最新美国发明专利第2010-04-13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
US07695733B2	Application of topical anesthetics for modulation of neurogenic tremor A method of ameliorating neurogenic tremor in mammals, which comprises topically administering to a mammal, which has been diagnosed with a neurogenic tremor, an effective amount of a topical anesthetic.
US07695729B2	Nonoral preparation having three-layer structure The purpose of the present invention is to provide micro- or mili-capsules and film preparations having not only sustained-release function but also targeting and adhesive functions with approximately 100% loading efficiency of the objective substance. The present invention provides a parenteral preparation having three layers structure of; basement layer composed of polymer; carrying layer that contains objective substances selected from drugs, aroma chemicals, mosquito propellant, dyes, cells or antigens; and surface layer, and in which the carrying layer is sandwiched between the basement layer and the surface layer.
US07695727B2	Botanical butter stick lip balm A stick lip balm with efficacious amounts of natural moisturizer and organoleptic/sensory attributes of lip feel associated with moisturizers and emollients is provided. The lip balm of the invention comprises at least 90% botanically derived materials and can be formed into a stick sufficiently robust to substantially retain the stick shape under normal conditions of shipping, storage and usage. A method of making the stick lip balm is also provided.
US07695725B2	Modified free-living microbes, vaccine compositions and methods of use thereof Free-living microbes are provided in which the nucleic acid has been modified so that the microbe is attenuated for proliferation and/or which comprise genetic mutations that attenuate the ability of the microbe to repair its nucleic acid. Methods of using the modified microbes for the loading, activation, and/or maturation of antigen-presenting cells are also provided. Vaccine compositions comprising the modified microbes and/or the antigen-presenting cells and methods of using the vaccines are also provided. The microbes may be further modified to include heterologous antigens, such as tumor antigens or infectious disease antigens, for use as a vaccine against cancer or infectious diseases.
US07695723B2	Methods of treating neurological conditions with hematopoietic growth factors The present invention relates to a method of treating a neurological condition in a mammal by administering at least one hematopoietic growth factor.
US07695722B2	Methods for reducing GNRH-positive tumor cell replication A method for recognizing and determining GnRH receptors on abnormal cells of a tumor originating in the brain and/or nervous system and/or the meninges and/or on Kaposi sarcoma. Also, preparing diagnostic kits for tumors originating in the brain and/or nervous system and/or the meninges and/or for Kaposi sarcoma. Further, a method for decreasing cellular replication of GnRH-positive glioma, oat-cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, or Kaposi sarcoma comprising administering to a cell or to a subject a replication decreasing amount of a GnRH agonist.
US07695717B2	Method of treating an IL-1 related inflammatory disease or condition Methods of treating or preventing an IL-1 related disease or condition in a mammal comprising administering an effective amount of an IL-1β binding antibody or IL-1β binding fragment thereof. An IL-1β binding antibody or IL-1β binding fragment thereof is provided comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:28, and related nucleic acids, vectors, cells, and compositions, and a method of preparing an affinity matured IL-1β binding polypeptide is provided. IL-1β binding antibodies or IL-1β binding fragments thereof are provided which have desirable affinity and potency.
US07695714B2	Use of alkaline phosphatase to maintain healthy tissue mass in mammals Embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of placental alkaline phosphatase, and other members of the alkaline phosphatase family, to enhance protein synthesis in the muscle as well as the survival of non-cancerous differentiated cells in the muscle, adipose and other tissues. The ability of alkaline phosphatase to selectively enhance the survival of healthy cells and increase protein synthesis has many therapeutic applications. The use of alkaline phosphatase may prevent the loss of body weight and muscle mass typically experienced by diseased (such as cancer) or aging patients, or developing fetuses subjected to harmful conditions, or by patients who are treated with a toxic therapy including chemotherapy.
US07695710B2	Antitumor and antiviral combination therapies using low-toxicity, long-circulating human interferon-alpha analogs Interferon-alpha (IFNα) analog proteins modified by chemical attachment of at least one hydrophilic polymer moiety, such as polyethylene glycol chain, are described for use in combination therapies with antiviral and/or antitumor agents. In one embodiment, the IFNα analog protein has an amino acid sequence that differs from a native human IFNα interferon-alpha by one or more amino acid residues in the N-terminal region, comprised of between about residues 1-27, inclusive, by one or more substitutions selected based on the amino acid residue at the corresponding position of a mature interferon-tau (IFNτ) protein. Methods of combination therapy are also described.
US07695708B2	Catalytic steam reforming with recycle A method for generating hydrogen in a production facility having a catalytic steam reformer, a boiler downstream of the catalytic steam reformer, optionally having a prereformer, and optionally having a shift reactor, wherein the reformer feed gas mixture is formed using a steam-containing recycle gas mixture which was formed from boiler effluent. The boiler generates steam which may be used to form the reformer feed gas mixture, used elsewhere in the production facility, and/or used for export steam.
US07695706B2	Producing method of fullerene derivative, fullerene derivative, proton conductor and electrochemical device Provided are a method of efficiently procuding fullerene into which a OH group or a SO3H group is introduced, such as fullerenol, or a derivative thereof, the fullerene and its derivative being preferable as a proton conductor, and a novel and usable proton conductor obtained by the method. Further, provided is an electrochemical device using the proton conductor such as a fuel cell or the like. In the producing method of the fullerene derivative, halogated fullerene, which is obtained through halogating a fullerene molecule is used as a precursor, the fullerene derivative is produced through introducing one or more proton dissociative group into at least one carbon atom of a fullerene molecule. Moreover, in a producing method of a polymerized fullerene derivative, a plurality of fullerene derivatives are bonded to one another by an aromatic group of an aromatic compound through reacting the plurality of fullerene derivatives with the aromatic compound. The fullerene derivative obtained by any of these method functions as a proton conductor, and an electrochemical device using the proton conductor such as a fuel cell can be downsized and simplified without atmosphere constraints.
US07695700B2	Effluent gas stream treatment system having utility for oxidation treatment of semiconductor manufacturing effluent gases An effluent gas stream treatment system for treatment of gaseous effluents such as waste gases from semiconductor manufacturing operations. The effluent gas stream treatment system comprises a pre-oxidation treatment unit, which may for example comprise a scrubber, an oxidation unit such an electrothermal oxidizer, and a post-oxidation treatment unit, such as a wet or dry scrubber. The effluent gas stream treatment system of the invention may utilize an integrated oxidizer, quench and wet scrubber assembly, for abatement of hazardous or otherwise undesired components from the effluent gas stream. Gas or liquid shrouding of gas streams in the treatment system may be provided by high efficiency inlet structures.
US07695695B2	Reactor or heat exchanger with improved heat transfer performance A shell-and-tube reactor or heat exchanger comprises first tubes, through the inside of which a first object for heat transfer with a heat transfer medium is passed, some of the first tubes being provided in a zone in which a flow of the heat transfer medium (parallel flow) parallel to the axis of the tubes is present; and a second tube, through the inside of which the first object is not passed, the second tube being provided in said zone such that it is parallel to the axis of the first tubes. A method for producing an oxide comprises using said shell-and-tube reactor or heat exchanger, and causing a catalytic vapor-phase oxidation reaction in first tubes, through the inside of which the first object for heat transfer with the heat transfer medium is passed.
US07695693B2	Thin type micro reformer A thin type reformer for a fuel cell is provided, and includes a substrate, fuel filling portion, reformer portion, CO remover, and cover. The substrate forms a passage within. The fuel filling portion fills the passage with fuel. The reformer portion forms a passage to one side of the fuel filling portion in the substrate, and the CO remover forms a passage at an opposite side of the fuel filling portion in the substrate. The cover covers the top of the substrate and seals the passages. The fuel filling portion partitions the reformer portion's heat absorbing reaction and the CO remover's heat radiating reaction and induces a reforming reaction. The reacting efficiencies of the reformer portion and the CO remover substantially increase. Because a compact air supplying pump can be used due to an inner pressure reduction in the CO remover, the entire device can be miniaturized.
US07695691B2	Discharge cell for ozonizer This is a discharge cell used for an ozonizer. A space where a discharge gap amount is determined between the first electrodes 10 and 10 is formed by stacking a couple of upper and lower first electrodes 10 and 10, constituted by the plate-like rigid body, in both sides with sandwiching a couple of rigid body spacers 20 and 20. In this space, a dielectric body unit 30 that consists of a rigid body of the sandwich structure of sandwiching a second electrode 32 is arranged between glass plates 31 and 31. The dielectric body unit 30 is supported in a neutral position in the space by a plurality of spacers 40, 40, . . . for discharge gap formation that are inserted between the upper and lower first electrodes 10, and forms discharge gaps 50 and 50 in both sides. The minimum discharge gap amount G of 0.4 mm or less is stably secured. It is possible to prevent the damage of a cell component and a pressurizing mechanism.
US07695690B2	Air treatment apparatus having multiple downstream electrodes An electro-kinetic air conditioner for removing particulates from the air creates an airflow using no moving parts. The conditioner includes an ion generator that has an electrode assembly including a first array of emitter electrodes, a second array of collector electrodes, and a high voltage generator. Preferably, a third or leading or focus electrode is located upstream of the first array of emitter electrodes, and/or a trailing electrode is located downstream of the second array of collector electrodes. The device can also include an interstitial electrode located between collector electrodes, an enhanced collector electrode with an integrally formed trailing end, and an enhanced emitter electrode with an enhanced length in order to increase emissivity.
US07695689B2	Micro reactor device and method of manufacturing micro reactor device The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a micro reactor device that includes a tubular reactor (1) as a flow path, for allowing reaction species to react in the reactor (1). The micro reactor device is manufactured by forming a particle layer (2) on an inner wall of the reactor (1). The particle layer (2) can be formed by causing a dispersion liquid of particles to flow through the reactor (1) and drying. In this way, it is possible to provide a method of manufacturing a micro reactor device having an inner wall modified so that the reaction species can react more efficiently, and to provide the micro reactor device.
US07695688B2	High density plate filler A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate can comprise a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. A substrate can comprise a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first assay input port for receiving the assay disposed on the first surface, a plurality of staging capillaries extending through the substrate, and a first plurality of microfluidic channels fluidly coupling the first assay input port with at least one of the plurality of staging capillaries. Each of the plurality of staging capillaries can comprise an inlet and an outlet and be sized to receive the assay.
US07695685B2	Micro fluidic device A dent is formed on a side surface of a first substrate. A second substrate faces to the side surface of the first substrate. A third substrate is arranged so that the first and second substrates contact each other closely. A micro flow path and a micro chamber are formed between the first and second substrates. The micro flow path and the micro chamber communicate with each other and including an inlet and outlet respectively. A fifth substrate contains the first, second and third substrates. A fourth substrate fits in the fifth substrate. The first and second substrates are pressed against each other by thread fastening (pressing means) for the fourth and fifth substrates.
US07695679B2	Optical sensor for measuring oxygen A substrate has an oxygen sensitive dye embedded therein, this sensor is chemically stable to a high degree, has a high temperature resistance in the relevant temperature range, and is gas permeable to a high extent. The substrate consists of a fluoridated silicone polymer. The substrate is a fluoridated silicone polymer and the dye is an organometallic complex.
US07695678B2	Method of isolating nucleic acid using material positively charged at first pH and containing amino group and carboxyl group A method of isolating nucleic acid from a sample containing nucleic acid is provided. The method includes contacting the sample with a bifunctional material that contains an amino group and a carboxyl group and is positively charged at a first pH to allow binding of the nucleic acid to the bifunctional material; and extracting the nucleic acid at a second pH higher than the first pH from the complex.
US07695667B2	Method and apparatus for separating a stamper from a patterned substrate A method and apparatus are disclosed for separating a stamper from a patterned substrate. The method includes providing a substrate having a top and a bottom with an opening therein, providing a support mechanism configured to retain the substrate, providing a stamper having a formed pattern and configured to come in contact with the top of the substrate, wherein a chamber is formed within the opening of the substrate when the stamper is in contact with the substrate, providing a channel directed toward the chamber to introduce pressurized air into the chamber, and directing pressured air through the channel to the chamber to initiate separation of the stamper from the substrate. In certain embodiments, the pressurized air may be directed toward an opening in the substrate, such as a central ID hole in a disk. The disk may be incorporated within a storage device as pattered magnetic media.
US07695662B2	Method for producing resin structure A macrocell structure 20 having a honeycomb form is preheated to cure to a cure depth falling within a range where a flexibility of prepregs in the macrocell structure remains. Subsequently, prepregs 31, 32 are arranged along a side wall of the preheated macrocell structure 20, so as to make a preliminary structure 40. Then, the preliminary structure 40 is heated while the inside of the prepregs 31, 32 in the preliminary structure 40 is vacuumed. Thereafter, the preliminary structure 40 is heated while imparting an internal pressure thereto within a mold 5, so as to be cured, whereby a resin structure 1 is produced.
US07695657B2	Method for manufacturing articles in the form of slabs with a siliceous binder and slabs thus obtained With regard to the technology of compaction by means of vacuum vibrocompression for manufacturing slabs of composite stone, the binder consists of a dispersion of colloidal silica in water and the rough-formed article resulting from the vibrocompression step, undergoes a drying step in order to remove the water present in the vibrocompacted slab. Subsequently the pores of the slab are filled with methyl methacrylate and hardening of the resin is performed by means of heating in hot water.
US07695651B2	Flame retardant additives, emulsion type coating compositions, and flame retardant compositions A flame retardant additive comprises (A) a gassing agent which is a compound containing both phosphorus and nitrogen, typically ammonium polyphosphate, which is surface coated with (B) a silicone-base water repellent treating agent comprising a co-hydrolytic condensate obtained through co-hydrolytic condensation of (i) an organosilicon compound and (ii) an amino group-containing alkoxysilane or a partial hydrolyzate thereof in the presence of an organic or inorganic acid. The additive is improved in moisture absorption resistance and dispersion and suited for use in resins or elastomers.
US07695635B2	Azeotrope-like compositions of 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and methyl iodide An azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition comprising a mixture of methyl iodide, 1-chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoropropene, and optionally one or more of fluorocarbons and/or hydrofluorocarbons. The compositions are present as a gas, at temperatures of about 30° C. or below. The inventive compositions serve as a non-ozone-depleting gaseous fumigant which is useful in a variety of applications, in place of methyl bromide. These compositions serve as a drop-in replacement for gaseous methyl bromide, providing the benefits of a methyl iodide fumigant while also utilizing existing methyl bromide equipment.
US07695631B2	Composition and method for reducing chemical oxygen demand in water A method and composition for reducing chemical oxygen demand is presented. The composition includes a persulfate donor and a transition metal catalyst in contact with the persulfate donor. When the composition is contacted by water, the transition metal catalyst reacts with persulfate and reduces the persulfate concentration in the water. The composition allows the use of persulfate, which is known to cause irritation to users of aquatic facilities (e.g., pools, spas) that come in contact with it. As the persulfate concentration is reduced rapidly in the water by the catalyzed reaction, the persulfate-containing cleaning product may even be used while the aquatic facilities are being used. Optionally, a free halogen donor may be incorporated into the composition. The composition may be in the form of powder, granules (coated or uncoated), or agglomerate.
US07695630B2	Process for conditioning an aqueous solution for efficient colloidal precipitation An ionic conditioning process and molecular arrangement for removing colloids from an aqueous solution, where the aqueous solution is transported to and/or through several conditioning zones for purification. The process utilizes vessels within which stages of conditioning are performed and are monitored. The conditioning processes perform ionic, chemical and physical conditioning to the colloids in the aqueous solution causing the colloids to be transformed into a state that reacts with a polymer flocculating agent and is thereby precipitated rapidly and efficiently for removal. The effluent as well as the precipitate can be further treated with conventional means to meet certain specifications for discharge and disposal.
US07695628B2	Polyarylether membranes Membranes for use in methods and apparatuses for hemodialysis and hemofiltration are composed of at least one polyarylethernitrile block copolymer having structural units of formula I wherein Z is a direct bond, O, S, CH2, SO, SO2, CO, RPO, CH2, alkenyl, alkynyl, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; R is a C6-12 aromatic radical or a C1-12 aliphatic radical; R1 and R2 are independently H, halo, nitro, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical, or a combination thereof; a is 0, 1, 2 or 3; b is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and m and n are independently 0 or 1.
US07695622B2	System and method for eliminating sludge via ozonation A system and method for the treatment and reduction of sludge via ozonation in a wastewater treatment process is disclosed. The sludge treatment system comprises: a sludge ozonation reactor coupled to an activated sludge treatment basin and adapted to receive a liquid stream of sludge containing biosolids from the activated sludge treatment basin. The sludge treatment system also includes an ozone-enriched gas injection system operatively coupled to the reactor and adapted to inject ozone-enriched gas into the liquid stream at or upstream of the sludge ozonation reactor. The sludge ozonation reactor is configured to allow effective gas-liquid contacting between the ozone-enriched gas and the liquid stream so as to oxidize the biosolids in the liquid stream and initiate bacterial cell lysis thereby reducing the biosolids. Upon reduction of the biosolids, the liquid stream is returned via a return line to the activated sludge basin or other discharge point.
US07695616B2	Device for dissolving solid substances in water A device (1) for dissolving solid chemical substances in water is provided with: a container (2), which has a bottom portion (6) designed to contain an aqueous solution; a perforated loading chamber (9), which is set at the top of the bottom portion (6) and is designed to contain a solid chemical substance (10); and a spraying device (18) set within the loading chamber (9) for directing at least one jet of water onto the solid chemical substance (10). In use, the solid chemical substance (10) is set around the spraying device (18), and the jet of water is directed downwards and/or laterally so as not to wet the solid chemical substance (10) set above the spraying device (18). In this way, there is obtained a relatively gradual dissolution of the solid chemical substance (10) and a lower development of gaseous substances having an unpleasant smell.
US07695613B2	Inline chlorinator with integral control package and heat dissipation The invention is directed to a chlorinator mounted inline in a water purification system having a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and an upper compartment having an electronics section with a controller unit contained within the electronics section and in electrical communication with a power source and an at least one electrolytic plate. The system having a heat sink member in thermal communication with the controller, wherein the flow of the water in the water purification system cools the heat sink member and the controller unit.
US07695610B2	Light fuel oil The invention relates to oil refining, more particularly to a composition of a light fuel oil for use in medium-speed diesel engines of marine power units. The inventive light fuel oil comprises, in % by wt.: black oil—(4-10), tar—(2-10), light catalytic cracking gas oil—(10-30), heavy catalytic cracking gas oil—(5-10), a straight-run diesel fuel—(8-10), a viscosity breaking residuum of a heavy oil fraction—the rest. The selected component ratio will enable to improve the fuel stability in transportation and storage, expand the range of available fuels and increase the production volumes of quality fuels, while rationally using poor-quality products readily available at refineries.
US07695608B2	Electrochemical biosensor and biosensor measuring device An electrochemical biosensor and a biosensor measuring device. The electrochemical biosensor includes a plurality of electrodes, capillary sample cell portions, reaction reagent layers, electrode connection portions, and a production lot information identification portion. The production lot information identification portion is configured such that the production lot information is recorded thereon has one or more infrared absorption/reflection marks, which indicate information about differences between production lots through the printing and/or attachment of colored or colorless materials, having differences in absorbency or reflectivity of infrared rays, in conformity of a predetermined pattern or through the attachment of transparent films. The electrochemical biosensor measuring device includes a plurality of integrated photo-reflector sensing devices that emit and receive infrared rays to identify the production lot information recorded on the production lot information identification portion of the biosensor.
US07695606B2	Electrolytic device and method for disinfecting water in a water supply system by means of the generation of active chlorine The present invention relates to an electrolytic device for disinfecting water in a water supply system using active chlorine, comprising an electrolytic cell having electrodes and a generator driven by the water, a part of the water being guided through the electrolytic cell and at least a part of the feeding of the electrolytic cell being guided through a salt dosing device containing a compound capable of supplying chloride ions to the water.
US07695605B2	Tin plating method A method for plating tin or a tin alloy on a substrate such that whiskers are prevented form forming or the number of whickers is reduced in number as well as size.
US07695604B2	Method for producing separator and electrodeposition coating device A primer (16) for forming a resin frame (17) is formed on an outer end portion (16p) of a separator (1) of a fuel cell. An electrodeposition coating device (2) includes an upper frame (21) and a lower frame (22), and covers only the outer end portion (16p) of the substrate (11) with a center portion (12) of the substrate (11) left uncovered. When the substrate (11) is sandwiched between the upper frame (21) and the lower frame (22) of the electrodeposition coating device (2), an annular electrodeposition chamber (31) is formed with the outer end portion (16p) of the substrate (11) located in the electrodeposition chamber (31). Then, the electrodeposition chamber (31) is filled with an electrodeposition coating solution (32), and electrodeposition coating is performed. Then, cleaning is performed by using purified water, and drying is performed by using hightemperature air.
US07695602B2	Systems and methods for transporting particles Various particle transport systems and components for use in such systems are described. The systems utilize one or more traveling wave grids to selectively transport, distribute, separate, or mix different populations of particles. Numerous systems configured for use in two dimensional and three dimensional particle transport are described.
US07695600B2	Test system A test system for measuring analyte concentration in a fluid sample includes: (i) a capillary-fill biosensor (20) having a working electrode (24), a reference electrode (22) and a separate counter electrode (23), arranged such that a fluid sample which flows evenly along the capillary flow path will substantially completely cover the reference electrode (22) before the fluid sample makes contact with any part of the counter electrode (23); and (ii) a test meter (42) for receiving the biosensor (20), the meter (42) including: first signal circuitry (31) for producing a first signal when an electrical circuit is detected between the reference electrode (22) and the working electrode (24); second signal circuitry (33) for producing a second signal when an electrical circuit is detected between the counter electrode (23) and at least one of the reference electrode (22) and the working electrode (24); a timer (35) for determining the time interval between production of said first signal and said second signal; and a processor (32) for triggering an error condition if said time interval exceeds a preset value or if said second signal is not produced within a preset time after said first signal is produced.
US07695598B2	Coater having substrate cleaning device and coating deposition methods employing such coater A coater having a substrate cleaning device is disclosed. The substrate cleaning device comprises an ion gun (i.e., an ion source) that is positioned beneath a path of substrate travel (e.g., beneath a substrate support) extending through the coater and that is adapted for treating a bottom major surface of a substrate. Certain embodiments involve an upward coating apparatus that is further along the path of substrate travel than the substrate cleaning device. In some embodiments of this nature, the upward coating apparatus is configured for depositing a photocatalytic coating upwardly onto the bottom major surface of the substrate. Certain embodiments of the invention involve a downward coating apparatus, wherein the substrate cleaning device is further along the path of substrate travel than the downward coating apparatus. Some embodiments involve an upward coating apparatus that is further along the path of substrate travel than the substrate cleaning device.
US07695597B1	Conductive planarization assembly for electrochemical mechanical planarization of a work piece A conductive planarization assembly for use in electrochemical mechanical planarization is provided. A conductive planarization assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises a first insulating member and a second insulating member overlying the first insulating member and having a plurality of first holes. A conductive member is interposed between the first insulating member and the second insulating member and is electrically coupled to an external circuit. The conductive member comprises a plurality of cathode regions that are exposed by the plurality of first holes of the second insulating member.
US07695592B2	Method and apparatus for measuring fiber orientation of a moving web An image-based measurement technique that directly measures the orientation of fibers in a moving web that comprises nonwoven material measures the orientation angles of the individual fibers so that a more robust estimate of the statistical distribution of fibers is obtained. The technique includes the steps of: (a) illuminating an area on at least one side of the web with radiation; (b) obtaining at least one digital image of the illuminated area; and (c) calculating the fiber orientation of the web by processing the at least one digital image with a gradient operator thereby analyzing the distribution of observed fiber orientation angles within the image. The gradient operator is preferably of a non-integer order between ⅓ and ⅔ and particularly between ¼ and ¾. The use of fractional-gradient operators yields more reliable results than when integer order gradients are employed.
US07695591B2	Arrangement and Method for Treatment of Cellulose Pulp Involving Means for Seal Adjustment A washing arrangement for washing and dewatering of cellulose pulp is disclosed, comprising a rotatable drum having a plurality of outer compartments defined by axial compartment walls distributed along the circumference of the drum, a stationary cylindrical casing that encloses the drum, whereby an annular space is defined between the casing and the drum and longitudinal seals extending in the axial direction of the drum divide the annular space into zones for forming, washing and discharge of the pulp. The function of the longitudinal seals is optimized by units for seal adjustment having force sensors for measuring a force acting on one of the longitudinal seals in the direction from the drum, and positioners for automatically moving the longitudinal seal substantially in the radial direction of the drum according to a predetermined pattern based on the measured force.
US07695590B2	Chemical vapor deposition plasma reactor having plural ion shower grids A plasma reactor for processing a semiconductor workpiece includes a reactor chamber and a set of plural parallel ion shower grids that divide the chamber into an upper ion generation region and a lower reactor region, each of the ion shower grids having plural orifices in mutual registration from grid to grid, each orifice being oriented in a non-parallel direction relative to a surface plane of the respective ion shower grid. A workpiece support in the process region faces the lowermost one of the ion shower grids. A reactive species source furnishes into the ion generation region a chemical vapor deposition precursor species. The reactor further includes a vacuum pump coupled to the reactor region, a plasma source power applicator for generating a plasma in the ion generation region and a grid potential source coupled to the set of ion shower grids. The orifices through at least some of the ion shower grids have an aspect ratio sufficient to limit ion trajectories in the reactor region to a narrow angular range about the non-parallel direction, and a resistance to gas flow sufficient to support a pressure drop between the ion generation and reactor regions of about at least a factor of 4. The grid potential source can be capable of applying different voltages to different ones of the grids.
US07695585B2	Rebonding a metallized fabric to an underlying layer A method and system for repairing an insulation blanket having a metallized fabric that becomes disbanded from an underlying layer of the insulation blanket. The method includes cutting a first slit in the metallized fabric near a disbanded portion of the fabric, inserting a repair material through the first slit such that the repair material is between the disbanded portion of the fabric and the underlying layer, and adhering the disbonded fabric and the underlying layer to the repair material to restore the functionality of the metallized fabric.
US07695582B2	Method of forming ceramic layer A method for forming a ceramic layer on the surface of a turbine component. This method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a turbine component having a surface; (b) providing at least one ceramic tape overlaying the component surface; and (c) manually pressing the at least one ceramic tape against the component surface at a temperature of from about 150° to about 700° F. (from about 66° to about 371° C.) so as to cause the at least one ceramic tape to adhere to the component surface.
US07695579B2	Adhesively bonded seams and seams forming methods A stitchless seam comprises a first portion of material folded upon itself proximate an edge to define an overfolded end portion having overlapping edge and nonedge portions and a second portion of material positioned adjacent the overfolded end portion. A first portion of adhesive is interposed between the overlapping edge and nonedge portions and a second portion of adhesive is interposed between the second portion of material and the edge portion of the overfolded end portion. Energy may be applied, via an ultrasonic seam bonding machine or other means, to activate the adhesive portions. The seams may be used for items made of waterproof breathable laminate fabric material, such as garments and sports articles.
US07695578B2	Bronze alloy, and ingot and liquid-contacting part using the alloy A copper-based alloy that has the soundness of alloy enhanced by restraining the concentrated occurrence of microporosities while suppressing the lead content and an ingot and a liquid-contacting part using the alloy are provided. The copper-based alloy has the soundness of alloy improved during the course of solidification of the copper-based alloy by crystallizing an intermetallic compound capable of solidifying at a temperature exceeding a solidus line in dendritic gaps of the alloy, suppressing migration of a solute, thereby allowing dispersion of microporosities, utilizing crystallization of the intermetallic compound as well for effecting dispersed crystallization of a low melting metal or a low melting intermetallic compound capable of solidifying at a temperature falling short of a liquidus line, and relying on the low melting metal or low melting intermetallic compound to enter the microporosities and suppress occurrence of microporosities.
US07695575B2	Pin for chain and method for manufacture thereof A chain pin manufacturing method that requires only one heat treatment step of forming a boundary part composed of (V, Cr) 8C7 by Cr and C in a base material at first through a cementation process in a VCl atmosphere by using Cr-rich steel as the pin base material and of forming a surface layer composed of V8C7. A Cr content in the boundary part decreases gradually toward the base material and the surface layer and the boundary part is not clearly divided. The inventive manufacturing method is simple and enables to manufacture the pin having high abrasion resistance and suitably used in a severe environment like a timing chain.
US07695571B2	Wash/rinse system for a drawer-type dishwasher A wash/rinse system for a drawer-type dishwasher includes a wash mechanism having a paddlewheel and a spray bar mounted in a washing chamber of the dishwasher. The spray bar includes at least one nozzle that is positioned so as to deliver a jet of washing fluid onto a deflector member provided on the paddlewheel. Upon impacting the deflector member, the jet of washing fluid diverges into streams of washing fluid which are sprayed onto articles positioned in the washing chamber. Preferably, the spray bar includes a plurality of nozzles which direct multiple jets of washing fluid onto a corresponding plurality of deflector members. The paddlewheel is mounted so as to create random streams of washing fluid that are sprayed into the washing chamber to combine with washing fluid emanating from a lower wash arm to clean articles in the washing chamber.
US07695570B2	Processing-subject cleaning method and apparatus, and device manufacturing method and device The invention reduces the amounts of cleaning liquids and rinse liquid used, as well as the energy consumption. A cleaning head has a plurality of cleaning units and a drying unit. An organic substance cleaning portion of each cleaning unit blows a first cleaning agent selectively over a portion to be cleaned of a substrate, and sucks reaction products etc. through a first suction mouth. An inorganic substance cleaning portion blows a second cleaning agent over the portion to be cleaned of the substrate from which organic substance have been removed, and sucks reaction products etc. through a second suction mouth. A rinse portion blows pure water the portion of the substrate from which inorganic substance have been removed, and sucks its vapor through a third suction mouth. The drying unit dries the substrate by blowing out a heated gas from a hot wind blowing-out mouth. A light guide illuminates the portion to be cleaned of the substrate with ultraviolet light, and thereby decomposes residual organic substances.
US07695556B2	Ink for printing data carrying mark on honeycomb structures A system, method, and ink for printing a data carrying mark on a green ceramic honeycomb structure is provided. The system includes a printer having an ink jet print head that prints a mark, preferably in the form of a two-dimensional data matrix barcode, on a side wall of the green ceramic honeycomb structure. The ink may be a heat resistant ink that comprises a mixture of a glass or glass ceramic frit and a metal oxide colorant. An optical reader is provided for determining if the data is accurately reproduced in the printed mark, as well as any noise factor which may be present due to defective printing. The system includes a turntable that positions the green body for the printing operation, and then rotates the green body to position the printed mark first in front of a dryer, and then in front of the optical reader to determine the quality of the mark. Marked green and ceramic honeycombs are also provided as well as a method for repairing a defective applied bar code on a honeycomb structure.
US07695550B2	Structured membrane with controllable permeability An apparatus that comprises a membrane having a plurality of fluid-support-structures and openings located between the fluid-support-structures. The fluid-support-structures have at least one dimension that that is about 1 millimeter or less. The apparatus also comprises a wicking material positioned adjacent to a surface of the membrane. When a fluid locatable on a surface of the fluid-support-structures penetrates the fluid-support-structures, at least a portion of the fluid passes through the openings and into the wicking material.
US07695547B2	Desiccant A desiccant comprises a mixture of a polymeric salt and a nonpolymeric salt.
US07695533B2	Method for transesterifying vegetable oils The present invention relates to a method for producing Diesel grade fuel of plant origin by transesterifying a refined vegetable oil in a homogenous phase with a C1-C4 alkanol in the presence of an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent with a boiling point of 40-200° C. and a catalyst to form a first polar phase comprising glycerol by-product and a first apolar phase comprising transesterified fuel, non-transesterified vegetable oil, and aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, separating the first polar phase and the first apolar phase, and refining the fuel from the first apolar phase, wherein the C1-C4 alcohol is used in an amount selected from the group consisting of: a stoichiometric amount; and an excess not exceeding 30% of an stoichiometric amount, and the aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent is used in an amount of at least 0.2 parts by volume relative to the unit volume of the refined vegetable oil.
US07695529B1	Method for manufacturing an electrolytic capacitor with improved deformation qualities A method for manufacturing an electrolytic capacitor with improved deformation qualities includes impregnating an electrolytic capacitor with a first electrolyte, aging the electrolytic capacitor after impregnating and reimpregnating the electrolytic capacitor with a second electrolyte. The water content of the second electrolyte is lower than the water content of the first electrolyte. The second electrolyte may also have a lower viscosity and a higher conductivity than the first electrolyte.
US07695524B2	Non-aqueous washing machine and methods The invention relates to a non-aqueous washing machine, methods of using the machine, methods of washing, and recycling.
US07695521B2	Hip prosthesis with monoblock ceramic acetabular cup An improved hip prosthesis includes an acetabular cup bearing component constructed from a relatively hard and high strength ceramic material for articulation with a ball-shaped femoral head component which may be constructed from a compatible ceramic or metal material. In one form, the acetabular cup further includes a ceramic porous bone ingrowth surface adhered thereto for secure ingrowth attachment to natural patient bone.
US07695514B2	Facet joint and spinal ligament replacement An implantable device for stabilizing at least a portion of a spinal column. The implantable device comprises an implantable artificial facet joint and one or more artificial ligaments connecting the implanted artificial facet joint to a third vertebra disposed adjacent to either the first or the second vertebra. The artificial facet joint, when implanted, spans a first vertebra and a second vertebra, adjacent to the first vertebra.
US07695512B2	Remotely activated mitral annuloplasty system and methods Disclosed are implants and methods for remote remodeling of a mitral valve annulus. The implant comprises a body transformable from a flexible configuration for navigation to a treatment site, to a remodeling configuration for, in one application, applying pressure to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. On board electronics allow post deployment adjustment of the implant.
US07695510B2	Annuloplasty device having shape-adjusting tension filaments A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a tensioning device having a flexible annuloplasty ring, a plurality of anchoring members and a tensioning filament attached to the flexible ring. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a flexible annuloplasty ring to the annulus of a mitral valve, and adjusting the lengths of segments of the tension filament attached to the flexible ring in order to exert force vectors on the annulus, thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus so that the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve close completely during ventricular contraction.
US07695505B2	System, method and apparatus for evaluating tissue temperature Method, system and apparatus for monitoring target tissue temperatures wherein temperature sensors are configured as passive resonant circuits each with a unique resonating signature at monitoring temperatures extending below a select temperature setpoint. The resonant circuits are configured with an inductor component formed of windings about a ferrite core having a Curie temperature characteristic corresponding with a desired temperature setpoint. By selecting inductor winding turns and capacitance values, unique resonant center frequencies are detectable. Temperature monitoring can be carried out with implants at lower threshold and upper limit temperature responses. Additionally, the lower threshold sensors may be combined with auto-regulated heater implants having Curie transitions at upper temperature limits.
