最新美国发明专利第2010-03-09期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US07674764B2	Controlled release compositions A composition for controlled release of an active material such as a fragrance, sunscreen, vitamin or biocide in a product such as a hair shampoo, shower gel, another personal product such as an antiperspirant or deodorant, a household cleaning product such as a laundry detergent, hard surface cleaner or polishes, or a fabric softener, air freshener or tumble drier sheet, comprises a blend of the active material and a waxy cyclopolysiloxane. The cyclopolysiloxane is preferably substituted by hydrocarbon substituents having 12 or more carbon atoms and may also contain an aryl or aralkyl substituent.
US07674758B2	Fabric softening compositions comprising free fatty acid Fabric conditioning compositions comprising at least 10% by weight free fatty acid are useful in softening fabrics.
US07674757B2	Laundry care compositions with thiazolium dye The present invention relates to thiazolium dyes, laundry care compositions comprising one or more thiazolium dyes, processes of making such dyes and laundry care compositions and methods of using same. The dyes, compositions and methods of the present invention are advantageous in providing improved hueing of fabric, including whitening of white fabric, while avoiding significant build up of bluing dyes on the fabric.
US07674756B2	Solvent compositions containing chlorofluoroolefins or fluoroolefins Compositions and methods based on the use of fluoroalkene containing from 3 to 4 carbon atoms and at least one carbon-carbon double bond, such as HFO-1214, HFO-HFO-1233, or HFO-1354, having properties highly beneficial in solvent cleaning applications.
US07674755B2	Formulation for removal of photoresist, etch residue and BARC A formulation for removing photoresist, ion implanted photoresist, etch residue or BARC comprises: an ammonium hydroxide and a 2-aminobenzothiazole, remainder water. Preferably the formulation comprises: tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide, tolyltriazole, propylene glycol, 2-aminobenzothiazole, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, remainder water; more preferably: tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide 1-15 wt %, tolyltriazole 1-5 wt %, propylene glycol 5-15 wt %, 2-aminobenzothiazole 1-10 wt %; dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether 20-45 wt %, remainder water. The invention is also a method of removing materials selected from the group consisting of photoresist, etch residue, BARC and combinations thereof, from a substrate comprising: applying a formulation, described above, to the substrate to remove the material from the substrate.
US07674752B2	Functional protein arrays The present invention relates to a method for producing a protein array starting from DNA (or mRNA) in which a number of native, functional proteins, domains or peptides are produced in parallel by in in vitro synthesis using a cell free system for transcription and translation. The products are immobilised in a gridded format on a surface, using an isolation sequence tag incorporated into the proteins.
US07674749B2	Donor substrate and fabrication method of organic light emitting display using the same A donor substrate for use in an organic light emitting display comprises a base substrate and a transfer layer disposed on the base substrate. A selective heat generation structure is interposed between the base substrate and the transfer layer. The selective heat generation structure has a heat generation region from which heat is generated by light-to-heat conversion and a heat non-generation region contacting the heat generation region. By employing the donor substrate, it is possible to form minute transfer layer patterns with high accuracy without the need to accurately control the width of a laser beam. A fabrication method of an organic light emitting display comprises disposing the donor substrate on an acceptor substrate, irradiating a laser beam onto the donor substrate, and forming a transfer layer pattern on a pixel electrode of the acceptor substrate.
US07674737B2	Optical medium, an optical lens and a prism An optical medium having a high refractive index without anisotropy and a wide transmission wavelength is obtained. The cubic crystal material is αβO3, where α is at least one of K, Ba, Sr, Ca, and β is at least one of Ta, Ti. Optimally, the cubic crystal material is KTa1-xNbxO3, where composition x is 0≦x≦0.35. This composition enables to raise refractive index while its phase transition temperature is below a room temperature.
US07674735B2	Glass-ceramic seals for use in solid oxide fuel cells The invention is directed to highly crystalline, frit-sintered glass-ceramic materials and seals made using them that are suitable for solid oxide fuel cell applications. The seals have a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of 70-130×10−7° C., preferably 85-115×10−7° C. The glass-ceramic materials have a crystalline component and a glass component, the crystalline component being >50% of the glass-ceramic and the glass component being <50%. In one preferred embodiment the crystalline component is >75%. Regarding the crystalline component only, >50% of the crystals in the crystalline component of the glass-ceramic has a structure selected from the structural groups represented by walstromite, cyclowollastonite, μ-(Ca,Sr)SiO3, kalsilite, kaliophilite and wollastonite (the primary crystalline phase) and the remaining <50% of the crystalline component is at least one secondary crystalline phase. Generally, the glass-ceramics of the invention are useful as metal-to-metal, metal-to-ceramic and ceramic-to-ceramic sealing agents.
US07674729B2	Method and apparatus for imprinting a circuit pattern using ultrasonic vibrations Embodiments of a method and apparatus for imprinting a trench pattern on a substrate using ultrasonic vibrations. The trench pattern corresponds to a circuit pattern that is to be formed on the substrate, the circuit pattern including a number of conductive traces and other conductive elements. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a base layer and a layer of dielectric material overlying a surface of the base layer, and the circuit pattern is formed in the dielectric layer.
US07674727B2	Nitrous oxide anneal of TEOS/ozone CVD for improved gapfill A method of filling a gap defined by adjacent raised features on a substrate includes providing a flow of a silicon-containing processing gas to a chamber housing the substrate and providing a flow of an oxidizing gas to the chamber. The method also includes varying over time a ratio of the (silicon-containing processing gas):(oxidizing gas). The method also includes exposing the substrate to nitrous oxide at a temperature less than about 900° C. to anneal the deposited film.
US07674725B2	Treatment solution and method of applying a passivating layer A treatment solution for a semiconductor wafer comprising water, a passivating reagent and a surfactant. The treatment solution is either mixed with a cleaning fluid, a rinsing fluid or a drying vapor, and is used in a cleaning apparatus employing a Marangoni dryer.
US07674719B2	Via hole machining for microwave monolithic integrated circuits A method for forming a via in a sapphire substrate with a laser machining system that includes an ultrafast pulsed laser source. The sapphire substrate is provided. Pulses of laser light are substantially focused to a beam spot on the first surface of the sapphire substrate such that each focused pulse of laser light ablates a volume of the sapphire substrate having a depth less than the substrate thickness. The beam spot of the focused laser light pulses is scanned over a via portion of the first surface of the sapphire substrate. The sapphire substrate is moved in a direction substantially normal to the first surface to control the volume of the sapphire substrate ablated by each pulse of laser light to be substantially constant. The pulsing and scanning steps are repeated until the via is formed extending from the first surface to the second surface of the sapphire substrate.
US07674714B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor devices having a gate silicide A method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to an example embodiment may include forming an isolation layer defining an active region in a semiconductor substrate, forming a silicon pattern and a sacrificial pattern on the active region, the sacrificial pattern including a semiconductor material different from the silicon pattern, forming a gate spacer on a sidewall of the silicon pattern and a sidewall of the sacrificial pattern, removing the sacrificial pattern to expose a top surface of the silicon pattern, and/or forming a gate silicide on the silicon pattern.
US07674713B2	Atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition A process for coating a substrate at atmospheric pressure comprises the steps of vaporizing a controlled mass of semiconductor material at substantially atmospheric pressure within a heated inert gas stream, to create a fluid mixture having a temperature above the condensation temperature of the semiconductor material, directing the fluid mixture at substantially atmospheric pressure onto the substrate having a temperature below the condensation temperature of the semiconductor material, and depositing a layer of the semiconductor material onto a surface of the substrate.
US07674712B2	Patterning method for light-emitting devices A method of patterning a substrate by mechanically locating a first masking film over the substrate; removing one or more first opening portions in first locations in the first masking film to form one or more first masking portions in the first masking film. First materials are deposited over the substrate in the first locations to form first patterned areas before mechanically locating a second masking film over the substrate and first masking portions. One or more second opening portions are removed from second locations, different from the first locations, in both the second masking film and the first masking portions to form one or more second masking portions. Second materials are deposited over the substrate in the second locations to form second patterned areas.
US07674708B2	Method for forming fine patterns of a semiconductor device A method for forming a fine pattern of a semiconductor device overcomes resolution limits of exposure equipment. The method includes forming a first photoresist pattern over an underlying layer formed over a semiconductor substrate. An amorphous carbon film and a second photoresist film are sequentially deposited over the first photoresist pattern. The second photoresist film and the amorphous carbon film are planarized to expose the first photoresist pattern. A thick portion and a thin portion of the amorphous carbon film is formed. The first photoresist pattern and the second photoresist film are removed. Etching is performed on the thin portion of the amorphous carbon film and the underlying layer using the thick portion of the amorphous carbon film as an etch mask. The thick portion of the amorphous carbon film is removed to expose a fine pattern of the underlying layer.
US07674704B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having an interconnect structure that increases in impurity concentration as width increases The present invention provides a semiconductor device capable of suppressing an increase in electrical resistance of a narrow interconnect, while keeping reliability of a wide interconnect from being degraded. A semiconductor device comprises a plurality of interconnect layers, and an interconnect in at least one interconnect layer among the plurality of interconnect layers contains an impurity, and the wider the interconnect in the at least one interconnect layer is, the higher concentration of the impurity the interconnect contains.
US07674700B2	Apparatus for manufacturing semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device using the same Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The apparatus comprises a transfer chamber for transferring a substrate, a first process chamber connected to the transfer chamber configured to form a TiSiN layer on the substrate, a second process chamber connected to the transfer chamber configured to form a tantalum layer on the TiSiN layer, and a third process chamber connected to the transfer chamber configured to form a copper seed layer on the tantalum layer. After forming the TiSiN layer, a portion of the TiSiN layer in contact with the lower metal interconnection is etched, the tantalum layer is formed on the TiSiN layer in contact with the exposed lower metal interconnection, the copper seed layer is formed on the tantalum layer, and then the copper interconnection is formed on the copper seed layer. In this way, the copper interconnection can be efficiently formed.
US07674696B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor device In one embodiment, a gate insulating layer, a conductive layer, and a metal layer are formed over a semiconductor substrate. An ion implantation region is formed in an interface of the conductive layer and the metal layer by performing an ion implantation process. A flash annealing process is performed on the ion-implanted semiconductor substrate. The metal layer, the conductive layer, and the gate insulating layer are patterned.
US07674695B1	Wafer cleaning system An electromegasonic wafer cleaning system is disclosed that is extremely important, if not essential, in the fabrication of advanced microelectronic devices having a line width or feature size of from 0.05 to 0.10 micron. A unique synergistic combination is provided wherein piezoelectric transducer means are operated at a tolerable power level, such as from 1 to 2 watts per square centimeter, to minimize the risk of harm to the extremely delicate microcircuits and wherein the face of each wafer is negatively charged to a temperate voltage, such as from 5 to 20 volts, sufficient to cause effective removal of colloidal or sub 0.4-micron contaminant particles.This unique wafer cleaning system supersedes and replaces the standard megasonic-assisted RCA-type wet wafer cleaning systems which have never been able to eliminate or provide efficient purging of harmful sub 0.1-micron particles.
US07674694B2	Process for manufacturing a TFT device with source and drain regions having gradual dopant profile A process for realizing TFT devices on a substrate comprises the steps of: forming on the substrate, in cascade, an amorphous silicon layer and a heavily doped amorphous silicon layer, forming a photolithographic mask on the heavily doped amorphous silicon layer provided with an opening, removing the heavily doped amorphous silicon layer through the opening for realizing opposite portions of the heavily doped amorphous silicon layer whose cross dimensions decrease as long as they depart from the amorphous silicon layer, removing the photolithographic mask, carrying out a diffusion and activation step of the dopant contained in the portions of the heavily doped amorphous silicon layer inside the amorphous silicon layer, for realizing source/drain regions of said TFT device.
US07674693B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device A method forming a semiconductor device includes forming a domed gate oxide film to relieve stress resulting from a thermal expansion rate difference of an oxide film and silicon film during a subsequent thermal process and preventing leakage current between source/drain regions through thickness regulation of the gate oxide film to improve refresh characteristics.
US07674692B2	Nitride semiconductor light-emitting device and fabrication method thereof Provided is a method of fabricating a nitride semiconductor light-emitting device comprising; providing a nitride semiconductor light-emitting device with a GaN layer, bringing the nitride semiconductor light-emitting device into contact with hydrogen separation metal, vibrating the nitride semiconductor light-emitting device and the hydrogen separation metal, removing hydrogen from the GaN layer of the nitride semiconductor light-emitting device and separating the hydrogen separation metal from the nitride semiconductor light-emitting device.
US07674691B2	Method of manufacturing an electrical antifuse An antifuse having a link including a region of unsilicided semiconductor material may be programmed at reduced voltage and current and with reduced generation of heat by electromigration of metal or silicide from a cathode into the region of unsilicided semiconductor material to form an alloy having reduced bulk resistance. The cathode and anode are preferably shaped to control regions from which and to which material is electrically migrated. After programming, additional electromigration of material can return the antifuse to a high resistance state. The process by which the antifuse is fabricated is completely compatible with fabrication of field effect transistors and the antifuse may be advantageously formed on isolation structures.
US07674688B2	Sawing method for a semiconductor element with a microelectromechanical system A sawing method for a Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) semiconductor device, wherein a gum material is disposed between a wafer having at least one MEMS and a carrier, and the gum material is disposed around the MEMS. The wafer is sawed according to the position correspondingly above the gum material. Finally, the carrier and the gum material are removed. By disposing the gum material between the carrier and the wafer, the MEMS are protected, and the wafer and the MEMS can avoid the pollution of water and foreign material, so that the yield can be improved. Furthermore, the wafer is sawed from the backside till the gum material without sawing through the gum material, so that the carrier is not sawed. Therefore, the carrier can be reused, such that the cost is reduced.
US07674686B2	Transplanted magnetic random access memory (MRAM) devices on thermally-sensitive substrates using laser transfer and method of making the same A method of forming a magnetic memory device (and a resulting structure) on a low-temperature substrate, includes forming the memory device on a transparent substrate coated with a decomposable material layer subject to rapid heating resulting in a predetermined high pressure, and transferring the memory device to the low-temperature substrate.
US07674683B2	Bulk-isolated PN diode and method of forming a bulk-isolated PN diode A technique for making a bulk isolated PN diode is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include providing a substrate having a doped region and disposing a dielectric material over the doped region. The method may also include forming first and second holes in the dielectric material exposing the doped region, and forming respective first and second polysilicon plugs within the first and second holes over the doped region. In one embodiment, the first and second polysilicon plugs are doped opposite one another such that a PN junction is formed between the first or second polysilicon plug and the doped region of the substrate, and has a cross-sectional area generally defined by the first or second hole adjacent the PN junction. Various devices, systems, and other methods are also disclosed.
US07674678B2	Method for producing a transistor component having a field plate A method for producing a transistor component having a field plate. One embodiment includes providing a semiconductor body having a first side, and including a first trench extending into the semiconductor body. A field plate dielectric layer is produced on the first side and at uncovered areas of the first trench such that a residual trench remains. A field plate layer is produced in the residual trench. The first side of the semiconductor body is uncovered using a polishing method. The field plate dielectric layer is partially removed from the at least one first trench proceeding from the first side.
US07674677B2	Semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate provided with an active region including a gate forming area, a source forming area and a drain forming area. A recess is formed in the gate forming area. A gate is formed over the gate forming area that is formed with the recess and includes an insulation layer formed at an upper end portion of a side wall of the recess that is in contact with the source forming area. A source area and a drain area are formed in the active region on opposite sides of the gate.
US07674672B2	Fabricating process for substrate with embedded passive component A fabricating process for a substrate with an embedded passive component is provided. The fabricating process includes the following steps. First, a substrate including a top conductive layer, a bottom conductive layer, and at least a dielectric layer is provided. The top conductive layer and the bottom conductive layer are separately disposed on a top surface and a bottom surface of the dielectric layer. Next, a plurality of plating through holes is formed in the substrate. Then, the top and the bottom conductive layers are patterned to form a patterned top conductive layer and a patterned bottom conductive layer separately, and the dielectric layer is exposed in part. The patterned top conductive layer and the patterned bottom conductive layer have many traces and many trenches formed by the traces. Thereafter, the trenches are filled with a material, wherein the traces and the material are adapted for forming the passive component.
US07674670B2	Methods of forming threshold voltage implant regions The invention includes methods of forming channel region implants for two transistor devices simultaneously, in which a mask is utilized to block a larger percentage of a channel region location of one of the devices relative to the other. The invention also pertains to methods of forming capacitor structures in which a first capacitor electrode is spaced from a semiconductor substrate by a dielectric material, a second capacitor electrode comprises a conductively-doped diffusion region within the semiconductor material, and a capacitor channel region location is beneath the dielectric material and adjacent the conductively-doped diffusion region. An implant mask is formed to cover only a first portion of the capacitor channel region location and to leave a second portion of the capacitor channel region location uncovered. While the implant mask is in place, dopant is implanted into the uncovered second portion of the capacitor channel region location.
US07674668B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device After a gate electrode is formed on a main surface of a semiconductor substrate, low concentration layers are formed on the main surface of the semiconductor substrate by implanting impurities therein, with using the gate electrode as a mask. Thereafter, first sidewalls and second sidewalls are formed on the both side surfaces of the gate electrode. Subsequently, nitrogen or the like is ion-implanted into the semiconductor substrate, with using the first sidewalls, the second sidewalls and the gate electrode as a mask, thereby forming a crystallization-control region (CCR) on the main surface of the semiconductor substrate. Then, after the second sidewalls are removed, high concentration layers for a source and a drain are formed on the main surface of the semiconductor substrate.
US07674664B2	Method of fabricating liquid crystal display device having drive circuit A fabricating method of an array substrate for a liquid crystal display device including forming a polycrystalline silicon film on a substrate having a display region and a peripheral region, the polycrystalline silicon film having grains of square shape, forming a first active layer in the display region and a second active layer in the peripheral region by etching the polycrystalline silicon film, forming a first gate electrode over the first active layer, a second gate electrode over the second active layer and a gate line connected to the first gate electrode, and forming first source and drain electrodes connected to the first active layer, second source and drain electrodes connected to the second active layer and data line connected to the first source electrode. Further, the second gate electrode overlaps the first active layer to form a first channel region, and the first channel region is formed inside one of the grains.
US07674661B2	Memory device and method of manufacturing the same In a memory device and a method of manufacturing the memory device, a pair of channel layers included in the memory device may be formed on a sidewall of the sacrificial single crystalline layer pattern located on a protrusion of a semiconductor substrate. Accordingly, an etch damage may be reduced at the channel layer. The sacrificial single crystalline layer pattern may be removed to generate a void between the pair of the channel layers. As a result, a generation of a coupling effect may be reduced between the channel layers.
US07674659B2	Method for fabricating a thin film transistor The present invention relates to a thin film transistor for preventing short of circuit by step and a method for fabricating the thin film transistor and provides a thin film transistor including a buffer layer formed on glass substrate; an activation layer formed on the buffer layer; and a gate insulation layer formed on the buffer layer including the activation layer, with the buffer layer having a step formed between a lower part of the activation layer and a part except the lower part of the activation layer.
US07674656B2	Die positioning for packaged integrated circuits A method that locates a plurality of die for forming a plurality of packaged integrated circuits. A frame is placed over the support structure, wherein the frame includes a plurality of openings therein and each opening of the plurality of openings has at least two walls. Each die of a plurality of die is placed over the support structure, wherein each die has at least two adjacent edges. The relative placing of the frame and the die results in each die being in an opening of the plurality of openings. Encapsulant is applied to the plurality of die. Either or both of the plurality of die and frame are moved in relation to the other in a manner that causes the two adjacent edges of each die of the plurality of die to substantially abut to and align with the two walls of an opening of the plurality of openings.
US07674654B2	Producing thin integrated semiconductor devices Thin integrated semiconductor devices are produced by being embedded in a molding compound matrix in such a way that a composite is formed. The semiconductor devices are first embedded in the matrix and then thinned after being embedded. The thin integrated semiconductor devices are singulated by forming separating cuts into the molding compound matrix between adjacent devices.
US07674650B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof An object is to provide a semiconductor device of which a manufacturing process is not complicated and by which cost can be suppressed, by forming a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor film typified by zinc oxide, and a manufacturing method thereof. For the semiconductor device, a gate electrode is formed over a substrate; a gate insulating film is formed covering the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film is formed over the gate insulating film; and a first conductive film and a second conductive film are formed over the oxide semiconductor film. The oxide semiconductor film has at least a crystallized region in a channel region.
US07674649B2	Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag lamination process using liner A method of constructing an RFID unit can include using a protective layer to hold an integrated circuit chip module to a substrate layer with an antenna unit while a conductive adhesive has not yet fully set.
US07674648B2	Extended dynamic range using variable sensitivity pixels A method for reading out an image sensor, the method includes the steps of integrating charge in a photodetector with the photodetector at a first capacitance; reading the resulting signal level at a first time with the photodetector at the first capacitance; changing the photodetector capacitance to a second capacitance; and reading the signal level associated with the photodetector at the second capacitance.
US07674646B2	Three dimensional integrated passive device and method of fabrication An integrated passive device (20) includes a first wafer (22), a first integrated device (28) formed on a first surface (24) of the wafer (22), and a second integrated device (30) formed on a second surface (26) of the wafer (22), the second surface (26) opposing the first surface (24). A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device (72) includes a second wafer (74) having a MEMS component (76) formed thereon. The integrated passive device (20) and the MEMS device (72) are coupled to form an IPD/MEMS stacked device (70) in accordance with a fabrication process (90). The fabrication process (90) calls for forming (94) the second integrated device (30) on the second surface (26) of the wafer (22), constructing (100) the MEMS component (76) on the wafer (74), coupling (104) the wafers (22, 74), then creating the first integrated device (28) on the first surface (24) of the first wafer (22).
US07674645B2	Diode energy converter for chemical kinetic electron energy transfer An improved diode energy converter for chemical kinetic electron energy transfer is formed using nanostructures and includes identifiable regions associated with chemical reactions isolated chemically from other regions in the converter, a region associated with an area that forms energy barriers of the desired height, a region associated with tailoring the boundary between semiconductor material and metal materials so that the junction does not tear apart, and a region associated with removing heat from the semiconductor.
US07674644B2	Method for fabrication of group III nitride semiconductor A method for the fabrication of a Group III nitride semiconductor includes the steps of installing a substrate in a reaction vessel, forming a Group III nitride semiconductor on the substrate, causing a solid nitrogen compound to exist in the reaction vessel as a nitrogen source for a Group III nitride semiconductor and supplying a raw material gas as a source for a Group III element into the reaction vessel to fabricate the Group III nitride semiconductor.
US07674642B2	Method of fabricating linear cascade high-speed green light emitting diode Green light emitting diodes (LED) of gallium arsenide (GaAs) are series-connected. The series connection has a small transmission attenuation and a wide bandwidth. The GaAs LED has a big forward bias and so neither extra driving current nor complex resonant-cavity epitaxy layer is needed. Hence, the present invention has a high velocity, a high efficiency and a high power while an uneven current distribution is avoided.
US07674641B2	Method for fabricating white-light-emitting flip-chip diode having silicon quantum dots The present invention is to fabricate a flip-chip diode which emits a white light. The diode has a film embedded with silicon quantum dots. And the white light is formed by mixing colorful lights through the film.
US07674639B2	GaN based LED with etched exposed surface for improved light extraction efficiency and method for making the same A light-emitting device and the method for making the same are disclosed. The device includes a substrate, a light-emitting structure and a light scattering layer. The light-emitting structure includes an active layer sandwiched between a p-type GaN layer and an n-type GaN layer, the active layer emitting light of a predetermined wavelength when electrons and holes from the n-type GaN layer and the p-type GaN layer, respectively, combine therein. The light scattering layer includes a GaN crystalline layer characterized by an N-face surface. The N-face surface includes features that scatter light of the predetermined wavelength. The light-emitting structure is between the N-face surface and the substrate.
US07674635B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device The present invention supplies a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, which includes a non-contact inspection process capable of confirming if a circuit or circuit element formed on an array substrate is normally performed and can decrease a manufacturing cost by eliminating wastes to keep a defective product forming.An electromotive force generated by electromagnetic induction is rectified and shaped by using primary coils formed on a check substrate and secondary coils formed on an array substrate, whereby a power source voltage and a driving signal are supplied to circuits or circuit elements on a TFT substrate so as to be driven.
US07674627B2	Compositions and methods for detecting nerve agents The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting, identifying and measuring the abundance of chemical nerve agents. Methods and compositions of the present invention are capable of providing selective detection of phosphorous based nerve agents, such as nerve agents that are esters of methyl phosphonic acid derivatives incorporating a moderately good leaving group at the phosphorus. Selectivity in the present invention is provided by a sensor composition having an alpha (α) effect nucleophile group that undergoes specific nucleophilic substitution and rearrangement reactions with phosphorus based nerve agents having a tetrahederal phosphorous bound to oxygen. The present invention includes embodiments employing a sensor composition further comprising a reporter group covalently linked to the alpha effect nucleophile group allowing rapid optical readout of nerve agent detection events, including direct visual readout and optical readout via spectroscopic analysis.
US07674622B2	Method for determination of nucleated red blood cells and leukocytes in a whole blood sample in an automated hematology analyzer A method for enumerating white blood cells and nucleated red blood cells. The steps of the method are as follows: (a) providing a lysed sample of whole blood; (b) introducing the lysed sample to a light-scattering multi-angle depolarizing flow cytometer; (c) removing depolarizing interference, e.g., lipid droplets and other measured particles; (d) differentiating nucleated red blood cells and noise from white blood cells in the absence of depolarizing interference; (e) differentiating nucleated red blood cells from noise in the absence of depolarizing interference and white blood cells; and (f) differentiating possible platelet clumps.
US07674620B2	Derivation of terminally differentiated dopaminergic neurons from human embryonic stem cells The present disclosure is directed to improved methods for efficiently producing neuroprogenitor cells and differentiated neural cells such as dopaminergic neurons and serotonergic neurons from pluripotent stem cells, for example human embryonic stem cells. Using the disclosed methods, cell populations containing a high proportion of cells positive for tyrosine hydroxylase, a specific marker for dopaminergic neurons, have been isolated. The neuroprogenitor cells and terminally differentiated cells of the present disclosure can be generated in large quantities, and therefore may serve as an excellent source for cell replacement therapy in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
US07674619B2	ADAM-9 modulators The invention provides the identification and characterization of a disease and cancer-associated antigen, KID24. The invention also provides modulators of KID24, including a family of monoclonal antibodies that bind to antigen KID24, and methods of diagnosing and treating various human cancers and diseases associated with KID24.
US07674618B2	Expression vector This invention provides nucleic acids and expression vectors, and host cells transformed with the same, for providing high expression of a desired polypeptide. Also provided are methods of using the expression vectors, nucleic acids, and host cells which have been modified by these compositions, for increasing expression of a gene encoding a desired polypeptide.
US07674616B2	Device and method for measuring properties of a sample Test strips designed to prevent or reduce false results when measuring the condition of a sample are provided. The test strips can be used for analysis of samples by methods including electrical and optical measurements. The reagent test strips and methods are particularly suited for use in the detection of blood coagulation.
US07674615B2	Mechanical cartridge with test strip fluid control features for use in a fluid analyte meter A structure for controlling fluid flow from a sample receiving pad into a lateral flow assay test strip, including: a lateral flow assay test strip; a sample pad abutting the lateral flow assay test strip; a pinch wall positioned to direct fluid flow from the sample pad to the lateral flow assay test strip; a top support structure positioned on top of the test strip; and a bottom support structure positioned underneath the test strip, wherein each of the top and bottom support structures comprise a plurality of separate spaced-apart support ribs positioned along the length of the test strip.
US07674611B2	Modified ethylenediamine-N, N′-disuccinate: ethylenediamine lyase The present invention provides a modified ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate:ethylenediamine lyase. The present invention also provides a protein that comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1; or a protein that comprises an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 by deletion, substitution, or addition of one or more amino acid residues, and has an ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate:ethylenediamine lyase activity.
US07674608B2	Saccharifying cellulose Dissolution, partial dissolution or softening of cellulose in an ionic liquid (IL) and its subsequent contact with anti-solvent produces regenerated cellulose more amorphous in structure than native cellulose, which can be separated from the IL/anti-solvent mixture by mechanical means such as simple filtration or centrifugation. This altered morphology of IL-treated cellulose allows a greater number of sites for enzyme adsorption with a subsequent enhancement of its saccharification. The IL-treated cellulose exhibits significantly improved hydrolysis kinetics with optically transparent solutions formed after about two hours of reaction. This provides an opportunity for separation of products from the catalyst (enzyme) easing enzyme recovery. With an appropriate selection of enzymes, initial hydrolysis rates for IL-treated cellulose were up to two orders of magnitude greater than those of untreated cellulose. Due to the non-volatility of the IL, anti-solvent can be easily stripped from the IL/anti-solvent mixture for recovery and recycle of both the ionic liquid and anti-solvent.
US07674604B2	Modified polypeptides stabilized in a desired conformation and methods for producing same The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a protein in a desired conformation by introducing at least one disulfide bond into the polypeptide. Computational design is used to identify positions where cysteine residues can be introduced to form a disulfide bond in only one protein conformation, and therefore lock the protein in a given conformation. Accordingly, antibody and small molecule therapeutics are selected that are specific for the desired protein conformation. Modified integrin I-domain polypeptides stabilized in a desired conformation are also provided, as well as screening assays and therapeutic methods utilizing the modified integrin I-domain polypeptides.
US07674603B2	Microorganism detector The invention relates to devices and methods for detecting and identifying microorganisms comprising a porous body having regions of differing pore size, said regions being associated with different chromogens specific to enzymes produced by microorganisms. Devices and methods according to the present invention may be useful in the detection and identification of food and water borne microorganisms as well as in the detection of bacteria that may be associated with infection, such as urinary tract infection.
US07674600B2	Assays for measuring phosphate modification enzyme activity The present invention relates to assays that can measure the activity of enzymes that catalyze phosphate modifications, such as kinases, phosphatases, cyclases and phosphodiesterases. The assays can also be used to identify and screen for substances that modulate the activity of kinases, phosphatases, cyclases and phosphodiesterases.
US07674599B2	Methods of using antibodies to detect alpha-synuclein in fluid samples The invention provides methods for detecting alpha-synuclein. The invention also identifies preferred epitopes of alpha synuclein for use in such detection, and provides antibodies specifically binding to such epitopes.
US07674598B2	Method for a fully automated monoclonal antibody-based extended differential Methods for differentially identifying cells in an instrument employ compositions containing a combination of selected antibodies and fluorescent dyes having different cellular distribution patterns and specificities, as well as antibodies and fluorescent dyes characterized by overlapping emission spectra which form non-compensatable spectral patterns. When utilizing the compositions described herein consisting of fluorescent dyes and fluorochrome labeled antibodies with overlapping spectra that cannot be separated or distinguished based upon optical or electronic compensation means, a new fluorescent footprint is established. This new fluorescent footprint is a result of the overlapping spectra and the combined cellular staining patterns of the dyes and fluorochrome labeled antibodies chosen for the composition. The new fluorescent footprint results in histogram patterns that are useful for the identification of additional cell populations or subtypes in hematological disease.
US07674597B2	Signaling intermediates in an in vitro model of Alzheimer's disease The invention provides a novel human protein, FISH adaptor protein, involved in amyloid β-protein-mediated cell death. Also provided are methods for modulating amyloid β-protein-mediated cell death using agents that interfere with the activity of FISH adaptor protein.
US07674594B2	Screening assay for inhibitors of TRPA1 activation by a lower alkyl phenol The invention relates an assay useful for screening and identifying compounds as modulators of lower alkyl phenol activation of TRPA1. Thymol, a lower alkyl phenol anti-infective and the active ingredient in, e.g., mouthwashes, is stringent and has an objectionable burning taste sensation. Thymol activates the transient receptor potential like ion channel TRPA1. The assay described and claimed herein involves measurement of activation of TRPA1 and enables the screening of compounds that inhibit lower alkyl phenol, or thymol activation of TRPA1. Inhibitors of thymol activation of TRPA1 can be used to prevent the objectionable taste of thymol in medical uses where taste limits acceptance.
US07674593B2	Preparation method of biotinylated protein and detection method using the same The present invention presents construction of a detection method requiring no step of removing free biotin during preparation of a biotinylated protein having a biotin tag, in a detection method of a substance interacting with a protein, and studied various preparation methods of the biotinylated protein. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present inventor has found that in a cell-free protein synthesizing system, in particular, a wheat embryo cell-free protein synthesizing system, when biotinylation is performed during or after protein's synthesis, the biotinylation of the protein can be attained in an remarkably lower concentration of the biotin than that in the conventional biotinylation operations, and has accomplished the present invention by using the protein having the biotin tag in each detection system.
US07674588B2	Screening using polarization anisotropy in FRET emissions Methods and apparatus are described for detecting specific binding between first and second chemical entities. The first chemical entity in association with a first fluorophore is immobilized. The second chemical entity is allowed to bind with the immobilized first chemical entity. The second chemical entity is or becomes coupled to a second fluorophore, which forms a FRET pair with the first fluorophore. The bound chemical entities are exposed to radiation at an excitation frequency for either the first or the second fluorophore, and polarization anisotropy of a FRET fluorescent signal from the bound chemical entities is measured to detect specific binding between the first and second chemical entities. Techniques are also disclosed for detecting whether a FRET interaction is occurring between a first chemical entity including a donor fluorophore and a second chemical entity including an acceptor fluorophore, using simultaneous anisotropy measurements at the wavelengths of the donor and acceptor fluorophores.
