最新美国发明专利第2010-05-11期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US07713825B2	LDMOS transistor double diffused region formation process Exemplary embodiments provide manufacturing methods for forming a doped region in a semiconductor. Specifically, the doped region can be formed by multiple ion implantation processes using a patterned photoresist (PR) layer as a mask. The patterned PR layer can be formed using a hard-bakeless photolithography process by removing a hard-bake step to improve the profile of the patterned PR layer. The multiple ion implantation processes can be performed in a sequence of, implanting a first dopant species using a high energy; implanting the first dopant species using a reduced energy and an increased implant angle (e.g., about 9° or higher); and implanting a second dopant species using a reduced energy. In various embodiments, the doped region can be used as a double diffused region for LDMOS transistors.
US07713822B2	Method of forming high density trench FET with integrated Schottky diode A method of forming a monolithically integrated trench FET and Schottky diode includes the following steps. Two trenches are formed extending through an upper silicon layer and terminating within a lower silicon layer. The upper and lower silicon layers have a first conductivity type. First and second silicon regions of a second conductivity type are formed in the upper silicon layer between the pair of trenches. A third silicon region of the first conductivity type is formed extending into the first and second silicon regions between the pair of trenches such that remaining lower portions of the first and second silicon regions form two body regions separated by a portion of the upper silicon layer. A silicon etch is performed to form a contact opening extending through the first silicon region such that outer portions of the first silicon region remain, the outer portions forming source regions. An interconnect layer is formed filling the contact opening so as to electrically contact the source regions and the portion of the upper silicon layer. The interconnect layer electrically contacts the second silicon region so as to form a Schottky contact therebetween.
US07713821B2	Thin silicon-on-insulator high voltage auxiliary gated transistor A silicon (Si)-on-insulator (SOI) high voltage transistor is provided with an associated fabrication process. The method provides a SOI substrate with a Si top layer. A control channel and an adjacent auxiliary channel are formed in the Si top layer. A control gate overlies the control channel and an auxiliary gate overlies the auxiliary channel. A source region is formed adjacent the control channel, and a lightly doped drain (LDD) region is interposed between the auxiliary channel and the drain. An interior drain region is interposed between the control and auxiliary channels. Typically, the Si top layer has a thickness in the range of 20 to 1000 nm. In one aspect, the Si top layer in the source, control channel, interior drain, and auxiliary channel regions is thinned to a thickness in the range of 5 to 200 nm, and raised source, drain, LDD, and interior drain regions are formed.
US07713812B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor thin film A substrate with a second semiconductor layer and a second mask film formed thereon is subjected to a heat treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere. Thus, second oxidized regions are formed through oxidization of the second semiconductor layer in regions of the second semiconductor layer that are not covered by the second mask film. At the same time, a second base layer is formed in each region that is interposed by the second oxidized regions. Then, the second mask film is removed, and a third semiconductor layer is selectively grown on the surface of the second base layer that is exposed between the second oxidized regions so as to cover the second oxidized regions, after which the first oxidized regions and the second oxidized regions covering the entire upper surface of the substrate are removed.
US07713808B2	CMOS image sensor and method for fabricating the same A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor (CIS) and a method for fabricating the same. A method for fabricating a CIS includes implanting first conductive type dopants in a semiconductor substrate to form a photodiode region in a surface of the semiconductor substrate, implanting second conductive type dopants in the photo diode region to form a second conductive type diffusion region, and implanting fluorine ions in the second conductive type diffusion region to form a fluorine diffusion region.
US07713806B2	Structures and methods for manufacturing of dislocation free stressed channels in bulk silicon and SOI MOS devices by gate stress engineering with SiGe and/or Si:C Structures and methods of manufacturing are disclosed of dislocation free stressed channels in bulk silicon and SOI (silicon on insulator) CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) devices by gate stress engineering with SiGe and/or Si:C. A CMOS device comprises a substrate of either bulk Si or SOI, a gate dielectric layer over the substrate, and a stacked gate structure of SiGe and/or Si:C having stresses produced at the interfaces of SSi (strained Si)/SiGe or SSi/Si:C in the stacked gate structure. The stacked gate structure has a first stressed film layer of large grain size Si or SiGe over the gate dielectric layer, a second stressed film layer of strained SiGe or strained Si:C over the first stressed film layer, and a semiconductor or conductor such as p(poly)-Si over the second stressed film layer.
US07713804B2	Method of forming an oxide isolated metal silicon-gate JFET A JFET structure with self-aligned metal source, drain and gate contacts with very low resistivity and very small feature sizes. Small source, drain and gate openings are etched in a thin dielectric layer which has a thickness set according to the desired source, gate and drain opening sizes, said dielectric layer having a nitride top layer. Metal is deposited on top of said dielectric layer to fill said openings and the metal is polished back to the top of the dielectric layer to achieve thin source, drain and gate contacts. Some embodiments include an anti-leakage poly-silicon layer lining the contact holes and all embodiments where spiking may occur include a barrier metal layer.
