, truck or other vehicle. A plow head is a light weight, strong, box like structure with oppositely directed mold boards so that the plow can operate in both forward and reverse directions. A linkage permits the mold board to be raised or lowered relative to the hitch box. The linkage includes upper and lower links to maintain the vertical orientation of the mold board. The plow head is mounted for pivoting in a horizontal plane. A pivot driver is user controlled to pivot the plow head and a lift driver is user operated to raise and lower the plow head. The plow head carries indicator lights. A spring, preloaded by the lift driver, applies a continuous down force to the plow head when it is the lower, plowing position.
US07661203B2	Basket for washing machine, washer-dryer, and the like A loading basket (6) for a washing machine (1) comprises a rear wall (8), a front wall (9) opposite the rear wall (8) and a side wall (7) defining an inner space (10) of the basket, as well as one or more dragging blades (12) arranged on the side wall (7) and projecting to the inside of the basket. The side wall (7) comprises a drilling with a plurality of small through holes (13), which are arranged at the vertex of respective domes (14) projecting to the outside of the basket (6), as well as a plurality of rounded projections (18) in the shape of a spherical dome without through holes and projecting to the inside (10) of the basket (6).
US07661201B1	Magnetic locator system A system for locating a junction box installed within the framework of a structure and behind a wall includes a hidden magnetic assembly removably mounted on a junction box, and a second magnetic assembly located outside of the wall used to identify the location of the first magnetic assembly and thereby the junction box behind the wall.
US07661200B2	Method and device for determining a person's motions A sensor worn by a person measures movements of the person. Movements of orientation are not expressed by rotations leading from a stationary reference point to a reference point associated with the sensor, but by angles separating axes or planes of the stationary reference point and axes associated with the wearer, thereby making it possible to better identify his/her movements and his/her activity. The sensor can be applied to the monitoring of patients.
US07661198B2	Toe angle measuring instrument and toe angle measuring method A toe angle measuring instrument comprising a measurement unit having a seating table seating a hub of a vehicle on a seating stand and movable in the lateral direction of the vehicle and in a rotating direction in plan view relative to a second base member. The toe angle measuring instrument further comprising a measured member having a vertical measurement surface extending from the seating table to the outside and non-contact distance sensors installed oppositely to the measurement surface with reference to the second base member and measuring distances (x1) and (x2) up to the measurement surface from two positions apart a distance (y1) from each other. The measurement surface is set to face in a direction forming an acute angle relative to a lateral direction of the vehicle.
US07661196B1	Compact ergonomic thread inspection tool An ergonomic, self contained hand-held thread inspection tool is power driven, which uses current draw as a surrogate for torque to initiate automatic reversal and gage withdrawal in case of jamming. The distal end carries the thread gage attached to a motor-driven spindle. A thread depth collar sleeve, adjustable by manual turning, concentrically surrounds the thread gage. When threaded into a blind hole or onto a protruding stud and operated, the distal end of the thread depth collar sleeve comes in contact with a part, pushing it against spring force. This movement is internally sensed, causing an indicator to flash, signaling “test OK”, while automatically reversing the spindle to withdraw the thread gage. If during the forward excursion of the thread gage a torque exceeding the pre-set torque limit is encountered, a buzzer is sounded signaling an over-torque problem and the spindle is simultaneously reversed for automatic gage withdrawal.
US07661193B2	Method for manufacturing float valve apparatus In a method for manufacturing a float valve apparatus including a valve case, an upper lid incorporated into this valve case to form a valve chamber, and a float valve liftably arranged inside the valve chamber, the upper lid being provided with a lead-out pipe connected to piping of the outside, an exhaust hole which communicates with this lead-out pipe and is opened in an inner surface of the upper lid, and a seal cap which is mounted so as to enclose this exhaust hole and forms a valve seat on which the float valve abuts, the seal cap is welded to an inner surface of the upper lid by spin welding.
US07661192B2	Manufacturing method for cooling unit having a pair of tabular members, cooling unit, optical device, and projector A method of manufacturing a cooling unit that includes a cooling plate in which a cooling fluid flows, the cooling plate having a structure in which a pair of tabular members are arranged to be opposed to each other with a cooling pipe, through which the cooling fluid flows, sandwiched between the tabular members, the manufacturing method includes: forming grooves for housing the cooling pipe in respective opposed surfaces of the pair of tabular members; forming projections projecting to inner sides of the grooves by applying an external force or joining a predetermined member to the respective opposed surfaces of the pair of tabular members; and combining each of the pair of tabular members and the cooling pipe by housing the cooling pipe in the grooves and expanding a diameter of the cooling pipe.