US07674584B2	Method for measuring binding of a test compound to a G-protein coupled receptor The invention provides a method for measuring binding of a test compound to a G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR). The invention also provides a method for identifying and measuring the effect that an agent has upon modulating the binding of a test compound to a G-Protein Coupled Receptor.
US07674578B2	Methods of using sIP-10 to assess HCV clearance and/or response to interferon therapy The present invention relates to methods for evaluating and predicting clinical outcomes in patients by measuring levels of sIP-10 protein expression as well as therapies using sIP-10 and its fragments.
US07674577B2	Diagnosis of human glycosylation disorders This invention provides methods and kits for use in diagnosing genetically transmitted diseases that are associated with deficiencies in glycosylation of glycoconjugates such as glycoproteins, glycolipids, and proteoglycans. The methods and kits are also useful for monitoring the course of treatment of diseases that are associated with glycosylation disorders.
US07674574B2	Method of arranging mask patterns A method of arranging mask patterns, which includes a first mask has a first mask pattern, a second mask has a second mask pattern. The distance between the first mask boundary and the first mask pattern boundary is different form the distance between the second mask boundary and the second mask pattern boundary.
US07674573B2	Method for manufacturing layered periodic structures A method of manufacturing a periodic grating structure for a component. The method includes forming first structured layer including a final periodic grating structure of a first material and a second material filling spaces between individual features of the final periodic grating structure, removing the second material using a first chemical process and annealing a portion of the first material into a third material using a second chemical process.
US07674571B2	Laser sensitive lithographic printing plate comprising specific acrylate monomer and initiator High speed violet or ultraviolet laser sensitive lithographic printing plate comprising on a substrate a specific photosensitive composition is described. The photosensitive layer comprises a multifunctional (meth)acrylate monomer, a hexaarylbiimidazole compound, and a sensitizing dye. Combination of both multifunctional urethane (meth)acrylate monomer and multifunctional non-urethane (meth)acrylate monomer can be advantageously used. The plate is imagewise exposed with a violet or ultraviolet laser at a dosage of less than 1000 μJ/cm2, and then developed either off press or on press.
US07674569B2	Optical recording material and optical recording medium An optical recording material for use in an optical recording layer of an optical recording medium comprising the optical recording layer provided on a substrate, the optical recording material comprising a cyanine compound represented by general formula (I): wherein rings A and B each represent a substituted or unsubstituted benzene or naphthalene ring; X represents O, S, Se, CR3R4 or NY; one of R1 and R2 represents a specific group of formula (II) or (III), with the other representing a C1 to C30 organic group; R3 and R4 each represent a C1 to C30 organic group; Y, Y1, and Y2 each represent a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C30 organic group; Z represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a cyano group; Anm− represents an m-valent anion; m represents an integer of 1 or 2; and p represents a coefficient maintaining charge neutrality.
US07674568B2	Solvent compositions and process for manufacturing an optical recording medium using said composition and optical recording medium The present invention relates to a new solvent composition useful in the process of manufacturing an optical recording medium. The invention provides a new liquid composition comprising from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a dye having a solid state absorption band maximum in the spectral region from 300 to 800 nm, from 0.5 to 99.9% by weight of a compound of formula (I), wherein R1 to R8 are H, CH3 or C2H5, with the proviso that the total number of carbon atoms in R1 to R8 is 0, 1 or 2, and optionally from 0 to 99.4% by weight of one or more further components, all based on the weight of the solution. The instant solvent composition enables to manufacture an optical recording medium of a single recording layer type capable of recording and playing a large volume of information using commercially available compact disc recorders and players and of superior performance in an amazing wide range of drive speeds. A further subject-matter is an optical recording disk with improved groove filling and preferably particular groove geometry.
US07674567B2	Positive resist composition and pattern forming method using the same A positive resist composition comprising: at least one compound selected from a compound capable of generating an acid represented by the formula (I) as defined herein upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation and a compound capable of generating an acid represented by the following formula (II) upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; and a compound capable of generating an acid represented by the formula (III) as defined herein upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation.
US07674566B2	Positive photosensitive resin composition The present invention provides a positive photosensitive resin composition, characterized by comprising 1 to 50 parts by mass of a photo-acid generator and 0.01 to 70 parts by mass of a terpene compound in combination with 100 parts by mass of a hydroxypolyamide having repeating units. A terpene compound can be combined with a hydroxypolyamide having a particular structure to provide a positive photosensitive resin composition excellent in positive lithography performance such as sensitivity and resolution.
US07674563B2	Pattern forming method and phase shift mask manufacturing method A phase shift mask manufacturing method comprises the steps of processing a light-shielding layer over a transparent substrate into a predetermined light-shielding pattern, forming a resist film on the predetermined light-shielding pattern, performing writing on the resist film based on writing data and developing the resist film, thereby forming a resist pattern, and etching an underlying layer using the predetermined light-shielding pattern and the resist pattern as a mask, thereby forming recesses, that serve as phase shift portions, in the underlying layer. The writing data includes a portion where pattern data corresponding to at least the two recesses adjacent to each other through a light-shielding portion in the predetermined light-shielding pattern are combined into one pattern data.
US07674560B2	Cross-linked sulphonated polymers and their preparation process The present invention is concerned with cross-linked sulfonated polymers, eventually perfluorinated, and their preparation process. When molded in the form of membranes, the polymers are useful in electrochemical cells, in a chlorine-sodium electrolysis process, as separator in an electrochemical preparation or organic and inorganic compounds, as separators between an aqueous phase and an organic phase, or as catalyst for Diels-Alder additions, Friedel-Craft reactions, aldol concentrations, cationic polymerisation, esterification, and acetal formation.
US07674550B2	Fuel cell A first seal member 50 is integrated with the surface 18a of a first metal separator 18, and is provided with a body base portion 58 having a trapezoidal-shaped cross-section and two protruded portions 60a and 60b integrated to the leading end of the body base portion 58, where said body base portion 58 is set to a height H1 for keeping a desired spring constant necessary for impact absorptions, and the protruded portions 60a and 60b are set to a height H2 for preventing the line pressure of the seal member from being abruptly changed and for keeping the strengths of the protruded portions 60a and 60b themselves.
US07674548B2	Fuel cell A fuel cell comprises a single cell including a membrane assembly electrode unit comprising a fuel electrode to which an aqueous methanol solution is supplied as a fuel, an air electrode to which an oxidizing gas is supplied, and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the electrodes, a fuel separator and an oxidizing gas separator disposed at both sides of the membrane assembly electrode unit, and seal members respectively disposed between the membrane assembly electrode unit and the fuel separator and between the membrane assembly electrode unit and the oxidizing gas separator. The seal member includes a specific copolymer of a monomer containing a metal element.
US07674545B2	Electrokinetic micro power cell using microfluidic-chip with multi-channel type The invention relates to a new micro power cell applying the microfluidic-chip with multi-channel type. The streaming potential is the main thrust, which is created by Helmholtz-Smoluchowski's electrokinetic principle when electrolytic solution flows through a microchannel. The microfluidic-chip comprises an inflow port, a distributor, a multi-channel, a collector, an outflow port, and a pair of electrodes. The present invention could be applied to a new power source of clean energy.
US07674544B2	Fullerene based proton conductive materials A fullerene-based proton conductor including a proton conductive functional group connected to the fullerene by an at least partially fluorinated spacer molecule. Also, a polymer including at least two of the proton conductors that are connected by a linking molecule. Further, an electrochemical device employing the polymer as a proton exchange membrane, whereby the device is able to achieve a self-humidifying characteristic.
US07674542B2	Fuel cell system A fuel cell system includes a stack for generating electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, a fuel supply unit for supplying fuel to the stack, an air supply unit for supplying air to the stack, and a vaporizing unit connected with the stack and for vaporizing moisture discharged from the stack.
US07674535B2	Magnetic transfer master disk, its manufacturing method and magnetic transfer method The present invention provides a magnetic transfer master disk comprising: a master substrate formed by a metal plate, on a surface of which a protruding and recessed pattern corresponding to transfer information is transferred by electroforming, the metal plate being composed of two or more electroforming layers that are different from each other in crystal orientation; and a magnetic layer formed on the protruding and recessed pattern of the master substrate in order to eliminate warpage and distortion of the master disk even if the close contact pressure is increased during transferring magnetic information such as format information to a magnetic disk used in a hard disk device and the like.
US07674532B2	Security taggants in adhesive plastic film laminate for pharmaceutical packaging Security films that are useful for pharmaceutical packaging. In particular, anti-counterfeiting security films having a luminescent composition on or in a fluoropolymer layer, which luminescent composition luminesces upon the application of ultraviolet radiation in the 200 nm to 300 nm range, in which the luminescent component is optionally and preferably not viewable to the unaided eye. The films are particularly useful for the formation of anti-counterfeiting blister packaging in compliance with FDA regulations.
US07674526B2	Process for producing a nanoscale zero-valent metal This invention describes a process for producing a nanoscale zero-valent metal, including reduction of a metal ion solution with a dithionite compound, wherein the reduction is carried out under alkaline conditions under substantially an inert atmosphere. A nanoscale zero-valent metal obtainable by this process, and having a new crystalline form, is also described. The nanoscale zero-valent metal produced by the process of the invention is preferably iron, and is advantageously used for the remediation of contaminated water.
US07674525B2	Process for producing fine α-alumina particles The present invention provides a process for producing fine α-alumina particles, which comprises sintering a mixture of α-alumina precursor particles and seed crystal particles, wherein a center particle diameter of the seed crystal particles is 40 nm or less, and a ratio of the number of coarse particles having a particle diameter greater than 100 nm to the number of the total particles is 1% or less.
US07674523B2	Zirconia particles Zirconia particles, methods of making zirconia particles, composite materials that contain the zirconia particles, methods of making the composite materials, and zirconia sols that contain the zirconia particles are described. The zirconia particles are substantially non-associated and have an average size no greater than 50 nanometers and may contain yttrium. The zirconia particles are prepared by a method that includes two separate hydrothermal treatments.
US07674520B2	PVD coated cutting tool The present invention describes a cutting tool with improved properties for metal machining having a substrate of cemented carbide and a hard and wear resistant coating on the surface of said substrate. The coating is deposited by Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). The coating is composed of metal nitrides in combination with alumina (Al2O3). The coating is composed of a laminar multilayered structure. The insert is further treated to have different outer layers on the rake face and flank face respectively.
US07674518B2	Polyvinyl alcohol film and polarizing film and polarizing plate using the same The present invention provides a polyvinyl alcohol film having a correlation length of 200 nm or less, the correlation length being derived from the result of light scattering measurement using a He—Ne laser having a wavelength of 633 nm as a light source.
US07674512B2	Film-based cellular matrix The invention is directed towards a film-based polymeric cellular matrix, methods for making the polymeric cellular matrix, articles of manufacture incorporating the polymeric matrix and methods for making articles of manufacture. The polymeric cellular matrix is characterized as a plurality of generally identical cells (open-ended geometric prisms) arranged to form a repeating geometric form. The matrix is particularly suited for use as a core between two panels.
US07674506B2	Direct back light type liquid crystal display and light diffuse plate There is provided a direct backlight type liquid crystal display device having high light diffusability, keeping excellent color and having high brightness.The direct backlight type liquid crystal display device comprises: a backlight source, a light diffusion sheet which may have a protective film on a surface thereof which faces the backlight source or both surfaces thereof as desired, a light ray adjusting film, and a liquid crystal panel, wherein the light diffusion sheet is formed from a composition comprising predetermined amounts of (C) at least one heat stabilizer (component C) selected from the group consisting of a phosphate compound (component C-1), a phosphate compound (component C-2) and a phosphonite compound (component C-3), (D) an ultraviolet absorber (component D) and (E) a fluorescent whitening agent (component E), based on 100 parts by weight of the total of (A) an aromatic polycarbonate resin (component A) and (B) polymeric fine particles (component B) having an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 50 μm.
US07674505B2	Composites and composite membranes The invention relates to a composite or a composite membrane consisting of an ionomer and of an inorganic optionally functionalized phyllosilicate. The isomer can be: (a) a cation exchange polymer; (b) an anion exchange polymer; (c) a polymer containing both anion exchanger groupings as well as cation exchanger groupings on the polymer chain; or (d) a blend consisting of (a) and (b), whereby the mixture ratio can range from 100% (a) to 100% (b). The blend can be ionically and even covalently cross-linked. The inorganic constituents can be selected from the group consisting of phyllosilicates or tectosilicates.
US07674500B2	Process for preserving wood using fluoro-materials A process for treating wood comprising at least partially penetrating it with a urethane- or acrylate-based fluoro-material. Also, wood produced by the process.
US07674498B2	Porous ceramic filters with catalyst coatings Porous ceramic catalyst supports or filters to be provided with catalyst coatings via oxide washcoating processes are pre-coated with cross-linked polymer barrier layers to prevent washcoat nanoparticle intrusion into the microcracked and/or microporous surfaces of the ceramics, the barrier coatings being formed by thermally cross-linking hydrocarbon polymers that are vaporizable at moderate washcoat stabilization or catalyst activation temperatures and that preferentially block the micropore/microchannel pore volume of the article.
US07674497B2	Film-forming apparatus, method of cleaning the same, and method of manufacturing a light-emitting device A cleaning method of removing a vapor-deposition material adhering to equipments without exposure to the atmosphere is provided. A vapor-deposition material adhering to equipments (components of a film-forming apparatus) such as a substrate holder, a vapor-deposition mask, a mask holder, or an adhesion preventing shield provided in a film-forming chamber are subjected to heat treatment. Because of this, the adhering vapor-deposition material is re-sublimated, and removed by exhaust through a vacuum pump. By including such a cleaning method in the steps of manufacturing an electro-optical device, the manufacturing steps are shortened, and an electro-optical device with high reliability can be realized.
US07674495B2	Method and device for making a composite plate A process for manufacturing composite sheets includes steps of: continuously depositing a web of yarns, in the form of a mat of continuous yarns, a woven, a knit or an assembly of continuous non-interlaced yarns on a moving substrate; depositing a powder of an organic material capable of forming a coating layer under the action of heat on at least one side of said web; heating the web coated with the powder to a temperature sufficient to melt the powder; compressing and cooling the web so as to form a composite strip; and cutting the strip in the form of sheets or winding the strip up on a rotating support.
US07674490B2	Food and vitamin preparations containing the natural isomer of reduced folates A composition for human or animal consumption for supplying folate which includes a natural isomer of reduced folate, such as (6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid. 5-methyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5-formyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 10-formyl-(6R)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5,10-methylene-(6R)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5,10-methenyl-(6R)-tetrahydrofolic acid, 5-formimino-(6S)-tetrahydrofolic acid, and their polyglutamyl derivatives is disclosed. Such compositions include multivitamin preparations (with or without minerals and other nutrients); breakfast foods such as prepared cereals, toaster pastries and breakfast bars; infant formulas; dietary supplements and complete diet and weight-loss formulas and bars; animal feed (for example pet foods) and animal feed supplements (such as for poultry feed). The amount of the natural isomer of a reduced folate in a composition for human consumption can range between about 5% and about 200% of the daily requirement for folic acid per serving or dose.
US07674484B2	Dietary supplement including He Shou Wu, parasitic loranthus and green tea to promote weight loss A novel dietary supplement composition that serves to inhibit FAS for the purpose of controlling body weight and body fat levels. Administration of the composition, particularly to individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, may have the effect of restoring optimal glucose functioning, therefore lessening the likelihood of adipose storage and leading to a reduction in body fat and weight. The supplement may comprise He Shou Wu, parasitic loranthus and green tea. A composition of the dietary supplement, in orally taken capsule form, may include: (a) about 500 mg of an 1:1:1 ratio extract of He Shou Wu, parasitic loranthus and green tea; (b) about 200 mg Caffeine Anhydrous; (c) about 250 mg Cinnulin PF; (d) about 100 mg Evodia Rutaecarpa; (e) about 500 mg tyrosine; and (f) about 100 mg 7-keto DHEA. The supplement may also be administered as a tablet, powdered beverage, bar, gel or drink.
US07674476B1	Use of aerogels in agriculture The present invention relates to the use of aerogels as carrier materials for active substances in agriculture and/or veterinary medicine.
US07674475B2	Endoparasiticidal gel composition A homogenous, clear, veterinary gel composition which has a broad spectrum of efficacy against endoparasites over a prolonged period of time and which allows for higher concentrations of a mixture of parasiticidal agents in a single application. This composition is useful for treating and controlling endoparasiticidal infection and infestation in a homeothermic animal.
US07674471B2	Topical composition, topical composition precursor, and methods for manufacturing and using A topical composition is provided. The topical composition can be prepared by diluting a topical composition precursor with water and adding additional components, if desired. The topical composition precursor can be prepared by melt processing a hydrophobic polymer composition that includes repeating pyrrolidone/alkylene groups wherein the alkylene groups contain at least 10 carbon atoms, and a hydrophilic polymer composition including repeating carboxylic groups and/or repeating hydroxyl groups. A topical composition precursor and methods for manufacturing and using a topical composition are provided by the invention.
US07674469B2	Feline influenza vaccine and method of use This invention is directed to a vaccine and a method for using the vaccine to protect a feline from influenza virus infection. The vaccine comprises one or more antigens from one or more H3, N8, H7 or N7-type influenza viruses.
US07674466B2	Targeting and prolonging association of drugs to the luminal surface of the pulmonary vascular endothelial cells using antibodies that bind to ICAM-1 Methods for targeting and prolonging association of a selected drug to the luminal surface of pulmonary vascular endothelium of an animal are provided wherein a selected drug is administered to an animal in combination with a non-internalizable ICAM-1 antibody which binds to an antigen on the luminal surface of the pulmonary vasculature. This method is particularly useful in dissolution of fibrin clots or prevention of the intravascular coagulation in the pulmonary vasculature.
US07674459B2	Treatment of cancer with a novel anti-IL13 monoclonal antibody The present invention relates to the treatment of IL13 dependent neoplastic disorders comprising the administration of novel anti-IL13 antibodies, The invention also includes diagnosing such tumors or cancer using the antibodies of the present invention to detect overexpression of IL13 in the patient.
US07674457B2	Methods for enhancing neuroprotection via administration of stem cells and blood brain barrier permeabilizers The present invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing the neuroprotective effect of umbilical cord blood cells. More particularly, the present invention provides methods of treating neurodegenerative disorders by administering umbilical cord blood cells and a substance capable of permeabilizing the blood brain barrier. In one embodiment, the blood brain barrier permeabilizer is mannitol. In another embodiment, the blood brain barrier permeabilizer is Cereport.
US07674454B2	Enzyme-prodrug therapy for prosthetic joint repair The invention relates to the use of gene therapy in the treatment of aseptic loosening of orthopaedic prostheses and discloses methods of refixing such prostheses without open revision surgery. In particular, it provides adenoviral vectors and prodrugs for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in the destruction of interface tissue allowing subsequent recementing of loose prostheses in a minimally invasive manner.
US07674452B2	Polymer coating of cells Polymers and methods of making them are described. The polymers may be used to coat living cells. The polymer-coated cells are useful in cell therapy applications.
US07674448B2	Method for manufacturing isotope-doped carbon nanotubes A method for manufacturing isotope-doped carbon nanotubes (10) includes the steps of: (a) providing a carbon rod (209), the carbon rod including at least two kinds of carbon isotope segments (202, 203) arranged therealong according to need; (b) providing a laser beam source positioned opposite to the carbon rod; and (c) irradiating the carbon rod with a laser beam (214), wherein the carbon isotope segments of the carbon rod are consumed sequentially to form the isotope-doped carbon nanotubes. Growth mechanisms of the isotope-doped carbon nanotubes manufactured by this method can be readily studied.
US07674442B2	Reducing mercury emissions from the burning of coal Processes and compositions are provided for decreasing emissions of mercury upon combustion of fuels such as coal. Various sorbent compositions are provided that contain components that reduce the level of mercury and/or sulfur emitted into the atmosphere upon burning of coal. In various embodiments, the sorbent compositions are added directly to the fuel before combustion; are added partially to the fuel before combustion and partially into the flue gas post combustion zone; or are added completely into the flue gas post combustion zone. In preferred embodiments, the sorbent compositions comprise a source of halogen and preferably a source of calcium. Among the halogens, iodine and bromine are preferred. In various embodiments, inorganic bromides make up a part of the sorbent compositions.
US07674440B2	Apparatus for bio-decontamination of enclosures An enclosure (23) for carrying out operations under sterile conditions having apparatus for sterilsing the enclosure and its content includes a gas generator (17,18) having a fan (18) for producing a stream of air and an evaporator (17) for evaporating hydrogen peroxide solution to be carried by the airstream throughout the enclosure to condense on surfaces in the enclosure to sertilise the surfaces. A pump (13) is provided to draw gas from the enclosure at a location remote from the gas generator to ensure that the sterile vapour reaches the most remote part of the enclosure from the generator and also to maintain the pressure in the generator below atmospheric pressure around the generator so that any leak path in the enclosure results in leakage from the atmosphere into the enclosure and not release of sterilant vapour to atmosphere outside the enclosure.
US07674437B2	Anion generating device utilizing solar power An anion generating device includes an outer housing formed with air inlet and outlets as well as a heat exchanging space, a fan unit disposed in the heat exchanging space, an anion generator operable so as to generate anions near a discharge electrode unit thereof disposed between the air outlet of the outer housing and an air outlet of the fan unit, and a power control unit disposed in a receiving space in the outer housing for supplying electrical power to each of the fan unit and the anion generator by means of electrical energy converted from solar power by a solar power collecting plate mounted on a heat conductive top wall of the outer housing. The anions are impelled by air expelled by the fan unit to move outwardly of the outer housing via the air outlet of the outer housing.
US07674433B2	Tube for storing fluid A tube for storing micro-liter volumes is provided. The tube is open at one end and comprises a body portion of substantially square cross section; a shoulder portion at one end of the body portion and providing the open end of the tube, the cross section of the shoulder portion being greater than that of the body portion; and a formation providing a snap fit connector portion at the other end.
US07674432B2	Pipetting device Pipetting device with an upper part of the casing, a driving element, arranged in the upper part of the casing, with a movable drive element, a spigot receiver, arranged in the upper part of the casing, at least one claw receiver inside the spigot receiver, a lower part of the casing, at least one displacement equipment, arranged in the lower part of the casing, with a displacement chamber, at least one seat for detachably holding a pipette point, arranged on the lower part of the casing and being connected with the displacement chamber via a channel, a spigot, arranged on the lower part of the casing, to be inserted into the spigot receiver, at least one snap hook, arranged on the spigot, with a claw for engaging into the claw receiver when the spigot is inserted into the spigot receiver, and a springy shaft, which is deflectable transversely to the axis of the spigot in order to lift off the claw out of the claw receiver, a lock release ring, movable on the spigot, a wedge gear on the shaft and the lock release ring, effecting deflection of the snap hook towards the axis upon displacement of the lock release ring in a certain direction, and away from the axis upon displacement of the lock release ring in the direction opposite thereto, and a coupling equipment for coupling the drive element and the displacement equipment when the spigot is inserted into the spigot receiver.
US07674431B2	Microfluidic devices having a reduced number of input and output connections A system and method for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. In one example, a microfluidic processing device is fabricated on a substrate having a plurality of N independently controllable components, (e.g., a resistive heating elements) each having at least two terminals. The substrate includes a plurality of input/output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller, and a plurality of leads for connecting the contacts to the terminals of the components. The leads are arranged to allow the external controller to supply control signals to the terminals of the components via the contacts using substantially fewer contacts than the total number of component terminals. For example, in one embodiment, each lead connects a corresponding contact to a plurality of terminals to allow the controller to supply to signals to the terminals without requiring a separate contact for each terminal. However, to assure that the components can each be controlled independently of the others, the leads are also arranged so that each component's terminals are connected to a unique combination of contacts. Thus, the external controller can activate a selected component by supplying control signals to the combination of contacts uniquely associated with that component.
US07674430B2	Automated analyzer The performance of an analyzer is checked on by use of a performance check cartridge which has the same external shape as a reagent cartridge for analyzing samples has; the performance check cartridge holds reagents for checking on the performance of the analyzer, and concurrently holds process conditions and determination conditions for checking on the performance of the analyzer in the form of two-dimensional dot codes; in accordance with the process conditions recorded in the performance check cartridge, the automated analyzer determines the absorbance by use of the reagents filled in the performance check cartridge, and compares a result of the determination with the determination conditions recorded in the performance check cartridge, thereby checking on the performance of the analyzer.
US07674419B2	Method and apparatus for making foot impressions A method and apparatus for the making of an impression of a person's foot in foam to be used in the manufacture of orthotics comprising in combination a box of foam that will be deformed by the person's foot during the making of a foot impression, placed in foam box receptacle that is supported on a base and which can adjustably swivel or rotate so that the person's knee, ankle and foot will be put in a neutral position and when in use the person is placed in a seated position and a box of foam is placed in the receptacle and a strap assembly is used to exert a downward force on the person's lower leg, the strap being secured to a lever arm used to exert a downward pressure and engage with a block arm which correspondingly exerts a downward force on a block situated above the box of foam and which pushes the foot down into the foam and wherein the block is slideable transversely to the box of foam to align with the arch of the person's foot and to insure that the block exerts its downward pressure evenly and directly on the person's foot.
US07674416B2	Hybrid intravascular stent A hybrid stent is formed which exhibits both high flexibility and high radial strength. The expandable hybrid stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, consists of radially expandable cylindrical rings generally aligned on a common longitudinal axis and interconnected by one or more links. In one embodiment, a dip-coated covered stent is formed by encapsulating cylindrical rings within a polymer material. In other embodiments, at least some of the rings and links are formed of a polymer material which provides longitudinal and flexural flexibility to the stent. These polymer rings and links are alternated with metallic rings and links in various configurations to attain sufficient column strength along with the requisite flexibility in holding open the target site within the body lumen. Alternatively, a laminated, linkless hybrid stent is formed by encapsulating cylindrical rings within a polymer tube.
US07674415B2	Process for the production of plates made of transparent plastic material with non-transparent overinjected parts Described herein is a process for the production of plates made of transparent plastic material with non-transparent overmoulded parts by means of a first direct injection and subsequent compression for the formation of the transparent plate, and a second injection for overmoulding said parts on the transparent plate, covering the indicators or witness marks of the first injection. Each injection can be in spots controlled in sequence, and the second injection can be followed by a respective step of post-compression.
US07674404B2	Gallium oxide/zinc oxide sputtering target, method of forming transparent conductive film and transparent conductive film Provided is a high-density gallium oxide/zinc oxide sintered sputtering target containing 20 massppm or greater of each zirconium oxide and aluminum oxide, wherein the total content thereof is less than 250 ppm. This gallium oxide (Ga2O3)/zinc oxide (ZnO) sputtering target (GZO target) improves the conductivity and bulk density of the target by adding trace amounts of specific elements. In other words, it is possible to obtain a target capable of increasing the sintered density, inhibiting the formation of nodules, and preventing the generation of abnormal electrical discharge and particles by improving the component composition. Further, provided are a method of forming a transparent conductive film with the use of the target, and a transparent conductive film formed thereby.
US07674395B2	Laser etching method and apparatus therefor The invention provides a laser etching method for optical ablation working by irradiating a work article formed of an inorganic material with a laser light from a laser oscillator capable of emitting in succession light pulses of a large energy density in space and time with a pulse radiation time not exceeding 1 picosecond, wherein, in laser etching of the work article formed of the inorganic material by irradiation thereof with the laser light from the laser oscillator with a predetermined pattern and with a predetermined energy density, there is utilized means for preventing deposition of a work by-product around the etching position.
US07674394B2	Plasma process for inductively coupling power through a gas distribution plate while adjusting plasma distribution A method of processing a workpiece in the chamber of a plasma reactor includes capacitively coupling plasma source power using a ceiling gas distribution plate as the electrode while inductively coupling plasma source power through the ceiling gas distribution plate, and flowing process gas through the gas distribution plate from a gas input to plural gas injection orifices, distributing the gas flow within the gas distribution plate through a succession of arcuate paths joined at respective junctions, dividing gas flow at each junction from a first respective one of said gas flow paths into a respective pair of said gas flow paths in opposite gas flow directions, and restricting the arcuate length of each of the arcuate paths to less than half-circles.
US07674393B2	Etching method and apparatus When a substrate is etched by using a processing gas including a first gas containing halogen and carbon and having a carbon number of two or less per molecule, while supplying the processing gas toward the substrate independently from a central and a peripheral portion of a gas supply unit, which face the central and the periphery part of the substrate respectively, the processing gas is supplied such that a gas flow rate is greater in the central portion than in the peripheral portion. When the substrate is etched by using a processing gas including a second gas containing halogen and carbon and having a carbon number of three or more per molecule, the processing gas is supplied such that a gas flow rate is greater in the peripheral portion than in the central portion.
US07674387B2	Oil filtration system An oil filtration system includes three separate tanks. A first of these tanks is to receive oil from a wheel motor of the mining or construction vehicle. A second of these tanks is to receive the oil from the first tank after the oil in the first tank has been sufficiently heated so as to remove moisture therefrom. And, a third of these tanks is to receive the oil from the second tank after the oil has been sufficiently filtered so as to remove particles and debris therefrom. The third tank can hold the filtered oil therein until it is ready to be supplied back to the wheel motor.
US07674386B2	Slurry filtration system and apparatus A slurry filtration system and apparatus with peripheral elements for conditioning a slurry prior to entry into a pressure filter (32) and the control of fluid and liquid introductions into the filter (32) to produce a desired filter cake or filtrate. The system includes a controller (16) for controlling the operation of the peripheral treatment for the introduction of coagulants, flocculants and polymers to treat or condition a slurry introduced into the filter (32) and the control of additional peripheral equipment for treatment of the slurry with liquid clearing or cake forming gas, steam, or drying or conditioning gas within the filter chamber (40) for the production of both filtrate and filter cake from the filter (32) to a form desired.
US07674384B2	Method of reclaiming brine solutions using an organic chelant A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc. The chelant contains a functional group selected from the group —CO2H or —PO(R21)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —C(O)—, —OE, —SE, —N═C(R2)R3, EO—N═C(R2)R3, —N(R2)R3, and —N(C(O)R1)R2 group optionally substituted with a —COOH or —PO(R21)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —SE or —OE group, wherein R2 and R3 are independently selected from E or forms, with nitrogen, phosphorous, oxygen or sulfur, a heterocyclic ring; E is R1 or —H; R1 is a C1-C30 alkyl or aralkyl group or a derivative thereof and R20 and R21 are independently selected from —OH, —OR1 and R1.
US07674382B2	Method of cleaning fouled and/or scaled membranes A method of cleaning a fouled and/or scaled UF or MF membrane with a solution containing one or more thermo-responsive polymers is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises: (a) treating the membrane in a membrane separation system with a solution containing one or more TRP, wherein said TRP is soluble in said solution and at least an effective amount of said TRP diffuses into a foulant layer that is present on the surface and/or in pores of said membrane; (b) making insoluble said TRP diffused into said foulant layer; (c) optionally rinsing the membrane; (d) optionally backwashing the membrane with air and/or liquid between the steps (b) and (c); and (e) optionally backwashing the membrane with air and/or liquid after the membrane is rinsed in step (c).
US07674380B2	Apparatus for treating sewage using a semi-batch process and associated method An apparatus for treating sewage using a semi-batch process is provided. The apparatus may include an aeration tank, a thickening tank, a dephosphorization tank, and first and second reactor basins. The first and second reactor basins may each include an opening portion formed by opening a side wall thereof so as to be connected with a lateral portion of the aeration tank and an aeration unit installed therein. The apparatus may also include a flow distribution pipe including a start pipe and a pair of flow pipes, a pair of stirrers each provided at a respective side of the auxiliary pipes in each of the pair of flow pipes, operating in turn to stir the dephosphorized sewage overflowing from the dephosphorization, and a decanter installed across the top of the side opposite to the opening portions of the first and second reactor basins.
US07674379B2	Wastewater treatment system with simultaneous separation of phosphorus and manure solids Wastewater treatment systems and processes for removal of solids, pathogens, nitrogen, and phosphorus from municipal and agricultural wastewater include the simultaneous separation of solids and phosphorus from wastewater and industrial effluents.
US07674378B2	Wetland water treatment system A self-contained wetlands treatment system to remove pollutants from water and treat stormwater runoff or other grey water. This is system and method wherein the water is passed through a wetland filtering and treatment system. This invention removes solids, metals (dissolved/particulate), nutrients (dissolved/particulate), oils, and bacterial contaminants from the water. The system and system housing can be fabricated, built, and assembled in a broad range of sizes and materials to accommodate and treat a broad range of influent flow rates.
US07674377B2	Filter apparatus A filter apparatus, including a dual-chambered, centrifugal and compressive filtration apparatus having a central annular filter element, rotating external radial fins extending from adjacent the filter element to adjacent an outer cannister wall and internal fins within the annular filter element. The disclosed filter element is a continuous resilient, cylindrical, helical filter coil including a regular sinusoidal shape defining loop-shaped filter pores between adjacent coils.
US07674375B2	Closed loop flow control of a HPLC constant flow pump to enable low-flow operation A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system provide fluid flow without relying on complex calibration routines to compensate for solvent compositions gradients typically used in HPLC. The apparatus and method are used to correct the flow output of a typical, analytical-scale (0.1-5 mL/min) HPLC pump to enable accurate anti precise flow delivery at capillary (<0.1 mL/min) and nano-scale (<μL/min) HPLC flow rates.