US07713803B2	Mechanism for forming a remote delta doping layer of a quantum well structure A method of fabricating a quantum well device includes forming a diffusion barrier on sides of a delta layer of a quantum well to confine dopants to the quantum well.
US07713799B2	Method of forming pattern having step difference and method of making thin film transistor and liquid crystal display using the same A method of forming a pattern having a step difference and a method of making a thin film transistor and an LCD device using the method of forming the pattern. The method of forming a pattern having a step difference includes forming a first pattern having a predetermined shape in a first printing roll, rotating the first printing roll on a substrate to transfer the first pattern onto the substrate, forming a second pattern having a predetermined shape in a second printing roll, and rotating the second printing roll on the substrate onto which the first pattern is transferred, to transfer the second pattern onto the substrate.
US07713798B2	Thin film transistor substrate having nickel-silicide layer Disclosed are a thin film transistor substrate of an LCD device and a method of manufacturing the same. The thin film transistor substrate includes a nickel-silicide layer formed on an insulating layer pattern including silicon and a metal layer formed on the nickel-silicide layer. Nickel is coated on the insulating layer pattern including silicon and a metal material is coated on the nickel-coated layer. After that, a heat treatment is performed at about 200 to about 350° C. to obtain the nickel-silicide layer. Since the thin film transistor substrate of the LCD device is manufactured by applying the nickel-silicide wiring, a device having low resistivity and good ohmic contact property can be obtained.
US07713792B2	Fuse structure including monocrystalline semiconductor material layer and gap A fuse structure, a method for fabricating the fuse structure and a method for programming a fuse within the fuse structure each use a fuse material layer that is used as a fuse, and located upon a monocrystalline semiconductor material layer in turn located over a substrate. At least part of the monocrystalline semiconductor material layer is separated from the substrate by a gap. Use of the monocrystalline semiconductor material layer, as well as the gap, provides for enhanced uniformity and reproducibility when programming the fuse.
US07713789B2	Semiconductor device with a high thermal dissipation efficiency Provides semiconductor devices and method for fabricating devices having a high thermal dissipation efficiency. An example device comprises a thermally conducting structure attached to a surface of the semiconductor device via soldering. The thermally conducting structure is essentially formed of a thermally conducting material and comprises an array of freestanding fins, studs or frames, or a grid of connected fins. A process for fabricating such a semiconductor device includes forming a thermally conducting structure on a carrier and attaching the thermally conducting structure formed on the carrier to a surface of the semiconductor device via soldering.
US07713788B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor package using redistribution substrate An inexpensive method of manufacturing a semiconductor package using a redistribution substrate that is relatively thin. The method includes: attaching a semiconductor chip to a redistribution substrate; attaching the redistribution substrate to which the semiconductor chip is attached to a printed circuit board; removing a support substrate of the redistribution substrate; forming via holes to expose a bond pad of the semiconductor chip and a bond finger of the printed circuit board; and filling the via holes with a conductive material. Meanwhile, a redistribution substrate to which at least one other semiconductor chip may be mounted on the redistribution substrate.
US07713787B2	Mounted body and method for manufacturing the same A mounted body (100) of the present invention includes: a semiconductor element (10) having a surface (10a) on which element electrodes (12) are formed and a rear surface (10b) opposing the surface (10a); and a mounting board (30) on which wiring patterns (35) each having an electrode terminal (32) are formed. The rear surface (10b) of the semiconductor element (10) is in contact with the mounting board (30), and the element electrodes (12) of the semiconductor element (10) are connected electrically to the electrode terminals (32) of the wiring pattern (35) formed on the mounting board (30) via solder connectors (20) formed of solder particles assembled into a bridge shape. With this configuration, fine pitch connection between the element electrodes of the semiconductor element and the electrode terminals of the mounting board becomes possible.
US07713780B2	Method of multi-processing object using polygon mirror A method of multi-processing an object using a polygon mirror according to an embodiment of the invention includes setting processing parameters for individual layers of an object having a multilayer structure, performing laser processing on exposed layers in a region to be processed of the object according to the processing parameters using a polygon mirror, determining whether or not all of the layers of the object having a multilayer structure are processed, and if it is determined in the determining that not all of the layers are processed, progressing the performing of laser processing. Therefore, efficiency in processing the object can be increased, and cracks that occur in the object during laser processing using a polygon mirror can be minimized.
US07713779B2	Photoactive nanocomposite and method for the production thereof The invention concerns a photoactive nanocomposite (3) comprising at least one donor-acceptor couple of semiconductor elements. One of the elements is made of doped nanowires (7) with sp3 structure, and the other of the elements is an organic compound (8). The elements are supported by a device substrate (1). The invention also concerns a production method. According to a first embodiment, after their growth, the nanowires (7) are retrieved, functionalised and solubilised in the organic component (8). The mixture is deposited by coating on a device substrate. According to a second embodiment, the nanowires (7) are formed on a growth substrate (5) which is also the device substrate. The organic component (8) is combined with the nanowires (7) so as to form an active layer (3). Such a photoactive nanocomposite (3) allows production of a photovoltaic cell.