US07695504B2	Method for regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury using phototherapy A method of treating spinal cord injury (SCI) includes transcutaneously irradiating at least a portion of a spinal environment of the patient with light having a power density of at least about 0.01 mW/cm2 at the portion of the spinal environment.
US07695500B2	Polyaxial occipital plate A polyaxial occipital plate assembly and method comprises a longitudinal member; a polyaxial connector head; a socket portion adapted to retain the connector head; a flexible clip operatively connected to the socket portion and adapted to receive the longitudinal member; an occipital plate comprising clips operatively connected to the connector head; and a locking mechanism operatively connected to the connector head and the clips, wherein engagement of the locking mechanism to the connector head causes the clips to lock into the connector head and outwardly expand the connector head thereby causing the flexible clip to squeeze against the longitudinal member. The plate comprises a pair of opposed legs comprising the clips attached to ends of the legs; a body portion operatively connected to the pair of opposed legs, wherein the body portion is positioned at any of an obtuse and an acute angle relative to the pair of opposed legs.
US07695498B2	Connection rod for screw or hook polyaxial system and method of use A low-profile surgical implant assembly is provided that includes a connector device that is an integral part of a rod, the connector device allowing the rod to be attached directly to a bone screw, such as a pedicle screw. Another aspect of the invention is a clamp device that allows the length of a rod spanning to attachment devices to be adjusted at the time of implantation, and further allows the clamp device to be secured by tightening a securing end of the clamp at the attachment device. The assemblies are useful for insertion into bone and connecting a foreign object to bone via a polyaxial coupling mechanism. A method for implanting the assembly is also provided.
US07695497B2	Implant system for osteosynthesis A anti-splay and rod securing member for use with vertebral implants of the hook, monoaxial and polyaxial types, in which a pair of arcuate upstanding internally threaded posts define a transverse opening for securing a rod to immobilize bone segments comprises an integrally formed cap and set screw with the cap having opposed curved side walls extending around the posts and flat end walls, the set screw being positioned within the posts and free to rotate within the cap so that rotation of the set screw will advance the cap and set screw in unison along the implant posts to clamp the rod and implant together. The implant may be provided with opposed catch basins for releasably securing the distal end of a rod persuasion instrument.
US07695496B2	Posterior dynamic stabilization Y-device Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.
US07695494B2	Method and apparatus for attaching connective tissues to bone using a knotless suture anchoring device A device for attaching connective tissue to bone has a longitudinal axis and comprises an annular toggle member and a body member disposed distally of the toggle member, such that there is an axial space between the toggle member and the body member. The toggle member is movable between an undeployed position wherein the toggle member has a smaller profile in a direction transverse to the axis and a deployed position wherein the toggle member has a larger profile in the direction transverse to the axis. When installed in a desired procedural site, in suitable bone, suturing material extends axially through a center aperture in the annular toggle member, without being secured to or contacting the toggle member. This approach permits a suture attachment which lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface, and which further permit the attachment of suture to the bone anchor without the necessity for tying knots, which is particularly arduous and technically demanding in the case of arthroscopic procedures.
US07695493B2	System for optimizing anchoring force Systems for optimizing anchoring force are described herein. In securing tissue folds, over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable arms configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is applied to the anchor until it is optimally configured to accommodate a range of deflections while the anchor itself exerts a substantially constant force against the tissue. Various devices, e.g., stops, spring members, fuses, strain gauges, etc., can be used to indicate when the anchor has been deflected to a predetermined level within the optimal range. Moreover, other factors to affect the anchor characteristics include, e.g., varying the number of arms or struts of the anchor, positioning of the arms, configuration of the arms, the length of the collars, etc.
US07695491B2	Rapid exchange catheters with tandem lumens A catheter having a proximal portion and a distal portion comprising: a first elongate tubular body; a second elongate tubular body; and an elongate member joining the first and second elongate bodies. The first elongate tubular body is disposed proximal and tandem to the second elongate tubular body, and the first and second tubular bodies are permanently disposed so that the first and second tubular bodies are not adjacent to each other. The catheter also comprises a third elongate tubular body, at least the proximal portion of the third elongate tubular body being disposed within the lumen of the first elongate tubular body, the third elongate tubular body being slidable within the lumen of the first elongate tubular body, and the distal portion of the third elongate tubular body being able to be disposed in the lumen of the second elongate tubular body.
US07695490B2	Inflatable nasal packing device with two non-elastic, flexible bags oversized relative to nasal cavities An inflatable nasal packing device, and method of use, for insertion in a patient's nasal cavity to control bleeding or epistaxis. The device includes a flexible insertion tube, a first inflatable bag attached to and surrounding an anterior section of the tube, and a second inflatable bag attached to and surrounding a posterior section of the tube. The tube has three lumens for providing separate fill passageways to the two bags to allow independent filling and pressurization and for providing an air passageway through the device even when the bags are inflated. Both bags have walls of non-elastic, flexible material with fixed surface areas defining interior volumes when inflated that are larger than the anterior nasal cavity and the posterior nasal cavity and nasopharynx.
US07695489B2	Devices and related methods for targeted pressure and temperature therapies for pelvic region disorders and syndromes Disclosed herein are devices and related methods for using those devices in the relieving and/or treating of pain, discomfort, and/or inflammation in the pelvic region using targeted pressure and temperature delivery. The devices and methods for using those devices to deliver targeted pressure and temperature therapy internally to patients through their rectal or vaginal cavities are disclosed.
US07695486B2	Intradermal color introducing needle device, and apparatus and method involving the same A needle device having a plurality of needles with applied tips arranged so as to define a plurality of contact edges. In one embodiment one or more oblique edges is provided relative to an intermediate horizontal edge or a plurality of oblique edges with adjacent edges sharing a common needle point vertex. The number and needle grading (e.g., fine/sharper tips; medium and heavy grades) are represented by the different contact edges of the needle device. The number of each needle sub-sets is also preferably varied to provide enhanced flexibility as the application as in cosmetic tattooing. A tool for supporting is also preferably provided as in a reciprocating needle device support is provided. The needle device is particularly well suited for providing permanent eye liner makeup in view of its adaptability to accommodate different skin textures and skin surface presentations.
US07695485B2	Surgical device A surgical device includes a first jaw and a second jaw disposed in opposed correspondence with the first jaw. The second jaw is mechanically coupled to the first jaw at a proximal end opposite a distal end. A cutting element is disposed within the second jaw, and a first driver is configured to move the cutting element proximally from the distal end toward the proximal end of the second jaw to cut a section of tissue disposed between the first and second jaws. The device may also include a stapling element disposed within the second jaw. The cutting element and the stapling element may be contiguous so as to define a cutting and stapling element, such as a wedge having a blade disposed thereon. As the wedge is moved proximally from the distal end of the second jaw to the proximal end, the wedge pushes a plurality of staples against a plurality of opposing staple guides disposed in the first jaw in order to staple a section of tissue while cutting the section of tissue.
US07695481B2	Medical robotic system with different scaling factors A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures includes a pair of surgical instruments coupled to a pair of robotic arms with end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The movement of the handles is scaled such that the end effectors movement corresponds differently, typically smaller, than the movement performed by the hands of the surgeon. The input button allows the surgeon to adjust the position of the handles without moving the end effector, so that the handles can be moved to a more comfortable position. The system may include a robotically controlled endoscope allowing the surgeon to remotely view a surgical site. The surgeon may manipulate handles and move end effectors to perform a cardiac procedure.
US07695480B2	Ball and socket trajectory guide An alignment device and method is provided. Higher precision is achieved when fixing an orientation of an insertion axis using alignment devices shown. A symmetric clamping force is provided that reduces or eliminates unwanted displacement after the desired orientation is obtained. Another feature includes increased flexibility to use a variety of primary medical devices. Another feature includes a standoff feature that reduces tissue damage. Another feature includes an orienting fixture for image guided procedures.
US07695477B2	Milling system and methods for resecting a joint articulation surface A milling system for use in resecting at least a portion of a joint articulation surface of a bone includes a template having a base with a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, and an opening extending therebetween. One or more fasteners are used to removably mount the template on a bone. A guide is movably mounted on the template and projecting across at least a portion of the opening of the template. The guide is selectively movable across at least a portion of the opening of the template. A rotatable mill is mounted on the guide. The mill is selectively movable along at least a portion of the length of the guide.
US07695476B2	Head centering jig for femoral resurfacing There is described a jig for identifying a point on the femoral head which is in alignment with a central axis of the femoral neck. The jig comprises a first member which defines a plane and has means for at least partially receiving the femoral neck. The jig also comprises a guide member which is mounted apart from the first member and which defines an axis at right angles to the plane defined by the first member. The axis of the guide member intersects the plane at a point which is a predetermined distance away from the means receiving the femoral neck. In addition, the jig comprises an elongate alignment means which is mounted with respect to the first member and which is spaced apart from, but extends parallel to, the axis of the guide member. There is also described a kit for use in the resurfacing of the femoral head. The kit comprises at least one jig as previously described.
US07695474B2	Method of preparing an acetabulum for receiving a head of a femoral prosthesis A femoral neck fixation prosthesis and method of using same which reduces bone loss and the avoids the other shortcomings of the prior art by allowing the fixation of a stable femoral head replacement while reducing the amount of the femur which must be reamed for the insertion of the prosthesis. The preferred embodiment provides that the femoral head is attached to a fixation prosthesis, which extends coaxially through the canal of the femoral neck, into the femur, and is then attached to the opposite lateral wall of the femur. In this manner, the prosthesis serves to imitate the original structure of the femoral neck. No other support members, either crosspins or arms extending into the length of the femur, are required.
US07695471B2	Fixation device The present invention relates to a bone fixation device having a fixation member using a shape memory effect to secure bone fractures, including but not limited to, femur, tibia and humerus fractures. The fixation member can be malleable at a room temperature, but become rigid at a body temperature because of the shape memory effect, such as derived from a super-elastic property found in such as a nickel titanium alloy. The fixation member can be formed on one or more of the shaft portion and the two end portions of a nail member for securing bone fractures, such as by providing translational and rotational stabilities. The fixation member is also capable of providing a continuous and controllable compression force over the fractured bone, if needed.
US07695469B2	Electromagnetic energy output system An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed.
US07695465B2	Chronic total occlusion device with variable stiffness shaft The present invention relates generally to a device for adding stiffening support to a guidewire so as to enable the guidewire or device to pass through a chronic total occlusion. A method for passing a guidewire through a chronic total occlusion is also disclosed.
US07695460B2	Negative pressure urine receiver Here is disclosed a urine receiver. The urine receiver which collects urine of a wearer of the urine receiver under suction force has a container member provided with a bottom, a peripheral wall and flange. The container member has a suction tube which extends through the peripheral wall and has a urine suction port opening toward the interior of the container member and a urine evacuation port opening toward the exterior of the container member. The evacuation port is adapted to be connected to a connector of a urine suction means provided externally of the container member.
US07695456B2	Medicament delivery device The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device such as a pen type injector used to expel medicament from a medicament cartridge under the action of a lead screw. The medicament cartridge typically comprises a cylinder having a displaceable piston at one end displacement causing medicament contained within the cartridge to be expelled. It is of advantage to know when the plunger contacts the displaceable piston since no delivery of medicament can occur before this point. A delivery device is disclosed in which a lead screw for a medicament delivery device comprises a shaft portion and a head portion, the head portion further comprising a fixed part, a displaceable part movable with respect to the fixed part, biasing means acting normally to urge the displaceable part away from the fixed part and a sensor to detect when the displaceable part moves towards the fixed part, one of the fixed part and the displaceable part being provided with a plurality of resilient fingers extending axially with respect to the lead screw, and the other of the fixed part and the displaceable part being provided with a plurality of opening, each of the resilient fingers extending within a corresponding opening.
US07695455B2	Delivery of a low volume liquid bolus A catheter system includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therein. An administering portion is disposed at the distal end of the catheter and is configured to administer a bolus of liquid in response to positive pressure in a distal portion of the lumen. The catheter system of the present invention has a dead space of less 0.32 cc and preferably less than 0.15 cc in which residual therapeutic agents remain after delivery. The present invention also includes a method of administering a liquid to a treatment site. The distal end of the catheter is transluminally positioned proximate the treatment site. The catheter is charged by placing a bolus of the liquid in the lumen. A positive pressure is created to drive the bolus to the administering tip to express the bolus from the distal end of the catheter.
US07695445B2	Three-way stopcock, and liquid transfusion circuit or blood transfusion circuit either using the three-way stopcock A three-way stopcock that can be opened/closed in the same manner as conventional operation methods and can reduce stagnated portions of fluid in a fluid flow passage. Out of branch openings, a first branch opening and a second branch opening are arranged on a straight line, and a third branch opening is directed perpendicularly to the line connecting the first and second branch openings. Provided at a flow passage switch portion are a first flow-passage opening and a second flow-passage opening that are arranged on a straight line and a third flow-passage opening that is directed perpendicularly to the line connecting the first and second bran openings.
US07695440B2	Blood pressure measuring apparatus A blood pressure measurement apparatus which can install cuffs at a tragus that has differences includes a holding member 3 having a shape part 52 to be installed in a space between an auricular concha and an antihelix, a first protrusion 54 extended from the shape part such that the first protrusion is directed towards the ear hole, a second protrusion 55 extended from the shape part such that the second protrusion is nearly right-angled with respect to the first protrusion and the second protrusion steps over the tragus, an integral member 50 having an ear hook part 51 that is extended from the shape part, the ear hook is integrally made with the integral member or made as an independent member, inner cuff 6 is supported at the end portion of the first protrusion, support member 15 is attached at the end portion of the second protrusion, cuffs 6,7 are attached to the support member through a clamping width adjustment part 11 that makes a clamping width adjustment against the tragus possible.
US07695436B2	Transmit apodization of an ultrasound transducer array A system for temporal transmit apodization of an ultrasound transducer array. The system includes a waveform generator and an ultrasound transducer array having a plurality of transducer elements. Each of the transducer elements is driven by a signal generator that generates a periodic waveform. The duty cycle of each signal generator is determined by a predetermined setting of a duty cycle control. The duty cycle of each signal generator is calculated to achieve a desired beam profile of the transducer array, such as acoustic focusing for reducing the level of grating lobes and side lobes. Apodization is achieved by varying the effective amplitude at each array element by varying the duty cycle of the signal provided to each element.
US07695431B2	Objective lens unit for endoscope An objective optical system is configured to be suitable to be implemented at a tip of an endoscope. The objective optical system is provided with a first lens unit having a first lens barrel and a first optical system including plurality of lens elements assembled in the first lens barrel, and a second lens unit having a second lens barrel and a second optical system including a plurality of lens elements. The first lens unit or the second lens unit includes an alignment lens which is movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis thereof. The alignment lens is a lens most sensitive with respect to an alignment error among the plurality of lenses included in the first optical system.
US07695427B2	Methods and apparatus for treating body tissue sphincters and the like A plurality of structures that resiliently attract one another are provided for implanting in a patient around a body tissue structure of the patient. For example, the body tissue structure may be the esophagus, and the plurality of structures may be implanted in an annulus around the outside of the esophagus, the annulus being substantially coaxial with the esophagus. The attraction may be between annularly adjacent ones of the structures in the annulus, and it may be provided, for example, by magnets or springs. The array of structures is preferably self-limiting with respect to the smallest area that it can encompass, and this smallest area is preferably large enough to prevent the apparatus from applying excessive pressure to tissue passing through that area.
US07695426B2	Methods for enhancing viability Methods are provided for enhancing viability comprising administering at least one inhibitor of p53 or a p53-associated pathway to one or more of the following: the embryo, oocytes, sperm, a femme animal or a male animal.
US07695423B2	Method of simultaneous blood collection and separation using a continuous flow centrifuge having a separation channel A system for automatically collecting and separating whole blood into its components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.
US07695422B2	Folding drum and method of operation A folding drum and method of operation is disclosed. The folding drum is used for folding material, in particular for a printing press. The folding drum is mounted rotatably on its longitudinal axle. The folding drum has a folding-blade spindle, the longitudinal axle of which is coupled to the longitudinal axle of the folding drum and is spaced apart from the longitudinal axle of the folding drum. Furthermore, the folding drum comprises a force generation means for generating a relief force which is opposed to a centrifugal force which is generated in the case of a rotating folding drum by the co-rotating folding-blade spindle. Thus, the disadvantageous influence of the centrifugal force can be reduced. As a result, in particular, a mounting of the folding-blade spindle can be relieved. The wear of the mounting can be reduced and its service life can be increased.
US07695420B2	Machine for producing tubular products with a cutter carried by a rotating arm and relative production method The machine comprises a mandrel (4), a winding member (7) to helically wind said strips of web material about said mandrel and form a continuous tube; and rotating disk-shaped cutter (25), cooperating with said mandrel (4), to cut the continuous tube (T) into individual tubular products (M). The disk-shaped cutter (25) is carried by a rotating arm (23).
US07695408B2	Elliptical exercise device and methods of use An exercise device can include a pair of pedal members, each of which can be rotatably connected on at least one end to a planet gear that is rotatable about a sun gear on each side of the device. The pedal members and the planet gears can be rotated to provide an elliptical exercise motion. The device can include a mechanism for simultaneously rotating each of the sun gears together to change the orientation of the elliptical exercise motion relative to a user. The orientation of an elliptical exercise motion can be changed dynamically from one orientation to another, for example, from horizontal to uphill or downhill, during a particular workout period. The exercise device can change the orientation of an elliptical exercise motion while maintaining a user's ankles at a substantially constant angle during the exercise cycle.
US07695404B2	Shift control apparatus and method for automatic transmission of vehicle When an n speed prohibition command is being output from the AI shift controlling component, the AI shift control is performed even in the S mode if the vehicle speed V is lower than the reference vehicle speed Vn, whereby busy shifting can be effectively prevented when the vehicle is running on an uphill road or cornering. When the vehicle speed V is equal to or higher than the reference vehicle speed Vn, the AI shift control is cancelled, thus minimizing the possibility of a large engine brake force being applied to the vehicle despite the intention of the driver.
US07695399B2	Pinion pin securement apparatus for a planetary carrier assembly A planet carrier assembly has a plurality of pinion gears rotatably mounted on pinion pins, each pin having a slot formed thereon. A locator ring is assembled onto the pinion pins and rotated in a manner such that the locator ring engages the slots in the pinion pins and a plurality of tabs and protuberances engage complementary components formed on a housing member of the planet carrier assembly. The locator ring ensures both axial and rotational positioning of the pinion pins within the planet carrier housing.
US07695397B2	8-speed transmission The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the transmission housing and with the input member, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US07695396B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.
US07695393B2	Mechanical launch assist propshaft assembly A propeller shaft and energy storage assembly includes a first power transfer mechanism for selectively drivingly interconnecting the propeller shaft and an energy storage device to store energy within the energy storage device. A second power transfer mechanism is operable to selectively retain and release energy stored within the energy storage device. A third power transfer mechanism selectively drivingly interconnects the energy storage device and the propeller shaft when vehicle acceleration is desired.
US07695392B2	Differential mechanism assembly A differential assembly includes a first case portion, a second case portion secured to the first case portion, the first case portion and the second case portions enclosing a cavity and supported for rotation about a first axis, a spider pin located within and extending beyond the cavity at an axial position to engage the ring gear and secured to at least one of the first case portion and the second case portion for rotation therewith, and a ring gear secured to at least one of the first case portion and the second case portion, located radially outboard of the spider pins and at the axial position of the spider pins.
US07695391B2	8-speed transmission The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, one fixed interconnection, three external gear sets and a final drive gear set. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with one of the external gear sets. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various planetary and external gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US07695389B2	Conductive polymer drive for actuating eccentric members of a motor A gear drive assembly (33) includes a housing (24), an external base (28) movable with respect to the housing, and an external gear member (12) associated with the external base. The assembly includes an internal gear member (14) surrounded by the external gear member and in meshing relation therewith. The assembly also includes a plurality of conductive polymer actuators (26) defining actuator sets. Each actuator set is coupled at one portion thereof to the housing with another portion thereof being coupled to the external base. Each actuator is constructed and arranged to deflect when voltage is applied thereto such that when voltage is selectively applied to the actuator sets, deflection of the actuators causes the external base to move causing the external gear member to move in an orbiting manner with respect to the internal gear member.
US07695388B2	Activation control device for the clutch packs of a hydraulic double clutch An activation control device for clutch packs of a hydraulic double clutch is described and illustrated, and in some embodiments comprises a first pressure line having a filling valve and leading from an oil pressure source to the first clutch pack; a second pressure line having a filling valve and leading from the oil pressure source to the second clutch pack; and first and second draining valves coupled to the first and second pressure lines, respectively, the first draining valve located between the filling valve of the first pressure line and the first clutch pack, and the second draining valve located between the filling valve of the second pressure line and the second clutch pack.
US07695383B2	Racquet stringing machine An ergonomically-designed racquet stringing machine. In certain embodiments, the stringing machine includes a stand extending from a base at an angle between about 70 and about 89 degrees from horizontal. In certain embodiments, the stringing machine includes a releasable resistance assembly configured to provide resistance to rotation of the turntable about an axis.
US07695379B2	Solid golf ball The invention provides a solid golf ball having a solid core and a cover layer that encases the core and has an outermost layer on an outside surface of which are formed a plurality of dimples. The solid core is formed of a rubber composition composed of 100 parts by weight of a base rubber that includes 60 to 100 parts by weight of a polybutadiene rubber having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 60% and synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst, 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of an organosulfur compound, an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a metal salt thereof, and an inorganic filler. The solid core has a deformation, when compressed under a final load of 130 kgf from an initial load of 10 kgf, of 2.0 to 4.0 mm, and has a specific hardness distribution. The cover layer is formed by injection molding a single resin blend composed primarily of (A) a thermoplastic polyurethane and (B) a polyisocyanate compound, which resin blend contains a polyisocyanate compound in at least some portion of which all the isocyanate groups on the molecule remain in an unreacted state, and has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.5 mm, a Shore D hardness at the surface of 50 to 70. The golf ball has a deformation, when compressed under a final load of 130 kgf from an initial load of 10 kgf, of 2.0 to 3.8 mm. The solid golf ball is advantageous overall in competitive use.
US07695373B1	Expandable universal-joint boot A type of flexible boot sized to envelop an object mounted on a smaller shaft with one or both ends of the boot having an expandable opening. When used to protect an automotive type constant velocity joint, the boot will have one plain cylindrical end and one pleated end. The plain end of the boot mates to a housing of the CV joint, the opposite end mates to its input shaft. The shaft mating end of the boot is comprised of a circumference of radially arranged shaped pleats. During installation of the boot over the constant velocity joint, the pleated end of the boot may be spread apart and passed over the larger diameter of the joint housing. The pleats may then be closed inwardly to a nested condition where they are constrained and compacted to the shaft with a surrounding band clamp.
US07695366B1	Cashless computerized wager pool game system and method A system and method for operating one or more games for a plurality of players including identifying at least two players participating in a selected one of the games at the expiration of a predetermined time period, and establishing a wager pool corresponding to a total of wager amounts from each of the identified players. The wager pool is reduced by a takeout amount. One or more random numbers are generated, and one or more winners of the selected game are determined based on the one or more random numbers. Funds are distributed from the wager pool to the determined one or more winners of the selected game.
US07695356B2	Game program, game device, and game method With a game implemented by the present game program, ball dispatch origin characters will be displayed on a monitor. In addition, characters corresponding to ball dispatch destinations will be displayed on the monitor. A ball dispatch destination character will be identified when the command means is placed into contact with one of the characters corresponding to the dispatch destinations. If this occurs, a ball character will be dispatched from one of the ball dispatch origin characters to one of the ball dispatch destination characters.
US07695346B2	Abrasive, a method for manufacturing the abrasive, and a method for blast processing with the use of the abrasive An abrasive, which makes it possible to polish a surface to be processed of a workpiece with a blast processing, and together therewith, can bear using for a long period of time or a plurality of times, and a method for blast processing with the abrasive are provided. The abrasive is composed of a base material as an elastic body and abrasive grains, wherein the abrasive grains of 10 to 90% by weight are compounded and dispersed into the base material of 90 to 10% by weight such that a content rate (compounding ratio) of the abrasive grains in the abrasive is 10 to 90% by weight when an amount of the abrasive is 100% by weight. The method for blast processing includes a step of injecting or projecting the abrasive at a predetermined angle of incidence with respect to the surface to be processed of the workpiece.
US07695344B2	Brassiere having support bands in back and/or side panels A brassiere has a pair of breast receiving cups and a first back panel connected to one of the pair of breast receiving cups and a second back panel connected to the other of the pair of breast receiving cups. The first back panel and the second back panel each have a band affixed thereto that is capable of modifying a property of the panel. The bands limit the elongation of each of the pair of back panels during wear.
US07695343B2	Brassiere An improved construction for a brassiere, wherein the brassiere is equipped with both back and front fasteners, and a multi-layered lining inside the cups to provide structure and support. The back and front fasteners enable the wearer to put the brassiere on with ease. The multi-layered lining, which absorbs body heat to mold to the shape of the breast accommodates the slight differences in size and shape in the breasts.
US07695341B1	Electromechanical toy A toy includes a sensor that senses a condition, a movable region, and an actuator coupled to the movable region to move the movable region in a direction relative to the sensed condition. The movable region is coupled to a body that houses electromechanical components for sensing conditions and for moving the movable region in response to the detected conditions.
US07695340B2	Action figure toy An action figure toy may include a base, an action figure, and a flipping mechanism disposed on the base. In some embodiments, the action figure toy may include at least two cords suspended from the base, and the action figure may be configured to ascend the at least two cords toward the base by manipulation of the at least two cords by a user. The flipping mechanism may be configured to engage the action figure when the action figure ascends to the flipping mechanism. The flipping mechanism may enable the action figure to rotate about an axis that is transverse to a line parallel to at least a portion of at least one of the at least two cords when the flipping mechanism engages the action figure.
US07695330B2	Terminal fitting A terminal fitting has a base (11) for receiving a cylindrical sealing plug (70) mounted on an end of a wire (60) and crimping pieces (14F, 14R) projecting from opposite lateral edges of the base (11). The crimping pieces (14F, 14R) are crimped into connection at different positions of the outer circumferential surface of the sealing plug (70) in forward and backward directions. The base (11) is arranged Circumferentially along the lower half of the outer circumferential surface of the sealing plug (70) from its connected positions with the respective crimping pieces (14F, 14R) and includes receiving portions (16F, 16R) which have lateral edges (16E) facing the leading ends of the respective crimping pieces (14F, 14R) in circumferential direction and located at the upper half of the outer circumferential surface of the sealing plug (70).
US07695328B2	Subassembly containing contact leads A subassembly for incorporation within a communications connector jack includes a contact support member and a pair of electrical contacts mounted with respect thereto in side-by-side relation. The contact support member includes a proximal end portion and a body portion extending therefrom. The proximal end portion defines a planar rear face allowing the contact support member to be securely mounted in a cantilever fashion with respect to a corresponding planar mounting surface of a printed circuit board (PCB). An upper region of the body portion defines a sufficiently small profile as viewed along the longitudinal direction of extension of the contact support member from in front of its distal end to permit the incorporation of multiple respective instances of the contact support member within a common connector jack housing to define a desired contact layout geometry for interaction with a cooperative plug member.
US07695321B2	Screened connector for electrical conductors This screened connector for electrical conductors includes paired connector assemblies, namely a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly, the connector assemblies including an insulating body made of a molded material incorporating respectively male and female contacts, for mechanical fastening and electrical connection of contact terminals provided at the ends of the conductors to be connected, and a screening case that surrounds the insulator body. Each screening case has the general shape of a hollow cylinder internally defining a continuous passage so that the insulator bodies are in contact with each other via a seal.
US07695315B2	Stacked electrical connector with terminal assurance mechanism A stacked electrical connector formed by mating an upper and a lower housing having rows of cavities containing terminals is disclosed. The upper and lower housings have primary terminal assurance provided by lances integrally formed into the housings. A secondary terminal assurance system is provided to further secure the terminals within the housings. In one embodiment, secondary terminal assurance is to terminals in the upper housing by lower housing protrusions and to terminals in the lower housing by a hinge. In another embodiment, secondary terminal assurance is provided to terminals in the upper and lower housing by upper and lower protrusions of a lock plate.
US07695311B2	Connector A connector which is improved in electrical characteristics thereof. A plurality of contacts which are held in a housing of the connector where an FPC is inserted include at least three supporting contacts each having a supporting portion that pivotally supports an operating member. The operating member is provide with conduction portions for electrically connecting the supporting portions of the supporting contacts and a ground pattern formed on an upper surface of the FPC.
US07695308B2	Connection module A connection module for housing a contact element used to electrically connect wires within the module, the module being formed of first and second parts arranged to interfit so as to define a first set of openings, each being shaped to receive an end section of one of said wires for electric connection to the contact element, which pass into the module from a first end face toward an opposite second end face, the first part having first and second slots in opposed side walls, and the second part having a first protrusion which is received in a first one of the slots to at least partially fill an open end of said first one of said slots to thereby define an aperture to allow a test probe to access the contact element.
US07695307B2	Electrical plug connector An electrical connector includes a connector housing and a printed circuit board with two sets of contact elements. The first set of contact elements is located on the front face of the printed circuit board and protrudes into an opening in the plug connector housing. The second set of contact elements is located on the rear face of the printed circuit board. The contact elements of the second set are configured to form insulation-displacement contacts. The plug connector also includes a cable manager which has a continuous opening and is configured on the front face with guides for cores or wires which are intended to make contact with the insulation-displacement contacts. The guides in the region of the insulation-displacement contacts are configured with recessed receiving elements or holders for the insulation-displacement contacts, and the cable manager can be latched to the plug connector housing.
US07695301B2	Submersible connector with secondary sealing device A submersible connector has releasably mateable first and second connector units. The first connector unit has at least one electrical pin extending through a bore in a retaining base and projecting outward from the forward end of the base. The second connector unit has at least one electrical socket module which receives a forward portion of the electrical pin when the units are mated. A pin seal device is located in one of the connector units and has a through bore which engages part of the pin at least in the mated condition of the units. The seal device has a first and second seals in sealing engagement with portions of the connector units when mated, and a chamber between the seals extends over an opposing portion of the pin at least in the mated condition of the units.
US07695293B1	Childproof electrical outlet covering system A childproof electrical outlet covering system includes a panel has a first side and a second side, the panel has two receiving openings therein extending into the second side and outwardly of the first side. Each of the receiving openings corresponds with one of two female apertures in a female outlet when the first side is facing and positioned over the outlet to allow the male prongs to extend through panel and into the female apertures. A mounting assembly is mounted on the panel. The panel is releasably securable to the housing with the mounting assembly. A covering is rotationally coupled to the first side. The covering has a pair of receiving holes extending therethrough that are simultaneously alignable with one of the receiving openings to allow male prongs to be extended through the receiving openings and the receiving holes and into the female apertures.
US07695292B2	Complex input/output port connector A complex input/output port connecter is applied in an electronic device and electrically connected with at least an input/output module. The electrical connecter includes a frame and a plurality of signal lines. The frame accommodates at least one input/output module. The signal lines are arranged on one side of the frame in a direction perpendicular to an assembly direction of the input/output module and electrically connected with a circuit board of the electronic device. The input/output modules are installed within the frame freely according to usage requirements and electrically contact the corresponding signal lines to form an electrical connection.
US07695285B2	Spring connector and connector A spring connector, includes: an electrically conductive metal tube, having a bottomed hole; a plunger, which is provided in the bottomed hole so as to freely move in an axial direction and so as not to slip out from the bottomed hole, and an tip end portion of which is protruded from the bottomed hole; and a spring coil, provided in the bottomed hole, and elastically urging the plunger in a protruding direction. The electrically conductive metal tube includes a small diameter tube part having a smaller outer diameter at a distal end side thereof from which the plunger protrudes, and a soldering part being larger than the small diameter tube part in width in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, at a backward side of the small diameter tube part in the axial direction, and a face of a distal end side of the small diameter tube part is separated from the soldering part in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
US07695280B1	Dental implant and drill for forming socket for the same A drill forms a dental implant fixture socket having an ovular cross section with a series of tapering tiers that are widest near the gumline and narrowest near the root. The drill may have laterally oriented opposed drill points each having an ovoid or conical shape. Mechanical transmission elements operatively connect the gears to a dental hand piece. A plurality of differently sized drill point pairs can be provided along the length of a framework to allow a multi-tiered socket to be formed in a single drilling pass. An implant fixture may have a generally ovular or non-circular cross section having a plurality of tiers that successively narrow in a direction from the gumline region toward root region. The tiers are adapted to fit snugly with the resulting socket tiers formed by the drill. The fixture can be adapted to receive abutments.
US07695272B2	Device for producing a polymerizable synthetic material optical lens A device for producing a polymerizable synthetic material optical lens, including a closure member (12) that is adapted to grip two molding shells (14A, 14B) circumferentially to define a molding cavity (15) in conjunction with the shells (14A, 14B), the closure member (12) including a synthetic material wall (123) adapted to come into contact with the molding shells (14A, 14B) and the closure member (12) incorporating a molding material introduction passage (125) discharging into the molding cavity (15) through a casting opening (126); characterized in that the closure member (12) includes a seal (40) that forms the contact wall (123) and the introduction passage (125), which joint (40) is formed of an elastomer material and of a rigid insert (43) at least part of which has the elastomer material molded over it, the introduction passage (125) being inside the insert (43).
US07695270B2	Mould for the injection moulding of a plastic piece and moulding method A mould is provided for the injection molding of a plastic piece that includes at least two adjacent parts of two compatible plastic materials, assembled to one another by welding or gluing, of different types and/or colors. The mould includes a mould cavity defined by at least two non-planar walls and at least one retractable wall movable between extended and retracted positions, dividing the mould cavity into at least two compartments supplied separately with plastic. When extended, a non-linear edge of the retractable wall cooperates with a wall of the mould cavity in a play-free manner. The retractable wall includes panels joined in at least the extended or retracted position, movable in relation to one another so they can modify the shape of the non-linear edge of the retractable wall to adapt it to the shape of a second wall of the cavity in the retracted position.
US07695268B2	System and method for manufacturing concrete blocks A system and method for manufacturing an uncured concrete block using the dry-cast manufacturing process includes a mold box having a pair of side walls, a pair of side plates, an open top side and an open bottom side defining a mold cavity. One or more end liners are disposed within the mold cavity and are selectively shiftable within the mold cavity with hydraulic cylinders between a first position and a second position. The end liners can be provided with a three-dimensional textured face to impart a decorative face to a side surface of the concrete block formed in the mold or can also provide blocks with a tapered face when disposed in the second position while the mold is filled with concrete. Before the block is stripped from the mold, the end liners are returned to the first position, so that the side surfaces are not damaged as the block is released.