US07674368B2	Systems, methods, and catalysts for producing a crude product Contact of a crude feed with one or more catalysts produces a total product that includes a crude product. The crude product is a liquid mixture at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa. Contacting conditions are controlled such that the crude feed, during contact, uptakes hydrogen at a selected rate to inhibit phase separation of the crude feed during contact. One or more properties of the crude product may be changed by at least 10% relative to the respective properties of the crude feed.
US07674362B2	Method for fabrication of a conductive bump structure of a circuit board A method for fabricating a conductive bump structure of a circuit board is disclosed. The circuit board with a plurality of electrical connection pads is provided. An insulating protective layer and a resist layer are successively applied on the circuit board, wherein openings are formed in the layers at positions corresponding to the pads to expose the pads. Then, a conductive layer is formed on surfaces of the resist layer and openings, and a metal layer is formed on the conductive layer via electroplating and filled in the openings. Subsequently, the metal layer and conductive layer formed on the resist layer are removed via thinning, so as to form metal bumps on the pads. After the resist layer is removed, the metal bumps are covered by an adhesive layer to form a conductive bump structure for electrically connecting the circuit board to the external electronic component.
US07674357B2	Transparent electroconductive film and process for producing same There are provided: (1) a process for producing an InSbO4-containing transparent electroconductive film, which comprises the step of sputtering simultaneously: (i) a target (A) for sputtering, which comprises In, Sb and O, and whose atomic ratio of Sb/In is from 0.9 to 1.1, and (ii) a target (B) for sputtering, which comprises Sb, (2) a transparent eletroconductive film, which contains In, Sb and O, and whose atomic ratio of Sb/In is from 0.8 to 1.5, and (3) a target for sputtering, which contains In, Sb and O, and whose atomic ratio of Sb/In is from 1.2 to 2.0.
US07674355B2	Method of measuring macro and micro stickies in a recycled sample containing pulp fibers A method of measuring macro and micro stickies in a recycled sample containing pulp fibers is disclosed. The method includes forming a slurry of the recycled macro stickies and a liquid and using a first separation device to separate out the macro stickies and the pulp fiber while collecting the screenate. The macro stickies and the pulp fibers are then washed with additional liquid to further separate out any macro stickies while again collecting the screenate. The macro stickies are then removed from the first separation device and are measured. The method also includes agglomerating the micro stickies in the screenate to form agglomerated micro stickies. The screenate is routed through a second separation device to separate out the agglomerated micro stickies. The agglomerated micro stickies are then removed from the separation device and are measured.
US07674353B2	Apparatus to confine plasma and to enhance flow conductance The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a plasma reactor. In one embodiment, a plasma reactor includes a substrate support is disposed in a vacuum chamber body and coupled to bias power generator. An RF electrode is disposed above the substrate support and coupled to a very high frequency power generator. A conductive annular ring is disposed on the substrate support and has a lower outer wall, an upper outer wall and an inner wall. A step is extends upward and outward from a lower outer wall and inward and downward from the upper outer wall. The inner wall disposed opposite the upper and lower outer wall. In other embodiments, the annular ring may be fabricated from a conductive material, such as silicon carbide and aluminum.
US07674349B2	Method for continuous production of a functional film There is provided a method for continuous production of a functional membrane whereby a functional membrane in which a functional polymer is filled into the micropores of a porous resin sheet can be obtained both continuously and efficiently.The method for continuous production of a functional membrane of the present invention comprises a step for impregnating and depositing a polymer precursor having a functional group on a continuously conveyed porous resin sheet; a polymerization step for continuously feeding and bringing into contact first and second resin films to one side and the other side, respectively, of the precursor-impregnated/deposited sheet comprising the porous resin sheet into which the polymer precursor is impregnated and deposited, and polymerizing the polymer precursor in a state in which the sheet is sandwiched between the two resin films; a film peeling step; and a polymer removal step.
US07674347B2	Method for the production of a combined piezo/luminescent film and actuating element with such a piezo/luminescent film The present invention relates to a method for the production of a combined piezo/luminescent film for use as actuating element, especially in vehicles, comprising the steps: provision of a film-type base material (1); application of a piezoelectric varnish (2) onto the base material at least in a first partial area (A1, A2) so as to form a piezoelectric switch surface in the first partial area; application of a luminescent varnish (3) onto the base material in at least a second partial area (B1, B2) so as to be able to illuminate the switch surface in the second partial area; covering at least of the first and second partial area with a top layer (4) that is bonded to the base material. In addition, the present invention describes an actuating element with a combined piezo/luminescent film produced in such a manner.
US07674340B2	Stabilizer for organic solvents A stabilizer composition comprising a) an amine and b) a compound selected from aliphatic, non-cyclic monomeric polyunsaturated hydrocarbons and terpenes is useful for stabilizing an organic solvent against degradation.
US07674339B2	Method for the plasma cleaning of the surface of a material coated with an organic substance and the installation for carrying out said method The invention relates to a method of cleaning the surface of a material (4) that is coated with an organic substance. The inventive method is characterised in that it comprises the following steps, consisting in: introducing the material (4) into a treatment chamber (2), having a pressure of between 10 mbar and 1 bar therein, which is supplied with a gas stream containing at least 90 volume percent of oxygen; and generating a plasma by passing an electric discharge between the surface of the material and a dielectric-covered electrode (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g) in order to break down the organic substance under the action of the free radicals O thus produced. The invention also relates to an installation (1) that is used to carry out said method.
US07674337B2	Gas manifolds for use during epitaxial film formation The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for epitaxial film formation that includes an epitaxial chamber adapted to form an epitaxial layer on a substrate; a deposition gas manifold adapted to supply at least one deposition gas and a carrier gas to the epitaxial chamber; and an etchant gas manifold, separate from the deposition gas manifold, and adapted to supply at least one etchant gas and a carrier gas to the epitaxial chamber. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.
US07674335B2	Method of producing high quality relaxed silicon germanium layers A method for minimizing particle generation during deposition of a graded Si1−xGex layer on a semiconductor material includes providing a substrate in an atmosphere including a Si precursor and a Ge precursor, wherein the Ge precursor has a decomposition temperature greater than germane, and depositing the graded Si1−xGex layer having a final Ge content of greater than about 0.15 and a particle density of less than about 0.3 particles/cm2 on the substrate.
US07674333B2	Light weight phosphate cements A sealant having a specific gravity in the range of from about 0.7 to about 1.6 for heavy oil and/or coal bed methane fields is disclosed. The sealant has a binder including an oxide or hydroxide of Al or of Fe and a phosphoric acid solution. The binder may have MgO or an oxide of Fe and/or an acid phosphate. The binder is present from about 20 to about 50% by weight of the sealant with a lightweight additive present in the range of from about 1 to about 10% by weight of said sealant, a filler, and water sufficient to provide chemically bound water present in the range of from about 9 to about 36% by weight of the sealant when set. A porous ceramic is also disclosed.
US07674332B2	Extended settable compositions comprising cement kiln dust and associated methods An embodiment of the present invention includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing an extended settable composition comprising hydraulic cement, cement kiln dust, water, and a set retarding additive, wherein the extended settable composition is capable of remaining in a pumpable fluid state for at least about 1 day; adding a cement set accelerator to the extended settable composition; introducing the extended settable composition into a well bore; and allowing the extended settable composition to set. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing an extended settable composition comprising hydraulic cement, cement kiln dust, water, and a set retarding additive; storing the extended settable composition; adding a cement set accelerator to the extended settable composition; introducing the extended settable composition into a well bore; and allowing the extended settable composition to set.
US07674329B2	Water-based ink set for ink-jet recording According embodiments of the present disclosure, a water-based ink set for ink-jet recording is provided. The ink set may contain a black ink, a cyan ink, a magenta ink and a yellow ink. Each ink may contain a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfonate.
US07674327B2	Flexographic ink compositions Flexographic ink vehicles, ink additives and printing ink compositions are disclosed. The compositions include at least two naturally occurring polymers in the form of naturally occurring rosins or resins, in particular esters of rosins or resins or salts thereof. In an exemplary embodiment the compositions include a maleic modified rosin and a fumaric modified rosin, in particular esters and ester salts thereof.
US07674322B2	Gas absorption device, method of manufacturing the same, and liquid container The present invention is a gas absorption device arranged in a liquid container storing a liquid fed to a liquid consumption apparatus. The device includes a decompressed container having an opening and a flexible film sealing the opening in the state that the decompressed container is internally decompressed. At least a part of a portion having an inner surface which receives the decompressed pressure in the decompressed container and an outer surface which is in contact with the liquid in the liquid container is formed by a gas permeable material through which gas dissolved in the liquid in the liquid container can permeate. According to the present invention, gas dissolved in the liquid stored in the liquid container can be absorbed using a decompressed space and the existence of a decompressed status necessary to absorb gas can be easily examined.
US07674313B2	Controlled release fertilizer and system and method In a method for fertilizing plants, a water source is attached to a fertilizer distribution device including a controlled release fertilizer, the water source is activated, and a controlled release fertilizer enriched solution of water is distributed from the fertilizer distribution device upon a plant or the ground. The fertilizer distribution device includes the supply of controlled release fertilizer, an inlet configured to attach to a water source and an outlet configured to release a flow of fertilizer enriched water from the fertilizer distribution device. The supply of controlled release fertilizer includes a set of granules. The granules have a plurality of different solubility rates.
US07674307B2	Self supported fluid filter A self supported cylindrical corrugated filter. The corrugations of the filter define a first and second end. Two arcuate side walls join the first and second end. The filter has a substantially planar front surface and a substantially planar rear surface. The front and rear surfaces extend the length of the filter. The arcuate side walls have a plurality of overlapping folded flaps. Each one of the plurality of flaps is joined to at least one adjacent flap from the plurality of flaps to form the self supported filter.
US07674303B2	Methods for binding particulate solids Provided are methods for binding particulate solids in a polymer fiber matrix utilizing composite waste products. A mixture of composite waste products and particulate solids is formed into solid products to create degradation resistant solid units which capture the particulate solids.
US07674301B2	Yarn and fabric with zones of variable heat set character Yarns and fabrics formed from such yarns incorporating an arrangement of discrete zones of variable heat treat history thereby imparting differential dye affinity and structural character at discrete zones along the yarn length are described. The differential dye affinity permits variable shading along the yarn length when the yarn is subjected to a dye bath. Processes and equipment for manufacturing such yarns are also provided.
US07674300B2	Process for dyeing a textile web In a process for dyeing a textile web, dye is applied directly to a first face of the textile web other than by saturating the web. The web is moved in an open configuration thereof over a contact surface of an ultrasonic vibration system with a second (opposite) face of the textile web in direct contact with the contact surface of the ultrasonic vibration system and the first face free from contact with the contact surface of the ultrasonic vibration system. The ultrasonic vibration system is operated to impart ultrasonic energy to the second face of the textile web to facilitate movement of the dye from the first face of the web into and through the web to the second face thereof. In another embodiment, dye is applied to the first face of the textile web without applying the dye to the second face of the web.
US07674299B2	Direct dye composition comprising a cationic surfactant, a bioheteropolysaccharide, an amphoteric surfactant and direct dye The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising at least one direct dye, at least one bioheteropolysaccharide, at least one cationic surfactant and at least one amphoteric or non-ionic surfactant. Such a composition makes it possible to obtain compositions that allow intense and relatively nonselective shades to be obtained, leaving the hair with good cosmetic properties.
US07674298B1	Method and apparatus for implementing a handheld security system Methods and apparatus for providing security to Bluetooth-enabled handheld or portable devices are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a handheld security system includes a control unit and a device. The control unit is Bluetooth-enabled, and has an associated communications range. The device, which is also Bluetooth-enabled, is registered with the control unit such that the device cooperates with the control unit using Bluetooth communications to determine when the device is within the range of communications of the control unit. When it is determined that the device is within the range of communications of the control unit, the device is allowed to remain functional. Alternatively, when it is determined that the device is not within the range of communications of the control unit, the device is rendered to be substantially non-functional.
US07674297B2	Anatomic vertebral cage A spinal fusion system includes a cage with a fillable volume and removable locking gate, thereby enabling the fillable volume to be packed with graft, biologic or other materials prior to the gate being closed and locked. In the preferred embodiment, the locking gate is positioned anteriorally, though lateral, posterior, and combinations thereof are also possible. The cage is preferably radiolucent, being composed of a carbon fiber, but with one or more radiopaque markers to provide a certain degree of visualization. Some or all of the walls of the cage may include superior and/or inferior surface features to enhance positioning and/or minimize back-out, and the posterior wall may be indented to prevent neurocompression. The sidewalls of the cage may further include a recessed face with nipple indents and locking fasteners. According to a system aspect of the invention, multiple cages are provided, each being shaped differently for use at different spinal levels. For example, the cage may be larger and more trapezoidally-pronounced for the L5-S1 levels, or smaller and less trapezoidally pronounced for the T and L2 levels. The system may further including an implant introducer instrument geometrically matched to the cage, and the matched implant introducer instruments and cages may be color-coded to expedite the procedure.
US07674292B2	Instrumentation and methods for use in implanting a cervical disc replacement device Instrumentation for implanting an intervertebral disc replacement device includes an insertion plate comprising a base, a first mounting element of the base operable to engage a first member of an intervertebral disc replacement device and a second mounting element of the base operable to engage a second member of the intervertebral disc replacement device, the first and second mounting elements cooperating to engage and orient the first and second members of the intervertebral disc replacement device for simultaneous insertion into an intervertebral disc space of a spinal column. The invention also comprises a method for replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc in a spinal column, comprising the steps of removing the portion of the intervertebral disc from the spinal column and simultaneously inserting first and second members of an intervertebral disc replacement device into an intervertebral disc space of the spinal column, the first and second members being engageable with and operable to permit adjacent vertebral bones defining the intervertebral disc space to articulate with respect to one another, and the first and second members being detachably coupled to an insertion plate that is operable to orient the first and second members with respect to one another for such insertion.
US07674289B2	Biological artificial ligament and method of making A prosthesis for implantation into a human body is made by a method that includes the steps of providing a natural animal ligament or tendon that has a substrate, crosslinking and fixing the substrate, minimizing the antigens from the substrate, tanning the substrate to improve its mechanical properties, and coupling an active layer to the substrate.
US07674285B2	Polyanhydride polymers and their uses in biomedical devices A biocompatible, bioerodable polyanhydride polymer having a Young's modulus between about 1.5 and 3 and a selected rate of surface degradation, and methods of forming and using the polymer, are disclosed. The polymer is formed of a polyester prepolymer having a preferred molecular weight of greater than 5 and less than 7.5 Kdaltons, and a selected number of anhydride linkages between 5 and about 30.
US07674283B2	Radially expandable stents An expandable, elongate flexible conduit is provided for placement in a tubular body structure. An exemplary conduit includes a plurality of flexible longitudinal members defining in an unexpanded state a lumen, the members being radially expandable at preselected intervals to define a longitudinally oriented array of open-sided cages separated by less-expanded tubular segments, at least one of the open-sided cages having a diameter varying along its length and each of the open-sided cages having a maximum diameter larger than a diameter of the less-expanded tubular segments.
US07674278B2	Tissue distraction device An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces is provided. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted using a wafer insertion apparatus between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. A detachable wafer assembly is provided that includes a base wafer initially associated with a track assembly of a wafer insertion apparatus. The base wafer is dislodged from the track assembly so that the base wafer is left within the distraction site as the track assembly is removed. A top cap wafer is provided that is situated at the top of the wafer stack, in which the top cap wafer is larger than the remaining wafers to form a gap surrounding the stack to receive biologic material.
US07674276B2	Rotational securing of a suture A suture fixation apparatus having a first body portion having a bone engaging feature to fixedly engage a bony tissue and a second body portion defining an eyelet for receipt of a suture. The second body portion is rotatable with respect to the first body portion. Rotating the second body portion causes the suture to form a twist to frictionally secure the suture.
US07674274B2	Method and apparatus for attaching connective tissues to bone using a cortical bone anchoring device A bone anchor device for attaching connective tissue to bone comprises a disk adapted for insertion into a portion of bone to which the connective tissue is to be attached. The disk is movable between a bent orientation for presenting a smaller cross-section and an expanded orientation for presenting a larger cross-section. The bent orientation is utilized for inserting the disk through a small hole into a region of cancellous bone beneath the cortical bone layer, after which the disk is actuated to its expanded orientation so that it will be permanently anchored in the cancellous bone, as it will be too large to return proximally through the hole in the cortical bone layer. Two embodiments are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the disk is initially formed in the expanded orientation, of spring steel. In a second embodiment, the disk is initially formed in the bent orientation, and spring steel is not required.
US07674272B2	Bearing system to support a rotatable operating head in an intracorporeal device A bearing system useful in an intracorporeal device connects an operating head, a rotatable drive shaft and a catheter. The bearing system includes a static member in fixed communication with the distal end of the catheter, an interior shaft that is in rotatable communication with the drive shaft and the operating head, and at least one connecting structure. The static member has at least one opening through which the connecting structure moveably rests against a seat of the interior shaft. The position of the connecting structure within the seat enables the bearing to accept a rotational load of the rotating drive shaft and/or thrust load in the direction of the longitudinal length of the catheter. The connecting structure further retains the internal shaft and static member of the bearing system. A clearance space between the internal shaft and the catheter may permit the interior shaft to tilt relative to the catheter and flexibly orient the operating head at different angles about longitudinal axis of the catheter.
US07674270B2	Apparatus for positioning a medical instrument The present device provides an apparatus for securely positioning a medical instrument relative to a patient. The apparatus comprises a drive assembly for moving the medical instrument along a first axis that is substantially parallel to the length of the instrument; an adapter comprising an elongated member and a pair of cooperating hubs for connecting the drive assembly to a positioning system. The cooperating hubs serving to allow separation of sterile from non sterile components. The positioning system comprises two motors each for moving the instrument about a different axis than the drive assembly. The apparatus moving the instrument about a point which is external to the patient. The device further comprises a sterile bag which encloses the positioning system, the bag having at least one opening for receiving an axel from a sterile adapter assembly, thereby rendering the entire apparatus sterile.
US07674267B2	Apparatus for cutting bone An apparatus (10) for cutting bone includes a shaft member (12) having a central axis (14) and extending between a proximal end portion (16) and a distal end portion (18). The proximal end portion (16) has a first surface (32) adapted to receive repetitive impacts. The distal end portion (18) includes a cutting blade (40) extending in a first plane between a shield section (46) and a guide portion (60). The shield section (46) and the guide section (60) project axially beyond the cutting blade (40) to recess the cutting blade (40) in the distal end portion (18). The shield section (46) includes an inwardly facing shield surface (48) which extends in a second plane that is transverse to the first plane of the cutting blade (40). The apparatus (10) is a form of an osteotome that is particularly useful for certain spine-related surgical procedures.
US07674262B2	High-frequency treatment tool for endoscope A high-frequency treatment tool for an endoscope including a flexible sheath being made of electrically insulating material to be inserted through an insertion channel of the endoscope, a conductive operation wire, which is adapted to be advanced and retracted inside the flexible sheath, and a partially elongated electrode being arranged at a distal end of the high-frequency treatment tool separately from the operation wire, to which high-frequency electrical current is supplied for high-frequency treatment, is provided. The electrode is adapted to be protruded and retracted in an axial direction thereof from the distal end of the high-frequency treatment tool by an operation to the operation wire. The electrode is allowed to be removed from the high-frequency treatment tool independently from the operation wire.
US07674260B2	Emergency hemostasis device utilizing energy A method and system for achieving hemostasis (the stoppage of bleeding) is described. RF (radio frequency) energy is used to ablate the surface of tissue to stop bleeding. The depth of destruction of the tissue can be controlled so as to desiccate and coagulate the tissue. In one implementation, an electrode carrier including bipolar electrodes is applied to the tissue, and RF energy transmitted through the bipolar electrodes to ablate the tissue. A layer of desiccated tissue can be created as well as coagulation of the tissue to achieve hemostasis.
US07674259B2	Medical instruments and techniques for thermally-mediated therapies A surgical instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes and for causing thermal effects in polymer tissue-contacting members. In one embodiment, the instrument has a working end with an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid. An energy source causes a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior of the instrument. The vapor phase media then is ejected from the working surface of the instrument, and a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue applies thermal energy substantially equal to the heat of vaporization to ablate tissue. The vapor-to-liquid phase transitions, or internal energy releases, can be provided about thin-film flexible structures for engaging body lumens and cavities. An exemplary embodiment can be used for shrinking, sealing, welding or creating lesions in tissue—while causing limited collateral thermal damage and while totally eliminating electrical current flow in the engaged tissue.
US07674257B2	Apparatus and method for ablating tissue A control system alters one or more characteristics of an ablating element to ablate tissue. In one aspect, the control system delivers energy nearer to the surface of the tissue by changing the frequency or power. In another aspect, the ablating element delivers focused ultrasound which is focused in at least one dimension. The ablating device may also have a number of ablating elements with different characteristics such as focal length.
US07674254B2	Connector, connector system, and use thereof A connector (10) is provided for sterile connection to a complementary connector (12). The connector (10) has a housing (14) with an engagement device (16) to engage a complementary engagement device (18) of the complementary connector (12) along an engagement direction (44). The connector (10) is displaceable relative to the complementary connector (12) along the engagement direction (44) after the engagement device (16) engages the complementary engagement device (18). The housing (14) has a feed-through opening (24) for receiving a sensor (34) and a cover (22). The cover (22) is displaced relative to the connector (10) along the engagement direction (44) to close the feed-through opening (24) in a sterile manner. The connector (10) also has a sterile sensor (34) that is movable along a sensor displacement direction (52) that differs from the engagement direction (44).
US07674253B2	Catheter for conducting a procedure within a lumen, duct or organ of a living being In an embodiment, the invention provides a catheter suitable for use in performing a procedure within a vessel, lumen or organ of a living having a distal end which is steerable, such as upon the application of compression. The catheter may be of the over the wire type, or alternatively may be a rapid exchange catheter. The catheter may provide for a rotating element which may be used to open a clogged vessel, or alternatively to provide information about adjacent tissues, such as may be generated by imaging or guiding arrangements using tissue detection systems known in the art, e.g., ultrasound, optical coherence reflectometry, etc. For rapid exchange catheters having a rotating element, there is provided an offset drive assembly to allow the rotary force to be directed from alongside the guidewire to a location coaxial to and over the guidewire.
US07674251B2	Medical devices including aerated adhesive bonds and methods of forming the same Medical devices can be formed from medical device components that are bonded together with an adhesive that resists stresses caused by adhesive curing. In particular, a medical device can include a first component and a second component. The second component can be configured to fit at least partially over the first component. An aerated adhesive layer can be formed or disposed between the first and second components.
US07674250B2	Methods of delivering therapeutic agents Devices and methods of delivering therapeutic agents to tissue are provided, which provide reduced outflow of therapeutic agents from an injection site. The methods include delivering one or more clot-promoting substances, such as platelets, fibrin and/or thrombin, to the injection site to entrap the therapeutic agent in the injection site. Devices include devices that are suitable for use in the provided methods.
US07674247B2	Double barrel syringe and handles for use with double barrel syringes An apparatus that includes two syringes, or a “double barrel syringe,” includes one syringe that injects or infuses while the other syringe aspirates. The double barrel syringe is a hand-held, hand-operated device with which injection and aspiration may be effected by a single action. The double barrel syringe may include a handle with two member. A first member includes one arm that pivotally couples to a plunger of a first syringe and another arm that pivotally couples to a barrel of a second syringe. A second member of the handle includes one arm that pivotally couples to a barrel of the first syringe and another arm that pivotally couples to a plunger of the second syringe. Methods for injecting or infusing simultaneously with aspirating are also disclosed.
US07674239B2	Flexible introducer sheath An introducer apparatus and a method for forming an introducer apparatus. The apparatus comprises an inner liner having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. A coil in a stressed, radially expanded condition is positioned longitudinally around said inner tube. A polymeric outer tube is positioned longitudinally around the coil and the inner liner, and is bonded to the inner liner through the spaces between the turns of the coil. The polymeric outer tube is formed in a manner such that it maintains the coil in its stressed radially expanded condition. In a preferred embodiment, the inner liner and outer tube comprise a polyimide.
US07674238B2	Methods and apparatus for emboli removal Improved methods and apparatus for capturing emboli and subsequently removing or immobilizing the captured emboli are described. Emboli can be captured within a blood vessel and can be withdrawn to a position exterior to the blood vessel. Some filters can remain within a blood vessel yet direct emboli to a position exterior to the blood vessel.
US07674237B2	Method and apparatus for blood withdrawal and infusion using a pressure controller A method and apparatus for controlling blood withdrawal and infusion flow rate with the use of a pressure controller. The pressure controller uses pressure targets based upon occlusion limits that are calculated as a function of flow. The controller has the ability to switch from controlling withdrawal pressure to controlling infusion pressure based upon the detection of an occlusion. The controller distinguishes between partial and total occlusions of the withdrawal vein providing blood access. Depending on the nature of occlusion, the controller limits or temporarily reverses blood flow and, thus, prevents withdrawal vessel collapse or reverses blood flow to quickly infuse blood into the vessel without participation from operator.
US07674235B2	Method for determining concentration; a dialyser A dialyzer having a hemo-dialyzer and/or a hemo-filter and an extra-corporal blood circulation with which a device for the adding of citrate to the blood is connected upstream and a device for the adding of a substitution solution containing ions to the blood is connected downstream of the hemo-dialyzer and/or of the hemo-filter. Ion concentration in the dialyzate downstream of the hemo-dialyzer and/or of the hemo-filter is detected with respect to the direction of flow of the dialyzate. The concentration of the ion, atom or molecule to be determined is reliably ascertained by preventing the complexing of the ion, atom or molecule, at least during the determination of the concentration, by the addition or withdrawal of a substance.
US07674228B2	System and method for ECG-triggered retrospective color flow ultrasound imaging A method for producing an ECG-triggered retrospective color-flow ultrasound image comprises generating ultrasound, transmitting the ultrasound into a subject at a first location, wherein a first reference point of an ECG signal taken from the subject triggers the ultrasound transmission, receiving ultrasound reflected from the subject at the first location, transmitting the ultrasound into the subject at a second location, wherein a second reference point of an ECG signal taken from the subject triggers the ultrasound transmission receiving ultrasound reflected from the subject at the second location, processing the received ultrasound to form ultrasound color traces, and reconstructing the ultrasound color traces to form the ultrasound image.
US07674220B2	Method and apparatus for applying hot-melt adhesive to zipper flanges and applying zipper to packages The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for the attachment of a zipper to a reclosable package or bag, particular packages or bags of relatively larger sizes. Pinch rollers separate the flanges of the zipper so that the interior walls of the flanges are pointing upward, then hot-melt adhesive is sprayed downwardly onto the flanges. The zipper is then guided over the edge of the horizontally-oriented package or bag by a tube with a longitudinal slot. The package or bag, with the zipper attached, is engaged between a driven-belt apparatus with a nip formed between opposed belts, thereby applying consistent and even pressure to the zipper flanges and assuring that the hot-melt adhesive forms a bond which is consistent, reliable and strong.
US07674215B1	Exercise apparatus seat An exercise apparatus seat includes a seatbottom and a seatback each pivoted to a support frame at respective first and second stationary pivots, and coupled to each other at a third translational pivot.
US07674213B1	Exercising assist method and apparatus An exercising assist method and apparatus for includes a pair of foot engaging members each having a structure to be removably coupled to a foot of a person. A pair of wheel assemblies is provided and each of the foot engaging members has one of the wheel assemblies attached thereto. The wheel assemblies engage a wall surface when the foot of the person is pointed toward the wall surface. The wheel assemblies assist the person in performing exercises.
US07674210B2	Exercise device An exercise device, in particular an exercise device that can be attached to a conventional walker so that the user can operate it while supporting himself with the walker. The device features a base bar that can be attached to at least two legs of a walker and also attached to a second cross bar fit with support rollers, such as pulleys. A cable extends substantially the length of the cross bar, hangs down near the ends of the cross bar, and is disposed on the rollers. On one hanging end of the cable is attached a weight or similar resistance mechanism and on the other end is attached a stirrup or the like suitable for insertion of the user's limb. The height of the stirrup can be adjusted for various exercises and the user can exercise by moving his inserted limb against the resistance.
US07674207B1	Bucket walker system A coupling assembly is adapted to removably couple an associated bucket to an associated foot of a user. The coupling assembly includes a lower component. The lower component is adapted to encompass an associated bucket. The coupling assembly also includes an upper component. The upper component is formed as a strap. The upper component is adapted to couple with respect to a foot of a user. The coupling assembly also includes an intermediate component. The intermediate component is formed as a plurality of vertical straps. The straps couple the upper and lower components.
US07674203B2	Method for the operation of a drivetrain Method of operating a drivetrain, comprising at least an automatic transmission and a drive motor, for improving a speed of successive upshifts or successive downshifts in an overlap manner so that, during a first upshift or downshift, at least one shift element, required for a subsequent second upshift or downshift, is prepared during the first upshift or downshift and, when a synchronization point is reached, the subsequent second upshift or downshift can be carried out immediately. Two successive respective upshifts or downshifts can be carried out as an overlapping single shift by actuating first, second and third shift elements. Implementing the first and the second upshifts or downshifts so that actuation of the second shift element, from the first upshift or downshift to the subsequent second upshift or downshift, occurs via a minimum selection of a first alternative or by a maximum selection of a second alternative.
US07674201B2	Wide ratio transmissions having multiple gear ratios The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having six or seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six or seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US07674198B2	Bicycle rear derailleur A main derailleur body includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the main derailleur body is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. A chain cage is pivotally coupled to the second end of the main derailleur body between at least a first orientation and a second orientation. A first pulley is rotatably mounted relative to the main derailleur body. A second pulley is rotatably mounted to the chain cage to move therewith relative to the main derailleur body. A third pulley is rotatably mounted to the main derailleur body such that the third pulley engages a chain extending between the first and second pulleys when the chain cage is in the first orientation and disengages the chain upon movement of the chain cage from the first orientation to the second orientation.
US07674194B2	Baseball swing training aid A baseball swing training aid includes a housing and a lid for retaining a batting tee in a first or storage configuration and in a second or use configuration. In the first configuration, the batting tee is stowable on an underside of the lid such that the tee does not interfere with the lid's attachment to the housing. In the second configuration, the batting tee base attaches to a slot formed in the lid to extend the tee upwardly for baseball swing training. Accordingly, the tee is easily changeable between the first and second configurations for fast setup, storage or transportation.
US07674192B2	Multi-piece solid golf ball The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core obtained by molding under heat a specific rubber composition and having a cover of at least three layers which is composed of a thermoplastic resin material and encases the core. By optimizing the deflection of the core under a specific load, optimizing the hardness at the center of the core and the hardnesses of the innermost cover layer, outermost cover layer and intermediate cover layer, setting the combined thickness of the cover layers to at least a specific value, and forming the innermost cover layer of a highly neutralized ionomer resin composition, the spin rate of the ball on shots taken with a driver can be significantly reduced, enabling the distance traveled by the ball to be increased. Moreover, the ball has a good feel on shots with a driver.
US07674190B2	Golf club head A golf club head (20) having optimized inertial properties and center of gravity is disclosed. The golf club head (20) preferably has a volume between 300 cubic centimeters and 500 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (20) has a center of gravity located less than 1.7 inches from an exterior surface of a front wall (30). The positioning of the center of gravity of the golf club head (20) and the optimized inertial properties provide the golf club with greater ball spin robustness and better performance.
US07674185B2	Training device for swing development A training device 100 for swing development. A pair of telescoping rods 10 and 12 extend from a spring, one from either end. Each rod is connected to a coupling device 24, 26 having a rotating bearing to which are connected a pair of handles 4, 6. The handles 4, 6 extend perpendicularly to the telescoping rods 10, 12 and in opposite directions to one another. Various attachments can be connected to the handles 4, 6 to be rotated therewith; for example, representations of the sporting equipment to be swung such as a golf club 30 or racquet, or attachments to cause resistance to handle rotation or providing a periodic noise to work on swing rhythm.
US07674183B2	Telescopic drive joint The invention relates to a drive joint for permitting a rotationally and axially fixed connection between a first and second shaft sub-section, the connection allowing a limited angular displacement.
US07674181B2	Game processing Game processing apparatus comprising: an indication generator operable to generate an indication of a sequence of target actions to be executed by a user; a detector operable to detect user actions executed by said user; comparison logic operable to compare said target actions with said user actions to determine whether said target actions have been successfully completed by said user actions; and scoring logic operable, when in a non-scoring mode, to detect a first pattern of target actions that have been successfully completed with respect to target actions that have not been successfully completed, as determined by said comparison logic, said scoring logic entering a scoring mode upon detection of said first pattern, said scoring logic operable, when in said scoring mode, to detect a second pattern of target actions that have been successfully completed with respect to target actions that have not been successfully completed, as determined by said comparison logic, said scoring logic entering said non-scoring mode upon detection of said second pattern, said scoring logic operable to generate a score for said user when said scoring logic is in said scoring mode, said score being dependent upon said determination by said comparison logic.
US07674176B2	Gaming using display elements activated by direction indicators Gaming systems/processes employing display elements activated by direction-indicating symbols from adjacent display elements. A slot game event provides a display grid having deactivated grid positions and at least one activated grid position. A direction-indicating symbol is randomly presented in the activated grid position, indicating the direction of a deactivated grid position, and the deactivated grid position is activated in response. Distinguishing non-selected grid positions from selected grid positions may involve visually de-emphasizing the non-selected grid positions, such as by dimming or obscuring, or highlighting the selected grid positions. An activated grid position may be deactivated if a stop symbol is randomly presented in the grid position. Game play may be repeated until all activated grid positions are deactivated grid positions and/or de-emphasized grid positions. A currently deactivated and/or de-emphasized grid position may be re-activated in response to the direction-indicating symbol being presented in an adjacent grid position.