US07713776B1	Method of making a light emitting diode A method of making a light emitting diode includes forming a plurality of electrically conductive members at intervals on a first surface of an epitaxial layer which generates light so that the electrically conductive members are in ohmic contact with the epitaxial layer, forming a light incident layer on the first surface at regions where none of the electrically conductive members are formed, forming a light reflecting layer on the light incident layer and the electrically conductive members, providing an adhesive on the light reflecting layer, and bonding a permanent substrate to the light reflecting layer through the adhesive and through a wafer bonding process.
US07713775B2	CMOS image sensor Embodiments relate to a CMOS image sensor and to a method for manufacturing a CMOS image sensor that may disperse stray beam between microlenses. According to embodiments, the method for manufacturing the CMOS image may include forming an interlayer dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate including a plurality of photo diodes, forming a color filter layer corresponding to the photo diodes on the interlayer dielectric layer, forming a planarization layer on the color filter layer, forming microlenses on the planarization layer, after depositing an insulating layer over the microlenses, forming a trench in a concave lens shape in the insulating layer between the microlenses, and forming a concave lens gap-filling insulating materials inside the trench. In embodiments, concave lenses may be formed between microlenses in a CMOS image sensor and stray beams between the microlenses may be dispersed and recondensed into the microlenses.
US07713774B2	Method of manufacturing image sensor Embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing an image sensor which may include forming a gate pattern including a tunnel oxide film, an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) film, a floating gate and a control gate over a semiconductor substrate. An oxide film and a nitride film may be formed over the semiconductor substrate including the gate pattern. A photoresist pattern may be formed which covers the oxide film and the nitride film formed over the gate pattern. The nitride film may be etched in a region not covered by the photoresist pattern. The oxide film may be etched to have a predetermined thickness. A deep implant process may deeply implant an N-type dopant into the semiconductor substrate. Ashing and cleaning processes may remove the remaining photoresist pattern.
US07713772B2	Micromechanical flow sensor with tensile coating A sensor integrated on a semiconductor device (1), in particular a flow sensor, comprises a measuring element (2) on a membrane (5). In order to prevent a buckling of the membrane (5) a tensile coating (9) is applied. The coating covers the membrane, but it preferably leaves all the active electronic components integrated on the semiconductor chip (1) uncovered, such that their electrical properties are not affected.
US07713766B2	Light sensor located above an integrated circuit A light sensor located above an integrated circuit including a lower electrode, a heavily-doped amorphous silicon layer of a first conductivity type, and a lightly-doped amorphous silicon layer of a second conductivity type. The lightly-doped amorphous silicon layer rests on a planar surface at least above and in the vicinity of the lower electrode.
US07713762B2	Testing the quality of lift-off processes in wafer fabrication Test methods and components are disclosed for testing the quality of lift-off processes in wafer fabrication. A wafer is populated with one or more test components along with the functional components. These test components are fabricated with holes in an insulation layer that is deposited between conductive layers, where the holes were created by the same or similar lift-off process that is used to fabricate the functional components on the wafer. The test components may then be measured in order to determine the quality of the holes created by the lift-off process. The quality of the lift-off process used to fabricate the functional components may then be determined based on the quality of the holes in the test components.
US07713755B1	Field angle sensor fabricated using reactive ion etching A high-amplitude magnetic angle sensor is described along with a process for its manufacture. A thin tantalum nitride hard mask, used to pattern the device, is left in place within the completed structure but, by first converting most of it to tantalum oxide, its effect on current shunting is greatly reduced.
US07713753B2	Dual-level self-assembled patterning method and apparatus fabricated using the method A method of fabricating a device includes: providing a substrate having a patterned surface, depositing a first-level self-assembled material on at least a portion of the patterned surface, wherein the position and/or orientation of the first-level self-assembled material is directed by the patterned surface, to form a first nanostructure pattern, and depositing a second-level self-assembled material on at least a portion of the first nanostructure pattern to form an array of nanostructures of the second-level self-assembled material. An apparatus fabricated using the method is also provided.
US07713752B2	Magnetic bead agglomerator for automated ELISA process Mixing of a sample containing a suspect bioagent or antigen with 1° recognition molecule coated magnetic beads in the preliminary stage of an enzyme linked immunoassay (“ELISA”) procedure is emulated by first inserting the coated magnetic beads into a non-magnetic confinement region, generating a magnetic field B along the axis of said non-magnetic confinement region to agglomerate the coated magnetic beads into a porous mass; then percolating or otherwise forcing the sample solution through said porous mass; and withdrawing the magnetic field to de-agglomerate said coated magnetic beads. In seeping or otherwise flowing through the magnetic beads the molecules of the sample link to respective magnetic beads that are coated with recognition molecules.