US07695260B2	Gerotor apparatus for a quasi-isothermal Brayton cycle engine According to one embodiment of the invention, an engine system comprises a housing, an outer gerotor, an inner gerotor, a tip inlet port, a face inlet port, and a tip outlet port. The housing has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first endwall, and a second endwall. The outer gerotor is at least partially disposed in the housing and at least partially defines an outer gerotor chamber. The inner gerotor is at least partially disposed within the outer gerotor chamber. The tip inlet port is formed in the first sidewall and allows fluid to enter the outer gerotor chamber. The face inlet port is formed in the first endwall and allows fluid to enter the outer gerotor chamber. The tip outlet port is formed in the second sidewall and allows fluid to exit the outer gerotor chamber.
US07695258B2	Gerotor motor and brake assembly A hydraulic device includes a gerotor assembly, a wobble stick, an output shaft, a housing assembly, a first port in the housing assembly, a second port in the housing assembly, first brake disks, second brake disks, a piston, and a biasing member. The gerotor assembly includes a rotor and a stator. The wobble stick connects at a first end to the rotor. The output shaft connects to a second end of the wobble stick. The housing assembly receives the gerotor assembly, the wobble stick and the output shaft. The first port is in communication with the gerotor assembly. The second port is also in communication with the gerotor assembly. The first brake disks connect to the output shaft. The second brake disks connect to the housing assembly. The piston is disposed in the housing assembly adjacent at least one of the brake disks. The piston cooperates with the housing assembly to define a brake pressure chamber. The housing assembly and the first and second ports are configured such that pressurization of either port results in pressurization of the brake pressure chamber. The biasing member is disposed in the housing and contacts the piston. The biasing member urges the piston toward at least one of the brake disks.
US07695256B2	Miniature fan A miniature fan includes a base and a stator mounted in the base. A rotor includes a hub having a plurality of blades on an outer periphery thereof. A magnetically sealing ring includes first and second engaging faces. The first engaging face is coupled to a bottom edge of each blade. A permanent magnet is coupled to the second engaging face of the magnetically sealing ring and aligned with the stator. Given the same air output, the miniature fan has a reduced volume.
US07695250B2	Dual pump assembly The apparatus of the present invention provides a compact dual-pump assembly for an automotive transmission. The dual-pump assembly preferably includes a housing having a valve assembly mounted thereto. The valve assembly includes a shuttle valve disposed in fluid communication with a pressure regulating valve. An on-axis pump is mounted to the housing in fluid communication with the shuttle valve and the pressure regulating valve. An off-axis pump in fluid communication with the shuttle valve is mounted to the housing in close proximity to the on-axis pump such that the dual-pump assembly is compact.
US07695249B2	Bearingless rotor blade assembly for a high speed rotary-wing aircraft A bearingless rotor system includes a flexbeam assembly having a first beam and a second beam arranged in a back-to-back orientation with a pitch shaft channeled therebetween. The beams morph into a rotor blade spar at an outboard rotor blade station. The outboard section of the flexbeam assembly receives the full pitch input from the pitch shaft while the most inboard section of the flexbeam assembly is essentially fixed in pitch by a blade attachment to a rotor hub assembly. The flexbeam assembly twist versus span is essentially linear from the most inboard to the most outboard rotor blade stations. The outboard rotor blade station, being attached to the outboard section of the flexbeam assembly, thereby also defines the pitch input equivalent from the outboard rotor blade station to the rotor blade tip.
US07695246B2	Microcircuits for small engines A turbine engine component for use in a small engine application has an airfoil portion having a root portion, a tip portion, a suction side wall, and a pressure side wall. The suction side wall and the pressure side wall have the same thickness. Still further, the turbine engine component has a platform with an internal cooling circuit.
US07695245B1	Turbine airfoil with a multi-impingement cooled spar and shell A turbine airfoil of a gas turbine engine, the airfoil constructed from a spar and shell, in which the spar includes a root with a plurality of spar cooling air supply channels extending toward the tip and having impingement holes formed along the spar to provide impingement cooling to the shell, and the shell includes a plurality of shell return channels extending from the tip toward the root to channel the impingement cooling air to collector cavities located in the root. With a plurality of spar supply channels and shell return channels, a serpentine flow cooling circuit with multi-impingement cooling of the shell is produced. The cooling air supplied to the spar is discharged out exit holes in the trailing edge in one embodiment, or out exit holes and leading edge film cooling holes in a second embodiment. The spar and shell are bonded together using a low pressure and high temperature bonding process that includes thin sheets containing boron. The bonds are formed between the platforms and the joints between the return channels and the supply channels.
US07695244B2	Vane for a gas turbine engine A vane for a gas turbine engine includes an aerofoil part and a shroud that forms a sealing part at one end of the aerofoil part. The sealing part defines a cavity and an opening to the cavity. The sealing part may include a pair of opposed side walls extending from a radially outer wall of the shroud to a pair of radially inner walls of the shroud to define a cavity. The pair of radially inner walls may be substantially parallel to the radially outer wall and may extend in a substantially circumferential direction to define a cavity opening.
US07695243B2	Dust hole dome blade A hollow turbine airfoil includes a tip cap bounding an internal cooling circuit between opposite pressure and suction sidewalls. The tip cap includes an internal dome surrounding a dust hole, and the dome is inclined inwardly toward the airfoil root both transversely between the opposite sidewalls and chordally between opposite leading and trailing edges of the airfoil.
US07695241B2	Downstream plasma shielded film cooling An downstream plasma boundary layer shielding system includes film cooling apertures disposed through a wall having cold and hot surfaces and angled in a downstream direction from a cold surface of the wall to an outer hot surface of the wall. A plasma generator located downstream of the film cooling apertures is used for producing a plasma extending downstream over the film cooling apertures. Each plasma generator includes inner and outer electrodes separated by a dielectric material disposed within a groove in the outer hot surface. The wall may be part of a hollow airfoil or an annular combustor or exhaust liner. A method for operating the downstream plasma boundary layer shielding system includes forming a plasma extending in the downstream direction over the film cooling apertures along the outer hot surface of the wall. The method may further include operating the plasma generator in steady state or unsteady modes.
US07695239B2	End effector gripper arms having corner grippers which reorient reticle during transfer The present invention is a pod opener having an end effector which: a. grips and releases a reticle supported above the base of a pod; and b. while transferring the reticle between the base of the pod and an adjacent IC photolithography tool, reorients the reticle. In one embodiment, the pod opener reorients the reticle by rotating it about a single axis disposed substantially perpendicular to its patterned surface. In another embodiment, the present invention is a pod opener which while transferring the reticle between the base of the pod and an adjacent IC photolithography tool, in addition to effecting rotation substantially perpendicular to a reticle's patterned surface, also turns the reticle over so a patterned surface of the reticle is oriented for proper focus within the IC photolithography tool.
US07695234B2	Device for temporarily loading, storing and unloading a container A device for temporarily loading, storing and unloading a container without deforming the container and affecting its contents. An enclosure (2) having struts (3) at both its left and right sides is provided. A support beam (4) of a transporter (10) that is provided with a pair of horizontal retaining fingers (13, 13) is attached in a vertically movable manner between the struts on the rear-surface side of the enclosure (2), and a plurality of horizontal shelves (20) is arranged between the struts on the rear-surface side of the enclosure with spaces (H) in a height direction of the container (19), the spaces being larger than the height dimension (h) of the container (19). Further, the retaining fingers (13, 13) of the transporter (10) are made to protrude toward the shelves (20) and the distance (L) between the pair of retaining fingers (13, 13) is made to be suitable for lifting the container.
US07695232B2	Multi-level load lock chamber, transfer chamber, and robot suitable for interfacing with same A new apparatus for processing substrates is disclosed. A multi-level load lock chamber having four environmentally isolated chambers interfaces with a transfer chamber that has a robotic assembly. The robotic assembly has two arms that each can move horizontally as the robotic assembly rotates about its axis. The arms can reach into the isolated chambers of the load lock to receive substrates from the bottom isolated chambers, transport the substrates to process chambers, and then place the substrates in the upper chambers. The isolated chambers in the load lock chamber may have a pivotably attached lid that may be opened to access the inside of the isolated chambers.
US07695231B2	Vacuum pumping system, driving method thereof, apparatus having the same, and method of transferring substrate using the same An apparatus includes a transfer unit under an atmospheric condition and having a robot therein; and at least one process chamber connected to one side of the transfer unit with a slot valve there between, and being alternately under a vacuum condition and under an atmospheric condition.
US07695230B2	Apparatus for loading and unloading freeze-drying chambers An apparatus having a supporting surface (3) for containers (4) and a device for loading and unloading the containers (4) onto the supporting surface (3). The device has a component (11) for unloading the containers from the supporting surface and a drive unit (12) for facilitating movement of the component (11) relative to a supporting surface (3).
US07695228B2	Screw A fastener for securing remnant-producing materials, a method of manufacturing the fastener, and a method of using the fastener are provided. The fastener is configured such that in use any remnants or slivers produced by rotation of the fastener are forcibly driven into the surface of the material. In one aspect, the fastener has two separate threaded portions, a first or lower threaded portion and a second or upper threaded portion. The threads on the lower threaded portion have a pitch that is different from the threads on the upper threaded portion. In one embodiment, the lower threaded portion threads have a larger pitch than the threads on the upper threaded portion. In use, after the lower threaded portion is completely inserted into the material, the upper threaded portion of the fastener enters the material. Because the upper threaded portion has threads that have a pitch that is different from the threads on the lower threaded portion, the threads on the upper threaded portion capture the remnants that have been extruded within or onto the surface of the material. As the fastener is completely inserted into the material, the remnants that have been extruded by the lower threaded portion of the fastener are substantially retained in the bore by the upper threaded portion of the fastener.
US07695226B2	High performance sleeved interference fasteners for composite applications A fastener adapted to pass through aligned holes through workpieces is disclosed. The fastener includes a pin member having a transition portion wherein the diameter of the transition portion decreases radially as it extends from the smooth cylindrical shank portion to the threaded portion. The fastener may also comprise a sleeve member and a clamping means. The clamping means includes a collar, a nut, or any other possible clamping means. In exemplary embodiments, the workpieces can be formed with a plurality of materials, the materials including composite, metallic, or composite/metallic structures, any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the fastener has interference capability of 0.0005 to 0.0100 inches in composite structures without risk of composite delamination or damage. As a result of the fastener interference, gaps between the fastener and the structure are eliminated thereby providing good electrical conductivity between components. As a result, the potential for electrical sparks is reduced, providing a safer fastener for use with aerospace applications.
US07695216B2	Mitred grate and drain cover A drain cover and pipe combination comprises a drain cover including a substantially elliptical frame portion defining a space, the space having an axis substantially normal to the frame, and at least one cross piece located in the space so as to define a plurality of openings in the drain cover. The pipe comprises a substantially tubular member having a longitudinal axis, with the pipe having a substantially elliptical shaped rim at one end thereof with a rim axis which is other than parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Securing means are provided for securing the drain cover over the rim of the pipe.
US07695211B1	Retainer for preventing accidental ball joint separation A retainer for use with a ball and socket joint includes a first portion that is adapted to be connected to a ball stud of a ball and socket joint and a second portion that is adapted to be engaged by a socket of the ball and socket joint. An intermediate portion connects the first and second portions together. A wear indicator is supported on one of the first and second portions. The wear indicator is adapted to be engaged by a portion of the ball and socket joint when a predetermined amount of wear has occurred within the ball and socket joint and to generate a signal in response to such engagement.
US07695209B2	Stopper for the neck of a fluid product reservoir A stopper for mounting on a neck of a fluid reservoir, said stopper including a fastener collar and a closure member, the collar defining an orifice, and the closure member being suitable for closing said orifice. The closure member includes a fluid extractor and/or applicator element that extends through the collar.
US07695206B2	Printer with a peeler mechanism A printer having an opening/closing cover for providing access to a roll paper compartment, a peeler mechanism for peeling printed labels from a web and for dispensing the peeled printed labels from the printer and an opening and closing mechanism 50 which locks and unlocks the cover and a peeler unit 10 of the peeler mechanism in response to the manual operation of a manual operating member such as a release button 17 with a single easy operation. When the release button 17 is depressed into a first operating position 17B, a lock lever 52 of the opening/closing mechanism 50 slides from a locked position 52A to a released position 52B to disengage the lock lever 52 thus unlocking the opening/closing cover 9. At the same time, the sliding lock lever 52 pushes engaging claws 74a, 73a that lock or unlocks the peeler unit 10. When the cover release button 17 is further depressed into a second operating position 17C, the lock lever 52 swings and a cover-lifting surface 54 on the lock lever 52 pushes the opening/closing cover 9 up causing the unlocked opening/closing cover 9 to move into a raised open position. Simply pushing the cover release button 17 thus unlocks and raises the opening/closing cover 9, and unlocks the peeler unit 10.
US07695204B2	Wide format printer having alternative print zone arrangement A wide format printer having an alternative print zone arrangement is provided. The printer comprises a printhead having a corresponding print zone, the print zone being defined by a plane adjacent the printhead, and a feed mechanism for continuously feeding a web of print media through the print zone. The printer is characterized in that the web is unsupported in the print zone, which obviates the need for a platen and advantageously maintains a constant distance between the printhead and the web.
US07695202B1	Visual laser diode to fiber coupling system A housing for mounting a laser diode and a method of aligning the laser diode to the housing and to an optical connector and to a focusing lens. The housing may have a retaining device and a surface, with the retaining device operating to maintain the optical connector against the surface of the housing. An alignment method is disclosed for use with the housing and the retaining device where an image is projected onto a viewing area through an alignment port mounted in the housing. The image relates to the position and tilt of the laser diode in the housing.
US07695197B2	Bend limiter A bend limiter for use with electrical and fiber optic cables that can handle a relatively wide range of side loading without excessive bending is disclosed. The bend limiter is configured to bend at radii which are less than the critical curvature of the cable over a range of loads. The bend limiter includes a flexible member having two portions. One portion has a non-linear profile and is designed to absorb high loads to control bending. The other portion has a tapered linear profile and is designed to bend under light loads so that a conductor at the tip of the bend limiter does not kink.
US07695190B2	Thermocouple rake truss A thermocouple rake. The thermocouple rake may include a number of support rods extending through a number of support disks, a number of thermocouple tubes extending through the support disks, and with the thermocouple tubes and the support disks having a thermal compression bond when heated.
US07695188B2	Method and system for real-time estimation and prediction of the thermal state of a microprocessor unit An apparatus for predicting a thermal state of a system including a semiconductor chip includes a plurality of sensors formed on the semiconductor chip for measuring a temperature at first locations of the semiconductor chip, a model developer for developing a model for estimating a temperature at second locations of the semiconductor chip which are other than the first locations, a mapping unit for mapping an instruction cache associated with the chip into a sequence of X-Y distributed quanta of heat packets, and a predicting unit for predicting a future temperature of the chip based on an execution of an instruction stream in the instruction cache.
US07695184B2	Apparatus and method for stirring and mixing of beverages The present invention relates to drink-stirring device for stirring or mixing liquid and/or powdered ingredients with liquid in a drinking vessel (4), the liquid being supplied from above through the stirring device to an outlet tube which conducts at least one liquid jet towards the interior of the drinking vessel. The liquid is supplied through an outlet tube (64) which is rotatably attached to the device and is associated to an external, magnetic member (82). The electromagnet arrangement is arranged outside or at distance of the magnetic member for creating a variable magnetic field configured to move the tube (64) in rotation, so that the emerging liquid jet can be given a corresponding centrifugal effect.
US07695183B2	Static mixer apparatus for impregnating a polymer melt with a fluid expanding agent or additive The apparatus is provided for impregnating a melt of polymer with a fluid working medium, such as, an expanding agent or an additive. Impregnation is carried out for the purpose of manufacturing foamed shaped parts using an injection molding machine. The impregnating body includes at least one melt channel formed in a gas permeable segment and a channel system for fluid infeed. The gas permeable material, e.g. sintered metal, separates the fluid from the stream of melt in the melt channel(s). Each melt channel has open pores at its inner surface which enable the impregnation. The melt channels can contain static mixers in the stream of melt to promote the distribution of the diffused fluid in the flow of melt.
US07695182B2	Planar lighting device A planar lighting device is capable of keeping the light entrance plane of the light guide plate spaced a constant distance from the light source and the light guide plate spaced a constant distance from the liquid crystal display panel even when the light guide plate expands, contracts or warps. This prevents break of the light source, decrease of light admission efficiency, occurrence of uneven brightness, and break of the liquid crystal display panel and permits a thin, larger, and lightweight design. The planar lighting device includes a fixing member for keeping them spaced from each other, a housing for accommodating the light source and the light guide plate, a sliding mechanism to elastically hold the fixing means against the housing while keeping the light source spaced a constant distance from the light guide plate, and a reinforcing member for reinforcing the housing.
US07695174B2	Light-emitting display device-equipped rear-view mirror Visibility of indications in a rear-view mirror incorporating a light-emitting display device is improved. A mirror element is formed by forming a semi-transmissive reflective film on one surface of a transparent substrate. On a back surface of the mirror element, a dark color mask member is arranged. An opening is formed in the mask member. Behind the mirror element, a light-emitting display device is arranged facing the opening. Where the mirror element is formed of a plane mirror, the light-emitting display device is arranged in such a manner that it is inclined toward a driver relative to the mirror surface. A wedge-shaped gap occurring between the mirror element and the light-emitting display device due to the inclination is occluded by a wall member. Where the mirror element is formed of a convex mirror, the opening is formed at a corner of the surface of the mirror element close to the driver, and the light-emitting display device is arranged facing an opening, with a display surface arranged in parallel to the surface of the mirror element 44.
US07695170B1	Outdoor swivel head spotlight An outdoor swivel head spotlight is described. A light bulb hood comprises a reflector and base. The base comprises a spherical socket having an internal seat. A support arm comprising a spherical end and a distal end connected to the spherical end by a through conduit is provided. The spherical end is seated in the internal seat. An internally threaded nut comprising an inwardly projecting lip having an open interior diameter at least as large as the external diameter of the spherical end, is coupled with the spherical socket. A washer between the spherical end and the lip of the nut is provided. When the nut is in a loosened position, the hood may be positioned to a desired angular position and when the nut is in a tightened position, the washer presses the spherical end into the internal seat to fix the angular position of the light hood.
US07695169B2	Gasket system for a vandal resistant luminaire A gasket for a vandal resistant luminaire, the gasket is constructed to be disposed between an electrical component housing and a lens wherein the lens is held to the electrical component housing with a front trim ring surrounding an outer portion thereof. The gasket is designed to form a seal between the lens and electrical component housing and absorb physical shock placed on the lens and/or the electrical component housing.
US07695168B2	Optic film with a plurality of stacked pyramid elements for refracting light Optical film, including a set of elements disposed adjacent to each other and an external surface made of optically transparent material, each element including a lower pyramid being a truncated pyramid, an upper pyramid being a non-truncated pyramid and a plurality of element planes. A lower base of the lower pyramid defines the base of the element and an upper base of the lower pyramid coincides with a lower base of the upper pyramid. The element bases disposed adjacent to each other form a common surface of the set of the elements and the lower and upper pyramids protrude from one side of the common surface. The external surface covers the plurality of element planes.
US07695163B2	Lighting fixture Multiple light emitting device modules can be configured to illuminate in multiple different directions, while avoiding deterioration of radiation efficiency by use of fins. In a lighting fixture, multiple light emitting device modules can each have fins for radiating heat generated by the light emitting device. The multiple light emitting device modules can be arranged in such a manner that a main optical axis line of one light emitting device module and main optical axis lines of any other light emitting device modules form an angle larger than zero degrees, or are in a skewed position, and the fins can be arranged in such a manner that all the fins are parallel with respect to a vertical plane and roots of the fins are positioned at the same level as or lower than tips of the fins.
US07695161B2	Heat dissipation device for light emitting diode module A heat dissipation device includes a heat sink and an LED module attached to the heat sink. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of fins mounted on the base. A plurality of channels is defined between the fins of the heat sink and slits are defined in two opposite side edges of the base. The slits extend through the base and corresponding fins and cross with corresponding channels. A plurality of grooves is defined in the fins opposite to the LED module. Each of the grooves interconnects corresponding two aligned slits.
US07695160B2	Projector light source and projection type image display device using the same A projector light source which facilitates molding of a reflector for obtaining a complicated reflecting surface and provides an improved cooling efficiency, which is characterized by molding the reflector of the light source using heat resistant plastic mixed with a high heat conductive material, whereby a molding accuracy is drastically improved compared to a heat resistant glass reflector, and a highly efficient light source is implemented by increasing a degree of design freedom using a high-order non-spherical reflecting surface. Furthermore, heat conductivity is increased by the use of a high heat conductive material for the reflector and heat dissipation to an outside is facilitated.
US07695158B2	LED device with plural color chips including at least a yellow chip, a color image display utilizing the LED device, light for traffic alarm utilizing the color image display, and traffic alarm utilizing the light and having arrow mark display A LED device for clear emission color by a plural color chips, essentially including a yellow color chip is provided. The LED device is utilized a color image display, and by this display, a light for traffic alarm and a light for traffic alarm with arrow mark which indicates the direction are accomplished.
US07695157B2	Light fixture and assembly A housing support assembly for supporting a linear light fixture, said light fixture having an elongate linear housing for accommodating one or more than one lamp, the support assembly comprising a first planar support member and a second support member, said first planar support member being arranged to be releasably coupled with the second support member, said first planar support member conforming to a predetermined cross-sectional dimension of the linear housing for releasable coupling therewith, said support assembly being adapted to mount one or more than one lamp socket thereon.
US07695155B1	Illuminating device for glasses An illuminating device for a pair of glasses includes an illumination control device, a housing, a coupling seat, and a positioning mechanism. The illumination control device is received in the housing and includes a lamp emitting light beams out of the housing. The coupling seat includes first and second pivotal portions. The housing is pivotably coupled with the first and second pivotal portions, so that the housing is pivotable relative to the coupling seat. The coupling seat further includes a coupling section coupled to a middle of the pair of glasses. The positioning mechanism retains the housing in a desired angular position relative to the coupling seat, adjusting an illuminating angle of the lamp.
US07695147B2	Retro-reflection product using water based resin and fabrication method thereof Provided are a retro-reflection product using water based resin and a fabrication method thereof. The retro-reflection product includes a glass bead layer attached on a film, an aluminum layer selectively deposited on the glass bead layer according to need, and a base layer for adhering leather, fabric, or urethane sheet. A water based color resin coating layer is primarily coated with water based polyurethane resin over a surface of the glass bead layer. A water based adhesive resin coating layer is secondarily coated with water based polyurethane resin on a surface of the water based color resin coating layer.
US07695145B2	Projection-type display apparatus A projection-type display apparatus includes an illumination optical system (1) including a light source, a reflection-type light valve (2) having an image forming area on a to-be-illuminated surface illuminated by the illumination optical system (1), and a projection optical system (3) that projects an image formed on the image forming area of the reflection-type light valve (2). The projection optical system (1) is shiftable in a direction approximately perpendicular to a projection optical axis. An F-number of the projection optical system (3) is smaller than an F-number of the illumination optical system (1). Between the projection optical system (3) and the reflection-type light valve (2), an opening defining member (12) that defines an incident side opening of the projection optical system (3) is provided, which is not moved by the shifting of the projection optical system (3).
US07695143B2	Image processing system, projector, computer-readable medium, and image processing method An image processing system and a projector project a calibration image onto a projection target, sense the calibration image to generate sensing information, and generate projection target region information based on the sensing information. The system and projector generate projection area information based on the sensing information, image distortion correction information based on the projection target region information and the projection area information, and correct an image signal based on the image distortion correction information so that image distortion is corrected. The system and projector project an image based on the image signal corrected by the distortion correction section, determine a first height/width ratio that indicates a height/width ratio of the projection target, generate the image distortion correction information to display an image at a first height/width ratio range and display an image at a desired height/width ratio when the first height/width ratio is not within the acceptable range.
US07695142B2	Projector having a metal plate between a bottom surface of a projector main body and a lamp unit This projector includes a lamp unit including a lamp which emits light for projecting an image upon a screen. This lamp unit is provided with a projector main body. Moreover, the projector includes a metal plate which is disposed, between a bottom surface of the projector main body and the lamp unit, in a situation of floating away from this bottom surface of the projector main body. The projector also includes a fan which sucks external air into the projector main body. This fan is disposed in an orientation such as to blow this sucked in external air towards the metal plate.
US07695138B2	Safe eye detection An eye detection system for safe detection of the eye positions of a subject estimates the distance from the eye detection system to the subject and reduces the power level of at least one primary light source of the eye detection system if the subject is too close to the eye detection system. If the subject is not too close to the eye detection system, the power level of the at least one primary light source of the eye detection system is increased, provided the power level is below a predetermined maximum power level. Primary light from the at least one primary light source reflected from the subject is sensed by an imager to obtain one or more images, from which the eye positions of the subject are estimated.
US07695132B2	Eyeglass set The present invention aims to provide an eyeglass set that is easy to manufacture and that can be used as a prescription sunglass having excellent designability. The present invention provides an eyeglass set 1 where a front sunglass lens member 3 includes projections 33 projecting towards the back side and each being formed with a cutout 331; the prescription eyeglass 2 includes left and right elastic arms 214 respectively attached with a nose pad 215; and the left and right arms 214 are biased in opposite directions to each other and the left and right arms 214 are elastically deformed in left and right opposite directions to elastically engage the cutouts 331 of the projections 33 so that the front sunglass lens member 3 attaches to the front surface side of the front frame 21 of the prescription eyeglass 2.
US07695124B2	Inkjet printer and a hose for use in the inkjet printer An inkjet printer having a print head mounted on a carriage and an off-carriage ink reservoir, the carriage being arranged for moving the print head relative to a receiving medium, wherein the printer includes a hose for connecting the print head to the reservoir to enable the supply of ink from the reservoir to the print head, the hose having a multi-layered wall, containing an intermediate poly-urethane compound containing layer disposed between low density poly-ethylene compound-containing layers.
US07695121B2	Method of refilling a printing unit A method of refilling a supply of printing fluid in a printing unit. The method comprises the steps of removably mounting a dispenser unit of printing fluid to the printing unit so as to align and engage a plurality of outlets of the dispenser unit with a plurality of inlets of a plurality of printing fluid storage chambers of the printing unit, the dispenser unit being configured so that only one outlet of the plurality of outlets connects to printing fluid stored within an enclosure of the dispenser unit; determining an amount of printing fluid needed to refill the printing fluid storage chamber via the inlet engaged with said one outlet; disengaging a ratchet mechanism of the dispenser unit so as to facilitate a reduction of volume in the enclosure by a plunger; and engaging the plunger so as to effect the reduction of volume in the enclosure until the ratchet mechanism is reengaged, thereby dispensing fluid from the enclosure into the printing fluid storage chamber. The steps of disengaging the ratchet mechanism and engaging the plunger are repeated until the determined amount of printing fluid is dispensed into the printing fluid storage chamber.
US07695120B2	Liquid-ejecting head and liquid-ejecting apparatus having the same A liquid-ejecting head including a channel-forming substrate provided with pressure-generating chambers that are communicated with nozzle openings for ejecting a liquid, pressure-generating units for generating a change in the pressure in the pressure-generating chambers, and a fluid-resistant protection film is provided. The protection film is disposed at least on the inner walls of the pressure-generating chambers and includes an amorphous layer of an amorphous film disposed on the inner wall surfaces and a crystal layer of a crystallized film disposed on the surface of the amorphous layer.
US07695118B2	Piezoelectric inkjet printhead and method of manufacturing the same A piezoelectric inkjet printhead including an upper substrate formed of a single crystal silicon substrate or an SOI substrate and having an ink inlet therethrough, and a lower substrate formed of an SOI substrate having a sequentially stacked structure with a first silicon layer, an intervening oxide layer, and a second silicon layer in which a manifold, pressure chambers, and dampers are formed in the second silicon layer by wet or dry etching, and nozzles are formed through the intervening oxide layer and the first silicon layer by dry etching, and a method of manufacturing the same.
US07695114B2	Inkjet head and method of producing the same A disclosed inkjet head includes an ink channel unit formed by stacking a channel plate having a nozzle hole formed therein, a channel plate having a pressure chamber formed therein, and a channel plate having a restrictor formed therein and by bonding the channel plates together by diffusion bonding, which channel plates have substantially the same thickness; a pressure generating source attached to a surface of the ink channel unit and configured to generate pressure to jet ink; and a housing formed by stacking housing plates and by bonding the housing plates together by diffusion bonding and configured to hold the ink channel unit, which housing plates have substantially the same thickness as that of the channel plates.
US07695113B2	Ink-jet head An ink-jet head includes two shield plates extending on the surface of the passage unit in a longitudinal direction of the passage unit. Two shield plates confront each other. The surface of the passage unit is provided with two grooves extending up to the middle of the passage unit in a thickness direction of the passage unit. The shield plate is provided at its circumference with a contact line linearly extending and coming into contact with a plane formed on the surface of the passage unit. The shield plate is provided with a projection adjacent to the contact line and protruding from the contact line. The projection is fitted into the groove. The reservoir unit, the actuator unit, and the wiring member are included in a range maintained between the two shield plates with respect to the lateral direction of the passage unit.
US07695112B2	Fluid ejection device A fluid ejection device includes a chamber, a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel each communicated with the chamber, a first peninsula extended along the first fluid channel and a second peninsula extended along the second fluid channel, and a first sidewall extended between the first peninsula and the chamber, and a second sidewall extended between the second peninsula and the chamber. The first sidewall is oriented at a first angle to the chamber and the second sidewall is oriented at a second angle to the chamber such that the second angle is different from the first angle.
US07695111B2	Liquid discharge head and manufacturing method therefor A liquid discharge head includes a substrate, on which are formed energy generating members for generating energy to be used for the discharge of a liquid through a discharge port, and a precious metal protective layer for protecting the energy generating members, an inorganic adhesive layer formed of at least one material selected from titanium, titanium nitride, tantalum nitride and chromium nitride, the inorganic adhesive layer being closely adhered to the precious metal protective layer, an organic adhesive layer made of an organic material, and a flow path formation member, serving as a wall of a flow path communicating with the discharge port. The substrate, the inorganic adhesive layer, the adhesive layer and the flow path formation member are bonded to the substrate in this order.
US07695099B2	Liquid for head and method of determining contents of components thereof and method of stabilizing component ratio To relate to a head liquid which is supplied to efficiently remove ink residues and the like which are attached to the surface of an inkjet head provided with ejection openings through which an ink containing a color material is ejected. In a case where a nonvolatile solvent such as glycerin is used as the head liquid, the nonvolatile solvent absorbs moisture, and thereby an extremely large change in mass is exhibited. As a result, the above supply amount is varied. To solve the problem, it was found that the previous mixing of water with the nonvolatile solvent can provide a smaller change in mass than that in a case where the nonvolatile solvent by itself is caused to absorb moisture. Accordingly, a mixture prepared by mixing the nonvolatile solvent and water in an appropriate predetermined ratio is used as a head liquid.
US07695095B2	Image recording apparatus An image recording apparatus including: an ink-jet head having a plurality of nozzles which are open in a surface thereof so as to provide a nozzle opening surface and through which ink is ejected, the plurality of nozzles being divided into a plurality of nozzle groups: and a plurality of caps which are provided in correspondence with the plurality of nozzle groups, each of which is formed of an elastic material, each of which has a peripheral portion that comes into close contact with the nozzle opening surface at an end thereof, and which are capable of covering the nozzle opening surface such that the peripheral portion of each of the plurality of caps surrounds nozzles which constitute a part of the plurality of nozzles and which belong to a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzle groups, wherein a first cap among the plurality of the caps has a hardness higher than that of a second cap which is different from the first cap.
US07695094B2	Shield assembly for ink jet printing A shield assembly is provided for use in combination an ink jet printer and is operative to provide a smooth planar surface for printing on a print media. The described embodiment includes a shield having first and second contact surfaces to define an opening therebetween. The opening of the shield assembly is aligned with the print head of the ink jet printer for permitting the deposition of ink through the opening. The assembly further includes a pivot mount operative to pivot the shield about a rotational axis which is substantially parallel to the feed path of the print media and orthogonal to the motion of the print head. Moreover, the assembly includes a means for pivoting the shield about the rotational axis in a first and second direction thereby causing one of the contact surfaces to engage the print media upstream of the print head when depositing ink on the print media.
US07695092B2	Nozzle device with movement sensor A nozzle device is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle device includes a substrate assembly defining an ink supply. A chamber-defining layer defines a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with a nozzle opening and the ink supply. An actuating arm is coupled to the substrate assembly and terminates in a paddle separating the ink supply and nozzle chamber. The actuating arm is configured to pivot during actuation so that the paddle moves and causes ink within the nozzle chamber to be ejected out through the nozzle opening. A movement sensor is configured to determine the degree or rate of pivotal movement of the actuating arm.
US07695091B2	Test circuitry for a printhead nozzle arrangement Provided is test circuitry for testing a thermal actuator of a printhead nozzle arrangement of a printhead. The circuitry includes an open actuator test input, a column enable input and a row enable input. A drive transistor operatively links said thermal actuator to a power supply, and a bleed transistor is arranged in parallel with the thermal actuator. The circuitry also includes a sense transistor operatively linking an output of the drive transistor and inputs of the thermal actuator and bleed transistor to a sensing node, as well as a controller configured to deactivate the bleed and sense transistors and to activate the drive transistor when the column enable and row enable inputs are activated to link the thermal actuator to the power supply, and to activate the bleed and sense transistors when the open actuator test input is activated, so that the thermal actuator is short-circuited and the sense node is pulled high if the thermal actuator is open-circuit.
US07695074B2	Single apply hand and foot control braking system for an all-terrain vehicle The present invention generally relates to braking systems for all-terrain vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to hand and foot actuated braking control systems for all-terrain vehicles.
US07695070B2	Retaining system A retaining system for amusement rides, more particularly roller coasters, carrousels or the like has a chair member for a passenger to sit on and which comprises a seat and a back rest and furthermore a retaining device with at least one locking part able to be moved between at least one getting on position and at least one retaining position, the retaining device possessing an essentially U-like retaining part, which at least to a major extent surrounds the pelvic region of the passenger to be secured, the retaining part being inclined in an anthropometrically optimized plane, which is inclined in a range of 30° to 60°, more particularly 40° to 50°, preferably approximately 45° to the horizontal and/or the seat. Furthermore the present invention relates to a measuring system for determination of the optimum locking position, the measuring system comprising a band- or cable-like element 8 arranged at the ends of the U-like retaining part, which element on applying the retaining device to the passenger to be secured engages the passenger to be secured rendering it possible to ascertain the locking or retaining position of the retaining device or, respectively, of the retaining part.
US07695066B2	Disposable seat cover device A single-use disposable sanitary cover temporarily houses a portion of a seat and mitigates virus and germ contact on a person's body. The disposable sanitary cover includes a flexible elongated sleeve having an outer shell, an interior cavity and an elongated slit forming a rim equipped with a stabilizing means integrally associated therewith. The stabilizing means is preferably an elastic band or segment that engages with the rear of the back support and seat areas of the chair to secure the elongated sleeve in place. The seat area and/or back support area of the chair is received through the elongated slit and is housed within the elongated sleeve in order to mitigate contact between the chair surface and a person's body.