US07674173B2	Gaming machine with special symbol A gaming machine (10) has a display (14) and a game controller arranged to control images displayed on the display (14).The game controller is arranged to play a game (16) wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display (14). If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine (10) awards a prize. When a special symbol is carried by a symbol-carrying element into a display position on the display (14), the special symbol substitutes as more than one occurrence of a standard symbol of the game (16).
US07674166B2	Server device for net game, net game management method, net game management program and recording medium which stores net game management program The present invention provides a server device for net games which can improve the excitement of watching net games. The lobby server 13 transmits the game watching information to watch a game which a user to be a player plays using the client computer 2A to the client computer 2B of another member to be a spectator of this game, and receives a message transmitted from the client computer 2B of one spectator, and transmits the received message to the client computer 2B of the other spectator.
US07674164B2	Air-conditioning system for the passenger compartment of a vehicle An air-conditioning system for the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The air-conditioning system includes an air-treatment unit and with a series of ventilation outlets distributed inside the passenger compartment and connected to the air-treatment unit. Some of the ventilation outlets are mounted on the side surface of a tubular body, which is set in a bottom portion of the passenger compartment. An internal pipe communicates with the air-treatment unit, and is mounted to oscillate about a longitudinal axis thereof.
US07674163B2	Fillet board for use with fish having horns A fillet board for filleting fish having spines or horns on their pectoral fins extending outwardly from the sides of the fish body. The board defines apertures each sized to receive the horn of a fish laid flat on one side with the horn secured by the board. A plurality of apertures are sized and spaced along a portion of the length of the board to accommodate fish of different sizes. The fillet board has a spacer element to elevate the board above a supporting surface to provide clearance for fish horns to extend below the board. The fillet board includes a tail clamp for securing the tail of a fish.
US07674162B1	Chicken mid-wing splitter An apparatus for spitting whole poultry mid-wing sections into a first radius portion that includes the radius bone of the mid-wing and its surrounding muscle, tissue, and skin and a second ulna portion that includes the ulna bone of the mid-wing and its surrounding muscle, tissue, and skin. The apparatus is provided with a rotatably driven carrier wheel having a plurality of product carrier slots formed therein for accepting mid-wings and moving them along a predetermined arcuate path. A splitting blade is mounted in the arcuate path for engaging and splitting the mid-wings into the desired portions. The apparatus is additionally provided with a retention fender for preventing mid-wings from exiting the carrier slots while the mid-wings are being split, and an ejector comb for forcing the mid-wings out of the carrier slots after they have been split.
US07674161B2	Portable apparatus and method for tenderizing meat A method and apparatus for tenderizing meat by electrical stimulation is characterized by a portable device supplying an electrical current through an electrode or electrodes.
US07674160B1	Gambrel The gambrel includes a center bar, a left hook bar and a right hook bar. The center bar is a flat metal plate with a pivot pin bore, a support line bore and a stop pin bore. The left and right hook bars are elongated flat bars each of which has a hook pivot bore a pivot end, and a hook end. A pivot bolt passes through the left hook bar, through the center bar and through the right hook bar. A pivot bolt nut holds the center bar between the left and right hook bars. A stop bolt passes through the stop pin bore between the hook pivot pin bore and the center bar lower end. The left hook bar rests on the stop bolt and the right hook bar rests on the stop bolt nut when the hook bars are in a carcass support position.
US07674154B2	Apparatus and method for polishing objects using object cleaners An apparatus and method for polishing objects, such as semiconductor wafers, uses at least one object cleaner, which may be a movable object cleaner. The movable object cleaner allows access to different parts of the apparatus for maintenance.
US07674150B2	Toy with tethered pieces A toy. The toy includes a body and a plurality of tethers moveably coupled to the body. The toy also includes a corresponding plurality of tethered pieces coupled to the plurality of tethers and moveable between a retracted state in which the plurality of tethers hold the tethered pieces proximate the body and an extended state in which the plurality of tethers hold the tethered pieces away from the body. A triggering mechanism operatively is adapted to move the plurality of tethered pieces from the retracted state to the extended state responsive to a triggering event.
US07674146B2	Propeller thrust transmission device for a watercraft propulsion device A propeller thrust transmission device includes a taper portion of a propeller shaft that is fitted in a spacer divided into a first half and a second half. A thrust force acting on a propeller is received by the taper portion of the propeller shaft through the spacer. The first half includes a taper hole having an inner surface which corresponds in shape to an outer surface of the taper portion and in which the taper portion is fitted. The second half has a smaller diameter portion extending from one side of a ring-shaped wall portion closer to the propeller and fitted in a hole of an attachment device spaced from the propeller shaft, and a larger diameter portion extending from the other side of the ring-shaped wall portion and fitted on an outer peripheral surface of the first half.
US07674143B2	Sensor and method of producing sensor The present invention provides a sensor and a method of producing the same, which makes an electrical connection condition between an electrode terminal section of a detection element and a metallic terminal member good. The sensor includes a lead frame (metallic terminal member) that changes a support condition of supporting an element abutment section for contact with a detection element on a frame main body section, into a one-point support or a two-point support. At a first-half stage of a work for assembly of the lead frame and the detection element, the element abutment section is put in a one-point support condition relative to the frame main body section and the lead frame produces a relatively smaller resilient force, such that it becomes possible to prevent an excessively large pressure from being applied to the detection element. After the assembly work is completed, the element abutment section is put in a two-point support condition relative to the frame main body section and the lead frame produces a larger resilient force as compared with that in the one-point support condition, such that the electrical connection condition between the lead frame and the detection element can be good.
US07674139B2	Electrical connector with improved retention structures An electrical connector (100) for electrically connecting with a chip module and a printed circuit board comprises a plurality of insulative housings (1), a plurality of contacts received in the insulative housing, and a frame (2) defining an accommodating space (26) to accommodate the insulative housings. The frame defines continuous lateral walls (23) and a plurality of enhancing ribs (24) extending from the lateral walls into the accommodating space. A plurality of first rivet sections (231) are disposed on at least one of the lateral walls of the frame and the insulative housings and a plurality of first mounting holes (16) are defined in at least one of the insulative housings and the lateral walls of the frame to receive the first rivet sections. A plurality of second rivet sections (243) are disposed on at least one of the enhancing ribs of the frame and the insulative housings and a plurality of second mounting holes (17) are defined in at least one of the insulative housings and the enhancing ribs to receive the rivet sections.
US07674135B2	Board-to-board electrical connector A board-to-board electrical connector comprising a male connector including a first insulating base, a plurality of male terminals, each said male terminal having a male contact and a male stator; a female connector including a second insulating base, a plurality of female terminals, each female terminal having a female lead and a female contact extending from the female lead in an bending direction for engagement with said male contact, and a female stator which engages with said male stator, the male contact is a closed ring in shape with at least a protrusion formed at its outside surface, which is restrained in the receiving cavity formed between the first convex of the female contact and the second convex set abreast to the first convex, and the outside surface of which contacts with the first convex and the second convex respectively, the first convex and the second convex being formed with the arm of the female contact bended forth and then back, the protrusion engaging with the first convex or the second convex in a locking manner. The electrical connector disclosed is small in size and the connection of the male terminal and female terminal is reliable.
US07674134B2	Shielded connector In a connector including a conductive contact, an insulating housing holding the contact, and a conductive shell covering the housing, the housing includes a protruding portion of a flat-plate shape having first and second principal surfaces faced to each other. The contact includes a first contacting portion disposed on the first principal surface of the protruding portion and a second contacting portion extending from the first contacting portion to the second principal surface of the protruding portion. The shell includes a shell contacting portion disposed on the second principal surface of the protruding portion. The second contacting portion and the shell contacting portion have confronting end faces faced to each other.
US07674133B2	Electrical connector with ground contact modules A connector assembly includes a housing and a contact module assembly including first and second contact modules loaded into the housing. The first contact module has a plurality of ground leads extending between mating contacts and mounting contacts. The ground leads extend along separate paths within a first plane. The second contact module has a plurality of signal leads extending between mating contacts and mounting contacts. The signal leads extend along separate paths within a second plane. The ground leads are aligned with the signal leads in a direction transverse to the first plane, and the ground leads have a width and a thickness defining a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross sectional area of the signal leads.
US07674131B2	High density mount for a co-axial connector The present disclosure relates to a connector having a main body portion and a housing portion. The housing mounts over the connector main body. The housing is adapted for securing the connector to another element such as a piece of telecommunications equipment.
US07674121B2	Protective boot and universal cap A protective endcap for use with a triaxial cable connector. The endcap is sized to fit about a mating end of the triaxial connector. A pair of protective boots for use with coaxial cable connectors. Each protective boot includes an interior space for receiving a triaxial cable connector. Each interior space includes ridges for engaging grooves about the connector. Each boot includes a mating circumferential lip about a connector end. Each boot includes a tapered cable end with an opening for a cable from a connector to extend through from the interior space. A triaxial cable connector assembly including a connector, a protective boot and an endcap. The connector is positioned within an interior opening of the boot with ridges of an inner wall of the opening engaging grooves of the connector. A cable extending from the connector extends through a cable end of the boot. A mating end of the connector is adjacent a connector end of the boot. The endcap is mounted about the mating end of the connector and includes a circumferential lip which engages a mating circumferential lip of boot.
US07674119B1	Retractable receptacle for furniture A receptacle for coupling electrical equipment and communications equipment to electrical and communications transmission lines is retractably mounted in an opening in a furniture unit, and in particular, the top surface of an office conference table. The receptacle is vertically displaceable so that it is elevated above the top surface of the furniture unit in which it is mounted to provide access for coupling electrical equipment such as lap top computers, or communications equipment such as telephones and fax machines, which are supported on the top surface of the furniture unit. When the equipment is coupled to the elevated receptacle unit, the unit is then displaced downwardly into the furniture such that the top surface of the receptacle unit is planar with the top surface of the furniture unit in its fully retracted position. A gap defined between the outer surface of the top surface of the receptacle unit and the inner surface of the opening in the furniture unit permits wires and cables to extend through the gap and remain connected to the receptacle unit when the receptacle unit is in its fully retracted position in the furniture unit. The receptacle unit may be displaced into its elevated position to disconnect lines coupled to it or to connect additional lines. In this manner, portable electrical and communications equipment can be supported or stored on furniture units, such as conference tables, and actuated when needed by coupling the equipment to the receptacle in the furniture unit.
US07674116B2	Cable connector An exemplary cable connector includes a housing, a terminal module including a first terminal and a second terminal, a printed circuit board fixed in the housing, and a cable including a first core and a second core. The terminal module is detachably assembled in a first end of the housing, and the first and second terminals are contacting the printed circuit board. The cable is fixed in a second end of the housing, and the first and the second cores of the cable are welded to the printed circuit board. The first and second terminals are electrically communicating with the first and second cores via the printed circuit board.
US07674111B2	Light emitting diode module for lighting Provided is an LED module for lighting, which includes a printed circuit board (PCB); at least one or more LED elements mounted on the PCB; and a waterproof agent surrounding terminals between the PCB and the LED elements, which are exposed on mounting surface of the LED elements.
US07674110B2	Low profile self-ligating orthodontic brackets and methods of using such orthodontic brackets Low profile self-ligating orthodontic brackets and methods of using such orthodontic brackets. The bracket includes a bracket body, a latching member, and a hinge pin pivotally coupling a hinged end of the latching member with the bracket body. The hinge pin, which is made of a resilient material, is configured to flex so that a portion of the latching member can be engaged with a recess defined in the bracket body to couple the non-hinged end of the latching member with the bracket body.
US07674107B2	Building container for a device and method for a layerwise manufacturing of a three-dimensional object A building container (25) for a device (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layer wise solidification of a building material in powder form at positions in the respective layers that correspond to the object is provided. A support device (26) is provided that is arranged in the building container (25) such that it is vertically movable, wherein the support device (26) has an upper side that forms a building platform (78), on which the three-dimensional object is generated layer wise. Between a circumferential outer edge of the building platform (78) and a circumferential inside wall (79) of the building container (25) a gap (80) is formed and a seal (81) is provided that is provided circumferentially at the building platform (78) and closes the gap (80). The seal is made from a ring of a flat flexible material having an outer diameter, which in a flat state is larger than the inner diameter of the inside wall (79). A guide plate (82) is provided that maintains the seal (81) in the region of the gap (80) in an angulated shape.
US07674105B2	Multiple article injection molding system Principal components of injection molding apparatus include a U-frame, a carrier plate remotely affixable to the U-frame, preferably two cavity blocks remotely affixable to the carrier plate, a corresponding pair of core blocks, and a hot runner assembly remotely affixable to rear faces of the core blocks. These components are placed in a hydraulic press. In a molding operation, the U-frame, carrier plate and cavity blocks move as a unit relative to the hot runner assembly and the core blocks affixed thereto. To quickly change out one or both block pairs, a subassembly comprising the carrier plate and all core and cavity blocks is remotely released from the U-frame and the hot runner assembly and is removed as a unit. Face clamps in the front face of the carrier plate, the rear face of the cavity blocks, the rear face of the core blocks and the front face of the cavity blocks speed the changeout process and obviate potential damage to the molding geometry. A hot runner nozzle cap seat in each core block has a rear-facing bevel which receives a beveled hot runner nozzle cap tip.
US07674099B2	Compressor with oil bypass An oil lubricated compressor which includes a bypass oil line connecting respective oil paths upstream and downstream of the motor. The bypass oil path permits oil to be detoured around the motor in a tube that is external to the compressor shell and flows back into the shell near the scroll inlet. The oil bypass line returns “excess” oil directly to sump 28, rather than having it flow from sump 27 to sump 28 through an air-gap, thereby reducing both the drag on the motor and the input power.
US07674096B2	Portable, rotary vane vacuum pump with removable oil reservoir cartridge A portable, rotary vane vacuum pump with a rotor eccentrically mounted within the bore of a housing to substantially abut the bore at a side location. The abutting, side location is between the inlet and outlet passages of the bore in the direction of rotor rotation. A pocket is then created just above the contact area between the rotor and bore which collects and maintains a pool of lubricating oil. The pool enhances the seal at the contact area below it enabling the pump to draw a deep vacuum with just a single stage. The portable pump also includes a removable, oil reservoir cartridge mounted to the main body of the pump. Other features include a visual indicator in the cartridge to monitor the condition of the circulating oil, a step up gearing arrangement for the cooling fan, and a step down gearing arrangement for the vane pump.
US07674092B2	Blade or vane for a turbomachine A component defines a blade or a vane for a rotor rotatable about a rotary axis. An inner space of the component is limited by first and second walls, and forms a passage for a cooling fluid. First and second ribs project form the first and second walls, respectively, and form first and second channels for the fluid from a leading end to a trailing end of the ribs. The first and second ribs intersect and are directly connected to each other at said intersections. The first and second ribs intersect at an intersection joint in the proximity of the trailing end in such a way that the first channel and the second channel form a common outlet channel with a flow area.
US07674089B2	Device and method for guiding at least two flow media A device which is used to guide at least two flow media having different pressures with a shaft or similar force-transmitting element, and a pressure insulating element such as a housing surrounding the shaft or similar. Areas arranged next to each other in the direction of the axis are determined between the force-transmitting element and the pressure-insulating element by sealing elements; at least one of the preferably magnetofluidic sealing elements is leakage-free, and two areas for fluids (A, B) having different pressures flank an area for an auxiliary liquid (H), whereby said area is subdivided by a device into two partial areas for two different pressure areas. A conveying medium is allocated to the area at high pressure and ambient air is allocated to the area at low pressure. The auxiliary liquid (H) is a carrier oil of the magnetofluid, optionally a silicon oil, allocated to the sealing element.
US07674088B2	Vane arrangement of a turbo machine A vane arrangement (1) of a turbo machine (4), in particular of a gas turbine, includes at least one vane carrier (2) attached to a housing (5) of a turbo machine (4), and several vanes (3) attached to the vane carrier (2) and circumferentially arranged side by side, wherein the attachment between the vane carrier (2) and respective vane (3) is adapted for being axially pluggable. In order to simplify dismounting of a single vane (3) at least one of the vanes (3) is provided with an extraction device (35) having at least one axially extending extraction through-hole (36). The respective extraction through hole (36) is provided with an inner thread (37), and the vane carrier (2) is provided with an abutment zone (38) axially opposing the extraction through hole (36). The extraction device (35) is adapted for inducing axially oriented extraction forces into the respective vane (3) by an extraction tool, which is provided with an outer thread and which is in order to extract the respective vane (3) from the vane carrier (2) inserted into the extraction through-hole (36) and axially pressing against the abutment zone (28).
US07674079B2	Method and apparatus for machining work pieces A method and apparatus are provided to machine a curved surface such as an inner or outer peripheral surface of a pipe. The pipe is held stationary during machining and a rotatable spindle of a machine head moves along multiple orthogonal axes to align the rotational axis of the spindle with the longitudinal pipe axis. Preferably, the pipe axis is located by using a touch probe to engage the curved surface at multiple spots and the calculating the location of the pipe axis. The cutting tool, which is preferably a cutting tool insert, is rotated by the spindle to machine the curved surface.
US07674073B2	Modular concrete substructures A concrete section of an offshore platform substructure comprises a concrete body with a central opening and at least one guidepost hole extending through a height of the concrete body, wherein a width of the concrete body is greater than the height. An offshore platform substructure comprises a base portion resting on the ocean floor, and a plurality of concrete support sections stacked one on top of another on the base portion. A method of assembling an offshore platform with a concrete substructure comprises locating a guidepost in the ocean floor at a well site, towing a plurality of concrete sections to the well site, sequentially engaging each of the plurality of concrete sections with the guidepost, and sequentially sinking each of the plurality of concrete sections, thereby forming a stack of concrete sections on the ocean floor.
US07674067B2	Irregular tessellated building units An irregular, tessellated building unit comprises x primary elements, wherein x is an integer equal to or greater than 1. The primary element is a rotational tessellation having a plural pairs of sides extending in a generally radial direction from plural vertices, respectively. In each pair, the two sides are rotationally spaced by an angle that is divided evenly into 360 degrees. Preferably, all of the sides are irregularly shaped, but one or more sides could be wholly or partially straight. Optionally, spacers are provided on the sides of each unit. A wide variety of units may be constructed having different numbers and arrangements of primary elements. As all the units are combinations of primary elements, they readily mate with each other. A surface covering comprises a multiplicity of units assembled to form a continuous surface without overlap between units and without substantial gaps between units. A structure, such as a wall or column can be formed of building units of the invention. Because of the irregular side configurations, and different sizes and shapes of individual units, the resulting surface or structure has a natural, non-repeating pattern appearance. Optionally, minor surface and edges variations are made from unit to unit to further enhance the natural appearance of the surface covering or structure.
US07674065B2	Device for locking the final positions of moving switch points A device for locking end positions of switch parts, having two parts, relatively axially displaceable and positively coupled in at least one direction, including a tube and a rod guided within the tube, at least partially arranged in an outer tube. Locking members cooperate with the parts and outer tube and are displaceable into a locking position in the outer tube's recess. Locking members include ring segments chamfered on insides forming first abutment surfaces converging obliquely toward rod axis. First abutment surfaces cooperate with oblique counter abutment surfaces in a rod recess for holding the rod and the tube coupled during the rod's first displacement path and for urging segments outwardly to emerge from rod recess, and to slide onto the rod's outer surface adjacent rod recess and to immerse into locking position in the outer tube's recess upon rod movement relative to the tube over a second displacement path.
US07674060B2	Window cleaning device for out of reach windows A device for cleaning an out of reach window of a structure, which window might be otherwise difficult to reach without utilizing a ladder, wherein the apparatus comprises: a) a receptacle for holding a spray bottle containing window cleaning fluid; b) an armature to which can be attached a cable enabling the user to pull the cable thereby compressing the handle of the spray bottle and spraying cleaning fluid onto the window; c) a device for holding paper towels, fabric or other material for cleaning and drying the window; d) a receptacle for receiving a fixed or extending pole, enabling the user to extend the device above his head and clean windows which are otherwise out of reach.
US07674059B2	Combined joint compound dispenser and applicator for corners A combined joint compound dispenser and applicator for corners comprises a cylinder mechanically attached to a tube extending therefrom. The cylinder pushes a compound by way of a piston. A ball joint provides an articulated connection between the tube and an applicator by way of an insertion shoe. The applicator has two flaps cojoined at an apex so as to form a <> shape. The compound passes from the tube through the applicator by way of a slit, and that slit is formed by an arrow shaped element placed in front of a hole. The hole is at the apex. Wheels located on wedges allow the applicator to roll on walls. The wedges extend integrally from the flaps.
US07674057B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a cover member that is capable of being opened and closed, wherein the cover member includes a discharge tray that is capable of holding printed recording medium, and an automatic document reader that is provided above the discharge tray, wherein when the cover member is opened to a predetermined position, the automatic document reader supports the printed recording medium placed on the discharge tray so that the printed recording medium does not fall therefrom when the cover member is open.
US07674056B2	Paper path powered jam/lock systems and methods An image output device includes a marking engine and a media path adjacent the marking engine. The media path has a media transportation direction and a media transport element (e.g., a nip drive, a belt drive, a suction drive, an air pressure drive, etc.) within the media path that moves the media along the media path in the media transportation direction. A drive motor is operatively connected to the media transport element. The drive motor provides drive force in a forward direction that causes the media transport element to move media along the media path in the media transportation direction. The drive motor can also provide the drive force in a reverse direction opposite the forward direction. A one-way drive transfer device (e.g., a one-way clutch, a one-way swing arm mechanism, etc.) is operatively connected to the drive motor. The one-way drive transfer device only transfers drive force from the drive motor when the drive motor operates in the reverse direction. The reverse direction drive of the motor, in conjunction with a one-way drive transfer device, can be used to perform the lock/unlock or the open/close of a jam clearance mechanism, baffle, or shield.
US07674053B1	Dual key pod data entry device A data entry device includes a pair of key pods adapted for use with left and right hands of a user. Each key pod includes a base housing, a carrier housing mounted on and rotate about the longitudinal pivot of the base housing. The carrier housing has at least a center position, a first rotational position in the clockwise direction, and a second rotational position in the counter-clockwise direction. Each key pod further includes a set of data input keys correspond to the fingers of the user's hand and a thumb key. The set of data input keys provides first, second and third sets of input signals corresponding to the carrier housing being in the center position, the first and the second rotational positions, respectively. The carrier housing may further include overtravel rotational positions in the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction to implement further control or keyboard functions.
US07674050B2	Lens barrel and camera incorporating the same lens barrel A lens barrel including an image capturing optical system, to be extended for image capturing and to be retracted for carrying, including: a first lens unit for capturing an image of a subject; a light-amount control member to control an amount of light which comes from the subject and passes through the image capturing optical system; and second lens unit including at least two lens units which sandwich the light-amount control member on the optical axis; wherein when the lens barrel is extended for image capturing, the first lens unit and the second lens unit exist on the optical axis, while the light amount control member is sandwiched between the two lens units of the second lens unit on the optical axis, and when the lens barrel is retracted, the second lens unit is shifted to the position out of the optical axis.
US07674048B2	Polarity checking apparatus for multi-fiber connectors A polarity checking apparatus for multi-fiber connectors includes a body, a diverging lens attached to the body and a screen attached to the body, wherein the apparatus is configured to determine test and/or determine polarity of the multi-fiber connector. The screen may be translucent or may be opaque in part and rotatable for checking whether a signal is being transmitted on an individual optical fiber position of the multi-fiber connector. The invention is also directed to a method for checking the polarity of an optical assembly.
US07674047B2	Anti-wiggle optical receptacle A casing includes a solid sleeve and a split sleeve in combination to provide a connection between a fiber stub and a ferrule containing an optical fiber. The arrangement prevents wiggle of the ferrule, and also does so without the tight tolerances that would otherwise be required in solid sleeve systems.
US07674044B2	Sealing device In a sealing device attached to a housing and slidably brought into close contact with a mating member, the sealing device having a mounting ring fixed to the housing in accordance with metal fitting and a rubber-like elastic body, and having a side lip slidably brought into close contact with an end face portion of the mating member and provided in the rubber-like elastic body, there is provided the sealing device which inhibits a metal fitting portion from being deteriorated due to a rust generation and inhibit inhibiting the side lip from slidably wearing. For this purpose, a flange portion is provided in the mounting ring toward an outer side in a diametrical direction, and an end face portion is covered by attaching an end face seal portion constituted by a rubber-like elastic body brought into close contact with the end face portion of the housing to the flange portion.
US07674040B2	Reclosable bag having double closure A reclosable bag having two spaced-apart flexible closures and external finger guide ridges and/or pressure distribution ridges to facilitate their closure. The ridges lie in a region between the double closures and they extend generally parallel to each other and to the closures when the bag is in an empty and flat state. The pressure distribution ridges improve the finger pressure distribution by moving the applied forces closer to the closure profiles. When used in conjunction with external finger guide ridges, the pressure distribution ridges also improve the bearing surface of the external finger guide ridges with the thumb and forefinger of the person closing the bag.
US07674036B2	Thermal icing conditions detector A sensor for detecting icing conditions in an airstream includes a flow housing mounted on an aircraft and in which one or more probes are mounted. At least one of the probes subjected to impingement of the airstream and liquid moisture droplets in such airstream. The heat removal, or cooling effect on the probe in the airstream carrying liquid droplets is determined. A temperature signal indicating the airstream temperature is combined with signals from the at least one probe for determining whether or not icing conditions are present.
US07674035B2	Digital temperature sensors and calibration thereof A method for calibrating a digital temperature sensor circuit, the circuit comprising an analogue temperature sensing means, an internal reference voltage source and an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC). The ADC is arranged to receive respective signals from the analogue temperature sensing means and the reference voltage source and output a digital signal indicative of the ambient temperature. The method comprises the steps of determining the value of the internal reference voltage outputted by the reference voltage source, comparing it with the desired reference voltage value, and adjusting the reference voltage source in response to the result of the comparison step. Such an electrical voltage mode calibration can significantly reduce production costs, as it can be performed much faster than a traditional thermal calibration. The method can be applied to a sensor that produces a PTAT voltage that has to be compared to a temperature-independent bandgap reference voltage.
US07674034B2	Food mixing machine and agitator therefor A food mixing machine (10) has a rotatable shaft (18) which is attached to the shaft (21) of an agitator (20). The shaft (21) carries a ring (24) and a disk (23), and the ring (24) carries a cloverleaf-shaped chip (25). The chip (25) has opposed, generally flat lobes (27) with the opposed lobes (29) positioned between the lobes (27). The lobes (29) are inclined relative to the lobes (27). Cutout areas (31) are formed between the lobes (27, 29), and as the agitator (20) is being rotated by the shaft (18), a leading edge (32) on the lobes (27, 29) at the cutout areas (31) contacts the food being mixed. The leading edges (32) have a larger radius of curvature than the trailing edges (33) on each lobe (27, 29).
US07674032B2	Fluidics coating apparatus and method for surface treating of toner and dry inks An apparatus (10) for surface treating particulate material (M) with surface treatment particles (S) includes a substantially cylindrical body (12) having a top (18), bottom (16) and sidewall (14). A mixing chamber (42) is defined within the body (12). At least one injector inlet (36) and at least one process air inlet (32) are in communication with the mixing chamber (42). At least one outlet (34) is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber (42).
US07674024B2	Interior illumination lamp A bulb 37 and a reflecting plate 40 are disposed in offset relation to a lens 54 so that an optical axis LB1 of a beam, emitted from the bulb 37, and an optical axis LB2 of reflection light, reflected by the reflecting plate 40, can intersect an axis CL of the lens 54 in a forward-rearward direction of a vehicle. Therefore, the beam can be radiated forwardly without directing the lens 54 forwardly. In the case where two reflecting surfaces 41a and 41b of an identical shape are provided symmetrically on the reflecting plate 40, and are arranged in the forward-rearward direction of the vehicle, and there are provided a pair of bulbs 37, a pair of reflecting plates 40 and a pair of lens 54 each pair of which are provided respectively for left and right (two) directions, the pair of reflecting plates, having an identical construction, are used. Therefore, the cost can be reduced, and this also prevents an erroneous operation in which the two reflecting plates are mounted in a reversed manner.
US07674023B2	Headlight assembly for a straddle-type vehicle A headlight assembly for a straddle-type vehicle (e.g., a motor scooter) is provided that is positioned lower to the ground and farther forward than typical headlights to provide enhanced illumination from a front end of the vehicle. The assembly comprises a front portion of a vehicle body cover that extends over a portion of the front wheel of the vehicle. A headlight assembly is disposed at least partially on a front end of the front portion of the vehicle body cover. The headlight assembly comprises an upper light for generating a low beam of light and a lower light for generating a high beam of light. In addition, the headlight comprises position lights disposed on the right side and the left side of the upper and lower lights. Preferably, at least a portion of the headlight assembly is positioned farther forward than a leading end of the front wheel of the vehicle.
US07674008B2	Light emitting device and panel A back-light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices, each light-emitting device having a light-emitting package and a lens surface. In at least some of the light emitting devices, the radius of curvature in one direction of the lens surface is different from the radius of curvature in another direction such that one of the radii of curvature of the lens is greater than the other radius of curvature. In particular, one radius of curvature is equal to or smaller than half the length of the device. The other radius of curvature is equal to or greater than half the length of the device. As such, the lens has different focal lengths in different directions. The light-emitting package can have a plurality of light-emitting sources of a single color or of different colors.
US07674004B2	Planar light source device Cold cathode fluorescent tubes of the first group are aligned widthwise in one side of an enclosure which is divided into two areas at a centerline running widthwise. Cold cathode fluorescent tubes of the second group are aligned widthwise in the other side of the enclosure. All of the cold cathode fluorescent tubes are symmetrically-placed with respect to the centerline running widthwise. The cold cathode fluorescent tubes positioned outside widthwise are inclined at θ2 so that the distance between each of the tubes and the aperture plane gradually decreases lengthwise from an edge toward the center of the enclosure. The cold cathode fluorescent tubes positioned inside widthwise are inclined at θ1 so that the distance between each of the tubes and the aperture plane gradually decreases lengthwise from an edge toward the center of the enclosure. The inclined angle θ1 is made greater than the inclined angle θ2.
US07674002B1	Solar umbrella clip light Portable solar powered light sources, devices, apparatus, systems and methods of attaching and using the light source. The light sources can have a single small housing having an upper roof portion with an exposed solar cell, a photocell activator, and small housing. The housing can have two parts that pivot with one another so that a front end of the housing can be biased together by a spring, and the rear side having edges that are spaced apart. An operator can press the rear spaced apart edges together, to open the front end to slide about a support structure, such as an open umbrella fabric edge. The housing allows for the light source powered by batteries to be activated by the photocell during dark(night) conditions), with the light direction being adjustable underneath. During daylight, the solar cell receives sunlight to charge the batteries within the housing.
US07673998B2	Electronic apparatus and enclosure assembly therefor An enclosure assembly allows a hinge bracket to realize establishment of the opened attitude or the closed attitude of a second enclosure relative to a first enclosure. The second enclosure rotates relative to the hinge bracket around the second rotation axis. The second enclosure in this manner changes its attitude relative to the first enclosure. The hinge bracket stays where it is. The hinge bracket does not rotate. The position of the light sources is thus kept unchanged. The position of the light is maintained regardless of a change in the attitude of the second enclosure around the second rotation axis. The enclosure for an electronic apparatus is thus allowed to enjoy an enhanced appearance. This leads to an enhanced appearance of the electronic apparatus.
US07673995B2	System and method for projector alignment A system for supporting a projector on a support structure relative to a projection surface includes a plurality of base members connectable with the support structure and having a position adjustable relative to the projection surface. The system also includes a base member calibration system for calibrating the base members to a predetermined position relative to the projection surface. The system also includes a plurality of foot members for supporting the projector. Each foot member has a position adjustable relative to the projector. The system further includes a projector calibration system for calibrating the projector to a predetermined position relative to the foot members. The projector calibrated to the predetermined position relative to the foot members is calibrated to the predetermined position relative to the projection surface when the foot members rest on the base members.
US07673993B2	Projection system using reflective polarizers A projection system comprising a first imaging component, at least a second imaging component, and a color combiner. The first and second imaging components each comprise an imager and a reflective polarizer that is configured to at least partially separate a light beam from the imager into a first portion and second portion, where the first portion and the second portion have substantially orthogonal polarization states. The first portions of the light beams are directed in the same direction above or below a plane defined by the second portions of the light beams. The color combiner is configured to combine the second portions of the light beams, where the second portions of the light beams have substantially orthogonal polarization states prior to entering the color combiner.
US07673989B2	Telemicroscopic loupes with removable, replaceable lens cap to adjust for working distance An improvement upon telemicroscopic loupes of the type which are adjustably mounted to an eyeglass frame, headmount or through-lens designs. The preferred embodiment includes a cap including an optical element to adjust for the working distance of a loupe. The cap may be frictionally fit onto the loupe or threadably attached to the loupe body. According to an alternative embodiment, one or more eyepiece components may be used alone or in combination with the end cap for adjusting prescription and/or working distance.
US07673986B2	Inkjet recording apparatus An inkjet recording apparatus includes a belt transporting apparatus, a nip roller nipping a recording medium in cooperation with an outer peripheral face of a transport belt at a predetermined position, a nip-roller moving mechanism, an inkjet head, an applying unit which applies cleaning fluid to the outer peripheral face, a blade which is in contact with the outer peripheral face on a downstream side of a position where the cleaning fluid is applied to the outer peripheral face to scrape off the cleaning fluid and ink that adhere to the outer peripheral face, a travel controlling unit which controls the transport belt driving unit to cause the transport belt to travel, and a nip-roller movement controlling unit which causes the nip roller to be contacted with the outer peripheral face after an initial contact place passes the predetermined position.