US07713751B2	Method of optical detection of binding of a material component to a sensor substance due to a biological, chemical or physical interaction and apparatus for its embodiment (variants) A method for detecting binding of biological and/or chemical components of liquid or gaseous mixtures and solutions, which are of mainly biological origin and/or determine parameters of living activity of biological objects, to substances that bind said components due to a biological, chemical or physical interaction; and analysis of mixtures and solutions to determine presence of biological and/or chemical components. Binding substances are arranged on a surface of or inside a sensor layer, which changes its thickness due to the binding being detected; the layer is affected by light of different wavelengths; a signal due to interference on the sensor layer is registered in the reflected or transmitted light.
US07713750B2	Ablation based laser machining of biomolecule patterns on substrates A method for patterning a one or more biomolecules on a substrate that includes coating the substrate with a coating of the one or more biomolecules, applying a laser to the coating, and ablating a portion of the one or more biomolecules with the laser in a predetermined pattern.
US07713747B2	Method of assessing risk of atherosclerosis The invention relates to a method of assessing the risk of suffering from atherosclerosis in an individual comprising removing anti-lipoprotein immune complexes from a sample from the individual, measuring the level of cholesterol/lipoprotein associated with said anti-lipoprotein immune complexes, and determining thereby the risk of atherosclerosis in the individual.
US07713742B2	Calibration gas delivery apparatus A calibration gas generation method and apparatus for generating a selectively humidified calibration gas to a measurement probe includes a delivery conduit having a conduit inlet adapted to receive a carrier gas stream and a conduit outlet for delivering a calibration gas stream. The apparatus is provided with a first injection unit having a first intake in fluid communication with a first reservoir and a first outlet in fluid communication with the delivery conduit, the first reservoir being adapted to hold a first analyte in liquid form, and a second injection unit having a second intake in fluid communication with a second reservoir and a second outlet in fluid communication with the delivery conduit, the second reservoir being adapted to hold a humidificant in liquid form. The apparatus further includes at least one vaporizer downstream of the first and second outlets and upstream of the conduit outlet for converting the analyte and humidificant liquids to vapor form and delivering a calibration gas including the carrier gas, analyte vapor, and humidificant vapor to the conduit outlet.
US07713740B2	Method of using electric fields to facilitate the entry of molecules into cells in vivo A method for facilitating a delivery of a molecule into an interior space of a cell includes the steps of introducing a molecule into a target tissue comprising a cell and applying a substantially continuous low-level electric field to the target tissue. The field is applied for a duration sufficient to effect a change in porosity the cell of the target tissue sufficient to facilitate an entry of a desired molecule into an interior of the cell.
US07713738B2	Oligomeric compounds for the modulation of survivin expression Oligonucleotides directed against the survivin gene are provided for modulating the expression of survivin. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding the survivin. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of survivin expression and for the treatment of diseases associated with either overexpression of survivin, expression of mutated survivin or both are provided. Examples of diseases are cancer such as lung, breast, colon, prostate, pancreas, lung, liver, thyroid, kidney, brain, testes, stomach, intestine, bowel, spinal cord, sinuses, bladder, urinary tract or ovaries cancers. The oligonucleotides may be composed of deoxyribonucleosides or a nucleic acid analogue such as for example locked nucleic acid or a combination thereof.
US07713737B2	Methods and compositions for needleless delivery of macromolecules Methods and compositions for needleless delivery of macromolecules to the bloodstream of a subject are provided herein. In one aspect, the invention provides a delivery construct, comprising a receptor binding domain, a transcytosis domain, a macromolecule to be delivered to a subject, and a cleavable linker. In certain aspects, the cleavable linker can be cleavable by an enzyme present in higher concentration at or near the basal-lateral membrane of a polarized epithelial cell or in the plasma than elsewhere in the body, for example, at the apical side of the polarized epithelial cell. In other aspects, the invention provides nucleic acids encoding delivery constructs of the invention, kits comprising delivery constructs of the invention, cells expressing delivery constructs of the invention, and methods of using delivery constructs of the invention.
US07713734B2	Device for culturing and transporting cells A disposable device is provided for culturing and/or packaging and transporting ready-to-use viable cells cultured on membranes, gels or micro porous substrata. The device includes a housing base defining an interior for culturing cells. The membrane to be used for culturing the cells is placed inside the housing base and fixed with a ring. The base is closed by a lid, which is designed to protect the underlying cells during transport as well as minimize the volume of media used during culture, as well as transport. Media leakage is prevented by the silicon gasket as well as the snaps provided in the device.
US07713728B2	Systems for genome selection Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed.
US07713720B2	Polymer extraction methods Polymer extraction methods are disclosed.