US07695062B2	Device for receiving functional elements A device (2) for accommodating functional elements in regions of a motor vehicle interior that are subjected to mechanical forces at least at times, having a base layer (8), an intermediate layer (10) and a cover layer (12), wherein the layers (8, 10, 12) are arranged so as to at least partially overlap one another, wherein the intermediate layer (10) has at least one support element (14) for the transmission of mechanical loads between the base layer (8) and cover layer (12), which element is made, in particular, of a firm but flexible material. In addition to the support element (14), additional functional elements (18) are arranged in the remaining space (16) between the base layer (8), the cover layer (12) and the support element (14).
US07695060B2	Swing tray for a child booster seat A booster seat (1) for children and infants and more particularly an improved feeding seat contains a tray (9) which can rotate around either arm of the seat (1) through a unique joint design. The tray (9) can be removed completely or used as a multi-position tray (9), whichever the operator prefers. Further, the tray (9) can be adjusted to fit smaller or larger occupants of the booster seat (1).
US07695059B1	Adjustable leg rest assembly An adjustable leg rest assembly for use with a chair (such as a reclining chair) is described. The adjustable leg assembly supports a foot rest pad and is capable of alternating between a first position (where the foot rest pad is closer to the front of the reclining chair) and a second position (where the foot rest pad is farther away from the front of the chair) to adjust to the physical characteristics of a user of the chair. A pair of retractable scissor linkages supports the adjustable leg rest assembly. The scissor linkages are pivotally secured to the adjustable foot rest on one end thereof and are moveably secured to the chair on the other end thereof as is known in the art.
US07695056B2	Floorboard for light-weight vehicle A light-weight utility vehicle floorboard is provided having a pair of frame channels formed in an interior portion of the floorboard. The frame channels receive a pair of vehicle frame struts therewithin. The floorboard additionally has formed therein a plurality of load dispersing structural ribs (LDSRs) between the frame channels and sides of the floorboard. The LDSRs spread a force generated by a low-speed side impact to the floorboard such that the vehicle frame struts are not damaged. The LDSRs also transfer passenger loads exerted on the outer portions of the floorboard to the DS and PS frame struts.
US07695051B2	Mounting structure of impact absorbing member and method of mounting same An impact-absorbing member to be installed in a vehicle body component includes a main body positioned on an inner panel of the vehicle body component such that a portion of the main body is adjacent to an outboard surface of the inner panel, and a mount protruding from the main body to an opening in the inner panel such that the mount is adjacent to an inboard surface of the inner panel, wherein the impact-absorbing member is secured by gripping an edge portion of the inner panel surrounding the opening between the mount adjacent to the inboard surface and the portion of the main body adjacent to the outboard surface.
US07695045B2	Driving position adjusting device A driving position adjusting device comprises a seat-position adjusting mechanism to adjust height and seat-face angle of a seat cushion in accordance with longitudinal movement of a driver's seat, and a floor adjusting mechanism to adjust a height of a floor board in accordance with the operation of the longitudinal adjustment of the driver's seat, wherein the seat-position adjusting mechanism is configured so that an inclination angle of the seat cushion becomes smaller as the driver's seat is moved forward from a middle position, and the floor adjusting mechanism is configured so that the height of the floor board becomes higher as the driver's seat is moved forward from the middle position. Accordingly, the sitting position of the driver and the operational function of the operational pedal can be provided properly regardless of the body size of the driver.
US07695043B2	Truck tailgate with motion control devices A tailgate control mechanism used to exert a force on a pivot. The tailgate may include a pivoting main body and a pivot fixed to a truck bed, where the main body may move about the pivot. The tailgate may also include a piston element including a first end connected to the pivot and a second end connected to the main body. The second end may be positioned above the first end when the main body is in a closed position. The piston element may also be configured to provide a counter force as the main body is lowered. The piston element may also be retrofitted.
US07695040B2	Structural reinforcement member and method of use therefor There is disclosed a reinforcement member with a carrier member and a reinforcement material disposed on the carrier member.
US07695034B2	Waste collection apparatus An apparatus for collecting waste comprising a containing assembly and a handle assembly coupled to the containing assembly. The containing assembly comprises an exterior shell assembly defining an interior cavity region and a lining assembly suitable for insertion into the exterior shell assembly. The lining assembly comprises at least one edge portion extending beyond the interior cavity region of the exterior shell assembly, and the handle assembly is suitable for removably interlocking with a portion of the exterior shell assembly.
US07695033B2	Impact-absorbing device An impact-absorbing device that absorbs impact force when a collision has occurred with an object having relatively low rigidity. The impact-absorbing device is provided with a guide piece that extends in a horizontal direction substantially horizontal to the input direction of the impact, and a movable piece that is movably supported along the guide piece. The guide piece and movable piece deform to absorb impact force when the impact force has acted on the guide piece.
US07695031B2	Slam latch with pop-up knob A latch has a pop-up knob that provides a handle for pulling on a door when the knob is extended. The door can be closed with the knob either up or down. With the knob up, the latch pawl can be disengaged from a keeper attached to the door frame by pulling the door open. With the knob down, the latch pawl remains in an extended position behind the keeper and the door cannot be pulled open. The knob can be selectively retained in the down position, and placing the knob in the down position results in the rotational movement of the latch pawl being blocked.
US07695030B2	Safety device against false maneuvers for sliding window and door frames Described herein is a safety device against false maneuvers for sliding window and door frames, including an arrest designed to prevent displacement of the catch of the mobile frame of the window or door frame from its inoperative position to the operative position of engagement with a corresponding striker of the fixed frame, in the condition for opening the window or door frame. The arrest with the corresponding thrust member, adjustable in a direction parallel to the direction of displacement of the arrest, is carried by a slide that is adjustable in a direction orthogonal to the direction of displacement of the arrest.
US07695028B2	Lock apparatus A lock apparatus includes a operation handle, a pair of springs movably supported by the container member, a pair of slide pins urged in directions of lock holes defined on the support member by the springs, respectively, and a pair of cam members to which rear end portions of the slide pins are fitted, respectively, to urge each slide pin to project and retract. When the operation handle is operated in a swing manner, a front end portion of each slide pin is retracted from each lock hole of the support member against pressure of each spring. Engagement holes are defined on opposed surfaces of each front end portion of the cam member having a cylindrical shape. Each rear end portion of the slide pin is formed in a bifurcated structure to have elastic pieces. Each of elastic pieces has a protrusion for detachably engaging with each of engagement holes.
US07695026B2	Tube device, and piping system including the tube device A tube includes a casing made of a fluororesin. The casing surrounds a fluid tube and lid members, each made of a fluororesin and include a receiving portion for receiving one end portion of the tube. At least one sealing face is disposed in the receiving portion. Union nuts, made of a fluororesin, are fitted onto the end portion of the tube and screwed to one end portion of one of the lid members. A sealing portion is formed by fastening the union nuts to the end portions of the lid members to press the tube from the outside of the tube. A device element such as a filter member is placed in the casing.
US07695024B2	Quick connector Coupling for connecting of pipe shaped sections comprising a first pipe section and a coupling device arranged to connect the first pipe section with a second pipe section. When joined together, the first pipe section is arranged to receive the second pipe section in such a way that the first pipe section and the second pipe section forms an overlapping region. The wall of the first pipe section is provided with a through hole in the overlapping region and the coupling device is adapted to protrude through the hole. The coupling device is at least at one of its ends slidably attached in such a way that a rotational displacement around, and essentially perpendicular to, the axial direction of the pipe section will give rise to a change between a first position for locking, wherein said coupling device is protruding on the inner side of the first pipe section, and a second position for release wherein the coupling device essentially not is protruding.
US07695023B2	Vacuum feeding joint A rotating table provided with a determined gap Db and serving as a rotating body is rotatably mounted on a fixed base. Seal-member accommodating spaces serving as annular grooves are partitioned and formed in a fixed surface. Annular seal members are disposed in the seal-member accommodating spaces. When a vacuum is supplied to a communication passage, the absorbed seal members contact with the fixed surface and a rotated surface to seal gaps therebetween. When a positive pressure is supplied to the communication passage, the seal members are relocated in the seal-member accommodating spaces. The seal-member accommodating space has a taper portion, thereby preventing the seal members from biting. While the rotating table is being rotatably driven, no vacuum is supplied to the communication passage.
US07695021B1	Gasketed coupler apparatus for use with concrete segments A coupler apparatus for use with concrete segments has a first duct, a first coupler member connected to the first duct, a second duct, a second coupler member connected to the second duct, and a gasket member received in a channel of the connector of the first coupler member and extending outwardly therefrom. The gasket member is in compressive contact with an abutment surface of the second coupler member. The gasket member has a generally U-shaped cross-section with a curved end extending outwardly of an opening of the channel of the first coupler member. The abutment surface is a planar flanged surface extending radially transversely outwardly of the end of the second coupler member.
US07695020B2	Coupling with latch mechanism A coupling apparatus having coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.
US07695007B2	Device for deployment of an element, particularly a safety element, for the protection of goods and/or people A device for deploying an element including a detonatable charge formed from at least one primary pyrotechnic compound; at least one initiator equipped with a reinforcing charge to initiate decomposition of the primary pyrotechnic compound(s); a secondary compound having a decomposition rate less than the decomposition rate of the primary pyrotechnic compound(s) such that the primary pyrotechnic compound(s) control(s) decomposition of the secondary compound(s) after initialization of decomposition; and at least one unconfined or weakly confined interaction chamber wherein the primary pyrotechnic compound(s) enable(s) at least one interaction of combustion products of the reducing primary compound(s) and oxidizing secondary compound(s) by oxidoreduction reaction.
US07695004B2	Airbag apparatus An airbag apparatus comprising an airbag module installed in a backrest of a vehicle seat is provided. The backrest has a side support on each side. Each side support has a base portion located at a position closer to a center of the backrest. The airbag module is installed in a side portion of the back rest that faces the exterior of the vehicle. The airbag module includes a gas generator that generates gas in response to impact from a side of the vehicle, and first and second airbag portions that are inflated and deployed by the gas generated by the gas generator. The airbag module is installed in the backrest in such a manner that, when the airbag is inflated and deployed, the first airbag portion pushes the base portion of the side support on the exterior side obliquely forward and further into the passenger compartment.
US07694991B2	Motorized scooter wheelchair attachment device The present invention provides a kit for attaching a manually operated wheelchair to a motorized scooter having a seating apparatus and supporting structure and a floor, comprising: (a) a motorized scooter attachment angle iron, wherein the angle iron comprises: (i) a vertical wall; and (ii) a horizontal wall, the horizontal wall forming approximately a right angle to the vertical wall, wherein the horizontal wall has at least two embedded elongated slots; (b) an angle iron attachment adjustable bar, wherein the adjustable bar comprises (i) a left elbow shaped tubular segment having a horizontally oriented bottom end and a vertically oriented top end; (ii) a right elbow shaped tubular segment having a horizontally oriented bottom end and a vertically oriented top end; and (iii) a straight middle tubular segment having a diameter larger than the left segment and the right segment, so as to permit the left segment to insert into a left end of the middle tubular segment and so as to permit the right segment to insert into a right end of the middle tubular segment; and (c) a pair of tubular adapters, wherein each adapter comprises (i) an elbow connecting bottom end, capable of attaching to the vertically oriented top end; and (ii) a concave top end, wherein the concave top end is generally perpendicular to the elbow connecting bottom end and wherein the concave top end is open on top.
US07694987B2	Bicycle damping enhancement system A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.
US07694982B2	Sub frame for vehicle A subframe for a vehicle may include an assembly including a front member, a rear member, and a pair of side members of which both front ends are jointed to distal ends of the front member and of which both rear ends are jointed to distal ends of the rear member respectively, wherein the front member, the rear member, and the side members form upper members and lower members that are combined to have a box-shaped close cross section by structural adhesive members.
US07694981B2	Multiple use, transformable cart A mobile storage and work cart is described that includes a reconfigurable frame, a plurality of casters extending from the reconfigurable frame and operable for moving the cart, and a work surface attached to the reconfigurable frame and forming a top of the cart. The reconfigurable frame is operable to adjust a height of the work surface.
US07694979B2	Premounting device for cutting ring fitting A premounting device for a cutting ring fitting, the device including a frame part (1), support elements (2), a movable actuator (3), elements for moving the movable actuator (3) and a socket member (10) that is detachably attached to the movable actuator (3), the movable actuator (3) being arranged to move outwardly from the frame part (1). The support elements (2) and the socket member (10) are arranged to cooperate for sandwiching a nut (5) and a cutting ring (6) set on the outer surface of a tubular element (4) between the support elements (2) and the socket member (10) so as to premount a cutting ring fitting. In the premounting device for the cutting ring fitting, the support elements (2) are arranged to be radially adjustable and in operational connection with the socket member (10) to provide the adjustment.
US07694977B2	Arrangement in a mechanical shaft seal The invention relates to an arrangement in a mechanical shaft seal. The arrangement comprises at least one sealing part rotating with a shaft in relation to a frame of the device and at least one sealing part fastened to the frame and/or to a separate frame part that is non-rotatable in relation thereto. The arrangement also comprises at least one additional part arranged to connect the frame and the sealing part that is non-rotatable in relation thereto and to prevent the rotation of the sealing part in relation to the frame. At least one set of the additional parts is memory metal elements.
US07694975B1	Toys or games using a launching device and foam blocks The invention, an apparatus and foam blocks for toys and an adjunct for games, consists of a spring-loaded platform acting as the launcher used in conjunction with foam blocks. The spring-loaded platform consists of two plastic parts butted together using the force from a cord to form a stable platform when unloaded. Light weight foam blocks are placed in specified locations on the platform by the players one at a time until the weight of the blocks (or the slight impulse of a foam block being placed by a nervous player) causes the platform to collapse very rapidly. The light weight foam blocks are thrown around for several feet in random directions from the platform. The event amounts to a harmless explosion introducing a high level of suspense, surprise and a wow-factor when used solely as a toy or when used as an adjunct to a card or board game.
US07694971B2	Roulette game apparatus and method A method for arranging indicia on a game surface and on an associated roulette wheel. Indicia indicating numbers from 1 through 60 are arranged on the game surface in ascending order with half of the numbers associated with a first color and half associated with a second color. The numbers are arranged in three groups of twenty, each group having five even numbers and five odd numbers associated with each of the two colors. Indicia indicating each of the numbers are arranged on a roulette wheel such that no two adjacent numbers on the roulette wheel are associated with a same color, are disposed in a same group, are disposed in a same column, are disposed in a same row, or are disposed adjacent one another on the game surface.
US07694965B2	Feeder speed A first position of a media is determined with respect to a surface. The surface is advanced and a second position of the media is determined with respect to the surface. The relative speed between the surface and a linear speed feed of the media is altered based on the first and second positions.
US07694964B2	Sheet material information detection apparatus, sheet material processing apparatus, and sheet material processing method An external force application unit is allowed to impact on a sheet material, and an external force detection unit detects an impact force through the sheet material. Further, there is provided a push-in sensing unit for detecting abnormality of the sheet material entering a space between the external force application unit and the external force detection unit. When the push-in sensing unit detects the abnormality, a control circuit operates a motor to rotate a cam, thereby moving the external force application unit to be retracted in a direction in which the external force application unit is moved away from an entering position of the sheet material.
US07694963B2	Document feeder In a document feeder, a driving control unit feeds a document by a switch-back feeding unit, guides again the document from a document feed path to a bidirectional feed path, and then discharges the document from the document feed path to a document discharging section, when the feeding of the document is in a double-sided scanning feeding mode and in a status during first side feeding. The driving control unit feeds the document by the switch-back feeding unit and then discharges the document from the document feed path, when the feeding of the document is in the double-sided scanning feeding mode and in the status during second side feeding. The driving control unit discharges the document from the document feed path without feeding the document in the switch-back manner, when the feeding of the document is in the double-sided scanning feeding mode and after the second side feeding.
US07694961B2	Stack-like arrangement of flat objects as well as method and device for forming the arrangement A stack-like arrangement of printed products with folded edges, in which arrangement the printed products are all arranged with identical orientation, has an increased stability, if it comprises stack sections, within which the folded edges of the printed products indeed lie on top of each other, but wherein the stack sections are arranged displaced in relation to each other, such that the stack sections with folded edges protruding from the arrangement alternate with stack sections with edges opposite the folded edges protruding from the arrangement.
US07694955B2	Sheet-feed device and image recording apparatus equipped with the same A sheet-feed device, including: a sheet accommodating portion for accommodating sheets; a sheet-feed roller which feeds one of the sheets located uppermost among the accommodated sheets; an inclined sheet-separation plate; separation pawls arranged on the sheet-separation plate for cooperating with the roller to separate the one of the sheets from the other sheets; a sheet guide member supported on the sheet-separation plate so as to pivot about an axis and including: a first contact portion located on a sheet feeding route and configured to contact the separated sheet; and a second contact portion located on one side of the axis remote from the first contact portion and configured to protrude from the sheet-separation plate so as to contact the separated sheet owing to a pivotal movement of the guide member by a contact of the separated sheet with the first contact portion, whereby the separated sheet is moved away from the separation pawls.
US07694953B2	Sheets processing apparatus A sheets processing apparatus includes a first processing portion having a first switchback portion for reversing the conveying direction of postal matter branched and conveyed from a main conveying path and a first U-turn path for reversing the front and back of the postal matter and a second processing portion having a second U-turn path for reversing the front and back of the postal matter branched and conveyed from the main conveying path and a second switchback portion for reversing the conveying direction of the postal matter. The first switchback portion is arranged inside the second U-turn path and the second switchback portion is arranged inside the first U-turn path.
US07694952B2	Print media bin A print media bin operatively coupled to a media handling system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the print media bin includes a first tray positioned adjacent to a second tray and a media tray drive subsystem coupled to the first tray for allowing the print media bin to rotate in order to provide access to the second tray. The media tray drive subsystem includes a drive cluster gear and a tray lock, including an anti-rotation rib and a lock latch, operatively coupled to the drive cluster gear.
US07694943B2	Carburetor A carburetor for feeding separate lean and rich channels of an engine intake duct includes a body having a mixing passage with an air intake side and an engine outlet side. A throttle shutter is rotatable about an axis transverse the mixing passage, and a partition is located within the mixing passage upstream of the throttle shutter. The downstream edge of the partition is adjacent the throttle shutter axis whereby in use of the carburetor the partition defines an extension of the lean and rich channels upstream of the throttle shutter, the partition thus providing substantial isolation between the lean and rich channels for all rotational positions of the throttle shutter. In a preferred embodiment a choke shutter is located upstream of the throttle shutter and is rotatable about a further axis transverse the mixing passage, the upstream edge of the partition being adjacent to the axis of the choke shutter.
US07694942B1	Swamp cooler filter A swamp cooler filter for filtering debris from fluid drawn from a fluid reservoir for a swamp cooler is provided. The swamp cooler filter includes a water intake hose being operationally coupled to a swamp cooler whereby the water intake hose is in fluid communication between a fluid reservoir and a pump of the swamp cooler. A filter member is selectively positioned in the water intake hose. The filter member is for filtering debris from the fluid being drawn from the fluid reservoir by the pump to inhibit the debris being pumped through the swamp cooler by the pump.
US07694938B2	Distal rate control device A distal rate control device, which can be conveniently interposed between a fluid supply line and fluid delivery line for precisely controlling the rate of fluid flow toward the delivery line. The device includes a readily adjustable flow rate control device having a novel flow control plate that can be placed in fluid communication with the fluid supply line and with the fluid delivery line. The flow control plate is provided with a plurality of elongated fluidic flow control channels that are in communication with a rate selector member that is rotatably carried by the device housing. Rotation of the rate selector member places a selected one of the flow control channels in communication with the fluid delivery line.
US07694931B2	Artist assistive device An improved artist assistive device provides easy adjustment and support of a mahl. The mahl can be repositioned with one hand, eliminating the need for the artist to lay down a work tool to reposition the mahl as required by the prior art. Embodiments include a second, vertical mahl supported from the top rail. Preferably, the top rail has front and rear members with a gap therebetween in which a slide supporting the second mahl is inserted. With the slide in the gap, the position of the vertical mahl can be adjusted by sliding the support along the top rail.
US07694926B2	Mounting bracket An apparatus for mounting a rack-mount module having mounting brackets for mounting a horizontal support member between vertical support columns of an equipment rack. The mounting bracket comprises a base member and a latch. The base member comprises integrated side and end plates, with the side plate being securable to the horizontal support member and the end plate constructed to vertically support the mounting bracket thereon. The latch detachably adjoins the mounting bracket to the vertical support column, and is constructed to be hand-operated to detach the mounting bracket from the vertical support column in response to a tool-less manual manipulation of the latch.
US07694924B2	Support assembly for work surface A support assembly for a work surface is disclosed. The support assembly may be secured to at least one gable. The support assembly includes an elongate horizontal support having a predetermined cross-sectional shape a saddle support which supports the work surface. The saddle support has a recess with a shape which corresponds to the predetermined cross sectional shape of the horizontal support. The recess receives the horizontal support therein to securely rest the saddle support on a top portion of the horizontal support. A U-shaped fastener secures an upper member of the horizontal support to an upper portion of the recess.
US07694923B2	Universal mounting assembly for an object and method A universal mounting assembly for quick mounting of an object to a stand device. The mounting assembly includes a body having a support surface, a front face and an opposed mounting surface configured to mount to the support stand. The front face intersects the support surface and defines an opening into a receiving socket of the body. An elongated slot extends along and into the receiving socket from the support surface, and includes a transverse width dimension smaller than that of the receiving socket. The receiving socket receives the transverse width dimension of the head portion therein as the neck portion simultaneously slides along the elongated slot to a dock position. A resilient retaining arm includes a contact portion movable between a released position and a locked position. A manually operable locking wedge prevents movement of the retaining arm from the locked position toward the released position.
US07694920B2	Display apparatus having height adjusting device An exemplary a display apparatus (2) includes a display panel (21) and a height adjusting device (25). The height adjusting device includes a base (26), a supporting member (27), a locking unit (30), and an elastic member (28). The display panel is fixed to the locking unit. The supporting member is fixed on the base. The supporting member includes two generally vertical friction grooves (2723, 2725). A depth of one of the friction grooves decreases with increasing height above the base, and a depth of the other friction groove increases with increasing height above the base. The locking unit is accommodated in the supporting member. The locking unit includes two sliders (33, 35) corresponding to the two friction grooves of the supporting member respectively. One of the sliders abuts a corresponding one of the friction grooves. The elastic member spans between the locking unit and the base.
US07694918B2	Wire clamp for machine A wire clamp for protecting a wire in a reciprocating machine includes an upper clamping member and a lower clamping member configured for slidably sandwiching the wire therebetween. The upper clamping member or the lower clamping member is pivotably mounted to the reciprocating machine. When the wire bends to travel during reciprocating movement, the upper and lower clamping members are pivoted with the wire to prevent the wire from being sharply bent which leads to stress concentration. Thus, fatigue of the wire will be reduced and a life span of the wire will be prolonged.
US07694916B2	Catalytic reactive component reduction system and methods for the use thereof In accordance with the present invention, there are provided simplified systems and methods for catalytically deactivating, removing, or reducing the levels of reactive component(s) from the vapor phase of fuel storage tanks. The simple apparatus described herein can be utilized to replace complex OBIGGS systems on the market. Simply stated, in one embodiment of the invention, the vapor phase from the fuel tank is passed over a catalytic bed operated at appropriate temperatures to allow the reaction between free oxygen and the fuel vapor by oxidation of the fuel vapor, thus deactivating reactive component(s) in the gas phase.
US07694915B2	Covering device for a hinge of an aircraft Hinges, in particular in doors of aircraft, have poor aerodynamics. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a covering device for a hinge of an aircraft is provided with a flexible covering, which for example is stretched, with a closed hinge, over the outer contour of the hinge. Advantageously, this makes possibly the covering of openings between first and second hinge parts, whereby an improved aerodynamic can be achieved.
US07694911B2	Flexible conduit dispensing device Coiled conduits such as the plastic water tubing commonly used by plumping contractors may be effectively unwound and strung at a construction site using a unique conduit dispensing device of this invention. The dispensing device includes a container for housing the coiled conduit and a reel for unwinding the coiled conduit from the container. The dispensing device may be equipped with a suspending mount which when mounted at a dispensing position allows a single worker to more effectively install the conduit at the work site.
US07694906B2	Device for continuously controlling condiments grinding in a mill A device for adjusting the grinding of a condiment in a mill includes a drive element having a thimble 6, a thimble support 4, a wheel 9 and a fixing ring 11 for attachment to the mill. Rotational movement of an adjustment ring 3 fitted with an adjustment stop 5 independent of the device results in translational movement of the thimble support 4.
US07694903B2	Method for recovering and/or recycling material A method for recovering and/or recycling starting silicon material by crushing the starting material. The recovered or recycled material is melted, and crystals, e.g. as a silicon block, tube, or strip, are grown from the obtained melt. To use starting materials that have a high aspect ratio to be able to convey the same without any problem, broken polycrystalline needle-shaped Si material (material I) containing particles having an aspect ratio AI, 5
US07694900B2	Method for disintegrating hydrate polymer and method for production of water-absorbent resin A method for disintegrating a hydrate polymer characterized by disintegrating a hydrate polymer having a solid content in the range of 50-70 wt. % with a screw extruder while supplying 0.1-30 parts by weight of water per 100 parts by weight of the polymer to the extruder. Since the product of disintegration is prevented from inducing mutual adhesion, it does not form masses of conglomeration when it is dried.
US07694896B2	Liquid reservoir, spray assembly, and method of using same Disposable reservoirs for use with spray apparatuses, reservoir-adapter kits, spray assemblies employing such reservoirs, and methods of use are disclosed.
US07694895B2	Push-button sprayer equipped with a projecting side nozzle The invention concerns a pump sprayer equipped with a projecting side nozzle. The nozzle is defined at the end of a rectilinear element attached to the pushbutton and said element is force-mounted in a cavity of the push-button, which is of sufficient depth to enable a depression of selected length, determining the length of the projecting part of said element.
US07694893B2	Plural component spray gun for fast setting materials A plural component spray gun (1) is designed for spraying quick setting materials such as foams, polyurea and the like. Towards this end, the gun (1) is designed so as to be easily serviceable with a minimum of tools. For example, the side seal cartridges (18) and (20) may be installed and removed without tools by removing the retaining ring (9) and then extracting them from the fluid housing (11). Those cartridges (18) and (20) are easily disassembled and cleaned. Similarly, the fluid housing (11) may be removed from the handle/body (1) by unscrewing the lock ring (7) by hand.
US07694891B2	Fuel injector with boosted needle closure Fuel injectors with boosted needle control providing controlled and rapid needle closure. Boost and drive pistons are provided for hydraulic actuation to controllably close the needle, with the boost piston reaching a mechanical stop before the needle reaches the closed position, with the drive piston alone providing adequate hydraulic force to hold the needle closed. In a preferred embodiment, fuel from the intensifier is coupled to the top of the boost and drive pistons to close the needle, and controllably coupled to the bottom of the boost and drive pistons to allow pressure in the needle chamber to open the needle. Apparatus for control of fuel pressure to the bottom of the boost and drive pistons is disclosed.
US07694888B2	Method for producing a chip card contact zone A method for producing a contact zone for a chip card has the following steps. A sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. Forming at least one insulating trench, which extends from the first surface to the second surface. A cluster layer is applied to the first surface. The second surface is connected to a carrier element after the cluster layer has been applied to the first surface.
US07694886B2	RFID tag and manufacturing process thereof An RFID tag comprises a semiconductor chip storing therein information of an object to be discriminated and carrying out radio communication with a reader/writer device; and an antenna coil provided with a magnetic core member and connected electrically to the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip and the magnetic core member are wrapped by an insulation sheet carrying an interconnection pattern connecting a pad of the semiconductor chip and the antenna coil electrically and plural coil patterns on one side thereof. The plural coil patterns includes bar-shaped conductor patterns formed obliquely to the magnetic core member, each of the bar-shaped conductor patterns having an end connected to an end of an adjacent coil pattern, the bar-shaped conductor patterns thereby forming together a spiral coil around the magnetic core member. The coil patterns being connected with each other at a part where the coil patterns overlap with each other.
US07694879B2	Remote controller with hands-free function for portable terminal Disclosed is a remote controller for a portable terminal which can perform a hands-free function and control the channel selection and the volume of the portable terminal for watching television (TV) and moving pictures. The remote controller with a hands-free function for a portable terminal, the portable terminal including a liquid crystal display (LCD) for watching TV and moving pictures, a speaker unit capable of controlling the volume of the portable terminal, and a microphone unit, the remote controller including a connecting section for connecting with the portable terminal and a remote controller device having a hands-free unit and having an end for attaching to the connecting section, the remote controller device selecting channels for watching TV and moving pictures of the portable terminal and for controlling the volume of the portable terminal.
US07694878B2	RFID checkout system with tags A radio frequency identification (RFID) checkout system includes a reader, a first RFID tag, and a second RFID tag. The first tag is configured to be attached to an item selected to not be read by the reader, and the second tag is configured to be attached to an item selected to be read by the reader. Upon items being positioned within the reader, the reader reads the tags to determine if the first tag is present within the reader. The reader is enabled to complete a checkout transaction if no first tags are detected within the reader during the reading. The first tag includes an attachment base, an extension portion connected to the attachment base, and a RFID antenna connected to the extension portion. The extension portion is movable relative to the attachment base between at least a first position and a second position, and the extension portion extends away from the attachment base in the first position.
US07694877B2	Control system for a banknote handler The present invention relates to a device for handling banknotes, comprising a transporting system (1), an infeeding and outfeeding unit (2), an identifying unit (3) as well as a first, second and so on to a last storage unit (41, 42, . . . , 4n), each one adapted to the storage of banknotes. The device is adapted to an infeed of a banknote through the infeeding and outfeeding unit (2), a transportation of the banknote by means of the transporting system (1) past the identifying unit (3), an identification of the banknote, a transportation of the banknote to a storage unit intended for the banknote according to the identification, as well as an infeed of the banknote to the intended storage unit. Particularly, it is taught that the device comprises a central control unit (5), adapted to communicate with a first local control unit (51) arranged at the first storage unit (41,) a second local control unit (52) arranged at the second storage unit (42) and so on to a last local control unit (5n) arranged at the last storage unit (4n). The central unit (5) is further adapted to communicate with a position sensor (6) as well as the identifying unit (3). The respective control unit (5, 51, 52, . . . , 5n) has a common synchronous apprehension of the position of the transporting system 1, and when the identifying unit (3) has identified a banknote, and when the position sensor (6) has indicated the position of the banknote in the transporting system (1), the central control unit (5) communicates the position of the banknote to the intended local control, unit (52), which directs the storage unit (42) associated therewith to an infeed, being independent of other units, of the banknote to the storage unit (42) when the position in the transporting system (1) reaches the intended storage unit (42).
US07694875B2	Image forming apparatus and electronic document management method An image forming apparatus includes a document-image forming section, a code-image forming section and an acquisition section. The document-image forming section forms a document image on a medium. The code-image forming section forms on the medium a code image containing position information, which is used to specify a position on a surface of the medium. The acquisition section acquires a position shift amount between the document image and the code image, which are formed on the medium.
US07694873B1	Installation of germicidal lights in vending machines A vending machine for dispensing products includes a germicidal light for disinfecting a product dispensed by the vending machine. The germicidal light is positioned adjacent an exit chute of the vending machine such that it exposes the product to a sterilizing frequency of light when the product is dispensed. Alternatively, the products may be intermittently exposed to the sterilizing light while the products are on display in accordance with a predetermined exposure schedule. The invention is particularly effective when it is used in connection with a canned drink machine.
US07694870B2	Method for the production of a strip comprising a staggered profile that runs in the longitudinal direction thereof A method for producing a strip with width of two longitudinal edges, made of at least one first metallic or predominantly metallic material, and the region, across which the first material extends, is provided with a boundary area that extends in staggered manner between two longitudinal edges over the cross-section of the strip. The invention comprises the steps of a) combing strips of different widths, which contain the first material and which as such do not comprise a staggered boundary area between their two longitudinal edges, to form a first arrangement of strips having a staggered boundary area; b) complementing the first arrangement of strips by one or more additional strips to form a second arrangement of strips having a rectangular cross-section, and c) bonding at least the strips of the first arrangement of strips to each other by rolling.
US07694866B2	Method and apparatus for laparoscopic aortic repair by intravascular devices Medical methods and apparatus for locating and securing intravascular devices, substantially grafts or stents-grafts, via a laparoscopic duct created by a surgical procedure to approach a blood vessel lumen. A stapler including a tubular body having at its distal end a head with a die and die lid and at is proximal end a control mechanism with a retaining handle and a control lever pivotally thereto. The lever is operatively connected via a spring-loaded pressure rod with a fastener located in the die. The movement of lever is transformed into radial forces necessary for punching through the wall of the intravascular device and the surrounding blood vessel wall with a fastener and simultaneously bending ends of the fastener apart. Securing the ends of the intravascular device to the wall of a blood vessel is performed via a set of at least two staplers, each having several simultaneously deliverable fasteners.
US07694865B2	Surgical stapling apparatus with locking mechanism The present disclosure provides for a loading unit for use with and/or supportable on a distal end of a surgical stapling apparatus. The loading unit includes a housing portion including a distal end and a proximal end, a drive assembly slidably supported within the housing portion of the loading unit, and a locking mechanism pivotally supported on the housing portion of the loading unit, the locking mechanism having a first position wherein the locking mechanism engages a portion of the drive assembly and maintains the position, preferably the axial position, of the drive assembly relative to the housing portion of the loading unit, and the locking mechanism having a second position wherein the locking mechanism disengages the drive assembly and enables the drive assembly to move relative to the housing portion.
US07694855B2	Dispenser having a pivoting actuator assembly A dispenser includes an actuating section having a first moveable member and a hydraulic section coupled with the actuating section and having a second moveable member. The hydraulic section is adapted to dispense a liquid from an outlet therein and the actuating section is adapted to control dispensing of the liquid. An actuator assembly operatively couples the first moveable member with the second moveable such that the first moveable member is operative to move the second moveable member between open and closed positions for respectively starting and stopping flow of liquid from the outlet. The actuator assembly may include a pivoting lever arm having a first end operatively coupled with the first moveable member, a second end operatively coupled with the second moveable member and defining a fixed pivot point therebetween.
US07694854B2	Hot melt adhesive system having centralized manifold and zone heating capability A dispensing unit for a hot melt adhesive system has a manifold centrally located within the dispensing unit to permit commonality between heated hoses of substantially the same length used to supply adhesive guns at either side of the dispensing unit. The dispensing unit also includes a manifold that is thermally isolated from the adhesive tank. The manifold has a heater that is independent of the tank heater for more precise temperature control of adhesive flowing through the manifold. A pump coupled to the manifold is located external to the tank and is heated by the manifold heater.