US07673983B2	Inkjet printer An inkjet printer containing a print zone and an inkjet printhead for printing on a substrate in the print zone, a supply unit for storing and delivering the substrate for printing, and a transport unit for transporting the substrate from the supply unit to the print zone, in which printer the supply unit contains a number of substrate holders, each holding a roll on which a substrate web is wound, each substrate holder being operatively connected to a sensor for detecting the end of the web in the substrate holder corresponding to that sensor, wherein the transport unit includes a first transport means for engaging and transporting the substrate emerging from the supply unit, a downstream, second transport means for further transporting the substrate and positioning the same in the print zone, and a guide element rotatably disposed between the first transport means and the second transport means.
US07673982B2	Print media stacker A print media stacker assembly comprises a housing having an opening therein. A tray, disposed within the housing downstream of a feeder, has a front lip, a collecting portion, and a back wall. A stopper lever is in operative relationship with the tray a distance upstream from the back wall. The stopper lever has a first position in which the stopper lever prevents media sheets from passing beyond the stopper lever and a second position in which the stopper lever permits media sheets to pass beyond the stopper lever.
US07673973B2	Micro-fluid ejecting device having embedded memory devices A micro-fluid ejecting device includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of fluid ejection elements formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of nonvolatile programmable memory devices for storing information related to the operation of the micro-fluid ejecting device. The programmable memory devices, which are at least partially embedded in the semiconductor substrate, each include a source region and a drain region formed in the semiconductor substrate. The source and drain regions have a conductivity type which is opposite the conductivity type of the semiconductor substrate. An insulative layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate over the source region and drain region. A floating gate region is formed on the insulative layer and is spatially disposed between the source region and drain region. The floating gate region is electrically insulated from the source and drain regions by the insulative layer. Electrical contacts are connected to the source region and the drain region. The programmable memory devices collectively provide a high density of memory bits embedded on the substrate for storing information about the micro-fluid ejecting device.
US07673970B2	Flexible circuit corrosion protection A flexible circuit having improved corrosion resistance and method therefor. The flexible circuit includes, a polymeric support substrate, a conductive layer providing tracing attached to a first surface of the support substrate, and lead beams in electrical communication with the tracing for attaching the flexible circuit to a micro-fluid ejection head. A plasma polymerized layer is deposited on at least a portion of the conductive layer to reduce corrosion of the conductive layer. The plasma polymerized layer may also improve adhesion between the flexible circuit and an adhesive use to attach the flexible circuit to a structure.
US07673969B2	Droplet ejection apparatus alignment In one aspect, the invention features assemblies for depositing droplets on a substrate during relative motion of the assembly and the substrate along a process direction. The assemblies include a first printhead module and a second printhead module contacting the first printhead module, each of the printhead modules including a surface that includes an array of nozzles through which the printhead modules can eject fluid droplets, wherein each nozzle in the first printhead module's nozzle array is offset with respect to a corresponding nozzle in the second printhead module's nozzle array in a direction orthogonal to the process direction.
US07673958B2	Defective imaging element compensation A method for forming an image with at least one linear array of imaging elements. Defective ones of the imaging elements associated with a particular color are detected. A first defective imaging element compensation operation is performed for portions of the image data that are associated with a first predetermined number or fewer adjacent defective imaging elements. A different second defective imaging element compensation operation is performed for portions of the image data that are associated a second predetermined number or more adjacent defective imaging elements.
US07673957B2	Method for determining an optimal non-nucleating heater pulse for use with an ink jet printhead A method for use with an ink jet printhead having a plurality of nozzles, each of the plurality of nozzles having associated therewith a respective heating element, includes printing with the plurality of nozzles a test pattern while varying an energy of a respective heater pulse used to energize each respective heating element at each of a plurality of printhead carrier positions; scanning the test pattern with a reflectance sensor to generate reflectance data associated with the energy of the respective heater pulse used to energize each respective heating element at each of the plurality of printhead carrier positions; and determining an optimal non-nucleating heater pulse for use with the ink jet printhead based on the reflectance data.
US07673956B2	Print head inspection method, print head inspection apparatus, and printer When an actually measured voltage Vsu detected by a voltmeter 58 is within an inspection permissible range, a print head inspection apparatus 50 performs an inspection as whether or not ink has been normally ejected, on the basis of a changes in voltage that occur in an inspection area 52 as a result of ejected ink droplets. On the one hand, when the actually measured voltage Vsu is less than the inspection range, the apparatus increases a relative distance between a nozzle plate 27 and the inspection area 52 by separating the capping member 41 from the print head 24, by then bringing the capping member 41 and the print head 24 into contact, and after a suction pump 45 performs a separated-suction process, by then gradually separating the capping member 41 from the print head 24 until the actually measured voltage Vsu is within the inspection permissible range. Thus, a nozzle inspection as to whether or not the print recording liquid has been normally ejected can be carried out with a stable degree of accuracy.
US07673951B2	Track shoe for caterpillar vehicle A track shoe fastened on a chain of the caterpillar vehicle includes a body and a buffer block. The body includes an first surface adjacent to the chain, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, a groove defined on the second surface and through the third surface and the fourth surface, and the holes defined through the first surface and the second surface to communicate with the groove. The buffer block includes an embedded portion capable of being embedded within the groove of the body, and multiple lock holes defined through the buffer block to respectively communicate with the holes of the body. The buffer block is secured on the body through the embedment between the embedded portion and the groove, and secured on the chain by the fastening members within the holes and the lock holes.
US07673950B2	Vehicle autonomous brake-apply system and method A first vehicle autonomous brake-apply system includes a vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a vacuum booster assembly operatively connected to the vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a solenoid valve operatively connected to the vacuum booster assembly, and an automatic controller including an output signal operatively connected to the solenoid valve. A second system uses a lateral-acceleration-sensor assembly in place of the automatic controller. A third system includes a braking controller, an electrical braking device, and at least one distance sensor. A method for assisting driving of a vehicle includes applying a braking force to stop the vehicle before the vehicle strikes an obstacle whose distance to the vehicle is measured using at least one distance sensor.
US07673949B2	Electrically powered brake system and control unit for electrically powered brake system An electrically powered brake system capable of performing a self-diagnosis of elements of the electrically brake system to diagnose a failure before a vehicle is driven is provided. The electrically powered brake system having a parking brake having a conversion mechanism 6 converting a rotary motion of a motor 2 into a linear motion, propelling a piston 7 according to the rotation of a rotor 2A of the motor 2 by the conversion mechanism, pressing brake pads 3 and 4 against a disc rotor 5 by the piston to generate a braking force, and retaining the braking force by a locking mechanism 10 has a control unit 20 performing a diagnosis of elements constituting the system during actuation of the parking brake. The control unit performs a diagnosis of a fail safe relay 26 receiving the supply of electric power of the motor, and performs diagnoses of a braking force sensor 8, a rotation angle detecting sensor 9 and a current sensor.
US07673946B1	Hub apparatus for bicycle wheel and method A hub apparatus for a bicycle wheel with improved aerodynamic mechanism is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a hub body having a parabolic shape. The hub body is disclosed approximately about a center plane of the bicycle wheel and has a plurality of retaining holes for retaining one end of bicycle spokes.
US07673945B1	Safety harness This invention relates to a harness for securing a person to a supporting structure. The harness includes a pair of straps each having a first and second end, a back portion, a front portion, and a chest portion. The first end is looped over the front portion of each strap and attached to the front portion to form a first loop. The first loop is attached near each second end of both straps. A coupler is near the second end and spaced from where the coupler is attached to the straps. The coupler is separable and may be separated to allow said straps to be separated at the chest portion. The harness goes over both shoulders of a toddler, behind the back and the coupler fastens across the toddler's chest. This prevents a toddler from standing up when wearing the harness.
US07673940B2	Height-adjustment mechanism for juvenile seat A juvenile seat includes a seat base mounted for up-and-down movement on an underlying foundation. A lock is provided to set the elevation of the seat base relative to the foundation.
US07673938B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat includes a seat body having a seat back, a pair of left and right legs, a headrest coupled to the seat back at above the seat back through the pair of legs, load detecting means provided on the seat back and having a movable part that displaces in a predetermined direction upon undergoing a load from the front of the seat back; a first interacting member mechanically coupled to one leg of the pair and to the movable part of the load detecting means, to move one leg of the pair in conjunction with a displacement of the movable part caused upon undergoing the load, thereby displacing the headrest frontward, and a second interacting member mechanically coupled to the other leg of the pair and to the first interacting member, to move the other leg of the pair in conjunction with a movement of the first interacting member caused upon moving the one leg of the pair, thereby displacing the headrest frontward.
US07673936B2	Adjustable bicycle seat assembly An adjustable bicycle seat assembly includes an adjusting unit which includes a top end member connected to the seat post and an adjusting tube is connected to a lower end of the top end member. An inner space is defined in the adjusting tube and an outer space is defined between the adjusting tube and the seat post. A path is defined between the adjusting tube and the top end member so as to communicate with the inner space and the outer space. An axle is movably received in the path and removably seals the path. An anti-rotation device is located between the seat post and the seat tube so as to prevent the seat post from rotating relative to the seat tube.
US07673934B2	Dual purpose high chair A high chair is convertible into multiple operative configurations to provide flexibility in utilization. The high chair includes a youth chair having a seat member affixed to a Z-shaped frame. A booster seat including a reclining seat back is mountable on the seat member such that the seat member is nested within the booster seat. A latch mechanism carried by the booster seat secures the booster seat to the seat member. A separate base member can also be nested into the bottom of the booster seat so that the booster seat can be utilized on a standard chair. The tray is mountable into the booster seat so that the tray can be utilized therewith irrespective of whether the booster seat is used in a high chair configuration or a booster seat configuration. The Z-frame incorporates telescopic support legs to define height adjustment for the high chair.
US07673925B2	Drive motor assembly for a vehicle sunshade assembly A drive motor assembly for a vehicle sunshade assembly includes a motor and a stabilizing unit. The motor has a housing, and an axle extending through the housing and having two ends respectively protruding outwardly of the housing. The stabilizing unit is connected to and provides an urging force to one of the ends of the axle in an axial direction thereof toward the housing.
US07673924B1	Vehicle exterior windshield protective cover for protection against sun, wind, snow and ice An exterior vehicle windshield protective cover used to cover the outside of a vehicle front windshield. The protective cover reflects the sun's ray in the summer to help keep the vehicle cool and protect the windshield from snow and ice when the vehicle is parked outside. The protective cover includes a flexible exterior windshield cover member dimensioned to cover the exterior of a vehicle's windshield. The cover member includes a pair of flexible wings hinged along fold lines and attached to the sides of the cover member. The wings include a pair of elastic loops. When the front doors of the vehicle are opened, the wings are inserted inside the vehicle with the elastic loops attached to windshield visor posts for holding the cover member securely against the windshield in tension. A windshield wiper well cover is hinged along a fold line attached to the bottom of the cover member. The well cover is held in place on a portion of the vehicle's hood using a plurality of magnets. The well cover covers the windshield wipers in a wiper well and prevents snow and ice from gathering inside the wiper well.
US07673923B2	Hinged windshield assembly and method for manufacturing same A hinge assembly for a vehicle windshield comprises a first holder, a second holder, and a hinge member. The first holder includes a first body and a first receptacle with a first opening and a first closed end, wherein a first axis is defined between the first closed end and the first opening, the first axis being normal to a first plane defined by the first opening. The second holder includes a second body and a second receptacle with a second opening and a second closed end, wherein a second axis is defined between the second closed end and the second opening, the second axis being normal to a second plane defined by the second opening. The hinge member is attached to the first and second holder and has first and second ends and defines a third axis. When the hinge member is in a relaxed condition, the first and second axes form oblique angles relative to the third axis. In this configuration, the hinge member is under less strain in the both of the open and closed positions than is the case with prior hinges.
US07673922B1	Step device and method of use A step device and method for stepping on or off a tailgate without structurally altering the tailgate. In exemplary embodiment, the step device includes a tailgate step frame and a step assembly pivotally coupled to the tailgate step frame. The tailgate step frame includes at least one frame element in contact with the tailgate and a plurality of strap mounting assemblies for releasably coupling the step device to the tailgate. Each strap mounting assembly compressively fits on the tailgate thereby anchoring the step device to the tailgate. In one aspect, each strap mounting assembly further includes a strap element coupled to the at least one frame element and configured to conform to the predetermined shape of the tailgate. One strap mounting assembly may be interchanged for another of either different shape or dimensions to accommodate a desired compressive fit on any tailgate.
US07673921B2	Tonneau cover device of vehicle A tonneau cover device comprises a front tonneau cover that is comprised of boards and provided on a front side of a vehicle body, a rear tonneau cover that is comprised of a rollable type of member and provided on a rear side of the vehicle body, and a slide mechanism that moves a rear end of the front tonneau cover and a front end of the rear tonneau cover substantially vertically. Accordingly, there can be provided the tonneau cover device of a vehicle, which is provided so as to extend substantially horizontally above the baggage compartment at the vehicle-body rear portion, which can pull the tonneau cover upward according to the opening-closing movement of the back door, facilitate loading of baggage when the back door is opened, and improve appearances of the back door.
US07673919B2	Wrap for bundling objects An apparatus may include an elongate piece of first material having flexible qualities with a flexible strip of second, more rigid, and bendable material enclosed within the first material. The apparatus may be twist-tied around equipment for relatively easy transport or may also be used to secure items in place.
US07673918B2	Self-opening tong lifting device A tong device for lifting various types and sizes of objects is disclosed. The tong lifting device includes tongs pivotally mounted on a slide rod which is extendable from a lift sleeve. Each tong has an attachment engaging end and an arm extending away from the attachment engaging end. Linkages are pivotally attached to the arms of the tongs, and are pivotally attached to a sliding lobe which travels along the length of the lift sleeve. The design of the lifting device provides a self-opening mode of operation and can be reconfigured in the field for optimum performance.
US07673917B2	Variable diameter lifting tongs Pipe lifting tongs are utilized for lifting cylindrical sections of pipe, where the pipe sections may have different diameters but the jaw assemblies of the lifting tongs do not need to be changed out. The lifting tongs comprise first and second jaw members, where each jaw member may match the other. The jaw members comprise interiorally facing arcuate gripping members. The jaw members are pivotally connected together with a central fastener. Each jaw member comprises a mounting member rigidly joined to its respective gripping member. The mounting member may comprise a pair of parallel plate members, where a spaced defined between the parallel plate members. Each plate member comprises a plurality of apertures, including both circular and slotted apertures. When the first and second opposing jaw members are pivotally connected together, the parallel plate members may be sandwiched together, such that many of the apertures in the parallel plate members are aligned. The lifting tongs may be adjusted to fit different pipe diameters by changing the apertures which are utilized.
US07673916B2	End effectors An end effector includes a base part and a first member. The first member includes first, second, and third serially articulated struts. The first strut articulates with the base part for relative angular displacement about a first pitch axis and about a first roll axis. The first roll axis is substantially orthogonal to the first pitch axis. The second strut articulates with the first strut for relative angular displacement about, firstly, a first yaw axis substantially orthogonal to the first pitch axis and the first roll axis, and, secondly, about a second pitch axis substantially parallel to the first pitch axis and substantially orthogonal to the first yaw axis. The third strut articulates with the second strut for relative angular displacement about a second yaw axis substantially parallel to the first yaw axis.
US07673915B1	Coil handling assembly An improved coil handling assembly and method of manufacture comprising a cylindrical support member having end covers and one or more stabilizing members. The assembly is capable of accepting a fork lift fork whereby a material coil or roll may be lifted or moved. The assembly further comprises adjustable front and rear coil stabilizers which are moveable and removable whereby a plurality of coil or roll sizes may be contained, stored, transported, or utilized on a processing line. Unlike prior art coil handling equipment, the present art provides a quick, convenient, and safe apparatus and method for working with or utilizing coiled materials.
US07673914B2	Automatic alert device for suction cup An automatic alert device is provided for a suction cup, including a pump and a suction cup positionable on an object to be handled. The pump is operable to drive air out of the suction cup thereby inducing suction force on the object to be handled. When the suction cup gradually loses the suction force, a plunger of the pump gets moved out of the pump. When the outward movement of the plunger reaches a preset extent, the alert device that includes a warning light and an audio alert is activated to cause the warning light and the audio alert to give off warnings of light and sound respectively. Thus, an operator can be immediately notified of the situation of losing suction force for taking remedial operation to get the suction force back to the desired level.
US07673912B2	Extendable cargo retriever A truck cargo-moving tool combines an elongated extendable arm having at least two telescopically connected rigid coaxial tubes and a substantially rigid head having two faces, at least one substantially flat edge, a blunt heel, and an arcuate toe curved toward the axis of the extendable arm. The extendable arm is attached generally perpendicular to the head proximal the heel in order to form a tool useful for moving items resting on a long horizontal surface. There is at least one locking mechanism attached or built into the extendable arm for securing the coaxial tubes at a desired operating arm length.
US07673907B2	Musical ice skates An electronic music device for skaters is boot mounted and includes a sensor sensing skate states capturing forward backward direction of motion and inside outside lean. A sensory signal conditioning and calibration circuit converts mapped signals into audible tones. An audio amplifier powers wired or wireless headphones. The skater plays music with skates like a musician plays music on a musical instrument. The device tuned as different musical instruments, in a synchronized precision skating team allows musical composition performance. The skaters play the music with their skates creating musical and choreographic dance.
US07673906B2	Seat belt pretensioner A pretensioning apparatus for seat belt webbing is located in the vicinity of a belt anchor end of a three-point vehicle safety restraint seat belt. The pretensioning apparatus has a fixed member in the form of a tubular member that may be anchored to a vehicle seat at the belt anchor side of the vehicle. A movable member in the form of a piston is connected to the webbing in the region of the belt anchor end. A means is provided for moving the movable member relative to the fixed member in a generally horizontal direction, to move the seat belt webbing in a pretensioning direction in response to a signal from a crash sensor. A webbing guide is fixed to the seat to provide an effective anchorage point spaced from the belt anchor end of the webbing under pretensioning conditions.
US07673904B2	Device for reinforcing vehicle body of vehicle A vehicle body reinforcement device comprises an elongated shape with its middle portion comprising a hydraulic damper that produces a damping force against longitudinal deformation. Two vehicle body reinforcement devices may be mounted in a longitudinal manner to a vehicle body frame with a lateral space being defined between the two devices. Both ends of each of the vehicle body reinforcement devices can be removably attached from outside of the vehicle to positions that are exposed outside of the passenger compartment and below the vehicle body.
US07673899B2	Airbag and airbag apparatus An airbag has a first inner panel and a second inner panel arranged substantially in a concentric relation with a front panel and a rear panel in an interior of an airbag, and outer peripheral edge portions are stitched to each other by a high-strength seam. A center portion of the first inner panel is stitched to a center portion of the front panel by a seam. A center portion of the second inner panel is connected to a center portion of the rear panel by a retaining ring. The second inner panel is formed with a communication port between a first chamber and a second chamber. Midsections of the inner panels between the outer peripheral edge portions and the center portions are connected by a tear seam. The tear seam is adapted to be broken when the pressure in the first chamber reaches a predetermined pressure.
US07673898B2	Device for mounting a module carrier on the steering wheel of a motor vehicle A device is provided for mounting a module carrier on a rotatable steering wheel of a motor vehicle in such a manner that the angular position of the module carrier remains constant during a rotation of the steering wheel, with a first toothed ring connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the module carrier, a lever, which is mounted on the steering wheel via a bearing section in a manner such that it can pivot to and fro between two positions, a first toothed wheel, which is mounted rotatably on a first arm of the lever and meshes with the first toothed ring in a first position of the lever, and elastic means for pressing the first toothed wheel elastically against the first toothed ring so that rotation of the steering wheel in one direction causes a rotation of the module carrier in the opposite direction. For actuating the lever, the lever has a second arm which is connected via the bearing section to the first arm of the lever.
US07673897B2	Head-protecting airbag apparatus The head-protecting airbag apparatus of the present invention includes an airbag and a guide bracket. The guide bracket includes two guide walls and a joint wall, thereby has a generally U-shaped cross section, and accommodates the folded airbag between the two guide walls. The guide bracket is located above a pillar portion while being covered by an airbag cover, and serves to guide the inflating airbag toward vehicle's inner side and prevent the airbag from entering vehicle's outer side of the pillar garnish. The dimension of a clearance between the two guide walls is set such that: a gap arises between the housed airbag and at least one of the guide walls, thereby the airbag is allowed to inflate in the gap in the initial stage of airbag inflation; and that the deployment direction of the airbag is controlled by the guide walls, toward vehicle's inner side. In the head-protecting airbag apparatus of the present invention, the airbag housed in the upper periphery of windows smoothly protrudes inward of vehicle without providing any gas-leakage preventing means such as a reinforcing patch.
US07673893B2	Spring-based mechanism for saving labor of a bicycle rider A spring-based mechanism for saving labor of a bicycle rider is disclosed and in one embodiment includes an axle operatively connected to a chain wheel and a first set of bearings via a gear assembly; a housing for mounting a shaft therein wherein the first set of bearings is provided at one end of the shaft; a second set of bearings provided at the other end of the shaft; a spring in the housing and having one end attached to one end of the shaft and the other end attached to the other end of the housing; and a clutch provided externally of the other end of the housing, the clutch being operatively connected to the second set of bearings and including a lock lever. The mechanism can store elastic force by counterclockwise pedaling and release the stored energy by disengaging a clutch from the mechanism when riding uphill.
US07673891B2	Suspension system shackle link with shock absorber A shackle of a suspension system that connects a leaf spring to a vehicle frame. The shackle pivots, allowing the leaf spring to swing. The shackle is configured so that its effective length changes in response to shock. An elastic member is included in the shackle to resist this change in length and absorb shock.
US07673887B2	Self-loading tow dolly A self-loading tow dolly is described. The inventive tow dolly permits components of the dolly to be easily removed and replaced. The inventive tow dolly also reduces overall weight by using aluminum slotted hubs mated with 8-inch aluminum slotted wheels and by employing dissimilar materials that do not require welding and improves lubrication by providing strategically placed lubricant ports and lubricant reservoirs for rotating components.
US07673881B2	Target game There is provided a target game adapted to receive tokens into apertures having associated scores. The target game includes a horizontal playing surface having a plurality of apertures, and a vertical playing surface disposed at a back edge of and atop the horizontal playing surface. The vertical playing surface includes a plurality of apertures.
US07673877B2	Pneumatic game A game that uses a source of compressed gas, such as compressed air, to provide gas to move a play object across a play surface. The compressed gas source is capable of providing compressed gas to jets in communication with the play surface for directing the gas to move the play object across the play surface. A triggering device allows the player to select one or more jets and selectively trigger the flow of gas from a selected jet.
US07673876B1	Velocity matching calibration method for multiple independently driven sheet transport devices Disclosed are method embodiments that incorporate calibration and printing operations to be used with a printing device. The printing device contains a sheet transport path with multiple adjacent sheet transport devices, each having at least one independently controlled drive roller. Each preceding sheet transport device feeds a sheet to a following sheet transport device along the path in succession. Two or more adjacent sheet transport devices are positioned to simultaneously engage the sheet as it is being transported along the path. The calibration operation is used to determine the particular drive roller angular velocity that should be used by each sheet transport device to compensate for drive roller contention during the printing operation and, thereby to ensure that the linear velocity of the sheet essentially remains constant as it is transported across each adjacent transport throughout the printing operation.
US07673875B2	Sheet carrying unit, image forming apparatus and sheet carrying control method for double feed detecting of accepted sheets Based on the type of sheet and the detection result of double feed, carrying a sheet is stopped. Carrying of a predetermined type of sheet is not stopped even when double feed is detected. The predetermined type of sheet is a sheet having air space inside thereof (an envelope, an OHP sheet, Kent paper, or the like).
US07673874B2	Paper sheet handling apparatus A paper-money receipt/payment machine comprises a conveyance path, on which paper sheet can be conveyed in dual directions, and a paper-money discrimination unit provided midway the conveyance path to discriminate the paper sheet. The machine further comprises a temporary holding unit for storage of rejected paper sheet to be rejected, and an exclusive storage box, separately provided from the temporary holding unit, for storage of jammed paper sheet. The exclusive storage box is arranged at one end or both ends of the conveyance path.
US07673870B2	Image forming apparatus provided with feeding roller having play in rotating direction A feeding roller is configured to be driven to rotate both in a forward direction for conveying the recording medium to an image forming position along a conveying path and in a reverse direction opposite to the forward direction. A conveying roller is configured to driven to rotate both in a forward direction for allowing passage of the recording medium conveyed by the feeding roller and in a reverse direction for preventing the passage of the recording medium. A transmitting unit is capable of transmitting a rotational driving force to the feeding roller and the conveying roller, in such a manner that either one of the feeding roller and the conveying roller rotates in the forward direction and that the other one of the feeding roller and the conveying roller rotates in the reverse direction. The feeding roller has a predetermined play in a rotational direction.
US07673869B2	Image forming apparatus and image forming method, and program An image forming apparatus includes a sheet mounting part for mounting plural sheets thereon, a sheet feeding part having a sheet feeding roller for feeding one of the plural sheets mounted on the sheet mounting part to a sheet conveying path by rotating the sheet feeding roller, a sheet detecting part for detecting the sheet fed by the sheet feeding part on the sheet conveying path, and a control part for controlling the rotation of the sheet feeding roller. The sheet feeding roller repeats an operation of rotating and stopping in a predetermined interval in accordance with the control of the control part during a period which begins when starting the feeding of the sheet and ends when detecting the sheet on the sheet conveying path.
US07673868B2	Sheet processing system A sheet processing system comprises a plurality of sheet processing devices, a primary sheet conveyance path, a secondary sheet conveyance path, and a controller which controls the sheet processing devices. The controller uses the primary sheet conveyance path to execute one job, and uses the secondary sheet conveyance path to execute another job in parallel with that one job.
US07673857B2	Structured packing and use thereof At least one section of structured packing where the length of the section is about 1 m to about 6 m; and where the specific surface area of the structured packing of the section is greater than 500 m2/m3, is used in a vapour/liquid contact column operating in locations where environmental conditions adversely affect steady state operation of the column to reduce maldistribution of liquid in the column under motion. The structured packing section has particular application offshore on a buoyant platform where tilt of the column out of vertical alignment due to the rolling motion of the platform can significantly affect the efficiency of the column.
US07673855B2	Steam humidifier quick liquid connection In one aspect, a steam humidifier is disclosed. The steam humidifier includes a tank for containing water to be heated to generate steam and a water connection manifold that has a manifold chamber in fluid communication with a water supply passage and a water drain passage. The steam humidifier further includes a rotary valve that is configured to control a fluid passage between the tank and the manifold chamber and that is further configured to control the position of one or more locking features. The rotary valve is rotatable between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. In the first locked position, the fluid passage between the tank and the manifold chamber is open and the one or more locking features are engaged with a structure of the steam humidifier. In the second unlocked position, the fluid passage between the tank and the manifold chamber is closed and the one or more locking features are disengaged from the structure of the steam humidifier. Other aspects are disclosed.
US07673852B2	Fence mounting device A fence post sleeve designed to allow the quick and easy erection of a temporary fencing structure without the use of installation tools. The fence post sleeve is a generally tubular structure having at least two barrier fence clips and a longitudinal slit. The fence post sleeve is designed to cooperate with a number of common fence posts. The barrier fence clips releasably secure flexible barrier fencing to the fence post sleeve, and thus the fence post. The fence post sleeve is particularly useful in the installation of construction fencing and other forms of temporary barrier fencing.
US07673846B2	Tube configured pressure regulating valve A pressure regulating valve includes a body having an outer surface, the interior of the body defining an inlet chamber adapted to receive a fluid at a process pressure, and an outlet chamber. The body includes at least one inlet passage communicating with the inlet chamber and the outer surface, and at least one outlet passage communicating with the outer surface and the outlet chamber. A reference housing is adapted to be disposed in fluid communication with a fluid at a predetermined reference pressure. An annular membrane is disposed between the body and the reference housing, so as to circumscribe the inlet and outlet passages. The membrane is arranged such that, when the reference pressure is higher than the process pressure the membrane engages at least one outlet passage, and when the process pressure is higher than the reference pressure, the membrane is not engaged with the outlet passage.
US07673845B2	Leveling assembly Embodiments of the present invention provide a leveling assembly configured to be secured to an appliance. The leveling assembly supports the appliance on a floor, and includes a base having a column integrally connected to a ledge, which is integrally connected to a stem. The assembly also includes a spring positioned around the stem, and a sleeve secured to the stem and positioned around the spring. The spring exerts equal and opposite forces into the sleeve and the ledge, respectively.
US07673844B2	Pivotable support shaft for display A pivotable support shaft for connecting a display with a base member and supporting the display is disclosed. The support is designed to enable the display to have different postures in working condition and package and transporting condition. For example, in the working condition, the screen of the display may be pivotable between a pitch-up angle of about 20° and a pitch-down angle of about −20°, and in the package and transporting condition, the screen of the display may be pivoted down to a pitch-down angle of about −90° where the screen faces downwardly to reduce the package size and improve the transportation stability.
US07673843B2	Rotatable pedestal A pedestal comprising lower and upper vertical columns having different vertical axes, and a horizontal support which is rotatably connected to the top of the lower column and the bottom of the upper column. The pedestals are particularly useful in the catering and hospitality industries for supporting food and beverage containers, tableware, flower vases and sculptures.
US07673840B2	Supporting arm for a projection apparatus and presentation apparatus having a supporting arm A supporting arm for a projection apparatus has first and second arm sections and an articulation apparatus therebetween for interconnecting the arm sections. The projection apparatus can be fastened on a free end of the second arm section. The articulation apparatus permits the second arm section to rotate relative to the first arm section between a first position, in which the longitudinal axes of the arm sections run substantially mutually parallel, and a second position, in which the longitudinal axes of the arm sections run substantially mutually at right angles. A spring apparatus is coupled to the arm sections and has a spring force selected to compensate for a weight force of the second arm section and of the projection apparatus fastened thereon over substantially an entire rotational excursion of the second arm section relative to the first arm section. A presentation apparatus having the supporting arm is also provided.
US07673833B2	Protective shield assembly for space optics and associated methods A protective shield assembly capable of being deployed from a launch vehicle is provided, and methods for assembling and deploying the protective shield assembly are also provided. The protective shield assembly includes a shroud, and a flexible sheet of material within the shroud. The flexible sheet of material is capable of substantially conforming to a contour of at least a portion of the launch vehicle to provide a protective barrier.
US07673832B2	Aircraft component exposed to streaming surrounding air An aircraft component, such as a wing, has perforations through an outer wall for boundary layer suction. In the space between the outer wall and an inner wall partition walls form pressure channels and suction channels that are adjacent to each other and alternate, which channels communicate with the perforations. For example, alternating channels may be formed by a corrugated structure having trapezoidal corrugations providing a larger area for the suction channels than for the pressure channels. The pressure channels may be coupled to a hot-air reservoir by a control device, lines and valves, and the suction channels may be coupled to a vacuum reservoir, unless a short-circuit valve is used to cross connect the lines.
US07673830B2	Tape cartridge A tape cartridge is provided having an improved fit between a reel hole and a drive shaft of a drive. A reel hole that fits with a drive shaft provided in a drive for rotationally driving a reel is formed in the reel. The drive shaft includes a fitting shaft that fits with the reel hole and a guide shaft that enters the reel hole before the fitting shaft and has an outer dimension increasing toward the fitting shaft. A chamfered portion is formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the reel hole. The chamfered portion is constituted by an inclined face joining an inner peripheral face of the reel hole to the surface in which the reel hole is formed. When the reel hole is viewed from a side facing an opening portion of the reel hole, a portion of the reel hole that fits with the fitting shaft has a polygonal shape, and the inclined face contains a portion in which the width of the inclined face varies along an edge of the polygonal shape.
US07673828B1	Pepper mill A peppermill includes a receiving unit that surrounds an axis and that defines a receiving space for receiving peppercorns, a grinding unit that includes a coupling shaft disposed rotatably in the receiving space and having a shaft hole extending therethrough along the axis, and that is operable for grinding the peppercorns to result in ground pepper, and a closure unit that includes a connecting rod extending movably through the shaft hole along the axis, and a closure member secured to the connecting rod and disposed under the grinding unit. Movement of the connecting rod results in corresponding movement of the closure member between a closed position for blocking discharge of the ground pepper through a discharge end of the receiving unit, and an opened position for permitting discharge of the ground pepper through the discharge end.
US07673824B2	Drink maker A drink maker for processing foodstuff and dispensing the processed foodstuff therefrom. A base encloses a motor and a jar including a first recirculation surface is removably mountable to the base. A processing cup including a second recirculation surface is removably mountable to the jar and the jar and processing cup comprise a container in an assembled configuration. A recirculation chamber is defined by the first and second recirculation surfaces. The base includes an arcuate-shaped mounting wall extending from its top surface and the jar includes a skirt having a first wall and a second wall positioned radially outwardly from the first wall. The first and second walls define a mounting gap and the mounting wall is positioned in the mounting gap in the assembled configuration.