US07661190B2	Process for producing multilayer printed wiring board A process for producing a multilayer printed wiring board, comprising providing an uncured or partly-cured resin layer from a curable composition comprising an insulation polymer and a curable agent, the resin layer superimposed on an internal layer substrate having a first conductive layer as an outermost layer; bringing the surface of the resin layer into contact with a compound having a structure capable of coordination with a metal; curable the resin layer to thereby form an electrical insulation layer; oxidizing the surface of the obtained electrical insulation layer until the surface average roughness (Ra) of the electrical insulation layer falls within the range of 0.05 to less than 0.2 μm and the surface ten-point average roughness (Rzjis) thereof within the range of 0.3 to less than 4 μm; and forming a second conductive layer on the electrical insulation layer by plating operation. There is further provided a multilayer printed wiring board produced by the process. This multilayer printed wiring board excels in pattern adhesion to substrates, even those of large size.
US07661189B2	Apparatus for adjusting static attitude of thin film magnetic head Provided is an apparatus for adjusting static attitude of a thin film magnetic head attached to a flexure of a head arm assembly. The apparatus has an adjusting unit for bending the flexure, a laser emitter unit for irradiating a laser beam to a bent area of the flexure a measuring unit for measuring a static attitude angle of the thin film magnetic head, and a computer system including a CPU and a memory unit in which adjustment conditions corresponding to static attitude angles of the thin film magnetic head are previously ranked and memorized. The CPU is configured to retrieve from the memory unit a particular adjustment condition corresponding to a measured angle supplied from the measuring unit and supply the retrieved adjustment condition to the adjusting unit, enabling the adjusting unit to bend the flexure based on the retrieved adjustment condition supplied from the computer system.
US07661182B2	Pulley removal tool A pulley removal tool. The tool includes circular base having a working side and a wrench engaging side. U-shaped flanges extend outwardly from the reverse side of the base. The flanges having fingers and groves therein sized and shaped for close mating engagement drive groove outer surface features of a selected serpentine belt pulley. A threaded drive bolt is provided for working engagement with a shaft end, so that by mechanical leverage between the pulley removal tool and the threaded drive bolt, force is exerted on the shaft end to drive the pulley removal tool away from the shaft end while the pulley removal tool securely grasps the pulley.
US07661176B2	Hinge assembly A hinge assembly attaches a cover pivotally to a base of an electronic device and has a stationary leaf, a bushing and a pivoting leaf The stationary leaf is attached to the base and has a barrel and two slots. Each slot is formed in the barrel. The bushing is mounted in the barrel and has two end edges and two securing members. Each securing member is formed from the bushing and is mounted in the corresponding slot. The pivoting leaf is mounted rotatably in the bushing and attaches to the cover. Consequently, the hinge has a small bushing and uses less material reducing the size and weight of the hinge assembly, and the same of the electronic device.
US07661175B2	Snap-together wet nozzle for vacuum appliance A snap-together wet nozzle for use with a vacuum assembly is described, as well as a removable squeegee assembly for use in combination with a wet nozzle for a vacuum assembly. The snap-together wet nozzle includes an elongated, generally U-shaped nozzle housing having outwardly tapering walls, spaced apart closed ends, and a connecting tube passageway for association with a vacuum-producing means, such as a wet/dry vacuum, and further includes a squeegee assembly capable of being insertably mounted within the elongated, generally U-shaped nozzle housing. The squeegee assembly generally includes a squeegee element comprising a plurality of openings extending through the squeegee element; a first, elongated squeegee bar having spaced apart end grooves at each of its ends; and a second, elongated squeegee bar having spaced apart locking end tabs at each of its ends and a plurality of vanes spaced across the interior face of the bar, wherein when the squeegee assembly is assembled and ready for insertion into the nozzle, the squeegee element is located intermediate between the first and second squeegee bars, and wherein the first and second squeegee bars interlock by the engagement of the end tabs of the second squeegee bar with the end grooves of the first squeegee bar.
US07661171B2	Ramp with vehicle attachment The present invention relates to a ramp. The ramp includes at least two stiles. Each stile has a top, a bottom and four sides. A plurality of shoulders are equally spaced apart and mounted on one side of each stile. A plurality of rungs are aligned with the shoulders. Each rung has a right end, a left end and four sides. A plurality of notches are located on the right end and left end of each rung. The number of shoulders equals the number of the notches and the shoulders and notches are tightly fitted together to form the ramp.
US07661168B2	Washing machine control method A washing machine control method reduces washing time and component stress from a repetitious re-supplying of water, due to absorption and evaporation after an initial supplying of water according to a selected wash course, by determining an optimum water re-supply amount according to a water level reduction rate. The method includes steps of proceeding a user-selected wash course for a predetermined time after supplying water to a washing machine according to a first water level set based on an amount of laundry in the washing machine; sensing a second water level corresponding to the predetermined time of the wash course; calculating a water level reduction rate based on the set first water level and the sensed second water level; determining an optimum water re-supply amount by comparing the calculated water level reduction rate to a predetermined value; re-supplying the water according to the first water level, if the calculated water level reduction rate is less than the predetermined value; re-supplying the water according to a third water level, greater than the first water level, if the calculated water level reduction rate is not less than the predetermined value; and completing the user-selected wash course after re-supplying water to the washing machine according to the optimum water re-supply amount. The sensing and calculating steps may each be repeated, say, three to four times, to obtain an average rate of water level reduction, so that the user-selected wash course may be reset based on the average rate of water level reduction.