US07694853B2	Dispensing device comprising a stopper and locking ring with bayonet coupling means In the dispensing device, preferably a double cartridge (1) having a stopper and a locking ring provided with bayonet connecting means, the stopper (7), the external surfaces of the cartridge outlets (4, 5), and the wall interior of the locking ring (6,) comprise mutually cooperating means (17, 26; 18, 27) for pressing the stopper into the outlets or pulling it out from the outlets as the locking ring is rotated. On one hand, this allows to obtain a tight closure, and on the other hand, it is very simple in this manner to pull out the tightly fitting stopper.
US07694850B2	Device and method for hygienically delivering a liquid A method and device for hygienically delivering a liquid food to or from a food or beverage dispenser by delivering a flow of liquid food through an outlet positioned at a distance of all surfaces of the dispenser and by frequently cleaning the outlet with a flow of cleaning liquid directed onto the external surfaces demarcating the outlet to eliminate the liquid and solid food residue. The device may include a connection fitment with an elongated food delivery member which is configured to connect to a cleaning chamber of the dispenser. The device can be easier and more conveniently cleaned and/or sanitized enabling the dispensing of microbial sensitive food products such as milk concentrate and the like.
US07694846B2	Medicine storing and dispensing apparatus A medicine storing and dispensing apparatus includes: a cap container (501) storing a plurality of caps (2) for closing openings of vial bottles (3) and having a plurality of slits (508) formed on the bottom surface thereof; a plurality of cap stirring members (502) protruding from a rotating shaft (509) and extending inside a cap container (501) through the slits (508); and a cap pathway (503) which continues to the cap container (501), has a clearance allowing only one cap (2) to pass through, and which is inclined downward so as to align the passing caps (2).
US07694842B2	Container having pressure responsive panels A container, suitable as a hot-fill container, includes a controlled deflection flex panel which may invert and flex under pressure, such as hot-fill conditions, to avoid deformation and permanent buckling of the container. The flex panel includes an initiator portion which has a lesser projection than the remainder of the flex panel and initiates deflection of the flex panel.
US07694833B2	Friction modifier applicator system for traveling cranes A friction management system for a traveling crane applies a liquid or solid friction modifier (FM) in precisely controlled quantities to the crane wheels or rail to improve performance and safety during movement of the crane. The friction modifier is applied by a nozzle mounted on a crane truck, which nozzle is opened and closed by a valve. The duration of the valve opening per second, which controls the friction modifier application rate, is approximately proportional to the average current draw, which is detected by current sensors connected to the truck motors.
US07694832B2	Suspension display rack A suspension display rack for hand tools has a rail and multiple sliding blocks. The rail has a back-strip and two hooks. The hooks are formed on the back strip and each hook has a longitudinal groove. Each sliding block has a base, two cylindrical slides and a seat. The cylindrical slides are respectively received in the grooves so that the hand tools can be hung on the sliding blocks to transversely slide along the rail.
US07694829B2	Settling vessel for extracting crude oil from tar sands Process and apparatus for the continuous separation of crude oil from tar sands include using a hydrocarbon diluent and an aqueous solution in one or more settling vessels. The light components from the oil are collected and recycled to be used as the hydrocarbon diluent, and the aqueous solution is collected and recycled. A second aqueous solution is introduced in the second and subsequent vessels to prevent the formation of an oil film on the equipment.
US07694827B2	Methods of reducing thermo-oxidation of polymers such as polyacrylonitrile A filter comprising a polymer material comprising a polymer matrix such as polyacrylonitrile containing dispersed metal oxide particles. The metal oxide particles are for example ferric oxide particles, and the polymer material contains generally 0.25-3% by weight of these particles. The filters are resistant to thermo-oxidation and have reduced shrinkage or degradation.
US07694824B2	Clam shell type receptacle A clam shell type receptacle includes: a case assembly including a bottom case and a top case, the bottom case having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall which together form a recessed reception space, and the top case having a top wall and a peripheral wall which together form a recess, the top case being coupled to the bottom case so as to open or close the reception space; and a locking and release unit for locking the reception space in the closed state and for releasing the reception space from the locked state. The disclosed receptacle has a simplified external appearance, can be easily opened or closed, and the closed state of the reception space can be stably maintained.
US07694823B2	Traveler's kitchen kit A new and improved portable and easily maneuverable kitchen kit that organizes and retains essential cookware and utensils for transport. The invention may be useful for transporting cooking tools to a cooking class or a cooking party. The present invention is advantageous because cookware and utensils necessary for the culinary arts are readily organized and conveniently transportable by an individual. The traveler's kitchen kit of the present invention solves the problem of storing and transporting all of the necessary kitchen tools to a remote location.
US07694821B1	Subdural evacuating port system A kit for evacuating a collection of fluid from the subdural space of a patient is disclosed, and includes a subdural evacuating port device having a proximal end and a distal end. The subdural evacuating port device has a tubular portion with a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. An exterior surface of the proximal end of the tubular portion has self-tapping threads formed thereon for cutting threads into a skull. Retaining elements are located on the exterior surface of the tubular portion adjacent to the distal end for engaging an interior surface of a conduit with a flexible wall to releasably retain the conduit on the distal end of the tubular portion. A pair of wings extend outwardly from the tubular portion in opposite directions. The kit also includes elements for performing placement of the subdural evacuating port device in the patient.
US07694816B2	Dispenser system with seal on sliding door A dispenser system having an integral sealing mechanism for resealing a severed end of a moisture-activated medical bandaging product. A sliding door closes the front of the dispenser system. The sliding door is raised and lowered by a handle preferably having a mechanical advantage. When raised, the sliding door's lower extreme defines a dispensing opening with the bottom of the box. A length of medical bandaging product can be pulled through this opening. When a user closes the door, the door's bottom extreme forms a tang and clevis interface which pinches the sleeve of the medical bandaging product and thereby form a moisture proof seal.
US07694815B2	Package components for radiochemical sterilization Package components for the radiochemical sterilization of medical devices contain paraformaldehyde as the precursor of the radiolytically generated, sterilizing dose of formaldehyde, premixed with a particulate solid dispersant of, preferably, polyethylene or silica gel, which facilitates the free passage of the formaldehyde to the package gaseous environment or additionally, absorbs trace amounts of moisture in the package, thus, facilitating the device manufacturing process and increasing shelf-stability.
US07694809B2	Remote enabling/disabling of a limited-use medical device A remotely controlled medical instrument enhances safety and reliability. The medical instrument may be remotely enabled (unlocked) or disabled (locked). The medical instrument may be intended for limited-use. The medical instrument may be enclosed within a medical packaging and subsequently sterilized. After the medical instrument is determined to meet desired specifications, a remote control device may remotely enable the medical instrument. The remote control device may remotely enable the medical instrument through the sterile barrier and without making direct contact with the medical instrument such that the medical instrument remains sterilized. The non-contact interaction between the medical instrument and the remote control device may be via infrared, electromagnetic, magnetic, or other non-contact communication techniques. The remote control device may remotely disable the medical instrument. The remote controller may transmit a key code to prevent the inadvertent and/or unauthorized enabling or disabling of the limited-use medical device.
US07694806B2	Artist's paint box system An artist's paint box comprising: a substantially parallelepiped box having an interior chamber, combination hinged easel and cover, and storage compartment having a hinged cover; a removably replaceable palette matingly received within the chamber and having opposing cutouts substantially parallel to each other and another cutout transverse to the opposing cutouts, the opposing cutouts and the transverse cutout forming a substantially U shape, a recessed paint color mixing area substantially centrally disposed between and adjacent the opposing cutouts and adjacent the transverse cutout, and a recessed paintbrush and tool holding area adjacent the transverse cutout and opposing the recessed paint color mixing area; removably replaceable paint wells removably and matingly received within the opposing cutouts and the transverse cutout, each of the removably replaceable paint wells having exteriorly disposed opposing side ridges resting on opposing edges adjacent each of the opposing cutouts and other opposing edges adjacent the transverse cutout.
US07694803B1	Braking conveyor system An assembly and method for controlling movement of a chain section during removal, including a mounting body providing a connector adapted for connection to a chain, a pair of rollers secured to the mounting body, the rollers being adapted for rotational movement along the channeled track, and an engaging member positioned between each roller and said mounting body, wherein the engaging member is configured to extend the roller between a disengaged and engaged positions, so that movement of the chain is retarded as the roller extends towards the engaged position.
US07694799B2	Automatic pallet exchanger of machine tool Disclosed herein is an automatic pallet exchanger of a machine tool, which can exactly decide a position of a pallet exchanging operation, and which can improve stability in operation. The automatic pallet exchanger includes an APC driving shaft (30) rotatably and elevatably standing on an APC body (20); an APC arm (40) supported on the APC shaft (30) for exchanging pallets of a processing area and a waiting area; rotating means for rotating the APC driving shaft (30); a cylinder (80) inserted on the APC driving shaft (30) and fixed on the APC body; a piston mounted on the APC driving shaft (30) for elevating the APC driving shaft (30) according to hydraulic pressure direction within the cylinder (80); a stopper (100) located within a fixed radius from the APC driving shaft (30) and fixed on the APC arm (40); and a pair of stop bolts (110A, 110B) fixed on the APC body (20) to stop the rotation of the APC arm (40) by contacting with the stopper (100) whenever the APC arm (40) is rotated at an angle of 180°.
US07694796B2	Load-torque lock The invention relates to a load-torque lock (10) for automatic locking of load-side torques in the event of a drop or discontinuation of a drive-side torque, comprising a housing (11) which is fixed to a chassis and axially oriented means of attack (19), an output shaft (34) and axially oriented means of attack (37) and pivotally mounted clamping bodies (24) which are arrested or clamped by load torques on the housing (11) and are cancelled out by drive-sided torques from the housing bore. In order to obtain a powerful, robust and compact load-torque lock, the means of attack (37) of the output shaft (34) are arranged such that they cooperate with the means of attack (19) of the drive shaft (17) in the event of drive-side torques and cooperate with the clamping bodies (24) in the event of output-side torques.
US07694794B2	PTO clutch with lubrication oil shut-off valve and integrated relief valve A PTO clutch includes a lubrication shut-off valve that can slide between a first position blocking a port for lubrication oil to lubricate the PTO clutch, and a second position opening the port to lubricate the clutch. A relief valve is provided in the lubrication shut off valve, which opens in response to pressure spikes of activation oil and isolates the pressure spikes from the clutch piston.
US07694791B2	Driving force transmitting apparatus A driving force transmitting apparatus includes: a first torque-transmitting member having a cylindrical portion and provided with a spline tooth; a second torque-transmitting member positioned inside the cylindrical portion and arranged coaxially rotatably relative to the first torque-transmitting member; a main clutch with a spline tooth; an actuator unit for actuating the main clutch to be engaged; and a controlling device for controlling the actuator unit so as to pressurize the main clutch plate in such a manner that torque is not substantially transmitted between the first torque-transmitting member and the second torque-transmitting member when the engagement of the main clutch is judged to be unnecessary.
US07694786B2	Damping valve with a directionally-dependent cross section Damping valve comprising a damping valve body with a through-channel system, which is covered on at least one outlet side by a number of valve disks, where a nonreturn valve disk releases an advance cross section when the damping medium is flowing in one direction and closes off that cross section when the damping medium is flowing in the other flow direction, and where a cover disk with at least one cross section which can be actuated by the nonreturn valve disk limits the lifting movement of the nonreturn valve disk, and where a second cover disk limits the lifting movement of the nonreturn valve disk in the direction opposite that in which the first cover disk works.
US07694783B2	Linkage positioner for a drum brake A linkage positioner for a drum brake, which is used to compensate for braking-related wear, especially on the brake linings, has an overload clutch and a one-directionally rotating or one-way clutch. The overload clutch is embodied as a ball ramp clutch, which is biased by a pressure spring.
US07694782B2	Device and method for pre-stressing the cable system of a vehicle brake actuating system A brake actuating system in a motor vehicle having wheels and brakes for braking rotation of the wheels includes a cable system including a plurality of cables operatively connected to the brakes of the vehicle. An actuator is operatively connected to the cable system and is operable by an occupant of the vehicle for movement between applied and released positions to selectively increase and decrease the tension in the cables of the cable system to thereby activate and deactivate the brakes of the vehicle, respectively. A cable tensioner including a rotary input member is selectively and adjustably coupled to an input side cable of the cable system. The input member is rotatable in tensioning and releasing directions. The input side cable includes a retaining structure that prevents disengagement of the input member from the input side cable when the input member is rotated in the releasing direction.
US07694777B2	Electric power steering apparatus When it is determined that a malfunction has occurred in a rotational angle sensor, an electronic control unit changes the control manner from the normal assist control to the sensorless assist control. In the sensorless assist control, an assist stop command unit receives the information concerning the motor rotational angular speed ωm from an angular speed conversion unit. Then, the motor rotational angular speed ωm is compared with the threshold value ωm1. If the motor rotational angular speed ωm is equal to or higher than the threshold value ωm1, an assist enabling signal is transmitted to a PWM voltage production unit to continue the power assist. On the other hand, if the motor rotational angular speed ωm is lower than the threshold value ωm1, a stop command signal is transmitted to the PWM voltage production unit to stop the power assist.
US07694776B2	Hydraulic steering system with protection against uncontrolled steering movements A hydraulic steering system (1) including a hydraulic steering unit (2) and an auxiliary device (3). Said The steering unit (2) feeds a hydraulic medium to a steering cylinder (5) according to the movement of a steering wheel (4). The auxiliary device (3) includes a valve unit (6) and also feeds a hydraulic medium to the steering cylinder (5) according to the movement of the steering wheel (4), in order to assist the steering movement. The hydraulic medium ejected or discharged from the steering cylinder (5) as a result of the hydraulic medium fed thereinto flows back into a tank (10) or to a pump (8, 9) through the steering unit (2).
US07694773B2	Hybrid electric motor vehicle and a final drive unit therefor In a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine driving a front final drive unit connected to a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels 21 driven through the rear final drive unit 18 by a longitudinal propshaft 19, the rear final drive unit 18 houses a transversely arranged electric motor/generator 35. The motor/generator 35 has a hollow rotor 36 which is connected to a spur input gear 64 of a layshaft reduction gear train 65 through a hollow shaft 37. This input gear 64 meshes with a large diameter spur gear 66 fixed on a layshaft 67 which also has a small diameter spur gear 68 fixed on it. The small diameter spur gear 68 meshes with a large diameter driving gear 69 fast with a differential 28 which drives the rear wheels by means of the drive shafts 22, one of which extends concentrically through the rotor 36 and the hollow shaft 37. A control clutch 33 controllably couples the propshaft 19 to an input shaft 32 which drives a final drive bevel pinion 31 which meshes with a crownwheel 27 fast with the large diameter spur gear 66. The layshaft 67 provides a reduction ratio between the motor/generator 35 and the final drive pinion 31 and the differential 28 as well as providing a reduction ratio between the input shaft 32 and the differential 28.
US07694772B1	Forward cab articulated tractor This invention of a “FORWARD CAB ARTICULATED TRACTOR” comprises a front cab section and an articulating joint attached to the rear of the front cab section and a rear section attached to the rear of the articulated joint with the front of the rear section attached to the rear section of the articulated joint and a gas driven internal combustion engine mounted in the rear section of the forward cab articulated tractor, and the gas driven engine connected to drive a hydraulic fluid pump to provide hydraulic fluid to a manifold and the manifold to supply hydraulic fluid to lines connected to disc brakes and to steer the forward cab articulated tractor by activating hydraulic fluid from the manifold to cylinders attached to the articulated joint and to the rear of front cab section. The front wheels are provided with brakes activated by hydraulic fluid from the manifold and the brakes are further activated by a spring loaded cylinder which is activated by shut off of hydraulic fluid from the manifold.
US07694767B2	System element for the transporting and positioning of tools A system element for the transporting and positioning of a tool on a surface of a workpiece, includes at least one suction device that generates a suction stream, and a transport device that is arranged around the suction device, and includes: at least two rollers that are rotatably supported on the suction device, connection elements that interconnect respective end regions of various rollers, and the rollers and the connection elements are elastically deformable, and when there is a suction stream, the system element substantially conforms with the surface of the workpiece.
US07694766B2	Counterweighted fork lift truck with at least one air intake opening in the vicinity of a step recess A counterweighted fork lift truck has a vehicle body (2) with an equipment compartment (R) located underneath a driver workplace (1). The equipment compartment and contains heat-emitting components. The vehicle body (2) includes at least one step (3) which forms the lower boundary of a step recess (3a) which is inboard with respect to the lateral contour (S) of the vehicle body. At least one air intake opening (5) for the supply of cooling air into the equipment compartment (R) is located in the vicinity of the step recess (3a).
US07694765B2	Power-dividing device and axle-driving device for a working vehicle A power-dividing device for a working vehicle includes a case member, an input shaft supported by the case member so that a first end portion of the input shaft can be operatively connected to a driving source, a PTO unit having a PTO shaft supported by the case member so as to be offset with respect to the input shaft, a power transmission mechanism accommodated in the case member to transmit power from the input shaft to the PTO shaft, and a first pump unit having a first pump shaft operatively connected to the input shaft and being fluid-connected to an actuator disposed outside.
US07694760B2	System and method for controlling vehicle operation A hybrid vehicle propulsion system is disclosed comprising an engine having at least one combustion cylinder configured to operate in a first and a second combustion mode, wherein the first combustion mode is a spark ignition mode and the second combustion mode is a compression ignition mode, wherein the engine is configured to supply an engine output; a motor configured to selectively supply or absorb a secondary output; an energy storage device configured to selectively store at least a portion of the engine output and selectively supply energy to the vehicle; and a control system configured to control at least the engine, the motor, and the energy storage device, wherein the control system is configured to selectively operate said at least one combustion cylinder in one of the spark ignition mode and the compression ignition mode based on a condition of the energy storage device.
US07694755B2	System, method, and apparatus for variable junk slot depth in drill bit body to alleviate balling An earth boring drill bit design for alleviating balling varies the junk slot depth in junk slots subject to balling from the other junk slots. Using variable depth bit bodies enhances the hydraulic characteristics of the bit as well as assists in the placement of the nozzles for machining purposes. This flexibility optimizes the area changes along the ducts required by the bit's operation.
US07694753B2	Dual rod drill pipe with improved flow path method and apparatus A drill rod assembly including inner and outer drill rods. The drill rod assembly further including flow passages that are in fluid communication with an annular fluid flow path defined between the inner and outer drill rods. The passages preventing blockage of a drill string fluid flow path when a number of drill rod assemblies are interconnected to form a drill string.
US07694749B2	Jackhammer with a lift assist The present invention relates to an integrated percussion power tool which contains a percussion mechanism and a lift assist mechanism to reduce the physical demands for its operation by facilitating the lifting and extracting of the percussion power tool. In general, the integrated percussion power tool is a T-shaped machine which has a vertical cylindrical body with two handles, two hand control levers cross the top, and a working tool and a lifting foot on the bottom for engaging with a working surface. The first hand lever is for controlling the operation of the percussion mechanism, whereas the second hand lever is for manipulating the operation of the lift assist mechanism. The percussion mechanism and the lift assist mechanism are both housed in the vertical cylindrical body of the integrated percussion power tool.
US07694745B2	Modular well tool system A well tool is adapted to couple to at least one of a wireline service tool and a tubing string and has an adapter component engaging portion adapted to couple to an adapter component. At least a first and a second interchangeable adapter components are operable to couple to the adapter component engaging portion. The first adapter component is adapted to perform a first function and the second adapter component is adapted to perform a second function.
US07694744B2	One-position fill-up and circulating tool and method Embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatus for circulating fluid through casing and filling the casing with fluid using a combination fill-up and circulating tool while maintaining the fill-up/circulating tool in substantially the same position relative to the casing. In one embodiment, the fill-up/circulating tool includes a mandrel insertable into casing and having a sealing element therearound, the sealing element capable of sealingly engaging with an outer diameter of the mandrel to permit circulating fluid through the casing. The fill-up/circulating tool is also capable of allowing air flow around the outer diameter of the mandrel for the operation of filling the casing with fluid without the need to move the mandrel within the casing.
US07694743B1	ROV-deployable subsea wellhead gas hydrate diverter A ROV-deployable gas hydrate diverter comprising a body having a circular disc shape with a center hole, and a handle attached to and protruding from a surface of the body, wherein the handle is adapted to be grasped by the grasping arm of an ROV to facilitate installation of the gas hydrate diverter over a subsea wellhead.
US07694742B2	Downhole hydraulic control system with failsafe features A control system for a subsurface safety valve addresses normal open and closed operation and a failsafe operation if key system components fail. It features a single control line from the surface that splits at the subsurface safety valve and goes to one end of two discrete piston chambers that are aligned and isolated from tubing pressure. The piston in one chamber is larger than in the other and the pistons are connected for tandem movement. Each side of the unbalanced system's piston has a seal mounted to it and another for the rod attached to it that exits the chamber. A jumper line connects the chambers at a point between the seals in each chamber and features a large reservoir. The jumper line is filled with a compressible fluid. Fail safe closure of the valve occurs if any of the four seals fail.
US07694741B2	Wellbore system and method for producing fluid A well system for producing fluid from an earth formation. A primary wellbore section produces the fluid from the well system to the surface. The primary wellbore section includes a cylindrical member having a number of apertures. At least one flanking wellbore runs substantially alongside the primary wellbore section. The flanking wellbore is in fluid communication with the apertures on the primary wellbore section through the porous earth formation. At least one lateral wellbore section joins the flanking wellbore section. Formation fluid flows into the lateral wellbore sections and then into the flanking wellbore section. The fluid is then transmitted from the flanking wellbore, through the porous earth formation, and is received by the apertures in the primary wellbore section. The fluid flows through the primary wellbore section to the surface.
US07694740B2	Communication tool and method for a subsurface safety valve with communication component A communication tool apparatus is described which is adapted to provide selective communication of control fluid through a downhole device such as a safety valve. The downhole safety valve is a tubing retrievable subsurface safety valve (“TRSSSV”). The communication tool may be run downhole and within the TRSSSV. Once within the TRSSSV, the communication tool apparatus activates a cutting device within the TRSSSV such that communication of control fluid through the TRSSSV is possible. A replacement safety valve run on a wireline may then be inserted into the TRSSSV and be operated via the control fluid line, as a new communication path created by the communication tool described herein. A method of using the communication tool apparatus is also described.
US07694739B2	Subterranean cementing methods and compositions comprising oil suspensions of water soluble polymers Of the many methods and compositions provided herein, one method comprises providing a cement composition that comprises a cementitious component and an additive comprising: a polymer, a phosphorus component, a polyvalent metal ion, an oil-based liquid, and a surfactant; introducing the cement composition into at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to at least partially set therein. Another method provided herein comprises providing a cement composition that comprises a cementitious component and an additive comprising a polymer, a phosphorus component, a polyvalent metal ion, an oil-based liquid, and a surfactant; introducing the cement composition into a void located in a pipe string; and allowing the cement composition to at least partially set therein. A cement composition provided herein comprises a cementitious component and an additive comprising a polymer; a phosphorus component; a polyvalent metal ion; and an oil-based liquid; and a surfactant.
US07694738B2	Methods of using wellbore sealant compositions containing cationic latexes A method of servicing a wellbore in contact with a subterranean formation, comprising: placing a sealant composition comprising a cementitious material and a cationic latex into the wellbore.
US07694737B2	Method of blocking water-out zone in a gas well by dumping cement and injecting pressurizing gas In a method of blocking a water-out zone in a gas well by dumping cement and injecting pressurizing gas, a gas is injected into a target well to push and press accumulated water in the well back into the formation surrounding the well, so that the well is water-free; meanwhile, a dump bailer is lowered to the water-out zone in the well using a wire line. When the dump bailer has reached the water-out zone, it is controlled to open a bottom opening thereof to release cement milk loaded therein. The released cement milk accumulates in the water-out zone and then slowly flows into a gravel layer between a screen pipe and a wall of the well. The gas injection continues until the cement milk is cured and hardened to achieve the object of blocking the water-out zone.
US07694736B2	Integrated system and method for steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD)-heavy oil production to produce super-heated steam without liquid waste discharge A method and system for producing steam for extraction of heavy bitumen including the steps of mixing carbon or hydrocarbon fuel. The fuel is crude oil, vacuum residue, asphaltin, petcoke or coal. The oxidation gas includes oxygen, oxygen enriched air or air-combustion of the mixture under high pressure and high temperature. The fuel is mixed with low quality contaminated water containing organics and inorganics. The liquid phase transferred to a gas phase includes steam and carbon dioxide, wherein solids are separated from the gas phase. The gas phase is mixed with saturated water to scrub the remaining solids and produce saturated steam. The solid rich water is recycled back for combustion. The saturated steam super-heated dry steam and gas mixture is send to an enhanced oil recovery facility for injection into an underground reservoir.
US07694731B2	Truck-mounted pumping system for treating a subterranean formation via a well with a mixture of liquids An efficient truck-mounted injection system for injecting a combined aqueous or hydrocarbon-based liquid stream and a liquid carbon dioxide stream via a well into a subterranean formation.
US07694728B2	Heat exchanger In a heat exchanger in which the number of parts is small, assembling is easy, bonded portions of each part are fewer and reliability of brazing is improved, a core body is constituted by turning up and bending a strip-shaped metal plate in a fanfold manner, and first flow passages and second flow passages are formed alternately in the thickness direction. Both ends of each of the first flow passages are blocked by each come tooth of a pair of comb-state members, and a fin is set within the second flow passages so as to constitute a core. And in the heat exchanger in which a cylindrical casing is fitted with the outer periphery of the core body, the comb-state member has its tooth base crossing perpendicularly with each of the comb tooth and a root of each comb tooth bent in the L-shape along the tooth base, the plane of the tooth base is brought into contact with a turned-up end edge, and each connection portion between the comb-state member and the core body is integrally brazed/fixed.
US07694722B2	Cooling systems incorporating heat transfer meshes Apparatus for cooling of an electrical element package, comprising in combination structure including a hollow body, defining a cavity containing cooling fluid, the structure defining an opening or passage whereby direct contact of the cooling fluid with the package is established for heat transfer from the package to the fluid contained in the cavity; a mesh located to enhance the heat transfer, and means for circulating the fluid to transfer heat to other heat transfer means acting to remove heat from the fluid.
US07694720B2	Sectional modular heat sink A sectional modular heat sink is formed from a plurality of stacked modular heat radiating units, each of which is provided on one side along each longitudinal edge with an upright ridge portion having two inclined sidewalls, at least one of which being provided with a groove; and on an opposite side with a channel corresponding to the ridge portion to have two inclined sidewalls, at least one of which being provided with a flange corresponding to the groove on the ridge portion. A plurality of the modular heat radiating units may be sequentially stacked and connected through engagement of the ridge portions and the grooves on a first modular heat radiating unit with the channels and the flanges on a second modular heat radiating unit, respectively, and thereby form a sectional modular heat sink.
US07694716B2	Continuous casting mold with oscillation device A continuous casting mould comprises a mould tube (12), a mould jacket (24) surrounding the mould tube (12), a cooling system (26) within the mould jacket (24) for cooling the mould tube (12), an oscillating lever (40) supporting the mould tube (12). The oscillating lever (40) is capable of oscillating about a pivoting axis (45) substantially perpendicular to a casting plane containing the casting axis (20) for transmitting mechanical oscillations to the mould tube (12). An oscillating mould cover (30) associated with the top end of the mould jacket (24). The mould tube (12) is supported with its upper end by the oscillating mould cover (30), and is itself pivotably supported by the oscillating lever (40) outside of the mould jacket (24). A sealing element, e.g. an annular lip seal (90), provides sealing between the oscillating mould cover (30) and the top end of the mould jacket (24).
US07694715B2	Metal molding system Disclosed is: (i) a metal molding system, (ii) a metal molding system including a combining chamber, (iii) a metal molding system including a first injection-type extruder and a second injection-type extruder, (iv) a metal molding system including a first injection-type extruder being co-operable with a second injection-type extruder, (v) a mold of a metal molding system, and (vi) a method of a metal molding system.
US07694714B2	Metal molding Method of operating metal molding system configured to handle mold, system including injection unit having: output port; and machine nozzle defining conduit passageway, nozzle including: egress end, ingress end, conduit passageway for receiving molten metal; and mechanical valve received in passageway, valve positioned between egress end and ingress end, and valve operable in opened and closed positions. Method includes: processing volume of molten metal; placing valve in closed position, so that prior to application of injection pressure by unit, volume of molten metal is located; (i) downstream of valve, and (ii) between egress end and valve; and placing valve in opened position, so that volume of molten metal is injected, in response to application of injection pressure into, at least in part, mold cavity; and actuating valve to closed position, so that another volume of molten metal is located: (i) downstream of valve, and (ii) between egress end and valve.
US07694713B2	Reinforced aluminum alloy and its process of manufacture The present invention relates to a process for hardening an aluminum-based matrix alloy by the dispersion of metallized graphite (MG) with copper and optionally zinc or boron by the agitation in liquid state. By this means, the impregnating of MG particles (reinforcing phase) is increased, facilitating the homogenous distribution in the aluminum-base matrix alloy. The mechanical properties of aluminum or aluminum-based are increased alloys by the process of hardening by dispersion, without affecting the density and electrical conductivity of the alloy.
US07694702B2	Beverage machine assembly having a modular support A filling machine assembly having supports for supporting any suitable fixture. At least one of the supports includes a plurality of modules with each of the modules including at least one coupling member for interlocking adjoining modules to form a continuous uninterrupted support. The modules can include sides with at least one coupling member mounted to each side. The coupling members are preferably complementary in configuration with each other for interlocking the first and second modules.
US07694699B2	System and method for filling hydrodynamic bearings with fluid A system and method for filling hydrodynamic bearings with fluid are disclosed. The fluid filling system of the present invention includes a fluid storage tank to store fluid therein, a vacuum vessel to receive a hydrodynamic bearing therein, a fluid dispenser for connecting the fluid storage tank to the vacuum vessel and dripping the fluid into a micro-gap of the hydrodynamic bearing, a pump connected both to the fluid storage tank and to the vacuum vessel and separately exhausting air from both the fluid storage tank and the vacuum vessel to the outside, and a nitrogen storage tank for separately controlling pressure in both the fluid storage tank and the vacuum vessel, wherein the fluid storage tank is pressurized using nitrogen such that the pressure in the fluid storage tank becomes higher than the pressure in the vacuum vessel, thus causing the fluid to move to the vacuum vessel and to be dripped into the hydrodynamic bearing received in the vacuum vessel. The fluid filling system further includes an ultrasonic generator for applying ultrasonic waves to the fluid storage tank, thus removing air bubbles from the fluid.
US07694698B2	Container for sealing liquid for repairing inflatable articles, in particular tyres, and repair kit featuring such a container A container for sealing liquid for repairing inflatable articles, in particular, tyres, has a vessel having an opening; and a valve device fitted to the opening and having an inlet connectable to a compressed-air feed line, and an outlet for dispensing the sealing liquid; the valve device has a slide movable, in response to pressurization of the feed line, from a closed position closing the valve device and wherein the inlet and outlet are isolated from the inside of the container, to an open position wherein the inlet and outlet communicate with the inside of the container.
US07694694B2	Phase-change valve apparatuses A valve apparatus includes a substrate, a main flow channel formed in the substrate, a control channel formed in the substrate such that the main flow channel and the control channel meet at a junction, a bi-phase material within the control channel, a heating element adjacent the control channel and the junction, the heating element being controllable to generate sufficient energy to cause the bi-phase material to transition from a solid phase to a liquid phase, and a pumping mechanism for forcing the bi-phase material either into or out of the junction when the bi-phase material is in the liquid phase.
US07694690B2	Washing mechanism for optical members An exemplary washing mechanism (9) for optical members includes a positioning assembly (10), a carrying assembly (20), and an adjusting assembly (30). The carrying assembly is mounted on the positioning assembly and includes poles (22) and slidable members. The slidable members are configured for holding optical members. Each slidable member is slidably mounted on a corresponding pole. The adjusting assembly is mounted on the positioning assembly and the carrying assembly and configured for adjusting a position of the carrying assembly.
US07694689B2	Dish washer and sump mounting structure thereof There is provided a sump mounting structure of a dishwasher having a tub and a sump assembly mounted on a bottom of the tub. The sump mounting structure includes at least one mounting hook unit extending from an outer circumference of the sump assembly and a mounting ring unit associated with the mounting hook unit to prevent the mounting hook unit from shaking.
US07694688B2	Wet clean system design The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for processing and transferring substrates in a multi-chamber processing system that has the capability of receiving and performing single substrate processing steps performed in parallel, while using the many favorable aspects of batch processing. Embodiments of the invention described herein are adapted to maximize system throughput, reduce system cost, reduce cost per substrate during processing, increase system reliability, improve the device yield on the processed substrates, and reduce system footprint. In one embodiment, the cluster tool is adapted to perform a wet/clean process sequence in which various substrate cleaning processes are performed on a substrate in the cluster tool.
US07694686B2	Conditioning process for tobacco and/or snuff compositions A process is provided for producing smokeless tobacco and/or snuff compositions using steam alone in an open vessel or in combination with pressure and venting to alter organoleptic properties of the smokeless tobacco and/or snuff compositions.
US07694682B2	Laryngeal mask and a method manufacturing same The invention relates to a laryngeal mask (1) comprising at least one airway tube (2) and a mask portion (3), which mask portion (3) comprises a top face (4) and a bottom face (5), said bottom face (5) comprising a lumen (6) that communicates with the tube (2) interior (7), and said top face (4) comprising a closed transition face (8), and said mask portion (3) being at least on the bottom face in the periphery delimited by an inflatable cuff (9), and said mask portion (3) comprising a joint throughout the entire internal circumference of the cuff (9), facing towards the lumen (6) and for providing a closed cuff. Hereby a product is provided which is formed integrally with regard to mask portion and airway tube portion thereby eliminating the risk that the two parts are separated in use.
US07694681B2	Variable size endotracheal tube A variable size endotracheal tube (VSET) is described for use in intubation of a body lumen. The VSET includes a flexible, tubular member with a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end includes a tube adapter configured to be coupled to a gas source. In one embodiment, a stent-like infrastructure runs substantially longitudinally along the length of the tubular member. The stent-like infrastructure is configured to variably expand a cross-section of the inner surface of the tubular member along substantially the full length of the tubular member. Furthermore, the stent-like infrastructure is arranged to maintain the variable expansion of the cross-section to substantially prevent stenosis of the body lumen, while the body is intubated.
US07694680B2	Aviator emergency oxygen system A method, a system, and an oxygen delivery boomlet are configured to provide an additional partial pressure of oxygen to an aviator. The boomlet includes a conduit configured to receive an oxygen flow from a positive pressure oxygen source. A nozzle is in communicative connection with the conduit such that the oxygen flow the conduit receives is conducted to the nozzle. The nozzle is configured to direct the conducted flow of oxygen to an interpalatine region of the aviator. The boomlet is configured for attachment to a microphone boom.