US07673823B2	Food processor lid A lid for a bowl of a food processor for processing a relatively large size or large volume of foodstuff including a top lid wall and a feed tube extending from the top lid wall along a feed axis. The feed tube including an inner feed surface defining a feed cavity and a mouth for accessing the feed cavity. A feed tube lid is movably secured to the mouth of the feed tube. A food pusher is movably mounted to the feed tube lid. The food pusher and feed tube lid cover the mouth of the feed tube when the feed tube lid and food pusher are in a working position. The food pusher is movable relative to the feed tube in first and second directions in the working position. The first direction is generally parallel to the feed axis and the second direction is generally perpendicular to the feed axis.
US07673820B2	Subminiature thermoelectric fragrance dispenser A dispenser for dispensing a liquid includes a chamber holding a supply of liquid, an annular conduit substantially filled with liquid from the chamber, and a thermoelectric transducer near one end of the annular conduit. Upon application of electrical current to the thermoelectric transducer, the transducer operates to cause boiling of a quantity of liquid in the annular conduit. Expansion of a resulting bubble forces liquid out the end of the annular conduit. The dispenser may include battery powered electronic control circuit that includes a supercapacitor. The liquid may be dispensed in periodic bursts. In one application, the dispenser is especially suited to automatically and unobtrusively dispense a fragrance, perfume, or other personal care liquid worn by a person. In some applications, the dispenser may be worn on or under an article of clothing, or attached to an article of jewelry.
US07673815B2	Line striper A line striper (10) is provided with a relatively small engine (16) operating a reciprocating piston pump (20) and having a centrifugal clutch (18) which actuates when a predetermined engine speed has been reached. A pressure bypass device (22) which opens at either a fixed or adjustable pressure is provided to bleed off excess pressure and maintain a consistent spraying pressure. A double acting trigger (30) is provided for the operator to actuate the spray gun (40) and raise the engine speed simultaneously.
US07673814B2	Vehicle windshield cleaning system Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet.
US07673811B2	Injection valve and compensating element for an injection valve A compensating element (30) for an injection valve has a cup-shaped body (32) with a cup base (34) and a recess. Furthermore, the compensating element has a piston (36) which makes a clearance fit in respect of the recess of the cup-shaped body (32) on an axially extending guide segment (41) of the piston (36) and which is arranged at least partially axially moveable with the guide segment (41) in the recess of the cup-shaped body (32). A sealing element (44) is arranged on the side of the guide segment (41) facing away from the cup base (32) and couples the cup-shaped body (32) with the piston (36). A hydraulically and/or pneumatically sealed system is delimited by the cup-shaped body (32), the piston (36) and the sealing element (44). The coupling of the sealing element (44) with the cup-shaped body (32) and/or the piston (36) is friction-fit.
US07673810B2	Rail clip A rail fastening clip is used with a rail clip support having a rail clip slot of the kind used in K plates. The rail clip is formed from a U shaped member made of metal plate having a base and two arms tapered from the base to their tips, with the arms being bent inwardly beyond the base in a large arc and the tips are bent back toward the base and oriented for contact with the foot of the rail. The base is adapted to fit in the K plate slot of the rail clip support. The base of the clip has a leading edge remote from the arms that contacts the upper interior surface of the support slot to form at least a line of contact with the upper interior surface of the slot. The line of contact is about 6 mm. The design overcomes the problem of rotation of the clip within the support slot and is a more cost effective clip than that currently used with K plates.
US07673805B2	Mini card adapter A mini card adapter for removably holding and fixing a mini card in a secure manner is provided. The mini card adapter holds a mini card having the same thickness as the standard card and outline dimensions smaller than those of the standard card. The mini card comprises a reference wall having the same thickness as the standard card and a bulging section formed on the top surface of the reference wall. In the reference wall, a card pocket for is formed for loading therein the mini card. The land section is formed in a region corresponding to the emboss section of the standard card, and a part of the land section bulges over the card pocket. As a result, an eaves wall for supporting one side of the mini card is formed. The eaves wall has a boss which fits in a hole formed in the mini card. A receiving nail for receiving the periphery of the mini card in corporation with the eaves wall is provided on the peripheral lower surface of the card pocket.
US07673799B2	Card reader for use with web based transactions A card reader for use in web based transactions is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for establishing a secure connection between a card reader and a server, the method including receiving a first challenge request, generating a response to the first challenge request using a first encryption key, sending the response to the first challenge request, sending a second challenge request, receiving an encrypted response to the second challenge request, verifying the encrypted response to the second challenge request; and, if the encrypted response is verified, reading data card information from a data card, the data card information including an intrinsic magnetic characteristic and recorded data on the data card, generating a magnetic fingerprint based on the intrinsic magnetic characteristic, and sending the magnetic fingerprint to authenticate the data card.
US07673798B2	Card reader with symmetrical contact spring A card reader comprises two rows of electric contacts in the form of elastically deformable contact springs for contacting the electric contact fields of a card inserted into the card reader, wherein the contact springs extend parallel to the card insertion direction and wherein each contact spring comprises a contact section projecting into the card path for contacting one of the contact fields of the card, a connecting section for connecting to a write/read device, an intermediate U-shaped joining section, and a mounting section for mounting the contact spring to the card reader housing, all being formed in one piece with the contact spring. In accordance with the invention, the contact section, the U-shaped joining section and the mounting section are symmetrical relative to the center plane of the contact spring.
US07673786B2	Welding shield for coupling heaters Systems for coupling end portions of two elongated heater portions and methods of using such systems to treat a subsurface formation are described herein. A system may include a holding system configured to hold end portions of the two elongated heater portions so that the end portions are abutted together or located near each other; a shield for enclosing the end portions, and one or more inert gas inlets configured to provide at least one inert gas to flush the system with inert gas during welding of the end portions. The shield may be configured to inhibit oxidation during welding that joins the end portions together. The shield may include a hinged door that, when closed, is configured to at least partially isolate the interior of the shield from the atmosphere. The hinged door, when open, is configured to allow access to the interior of the shield.
US07673785B2	Method for manufacturing a cutting pick and the resulting pick A cutting pick comprising a cutting tip 10 formed such as from SiC-D and a metal pick body 11. The pick body 11 has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the cutting tip 10. The pick body 11 includes a generally cylindrical cavity 14 within which is received a generally cylindrical anchor portion 13. The tip 10 includes a coating 17 bonded to the outer surface of the anchor portion 13. An annulus 24 is left between the coating 17 and the cavity 14 within which is a solder or braze material which bonds to each of the coating 17 and the cavity 14. The pick body 11 employs the difference in thermal expansion to exert pressure on the anchor portion 13 to fix the tip 10 to the pick body 11.
US07673784B2	High production welding fixture A welding fixture for supporting first and second workpieces in a coaxial relationship along a workpiece axis relative to each other includes a base, a left clamp on the base for holding a first workpiece, and a right clamp on the base for holding a second workpiece on an opposite side of a welding plane in a coaxial relationship with the first workpiece. The fixture also includes a left handle on the base for operating the right clamp, and a right handle on the base for operating the left clamp.
US07673781B2	Surgical stapling device with staple driver that supports multiple wire diameter staples A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling device. The stapling device has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil that is moveable between open and closed positions. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a first plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver has an upper staple supporting surface for supporting one of the staples such that, when actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the anvil. The upper staple supporting surface supports staples of different wire diameters in an upright position.
US07673778B2	Tablet cutter The invention is directed to a pill cutter that has a protected cutting edge. The pill cutter includes a guard, a base, and a cover. The components are arranged such that the guard slides over the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in an open position and the guard exposes the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in a closed position. The invention is also directed at a method for assembling the pill cutter and a method of using the pill cutter to cut a pill or tablet.
US07673774B2	Transitions for containers A transition for dispensing a composition from a container comprises a collar; a spout comprises an opening, said spout being capable of directing the flow of the composition out of the container; a drip concentrating member having at least one drain hole functionally connecting the collar and the spout; wherein the drip concentrating member is at least partially non-planar.
US07673772B2	Method for dispensing medications A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring unit-based doses of certain medications to be administered to a patient. The dispenser includes a frame and one or more cartridges that may be mounted onto the frame. A set of slots sized for holding unit-based doses of medication extend through a body portion of the cartridge. A movement device is also positioned relative to the frame and is configured to induce movement of selected unit-based medication doses out of associated slots in the cartridge, so that the dispensed doses may be retrieved.
US07673769B2	Storage bin with moveable lid and attached scoop A storage bin comprises a cover panel and a scoop. The cover panel may be slidably or rotatably moved to expose the interior of the storage bin. The scoop is stored internally in the storage bin and is exposed when the cover panel is open. The design of the cover panel provides advantages to consumers by providing a durable and versatile method of access to the contents of the storage bin. The storage of the scoop within the storage bin limits contamination of the scoop during storage and provides easy access to the scoop when the cover panel is open. A reusable labeling surface allows the consumer to conveniently identify a variety of stored items over the storage bin's lifetime.
US07673767B2	Interconnecting food container system The claimed invention is a novel container system that adds utility and convenience for the consumer “on-the-go”. The container system claimed includes a main tray member that holds food product (e.g. carrots), and lid member that is configured so that, when it is inverted, it acts as a secondary tray member that holds food product (e.g. condiment) and is further attachable to the rim of the tray member via an interference fit or snap-fit grip fit. The resulting utility is that the consumer is able to hold the main tray member with one hand or have held the main tray member (e.g. in a recess in an automobile consol) and access the contents of both trays with a free hand.
US07673765B2	Hot fill container having improved vacuum panel configuration A hot fill container of the type that is used package fruit juices and other beverages includes a vacuum panel configuration that provides optimal volumetric efficiency, material usage and container strength and is particularly suited for use with smaller containers. The vacuum panel configuration includes a plurality of cageless vacuum panels that are separated by longitudinally extending outwardly projecting creases that are defined in a sidewall of the container. This arrangement maximizes the effective surface area of the vacuum panels relative to the external surface area of the container. Each of the longitudinally extending outwardly projecting creases has a curved outer surface that is convex when viewed in longitudinal cross-section. The cageless vacuum panels are constructed and arranged to be convexly curved when a pressure within the container is equal to an external pressure, but become concavely curved when a predetermined partial vacuum condition exists within said container.
US07673764B2	Container with narrow rib A substantially smooth container sidewall containing a narrow vertical rib, the rib having a width that is less than about 35% of the diameter of the sidewall, a container including the substantially smooth sidewall, and method of making both the sidewall and the container are the subject of the present invention.
US07673763B1	Child resistant container and cap A locking cap and container is provided for a container having an opening surrounded by a neck with container threads thereon that are sized and located to threadingly engage cap threads formed on a skirt of the cap. A shaped distal end is formed on a distal end of the container threads and a barb is formed on the distal end of the cap threads. A resilient locking tab extends from the container, and is located below the shaped distal end and spaced apart from the shaped distal end a distance sufficient to allow passage of the barb beyond the shaped distal end but sufficiently close to resiliently urge the barb into overlapping rotational alignment with the shaped end. The shaped end is configured to lockingly engage the barb when the tab holds them in alignment. Pushing down on the cap pushes the thread against the locking tab and allows disengagement of the barb from the shaped distal end and movement of the barb past the shaped distal end to unlock the cap.
US07673760B2	Support cradle for rolled coils and other cylindrical objects A cradle unit for supporting metal coils, and other cylindrical objects, consists of two, parallel and separate saddles preferably made of polyurethane having an approximate hardness range of between 50 Shore A and 90 Shore D, which saddles are connected together via a pair of parallel steel angle-brackets that provide inherent structural integrity to the cradle unit itself, while still allowing the unit to conform to the shape or level of the underlying support structure. The single cradle unit may be as a mobile support-device, or may be bolted or otherwise attached to a surface for a specific location of the stored product. The cradle unit of the invention may, also, be attached to the bed of a transportation vehicle, such as a truck trailer or rail car, in order to provide secure, protective storage and location of the items. In this case, the nature of the resilient or soft material from which the cradle unit is made provides shock-absorption qualities for the transported coil. The cradle unit is generally concave-shaped and has a first main or central lower concave curvature of a first radius, and a middle or secondary transitional curvature that connects the first main lower curvature to an upper, tertiary concave curvature of a second radius greater than the first radius, so that coils or rolls of different diameter may be safely and firmly supported.
US07673757B2	Adsorbent filter media for removal of biological contaminants in process liquids Adsorbent filter media particularly suited for removal of biological contaminants in process liquids. A porous fixed bed of adsorbent material is formed, using only a granular adsorbent and a water-insoluble thermoplastic binder. The resulting composite filter allows for a higher amount of adsorbent with smaller adsorbent particles than conventional depth filters. Elimination of cellulose fiber, as well as the elimination of the thermoset binder, results in reduced contamination of the process liquid.
US07673752B2	Drug card A drug card having a tamper proof serrated pull tab on the back. The pull tab is partially removed from the back of the drug card to provide access to a plurality of individually sealed doses of medicine. A single dose of medicine is removed from the plurality of individually sealed doses of medicine, after which the remaining individually sealed doses of medicine are placed back in the card and the card resealed. The integrity of the drug card is thereby maintained while presenting a brand name of the product to the consumer at all times.
US07673749B2	Folding photo case A folding photo case includes a pair of exterior case members coupled to each other by a first hinge and a pair of interior frame members coupled to respective exterior case members by respective second and third hinges. The first, second and third hinges are preferably torsion bar hinges with the first hinge biasing the exterior case members to an open position and the second and third springs biasing the interior frame members toward interior surfaces of the exterior case members. One or both of the exterior case members are preferably provided with a latch structure which allows the folding case to be latched in a closed position. The dimensions of the folding case are preferably such that the case can be carried in a pocket or purse when it is folded into the closed position.
US07673747B2	Molded pulp container The invention provides a container which can store a product which is constituted of a plurality of devices therein integrally and in a compact manner, and can also facilitate the packing of the product. A molded pulp container includes a storing recessed portion which has an opening at an upper surface thereof and is molded in conformity with a shape of a first material to be stored, a partition portion which is connected to the brim portion of the opening of the storing recessed portion and is foldable toward the storing recessed portion side to be placed on at least a portion of the brim portion of the storing recessed portion and, at the same time, forms a base on which a second material to be stored is placed, and a lid portion which is molded in conformity with a shape of the second material to be stored and is connected to the brim portion formed on the storing recessed portion and is folded to the storing recessed portion side to cover the partition portion from above.
US07673746B2	Recycling container for the collection and temporary storage of mercury contaminated wastes in dental facilities The present invention is directed to a container for the collection and temporary storage of amalgams and other mercury wastes. The container can include a hollow body with air-tight lid, and one or more mercury sorbents contained in a filter bag. The filter bag covers the inside surface of the hollow body and has holes that allow air exchange between the air in the hollow body and the sorbents. As air exchange occurs, mercury vapors released from dental wastes binds to the mercury binding materials. A self-closing door was made on the lid, which automatically closes after each waste disposal.
US07673745B2	Case for portable electronic device Cases for portable electronic devices, including cases that provide support as well as protection. Cases may be configured to contain a video-capable electronic device (601) and may both protect the device and allow it to maintain a hands-free viewing position. Embodiments include a first panel (110) having an upper portion (111) and a lower portion (112) separated from each other by a hinge line (113), a second panel (120) spaced apart from and coupled to the upper portion of the first panel by a first sidewall (160) and a second sidewall (170), and a third panel (130) spaced apart from and coupled to the lower portion of the first panel by a third sidewall (180) and a fourth sidewall (190). The first panel is capable of being folded along the hinge line into a flexed position.
US07673743B2	Material handling apparatus A conveyor conveys sheets and deposits the sheets at a location to be stacked. The conveyor includes a sensor for determining the presence of a sheet before the sheet arrives at the location. A controller is coupled to the sensor and responsive to sensor inputs for controlling a movable support for projecting into a projected orientation to receive the sheets as the sheets exit the conveyor. The movable support moves to a retracted orientation to assist a stack to be withdrawn therefrom. Apparatus for manipulating pallets includes a conveyor, a mechanism for tilting the conveyor between a generally horizontal orientation and an orientation in which a first end of the conveyor is elevated above a second end of the conveyor, a first shifting mechanism to shift the conveyor horizontally along a first axis, a second shifting mechanism for shifting the conveyor horizontally along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis, and an elevator mechanism for raising and lowering the conveyor along a third axis generally perpendicular to the first and second axes. Apparatus for dispensing a pallet includes vertically spaced magazines, conveyors, and an elevator. The conveyors and elevator are selectively operable to deliver a pallet from the magazine in which that pallet is located to a common location.
US07673736B2	Conveyor system with gate reader assembly A gate reader assembly for positioning and identifying articles carried by conveyor systems. The gate reader assembly including a main housing for attachment to said conveyor adjacent a conveyor line of the conveyor; a sprocket rotatably mounted on said housing and having a plurality of gullets formed thereon, each gullet configured for receiving one of said articles. In addition, said sprocket is configured to rotate about an axis normal to said conveyor line via a horizontal force from said articles such that said rotating sprocket is configured to receive and move said articles along said conveyor line. The gate reader assembly additionally includes a detent mechanism disposed on the housing and slidably coupled to the sprocket for releasably restraining said sprocket from rotation thereby inhibiting said article against further movement along said conveyor line. The gate reader assembly further includes a reader subassembly for mounting on said housing and for identifying said articles when restrained by said detent mechanism.
US07673735B2	System for transporting substrate carriers In a semiconductor fabrication facility, a conveyor transports substrate carriers. The substrate carriers are unloaded from the conveyor and loaded onto the conveyor without stopping the conveyor. A load and/or unload mechanism lifts the substrate carriers from the conveyor during unloading operations, while matching the horizontal speed of the conveyor. Similarly, during loading operations, the load/unload mechanism lowers a substrate carrier into engagement with the conveyor while matching the horizontal speed of the conveyor. Individual substrates, without carriers, may be similarly loaded and/or unloaded from a conveyor.
US07673733B2	Packaging apparatus including product metering system In a packaging system for packing cases with product, a product metering system is provided. The product metering system includes a first product lane along which a first product travels and a second product lane along which a second product travels. The second product is different from the first product. A first movable barrier has a first position that obstructs progress of the first product along the first product lane and a second position that allows progress of the first product along the first product lane past the first movable barrier. The first product lane and second product lane merge into a first common lane downstream of the first movable barrier, wherein when the first movable barrier is in the first position only the second product is metered to the first common lane.
US07673731B2	Two-way clutch A two-way clutch has a rotational driving unit, a rotational driven unit, a roller interposed between the rotational driven unit and a collar, which is a fixed member and is not rotatable. A recess is formed in an inner peripheral surface of the collar, so that the roller is engaged with the recess. As a result, a locked condition between the rotational driven unit and the collar by means of the roller is not easily released. Therefore, the rotational driven unit is stably held at its locked position, even when a high vibration, a high load and/or a large pulsation is applied to the rotational driven unit.
US07673729B2	Layout structure of clutch lever shaft To provide a layout structure of a clutch lever shaft capable of realizing compact layouts of a whole power unit in which a starter centrifugal clutch and a transmission manual multi-plate clutch are provided, and of a whole vehicle on which the power unit is mounted. A centrifugal clutch shaft and a manual multi-plate clutch shaft are disposed in parallel. The clutch lever shaft of the manual multi-plate clutch is disposed orthogonally and substantially vertically upward in relation to a pressing direction of a friction plate in a vicinity of an end portion of a lifter pin. The clutch lever shaft is disposed between the centrifugal clutch and the manual multi-plate clutch when viewed from a top of the power unit.
US07673725B2	Disc brake system A disc brake system comprises a mounting hub and at least one disc supported by the mounting hub. The mounting hub has a center portion and an outer portion substantially perpendicular to the center portion and defines a central axis extending perpendicular to the center portion. A plurality of grooves comprising a U-shape are defined within the outer portion and are spaced radially about the central axis. Each of the grooves extends axially relative to the central axis. A bearing is disposed in each of the plurality of grooves and operatively connects the mounting hub and the disc such that the bearing rotates about a bearing axis and moves axially within the groove in response to axial movement of the disc.
US07673724B2	Brake mechanism A brake mechanism includes a connecting element that is fixed to a wheel axle of a motor vehicle or is embodied monolithically therewith, and a fastening flange of a disk brake caliper. The fastening flange is fixed to the connecting element. The brake mechanism is configured in such a way that the fastening flange is retained in a positive manner on the connecting element in the circumferential direction of the wheel axle.
US07673718B2	Leg-wheeled-traveling mechanism A leg-wheeled traveling mechanism is provided with a seat portion, two follow-up legs, each having an end portion that is freely rotatably connected to the seat portion, with a distance between the end portion and a tip portion having a foot-rest portion being retractable, two or more support legs, each having an end portion that is freely rotatably connected to the seat portion, with a distance between the end portion and a tip portion having a wheel portion being retractable, a foot-position measuring unit that measures relative positional changes of the foot-rest portions and foot portions of a rider, and a control device that controls operations of the follow-up legs and the support legs, based upon the relative positional changes measured by the foot-position measuring unit so as to allow the foot-rest portions to move virtually in the same directions as those of the foot portions.
US07673715B2	Geared motor for electric wheelchair A geared motor for driving an electric wheelchair, which can realize features such as light weight, compact size, low noise, and low vibration at the same time, as well as high performance at low cost. In a driving device of an electric wheelchair for driving a wheel shaft by the power of a motor, the motor is disposed in such a manner that a motor shaft thereof is orthogonal to the wheel shaft. A hypoid speed reduction mechanism having a hypoid pinion and a hypoid gear intervenes between the motor shaft and the wheel shaft.
US07673714B2	System and method of torque converter lockup state adjustment using an electric energy conversion device A hybrid vehicle propulsion system including, an internal combustion engine, a torque converter including a lockup clutch the torque converter having an input and an output, the input coupled to the internal combustion engine, an electric energy conversion device coupled downstream of the torque converter output, and a control system for adjusting torque output of the hybrid propulsion system, the control system adjusting the torque output of the electric energy conversion device during a torque converter lockup clutch engagement transition event.
US07673709B2	Earth-boring bit with shear cutting elements An earth-boring bit has a bit body and at least one cone for rotation relative to the bit body. The cone has a gage surface and a nose area separated by a central area. A nose insert is located in the nose area. The nose insert has a barrel located within a hole in the nose area and an outer end protruding from the cone, the outer end has a perimeter that is a plane perpendicular to a barrel axis of the nose insert.
US07673702B2	Impact wrench An impact mechanism includes a shaft, a hammer and an anvil coupled to the hammer. The shaft has a first helical groove and the hammer has a second helical groove. A ball is received in the first and second helical grooves to rotationally couple the hammer to the shaft and permit axial travel of the hammer relative to the shaft. An axial stop inhibits axial travel of the hammer along a first travel path and permits axial travel of the hammer along a second travel path. The axial stop includes first and second stop members, the first and second stop members having a first relative position to inhibit axial travel of the hammer and a second relative position to permit axial travel of the hammer.
US07673701B2	Power tool having control means for monitoring screw tightening operations A power tool includes a driving unit for performing screw tightening operations; a motor for rotatably driving the driving unit; a rechargeable battery pack; a trigger switch for turning on and off the motor; and a control circuit, accommodated in a main body of the power tool, for monitoring the screw tightening operations. The control circuit has a screw tightening completion detection unit for detecting completion of a screw tightening operation, a screw tightening count unit for counting the number of detected tightening operations, a screw tightening number setting unit for presetting the number of screws to be tightened, a screw tightening completion notifying unit for notifying completion of the screw tightening operations when the number of detected tightening operations reaches the preset number. Further, the screw tightening number setting unit and the screw tightening completion notifying unit is disposed at a lower front portion of a grip portion.
US07673700B2	Push block for a scraping device An earthmoving scraping device including a bowl-shaped frame having a front end, a back end, and opposing first and second side walls extending upwardly from a floor. The first side wall, the second side wall, and the floor define an interior of the frame for transporting material over a surface. A mechanism is configured for adjusting the frame to change the height of the frame relative to the surface. A push block is mounted adjacent the back end of the frame and includes a bumper. A linkage system pivotally connects the push block to the back end of the frame and is configured to maintain a consistent height of the push block from the surface when the mechanism adjusts the frame to change the height of the frame relative to the surface.
US07673699B2	Sway restrictor bracket for a draft link of a three point hitch The sway restrictor includes a bracket attachable between the draft link or arm and an adjacent upwardly and downwardly extending structural element of a work machine, and is operable for substantially restricting or preventing relative sideward movement therebetween, particularly swaying of the hitch, while allowing relative upward and downward movements thereof, including tilting movements.
US07673698B2	Perfect planting tool A gardening hand tool for digging holes is provided. The tool further comprises a pair of shovel blades aligned parallel to each other and are pivotally attached to the bottom of a shaft member. A handle is attached to the upper end of a shaft member and is pivotally connected to the shovel blades.
US07673693B2	Hydraulic coiled tubing retrievable bridge plug A zonal isolation device comprises a packer assembly and an internal setting mechanism operable to actuate the packer assembly from an unset position to a set position, wherein the zonal isolation device is resettable and retrievable. Another zonal isolation device comprises a packer assembly, a setting mechanism operable to actuate the packer assembly from an unset position to a set position in response to hydraulic pressure alone, and a locking mechanism operable to lock and unlock the packer assembly from the set position in response to hydraulic pressure alone. A method for setting a zonal isolation device within a well bore comprises running the zonal isolation device in an unset position within the well bore on a work string, applying a differential pressure between the work string and the well bore, and actuating the zonal isolation device to a set position in response to the differential pressure alone.
US07673692B2	Eutectic material-based seal element for packers The present invention relates to a seal element for a wellbore which includes a support member, a bag positioned on the support member and a eutectic material positionable in the bag. The bag may be axially compressed and axially extended along the support member thereby permitting sealing and unsealing of an annulus in a wellbore. The eutectic material may be a phase changing salt.
US07673691B2	Apparatus for retaining two strings of tubulars An apparatus for retaining two strings of tubulars characterized in that said apparatus comprises body parts of a device for retaining a single string of tubulars and a converting member. A device for retaining a string of tubulars, said device comprising at least one body part having a curved tapered surface upon which inserts are located for engagement with said string of tubulars characterized in that said curved tapered surface comprises a recess for the passage of cables.
US07673690B2	Method and apparatus for dynamic application management in sub-sea well installations A method for updating a software of a sub-sea controller (31) located under the sea level. The sub-sea controller manages a plurality of tools in a sub-sea well. An application module (35) is downloaded into the sub-sea controller. The application module is executed using a virtual machine (36) implemented within the sub-sea controller.
US07673689B2	Dual flapper barrier valve The present invention generally relates to a wellbore tool for selectively isolating a portion of a wellbore from another portion of the wellbore. In one aspect, a method of selectively isolating a zone in a wellbore is provided. The method includes the step of positioning a downhole tool in the wellbore. The downhole tool includes a bore with a first flapper member and a second flapper member disposed therein, whereby each flapper member is initially in an open position. The method also includes the step of moving the first flapper member to a closed position by rotating the first flapper member in one direction. Further, the method includes the step of moving the second flapper member to a closed position by rotating the second flapper member in an opposite direction, whereby each flapper member is movable between the open position and the closed position multiple times. In another aspect, an apparatus for isolating a zone in a wellbore is provided.
US07673688B1	Casing wiping dart with filtering layer A dart may include a foam body, a filtering material at least partially covering the foam body, and a mandrel. The foam body may surround the mandrel.
US07673687B2	Cement compositions comprising crystalline organic materials and methods of using same A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a composition comprising cement, water, and a heat sink material into a wellbore, and allowing the composition to set, wherein at least a portion of the heat sink material undergoes a phase transition by absorbing at least a portion of the heat released upon hydration of the cement. A method of completing a wellbore, comprising forming a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising permafrost, gas hydrates, or both, preparing a cement composition comprising cement, water, and a heat sink material, placing the cement composition into an annulus formed between a casing and the wellbore, and allowing the composition to set, wherein at least a portion of the heat sink material undergoes a phase transition by absorbing at least a portion of the heat released upon hydration of the cement, thereby reducing an amount of heat transferred from the annular cement to the surrounding permafrost and/or gas hydrates.
US07673686B2	Method of stabilizing unconsolidated formation for sand control The invention provides a method for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. The method comprises the steps of: (a) introducing a composition through the wellbore into the subterranean formation, wherein the composition comprises: (i) a solvent consisting essentially of an aqueous dissolvable solvent comprising any solvent that is at least 25% by weight soluble in water, wherein the solvent is from about 90% to about 99.9% by weight of the composition; and (ii) a curable resin, wherein the curable resin is from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition; wherein the curable resin and the solvent are mutually selected such that, for the ratio of the curable resin to the solvent, the curable resin is soluble in the solvent; and (b) installing a mechanical sand control device into the wellbore either before or after introducing the composition into the wellbore.
US07673684B2	ESP/separator assembly and method An ESP/separator assembly (10) is positioned downhole in a well on a tubular string (18) to pump downhole fluids to the surface. The assembly includes an electric submersible pump (12) and an electrically powered motor (20) positioned below the pump. An electrical cable (22) extends downhole past the motor and to the pump. A generally cylindrical shroud (26) is positioned circumferentially about the pump, the motor, and a portion (24) of the cable extending past the pump and to the motor. A separator (60) is provided at the lower end of the shroud, such that the shroud supports substantially the weight of the separator.
US07673683B2	Well tool having magnetically coupled position sensor A well tool having a magnetically coupled position sensor. In operation of a well tool, relative displacement is produced between members of the well tool. A magnetically coupled position sensor includes one magnet assembly attached to a member for displacement therewith and another magnet assembly movably attached to the other member and magnetically coupled to the first magnet assembly for displacement therewith. The position sensor further includes a magnetically permeable material which increases a magnetic flux density between the magnet assemblies. In another position sensor, one magnet assembly includes a magnet having a pole axis, the other magnet assembly includes another magnet having another pole axis, and the pole axes are aligned with each other.
US07673682B2	Well casing-based geophysical sensor apparatus, system and method A geophysical sensor apparatus, system, and method for use in, for example, oil well operations, and in particular using a network of sensors emplaced along and outside oil well casings to monitor critical parameters in an oil reservoir and provide geophysical data remote from the wells. Centralizers are affixed to the well casings and the sensors are located in the protective spheres afforded by the centralizers to keep from being damaged during casing emplacement. In this manner, geophysical data may be detected of a sub-surface volume, e.g. an oil reservoir, and transmitted for analysis. Preferably, data from multiple sensor types, such as ERT and seismic data are combined to provide real time knowledge of the reservoir and processes such as primary and secondary oil recovery.
US07673676B2	Electric submersible pumping system with gas vent A technique is provided for pumping fluids from a wellbore. An electric submersible pumping system is deployed in a wellbore on a tubing. Free gas can potentially accumulate around the electric submersible pumping system, but a gas vent is positioned to remove free gas.
US07673673B2	Apparatus for isolating a jet forming aperture in a well bore servicing tool An embodiment of a well bore servicing apparatus includes a housing having a through bore and at least one high pressure fluid aperture in the housing, the fluid aperture being in fluid communication with the through bore to provide a high pressure fluid stream to the well bore, and a removable member coupled to the housing and disposed adjacent the fluid jet forming aperture and isolating the fluid jet forming aperture from an exterior of the housing. An embodiment of a method of servicing a well bore includes applying a removable member to an exterior of a well bore servicing tool, wherein the removable member covers at least one high pressure fluid aperture disposed in the tool, lowering the tool into a well bore, exposing the tool to a well bore material, wherein the removable cover prevents the well bore material from entering the fluid aperture, removing the removable member to expose a fluid flow path adjacent an outlet of the high pressure fluid aperture, and flowing a well bore servicing fluid through the fluid aperture outlet and flow path.
US07673669B2	Investment casting cores and methods To manufacture a casting core, one or more recesses are formed in at least one face of metallic sheetstock. After the forming, a piece is cut from the metallic sheetstock. The piece is deformed to a non-flat configuration.
US07673665B2	Cordless flexible window covering A window covering comprises a flexible panel having a top edge and a bottom edge. At least one lift cord is provided for raising and lowering the bottom edge. Each lift cord is connected to one end of a stiffener at a first point and the opposite end of the stiffener is connected to approximately the bottom edge of the flexible panel. The stiffener prevents the folding of the flexible panel between the bottom edge and the first point. The top edge may be connected to a head rail and the bottom edge may be connected to a bottom rail. A motor may be located adjacent the top rail where the lift cord is connected to the motor.
US07673663B2	Pneumatic tire with tread having non-linear rib A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion provided with a nonlinear rib having an amplitude having a center in the tire axial direction. In a normally loaded condition of the tire, the tread portion has an outside tread edge and an inside tread edge when the camber angle of the tire is 0 degrees. In the normally loaded condition, when the a camber angle of 4 degrees is given to the tire to inline towards the outside tread edge, a foot print shape of the tire has a maximum circumferential length at an axial position MC which is off the tire equator towards the outside tread edge. The nonlinear rib is positioned off the tire equator towards the outside tread edge such that the axial position MC lies within the amplitude of the nonlinear rib, and one of the edges of the nonlinear rib on the outside tread edge side is chamfered.
US07673662B2	Planer/sander wood machine A guide for a machine tool or tool drive (7) means for moving a surfacing tool over the substantial surface of a work piece (1), said guide comprising a guide means adapted for positioning over said work piece, said guide means including two horizontal spaced apart guide rails (2) and a gantry (3) adapted for linear travel in an X-axis along said guide rails wherein said gantry includes a gantry rail (4) adapted to bridge said spaced apart guide rails, a pair of gantry arms (5) fitted to either end of said gantry rail each gantry arm having a gantry foot for co-operating with said guide rail wherein said tool drive (7) is fitted to said gantry by a gantry mount adapted for lateral movement along the length of said gantry Y-axis, said mount including a vertical Z-axis height adjustment face plate (9) for mounting said tool drive wherein the fitting of said gantry rail to said guide rails is adjustable about said X-axis and the fitting of said tool drive to said gantry mount is adjustable about said Y-axis such that the cutting face of a tool fitted to said drive can be adjusted to correspond to the surface on planar face of said work piece without the need to clamp said work piece to said guide.