US07661167B2	Positioning member for securing movable jaw of adjustable wrench during surface grinding process A positioning member is used to position the movable jaw to the sliding groove of the adjustable wrench and the adjustable wrench together with the positioning member are applied by vibrate grinding technology so as to make the outer surface of the movable jaw to be a mirror surface and the rod of the movable jaw is kept as the surface condition after being machine. The tolerance between the rod and the sliding groove is controlled within expected range.
US07661165B2	Adjustable-springing mattress An adjustable spring mattress includes a plurality of parallelepipedal bodies made of a synthetic elastic material and being mutually coupled together. Each body houses an inner coil spring, and is separated from adjoining bodies through a throughgoing hole. The bodies are partially separated by V-shaped separating slots which longitudinally and transversely traverse the mattress.
US07661164B2	Collapsible gel articles A tear and fatigue resistant gel article comprising two or more communicating internal volumes like cavities when depressed by external pressure or force is capable of collapsing unto itself in a controllable and directionally preselected manner by venting static air within said internal through openings in said gel article, said gel article is made from gel compositions having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning and other uses.
US07661161B2	Chair stabilizer for refractive surgery Devices, systems, and methods for supporting and/or stabilizing a patient can help to position a patient relative to a therapeutic laser beam, for example, inhibiting motion or deflection during a refractive procedure on the eyes, and the like. A stabilizing structural member can support a chair or other patient support near shoulders of the patient, and the member may remain stationary while the chair is driven in a horizontal plane by a linkage. Often, a nominal patient center of gravity is located between the support member and a portion of the patient support which is supported by the linkage to reduce cantilever effects. The member may be rigidly attached to a vertical motion stage which moves the chair at an angle, for example at an angle normal to the horizontal plane.
US07661159B1	Simple and strong foldable bed A stronger foldable bed having a frame and a foldably soft cover attached thereto. The frame has two pairs of side bars each pivotally connected to a central link, a tilt leg pivotally connected to a free end of each side bar, three pairs of scissoring end or middle bars linking the two pairs of side bars, a pair of middle leg each containing a telescoping leg, a reinforcing bar each pivotally connected to one side bar and a sleeve covering on each tilt leg, and a journey limit formed on each tilt leg. The foldable bed is longitudinal stable, simple and strong, without sacrificing the easiness of operation of folding and expanding.
US07661156B2	Portable folding play yard with stabilized corner posts A folding play yard includes a collapsible play yard frame movable between a retracted stored position and a deployed position, wherein the frame defines a baby receiving portion in the deployed position with a floor and bordering side walls around the periphery of the floor, wherein the frame includes a plurality of corner posts forming at least a portion of a support for the side walls with the play yard in the deployed position, wherein the corner posts are constructed to remain substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the play yard as the play yard moves between the closed and the open position.
US07661155B2	Lateral driving faucet water outlet seat A lateral driving faucet water outlet seat comprises a water input outer tube placed; a surface of the water input outer tube being formed with a confining portion; a lower clamping stop having a polygonal outer sides; a limiting unit having a hexagonal engaging portion extended from a lower side of the limiting unit for engaging with the outer side of the lower clamping stop; a top of the engaging portion being enlarged with a resisting ring; an inner edge being formed with a limiting portion at a position corresponding to the confining portion of the water input outer tube for confining the rotation of the water input outer tube; an upper clamping stop having a polygonal outer side; and a water outlet base placed upon an upper side of the combining object; the water outlet base having a water outlet hole for receiving the combining section.
US07661154B2	Bathing chair with turnable seat A bathing chair with a fixing device comprises a front frame and a rear frame, shaped like the inverted letter U, reaching across a bathtub and having horizontal rods which pass over an edge of the bathtub at a distance, the front and rear frames being connected by right and left connecting rods, a seat, having a fixed base mounted on the horizontal rods, an axis mounted on the fixed base in a central position thereof, and a rotatable base, which is rotatable around the axis, a bearing assembly, comprising several gliding blocks connected with the seat and allowing the seat to glide along the horizontal rods, and a handle.
US07661149B2	Personal care cape A cape for protecting a user and a utility such as a sink or a tub from damage by chemical or biological waste generated during personal care procedures by seamlessly covering both while being attached to both the user and the utility. The cape including a neck portion adapted to be secured to the user at a neck. The cape further including an outer edge spaced from the neck portion to cover the user and extend over the sink, a plurality of holes formed in the cape to adapt to the sink and a connector to hold the cape on the sink. The connector may be a magnet fastener, a drain ring to secure the cape to the drain hole, adhesive backed tape or hook and loop material.

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