US07694679B2	Flow diverter for controlling the pressure and flow rate in CPAP device A flow diverter valve is used in controlling the pressure and/or flow rate of a breathable gas supplied to the airways of a patient by a breathable gas flow generator supply apparatus during, for example, ventilatory assistance treatments such as non-invasive positive pressure ventilation and nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The flow diverter valve includes a vane and a housing. The housing has an inlet port, an outlet port, and an exhaust port. The exhaust port opens to atmosphere, and the inlet port is in fluid communication with the flow generator. The outlet port is in fluid communication with a patient mask via a conduit. The vane is configured with respect to the housing such that a blower associated with the CPAP apparatus remains substantially unchoked, regardless of whether the vane is in the open or closed position.
US07694678B2	Breathable air safety system and method having a fill station A breathable air safety system and method having a fill station are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of safety of a building structure is described. A prescribed pressure of an emergency support system is ensured to be maintained 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. A filling process of a breathable air apparatus is safeguarded by enclosing the breathable air apparatus in a secure chamber of a fill site of the emergency support system of the building structure. The prescribed pressure of the emergency support system is designated based on a municipality code that specifies a pressure rating of the breathable air apparatus. The prescribed pressure of the emergency support system is maintained such that a system pressure is compatible with the breathable air apparatus.
US07694676B2	Dry powder inhaler An inhaler for inhaling powdered pharmaceutical compositions from capsules includes: a lower part; a plate which can be latched to the lower part and with which the lower part can be closed off; a capsule holder for receiving the capsules, this holder being adapted to be lowered into the lower part; a mouthpiece latchable to the plate; a lid which covers the mouthpiece in a closed position and latches it by means of a closure element, the lower part, the plate, the mouthpiece and the lid being hinged together by means of a single joint; and an actuating member which can be moved out a resting position and thereby interacts with at least one pin which can be made to pierce the capsule holder.
US07694675B2	Respirator humidifier An improved, pumpless respirator (ventilator) humidifier is provided with a water refilling device (1, 2) and with an electrically heated evaporator (5). The evaporator (5) has a tubular housing, which is filled with a porous sintered material. A front side of the housing is in liquid connection with the automatic water refilling device (1, 2) and the other front side is in connection with an evaporator chamber (4), through which breathing gas flows. The evaporator (5) is provided with a porous sintered glass or ceramic with a pore size of 10 μm to 40 μm in a first, lower, unheated area (14), and the evaporator (5) is provided with a porous sintered metal with a mean pore size of 50 μm to 200 μm in a second, upper area (15) heated by means of a heater (6).
US07694671B2	Flame focusing ring for stovetop gas burner and universal wok support A flame concentrating ring with an inwardly curved upper wall portion and air inlet vents at its base for encircling a gas burner and directing the flames upwardly and inwardly to focus on the bottom center of a wok A wok support ring straddles a stovetop grate. The wok support ring comprises a truncated conical base having a narrow opening at the top for supporting the bottom of a wok, a wide opening at the bottom thereof which rests on a stove grate, and a plurality of customizable break-away tabs of which a user breaks a plurality out to form stove grate-engaging notches The wok support ring incorporates a plurality of ball bearings to cradle bottom of wok to allow freedom of movement and manipulating of wok.
US07694670B2	Method and apparatus for scribing tile A method and apparatus for scribing tile is disclosed. The disclosed scribing tool preferably comprises a scribe member, a tile engagement member, and an extension member. The scribe member is preferably connected to the tile engagement member via the extension member. The extension member is preferably pivotally connected to the scribe member and both pivotally and slideably connected to the tile engagement member.
US07694654B2	Internal combustion engine for small planing boat An internal combustion engine for a small planing boat for preventing supercooling of the internal combustion engine before warm-up while enabling efficient cooling of the internal combustion engine after warm-up. An internal combustion engine for a small planing boat includes a first cooling water path B through which cooling water introduced from a jet propulsion pump flows toward an internal combustion engine main body via an exhaust manifold. A second cooling water path C is provided through which cooling water introduced from the jet propulsion pump flows toward an exhaust pipe via an oil cooler. A bypass cooling water path D is provided for branching a part of cooling water in the second cooling water path C which flows out from the oil cooler, so as to merge into cooling water in the first cooling water path B which flows into the internal combustion engine main body.
US07694653B2	Animal chew containing hard and soft chewing surfaces An animal chew for chewing by an animal comprising a body portion including an outer layer having a first hardness, the body portion having a first and second end sections with an edge thereof. An end piece is supplied having a hardness that is greater than the first hardness, the end piece configured to engage with the body portion, wherein the end piece protects the edge section of the end piece from contact by the animal during chewing.
US07694650B2	Exhaust monitoring cup An exhaust monitoring cup which measures exhaust gas flowing through a top opening in a coater cup of a spin coating apparatus used in the deposition of photoresist coatings on semiconductor wafers. The exhaust monitoring cup includes a gas flow cup which is positioned in fluid communication with the top opening of the coater cup. The exhaust gas flows through a gas flow opening in the gas flow cup, and a flow rate measuring apparatus at the gas flow opening receives the exhaust gas and measures the flow rate thereof. The flow rate of the gas leaving the gas flow cup can be compared to the flow rate of the gas flowing from an exhaust conduit leading from the bottom of the coater cup, to facilitate detection of abnormal conditions in the coater cup or exhaust conduit.
US07694649B2	Substrate processing system and method of controlling the same A process system includes a plurality of processing modules each processing a substrate with a process liquid. There is disposed a dispensing mechanism that dispenses the process liquid to the vertically arranged modules. The dispensing mechanism is provided with a process liquid supply source, and pumps corresponding to the respective processing modules. Each pump temporarily stores therein the process liquid which has been pressure-fed through a riser piping from the process liquid supply source by a pressing apparatus, and delivers the process liquid from an outlet. There are disposed nozzles each having a discharge port and discharging the process liquid to the corresponding processing module. Delivery pipings connecting the outlets of the pumps with the discharge ports of the corresponding nozzles have identical length to each other.
US07694644B2	Method and device for pattern coating A method for coating a dispersion slurry containing a solid SAP dispersed in a dispersion medium on a surface of a substrate sheet are provided. The method is characterized in that a first region and a second region are formed on the surface of the substrate sheet with a convex-and-concave pattern wherein the first region have the coating layer in thicker thickness and the second region have the coating layer in thinner thickness or does not scarcely have the coating layer, by means of positioning the rotating pattern roll over the substrate sheet via the cover film, of supplying the dispersion slurry between the substrate sheet and the cover film while rotating the rotating pattern roll, and of pushing the coating layer with the rotating pattern roll via the cover film, when the coating layer of the dispersion slurry is formed.
US07694638B1	Modular liquid metering system for an agricultural implement A liquid metering system for an agricultural implement is modular, having individual metering pumps for each crop row. The pumps are individually controlled for precise application of the liquid input and are preferable electrically driven. A common pump is used, making the system modular in that varying sizes of implements can be produced by varying the number of pumps. A common supply line is used to supply a liquid input from a reservoir to the pumps. Each pump is connected to the common supply line. By connecting each pump to the common supply line, the difficulty of routing individual hoses from a central pump to each row unit are overcome.
US07694637B2	Method and apparatus for a simplified primary air system for improving fluid flow and gas mixing in recovery boilers This invention improves gas mixing and combustion, gaseous fluid flow and control of the char bed in recovery boilers burning black liquor or soda liquor, requires fewer primary air ports than conventional methods and can reduce capital and operating costs. Some primary air is introduced as powerful principal jets, from two opposing so-called active furnace walls. All or most of the remainder of the primary air is introduced as smaller jets, called scavenging jets, which prevent char from accumulating in the furnace corners and, in some cases, between the principal jets and are in the same plane as the principal jets. The momentum flux of each of the principal jets is approximately double or more than double that of each scavenging jet. Some of the primary air may be introduced as central jets, from the remaining two furnace walls and located in the same plane as the other ports, or on a second, somewhat higher plane. The momentum flux of the central jets is less than that of the principal jets.
US07694630B2	Railway maintenance vehicle with balanced bulk storage A railway vehicle movable on a railroad track having a frame configured for movement relative to the track is provided. The vehicle includes a bulk storage container disposed on the frame and located generally at the center of gravity of the vehicle.
US07694627B2	Blast sequence control A marker for use in a blasting system which includes a harness, the marker including a control unit, a memory in which information is stored and a connector for connection to a selected location on the harness whereby, upon receipt of an enabling signal via the harness, the information is made available by the control unit.
US07694624B2	Cabinet design of filter holder for pressurized espresso machines This invention provides a brewing head unit of a coffee machine for easily inserting or removing the filter (15) and locking the filter and the filter holder (17) into the brewing head of a coffee machine to form a water-and pressure tight connection. The filter and the filter holder can be inserted into the coffee machine of the present invention visually. This invention also provides a cabinet filter holder which can be inserted or placed into the brewing head assembly or unit of a coffee machine by sliding the filter holder into the brewing head unit from the front, to or side or by swinging the filter holder, which is movable attached to the brewing head assembly or unit on a pivot, into the coffee machine. This invention further provides a brewing head assembly or unit, wherein the locking mechanism (13, 20) for placing or orienting the filter holder and securing the filter holder to the brewing head assembly or unit is motor-driven. This invention further provides a cabinet filter design wherein the boiler (19) or heating system is separated from the brewing head assembly or unit.
US07694622B2	Fluid pressure operated piston engine apparatus and method A fluid pressure operated piston engine apparatus generally includes a piston unit, a valve configured to selectively direct pressurized fluid into the piston unit, a valve shifting mechanism, and a magnetic detent device. The magnetic detent device includes a valve actuating member coupled to a valve element in the valve. The valve actuating member is movable between first and second magnetically held positions respectively holding the valve element in first and second positions. The valve shifting mechanism includes a biasing device operatively connected to a shaft associated with the piston unit. As the shaft approaches the first and second ends of its stroke, the biasing forces are used at least partially overcome magnetic attraction holding the valve actuating member. In this manner, the valve actuating member moves between first and second magnetically held positions to cause the valve element to shift and redirect pressurized fluid into the piston chamber of the piston unit to effect reversal of the direction of travel of the shaft.
US07694617B2	Gift wrap paper cutter A gift wrap paper cutter that is used to both store a tube of gift wrap and also to cut off a desired length of gift wrapping from the tube. The cutter comprises an outer casing that has a track running lengthwise within the outer casing. Within the track is a razor blade that is axially mounted within a movable casing that can be slid back and forth lengthwise along the track. A pair of springs are attached to the axle, ensuring that the razor blade, in its default position, is located above a length of gift wrap paper and does not cut the paper. However, an individual can push down on a handle attached to the razor blade, causing one of the ends of the razor blade to be pushed into the length of gift wrap paper, allowing the individual to cut the gift wrap paper lengthwise.
US07694615B2	Slicer A food slicer having a blade is disclosed having a runway for supporting food prior to cutting by the blade and a landing for supporting the blade and the food after being cut. The runway and landing are adjustable for selecting a thickness of a food slice. The runway and landing are simultaneously adjusted, by a single mechanism, so that the blade and runway are maintained generally parallel with respect to each other. The adjusting mechanism includes a plurality of rotatable cam portions that engage with respective portions on the runway and landing so that each of the runway and landing may be oppositely pivoted around an end to maintain the parallel relationship. The food slicer also includes on-board storage for inserts, such as julienning or cubing inserts. The storage is located on a bottom of the runway, which is pivoted upward for storage.
US07694605B2	Gear change control system of automatic transmission A gear change control system of an automatic transmission, include: a shift member, including a shaft portion which is disposed in such a manner that a selection axis thereof is oriented in a selecting direction and including an arm portion; shift fork portions, operable to make gear shifts of gears; shift rail members, connected to the sift fork portions and arranged in such a manner that shift axes thereof are oriented in a shifting direction; and shift lug members, projecting from the shift rail members and including pillar-shaped portions. The arm portion swings about the selection axis to apply a pressure in the shifting direction from one side of the pillar-shaped portion so as to cause the shift fork portion to perform a shift making operation, and to apply a pressure in the shifting direction from the other side of the pillar-shaped portion so as to cause the shift fork portion to perform a shift withdrawing operation.
US07694602B2	Automatic transmission apparatus and automatic transmission method for vehicle An automatic transmission apparatus (1) for a vehicle includes: a shift lever (11) for changing the range of an automatic transmission (50); a position gate (13) which restricts the position of the shift lever (11) and which releases the restriction to allow the position of the shift lever (11) to be changed when an operation button (14) provided on the shift lever (11) is pressed; a torque sensor (30) which detects an operation force of the shift lever (11); and a motor (M) for power-assisting the operation of the shift lever (11) based on a detected value of the torque sensor (30), wherein, when the shift lever (11) is operated and brought into contact with the position gate (13), and the detected value of the torque sensor (30) is reversed to any one of a positive value and a negative value, a driving force of the motor (M) is limited to prevent the shift lever (11) from being power-assisted in a reversed direction.
US07694596B2	Gear system and rotary transducer equipped with this gear system In a gear system and a rotary transducer provided with the gear system, the gear system includes a first part, a convex toothed wheel, a supporting body, relative to which the first part and the convex toothed wheel are rotationally mounted, and engaging elements which mesh with the toothed wheel according to the rotational position of the first part. The engaging elements carry out a movement with a radial directional component relative to the toothed wheel. A force with a tangential directional component is applied to the toothed wheel, the force being the result of the interaction between the engaging elements and the supporting body.
US07694590B2	Force-measuring element A force-measuring element, having a series connection of at least two capacitors, the force-measuring element being designed in such a way that, under the action of force, a first capacitance of a first capacitor of the at least two capacitors increases and a second capacitance of a second capacitor of the at least two capacitors decreases, in which the force-measuring element is in the form of a connecting element, in which an application of force is provided on a long side of a sleeve of the force-measuring element, and the at least two capacitors are separated by a bar that essentially stands firm during the action of force, so that a first space having the first capacitor above the bar becomes smaller as a result of the application of force, and below the bar a second space becomes larger.
US07694588B2	Adjustment and stabilization unit with a force-sensing device for torque measurement An adjustment and stabilization unit (1), such as for a weapon, includes a movable platform (3), a rotational mass (2) mounted on the platform and stabilized in inertial space, and an adjustment drive (6) for adjusting the rotational mass. The adjustment drive includes a driving device (7) connecting the adjustment drive with the rotational mass, a force-sensing device (16) for measuring torque, and at least one stabilization control circuit for controlling the rotary adjustment drive by means of the measured torque. The force-sensing device (16) has an annular design and is arranged between the platform (3) and the adjustment drive (6). The driving device has a shaft (10) that extends through force-sensing device (16). The force-sensing device measures the torque transmitted between the adjustment drive and the platform, and being transmitted to the adjustment drive as a result of an acceleration of the rotational mass.
US07694586B2	Device for measuring force by resistive detection with double Wheatstone bridge A device for measuring force by resistive detection includes a double Wheatstone bridge having at least eight resistive gauges arranged on a membrane where each of the Wheastone bridges are respectively arranged on disjointed portions of the membrane, and two resistive gauges of at least one Wheatstone bridge are reside on a non-deformable area of the membrane.
US07694583B2	Gripper gage assembly A gage and gripper assembly for directly measuring characteristics of a workpiece. The assembly is adapted to be attached to a transfer mechanism, such as a robot arm, and includes a head having a gripper and a gage. The gripper is adapted to lift and hold the workpiece using jaws or other mechanisms, and the gage is adapted to directly measure characteristics of the workpiece while the workpiece is held by the gripper.
US07694582B2	Deformation sensor A first deformation sensor is arranged in a shock transmission member which is built in a vehicle and which constitutes a transmission path of a shock applied from the outside. A second deformation sensor is arranged in an exterior member which is exposed to the outside of a vehicle. Each of the first and second deformation sensors comprises a main body of sensor which has an elastomer and spherical conductive fillers blended in the elastomer in an approximately single particle state and with a high filling rate, and in which an electric resistance increases as an elastic deformation increases, and an electrode which is connected with the main body of sensor and is able to output the electric resistance.
US07694580B2	Biodegradable test cylinder mold A biodegradable test cylinder mold is used for testing concrete specimens. The mold comprises a cylindrical wall connected to a bottom wall to define a hollow, unitary cylindrical container for receiving concrete to form a test specimen. The cylindrical container is formed of a biodegradable material comprising corn starch or a blend of corn starch and plastic.
US07694578B2	Method of evaluating materials using curvature A method of evaluating material properties of polymeric materials includes making one or more material samples or slabs, with each of the samples or slabs having a pair of material layers in contact with one another. The layers are layers of organic matrix polymer material that have different characteristics from each other, for example having a difference in composition and/or cure characteristics. Characteristics of the test slabs and the interface between the layers can be determined by examining curvatures of the test slabs. A number of samples may be made up having the same material in a first layer, and range of different materials in the respective second layers. The range may cover a range of various material compositions and/or cure characteristics.
US07694573B2	Mechanically calibrated analog transducer for position or a related physical quantity An analogue position transducer, usable for example as a pressure switch in a household appliance, includes a rigid casing accommodating a deformable membrane sensitive to hydraulic pressure, a first element engaged to the membrane so as to be mobile along with at least one portion of membrane in a predetermined direction (A), and a second element fixed to the casing and operatively coupled with the first element to provide a signal variable according to the relative position of the first element with respect to the second element. Between the first element and a portion of the membrane, an element is interposed for varying, along the predetermined direction, the relative position of the first element with respect to the portion of the membrane. The transducer also includes a spring fitted and preloaded between the casing and the membrane, and a further element for adjusting the preload of the spring.
US07694572B2	Pressure-measuring device A pressure-measuring device has an initial pressure-measuring cell (1′) with a first thermal expansion coefficient (α1), a first housing (1), which is surrounded circumferentially by a second housing (1) having a second thermal expansion coefficient (α2) which is greater than the first thermal expansion coefficient (α1), and an O-ring, which is positioned between the pressure-measuring cell (1′) and the second housing (2), such that a third housing (3) is provided which circumferentially encloses both the pressure-measuring cell (1′) and the second housing, (2) and which has a third thermal expansion coefficient (α3) that is less than or equal to the first thermal expansion coefficient (α1).
US07694570B1	Non-invasive dry coupled disposable/reusable ultrasonic sensor A non-invasive dry coupled disposable/reusable ultrasonic sensor has a housing and a piezoelectric element at one end of the housing to which connected signal leads are connected that extend out from the housing. A piece of double-sided adhesive tape has one adhesive side secured directly to the face at the one end of the housing with the other adhesive side to be secured directly to the outer surface of a pipe or vessel. The tape can cover the entire face of the one end of the housing or only that part that the piezoelectric element faces.
US07694565B2	Acoustic method for measuring a signal propagation time in a medical liquid and device for using this method This invention relates to the field of signal transit time sensors, in particular sensors based on ultrasonic transit times. Existing electronic control circuits for such transit time sensors for measurements on medical liquids, in particular blood, are extremely complex or their time resolution is limited. However, the present invention makes use of a simple measurement technique which cannot be used directly at first for the time resolution to be achieved. In this method, an ordinary sampling method is used to detect the received signal (12). An oscillator-like received signal (12) generated by an emitted step-like signal is first sampled during a half-period (14, 15) and is checked with the help of a selection criterion. Only when the result of this check is positive is at least one interpolated or extrapolated contact point (20, 21) of the received signal (12) with a resting level (11) determined in a received signal-time diagram with the help of which the signal transit time or the change in signal transit time is determined.
US07694558B2	Downhole washout detection system and method Disclosed herein is a method of detecting a downhole washout. The method includes, positioning a plurality of sensors along a downhole drillstring, communicatively coupling the plurality of sensors to a processor, and analyzing data sensed by the plurality of sensors with the processor for relationships indicative of a washout.
US07694555B2	Brake pad prognosis system A method for providing an estimate of brake pad thickness. The method employs fusion of sensors, if used, and driver brake modeling to predict the vehicle brake pad life. An algorithm is employed that uses various inputs, such as brake pad friction material properties, brake pad cooling rate, brake temperature, vehicle mass, road grade, weight distribution, brake pressure, brake energy, braking power, etc. to provide the estimation. The method calculates brake work using total work minus losses, such as aerodynamic drag resistance, engine braking and/or braking power as braking torque times velocity divided by rolling resistance to determine the brake rotor and lining temperature. The method then uses the brake temperature to determine the brake pad wear, where the wear is accumulated for each braking event. A brake pad sensor can be included to provide one or more indications of brake pad thickness from which the estimation can be revised.
US07694552B2	High quality factor resonators for liquid immersion biological and chemical sensors A mechanical resonator capable of providing an intrinsically high mechanical quality factor in immersion is provided. The resonator includes a membrane attached at its perimeter to a frame, such that a front side of the membrane is in contact with the liquid, and the back side of the membrane is not in contact with the liquid or the frame. The membrane can act as a mechanical resonator. The quality factor of this resonator is enhanced by providing a pressure release boundary region on the frame in proximity to the membrane and in contact with the liquid. The pressure release boundary region provides a soft boundary condition, in the sense that a mechanical impedance on the solid side of the solid-liquid interface is less than the liquid mechanical impedance. Providing such a soft boundary condition reduces the mechanical energy loss due to excitation of waves in the liquid, thereby improving resonator quality factor. Such high-Q resonators are particularly useful for sensor applications.
US07694548B2	Method and apparatus for testing an object The preferred form of the present invention is directed to systems and methods used to test objects including but not limited to filters, respirator cartridges and filter media. The object to be tested is subjected to an aerosol challenge while the penetration percentage and resistance at a given flow are monitored to ensure that the object will function as desired. Preferably, the test object is challenged with a salt aerosol. However, any suitable aerosol may be used. A replenishment member is provided for automatically and continuously replenishing the reservoir of an aerosol generator. The replenishment member is configured such that there is no need for an operator to monitor the liquid level in the aerosol generator reservoir either during replenishment or at anytime while the apparatus is operated. The replenishment member of the preferred form of the present invention does not require interruption of the filter testing process to replenish the aerosol generator reservoir. The preferred form of the present invention supplies heated air to the aerosol generator reservoir to significantly reduce the liquid needed to be collected in the drip jar of the impactor. This feature prolongs the run time of the test system. A control device is operably associated with the heater to activate and deactivate the heater depending upon detection of pressurized gas supplied to the aerosol generator. This feature prevents the heater from irreparably damaging the test unit and/or the surrounding environment.
US07694547B2	Robust high temperature composite and CO sensor made from such composite Described herein is a composite exhibiting a change in electrical resistance proportional to the concentration of a reducing gas present in a gas mixture, detector and sensor devices comprising the composite, a method for making the composite and for making devices comprising the composite, and a process for detecting and measuring a reducing gas in an atmosphere. In particular, the reducing gas may be carbon monoxide and the composite may comprise rutile-phase TiO2 particles and platinum nanoclusters. The composite, upon exposure to a gas mixture containing CO in concentrations of up to 10,000 ppm, exhibits an electrical resistance proportional to the concentration of the CO present. The composite is useful for making sensitive, low drift, fast recovering detectors and sensors, and for measuring CO concentrations in a gas mixture present at levels from sub-ppm up to 10,000 ppm. The composites, and devices made from the composites, are stable and operable in a temperature range of from about 450° C. to about 700° C., such as may be found in a combustion chamber.
US07694546B2	Porosity reference standard utilizing one or more hollow, non-cylindrical shafts The invention relates to pseudo porosity standards, and methods for their manufacture and use, which may substantially mimic the effect porosity has on ultrasonic sound as it passes through a composite laminate. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for composite materials having porosity may include a member having at least one thickness. The member may be defined by at least one hollow, non-spherical shaft. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. The non-spherical shaft may scatter and attenuate ultrasonic energy. The reference standard may replace more costly, porous, fiber-reinforced, composite reference standards in the aircraft industry and in other non-aircraft applications.
US07694544B2	Pressing device for forming steel sheet blanks into clips A pressing device for forming steel sheet blanks into clips, which comprise curved planking elements and rectilinear stringer elements for connecting a fuselage cell skin to a stringer and to an annular rib in an aircraft fuselage, comprises at least one curved upper tool, at least one curved lower tool, at least one rectilinear upper tool, and at least one rectilinear lower tool. A steel sheet blank is receivable and formable between the at least one curved upper and lower tools and the at least one rectilinear upper and lower tools. The at least one curved upper and lower tool each comprises an upper and lower convexity surface designed to essentially correspond to each other in order to form the curved planking element in a single stroke surface model forming process by simultaneously bending and stamping. The at least one rectilinear upper tool and the at least one rectilinear lower tool each comprises an upper and lower bending surface designed to correspond to each other in order to form the rectilinear stringer element.
US07694540B2	Device and method for damping vibration of rotating shaft system A device for damping runout vibration of a rotating shaft system at least including a rotating shaft and a rotating body rotatably supported by the shaft. A ring (24) is provided outside a bearing (23) fitted on a rotating shaft with a clearance between the ring and an outer ring of the bearing. A vibration damping mechanism includes, in order to suppress runout vibration of a rotating shaft system from the radially outside of the ring (24), a blade spring (25) compressed by a preload and a stopper (26) for setting an operation limit of the blade spring.
US07694538B2	Device and method for sensing temperature of a rotating electromagnetic machine A system and method of determining the temperature of a rotating electromagnetic machine, such as an electric motor or generator. A temperature calibration parameter is calculated based on the temperature of an object situated close to the motor, such as a motor drive connected to the motor, and a first resistance value of the winding. In exemplary embodiments, the motor drive and first resistance value are determined only after the motor has been idle for some predetermined time period. Once the calibration parameter is calculated, the processor uses it along with subsequent resistance measurements to calculate the temperature of the motor.
US07694535B2	Method of fiberizing molten glass Methods for substantially improving the stability of a melting furnace system including bushings and cooling apparatus for converting molten mineral material to continuous fibers is disclosed. Apparatus and methods for maintaining the molten material throughput and the electrical power load on fiberizing bushings substantially constant are disclosed. The orifice plate, with or without tips or nozzles, is subjected to a more rapid rate of heat removal after the bushing breaks out than it did while the bushing was in a desired fiberizing mode. Apparatus for blowing cooling air upward onto the orifice plate during the time the bushing is breaking out and/or hanging to provide additional cooling is disclosed along with optional additional or alternative apparatus to use for optional additional or alternative cooling is also disclosed.
US07694534B2	Cooling tube mechanism for an I.S. machine A parison is blown into a bottle in a mold at the blow station of an I.S. Machine. Pressurized air is supplied to the mold through a cooling tube which will be displaced downwardly from an up position, where the parison will be blown into a bottle, to a down position following the formation of the bottle. The pressure of the air is decreased as the cooling tube is displaced from the up position to the down position.
US07694533B2	Method for the refining of glass A method for the refining of glass by means of high temperatures in a skull crucible is provided. The method includes introducing a glass melt in the skull crucible through an inlet disposed at an upper region of the skull crucible, heating the skull crucible by irradiation of high-frequency energy, and discharging the glass melt from the skull crucible through an outlet disposed at the upper region, the outlet being disposed at a place essentially lying opposite the inlet.
US07694532B1	System and method for tempering glass containers A system and method is provided for tempering a glass container. The method includes the steps of pre-heating the glass container to a first predetermined temperature. The method also includes the steps of applying radio-frequency energy to the pre-heated glass container to heat the glass container to a second predetermined temperature and, after a predetermined amount of time, simultaneously cooling at least one surface of the heated glass container to a third predetermined temperature to treat the glass container. The method further includes the steps of, after a predetermined amount of time, quenching the treated glass container to a fourth predetermined temperature to produce a tempered glass container.
US07694527B2	Control stability system for moist air dehumidification units and method of operation A system and humidity control method is provided for a multi-stage cooling system having two or more refrigerant circuits that balances humidity control and cooling demand. Each refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a vessel and an evaporator. A hot gas reheat circuit having a heat exchange coil is connected to one of the refrigerant circuits and is placed in fluid communication with the output airflow from the evaporator of that refrigerant circuit to provide additional dehumidification to the air when humidity control is requested. The hot gas reheat circuit bypasses the vessel of the refrigerant circuit during humidity control. Humidity control is performed during cooling operations and ventilation operations. During a first stage cooling operation using only one refrigerant circuit and having a low cooling demand, the request for humidity control activates the hot gas reheat circuit for dehumidification and activates a second refrigerant circuit to provide cooling capacity. The hot gas reheat circuit is sized to match the cooling provided by the evaporator so that air cooled by passing through the evaporator can be reheated. Excess refrigerant is passed into the inactive cooling circuit so that proper pressure and temperature can be maintained in the active reheat circuit and so that high head pressure that can damage the compressor can be avoided. During a second stage cooling operation using two or more refrigerant circuit and having a high cooling demand, the request for humidity control is suspended and is initiated only upon the completion of the second stage cooling demand.
US07694523B2	Control system for gas turbine in material treatment unit This invention discloses systems and methods for control of a gas turbine or a gas turbine generator, where the gas turbine is connected to a dryer vessel in which gas turbine exhaust gases are used to heat treat a material in the dryer vessel. The control system comprises one or more sensors for temperature, moisture and/or flow rate in the dryer vessel and/or of the material inside, entering and/or exiting the dryer vessel and a controller responsive to the sensor for controlling the fuel and/or air flow into the gas turbine. This control system and method enables providing the appropriate heat output from the gas turbine to meet the process heat required for the desired material treatment. Optionally, the gas turbine can be a liquid fuel turbine engine, or a reciprocating engine can be substituted for the turbine engine.
US07694521B2	Installation structure of pilot nozzle of combustor Pilot fuel injected from fuel injection ports 21 of a pilot nozzle 2 bumps against an inner wall surface of a tapered portion of an inner circumference of a cone 41 of a pilot cone 4. At this time, the position where a pilot fuel from the fuel injection ports 21 hits is located in a range from a middle of the tapered portion of the inner circumference of a cone 41 to a downstream-side tip thereof.
US07694519B2	Turbine compound system A turbo-compound system having a crankshaft driven by an internal combustion engine; having an exhaust gas turbine arranged in the flow of exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine; having a hydrodynamic coupling, having a primary impeller and a secondary impeller, together forming a working chamber which may be filled or is filled with a working medium, which is arranged in a driven connection between the crankshaft and the exhaust gas turbine in such a way that, when the working chamber of the hydrodynamic coupling is filled, for the exhaust gas turbine driven by the exhaust-gas flow, drive power is transmitted from the exhaust gas turbine to the crankshaft.
US07694517B2	Master cylinder, method for manufacturing a master cylinder, and check valve system of the master cylinder A master cylinder designed to facilitate an operation of assembling and adjusting a check valve is provided. A supply passage for supplying operating fluid from a reservoir 2 to a pressure chamber 6 is formed in a cylinder body 3 connected to the reservoir 2. A bypass 37 for bypassing the supply passage connecting the reservoir 2 and the pressure chamber 6 is formed and provided with a check valve system 34 adapted to open when a pressure in the pressure chamber 6 is lower than that in the reservoir 2. A valve case 38 and a covering member 32 constitute a cartridge 39, which accommodates a valve body 41 and an urging spring 42, so as to form a check valve system 34. The cartridge 39 is placed in a valve chamber 33 of the bypass 37.
US07694515B2	Engine An engine is provided that utilizes an active heat exchanger such as a heat pump to transfer heat into and remove heat from a low boiling point liquid that is disposed in a pair of diametrically opposed containers. The addition of heat into the low-boiling point liquid causes the liquid to move vertically from a bottom container to a top container, transforming the transferred heat energy into potential energy. The top container is allowed to fall under the weight of the transferred liquid, transforming the potential energy to kinetic energy which is used to perform the desired work. The expanding low-boiling point liquid can also be used to advance a magnetic back and forth through a wire coiling to produce an electric current, converting the transferred heat energy into electrical energy. The use of an active heat exchanger such as a heat pump permits the use of one unit of electrical energy to transfer 3 to 5 units of heat energy.
US07694513B2	Wave power apparatus comprising a plurality of arms arranged to pivot with a mutual phase shift A wave power apparatus includes a plurality of rotationally supported arms, each of which carries a float (124) at its free end, so that a translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in rotation of the arm. The apparatus comprises power conversion means for converting power transmitted from the wave to the arms into electric power, e.g. a hydraulic system, in which a hydraulic fluid is displaced by the movement of the arms to drive one or more hydraulic motors. The plurality of are arranged in a row such that a wave passing the row of arms causes the arms to successively pivot with a mutual phase shift. Thereby, an even power output may be achieved, and the need for frequency converters may be reduced or eliminated. Preferably, each arm is connected to a hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic system, whereby a plurality of arms feed hydraulic medium into the hydraulic motor or motors through common hydraulic conduits.
US07694507B2	Control apparatus of internal combustion engine In an engine including an in-cylinder injector and an intake manifold injector, the fuel injection ratio between the injectors with respect to a total fuel injection quantity in the homogeneous combustion operation is normally set in accordance with the engine operation state (engine speed, load factor). Upon transition from the stratified charge combustion operation to the homogeneous combustion operation, the fuel injection ratio is modified from that of the normal operation during a prescribed control period so that the fuel injection quantity from the intake manifold injector is increased than in the normal operation state, considering that the fuel newly injected via the in-cylinder injector immediately after transition of operation mode is likely to deposit inside the combustion chamber because of the fuel deposited therein during the stratified charge combustion operation. This prevents combustion deterioration in the engine upon transition of the operation mode.
US07694505B2	Gas turbine engine assembly and method of assembling same A method of assembling a gas turbine assembly includes providing a core gas turbine engine including a high-pressure compressor, a combustor, and a turbine, coupling a low-pressure turbine axially aft from the core gas turbine engine, coupling a fan assembly axially forward from the core gas turbine engine, and coupling a booster compressor to the low-pressure turbine such that the booster compressor and the low-pressure turbine rotate at a first rotational speed.
US07694504B1	Secondary feeder rotor behind undershot precutter A round baler has an overshot secondary rotor located behind an undershot precutter rotor. The round baler has a relatively wide swath crop pick-up and a baling chamber with a significantly more narrow inlet. The precutter rotor has a central region supporting a plurality of rotatable crop conveying members interleaved by both a set of relatively fixed cutting blades and a set of relatively fixed strippers for urging cut crop away from the rotor, and end regions supporting rotatable helically disposed bands for receiving wide swath crop from the pick-up arrangement and urging the received crop toward the central region. The secondary rotor creates an S-shaped or serpentine crop path with minimal dead space and is a positive feeder for bale starting. Stationary strippers for the secondary rotor prevent crop from exiting the baler behind the secondary rotor.
US07694501B1	Seed gathering device for use by an agricultural harvester A work machine for harvesting a cane crop having a lower crop material gathering device. The work machine has a direction of travel and the work machine has a chassis and an upper crop material gathering device coupled to the chassis. The upper crop material gathering device includes at least one moving device and a stalk cutting device. The at least one moving device is configured to substantially surround a stalk of a cane crop plant as the at least one moving device moves. The at least one moving device is further configured to bend the head of the cane crop plant in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of travel. The stalk cutting device is positioned proximate to the at least one moving device. The stalk engaging device being configured to cut the peduncle of the cane crop plant.