US07713715B2	Method for diagnosing infections Antigens are removed from the surface of an organism, such as a microorganism, without disrupting the organism and releasing internal antigens of the organism. The free surface antigens of the organism may be used to determine the presence of infection in an animal due to the organism by determining the presence of antibodies that bind to the free surface antigens in a sample obtained from the animal.
US07713713B2	Polypeptide having intracellular calcium ion indicator function The present invention provides a polypeptide having an intracellular calcium ion indicator function, which contains the following elements (a)-(c): (a) a polypeptide residue consisting of a membrane localization signal sequence; (b) a first fluorescent polypeptide residue; and (c) a second fluorescent polypeptide residue in the order of (a), (b) and (c) from the N-terminal side, wherein one of the two fluorescent polypeptide residues is a donor for fluorescence resonance energy transfer, the other is the corresponding acceptor, and the two fluorescent polypeptide residues are connected with a linker polypeptide residue containing at least one calpain sensitive sequence, thereby to allow fluorescence resonance energy transfer between them.
US07713709B2	Assay for detection of antibodies to lysosomal enzymes The present invention relates to methods for screening body fluids or tissues for antibodies, including neutralizing and isotype-specific antibodies, against lysosomal enzymes administered as part of enzyme replacement therapy.
US07713704B1	MN gene and protein Identified herein is the location of the MN protein binding site, and MN proteins/polypeptides that compete for attachment to vertebrate cells with immobilized MN protein. Such MN proteins/polypeptides prevent cell-cell adhesion and the formation of intercellular contacts. The MN protein binding site is a therapeutic target that can be blocked by organic or inorganic molecules, preferably organic molecules, more preferably proteins/polypeptides that specifically bind to that site. Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Vectors are provided that encode the variable domains of MN-specific antibodies and a flexible linker polypeptide separating those domains. Further vectors are disclosed that encode a cytotoxic protein/polypeptide operatively linked to the MN gene promoter, and which vectors preferably further encode a cytokine. The MN gene promoter is characterized, and the binding site for a repressor of MN transcription is disclosed.
US07713703B1	Methods for monitoring the status of assays and immunoassays The invention relates in part to the use of independent assay controls (IACs) for the optical communication between an assay device and an instrument in monitoring and performing assays, preferably immunoassays.
US07713700B2	Method of amplifying nucleic acids, reagent kit for amplifying nucleic acids, method of detecting single nucleotide polymorphism, and reagent kit for detecting single nucleotide polymorphism An object of the present invention is to provide a nucleic acid amplification method for amplifying a desired nucleic acid while suppressing amplification of byproducts in a PCR reaction, a reagent kit used for nucleic acid amplification, a method of detecting single nucleotide polymorphism to detect single nucleotide polymorphism by utilizing that amplification of byproducts is suppressed in a PCR reaction, and a reagent kit used for detecting single nucleotide polymorphism. The method of amplifying nucleic acids by PCR is characterized by admixing in a reaction solution, a homologous recombinant protein which contains at least one of a RecA protein derived from Thermus thermophilus, and a modified RecA protein obtained by modification of the RecA protein and having a function similar to that of the RecA protein, and carrying out PCR.
US07713695B2	Mild osteoarthritis biomarkers and uses thereof The invention relates to the identification and selection of novel biomarkers and the identification and selection of novel biomarker combinations which are differentially expressed in individuals with mild osteoarthritis as compared with individuals without osteoarthritis. Polynucleotides and proteins which specifically and/or selectively hybridize to the products of the biomarkers of the invention are also encompassed within the scope of the invention as are kits containing said polynucleotides and proteins for use in diagnosing mild osteoarthritis. Further encompassed by the invention is the use of the polynucleotides and proteins which specifically and/or selectively hybridize to the product of the biomarkers of the invention to monitor disease regression in an individual and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic regimens. The invention also provides for methods of using the products of the biomarkers of the invention in the identification of novel therapeutic targets for osteoarthritis.
US07713693B1	Human cancer cell specific gene transcript Disclosed are nucleic acid and amino acid sequences encoded by a novel Neuroendocrine-like marker (NELM) and diagnostic techniques for the detection of human prostate cancer utilizing such nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. Genetic probes and methods useful in monitoring the progression, diagnosis, and response to therapy of prostate cancer, as well as identifying compounds that promote prostate cancer are described.
US07713691B2	Modified nucleic acid polymers and methods for their production This invention provides novel processes for amplifying nucleic acid sequences of interest, including linear and non-linear amplification. In linear amplification, a single initial primer or nucleic acid construct is utilized to carry out the amplification process. In non-linear amplification, a first initial primer or nucleic acid construct is employed with a subsequent initial primer or nucleic acid construct. In other non-linear amplification processes provided by this invention, a first initial primer or nucleic acid construct is deployed with a second initial primer or nucleic acid construct to amplify the specific nucleic acid sequence of interest and its complement that are provided. A singular primer or a singular nucleic acid construct capable of non-linear amplification can also be used to carry out non-linear amplification in accordance with this invention. Post-termination labeling process for nucleic acid sequencing is also disclosed in this invention that is based upon the detection of tagged molecules that are covalently bound to chemically reactive groups provided for chain terminators. A process for producing nucleic acid sequences having decreased thermodynamic stability to complementary sequences is also provided and achieved by this invention. Unique nucleic acid polymers are also disclosed and provided in addition to other novel compositions, kits and the like.