US07673660B2	Filling tubes with catalyst and/or other particulate Particulate filling devices and methods are disclosed that utilize a swivel connector, a mounting surface connected to the swiveling connector, and several obstacles mounted on the mounting surface. The obstacles are positioned consecutively to form a helix-pattern.
US07673659B2	Spill avoidance system and venting system for a storage tank using pressure transfer methods A system for preventing overflow in a storage tank which is fillable via a nozzle inserted in a fill passage includes a nozzle stop such that when an end of the nozzle contacts the nozzle stop, the nozzle is in a fill position. The system also includes a sealing device within the fill passage, which forms an inner sealing space via a first seal around the nozzle below a hole in the nozzle and a second seal around the nozzle above the hole in the nozzle. An airtight passage connects the inner sealing space to an interior of the storage tank. The system may also include a venting system including a tank vent passage between the storage tank and an end of the fill passage and an atmospheric vent passage between the tank vent passage and the external atmosphere.
US07673658B1	Load line connection spillage container An injection-molded load line connection spillage container for catching and retaining liquid spilled when liquids are pumped between storage tanks and tankers provides an injection-molded reservoir and an injection-molded cover attached to the reservoir by hinges. Reinforcing ribs molded into the reservoir provide strength and ruggedness without the need for reinforcing steel collars and saddles. Gussets molded into the reservoir hinge brackets ensure repeated stresses produced by energetic opening of the cover does not result in failure of the hinge brackets. An optional load line mounting assembly permits secure mounting of the load line container directly onto the load line. An optional cleanout assembly provides a valved suction line for removing retained spillage, and an optional sampling assembly provides a valved sample line for sampling the liquid being transferred.
US07673655B1	Composite wrap repair of internal defects A system and method for repairing and reinforcing a pipeline includes a pair of opposing composite wrap bands that are located on the external surface of the pipeline and positioned a predetermined horizontal distance from a defect area. A composite wrap is then applied over the bands to create a bridge that spans the bands and forms a cavity above the defect area. The bridge eliminates the need to clean the surface of the pipeline directly over the defect area. A second pair of bands located on the external surface of the bridge provides structural support. An actuator within the bridge monitors the pressure within the cavity and activates upon the presence of internal pressure, indicating a through-wall defect has occurred. A fitting may also be inserted into the bridge in order to pressurize the cavity and test the repair.
US07673650B2	Sensitive fluid balancing relief valve A pressure regulating valve comprising a diaphragm for control of process pressure is provided. The diaphragm has a reference pressure on a first side and a process pressure on a second side. The second side is engagable with a process void and at least one vent void such that when the process pressure is below the reference pressure the diaphragm is engaged with the vent void. When the process pressure is above the reference pressure the diaphragm is not engaged with the vent void.
US07673647B2	Inflation valve with pneumatic assist A pneumatically assisted inflator for gas cylinders comprises an inline configuration such that gas contained within the gas cylinder flows axially through the inflator to be exhausted therefrom and inflate an inflatable article. The inline configuration of the inflator reduces the stress otherwise imparted to the component parts thereof and thereby allows most of the component parts to be manufactured from an injection molded high-strength plastic or the like. The inflator comprises an inflator piston positioned within a piston cylinder that moves against a rotatable cam surface, such as a rotatable collar connected to a pull lanyard, to force a pierce pin to make at least a small pin hole in a frangible seal and allow high pressure gas from the gas cylinder to flow into the piston cylinder, whereupon the high pressure gas in the piston cylinder further moves the inflator piston to more fully force the pierce pin into the frangible seal to fully open the frangible seal.
US07673643B2	Collapsible canopy having wheels A collapsible canopy frame is provided that includes elongated side poles each having a side and an end; and a plurality of wheel assemblies each having a mounting post and a wheel. The mounting post of each wheel assembly is supported on and extends transverse to a corresponding one of the elongated side poles.
US07673638B1	System and method to monitor particles removed from a component Disclosed is a system and method to monitor and count particles removed from a component. The particle monitoring system includes a jet spray device, a snow generator, a particle collection device, and a particle counter. The jet spray device includes an outlet that is disposed locally relative to the component. The snow generator is operable to generate cleaning snow comprising a stream of ice particles, wherein the cleaning snow is emitted from the outlet of the jet spray device onto the component to cause the ejection of particles from the component. The particle collection device includes a collector that is disposed locally around the component to collect particles ejected from the component. The particle counter is coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the particle collection device. The particle counter is operable to detect and count particles ejected from the component.
US07673636B2	Powder container A loose powder container is provided. The powder container includes a cap and a receptacle for storing the loose powder. The cap includes a brush integrated into the cap. The cap also comprises two sections, such that, in an initial position an upper section is aligned with respect to a lower section of the cap. Clockwise rotation of the upper section in order to misalign it with the lower section of the cap, results in the brush protruding from the cap. The brush is completely protruded when the upper section of the cap is re-aligned with the lower section of the cap upon a 180 degree rotation in the clockwise direction. The fully protruded brush is twirled around to pick loose powder through a perforated layer comprised in the receptacle. The brush is retracted upon anti-clockwise rotation of the upper section, to align it in the initial position with the lower section.
US07673629B2	Safety system and method of a tunnel structure A breathable air safety system and method having at least one fill site is disclosed. In one aspect, a method of safety of a tunnel structure is disclosed. A prescribed pressure of an emergency support system is ensured to be within a threshold range of the prescribed pressure by including a valve of the emergency support system to prevent leakage of breathable air from the emergency support system. The prescribed pressure of the emergency support system is designated based on an authority agency that specifies a pressure rating of the breathable air apparatus. An air extraction process is expedited from the emergency support system by including a RIC (rapid interventions company/crew)/UAC (universal air connection) fitting to a fill panel to fill a breathable air apparatus.
US07673626B1	Archery bow having a shooting force greater than drawing force A bow having a string trained around a string track of a cam wherein the configuration of the string track is variable with respect to the axis of the cam. In one configuration, the string track yields a mechanical advantage when the bowstring is pulled from an at rest position to a drawn position. When the bowstring is released from the drawn position, the string track assumes another configuration. The different configurations that the string track assumes results in the draw force, that is the force required to pull the string from the at rest position to the drawn position, being less than the shooting force, which is the force imparted to an arrow by the string when the string is released from the drawn position.
US07673622B2	Air filter, secondary air charging system and seal arrangement for a secondary air charging system A seal arrangement for a secondary air charging system includes a seal sealing a gap between an intake opening of the secondary air charging system and a downstream surface of an air intake filter.
US07673619B2	Gas vapor control system and method thereof A gas vapor control system may include a canister for capturing gas vapor that is generated from a fuel, a throttle valve that is disposed substantially in the middle of an intake passage through which air flows into a cylinder of the engine, a gas passage that communicates from the canister to one side downstream of the throttle valve, a purge control valve that is disposed on the gas passage, and a control portion that stops an engine in an idle state and controls a real fuel injection amount that is to be injected while restarting the engine according to a first fuel amount that is included in gas vapor that is discharged into the intake passage.
US07673615B2	Internal combustion engine knocking judging device and knocking judging method An engine ECU executes: calculating 15-degrees integrated value integrating vibration intensity for each of six crank angle ranges; detecting an amount of change in the 15-degrees integrated value between ignition cycles; specifying two ranges having larger amounts of change; specifying a crank angle having intensity larger than that of a neighboring crank angle in a search range determined to be the same as the specified ranges; calculating a coefficient of correlation K corresponding to a difference between a vibration waveform and a knock waveform model while the specified crank angle is matched with a timing at which intensity peaks in the knock waveform model; and, if the coefficient of correlation K is larger than a threshold value K(0), determining that knock has occurred.
US07673612B2	Engine control apparatus and engine control method A target engine torque after an environmental correction is calculated by interpolating it between an environmentally corrected maximum engine torque and an environmentally corrected minimum engine torque such that a ratio of a nominal target engine torque between a nominal maximum engine torque and a nominal minimum engine torque under a predetermined environmental condition becomes essentially equal to a ratio of the target engine torque between the environmentally corrected maximum engine torque and the environmentally corrected minimum engine torque. The environmentally corrected maximum engine torque is obtained by multiplying the nominal maximum engine torque and a correction coefficient according to the environmental condition together.
US07673611B2	Leisure vehicle A leisure vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine as a power unit to drive the leisure vehicle, including a drive wheel, a slip sensor unit configured to detect a slip of the drive wheel, a throttle device mounted to the internal combustion engine, a throttle valve position changing device configured to change a position of a throttle valve of the throttle device, a throttle close operation sensor unit configured to detect that a rider has performed a throttle close operation to close a throttle of the throttle device, and a controller configured to control an operation of the throttle valve position changing device.
US07673609B2	Internal combustion engine In an internal combustion engine in which air-intake valves reciprocate in parallel to the direction of reciprocal motion of pistons, an air-intake structure of an internal combustion engine includes an outward projection of the air-intake port that is reduced to achieve a downsizing of a cylinder head. An air-intake structure includes air-intake valves that are supported by a cylinder head having integrally formed air-intake ports so as to reciprocate in parallel with the direction of reciprocal motion of the pistons. Fuel injection devices are formed integrally with a throttle body on intake manifolds to be connected to the air-intake ports. The air-intake ports extend toward the cylinder head cover along a recess formed on the outer surface of the cylinder head that is connected to the intake manifolds at positions just before reaching the identical plane to a mating surface between the cylinder head and the cylinder head cover.
US07673608B2	Engine starting for engine having adjustable valve operation A method for controlling an engine including at least a first cylinder having a first piston and a second cylinder having a second piston, at least one of said first and second cylinders having at least an adjustable valve, the method comprising before engine rotation: closing electrically actuated valves in at least the first and the second cylinder; fueling at least said first cylinder with a first fuel amount based on a position of the first piston and said second cylinder with a second fuel amount based on a position of the second piston; performing a first spark in at least one of said first cylinder and said second cylinder; and applying a starter motor to assist engine starting rotation; after engine rotation, firing each cylinder of the engine in a sequential firing order without changing a number of strokes in any cylinder of the engine.
US07673607B2	Tappet carrier for barrel engine A tappet carrier for a barrel type internal combustion engine includes a body having a central bore that is coaxial with a camshaft of a barrel engine. The tappet carrier further comprises a plurality of radially extending bores that are continuous with the central bore so as to allow mechanical communication between the tappets and the camshaft.
US07673605B2	Rocker arm and method of manufacturing same A rocker arm that is rockably attached to a cylinder head actuates a valve by a guide groove that is formed at an end thereof engaging with an upper end of a valve stem, and a roller that is mounted in a roller housing portion of the arm main unit contacting against a cam and rocking. The guide groove is formed by press working ends of the arm main unit in the thickness direction of the plate material to form a pair of walls, and thereafter applying sandwiching pressure in the lateral direction to the walls to increase the height thereof.
US07673601B2	Valve lifter assembly for selectively deactivating a cylinder A valve lifter assembly for deactivating a cylinder in an internal combustion engine. The valve lifter assembly is provided with a plunger movably disposed within a bore of a main body member to controllably isolate the cam lift from the rocker arm and valve of the engine. The plunger is normally locked in an extended position to transmit cam lift to reciprocatingly operate the valve. At least one locking pin is moveably disposed within the plunger to engage an inner annular groove of the main body member. Pressurized oil is provided to dislodge the locking pins from the annular groove and allow the plunger to move within the main body member, thereby isolating the cam lift from the rocker arm and valve. The deactivating lifter is preferably disposed within the recess conventionally provided for hydraulic valve lifters.
US07673598B2	Electric camshaft adjuster The invention relates to an electric camshaft adjuster for adjusting and securing the phase angle of a camshaft of an internal combustion engine with respect to its crankshaft, having a three shaft gearing which is embodied as a harmonic drive (19, 19′) of sleeve design, and a drive wheel (1) which is fixed to the crankshaft and has a first ring gear (2) as well as an output component (4) which is fixed to the camshaft and has a second ring gear (5) arranged next to the first ring gear (2) and an adjustment shaft (10, 10′, 10″, 10′″) which can be driven by an electric adjustment motor, with a wave generator (17, 17′, 17″) which has means for elliptically deforming a flexurally elastic, externally toothed sleeve (18).A way of improving a harmonic drive of sleeve design is for the expenditure on the construction of the harmonic drive (19, 19′) to be lowered by changes to the wave generator (17, 17′, 17″), and for the axial installation space thereof to be lowered by integrating the ring gears (2, 5) into the drive wheel (1) and output component (4) which are pushed axially one into the other.
US07673596B2	Six-cycle internal combustion engine Described is a six-cycle internal combustion engine. Four of the cycles are the standard “Otto” cycles, namely intake, compression, power and exhaust plus two additional cycles, a primary intake cycle and a transfer cycle. The two additional cycles act as a supercharger to provide compressed air to the intake port of the “Otto” cycle. The benefit is reduced fuel consumption due to 1 power stroke per every 3rd crankshaft revolution and the ability to vary the intake pressure and create a more favorable torque curve at low to mid RPM.
US07673595B2	Rotor-piston internal combustion engine The invention relates to an internal combustion engine comprising a rotor which is mounted in such a way that it can be rotated about a central axis in a housing, and in which cylinders are arranged in the same plane, pistons being introduced into said cylinders, the inner end of said pistons being connected to an eccentrically arranged axis in an articulated manner. The cylinders are rotatably mounted in the outer edge of the rotor respectively with the outer ends thereof, and end in the outer envelope of the rotor. At least one combustion chamber is arranged in the housing, the inner end of the chamber ending in the inner housing wall that surrounds the outer envelope of the rotor. The combustion chamber is arranged at an angle of between 45 and 90 degrees, especially between 70 and 85 degrees, to the radius of the rotor.
US07673590B2	Method for exhaust heat generation by variable stroke combustion cycles and valves A method for operating an engine having at least a first and second cylinder, comprising operating the first cylinder with a spark timing more retarded than a spark timing of a second cylinder; and operating one of said first cylinder and second cylinders with a first number of strokes per cycle different from other cylinders of the engine for at least one combustion cycle, wherein said first cylinder operates with valve timing different from said second cylinder.
US07673589B2	Engine-driven work machine An engine-driven work machine is provided in which elastic support members (11, 11) are disposed between a lower part of a work unit (U) having an engine (3) and a frame (2) having the work unit (U) mounted thereon, the elastic support members (11, 11) being disposed beneath a crankshaft (17) of the engine on either side of a vertical plane (V) passing through the axis of the crankshaft (17), and restricting means (122) is provided between the work unit (U) and the frame (2), the restricting means (122) restricting the amplitude of swing of the work unit (U) around the crankshaft (17) to within a predetermined angle, and the restricting means (122) being disposed between upper parts of the work unit (U) and the frame (2). Even when the work unit receives a large external force in the lateral direction, swing of the work unit can thereby be restricted to within the predetermined angle.
US07673585B1	Decorative cat litter box enclosure A decorative cat litter box enclosure having a furniture like appearance with a pivotal ramp having a lip on three side and a mesh-like material extending between the sides so that when the ramp is closed the interior ramp edge arcs over the litter box depositing any captive litter from the cat's paws back into the litter box. Also provided is a based positioned hinged door to access the litter box which has a plastic liner and drawstring that work in conjunction with an extendable retractable latch located on the exterior front that when extended prevents removal of the litter box while the drawstring is used to close the plastic liner bag. The latch is then retracted and the litter bag is removed for disposal. Also provided on the exterior surface are a plurality of hooks for attaching accessory items as desired by the user which may include dust pan, brush and rubber gloves along with attachable removable food and water dishes. Other decorative elements may be included such as interior scenic landscapes in bright colors and a plant placed on the exterior top of the housing.
US07673584B2	Vertical pet excrement collection device A vertical pet excrement collection device. The device is an absorbent fabric collecting sheet mounted on a frame and maintained in a substantially vertical orientation to catch pet excrement emitted that would not land on or be absorbed by a horizontal collection device. In one embodiment, the device is incorporated with and connected to an existing horizontal collection device such as a litterbox. In a second embodiment the collection device is a frame on which an absorbent sheet is mounted, the frame having an interconnected horizontal frame and vertical frame defining a horizontal pad and a vertical pad. Simple and quick removal and replacement of the absorbent material is provided so that a solid sheet may be easily replaced.
US07673583B2	Locally-efficient inductive plasma coupling for plasma processing system An inductively coupled plasma source is provided with a peripheral ionization source for producing a high-density plasma in a vacuum chamber for semiconductor wafer coating or etching. The source has a segmented configuration with high and low radiation segments and produces a generally ring-shaped array of energy concentrations in the plasma around the periphery of the chamber. Energy is coupled from a segmented low inductance antenna through a dielectric window or array of windows and through a segmented shield or baffle. An antenna for the source is provided having concentrated conductor segments through which current flows in one or more high efficiency portions that produce high magnetic fields that couple through the high-transparency shield segments into the chamber, while alternating low efficiency conductor segments permit magnetic fields to pass through or between the conductors and deliver only weak fields, which are aligned with opaque shield sections and couple insignificant energy to the plasma. Conductor cross-sectional area or turn density differences may be used to distinguish high and low efficiency sections of the antenna conductor. Coil loops are provided in the high efficiency sections to locally increase inductance.
US07673582B2	Apparatus and method for removing an edge bead of a spin-coated layer An edge bead removal device for a spin coater apparatus and methods of edge bead removal that overcome the deficiencies of conventional edge bead removal techniques. The edge bead removal device includes a coater cup and a head situated within the coater cup proximate to a peripheral edge of a substrate. The head is movable in a radial direction relative to an azimuthal axis of a rotatable substrate support inside the coater cup. The position of the head relative to a rim of the peripheral edge is mapped using an optical sensor. When the substrate support rotates the substrate and the head is used to dispense edge bead removal chemical, the radial position of the head is adjusted, as guided by the map, relative to the azimuthal axis to maintain a constant gap between the head and the substrate's peripheral rim.
US07673580B2	Apparatus and method for coating polyimide layer An apparatus for coating a polyimide layer includes a print table for receiving a substrate thereon, an inkjet head positioned over the print table and having a jetting surface with a plurality of nozzles for jetting polyimide liquid onto the substrate, and a polyimide liquid supply tank for supplying polyimide liquid, and a wiper movable from one side of the jetting surface to an other side of the jetting surface while the wiper contacts the jetting surface of the inkjet head.
US07673578B1	Mooring device for boats A mooring device for mooring a boat at a selected nominal distance from a mooring point, with the boat being movable resiliently toward and away from the mooring point while biased into the selected nominal distance. First and second members are engaged with one another for movement relative to one another in longitudinal directions along the mooring device, and are resiliently biased, by a resilient biasing arrangement, into a nominal length which establishes the nominal distance. A band couples the first and second members for selected relative movement and enables ready adjustment of the length of the mooring device to any desired length within a range of length. A locking arrangement secures the band against movement to retain the first and second members at the selected length. Longitudinal forces exerted upon the mooring device are accommodated by the resilient biasing arrangement which militates against damage that might otherwise occur if the boat were held at a fixed distance from the mooring point or were permitted to collide with the mooring point.
US07673572B2	Custom planter and method of custom planting A method of planting test plots of different seeds in a field includes loading a multi-row planter with a first seed, and traversing the field and planting a test plot of the test plot of the first seed in a portion of the test field; automatically removing the first seed from the multi-row planter and loading a second seed into the multi-row planter, and traversing the field and planting a test plot of the test plot of the second seed in the field.
US07673567B2	Turbofan powered locomotive and monorail A track and linkage device for a locomotive designed to run on a track and powered by a turbofan engine comprises a track defining a channel having an open upper end and a plurality of ball bearings in the channel such that at least a portion of the ball bearings project through the open upper end of the channel. The ball bearings are at least partially coated with a material for reducing friction. A connector is associated with locomotive and has a slide surface thereon which slides on the ball bearings in the track. The slide surface includes a material on at least a portion of thereof for reducing friction when moving over the ball bearings.
US07673562B2	Method of forming a reconfigurable relief surface using microvalves A structure and method of using a reusable master printing plate is described. In one embodiment, the method uses an electric field to control a series of microvalves. The microvalves control a fluid flow that raises or lowers selected regions on a flexible printing surface to create a desired relief pattern. After creating the relief pattern, the pattern is fixed and used for printing. After completion of printing, the relief pattern is removed from the master printing plate and the printing plate may be reused by applying a new pattern.
US07673560B2	Brewing apparatus for a coffee machine A brewing apparatus for a coffee machine, in particular for domestic use, comprises a housing (10) which encloses a brewing chamber (19) and has a nozzle assembly (8, 9, 11) arranged on one side and a base (12) with an outflow (40) for the brewed fluid arranged on an opposite side, a sealing element (20) being provided between the nozzle assembly (8, 9, 11) and housing (10). According to the invention, the sealing element (20) is retained on the nozzle assembly (8, 9, 11) such that it can be moved in the direction of the housing (10) and of the brewing chamber (19). Sealing can thus take place straightforwardly and, in addition, it is possible to configure the volume of the brewing chamber (19) in a variable manner via the sealing element (20).
US07673558B2	Insert, a machine and a system for the preparation of beverages An insert for use in a beverage preparation machine of a type comprising a brew head comprising an upwardly directed inlet for supplying water to the brew head and a downwardly directed outlet for outflow of beverage produced by the machine. The insert comprises, or is adapted to contain in use, a quantity of beverage ingredients in a brewing volume. A lower surface of the insert comprises an inlet and an outlet arranged to communicate respectively with the inlet and outlet of the brew head of the beverage preparation machine when the insert is inserted into the machine such that, in use, water from the inlet of the brew head passes upwardly through the inlet of the insert into the brewing volume and such that beverage produced from the water and the quantity of beverage ingredients passes downwardly through the outlet of the insert to flow out of the outlet of the brew head. The lower surface of the insert further comprises a RFID or barcode which, in use, is readable by a RFID or barcode reader of the beverage preparation machine for controlling operation of the beverage preparation machine, wherein the barcode or RFID is located on the lower surface of the insert such that a line joining the outlet of the insert to a center of the barcode or RFID and a line joining the outlet of the insert to the inlet of the insert separated by a minimum angular separation of greater than 70 degrees.
US07673556B2	Coffee maker and method of use A coffee maker is provided that is structured to control the temperature of water entering the brewing area, releasably secure a coffee pot in the coffee maker, detect the presence or absence of a coffee pot or mug in the coffee maker, provide a seal between the brewing basket and coffee maker to prevent excess steam from escaping and provide a water supply pressure detection system. A structure for preventing water leaking from an in-wall coffee maker from entering a wall cavity is also provided. A system and method of filtering sediment from water supplied to a coffee maker or other appliance is also provided.
US07673555B2	Machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee and related method An embodiment of a machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston assembly disposed in the chamber. The chamber is operable to receive a liquid such as water and a flavor base such as ground coffee, and to allow the beverage to brew from a mixture of the liquid and the base. The piston assembly is operable to filter a solid such as spent coffee grounds from the brewed beverage by moving in a first direction, and to force the filtered beverage out of the chamber by moving in a second direction. By modifying or automating some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, such a machine may control one or more of the brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup. Furthermore, such a machine may brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.
US07673552B2	Countermeasure system and method of using the same The present invention relates to a countermeasure system having a substantially vertical launch tube that is at least generally rotatable about a vertical reference axis that extends through and along a length of the launch tube. This rotation capability of the launch tube may be used to affect an aiming of an associated countermeasure cartridge at least generally disposed therein. One or both the launch tube and countermeasure cartridge of this countermeasure system are generally equipped with a rotation inhibitor for substantially preventing independent rotation of the countermeasure cartridge relative to the launch tube at least when the countermeasure cartridge is disposed within the launch tube. The present invention is also designed to enable the associated countermeasure cartridge to be pitched over to a predetermined pitch angle (relative to the reference axis of the launch tube) to affect a desired flight path after launch of the countermeasure cartridge.
US07673551B2	Aerial-supported procedure for the detection of landmines The present invention refers to an aerial-supported procedure for the detection of landmines, duds or similar explosive bodies using a fluorescence procedure, including aerial-supported geo-referencing of the detected locations by means of a digital terrain model.
US07673550B2	Fiber-reinforced composites for dental materials A formable fiber-reinforced composite having an inner core of fiber-reinforced composite surrounded by a sheath of fiber-reinforced composite material. The inner core of fiber-reinforced composite has a plurality of longitudinally extending fibers disposed in a resin matrix material and formed in the shape of a rod. The sheath has woven or braided fibers impregnated with a resin matrix material in the form of a sleeve. A method of manufacturing the formable fiber-reinforced composite material is provided. The longitudinally extending fibers in resin matrix material is cured to provide a solid rod. A sheath is placed around the rod. The rod with sheath is treated (e.g., heat, chemical solution, or both) to remove the resin matrix material. Thereafter, the rod and sheath are impregnated with a resin matrix material. The resin is left uncured or partially cured to provide a formable fiber-reinforced composite material. The formable material may be flattened.
US07673548B2	Cutting workstation rip fence and miter gauge A cutting workstation which includes a miter gauge. The miter gauge consists of a clamping means whereby the gauge may be fixed to any location upon the length of cutting station work surface. The miter gauge arm is hinged to clamping means by a plate which may be rotated and then fixed at any angle. The arm is extendable and at its distal end exhibits a T shaped plate and fence which itself may be rotated to any angle. The ability to fix the miter gauge at any position along the cutting station work surface along with two means of adjusting angles allows the fence to guide the work piece at virtually any angle.
US07673547B2	Miter saw capable of displaying angle coincident with predetermined angle A miter saw including a base, a turntable, and a circular saw unit supported to the turntable. A turntable is rotatable about its axis, and a rotation limit mechanism is provided for limiting rotation of the turntable at a predetermined angle such as 45 degrees. A rotation amount detection unit is provided for detecting rotation amount of the turntable. A control unit is provided for displaying the rotation angle at a display. The control unit computes correction value that makes a rotation angle to be displayed at the display to be coincident with the predetermined rotation angle when the turntable is rotated to the predetermined rotation angle. The rotation angle is computed based on the correction value and on the rotation amount detected by the rotation amount detection unit.
US07673546B2	Microtome having a cooling device A microtome (1), having a knife (9) for sectioning a specimen (5) for subsequent microscopic examination, is described. The microtome (1) comprises a cooled specimen holder (2) for receiving the specimen (5), the specimen holder (2) being connected to a coolant circuit (3). Additionally associated with the specimen holder (2) is a cooled thermal conduction plate (4) that can be placed over the specimen (5).
US07673543B2	Apparatus for making a fracture cut between the cup and the safety ring in plastic caps An apparatus for making a fracture cut between the cup and the safety ring in plastic caps, which comprises rotary elements provided with at least one mandrel that can be arranged inside the cup and is suitable to produce the rolling, about its own axis of symmetry, of the side wall of the cup along the cutting edge of a blade for making the cut, the blade being associated with an inlet path portion adapted to axially offset the cup with respect to the rotation axis of the mandrel by clamping the side wall against the mandrel; the apparatus also comprises elements for recentering the cup with respect to the rotation axis.
US07673541B2	Colored razor blades Colored razor blades are provided. Methods for manufacturing such blades are also provided, including methods involving depositing an oxide coating prior to heat treatment of the blade material and heat treating under conditions selected to enhance the color of the coating.
US07673540B2	Debris apparatus and method for collecting debris from a drive shaft channel in a transmission apparatus A debris apparatus and method are provided for collecting small particle debris such as dust and dirt from a transmission apparatus. The transmission apparatus can include a housing having a drive shaft channel for receiving a drive shaft. The debris pocket can include one or more radial ribs, which can be spaced apart when there are two or more, disposed peripherally along an inner wall of the drive shaft channel. The debris pocket can collect small particle debris so that at least a portion of the debris is prevented from further movement along the drive shaft channel where it could potentially interfere with desirable rotational movement of the drive shaft.
US07673537B2	Parallel manipulator A manipulator for supporting and displacing an object comprises a base. A moving portion supports the object. Two articulated mechanisms each having five rotational joints between links, with each articulated mechanism being connected to the base by two of the rotational joints. The moving portion is connected to both the articulated mechanisms by moving-portion joints. The articulated mechanisms and moving-portion joints are arranged with respect to each other between the base and the moving portion so as to constrain movement of the moving portion to displacements in two translational degrees of freedom and two rotational degrees of freedom with respect to the base. Four actuators are each operatively connected to a different one of the rotational joints between the base and the articulated mechanisms so as to selectively control the displacements of the moving portion in any one of the four degrees of freedom of the moving portion.
US07673536B2	Industrial robot An industrial robot (10) comprising three power transmission units (21, 22, 23) arranged concentrically and three drive means for driving the three power transmission units, respectively, is disclosed. The drive means for at least one of the three power transmission units includes two motors (31, 34). Also, all of the three power transmission units and the three drive means are desirably built into the base (15) of the industrial robot. This configuration makes it possible to have high-duty operation with a comparatively compact structure.
US07673533B2	Sampling head and sampling device for intact vehicle paint chips in forensic applications The present invention discloses a sampling head and a sampling device for intact vehicle paint chips for forensic applications, and the sampling head includes: a body being a non-metal cylindrical body and having a circular groove at the external periphery of the body, and an installing groove disposed axially at a front end of the body; at least one O-ring sheathed onto the circular groove and protruded slightly from the surface of the body; a metal head, embedded and fixed axially into the installing groove, and having a small portion protruded from the front distal surface of the body, and the metal head front distal surface has a groove; and a plastic layer, installed in a groove of the metal head, and an external lateral surface of the plastic layer is protruded from the front distal surface of the metal head to form a gluing surface for collecting a sample. In a sampling process, the sampling head is placed into a pneumatic sample pushing device, and the gun muzzle is attached onto the sampling paint position, and the internal compressed air in the air chamber injects the sampling head at the surface of a vehicle, and uses an instant dynamic force to touch and destroy the paint at the surface of a steel plate, plastic steel or plastic substrate of a car body to separate the substrate, and thus the sampling head will contain the removed sample containing the intact paint chip.
US07673526B2	Apparatus and method of lensing an ultrasonic beam for an ultrasonic flow meter A method for sensing flow within a pipe having an internal passage disposed between a first wall portion and a second wall portion is provided, comprising the steps of: 1) providing a flow meter having at least one ultrasonic sensor unit that includes an ultrasonic transmitter attached to the first wall portion and an ultrasonic receiver attached to the second wall portion and aligned to receive ultrasonic signals transmitted from the transmitter; 2) selectively operating the ultrasonic transmitter to transmit a beam of ultrasonic signal, which beam has a focal point such that within the pipe, the beam is either colliminated, divergent or convergent; and 3) receiving the ultrasonic signals within the beam using the ultrasonic receiver. An apparatus operable to perform the aforesaid method is also provided.
US07673514B2	Acceleration sensor having single and multi-layer substrates An acceleration sensor in accordance with an aspect of the present invention comprises a first substrate, a multilayer second substrate and a sensor portion. The multilayer second substrate is opposed to the first substrate. The multilayer second substrate is provided with an electrode drawing opening. Further, the multilayer second substrate consists of a plurality of layers. The sensor portion (a movable mass body and a fixed electrode) is provided in a sealed cavity portion which is formed between the first substrate and the multilayer second substrate which are opposed to each other.
US07673513B2	Non-contact shock sensor The invention relates to a sensor device for monitoring accelerations to which an object is subjected. In order to detect whether a value has exceeded or is below a threshold for the acceleration to which objects have been subjected in the past, i.e. without having visual contact with the sensor, the inventive sensor device includes an acceleration sensor, which is permanently linked to the object to be monitored, so that a relative movement between the acceleration sensor and the object is prevented, and an RFID transceiver for non-contact coupling of electrical energy into the acceleration sensor and for sending out radio signals as a function of the physical state of the acceleration sensor.
US07673512B2	Angular velocity sensor and electronic device An angular velocity sensor includes a base portion, three arm portions that extend as one piece from the base portion to an approximately same direction, a piezoelectric film formed on one surface of each of the arm portions, drive electrodes for excitation formed on the piezoelectric films of at least two outer arm portions, and detection electrodes for angular velocity detection formed on the piezoelectric film of at least a center arm portion. Among the three arm portions, the two outer arm portions are excited in phase, and the center arm portion is excited in opposite phase with the two outer arm portions. The drive electrodes excite the arm portions in a first direction vertical to surfaces on which the piezoelectric films are formed. The detection electrodes detect a vibration in a second direction parallel to the surfaces on which the piezoelectric films of the arm portions are formed.
US07673510B2	Dual axis vibration rate gyroscope A dual-axis rotational rate sensor having two vibratory masses coupled to a restoring element and driven in a resonant counter-phase motion, wherein the two masses vibrate with equal but opposite amplitudes along a single axis. The vibratory structure also accommodates motion of the masses in a plane orthogonal to the vibratory axis. Measurement of the motion of the masses in two axes in this plane provides signals directly responsive to rotation of the sensor about two orthogonal axes. Measurement and drive is facilitated by the use of magnetic masses and electromagnetic drive and sense transducers.
US07673509B2	Magnetically coupled drive for a sealed liquid level sender The internal movement of one embodiment of a sealed fuel level sender employs two magnets disposed diametrically opposite each other about a pivot. The actuator that is operated by in-tank fuel level has two magnets disposed diametrically opposite each other about the axis with one pole of each magnet of the actuator confronting an opposite pole of a respective magnet of the movement to provide the magnetic coupling for causing the movement to follow the fuel level while minimizing, and preferably substantially eliminating, cross thrust on the pivot. Pole pieces may be associated with the magnets in a further embodiment. Still another embodiment employs magnets to only one side of the pivot, but with pole pieces that reduce cross thrust.