US07694498B2	Gas filling apparatus and gas filling port thereof The present invention provides a gas filling apparatus and gas filling port thereof. The gas filling apparatus is connected with the air feed apparatus which is introduced the gas into the first inlet port of the semiconductor device or reticle storage apparatus. The gas filling apparatus includes a supporting base which is provided to hold the storage apparatus thereon, and at least one second inlet port which is disposed on the first inlet port of the storage apparatus so as to the gas is flowed into the storage apparatus through the second inlet port. The second inlet port includes a first base, a second base, a first elastic element, a fixing element, and a switch device. Both of the first base and second base have through holes, and opposite to each other. The first elastic element is used to maintain the airtight and is disposed on the second base and opposite to the first inlet port of the storage apparatus used to maintain the airtight. The fixing element is used to fix the elastic element on the second base. The switch device is disposed on the gap in the middle of the first base and the second base, and is provided to control the input or output for the gas of the second inlet port.
US07694493B2	Waste disposal device including a geared rotating cartridge A geared rotating cartridge for a waste disposal device having a geared rotation mechanism comprising an assembly of gears mounted on the device. The outside wall of the cartridge comprises a plurality of projections forming the teeth of a circumferential gear. The circumferential gear is operatively positioned thereon to interact with the assembly of gears of the geared rotation mechanism to allow for rotation of the cartridge directly by the geared rotation mechanism.
US07694490B2	Closing tool assembly A closing tool assembly for a clip machine, in particular for a sausage clipping machine, containing: at least one first and at least one second tool holder, which can be moved to positions opposite each other and reversibly towards each other, and each of which supports at least one first and at least one second closing tool, wherein the first and second closing tool are each replaceably held on the first and the second tool holder by means of a fixing device. A linear guide contour is further provided on at least one of the two tool holders, and a linear guide counter-contour complementary thereto is further provided on the associated closing tool.
US07694488B2	Eave for a building According to the invention, a method of making an eave for a roof on a building is disclosed. The method may include providing a structure with at least two sides and a roof frame. The method may further include coupling at least two of a plurality of eave blocks with a first trim piece. The method may also include a step of coupling at least two of the plurality of eave blocks with a side of the structure. The method may additionally include coupling a roof piece with a top of the roof frame and a top of at least two of the plurality of eave blocks.
US07694487B1	Setting a tubular post for an electric fixture in soil A tubular post for a light or other electrical device is mounted in soil with the use of an anchor which is comprised of a vertical sleeve and a flange which extends horizontally from the lower end of the sleeve. A flat bottom excavation is made in soil, to receive the anchor. Electrical conductors are run across the top of the flange, through ports in the sleeve and up the interior of the post. A stop within the bore of the sleeve limits downward movement of the post which is inserted into the top of the bore, to enable the running of the conductors through the ports. The excavation is then backfilled. When the anchor has been installed in soil so that top of the sleeve is near the surface, the post may be lifted from the sleeve and replaced without making a new excavation.
US07694486B2	Deployable truss having second order augmentation A deployable truss is formed from a plurality of column members connected at their ends where at least some of the column members are formed from column assemblies, each including a plurality of strut members that are at least connected to each other at a first and second end of the column assembly. For added rigidity, strut members of a column assembly may be connected to each other between the first and second ends using, for example, a rigidizable resin, a fixed spacer, or a deployable spacer. Connecting strut members between the ends of the column assembly provides mutual bracing to the strut members and decreases the free buckling length of the individual strut members. Spacers are preferably configured to radially space the strut members away from the longitudinal centerline of the column assembly to increase its moment of inertia, and hence its buckling strength.
US07694475B2	Fire rated glass flooring A fire rated glass flooring system comprising a first layer of glass which is a structural glass and a second layer of glass which is a fire rated glass, together with a structural frame supporting the flooring system, wherein the two layers of glass are positioned one above the other and are separated by at least one load transferring means. The flooring system is more aesthetic than conventional frames as the user of a load transferring means allows the first and second layers of glass to be brought closer together and hence the structural frame supporting the system is less visible through the system.
US07694473B2	Wind energy plant tower A wind energy plant tower with a tower portion made of a concrete material and a steel-made tubular tower segment, which has on its foot a plurality of connection bores for the connection to the tower portion made of the concrete material, wherein the tower portion made of the concrete material has a head portion with a plurality of openings and a plurality of anchor bolts are provided, which can be fastened after the completion of the tower portion made of the concrete material each at a time in or on one of the connection bores on the foot of the steel-made tower segment and one of the openings in the head portion.
US07694472B2	Manufacture of thermally insulated frame members A thermally insulated frame member includes first and second elongate frame components (10, 12), an elongate thermally insulating material bridge component (14) securing the first and second elongate frame components (10, 12) to one another to define an elongate open channel, and a resin material (22) located within the channel.
US07694471B2	Astragal boot An astragal boot for mounting onto a lower end of an astragal includes a platform, a first and second lateral fin spaced from each other and projecting downwardly from the platform, and an auxiliary fin disposed between the first and second lateral fins. The auxiliary fin defines an auxiliary fin edge extending from the first lateral fin to the second lateral fin for sealing engagement with the threshold. The auxiliary fin includes a hub portion and a first and second leg portion each extending from the hub portion to the first and second lateral fins, respectively. The first leg portion extends along a first direction defining a portion of the auxiliary fin edge along the first direction and the second leg portion extends along a second direction at an obtuse angle relative to the first direction defining another portion of the auxiliary fin edge along the second direction.
US07694468B2	Window framing system with decorative overlay and method for using the same An aesthetically pleasing, slim profile window frame assembly that is capable of retaining a shutter. Specifically, the window frame assembly of the present invention comprises a core substrate coupled to a flange. Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a core substrate having a thickness less than 5/16 inch and having, by volume, an elastic modulus greater than wood. A flange comprises a depth sufficient to retain a hinge attached to a window covering, such as a shutter. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a decorative covering to be coupled to the core substrate and/or flange such that a portion of the window frame assembly is thereby concealed. The improved strength per volume of the present invention facilitates shutter installation by a “do-it-yourself” homeowner or handyman as well as by a skilled carpenter.
US07694467B2	Roof ventilation assembly A roof ventilation assembly has a ridge framework corresponding to a vent on a roof, a top cover, front and rear panels and two baffler assemblies. The two baffler assemblies are respectively mounted on two sides of the ridge framework leaving two gaps between the baffler assemblies and the top cover. When heated air under the roof rises, the heated air goes through the vent and out of the slots. Therefore, the heated air can be expelled by the roof ventilation assembly cheaply and easily, without requiring maintenance and external power source.
US07694466B2	Solar cell unit attaching apparatus An apparatus for holding a plurality of solar cell units includes a mounting member to be fixed onto a roof, a plurality of fixtures, and a frame member having to-be-sandwiched portions to be sandwiched and fixed between the mounting member and the fixtures, and grooves that support the ends of the plate-shaped solar cell units. The to-be-sandwiched portions of the frame members are positioned inside projection plane regions that project the solar cell units and the grooves immediately below, whereby the distance between adjacent solar cell units reduces.
US07694461B2	Shutter assembly with latch mechanism and catch plate A shutter assembly for mounting in a building fabric or window opening and having a rectangular frame and a latch mechanism and a catch plate to allow locking and unlocking of the shutter assembly in the window, in which the catch plate has a transverse groove receiving the latch mechanism, and a stop wall at a rearward end and a ramp at the forward end, and retaining pins for securing the catch plate in the window, all formed in one piece integrally.
US07694458B2	Variable and efficient space utilization type cultivation method Ecopots having a large number of holes permeable to the culture solution and air are used for disposing seeding and seedling pots or for planting seedlings and are hung in the space in a house, a bucket for collecting the drips of the culture solution is placed below each pot for collecting the residual solution to thereby prevent the infection by pathogens, and a balancing toy-like hanger hung vertically from a hook hung movably from a shelf pole in the house via a loop clutch, an ecopot hanging chain, a main melon stem attracting cord, a melon fruit hanging cord and so forth are used to render the ecopot hung from the ecopot hanging chain orientation-variable in all directions so that oxygen may be fed abundantly to the rooting zone of the horticultural plant and the plant may receive the sunshine with ease.
US07694456B1	Flying insect trap A flying insect trap which includes a container body, a lid for engaging the container body, a plurality of apertures in the lid, and an attractant containing at least apple cider, vinegar and liquid soap in the container body.
US07694454B1	In-line sliding fishing line release An in-line sliding line release is disclosed for holding a sinker weight to a fishing line. The release apparatus is attachable to and moveable along a fishing line with the capability of being manually fixed to the line so as to provide any desirable spacing between the lure or bait and the sinker weight. The release apparatus includes a compression arm which locks into place under a variable release tension setting. When a pull or strike from the lure line overcomes the adjustable tension set on the release housing body, the compression arm rotates upward by ninety degrees releasing the hold on the line sliding down to the lure or preset in-line stop. In the circumstance that there is no pull from the lure line, the tension screw means may be overcome by pulling the cam line guide manually to release the compression arm which will allow the device to slide down the line as desired. It has been observed and experienced that the length of leader distance between the lure or bait and the weight influences presentation and fishing success. Though long leaders often increase catch rates for various reasons, the ability to land a fish is severely compromised when using in-line weight systems. This device embodiment offers a solution for a variety of needs including an adaptation for ease of use with downrigger systems.
US07694452B2	Bait launcher A device is disclosed that pneumatically propels a fishing lure or bait/weight combination a great distance. Pneumatic pressure is provided in combination with a conventional ice chest. A pneumatic tube is releasably provided from the ice chest. The pneumatic tube also operates as a handle to pull the ice chest on wheels when the pneumatic tube is in storage position. A power piston located within the pneumatic tube propels the fishing lure or bait/weight combination with pneumatic pressure is released with a valve mechanism.
US07694451B1	Avian decoy An avian decoy including a decoy body; a stake having an upper end for rotatably supporting the decoy body, and having a lower end for being anchored to a support surface; and a guide for guiding the upper end of the stake into proper position in the decoy body.
US07694450B2	Removable optical sight mount adapted for use with M14, M1A and similar rifles and method for removably attaching an optical sight to a rifle A removable optical sight mount adapted for use with a military-style rifle such as an M1A provides a centrally aligned support projecting well to the rear for use with sights having very limited eye relief. The removable sight advantageously uses a three point lock up or attachment to the rifle, the three points being (1) an elongated longitudinal tenon engaging a groove on the left side of the rifle secured with a fastener and cammed into tight engagement with the groove, (2) a transverse rear guide block, and (3) an adjustable front set screw that, when tightened, bears on the rifle receiver's crown.
US07694447B1	Weather resistant container for storing rolled construction documents and display for building permits A storage device for storing rolled documents includes a tube pivotally mounted to a housing and advanceable between retracted and extended positions relative to a roof of the housing. The roof covers an open end of the tube in the retracted position. In the extended position, the open end of the tube is advanced away from the roof to permit rolled construction drawings to be inserted into and removed from the tube. A floor extends across at least a portion of the tube to prevent the rolled documents from falling out of the tube. Clamps mounted on the housing enable mounting of the storage device on a post, such as a T-post. The storage device may include a display panel having a pocket formed by a sheet of transparent flexible plastic into which a building permit may be positioned and displayed.
US07694446B1	Modular picture frame apparatus A modular picture frame apparatus includes a plurality of housings. Each of the housings is configured to removably receive at least one picture. Each of the housings has a panel with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. The first and second edges are positioned opposite of each other. A back side of the panel includes at least one mounting member to facilitate the mounting of the panel on a wall. An upper flange is attached to a front side of the panel adjacent to the first edge. A lower flange is attached to the front side adjacent to the second edge. Each of the upper and lower flanges has an elongated slot therein. A picture is positionable in the slots in the upper and lower flanges. At least one coupler removably couples together two of the housings.
US07694445B2	Advertising/promotional display By providing a pre-printed promotional system which employs a housing and a cooperating slider panel mounted to each other, with the slider panel being movable for activating a foldable graphic element to move between an open displayed position and a closed, folded position, a unique, hands-on, printed, visually exciting and interest generating advertising/promotional product is attained. Preferably, the promotional system comprises two cooperating components which are cooperatively associated to each other in sliding interengagement. Although two components are required for achieving the basic construction, alternate embodiments of the present invention may incorporate additional components for providing a further enhanced visual impact.
US07694443B2	Tooth system A tooth system (1) for a tool (2) for earth moving machinery (3) is disclosed, which tooth system is of the type embodying a holder (4) located on the tool and a front tooth portion (5) that is detachably arranged on and in relation to the holder, which tooth portion is in the form of a replaceable wear and/or replacement part designed for the actual earth moving (W) and embodies a rear leg and the holder embodies a cavity (14) designed to receive the leg in interaction with the tooth portion and thereby achieve a unified joint (A, B, C, D) for assimilation of occurring loads (Fs, Fc, Fp) via a predetermined connection geometry embodying special, opposite, mutually interacting contact surfaces (15) and, at least initially, clearance surfaces (16) that are arranged along the tooth portion and holder. Thus, in accordance with the present invention one has achieved an improved tooth system distinguished by the tooth leg and holder cavity, along at least a front part of said joint (A, B, C, D), to have a multi-armed, preferably cruciform, cross section comprising at least four projection arms (31, 32, 33, 34) and at least four grooves (24, 28, 29, 30) each that interact with each projecting arm, respectively, which projection arms comprise an, essentially, vertically arranged, upper arm (31), an, essentially vertically arranged, lower heel (34) and two, essentially horizontally and laterally arranged, wing portions (32, 33), wherein a tensioning device (41) is arranged in the rear part (19) of the cavity in order to achieve adjustable tensioning that tightens the tooth portion in relation to the holder, essentially axially along the axial symmetry axis Y of the cavity.
US07694442B2	Recommending a machine repositioning distance in an excavating operation A system and method of assisting an operator of an excavating machine includes recommending a hop distance to move the machine based on the maximum distance that the machine can move and still be able to reach the bottom of the excavation that has already been dug by the machine during an excavating operation.
US07694438B1	Article of footwear having an adjustable ride An article of footwear has an upper and a sole. The sole has an upper sole member, a lower sole member, and at least one inflatable bladder disposed between the upper sole member and the lower sole member. The at least one inflatable bladder has an inflated state and a deflated state. A distance between the upper sole member and the lower sole member is greater in the inflated state than the deflated state. Varying the inflation of the inflatable bladder varies the amount of cushioning in the sole and the thickness of the sole so that the shoe can serve as a multipurpose shoe for activities requiring different amounts of cushioning, such as a training shoe and a racing flat.
US07694436B2	Footwear repair An improved grommet assembly for repairing a sandal having a foot retainer attached to a sole at least one terminus of the foot retainer includes a flange having a cross-sectional width substantially greater than a cross-sectional width of the at least one terminus. A bore extends axially through the flange, defining an opening of sufficient size to accommodate insertion of the terminus therethrough. A securing mechanism adapted and constructed to secure the grommet to the at least one terminus. The flange can be used in association with a sandal repair kit.
US07694433B2	Web handling apparatus and process for providing steam to a web material A method for processing a web material having a machine direction and a cross-machine direction coplanar and perpendicular thereto is disclosed herein. The method incorporates the step of first directing a web material proximate to an air foil. Steam is then applied to the web material by the air foil. Finally, the web material is processed by any downstream web material processing operation.
US07694432B2	Method for dehumidification The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for dehumidifying, drying or the like of different materials. The invention is developed primarily for dehumidification of sewage sludge (7), but it may be utilized for many different materials including foodstuffs as crispbread and pasta. The sludge (7) or other material is dehumidified or dried in a chamber (1) by means of thermal radiation. The thermal radiation is given by means of one or more elements (2) for thermal radiation. The thermal radiation is concentrated to one or more distinct wavelength ranges at which water has peaks for absorption of radiation energy. Air is circulated in the chamber (1), to take up moisture evaporated from the material.
US07694430B1	Locking plug system A stopper component has upper and lower ends. The stopper component is removably positioned in a cylindrical opening. A shaft/dipstick is positioned within the stopper component. The shaft/dipstick has an upper end adjacent to the upper end of the stopper component. The shaft/dipstick has a lower end. The lower end extends beneath the lower end of the stopper component. A lock has an interior end coupled to the upper end of the shaft/dipstick. In this manner positioning the lock in a first orientation will lock the stopper component in a cylindrical opening. Also in this manner positioning the lock in a second orientation will unlock the stopper component to facilitate removal of the stopper component from a cylindrical opening.
US07694429B2	Shake jig for installing shake siding A method and system for installing shakes on a building comprising a ledger board and a shake jig for assisting with installation of shakes. The shake jig comprising a base member supporting an adjustable member with a releasably fastener facilitating releaseable retention of the adjustable member in a desired relative position with respect to the base member. The base member has a shake shelf for abutting against a surface of a shake to prevent further insertion of the base member, between an installed topmost shake and an at least partially overlapped shake, and facilitate desired alignment of the shake jig with respect to the installed topmost shake. The adjustable member has a ledger shelf for engaging with the ledger board and retaining the ledger board in a desired horizontal orientation with respect to the shake shelf and assisting with installation of shakes.
US07694428B2	Measuring device A measuring device for determining compliance of a lacrosse stick is disclosed. The measuring device will make it easier and quicker for a user to check the compliance. The device may make it possible for a user to check multiple dimensions of a lacrosse stick at one time. For example, such a measuring device may be adapted to measure a first width, a second width, and a length of the lacrosse stick head.
US07694420B2	Coaxial cable preparation tool and method of use thereof A coaxial cable preparation tool is provided wherein the tool includes a body, having a first end and a second end, the first end including a first cavity configured to accommodate insertion of a coaxial cable therein. An outer conductor blade is located near the first end of the body and is movably operable with the body to cut an outer jacket, an outer conductor, and an inner dielectric of the cable when the cable is inserted into the first cavity. A center conductor chamfering member is positioned at the back of a second cavity, the second cavity extending from the second end of the body. A dielectric coring blade is positioned within the second cavity, and a jacket stripping blade is positioned at least partially within the second cavity. A corresponding method of coaxial cable preparation is provided.
US07694417B2	Installation tool for assembling a rotor blade of a gas turbine engine fan assembly A method enables rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine to be assembled. The method includes providing a plurality of rotor blades that each include a dovetail, providing a rotor disc that includes a plurality of dovetail slots spaced circumferentially about the disc, partially inserting each rotor blade dovetail into a respective rotor dovetail slot, and seating the plurality of rotor blades in the respective rotor dovetail slot substantially simultaneously using an annular blade installation tool.
US07694416B2	Producing method of wired circuit board A producing method of a wired circuit board includes the steps of preparing a wired circuit board having an insulating layer and a conductive pattern including a wire covered with the insulating layer and a terminal portion exposed from the insulating layer, disposing a contact member formed of a material having a standard electrode potential lower than that of a conductive material forming the conductive pattern such that the contact member is in contact with the conductive pattern and exposed from the insulating layer, and dipping the wired circuit board including the disposed contact member in a polymerization solution of a conductive polymer to form a semiconductive layer on the surface of the insulating layer.
US07694414B2	Method of manufacturing multilayered electronic component A multilayered electronic component that is easy to manufacture and that has excellent electrical characteristics includes end portions of coil wiring patterns that oppose a coil connection electrode that is displaced on the surface of a second ceramic layer due to an increase or decrease in the number of first ceramic layers. A coil connection electrode has a shape in which surface portions of second ceramic layers or opposed second ceramic layers having the first ceramic layers disposed in between are connected to the end portions of the coil wiring patterns that oppose the respective coil connection electrode, which are displaced due to the increase or decrease in the number of the first ceramic layers. A connection wiring pattern has a shape in which one portion of a coil connection electrode is connected to one portion of an external extension electrode connection pattern.
US07694406B2	Method for forming a composite structure of backing material for use in a transducer assembly A composite structure of a backing material with enhanced conductivity for use in a transducer is presented. The composite structure includes a plurality of layers of backing material alternatingly arranged with a plurality of thermal conductive elements, wherein the plurality of thermal conductive elements are configured to transfer heat from a center of the transducer to a plurality of points on the composite structure of backing material.
US07694405B2	Method for coupling a conduit to a fitting A method for coupling a conduit to a fitting. The method includes providing a fitting having a body and a passageway extending through the fitting body, inserting at least a portion of the fitting body within at least a portion of a collar, and compressing at least a portion of the collar around at least a portion of the fitting body such that the fitting body is not internally supported from within the passageway.
US07694402B2	Method for forming a lined conduit A lined conduit formed by decorrugating a corrugated liner conduit inside a first conduit is described. A method and apparatus for forming the lined conduit are also described. The corrugated liner conduit may be positioned inside the first conduit. Each end portion of the corrugated liner conduit may be coupled to a hydraulic expander. Each hydraulic expander may include a hydraulic cylinder. Each hydraulic cylinder may include a piston rod with an opening along the length of the piston rod. The corrugated liner conduit may be evacuated through a valve assembly coupled to the passageway in one of the piston rods. The evacuated corrugated liner conduit may be pressurized with fluid from a fluid source coupled to the valve assembly. Pressurizing the corrugated liner conduit may expand corrugations in the corrugated liner conduit to form a decorrugated liner in the first conduit.
US07694398B2	Method of manufacturing a liquid ejection head The method manufactures a liquid ejection head comprising a pressure chamber which accommodates liquid, a diaphragm which forms a portion of the pressure chamber, a piezoelectric element which is disposed on the diaphragm and deforms the pressure chamber through the diaphragm to pressurize the liquid in the pressure chamber so as to eject the liquid from an ejection port in connection with the pressure chamber. The method comprises: a resist layer forming step of applying a resist in a liquid state onto the diaphragm on which the piezoelectric element has been disposed so as to cover the piezoelectric element, and curing the resist to form a resist layer on the diaphragm; a space forming step of separately removing the resist covering a movable portion of the piezoelectric element and the resist covering an electrical connection portion of the piezoelectric element, by exposing and developing the resist formed on the diaphragm, to separately form a movement space and a connection space for the piezoelectric element, in the resist layer; and a conductive material filling step of filling a conductive material into the connection space formed in the resist layer.
US07694395B2	Strap assembly capable of rotational engagement with an object and method of manufacturing same A strap assembly capable of engagement with an object (101) includes a strap (110) having a first end (111) and a second end (112), and further includes a buckle (120, 190) coupled to the strap. The buckle includes a cover (210) and a base (220) adjacent to the cover, and the base includes a slot (221) and an engagement aperture (122). The object with which the strap assembly is engaged has coupled thereto an attachment piece (102), which may take the form of a post (141) topped with a cap (142). The strap extends through the slot, the engagement aperture is capable of engaging the attachment piece, and the buckle is capable of rotating about the attachment piece when the engagement aperture is engaged with the attachment piece.
US07694394B2	Button A button is disclosed that includes a die cast button body for which a secondary or an additional process (e.g., a squeeze process) is unnecessary and for which a degree of freedom for design of the upper surface center of the button body can increase. A shank of a fastening member is provided with a shank distal end having a small diameter, a shank proximal portion having a larger diameter than that of the shank distal end, and a shank stepped portion. A shank receiving space of the button body for receiving the shank is provided with a shank receiving small diameter portion which receives the shank distal end and which has an axial length larger than that of the distal end, a shank receiving large diameter portion which receives a distal side part of the shank proximal portion, and a shank receiving stepped portion. The shank receiving stepped portion has a stepped portion edge boundary with the small diameter portion. When the button is attached to cloth, the shank receiving stepped portion bumps into the shank stepped portion, causing the stepped portion edge to stick into the shank proximal portion.
US07694390B2	Hinge mechanism for foldable electronic device A hinge mechanism includes a shaft (1), a cam (2), a housing (3), an arresting member (6), a cam follower (4), and an elastic member (5). The housing has an open housing end (30), and an opposite partially open housing end (31) including a transverse wall (35). The cam, the cam follower, the elastic member and the arresting member surround the shaft in turn. The cam follower and the elastic member are received in the housing. The cam is partly received in the housing. The transverse wall of the partially open housing end of the housing prevents the cam from sliding further into the housing. The arresting member is disposed adjacent to the open housing end allowing the arresting member sliding into the housing. The cam is rotatable relative to the shaft and non-rotatable relative to the housing, and the cam follower is non-rotatable relative to the shaft.
US07694389B2	Vertically adjustable hinge A vertically adjustable hinge is disclosed. The hinge comprises a housing for attachment to a first structure. The housing has a housing cavity and an opening into the cavity. The cavity has an upper portion, a lower portion and a retaining portion forming a channel defining the upper portion and the lower portion. The hinge further includes a first leaf extending through the cavity opening and into the cavity upper portion, threaded nut rotationally fixed to the first leaf, and an adjustment mechanism disposed in the housing cavity. The adjustment mechanism comprises a jack screw extending between the upper cavity portion and the lower cavity portion. The jack screw has a threaded portion threadably engaging the nut in the upper cavity portion and a geared portion disposed in the cavity lower portion. The hinge further includes a worm gear engaging the jack screw geared portion, wherein rotation of the worm gear rotates the jack screw threaded portion in the nut, thereby moving the first leaf relative to the housing.
US07694387B1	Retractable handle assembly A retractable handle assembly includes a shank, an extension pipe, a retractable pipe, a receiving member, an expandable member, a control member, a driving member, and a rotation member. The retractable pipe is movable relative to the extension pipe by rotation of the rotation member to adjust the distance between the retractable pipe and the extension pipe so as to adjust the length of the retractable handle assembly. Thus, when each of the push flanges of the control member is inserted into the respective locking recess of the expandable member by rotation of the control member, the control member is locked by the expandable member, thereby preventing the control member from being jammed due to an excessive rotation.
US07694382B2	Floor cleaning tool A floor cleaning tool is described and which includes a vacuum chamber having a fluid intake end, and a fluid exhaust end; a coupling member defining a fluid passageway extending therethrough, and which is integrally coupled to the fluid intake end of the vacuum chamber; and a floor engagement member having a plurality of inlet ports, and which is releasably secured to the coupling member by means of a mortise and tenon joint.
US07694380B1	Modular trowel handle A modular trowel handle device comprises a handle section to provide a handle interface for a user of the trowel handle and a post extending from the handle section. A mounting surface is coupled to the post and extends generally parallel to the handle section. The mounting surface includes a plurality of fasteners extending therefrom or formed therein. A trowel blade receiving plate includes engaging structure configured to engage a connector of a trowel blade and a plurality of corresponding fasteners extending therefrom or formed therein. The trowel blade receiving plate is coupled to the mounting surface by the fasteners and is formed from a different material than the mounting surface.
US07694379B2	Absorbent cleaning pad and method of making same A surface cleaning pad comprising a pad body and an attachment surface associated with the pad body and positioned to face a cleaning implement is provided. The attachment surface comprises a substantially hydrophilic portion and a substantially hydrophobic portion.
US07694377B2	Device for cleaning a smooth-walled tube The invention relates to a device for cleaning a cylindrical or conical tube (2) having a smooth wall and placed in a horizontal or an inclined position, said device comprising: a cylindrical body (4) that has an axis X, that is suitable for being inserted axially into said tube, and that, around its periphery, has brush means (6, 7) for brushing the inside wall (1) of said tube (2); a rod (30) fastened to an end face of said body (4); and means for causing said rod (30) and said body (4) to turn about the axis X; said device being characterized by the fact that the cylindrical body (4) has a chamber (12) that is suitable for receiving a cleaning liquid and, on one of its generator lines, it has: a first orifice (14) opening out into a first end of a radial duct (17) which is disposed in said chamber (12) and whose second end (19) is disposed in the vicinity of that wall (20) of said chamber (12) which is situated facing said first orifice (14); and at least one second orifice (13, 15) open to the outside and serving to discharge a quantity of cleaning liquid by gravity when it is situated under the level (21) of the liquid in the chamber (12) while said device is turning; the first orifice (14) serving to fill said chamber (12) with cleaning liquid, and to allow air to be taken into said chamber (12) when the second end (19) of the duct (17) is disposed above the level (21) of the liquid.
US07694376B2	Cleansing module for fluid-supply apparatus A cleansing method of fluid-supply apparatus and cleansing module using the same is disclosed. First, a cleansing module is fixed to the fluid-supply apparatus to be cleansed for disposing the nozzles of the fluid-supply apparatus in the cleansing tank of the cleansing module. Second, a liquid used for cleansing is supplied inside the cleansing tank, and ultrasonic-wave vibration of the liquid is provided to remove plug stuck on the nozzles. Later, plug remained on the nozzles is scraped down and meanwhile the waste liquid is drawn out of the cleansing tank for further improving cleansing efficiency of the cleansing method. By using the cleansing method of the present invention, plug on the nozzles of the fluid-supply apparatus can be effectively removed and consequently lifetime of the fluid-supply apparatus is extended. Additionally, the cleansing method is capable of dramatically reducing working time required and of increasing efficiency of cleansing fabrication process.
US07694372B1	Air mattress An air mattress includes an inflatable compartment having a length and width, when inflated, sufficient to support a human body; an internal, generally horizontal wall located between the top and bottom of the compartment and connected to and horizontally restraining the sides of the compartment; at least one internal, generally vertical member connected to and restraining the relative vertical movement of the top and bottom of the compartment; and wherein one of the internal, generally vertical member and the internal, generally horizontal wall possesses an opening that permits at least a portion of the other structure to pass therethrough without interruption.
US07694371B2	Portable pad with memory foam insert A portable diaper changing pad with a memory foam insert. The diaper changing pad comprises a mat with a panel having a body of memory foam as a cushion. The memory foam insert preferably comprises a raised head rest section. In one embodiment, the diaper changing pad further comprises two side section panels which may be folded over the middle panel. When the side section panels are folded over the middle panel, the diaper changing pad may be rolled and securely closed for easy storage and portability. The diaper changing pad preferably has a terry cloth cover. Other preferred embodiments include a nonskid bottom surface, a storage bag, and accessories, such as toys.
US07694367B2	Multiple position support structure A multiple position support structure is disclosed. The support structure comprising a base, a planar member configured for supporting a patient, a linking assembly connecting the planar member with the base, and an actuator assembly operably connected to the linking assembly and the base for moving the planar member from a first position to a second position. The linking assembly includes a first pair of connecting arms and second pair of connecting arms, each arm being bent at a fulcrum point. The actuator assembly includes a driver means, a screw actuator rotatably connected to the driver means, a driver nut mounted about the screw actuator, and a pull arm pivotably mounted to the driver nut. Rotation of the screw actuator causes linear movement of the driver nut and results the pull arm applying a pulling force to the linking assembly. Extension of the linking assembly causes vertical movement of the planar member.
US07694360B2	Support and transfer apparatus for transport of an incapacitated individual A patient lift and extraction apparatus includes adjustable, generally parallel legs connected by a cross member having a support member with a projecting boom. The support member may be adjustably located between the legs. A patient lift strap in the boom supports a patient in combination with a patient sling.
US07694355B2	Pressure vessel A pressure vessel at least includes a main vessel, an air entry valve, a water entry valve, a drain valve and a control valve. The drain valve is provided with a valve base set on the top of the main vessel, a piston unit inserted inside the valve base able to be moved upwards and a spring installed between the piston member and the valve base. In addition, the pressured water in the main vessel coming from the water entry valve and the air entry valve can be stored in the control valve and guided to a chamber between the piston unit and the valve base, enabling the piston member to surpasses the elasticity and the water pressure to move up to separate from a drain exit of the main vessel for flushing a toilet. Therefore, the present invention has a simple structure, easy to assemble, preventing accidental flushing.
US07694353B2	Air circulation system for protective helmet and helmet containing the same An air circulation system is provided that is fittable to a protective helmet. The system includes an external manifold, a removable intake duct, and a removable exhaust duct. The manifold is mountable to an external surface of a protective shell of a helmet and defines an exhaust passage external of the shell having at least one orifice communicable with an interior crown region of the shell and an intake passage communicable with a bottom region of the shell near a wearer's mouth and nose. The removable intake duct is connected to a remote positive pressure source at one end and connected to the external intake passage on the other end. The removable exhaust duct is connected to a remote source of negative pressure at one end and connected to the external exhaust passage of the external manifold on the other end. Fresh air can be circulated to the bottom region by the positive pressure source and exhaust air can be forcefully removed from the crown region by the negative pressure source to provide a complementary air circulation system for the wearer of the helmet.
US07698745B2	Secure message system with remote decryption service Systems and methods for secure messaging are provided. A sender may encrypt content and send the encrypted content to a recipient over a communications network. The encrypted content may be decrypted for the recipient using a remote decryption service. Encrypted message content may be placed into a markup language form. Encrypted content may be incorporated into the form as a hidden form element. Form elements for collecting recipient credential information such as username and password information may also be incorporated into the form. At the recipient, the recipient may use the form to provide recipient credential information to the remote decryption service. The recipient may also use the form to upload the encrypted content from the form to the decryption service. The decryption service may provide the recipient with access to a decrypted version of the uploaded content over the communications network.
US07698742B1	Method and apparatus for scanning exclusively locked files A method and apparatus for scanning exclusively locked files uses a kernel mode driver to scan the operating system's table of applications and identify a handle that owns an exclusive lock for an exclusively locked file. In one embodiment, the kernel mode driver then copies the handle and passes the handle over to a handle list of the anti-virus application requesting access to the exclusively locked file and provides the anti-virus application with the access handle reference number. Armed with the access handle reference number for the copied handle, the anti-virus application can then open the exclusively locked file and scan the exclusively locked file as it would any other file.
US07698733B2	Computer system and usage method thereof A computer system having a verification system for verifying whether or not disks are being used in an unauthorized manner comprises a plurality of computers each capable of being loaded with a disk storing application programs, and an authentication server capable of being connected with the computers via a network, wherein each computer has a unique device ID, each disk has a unique disk ID, and the server has a user database for accumulating the device ID when using the computer and the disk ID when using the disk, such that data is accumulated in the user database in pairs of disk ID and device ID. In the event of using the disk for the second time or subsequent times, data for the disk ID and data for the device ID are transmitted from the computer to the host server, thereby verifying at the host server that the usage is valid.
US07698732B2	Method and apparatus for exchanging information between computer systems from different computer networks A method for exchanging information between computers from different computer networks without any direct connection is disclosed. The two networks include corresponding bridge computers that which share a file system residing on a common storage device. Any computer of a network needing to transmit information to a computer on the other network can map the file system of the corresponding bridge computer. The computer authenticates itself on the bridge computer, and it is then allowed to write the information into a file residing on the shared memory device. Likewise, any computer on the other network can map the same file system of the corresponding bridge computer. The computer authenticates itself on the bridge computer, and it is then allowed to read the information from a mirror copy of the file on the shared memory device. As a result, any network that is isolated from the outside can send and receive information. Such operation is possible even in the presence of virus infections without any security exposure.