US07713687B2	System to separate frozen-thawed spermatozoa into x-chromosome bearing and y-chromosome bearing populations Devices, compositions, and methods for handling, separating, packaging, and utilization of spermatozoa (1) that can be derived from previously frozen sperm samples collected from a male mammal. Specifically, techniques to uniformity stain (2) spermatozoal DNA even when derived from previously frozen sperm and separation techniques to separate and isolate spermatozoa even when derived from previously frozen sperm samples into X-chromosome bearing and Y-chromosome bearing populations having high purity.
US07713686B2	Organ preservation container and method An organ preservation container includes a gas impermeable housing for containing an organ. At least two liquids having different densities and forming a liquid-liquid interface are also contained in the housing. A closure for hermetically sealing the housing is provided. A structure is provided within the housing for engaging the organ and for maintaining a portion of the organ at the liquid-liquid interface such that the organ will be maintained partially in both of the liquids. A method for preserving the organ is also described.
US07713685B2	Exposure system and pattern formation method An exposure system includes a cleaning unit for cleaning a surface of a resist film formed on a wafer with a cleaning fluid and an exposure unit for performing pattern exposure with an immersion liquid provided between the resist film and a projection lens.
US07713679B2	Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, novel compound, and acid generator There is provided a compound represented by a general formula (B1-1) shown below, an acid generator composed of the above compound, a resist composition containing an acid generator composed of the above compound, and a method of forming a resist pattern: (wherein RX represents a hydrocarbon group which may contain a substituent group; Q1 represents an alkylene group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may contain a substituent group, or a single bond; n represents an integer of 0 or 1; Y1 represents an alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a fluorinated alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and A+ represents an organic cation which contains a nitrogen atom).
US07713678B2	Resist material and electron beam recording resist material The invention mainly intends to provide a resist material that is high in the sensitivity to light and an electron beam and enables to form a clear and fine pattern with less exposure. In order to achieve the object, the invention provides a resist material comprising a metal compound, wherein a metal element constituting the metal compound is a 14th group or 15th group metal element and the metal compound is a stoichiometrically incomplete compound.
US07713676B2	Donor sheet, color filter, organic EL element and method for producing them A donor sheet for transferring an image pattern to an image receiving element by a thermal imaging process using laser beam, comprising a base having formed in order on the base a light-to-heat conversion layer, and a transfer layer containing an image component which is melted by heating due to an action of the light-to-heat conversion layer and transferred to the image receiving element in a patterned form, in which the image component of the transfer layer contains an ink-repellent or solvent-repellent compound in an optimized amount. Using the donor sheet, it becomes possible to produce an separation member such as partition pattern and black matrix of a color filter by a shortened manufacturing step with ease and accuracy at high contrast, and can impart excellent ink repellency to the separation member.
US07713675B2	Method of manufacturing toner There is provided a method of manufacturing a toner, using a shearing force for granulation, in which bubbles are prevented from arising upon application of the shearing force, thus manufacturing a diameter-reduced toner having a particle diameter of about 5 μm which is favorable for enhancement in definition and resolution of images. Upon granulating after a kneaded product of toner raw material is mixed with water dispersion, an interior part of granulating system is heated and pressurized and moreover, both of the shearing force and collision force are applied to the kneaded product of toner raw material by use of a high-speed rotating dispersion type granulator composed of a cylindrical pressure-resistant container, a spinning rotor, following screens, and a fixed screen.
US07713668B2	Toner compositions A toner composition having toner particles comprising a gel latex, a high Tg latex, a wax, and a colorant. The gel latex is present in an amount of from about 3 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of the toner composition, the high Tg latex is present in an amount of from about 50 weight percent to about 95 weight percent of the toner composition, the wax is present in an amount of from about 2 weight percent to about 40 weight percent of the toner composition, and the colorant is present in an amount of from about 1 weight percent to about 25 weight percent of the toner composition.
US07713655B2	Battery module and middle or large-sized battery pack containing the same Disclosed herein is a battery module constructed in a structure in which a cell stack, including a plurality of secondary battery cells (‘battery cells’) or a plurality of unit modules, each of which including a plurality of battery cells, stacked with high density, is mounted in a hexahedral module case, wherein the module case is provided at least one side thereof with a sliding coupling structure, and the battery module has a variable grip mounted thereto.