US07673508B2	Thermal type fluid flow sensor A thermal-type fluid flow sensor technology for measuring more precisely the temperature of the heater for an improved sensibility of detecting flow measurements. The thermal-type fluid flow sensor for measuring the air flow rate includes a heating resistive element formed on the semiconductor substrate through a first insulating layer, temperature-measuring resistive elements for heating resistive element for measuring the temperature of the heating resistive element, upstream and downstream temperature-measuring resistive elements for detecting the temperature of air on the upstream side and the downstream side of the air heated by the heating resistive element, and an air temperature measuring resistive element for measuring the temperature of the air heated by the heating resistive element, and at least the temperature-measuring resistive element for the heating resistive element is disposed in the upper layer or lower layer of the heating resistive element.
US07673506B2	Apparatus and method for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356).
US07673503B2	Method for estimating an engine exhaust temperature and method for diagnosing a cylinder pressure sensor using an exhaust temperature estimate A method for estimating exhaust temperature on an output of an internal combustion engine cylinder, the cylinder including a crankshaft transforming into a rotation a translational movement of a piston mounted sliding in the cylinder, the piston closing a combustion chamber of the cylinder. The exhaust temperature is estimated based on the temperature inside the cylinder at a time of opening of the valve, the temperature inside the cylinder being itself estimated from an angle of rotation of the crankshaft, cylinder pressure, volume of air injected into the cylinder, and flow rate of recycled gases. A method diagnoses a cylinder pressure sensor based on an estimate of the exhaust temperature.
US07673502B2	Inspection of a continuously variable transmission belt member A belt (3) of a continuously variable transmission comprises a pair of endless rings (2a) and plural elements (1) held between the pair of endless rings (2a). The endless rings (2) are formed of plural laminated thin plates (2a). A prestress in a compression direction is applied beforehand to the surfaces of the thin plates (2a) by a nitriding treatment. In this process, a defect part (2b) is formed as a hollow in the thin plate (2a) due to scatter in the nitriding treatment. This invention measures the depth of the defect part (2b), and if the measured depth exceeds a predetermined tolerance value, it is determined that the prestress is insufficient. Due to this determination method, a highly precise inspection of the thin plates (2a) forming the endless rings (2) can be performed in a short time.
US07673500B2	Fluid monitoring apparatus and method A fluid monitoring apparatus for monitoring a fluid in a fluid mains supply, the apparatus comprising means for connecting the apparatus to the mains supply, a testing chamber, a fluid tester, testing a variable of a fluid in the testing chamber and a purger for purging a volume of fluid from the testing chamber which volume of fluid is substantially larger than the volume of the testing chamber, thereby replacing the fluid in the testing chamber with a new fluid volume.
US07673498B2	Sealing process inspection device In a first object the present invention provides a method for the inspection of the quality of the sealing of a packages and more specifically the method of the present invention allows the on-line inspection of the air-tightness of a package. Said method comprising the following steps of (i) acquiring the noise signal generated by the sealing equipment during the sealing of the package, (ii) analyzing the signal in order to determine the values of at least one physical parameter characterizing the noise signal and (iii) deciding on the quality of the sealing by comparing the determined value to a reference value for said physical parameter.
US07673490B2	Method of making an easy open can end with high pressure venting An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.
US07673489B2	Forging method, forged article and forging apparatus An axial intermediate portion of raw material is held with a holding die in a state in which the intermediate portion is prevented from being enlarged in diameter. The axial end portions of the raw material is inserted in forming dented portions formed at axial end portions of the holding die. The scheduled diameter-enlarging portions are inserted in insertion passages formed in guides. Then, the scheduled diameter-enlarging portions are simultaneously pressed with punches to fill the material of the scheduled diameter-enlarging portions in corresponding forming dented portion while moving each guide in a direction opposite to a moving direction of each punch, thereby enlarging each scheduled diameter-enlarging portion.
US07673487B2	Method for forming hollow shaft with a flange and product with hollow shaft formed by the same There is provided a method for forming a hollow shaft with a flange directly in sheet metal. This method is a method for forming a hollow shaft having a flange portion 17 at the end thereof based on stamping performed on sheet metal 20. The method includes forming an upright portion 14 which is upright with respect to the surface of the sheet metal 20 by using a burring punch 320 and a burring die 310, and bending outward the free end portion of the upright portion 14 radially with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion by using a bending punch and a bending die. Here, the formed hollow shaft has the upright portion 14 protruding upright with respect to the surface and the flange portion 17 radially extending from the end of the upright portion.
US07673485B2	Hot press forming method Hot press forming of a steel material is made possible by coating the surface of the steel material with a plated layer of zinc or a zinc alloy and forming thereon a barrier layer which prevents the vaporization of zinc even when heated to 700-1000° C. Corrosion resistance can also be guaranteed without requiring post treatment, and hot press forming of high tensile steel sheet and stainless steel sheet is made possible. The barrier layer is formed by forming an upper plated layer, by surface oxidation, by contact with an oxidizing agent, by contact with Zn and an oxidizing agent, by anodic electrolysis, by cathodic electrolysis, or by coating with a ZnO sol.
US07673481B2	Key safe apparatus and method A remotely activated and monitored key safe to allow storage and retrieval of at least one key including: a housing having a generally elongated shape and having a longitudinally extending cavity open through a first axial end of the housing, in fixed relation to a structure: a key holding tray adapted to be slideably loaded into the housing, the tray having a front cover fitted to cover the first axial end of the housing, and the tray having a locking/unlocking mechanism; a communications and command subsystem powered by a power source, the communications and command subsystem adapted to receive remote commands to activate the locking/unlocking mechanism; and a backup power subsystem adapted to allow backup power to be applied to contacts presentable on an accessible surface of the key safe in case of a failure of the power source.
US07673479B2	Seal seat ring component with locking and venting features A seal assembly includes a ring component for coupling a seat component to a shaft. The ring component includes a first portion having an annular shape and configured to have a sealed engagement with the shaft. The ring component also includes a second portion having a flange extending radially outwardly therefrom. The ring component is configured to receive the seat component between the flange and the first portion and thus form a seal seat assembly. The flange is configured to mechanically lock the seat component relative to the ring component when the seal seat assembly is disposed on the shaft.
US07673474B2	Refrigerator with integrated water supply A refrigerator with a thermally insulated housing and integrated elements, suitable for the supply of potable water which can be connected to an external potable water supply. The surfaces of the integrated elements, provided for coming into contact with the potable water, are at least partly provided with a finish which is effective against microbes and/or fungi.
US07673473B2	Dehumidification cooling apparatus for an indoor sports facility A dehumidification cooling apparatus for an indoor sports facility is provided which is capable of realizing dehumidification and cooling at a low operating cost in the indoor sports facility. This apparatus includes: an ice chamber for turning water into ice and storing it; an air supply-and-exhaust pipe which is disposed from the ice chamber to the indoor sports facility, leads to the ice chamber and leads to the upper space of the indoor sports facility; a fan which is disposed in a supply pipe of the air supply-and-exhaust pipe; and a heater which is disposed in the supply pipe of the air supply-and-exhaust pipe. The fan supplies air cooled with the melting heat of ice made in the ice chamber, from the ice chamber through the supply pipe to the upper space of the indoor sports facility; the heater heats the air inside of the supply pipe, to reduce its humidity to a predetermined level; and through an exhaust pipe of the air supply-and-exhaust pipe, the air of the upper space of the indoor sports facility is returned for circulation to the ice chamber, so that dehumidification and cooling are conducted in the space of the indoor sports facility.
US07673470B2	Refrigerator According to one aspect, there is provided a refrigerator including a refrigerating chamber formed at a relatively upper portion of a refrigerator body and a freezing chamber formed at a relatively lower portion of the refrigerator body, which comprises an ice-making chamber which is partitioned in the refrigerating chamber by insulating walls and includes an icemaker for making ice and an ice storage for storing the ice made in the icemaker. The temperature in the refrigerating chamber can be accurately controlled, the loss of cold air can be minimized and the structures for supplying water into the icemaker and the dispenser can be simplified.
US07673463B2	Cooling system methods and apparatus for a refrigeration device A refrigerator includes a housing defining at least one chamber and a condenser system in which a refrigerant flows. The condenser system includes a condenser, a switching device, and a hot gas loop in flow communication with one another. The condenser system is configured to be in heat transfer relation with the chamber and the switching device is configured to allow the refrigerant to bypass the hot gas loop when a thermal demand of the refrigerator is met.
US07673458B2	Turbofan engine nozzle assembly and method for operating the same A method for operating a turbofan engine assembly including a core gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes varying an operating speed of the turbofan engine assembly from a first operating speed to a second operating speed. The method also includes selectively positioning a first arcuate portion and a second arcuate portion of a split cowl assembly to vary a throat area of a fan nozzle duct defined downstream from the core gas turbine engine to facilitate improving engine efficiency at the second operating speed. The split cowl assembly is downstream from the core gas turbine engine and inside the fan nozzle duct. A turbofan engine assembly and nozzle assembly are also provided.
US07673454B2	Combustor of gas turbine and combustion control method for gas turbine In a combustor, divisional fluid passages of a first group, and divisional fluid passages of a second group are present on an inner peripheral side, and divisional fluid passages are also present on an outer peripheral side, and swirl air flows are gushed from the divisional fluid passages. When the total amount of fuel supplied to the combustor is small as in a speed increasing state or in a low load state, fuel is injected only into the divisional fluid passages of the first group. Since a fuel injection region is limited to a position on the inner peripheral side, particularly, a specific position, the concentration of a fuel gas comprising a mixture of fuel and air is lean, but is higher than a flammability limit concentration, even when the total amount of fuel is small.
US07673450B2	Integrated torque converters and assemblies More efficient, economic vehicular torque converters comprising novel integrated one-piece turbine/impeller blade-core assemblies with innovative fluid coupling means for greater torque capacities.
US07673449B2	Torus shapes for torque converters A torque converter in which the inner turbine output diameter or the inner pump input diameter is smaller than the inner stator passage diameter.
US07673448B2	Diesel exhaust article and catalyst compositions therefor A self-cleaning diesel exhaust particulate filter system is disclosed wherein burn-off of collected particulate matter is accomplished at normal exhaust gas temperatures, the filter system being provided with a catalyst mixture of a co-formed ceria-zirconia composite and, optionally, a base metal oxide, the presence of which allows regeneration of filters at temperatures that are readily achieved in diesel exhaust systems, including operating conditions that are at low load where lower exhaust temperatures exist.
US07673444B2	Exhaust gas purification apparatus An exhaust gas purification apparatus includes an NOx reduction catalytic converter disposed in an engine exhaust passage to reductively purify NOx in exhaust gas using ammonia or its precursor as a reducing agent, a first concentration sensor which detects an ammonia concentration in an exhaust gas moving on a downstream side of the NOx reduction catalytic converter, and a control unit which incorporates therein a computer. The control unit conducts calculation to estimate an ammonia concentration in the exhaust gas moving on the downstream side of the NOx reduction catalytic converter, and when a difference between the ammonia concentration detected by the first concentration sensor and the estimated ammonia concentration by the calculation becomes larger than a first predetermined value, determines that the NOx reduction catalytic converter is deteriorated.
US07673436B2	Loading assembly for packaging system A loading assembly for a packaging system includes a carriage coupled and reciprocally moveable relative to a support structure. The carriage is moveable relative to the support structure along a longitudinal axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite said first direction. A continuous loop configured with a plurality of spaced apart receptacles is moveably supported by the carriage. The loop includes a first portion that is moved at a continuous speed relative to the support structure, and a second portion that is alternatively moved and stopped relative to the support structure. Various methods of loading a receptacle are also provided.
US07673432B2	Double-skin tubular structural members This invention provides double-skin tubular structural members having fiber-reinforced polymer outer tubes, steel or otherwise generally metallic inner tubes and generally a bound aggregate such as concrete in between the tubes.
US07673428B1	Boxable mesh adhesive drywall corner trim A boxable drywall corner trim that can include an elongated semi-rigid member that forms a pair of flanges joined at a grooved hinge along a centerline. Each of the flanges can have a thinner part and a thicker part joined at a step that is approximately parallel to the centerline a predetermined distance from the centerline. The thicker part of the flanges can form a protruding nose member that makes the piece boxable by preventing the cross-over of wet drywall mastic or mud from one flange to the other. The thinner portion of the flange may optionally be perforated with a pattern of punched holes of any configuration throughout the flange assembly. The piece can have a wall-facing paper or other fibrous layer of material that has a tacky adhesive on its wall-facing side. The adhesive can be in a pattern of dots, ridges, lines or any other pattern, or the adhesive can be continuously coated on the surface. This tacky adhesive allows the piece to be applied to the corner, moved, removed and re-applied if necessary.
US07673424B2	Mobile structure The invention relates to a mobile structure which is intended for various different uses and purposes and which is of the type that comprises a flat floor chassis with wheels, towing means such that it can be towed by a vehicle and floor support means. The invention is characterized in that the structure comprises: an upper structural shell consisting of two outer frames and at least one intermediate frame, which are connected at the top by lateral and central longitudinal joists, and crossbars forming a plurality of upper cavities which are covered either by laminar sections or skylight elements; and a plurality of independent panels forming the walls of the structure, which are disposed around the structural shell and which can take the form of solid panels or panels comprising a window, a door or an air-conditioning system. The panels are disposed peripherally around the structural shell such that adjacent panels are joined as well as being connected at the bottom to peripheral assembly means belonging to the floor of th chassis and fixed in place using coupling means. The panels are made from frames comprising a pair of hollow lateral posts which are equipped with a plurality of longitudinal grooves on the inner face thereof (racks) and which are connected by a plurality of crossbars and external, internal and lateral cover sheets. The aforementioned racks are designed to receive hooks, supports or brackets or similar furnishings and interior fittings.
US07673422B2	Modular buildings A building module has an open-ended box structure and comprises a plurality of interconnected coaxial module segments. Each segment is moulded as an open-ended box structure from a composite material. The segments are held together by elongate tie bars that form part of a lifting frame and extend substantially along the length of the module. The lifting frame comprises end frames that are embedded in end segments of the modules and that are connected to each other by the tie bars.
US07673418B2	Irrigation system A horticultural irrigation system comprising a plant growth container. The plant growth container comprises a receptacle for a plant growth medium, a reservoir, a container inlet, a float valve and an outlet means. The container inlet supplies water to the reservoir. The float valve is adapted to close the container inlet when the water in the reservoir reaches a pre-determined level. An outlet means allows the passage of water from the reservoir to the receptacle.
US07673417B2	Method for self-orienting a planting pot on a tray Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.
US07673415B2	Apparatus and method for regulation of carbon dioxide content in atmosphere An apparatus to promote plant growth in vast desert areas is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a blocking plate pivotally jointed to at least two support posts. The blocking plate is operated by an electrical motor to turn wheels secured to a rotary rod to extend or pull back cables connecting the blocking plate and the wheels in order to swing the blocking plate between an approximately horizontal position and one or two approximately vertical positions in order to protect the plants underneath and promote plant growth. The apparatus can include a solar cell layer in the blocking plate, or attach a wind turbine at the top of one of the support posts to generate electrical energy from the extreme desert sunlight and windstorm. Further, rain gutters can be formed onto the blocking plate to collect and distribute rainwater.
US07673413B2	Firearm stock conversion method A method for upgrading a non-recoil suppressing (NRS) stock to a special operations (Spec Ops) stock with full recoil suppression. The new parts are the slide member and lever that has a cam member mounted on its upper end and an extension spring attached to its bottom end. A locking pin is removed from the stationary slide member and two retainer pins are inserted from the sides into the new slide member to facilitate spring action. This structure functions in the same manner as the recoil reduction structure illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,195. A replacement sleeve has a rib member extending downwardly from its bottom surface. Replacement sleeve and extension spring are assembled in a tubular member to form a second recoil reduction assembly. This recoil reduction structure functions in the same manner as the structure illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,466.
US07673412B2	Collapsible firearm stock assembly A collapsible firearm stock system is generally provided and preferably includes a shoulder stock system adapted to receive a buttstock thereon, and a locking linkage having a first linkage portion, a second linkage portion, and a hinge pin operatively uniting the first and said second linkage portions. One of the linkage portions is carried by the shoulder stock assembly so as to define a terminal end therefore, the other of the linkage portions being adapted to be carried by a firearm. Each of the linkage portions are adapted so as to automatically unite in locking engagement upon axial alignment of the shoulder stock assembly with the firearm about the hinge pin.
US07673410B1	Portable shopping aid This disclosure provides a portable shopping aid used to mount a shopping list, coupons, or other documents. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the aid is configured to sacrifice a writing surface in favor of portability, by providing a small body that may be easily inserted into a pocket or handbag. The body includes a clamp for mounting the aid onto a push bar of a shopping cart, for hands free viewing during shopping, as well as a document clip mechanism that clips documents by their ends closest to the push bar. In order to provide structural rigidity to retained documents, and notwithstanding the absence of a writing surface or clipboard, the clip mechanism is configured to crease documents. The shopping aid also includes feet for standing the aid upright, on a flat surface, and means for mounting the aid magnetically on a refrigerator wall, in all cases such that retained documents are presented in a convenient reading orientation. The aid is further designed so that it can be made in a single mold, thereby lowering design costs.
US07673404B2	Electric steam iron An electric steam iron includes a housing, a water tank within the housing, a bottom plate to which the housing is secured, a heating device in the bottom plate for heating the bottom plate, a boiling chamber inside the bottom plate, and a further independent steam boiler above the bottom plate, and having an inlet in fluid communication with the water tank and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the boiling chamber, such that steam from the steam boiler will be supplied to the boiling chamber in the bottom plate and further heated by the high temperature of the bottom plate, so that little drops in the steam will be fully boiled, thereby providing a high purity of the steam sprayed out of the bottom plate.
US07673402B2	Self-propelled work machine A self-propelled work machine, in which the load of the work unit increases according to an increase in the travel speed. The self-propelled work machine includes electric motors for driving the travel units, an engine for driving the work unit, a work drive instruction unit for instructing the work unit to turn on, and a control unit for controlling the electric motors. The control unit reduces the actual speed of the electric motors by using PID control so that the actual rotational speed of the engine returns to a reference rotational speed when the actual rotational speed of the engine falls below the reference rotational speed in the state in which the work unit is turned on by the work drive instruction unit. The reference rotational speed is a reference value used when the work unit is driven by the engine.
US07673401B1	Snow removal apparatus The snow removal apparatus has a tubular handle having a first end spaced apart from a second end, a threaded cap selectively fitted to the second end. A cavity within the handle is extended from the second end to proximal to the first end. The scoop has a scoop front spaced apart from a scoop back, a first side spaced apart from a second side, the scoop back affixed to the first end of the handle. An outlet exits the handle first end and is joined to the scoop back. The scoop has a floor extended from the scoop back to the scoop front and from the first side to the second side. A button is disposed on the handle for selectively releasing a material from the cavity into the scoop, such materials useful in snow melt and in aiding auto traction, for example. The bristles disposed on the scoop front are especially useful in snow removal from auto glass.
US07673400B2	Golf shoe outsole The present invention is directed towards a golf shoe outsole that is comprised of a generally soft, and flexible base having a plurality of raised portions on the lower surface of the base, a pair of flexing supports that are placed on the lower surface of the base in an abutting relationship with the raised portions, a pair of chassis that fit over and about the base and a two-piece arch support that acts as a shank for the arch section of the base. The base has a plurality of raised portions that are of a size shape, and number to correspond and mesh together with a plurality of cleat containing pods that are molded to both chassis. The two-piece arch support allows for the necessary rigidity in the arch area of the shoe which is vital for a good golf swing.
US07673398B2	Shoe for sports A shoe for sports that includes a shoe upper portion that is adapted to cover a user's foot, a ground friction device that is adapted to increase friction on a ground and an outer sole that is adapted to surround the user's foot together with the shoe upper portion. The outer sole includes one or more through holes, a top surface that supports the user's foot and a bottom surface. The ground friction device is assembled to the outer sole by being inserted into the through holes. The through hole includes a hole threaded portion, a lower end that is adjacent to the bottom surface of the outer sole and an upper end that is adjacent to the top surface of the outer sole.
US07673395B2	Dryer bar apparatus of a dryer A dryer bar apparatus of a dryer for drying a web in a papermaking machine includes a number of turbulence bars circumferentially spaced equidistantly around the inner surface of the dryer shell for generating turbulence within a layer of condensate. The arrangement is such that uniformity of the transfer of thermal energy in the cross machine direction is maximized while the transfer of thermal energy through the dryer shell from the inner to the outer surface is minimized. Also, the number of turbulence bars is determined by the equation: N=int{2πRi/[4π(Ri/d)½+W]} in which: N=the number of turbulence bars in the dryer shell; int=an integer number of a value in { } brackets; π=3.1415; Ri=the inside radius of the inner surface of the dryer shell in inches; d=an average depth of the layer in inches; W=a width of each of the turbulence bars in inches.
US07673394B2	Template for cutting wall board to fit fluted deck ceilings It is extremely important that wall board form a tight seal between the top of wall board and when fluted deck is the roof that meets the wall board. The present invention relates to a template useful for preparing wall board or related building material to match the fluting pattern of fluted deck panels to form a seal between the decking panels and walls of a building.
US07673390B2	Method and apparatus for manufacturing hub assemblies A method and apparatus for assembling bearings and a stub into a bore of a hub. The apparatus includes a block defining a receiving position for the hub. A feed mechanism arranges plurality of bearings in the form of an annular array. A first mandrel is axially displaceable toward one side of the hub to push the annular array of bearings into the bore of the hub. A second mandrel is axially displaceable toward an opposite side of the hub to push a stub within the annular array of bearings in the bore of the hub. The stub includes at least one outwardly biased detent for retaining the bearings in the hub.
US07673389B2	Cold plate apparatus and method of fabrication thereof with a controlled heat transfer characteristic between a metallurgically bonded tube and heat sink for facilitating cooling of an electronics component Cold plate apparatuses and methods of fabrication are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronics component. The fabrication approach includes: forming a tube with a first metal and having first and second ends with a heat transfer region disposed therebetween; positioning the heat transfer region of the tube within a mold and casting a heat sink member around the tube by contacting a second metal in molten form over the tube, wherein the first and second metals react peritectically to form an alloy layer between the tube and the heat sink member, and a metallurgical bond is formed between the tube and heat sink member with cooling of the molten second metal; and controlling casting of the heat sink member to minimize a thickness of the alloy layer to enhance a heat transfer characteristic of the metallurgical bond formed between the tube and the heat sink member.
US07673388B2	Method of forming fracture start portion of ductile metal part and fracture start portion forming device This is a method of forming a fracture start portion of a ductile metal part on an inner circumferential face of a through hole by irradiating laser to an opposing position of the inner circumferential face of the thorough hole of the ductile metal part having a predetermined through hole and by forming a large number of recess portions separated with a predetermined distance at a predetermined interval from one opening to the other opening of the through hole, in which a recess part is formed, instead of by focusing the laser exactly onto the inner circumferential face of the through hole, by irradiating it onto the inner circumferential face of the through hole while defocusing from the inner circumferential face of the through hole by a predetermined amount as well as by supplying an assist gas to a position of the laser irradiation, and the laser is moved linearly at a predetermined speed from one side opening to the other side opening on the inner circumferential face of the through hole while irradiating the laser onto the inner circumferential face of the through hole at a predetermined pulse.
US07673386B2	Flip-chip component production method The electrical and mechanical connection between a component chip and a carrier substrate having electrical wiring is realized by means of bumps. A support frame that is adapted in its height to the height of the bumps is arranged between the carrier substrate and the component chip and has a planar or planarized surface, so that it contacts closely to the bottom side of the component chip. Different covers are proposed for the additional encapsulation.
US07673385B2	Laminated structure method A laminated structure having an electrode hard to peel off and a method of manufacturing the laminated structure. The laminated structure has: a backing substrate; a lower electrode including an adhesive layer containing a metal oxide and a conductive layer formed on the backing substrate with the adhesive layer therebetween; a dielectric layer disposed on the lower electrode; and an upper electrode disposed on the dielectric layer. Further, the method includes the steps of: (a) disposing a lower electrode by forming a conductive layer on a backing substrate with an adhesive layer containing a metal oxide therebetween; (b) disposing a dielectric layer by spraying powder of a dielectric material to the lower electrode for deposition; (c) heat-treating the dielectric layer; and (d) forming an upper electrode on the dielectric layer before or after step (c).
US07673384B2	Nut runner and hexabot robot A six degree of freedom servo driven robot having a seventh axis servo motor for rotating servo driven nut runners affixed to swing arms about a radius. The robot offering flexibility within high production manufacturing and automotive assembly processes by realizing translational movement of servo driven nut runners about seven degrees of translation for fastening component parts of a work product within a work envelope.
US07673383B2	Apparatus for manufacturing a complete wire harness from a plurality of partial harnesses An apparatus for manufacturing a complete wire harness from a plurality of wire harnesses have a first transferring unit, an inserting unit and a removing unit. The first transferring unit transfers a wire clamping bar, which holds a partial harness having a plurality of electric wires, to a wire-harness fabricating station. The inserting unit inserts terminals disposed at ends of the plurality of electric wires into predetermined terminal accommodating chambers of predetermined connectors set on a connector receiving jig. The removing unit removes the emptied wire clamping bar.
US07673381B2	Method of manufacturing head suspension A method of manufacturing a head suspension includes forming a rigid part chain product where the rigid parts are provided continuously, including forming a plate-like framework for formation of the rigid part including formation margins for formation of the rails and forming a deformable part along a longitudinal curve of each formation margin and forming the rails by bending the formation margins to rise, forming a resilient member chain product where the resilient members are provided continuously, forming the flexures, forming the bases, and a stacking and coupling step stacking and coupling the rigid part chain product, the resilient member chain product, the bases, and the flexures, to form a stacked set, and cutting and separating respective head suspensions from the stacked set.
US07673378B1	Method of manufacturing decorative carpet tile A method of producing a decorative carpet tile may include providing a carpet tile in accordance with the prior art techniques and then treating the carpet tile in one of various manners to provide a separation internal to side edges of the carpet tile. The treatment can include tip shearing side portions relative to an internal portion to provide at least one discontinuity, dripping colors to provide a frame, carving, burning, or otherwise providing a separation internal to the side edges of the carpet tile in various disclosed embodiments.
US07673377B2	Fastener insertion apparatus and method A rivet is inserted into a workpiece by an apparatus that includes an internal roller screw linear actuator in which rotational movement of an internally threaded cylinder is converted into linear movement of a fastener insertion actuator assembly. The cylinder is driven in rotation by a servo-controlled motor. The angular velocity of the cylinder required to deliver the required energy to effect fastener insertion is calculated and the motor is first controlled to accelerate the cylinder up to the calculated angular velocity, the actuator assembly simultaneously being moved by the cylinder towards the workpiece. The motor is then controlled to maintain the angular velocity of the cylinder at not less than the calculated magnitude at least until insertion of the fastener. The cylinder stores kinetic energy by virtue of its inertia. Using this inertia to insert fasteners eliminates the need for position or force feedback control. The process allows for a rapid cycle time and the apparatus is compact.
US07673376B2	Device for fabricating a toothing at a three-dimensional body produced by forming and fine blanking A device for fabricating a toothing at an inner facing edge of a three-dimensional pot-shaped body produced by forming and fine blanking exclusively implemented by cutting and/or shaving with a fine blanking die and/or a shaving device. The device includes a base plate and a pressure pad between which the pot-shaped body is receivable. A pilot die is received within a hollow space of a die and is biased in an advancement direction of the die such that a portion of the pilot die protrudes from the hollow space and contacts the base of said pot-shaped body before the die when the die is advanced in the working direction. A groove is thereby created between said curved edge of the pot-shaped body and the pilot die for leading a fine blanking burr or shaving chips into the recess of the pot-shaped body. Further advancement of the die fixing and pressing the burr or the chips into the recess.
US07673373B2	Frameless glass door clamp A frameless glass door clamp has a clamping member, a base cover and a cap cover. The clamp member has a base side surface and a cap side surface. The base cover is mounted on the base side surface and has a panel, multiple flanges, a tapered face and multiple rounded outer edges. The cap cover is mounted on the cap side surface and has a panel, a multiple flanges, a tapered face and multiple rounded outer edges. Because the outer edges of the base and cap covers are rounded, the frameless glass door clamp is much less likely to injure people or damage objects and is easier to manufacture.
US07673372B2	Block and tackle balance assembly with brake shoe A sash balance brake shoe assembly (2) is disclosed for counterbalancing a sash window (3) slidably supported within a master frame (5). The assembly generally includes a balance assembly preferably in the form of a block and tackle balance assembly (7) and a brake shoe (28). The balance assembly has a balance channel (6). The brake shoe (28) has an extension member (36) that is received by the balance channel (6). A fastener (42) directly connects the brake shoe (28) to the balance channel (6).
US07673371B1	Vacuum broom apparatus A vacuum broom apparatus for removing particulate debris from surfaces such as those of floors includes a housing which has an upper wall from which protrudes a vacuum inlet tube connectable to a vacuum power source. The housing includes a shroud which protrudes downwardly from the upper wall and peripherally surrounds a broom which protrudes downwardly within the shroud through a bottom opening thereof. One or more vacuum nozzles which communicate with the vacuum inlet tube are positioned adjacent to the broom. Optionally, a front wall of the shroud is elastically flexible to thereby effect an air dam between a lower edge of the front wall and a floor surface against which it may be pressed. Also, the broom may take the form of a block which at least partly encloses a lower entrance opening of the shroud, the block having a lower surface from which bristles protrude downwardly, and a plurality of vacuum passageways interspersed within the bristles and which have lower debris entrance openings in the lower surface of the block, and upper debris exit openings through an upper surface of the block which communicates with a negative pressure region of an interior region of the shroud.
US07673365B1	Adjustable tool for finishing concrete surfaces A tool assembly includes a handle section including operably connected linear sections. A proximal section has a handle portion and a distal section has a fixed longitudinal length protruding away from the proximal section. A float is included having planar top and bottom surfaces. The assembly also includes mechanisms for pivotally connecting the float to the handle section, for pivotally attaching the proximal section to the distal section, and for rotatably connecting the proximal section to the distal section. A mechanism is also included for telescopically adjusting a length of the proximal section. A carrying case is included for housing the float and the handle section therein, and is provided with an articulated lid attached thereto. The pivotally connecting mechanism, the pivotally attaching mechanism, the rotatably connecting mechanism, and the telescopically adjusting mechanism are independently and simultaneously operable.
US07673362B2	Wheel cleaning apparatus for a wheelchair or the like A tire-cleaning device for a wheelchair or other wheeled device, such as a scooter, which includes a pair of rotatably-mounted rollers positioned to support at least one wheel of the wheelchair. A rotatably-mounted cleaning brush is positioned between the rollers. The rollers are activated in a direction opposite that to the brush such that the rollers and brush rotate in opposite directions causing the brush to rotate in a direction opposite the tire of the rotating wheel of the wheelchair in order to effect the best cleaning mode. Cleaning fluid is drawn to the tire of the wheelchair by the rotating brush.
US07673361B2	Unitary sheet and air filter for cleaning implement A cleaning implement having a dirt bin for collecting debris from a floor, a cleaning sheet and an air filter. The cleaning sheet and air filter comprise a unitary assembly. When the user discards a soiled sheet, the soiled air filter is likewise discarded. This process prevents the air filter from becoming unduly clogged, and diminishing the performance of the cleaning implement.
US07673360B2	Dental cleaning device An electric toothbrush with a removable brush section having a transponder communicating with a handle portion of the toothbrush via a non-contacting inductive coupling.
US07673357B1	Bottle opening and portable data storage apparatus An apparatus for opening bottles and storing data has an enclosure formed from a pair of semi-enclosed casings that includes a gripping member having a pair of tabs for grasping and removing caps from bottles. The enclosure provides a protective shell for a portable data storage device that may be pivoted outwardly from within the enclosure when the device is in use. The data storage device includes a universal serial bus plug and can be used with any electronic device having a universal serial bus port, such as a desktop computer, notebook computer, communications device, and the like. The apparatus may be carried separately or can be attached to another carrying device or hung on a hook.
US07673356B1	Head and neck support apparatus A flexible tubular frame, comprising an upper section and a lower section, supports a person's neck and head for hygienic, therapeutic, or cosmetic purposes. The upper section has a depressed portion shaped for supporting a person's neck when the person lies within the open ends of the base frame and the upper frame.
US07673349B2	Headwear with integrated spectacles A cap in combination with spectacles that are removably coupled to the underside of the cap's visor. The spectacles are pivotally movable from a first deployed position, where the lenses are disposed in front of a user's face to a second stowed position, where the spectacles underlie the visor. The pivoting mechanism is axially biased to provide constant pressure to hold the spectacles in substantially any position.
US07673348B2	User wearable wire control system A user wearable wire control system and associated processes that can be utilized to control a dangling wire along a user's body. The user wearable wire control system includes a first layer and second layer that are configured to form a sleeve with a hollow portion disposed therein. The sleeve is adapted to encase a least a portion of a wire. The sleeve includes a first aperture at a first end portion configured to allow at least a portion of the wire to enter the sleeve and a second aperture at a second end portion configured to allow at least a portion of the wire to exit the sleeve. As such, a wire that would otherwise dangle loosely along the body of a user may be at least partially encased in the sleeve and may reduce the danger and/or inconvenience of a dangling wire.

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