US07698728B2	Automated playlist chaser An automated playlist chaser (APC) improves the recovery time and robustness of playlists to component failures and/or human errors in a content sourcing and editing environment. Following detection and correction of an error in a content sourcing subsystem controlled by a playlist, the APC retrieves a last known good playlist from a playlist archive and automatically builds a new playlist for resynchronization of the subsystem. Building the new playlist involves iteratively solving for the first new program segment entry in the new playlist and the new “on-air time,” “start-of message,” and “duration” attributes for the entry as a function of a reference time (e.g., the present time of day), the original on-air time for the entry, the subsystem recovery time, the APC processing time, and the queuing delay of the audio-video source for the program segment.
US07698723B2	System and method for multimedia on demand services The exemplary embodiments describe systems and methods for multimedia-on-demand services. A multimedia-on-demand system includes a mass storage device that receives and stores multimedia content items. Memory couples to the mass storage device and stores a multimedia-on-demand data table and multimedia-on-demand instructions. The multimedia-on-demand data table includes a multimedia content identifier field corresponding to a multimedia content item stored on the mass storage device. The multimedia-on-demand data table may also include a multimedia content usage indicator field associated with the multimedia content item. The multimedia-on-demand instructions are executed by a processor and include instructions to automatically receive the multimedia content items. The multimedia-on-demand instructions also send a multimedia-on-demand usage message based at least in part on the multimedia content usage indicator.
US07698721B2	Video viewing support system and method System includes unit acquiring video content from video source, unit acquiring text data corresponding to video content from text data source, unit extracting topics from video content based on text data, unit dividing video content into video content segments for each of topics, unit generating one of first thumbnail image, first keyword and first key sentence, unit storing cue words corresponding to video portions, unit comparing text data with cue words to specify first video portion of video portions, first video portion corresponding to first cue word of cue words, unit concealing portion of one of second thumbnail image, second keyword and second key sentence and correspond to specified video portion and generate concealed portion, unit providing, after concealing one portion, combination of each of video content segments and one of second thumbnail image, second keyword and second key sentence, to provide combinations, and unit selecting one of combinations manually.
US07698720B2	Content blocking A method for blocking content from being presented at a client device based on a user profile and content tags. Content having descriptive tags is delivered to a client device from a server device. The descriptive tags classify the content. A user profile at the client device contains tag data for identifying categories of content that the user does not want presented on the client device. The client device recognizes and evaluates the tags of received content and blocks content based on the user profile. The blocked content will not be presented to the user. The user profile may be created automatically or manually by the user. The user profile is automatically created based on usage history or demographic information. The client device has a tag dictionary that may be updated to correspond to tags utilized by content delivery systems.
US07698719B2	System and method for computer-created advertisements The invention relates to a computerized method for a user to create an advertisement by displaying a plurality of advertising formats for selection by a user; displaying a template corresponding to a selected advertising format; displaying a plurality of product references for selection by the user; displaying on the template a selected product reference to create a proposed advertisement; and creating a preview of the proposed advertisement, all of which may be implemented using the Internet. The invention further relates to a computerized system for creating an advertisement that comprises a template database for storing advertising formats; a product database for storing product references; and a computer to access the databases. Preferably, the user has a network interface such as Internet access that permits access via a remote location, software to permit a user to specify specifications such as quantity, printing information, ship date, paper type, pricing information, and payment information, and may be configured to receive images and text for new products.
US07698716B2	Optical media, read inhibiting agents and methods of making and using same Apparatuses, products, devices and methods of manufacture consistent with the invention include optically readable media with at least one mechanism, chemical, agent, and/or process for limiting the time period that at least a portion of encoded information can be read and/or accessed by an optical beam and/or reader capable of reading the encoded information.
US07698715B2	Emergency ejection device for a slot-in optical disk drive An ejection device of a slot-in optical disc drive includes a rotating plate and an elastic unit. The rotating plate is installed on the slot-in optical disc drive and attached to an actuating gear of a feeding gear unit. The actuating gear is capable of following the rotation of the rotating plate to disengage from the feeding gear unit of the slot-in optical disc drive. The elastic unit is attached to the rotating plate to keep the actuating gear engaged with the feeding gear unit. A push wall of the rotating plate and a push block of a sliding piece, connected with the output of the feeding gear unit, are located sequentially on the path of a hole penetrating into the optical disk drive. A stick can be inserted into the hole to activate the ejection device.
US07698713B2	Altered states of software component behavior An altered states engine executes in computer memory, controlling the execution of at least one software component based upon condition dependent rules. Responses to requests for system resources are modified, and code is executed such that the software components execute desired functionality, as specified by the rules.
US07698710B1	System and method to improve service in a group of servers A system and method for evaluating workload units in a computer system whereby each workload unit is assigned an impact number representing the number of days that the expiration date of a computer system would be changed if the workload unit were to be added or removed from the system with all other workload units remaining the same. Each workload unit may be assigned a different number for each system in the environment. The inventive system and method simplify the task of combining multidimensional workload measures and incorporate the interaction with other workload units in the system by assessing the impact on both a donor and a recipient computer systems' expiration dates. Thus, the invention provides a more robust way to measure the effect of moving workload units between systems to result in a better allocation of work amongst computer systems in a processing environment.
US07698709B2	Method and apparatus to manage multi-computer supply based on an economic model A method and structure for determining a listing of host processors on a network to perform a parallel application, including determining a listing of all possible hosts on the network for performing the parallel application, determining for each of the possible hosts a current capacity and a current utilization, calculating for each of the possible hosts a difference between the current capacity and the current utilization, and selecting from the listing of all possible hosts a listing of hosts based on sorting the calculated differences.
US07698706B2	Methods and apparatus for implementing an integrated user interface for managing multiple virtual machines operative in a computing system Methods and apparatus for managing multiple virtual machines simultaneously operative in a computing environment provide an integrated work environment—for example, a desktop—which incorporates graphical and control elements from multiple virtual machines. In embodiments of the present invention, application programs and resources available in multiple virtual machines can be accessed from a single desktop. Visual cues are provided for associating control elements and resources with particular virtual machines. In embodiments of the present invention, multiple virtual machines operative in a computing environment can comprise a plurality of collaborative virtual machines, or a private virtual machine and one or more collaborative virtual machines.
US07698704B2	Method for installing operating system on remote storage: flash deploy and install zone Two methods (native and clone) are used for installing software, such as an operating system, on client system(s) booting from shared storage. The native installation method configures an interconnection network to create an exclusive communication zone between the client system and the shared storage system and installs the operating system on the client system using the exclusive communication zone. After the software is installed, the method terminates the exclusive communication zone. The clone installation method utilizes a point-in-time copy feature of the shared storage system to clone an operating system drive instantaneously. After the drive is cloned, it is logically attached to a new client and the operating system is customized for that client.
US07698700B2	System quiesce for concurrent code updates Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for allowing an update to an executable component, such as a logical partitioning operating system, running on a computer system without requiring a reboot (or IPL) of the computer system are provided. Processors or tasks executing in a portion of code being updated may be forced to a known or “quiesced” state (e.g., designated wait points) before applying the update. If any of the processors or tasks are not in their quiesced state, the update is not applied or may be rescheduled for a later time, in an effort to allow the system to reach the quiesced state.
US07698698B2	Method for over-the-air firmware update of NAND flash memory based mobile devices A method for receiving, storing, and applying an update package to modify an original image stored within non-volatile flash memory devices. More specifically, the present design provides a download agent responsible for communicating with a server to transfer and store the update package; and an update agent responsible for verifying, decompressing and decoding the update package. The present design separates non-essential operating system (OS) components and applications from the core OS, stores non-essential OS components, applications, and download agent as a single image in a read-only file system. This image may be updated by applying an update package created by running a binary differencing engine on two pre-built file system images representing the current and new file systems to modify the stored image. Additionally, the present design applies an update package to the core OS, which includes the update agent.
US07698695B2	Search technique for design patterns in Java source code The present invention is directed to a computerized method for identifying at least one pattern in source code. The method includes the step of parsing the source code to obtain data corresponding to at least one source code class. A plurality of search units are provided, each search unit being configured to evaluate a single verifiable property of the at least one source code class to a TRUE state or a FALSE state. At least a portion of the plurality of search units are arranged in at least one predetermined search sequence. The at least one source code class is evaluated by each search unit included in the at least one predetermined sequence.
US07698694B2	Methods and systems for transforming an AND/OR command tree into a command data model Methods and systems of transforming an AND/OR command tree into a command data model are described. An unsimplified command data model is generated from the AND/OR command tree by expressing the AND/OR command tree as a command tree using elements of EBNF (Extended Backus-Naur-Form) notation. Selected structures within the unsimplified command data model are simplified to create a simplified command data model. The simplified command data model is refined into a refined command data model by allowing renaming of selected elements of the command data model. The renaming is based on user-specified instructions.
US07698689B2	Method for meeting SMI duration limits by time slicing SMI handlers A method that allows the context of an SMI task to be saved between SMIs. Upon entering an SMI handler for a task that needs to be split up into shorter SMIs, a new task context stack is created in memory. From that point forward, the SMI handler uses the task context, leaving the original stack unchanged. When the time limit for a single SMI is about to be reached, the CPU is directed back to the original stack, and the task context stack persists in memory and retains the context of the task in hand. The soft SMI exits with a return code or other indication to signify that a new SMI should be invoked to continue processing. The driver or other software that caused the first soft SMI then invokes another, passing in a code or other indication to signify that this is a continuation of a previously started task. On entering the SMI handler for the second time, the handler notes the request for continuation, switches back to the saved task context stack and continues processing where it left off.
US07698687B2	Determining usability of a coded file for an application An electronic device for determining usability of a coded file in an application includes at least one file matching unit associated with an application, which receives at least one property of a code file, matches the property against the application, generates an indication indicating if the file can be used in the application or not based on the matching, and associates the indication with the coded file for later enabling a decision about use of the file in the application.
US07698686B2	Method and apparatus for performance analysis on a software program A system for displaying performance test information for software. The system includes a graphical user interface that displays information in a format to allow ready identification of performance problems and their causes. The interface includes a timeline view depicting activity levels during the execution of a program under test. Events during a sub-range of times during the program execution may be displayed with information revealing interactions of threads making up the program. Additional information may be displayed in a further display fields, including textual information. Much of the displayed information is represented graphically, allowing a performance engineer to quickly identify areas of the program to investigate further.
US07698685B2	Discovery, qualification, and activation of software add-in components The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for discovering, qualifying, and activating software add-in components. An add-in components manager discovers one or more add-in components at the computer system are of a specified type of add-in component requested by an application. The add-in component manager qualifies at least one discovered add-in component based on the at least one discovered add-in component satisfying one or more qualification constraints. The one or more qualification constraints are representative of functionality that is to be associated with an add-in component for the add-in component to interoperate with the application in a desired manner. The add-in component manager activates a qualified add-in component in accordance with the one or more qualification constraints for use with the application.
US07698683B1	Adaptive system for dynamic object-oriented schemas Systems and methods for a generic data model for the representation of an arbitrarily complex environment are disclosed. These systems and methods allow the representation of any logical or physical entity and the associations and dependencies between these entities. Components may be used to represent the entities while relationships may be used to represent the associations and dependencies between the entities. A typing system may be utilized in conjunction with a generic data model to define a hierarchy of components and relationships for use with a particular category of environments. The data structures associated with a generic data model may be stored utilizing a table schema which does not change with the addition of new data structures or types of data structures. Applied data models created from these generic data models may be searched utilizing a query language which allows efficient searching of the applied data model, and structuring of the concomitant results.
US07698682B2	Writing error verification method of pattern writing apparatus and generation apparatus of writing error verification data for pattern writing apparatus A generation apparatus of writing error verification data for a pattern writing apparatus includes a data extraction part configured to extract, from layout data including a figure pattern to be written, part of the layout data required for an operation of a function having a writing error occurred after starting writing by the pattern writing apparatus which performs writing on a target workpiece based on the layout data, and a verification data generation part configured to perform a merge process based on extracted part of the layout data, and to generate writing error verification data, for which the merge process has been performed, for verifying the writing error of the pattern writing apparatus.
US07698679B2	Method and apparatus for automatic routing yield optimization A method is provided for optimizing routing on a substrate such as an integrated circuit or printed circuit board. The method defines a plurality of parallel strips on an initial routing layout of conductors for a layer of an integrated circuit. Each conductor within each strip defines a brick. For each of the plurality of strips, a spacing between bricks and a brick thickness of each brick is adjusted as a function of i) a location of a brick in adjacent strips corresponding to the same conductor; ii) a desired brick thickness; and iii) a desired brick spacing.
US07698678B2	Methodology for automated design of vertical parallel plate capacitors Apparatus and program product for designing vertical parallel plate (VPP) capacitor structures in which the capacitor plates in different conductive layers of the capacitor stack have a different physical spacing. The methodology optimizes the physical spacing of the plates in each conductive layer to achieve a targeted electrostatic discharge protection level and, thereby, supply electrostatic discharge robustness.
US07698676B1	Method and system for improving manufacturability of integrated devices A method and system for improving the yield of integrated devices by adaptively selecting contact and via sizes is described. According to this invention, the drawn size of via holes in a design layout is selected based on its adjacent geometry objects. The invention comprises identifying the minimal space required for placing a via; analyzing available free space for potential via size increase; identifying the proximity configuration of the via with other vias; selecting an appropriate via size based on the free space and proximity configuration to create a new design layout; and fabricate the new layout with proximity correction on the photomask such that vias of a plurality of sizes are reproduced on silicon within predetermined tolerances.
US07698674B2	System and method for efficient analysis of point-to-point delay constraints in static timing A method and a system for conducting a static timing analysis on a circuit having a plurality of point-to-point delay constraints between two points of the circuit, in which two conservative and two optimistic user defined tests are derived for all types of the point-to-point delay constraints. The method shows that when a conservative test is performed without introducing any special tags, then it is found that the point-to-point constraint is satisfied. On the other hand, when the optimistic test fails without any special tags, it is determined that the point-to-point constraint is bound to fail if special tags are introduced, in which case, they are to be introduced only when an exact slack is desired. Finally, for anything in between, a real analysis with special tags or path tracing is required. Based on the topology of the graph, arrival time based tests may be tighter in some situations, while the required arrival time based tests, may be tighter in others.
US07698672B1	Methods of minimizing leakage current Methods, systems and computer program products for automatically minimizing leakage current in a circuit design can include post layout delay information of a circuit that meets timing limits is analyzed. The circuit can include a first type of cells, and the first type of cells each can include a first threshold voltage and a first leakage current. After post layout delay information are analyzed, a non-speed-critical path in the circuit is selected. A dopant implant level of at least one transistor in at least one cell along the selected non-speed-critical path is modified to change the first threshold voltage of the transistor to a second threshold voltage and the first leakage current of the transistor to a second leakage current. In some implementations, the magnitude of the first threshold voltage is less than a magnitude of the second leakage current and the total leakage current of the circuit is reduced.
US07698668B2	Automatic translation of simulink models into the input language of a model checker A translator converts an input model, such as resulting from a simulation of a design to be verified, into an output model suitable for verification by a model checker. The input model, for example, may be produced using Simulink, and the output model, for example, may be a NuSMV model.
US07698661B2	Circuit automatic generation apparatus and method A circuit automatic generation apparatus includes storage means 4 for retaining input/output information of each function circuit and circuit information to which the function circuit is connected, test mode generation specifications for generating a test mode signal, test specifications added to the function circuit, terminal test specifications for specifying the input/output directions of terminals and circuit terminal information to which the terminals are connected, and input/output information of a top-layer circuit and circuit information to which the top-layer circuit is connected; connection information check means 5 for determining the presence or absence of a connection defect of the function circuit; test mode generation circuit generation means 10 for generating a test mode generation circuit; test specification addition function circuit generation means 9 for generating a function circuit to which test specifications are added; terminal test circuit generation means 11 for generating a terminal test circuit; and top-layer circuit generation means 8 for generating the top-layer circuit from the test mode generation specifications, the terminal test specifications, the input/output information of the function circuit and circuit information to which the function circuit is connected, the test specifications added to the function circuit, and the input/output information of the top-layer circuit and circuit information to which the top-layer circuit is connected.
US07698658B2	Display controlling apparatus, display controlling method, and recording medium A display controlling apparatus which displays icons representative of data in layers on a screen, the display controlling apparatus including: an operating section which, based on operations performed by a user, obtains at least instructions for how to display the icons on the screen; a storing section for storing at least data constituting the icons in the layers; a controlling section for generating picture data for displaying the icons in the layers on icon array axes; and a display outputting section for outputting the picture data generated by the controlling section onto a display device; wherein, when the operating section obtains an instruction from the user, the controlling section acting on the instruction generates the picture data in such a manner as to move each of the icon array axes into a different direction together with the icons displayed in an array on each of the axes.
US07698654B2	Systems and methods for co-axial navigation of a user interface Improved systems and methods for navigating media via a user interface, such as a user interface provided on a handheld or portable computing device, are provided. The methods for navigating media of the invention extend the navigation experience by allowing bi-axial context shifts, e.g., with respect to substantially orthogonal directions, allowing a user to conceptually preserve context associated with the navigation experience, context that is lost in one-dimensional hierarchical navigation experiences. In one embodiment, the bi-axial navigation mechanism of the invention includes a drill down twist, i.e., the transformation of a parent list of a parent screen from a vertical list to a horizontal band when moving from the parent screen to the child screen and a horizontal browsing mechanism allowing a user to browse multiple lists using a continuous band of headers.
US07698653B2	Graphical user interface including zoom control box representing image and magnification of displayed image A graphical user interface (GUI) graphically corresponds to an image display window through which a single image or a stream of images or video frames are displayed. The GUI includes a zoom control box having an inner region positioned within an outer region. The size of the inner region relative to the outer region represents the magnification of the portion of the image being displayed within the image display window. The magnification of the image being displayed is increased by using a cursor control device to position a cursor within the inner region and clicking the cursor control device. The magnification of the image being displayed is decreased by using the cursor control device to position the cursor outside of the inner region but inside of the outer region and clicking the cursor control device. As the magnification is increased or decreased, the size of the inner region relative to the outer region is changed accordingly. A magnification factor is also displayed within the inner region to display a numeric representation of the current magnification. The position of the inner region within the outer region represents the portion of the entire image being displayed within the image display window. The portion of the image being displayed within the image display window is changed by clicking and dragging the inner region to the desired position within the outer region using the cursor control device.
US07698646B2	Techniques for accessing information captured during a presentation using a paper document handout for the presentation Techniques that enable information recorded during a presentation to be accessed or retrieved using a handout printed for the presentation. A user can select one or more items, such as slides, printed on the handout and access portions of the recorded information when the user-selected items were presented or displayed. Different types of information may be accessed. Different actions may also be performed on the retrieved information.
US07698639B2	Extensible framework for template-based user settings management Extensible architecture for template-baser user setting management by creating logical groupings of per-user settings using different template types. A manageable way to assign templates to sets of users based on different criteria is provided. Templates can be defined in a declarative format (e.g., XML), which declarative format is developed such that various user interface (UI) pieces, third-party applications, and different client types can easily understand the templates. Extensibility of the architecture is supported for defining the templates such that external third-party application writers can make use of the provided infrastructure to add to existing templates or create new template types, and to seamlessly integrate into the existing infrastructure. Additionally, the per-user settings within the templates can be enforced on the server side, including the enforcement of future settings and template types.
US07698635B2	Automatic authoring and publishing system The invention relates to a system and method for automatically producing documents that incorporate one or more data elements. A guided/structured software environment is provided that assists users in creating manuals by defining the appropriate content for each manual section, content rules and relationships, and tasks to be performed for each type of manual entry. Manual content is stored as structured data elements, rather than pages of sentences, to more efficiently generate, revise, and store the content of a manual. A storage database is provided for retrieving and storing predefined templates, documents and individual data elements to produce a final manual. Manuals are created by combining various data elements. An instant preview interface permits a user to quickly view what revisions will look like in a final document prior to actually publishing the manual. A published manual is compiled by assembling the stored data elements and into a document.
US07698634B2	System and method for data manipulation In one embodiment of the invention, a method for designing data movement from a source file to a target file includes receiving a first data format of a source file via a graphical user interface, receiving a second data format of a target file via the graphical user interface, receiving mappings from a user via the graphical user interface to represent a desired movement of data from the source file to the target file, and automatically converting the mappings into a script to represent a movement of data from the source file to the target file.
US07698630B2	Document administration apparatus, document administration method, storage medium storing computer-readable program, and program The invention aims to provide a document administration apparatus for processing input original data, which comprises: a first memory for storing the original data; a mask data generator for generating mask data capable of masking at least one predetermined area of the original data; a second memory for storing the mask data generated by the mask data generator; a selector enabling to select the original data stored in the first memory and the mask data stored in the second memory; a display enabling to display the mask data selected by the selector in a state that the mask data is superposed on the original data, without changing the original data selected by the selector; and a mask data editor enabling to edit the mask data displayed on the display in the state that the mask data is superposed on the original data.
US07698628B2	Method and system to persist state A system, to persist state in a dynamic electronic form, may include a communications module to receive a request to load an electronic form, a merge module to merge a template associated with the electronic form and data values associated with the electronic form, a delta extractor to access delta data associated with the electronic form, and an overlay module to overlay the delta data onto the electronic form. The delta data, in an example embodiment, includes attributes and properties associated with the electronic form that are being designated to persist between editing sessions of the electronic form.
US07698618B2	Method and system for correcting burst errors in communications networks, related network and computer-program product The errors that may occur in transmitted numerical data on a channel affected by burst errors, are corrected via the operations of: ordering the numerical data in blocks each comprising a definite number of data packets; generating for each block a respective set of error-correction packets comprising a respective number of correction packets, the respective number identifying a level of redundancy for correcting the errors; and modifying dynamically the level of redundancy according to the characteristics of the bursts and of the correct-reception intervals between two bursts. Preferential application is on local networks, such as W-LANs for use in the domestic environments.
US07698615B2	Semiconductor memory device having single-level cells and multi-level cells and method of driving the semiconductor memory device A semiconductor memory device that performs an error control operation when an error exists in an externally received command or an externally received address, and a method of driving the semiconductor memory device are provided. The semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array having a single-level cell area and a multi-level cell area, a command decoder which receives a command from an external source and decoding the command, an area determination unit which receives an address from an external source and determines whether a memory cell corresponding to the address belongs to either the single-level cell area or the multi-level cell area, a command flag generation unit which generates at least one enable control signal according to the decoded command and the determination result, and a logic circuit which generates a control signal for driving the memory cells included in the memory cell array or performs an error control operation, in response to the enable control signal.
US07698613B2	Semiconductor integrated circuit device and method of testing same Disclosed is a circuit in which for conducting the scan path test, test clock terminals are provided in a number smaller than that of user clock domains, and a test clock control circuits on respective test clock lines to control whether the pulses of the test clock are propagated or blocked.
US07698609B2	Process measuring device with expanded hardware error detection A process measuring device including: A first processor, which performs a measured value processing with a first algorithm in first processing cycles; and a second processor, which is responsible for coordination and/or communication tasks. The second processor reads, in time intervals which are greater than the first processing cycle, a control data set from the first processor, and executes the first algorithm on the basis of the control data set, in order to verify the correct functioning of the first processor.
US07698607B2	Repairing microdisplay frame buffers A frame buffer for a microdisplay may be implemented with a repair algorithm that achieves desired uniformity in the frame buffer. Because the frame buffer and the display are tightly coupled, it is desirable to avoid providing unnecessary redundant elements which break up the uniformity of the overall integrated circuit. To this end, when a cell in the frame buffer is defective, a system to automatically address in its place an adjacent cell may be implemented. In one embodiment, control logic may address a column multiplexer to select an adjacent cell in an adjacent column in the same row to provide information in place of the defective cell in the frame buffer.
US07698604B2	Storage controller and a method for recording diagnostic information A storage controller (104) for a storage system (100) in which there are multiple storage devices (109) and a method for recording diagnostic information are provided. The storage controller (104) includes a storage device manager (203) which has means for allocating a storage device (109) in the storage system (100) for storing diagnostic data. The storage controller (104) also includes means for generating diagnostic data regarding the operation of the storage controller (104). Two buffers (207, 208) are used for alternately recording and writing batches of diagnostic data to the allocated storage device (109). The allocated storage device may be a storage device which is normally reserved for disaster recovery in the storage system (100).
US07698602B2	Systems, methods and computer products for trace capability per work unit A set of trace data are generated for full tracing in private memory on a work unit basis. Generating the set of trace data includes source code having trace statements, where trace data based on the work unit includes either an identifier or a layer to establish a start and an end of the work unit, where either the identifier or the layer is specific to an application. Each trace data entry in the set of trace data created while executing a work unit contains a selection field to enable selecting which entries are transferred to the shared trace table from the private memory, when a work unit completes.
US07698597B2	Method of isolating erroneous software program components A computer implemented method, computer program product, and computer usable program code for preventing execution of program components having errors. First, a software application is executed. The software application interacts with a number of programs. Next, an error message is received. The error message indicates an error has occurred in a first program within the number of programs. The first program is then isolated such that the first program no longer interacts with the software application.
US07698596B2	Medical device for diagnostics or therapy The invention relates to a medical device for diagnostics and/or therapy with a system, with a device for self-analysis of the systems and creation of system internal status messages, with a device for interpretation of the system-internal status messages, with associated storage means for special technical and application knowledge, with an operating console for output of interpreted status messages and input of instructions, where the device for interpretation is embodied such that the system-internal status messages are converted on the basis of specialist technical and application knowledge into the interpreted status messages.
US07698592B2	Apparatus and method for controlling raid array rebuild An apparatus and method are disclosed for rebuilding a data storage array having plural communication paths. A first error detecting component detects an error at a data storage device of a data storage array. The data storage device has a plurality of ports and is operable to provide data for a preemptive rebuild. A port control component disables all but a single port of the data storage device. A preemptive rebuild component copies data from the data storage device to a spare data storage device using the single operational port. An alternative path maintenance component maintains an alternative communication path for use by other members of the data storage array and bypasses the data storage device. A second error detecting component detects an error at the data storage device during operation of the preemptive rebuild component. A device disabling component disables the data storage device after detecting a second error.
US07698591B2	Method and apparatus for ensuring data integrity in redundant mass storage systems A method for maintaining integrity of data in a redundant mass storage system is provided that includes selecting a plurality of scrubbing selections for a memory system in which each of the scrubbing selections selects a data section on the memory system. The method also includes selecting a respective scrubbing implementation for each scrubbing selection in which each of the scrubbing implementations determines a data check. Another exemplary method is provided for ensuring integrity of data stored in a redundant mass storage system. An apparatus is provided for maintaining data integrity in a redundant mass storage system. A computer-readable storage medium containing a set of instructions for a general purpose computer is provided. The set of instructions include a method for ensuring data integrity in a redundant mass storage system.
US07698590B2	Method and apparatus for timing and event processing in wireless systems A digital baseband processor is provided for concurrent operation with different wireless systems. The digital baseband processor includes a digital signal processor for executing digital signal processor instructions, a microcontroller for executing microcontroller instructions, and a timing and event processor controlled by the digital signal processor and the microcontroller for executing timing-sensitive instructions. The timing and event processor includes a plurality of instruction sequencers for executing timing-sensitive instruction threads and a time base generator for generating timing signals for initiating execution of the instruction threads on each of the plurality of instruction sequencers.
US07698589B2	Memory controller and device with data strobe calibration A memory controller comprises a DQ path, a DQS path, a delay element, a flip flop, and an adjustment unit. The DQ path receives and passes a data signal, and outputs a delayed data signal. The DQS path receives and passes a data strobe signal. The delay element is coupled to the DQS path, receiving the data strobe signal to generate a compensated data strobe signal having a calibrated latency. The calibrated latency is determined by an adjustment signal. The flip flop is coupled to the data signal path and the delay element, sampling the delayed data signal by the compensated data strobe signal to generate an output data. The adjustment unit generates the adjustment signal according to the output data. The adjustment unit performs a calibration to adjust the adjustment signal, thus the calibrated latency is adjusted.
US07698585B2	Apparatus, system, and method for reducing idle power in a power supply An apparatus, system, and method is provided for reducing idle power in a power supply. The apparatus includes a connection module to determine whether a load is connected to the output terminal of the power supply. Also included is an idle module that turns off the power supply for an idle interval when the connection module determines that a load is not connected to the output. A monitor module turns on the power supply for a monitor interval when the idle interval ends. During the monitor interval, the connection module determines whether the load has been connected to the output terminal of the power supply. An activation module turns on the power supply if the connection module determines, during the monitor interval, that the load has been connected to the power supply. If the load has not been connected, another idle interval is initiated.
US07698584B2	Method, apparatus and system for enabling a new data processing device operating state A method, apparatus and system to enable a data processing device to operate while seemingly “off”. According to one embodiment, a data processing device is configured to recognize a new system state, i.e., Visual Off. On such a data processing device, when the power button is pressed, the request to turn off the device is intercepted by a module and the device is transitioned to a Visual Off state. To the user, this transition appears instantaneous. During the transition, audible and visual indicators on the data processing device and on human interactive devices (“HID devices”) coupled to the data processing device may be turned off and/or disabled. While in the Visual Off state, the device may be fully operational, or in an alternate embodiment, the device may be placed in a low power state. When the user presses the power button again to “wake up” the data processing device, the device may transition from Visual Off into an “on” state (“Visual On”), i.e., all audible and visual indicators on the data processing device and HID devices coupled to it may be turned back on and/or enabled.
US07698578B2	Temperature-dependent power adjustment of transmitter A device includes a transmitter, at least one temperature sensor; and a controller. The controller is responsive to the at least one temperature sensor indicating that a temperature has risen above a first threshold to control the transmitter to reduce transmit power from a first power level to a second power level, wherein the second power level is a non-zero power level.
US07698577B2	Communication system activation In one embodiment a communication device activation system is provided to restore activation of one or more communication devices that are in a powered-down mode to conserve power usage during a period of inactivity. The activation signal, also referred to as a warm start signal, comprises a sequence signal. A sequence generator generates a desired sequence signal. It is contemplated that one or more sequence signals may be selected for use by the activation system. The sequence signal may be generated or stored and retrieved. To resume communication, a wake-up sequence signal is generated and transmitted to a remote communication device. Upon receipt the received signal is filtered, correlated and analyzed. Analysis may compare one or more aspects of the signal to a threshold signal. If the signal is determined to comprise a wake-up signal, i.e. a request for communication, then a warm-start operation may occur. An acknowledgement signal may optionally be generated to acknowledge receipt of the signal. In one embodiment one or more sequence signals are utilized to monitor channel characteristics and adjust communication device settings accordingly. This may occur as part of the wake-up process.
US07698572B2	Security module with volatile memory for storing an algorithm code A security module for use with a terminal comprises a data interface adapted to be coupled to a terminal, for receiving at least part of an algorithm code or the complete algorithm code from the terminal, and a power interface for receiving supply power. A volatile memory coupled to the power interface in order to have power supplied thereto stores the part of the algorithm code or the complete algorithm code received via the data interface. A processor performs, the algorithm code in order to obtain an algorithm code result that can be delivered to the terminal. Due to storing at least part of an algorithm code in the volatile memory of the security module, the algorithm code of the security module is effectively protected against being detected by spying from a potential attacker.
US07698571B2	Digital work protection system, record/playback device, recording medium device, and model change device A system includes of a main device and a recording medium device. The main device includes a reception unit that receives a digital work from an external distribution server, an internal storage area for storing the digital work, a playback unit that plays back the digital work, and a unique information storage area for storing information that is unique to the main device. The main device also includes an encryption unit that encrypts the digital work using the unique information, a decryption unit that decrypts, using the unique information, the encrypted digital work having been read from the recording medium device, a write unit that writes the encrypted digital work into the recording medium device which is portable, and a read unit that reads the encrypted digital work from the recording medium device.
US07698568B2	System and method for using DRM to control conditional access to broadband digital content A system and method is disclosed for providing DRM in a broadcast environment. In accordance with the embodiment, a DRM system distributes encrypted service keys over the mobile telephone network to a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal receives the encrypted service key and uses it to decrypt encrypted content keys received from a DVB set top box. The decrypted content keys are sent to the set box over local link where they are used to decrypt encrypted broadcast content. A power management technique for mobile receivers is also disclosed that enables the receiver hardware to power off during a portion of the rendering process.
US07698563B2	Device and method for inputting password using random keypad A device and a method for inputting passwords in ATM or door-lock and etc, having display means are provided. In particular, said device comprises a keypad in display means where numbers or letters for passwords are arranged randomly, and further comprises a keypad providing an indirect password numbers or letters randomly arranged, according to an original password, to be input in another indirect password keypad such that the original password of a user can be protected effectively from the others eye.
US07698556B2	Secure spontaneous associations between networkable devices In a first aspect, the present invention provides a protocol for communications across a securable communication channel between a first device and a second device. The protocol includes the transmission of a plurality of uniquely identifiable messages which each include security-related data, from the first device to the second device. The protocol includes determining whether a subset of messages that are received by the second device comply with at least one predetermined message criterion and are identifiable as having been sent from the first device. In the event that said subset of messages are determined to comply with the predetermined verification criterion (or criteria) and are identifiable as having been sent from the first device, the security-related data is determined to have been successfully communicated to the second device.
US07698555B2	System and method for enabling secure access to a program of a headless server device Provided is a system and method for enabling secure access to a desired end-point server program of at least one end-point server program. The system includes a server having a security server program and the end-point server programs, and a client. During operation, the server establishes a first connection with the client via a known port, causes an end-point program applet and web page associated with the desired end-point server program to be forwarded to the client. While executing the security server program, the server: verifies client access rights via a first encryption means, generates, encrypts and transmits to the client a random port number and a session key, and detects establishment of a second connection between the client and a random port of the server. The second connection enables secure access by the client to the desired end-point server program using a second encryption means and the session key.
US07698554B2	Controlling transmission of broadcast content A broadcast control method includes validating a time and location of an end user device by verifying the identity and location of a device on the intermediary network; sending a nonce from a intermediary network to an end user device at a first time; sending the nonce from the end user to the network at a second time; sending an encrypted request for content from the network to a broadcast system; decrypting the request to verify the identities of the devices and the time and location data; and sending content from the broadcast system to the end user device if the identities are verified and the time interval between the first and second times is less than the predetermined time interval.
US07698552B2	Launching a secure kernel in a multiprocessor system In one embodiment of the present invention, a method includes verifying an initiating logical processor of a system; validating a trusted agent with the initiating logical processor if the initiating logical processor is verified; and launching the trusted agent on a plurality of processors of the system if the trusted agent is validated. After execution of such a trusted agent, a secure kernel may then be launched, in certain embodiments. The system may be a multiprocessor server system having a partially or fully connected topology with arbitrary point-to-point interconnects, for example.
US07698547B1	Execution of a program module within both a PEI phase and a DXE phase of an EFI firmware Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for executing the same program module in a PEI and ad DXE are disclosed. According to one method, a program module is first executed in the PEI phase. While the program module is executing in the PEI, it stores the memory address of a DXE entry point in a hand-off block. When the DXE phase is entered, the stored DXE entry point for the program module is retrieved from the hand-off block and the program module is executed at the DXE entry point.

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