US07713652B2	Single point battery watering system with pivot float and ball valve A series of cell fill valves are interconnected by a series of hoses and T-connections, one to each battery cell. Each cell fill valve is controlled by a ball in a seat in a single fill opening. The ball is controlled by a float on a pivotable lever arm with an end finger which holds the ball up to admit water with the float down and allows the ball to lower onto the seat as the cell fills causing the float to rise to a shutoff level when the cell is filled to a desired level.
US07713650B2	Method for reducing degradation in a fuel cell The invention is a method of reducing catalyst dissolution in the cathode of a membrane electrode assembly fuel cell, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a membrane electrode assembly comprising an anode, a cathode and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode; (b) assembling a fuel cell using the membrane electrode assembly; (c) applying a fluid comprising an oxidant to the cathode of the membrane electrode assembly; (d) applying a fluid comprising a fuel to the anode of the membrane electrode assembly; and (e) supplying a sufficient quantity of reducing agent to the cathode to maintain the average open-circuit voltage of the cathode at less than about 0.98 V.
US07713649B2	Fuel cell stack with internal fuel manifold configuration A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells, and a plurality of fuel delivery ports. Each of the plurality of fuel delivery ports is positioned on or in the fuel cell stack to provide fuel to a portion of the plurality fuel cells in each stack.
US07713648B2	Fuel cell cover plate tie-down A pair of reactant cover plates, e.g., fluid manifolds or protective covers (11, 12), on opposite sides of a fuel cell stack (7) are drawn to the fuel cells (14) and pressure plates (8) by tensioning lines, e.g., cables (23) or straps (23a), which may extend around structures, e.g., pins or extensions (11a, 12a; 11e, 12e) extending outwardly from the ends of the cover plates or guides (22a) on the stack, e.g., on the pressure plates in a closed loop, and are tensioned by a tensioning device, such as a turnbuckle (24).
US07713647B2	Seal and fuel cell comprising same affixed on the bipolar plates The invention mainly concerns a fuel cell seal (52) designed to be affixed on a bipolar plate (22) in the form of a membrane whereof the profile corresponds approximately to the peripheral frame (50) of the bipolar plate (22) and comprising a central opening (66) coinciding approximately with the central zone (46) dispensing the reagents of the bipolar plate (22). The invention also concerns a fuel cell comprising an electrode membrane assembly (70) which includes in particular an active region (74), which is the site of anode and cathode reactions, and a peripheral frame (75) and which is sandwiched between two bipolar plates (22) whereon is affixed the inventive seal (52).
US07713645B2	Conductive connecting members and electrochemical systems A conductive connecting member 1 is contacted with an electrochemical cell for electrical conduction. The cell has a solid electrolyte film, a first electrode provided on a first face of the solid electrolyte film and contacting a first gas and the first gas, and a second electrode provided on a second face of the solid electrolyte film and contacting a second gas. The conductive connecting member 1 has a plate-like main part 2 and a tongue piece 3 protruding from the main part 2. One end of the tongue piece 3 is connected with the main part 2.
US07713644B2	Catalyst layer edge protection for enhanced MEA durability in PEM fuel cells A membrane electrode assembly comprising an ionically conductive member and an electrode, wherein the electrode is a smooth, continuous layer that completely covers and supports the ionically conductive member. The electrode further comprises a central region and a peripheral region, wherein a gradient of electrochemically active material exists between the central region and the peripheral region such that a content of the electrochemically active material is greater in the central region than the peripheral region.
US07713642B2	System and method for fuel cell operation with in-situ reformer regeneration A system and method for operating a fuel cell, including reacting a fuel with an oxidant within the fuel cell to produce electricity and reaction products comprising steam. The fuel is fed through the fuel cell, wherein a concentration of the steam increases in the first direction through the fuel cell. The direction of fuel-flow through the fuel cell is altered or reversed upon satisfying a condition, thereby altering the concentration gradient of steam in the fuel cell and providing for removal of carbon deposition with the fuel cell. Such reversal of fuel flow may also provide an exhaust from the fuel cell that can regenerate an external or adjacent hydrocarbon reformer.
US07713639B2	Protective layer, composite for forming the protective layer, method of forming the protective layer, and plasma display panel including the protective layer Provided are a protective layer made of magnesium oxide containing at least one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of the rare earth elements, in which the content of the at least one rare earth element is from about 5.0×10−5 to about 6.0×10−4 per 1 part by weight of the magnesium oxide, a composite for forming the protective layer, a method of forming the protective layer, and a plasma display panel including the protective layer. The protective layer can reduce a discharge delay time and the temperature dependency of the discharge delay time, and thus, is suitable for single scan and an increase in Xe content.
US07713638B2	Layer system The invention relates to layer systems having at least one layer comprising titanium aluminum oxide. The layer comprising titanium aluminum oxide may be either a functional layer—with or without interruption by an intermediate layer which is optically inactive—or a functional layer formed from a metal oxide which is interrupted by an intermediate layer comprising titanium aluminum oxide. The layer systems are structurally and thermally stable at operating temperatures of over 600° C. The layer systems may either comprise only one functional layer or may be a multilayer system, preferably an alternating layer system composed of functional layers with high and low refractive indices.
US07713636B2	Multi-layer films comprising propylene-based polymers This disclosure relates to multi-layer films having improved peel strength properties and comprising a core layer and a first tie layer made from at least 5 wt % of a grafted propylene-based polymer. Optionally, the multi-layer film may have one or more skin layers, and/or a second tie layer.
US07713628B2	Actinic radiation curable coating compositions A cured coating or molded article prepared from a composition comprising an actinic-radiation curing polymer, wherein the composition is cured with actinic radiation at a temperature of at most 150° C. to form the cured coating or molded article; wherein the cured coating or molded article has a thickness of at least about 0.5 mm and a hardness of about Shore A 90 to about Shore D 90.
US07713624B2	Luminescent core/shell nanoparticles suitable for (F)RET-assays Luminescent inorganic nanoparticles comprising: (a) a core made from a first metal salt or oxide being surrounded by (b) a shell made from a second metal salt or oxide being luminescent and having non-semiconductor properties. These nanoparticles can be advantageously used in (fluorescence) resonance energy transfer ((F)RET)-based bioassays in view of their higher (F)RET efficiency.
US07713619B2	Fiber for doll hair and doll hair comprising the same There is provided doll hair having an unprecedented curly hairstyle using a multifilament having a spiral structure with many random overlaps through a twisting step, a thermal fixing step, an untwisting step, and a thermal provisional fixing step. Specifically, the doll hair of the present invention is achieved by a multifilament processed through a twisting step, a thermal fixing step, an untwisting step, and a thermal provisional fixing step, wherein the number of twist in the twisting step is 100 to 600 times/m, the thermal fixing step is performed by treatment at 60 to 100° C. for 1 to 60 minutes, the number of twist in the untwisting step is 1.1 times or more of the number of twist in the twisting step, the thermal provisional fixing step is performed by treatment at 50° C. to 70° C. for 5 to 30 minutes in a cone or hank, and the multifilament preferably has an apparent specific gravity of 0.02 to 0.1 g/cm3 and a stretching ratio of 1.0 to 15.0%.
US07713616B2	Dual security mark The invention relates to a flat dual security feature which comprises two different security components, one of which can be verified in the visible spectral region and one of which can be verified in the ultraviolet spectral region of light, and which comprises flake-form effect pigments and luminescent pigments in such a low concentration that the latter are evident to the naked eye as individual particles under the action of UV light; to a process for the production thereof, and to the use thereof.
US07713615B2	Reinforced fiber cement article and methods of making and installing the same In one embodiment, a reinforced fiber cement article comprising a fiber cement piece and a reinforcing fixture bonded to a portion of the fiber cement piece for improving the performance, strength and durability of the fiber cement piece. The reinforcing fiber cement article could be used as or in conjunction with a siding plank assembly, which further comprises an interlocking feature that allows the siding plank to be stacked with other siding planks in a manner such that a uniform and deep shadow line is created. The interlocking feature sets the gauge of the exposed plank face and allows for leveling of the plank during installation. The reinforcing fixture could also serve as a thick butt piece or a plastic spline that produces a deep shadow line. A cementitious adhesive is used to bond the reinforcing fixture to the fiber cement piece.
US07713612B2	Hard multilayer coating, and hard multilayer coated tool including the hard multilayer coating A hard multilayer coating including: (a) a backing layer which is to be disposed on a body and which includes a TiAlN layer and a TiAlN+CrN mixture layer that are alternately superposed on each other; and (b) a CrN layer which is disposed on the backing layer and which provides an outer surface of the hard multilayer coating. The hard multilayer coating may further includes (c) an intermediate layer which is interposed between the backing layer and the CrN layer. Also disclosed is a hard multilayer coated tool including a tool substrate as the body which is coated with the hard multilayer coating.
US07713591B2	Longitudinal patterned media with circumferential anisotropy for ultra-high density magnetic recording An apparatus and method is disclosed for orienting the magnetic anisotropy of longitudinal patterned magnetic recording media. A disk-shaped longitudinal granular magnetic recording medium is provided having a high orientation ratio in the circumferential direction. The medium is then patterned to form a uniform array of magnetic islands. The magnetic islands are then irradiated with ions to increase the magnetic exchange coupling between the grains of each island. This aligns the axes of magnetic anisotropy of the individual grains with the average axis of magnetic anisotropy of the grains, thereby aligning the magnetic anisotropy of each island along the circumferential direction.
US07713585B2	Plugging of cracks on metal devices intended to contain radioactive acid materials The invention relates to the use of a composition comprising a chlorinated polyester resin in which the polyester satisfies formula (I) below: together with a crosslinking catalyst and a crosslinking accelerator in order to plug a crack affecting the wall of a metal device intended to contain a radioactive acid material. It is especially applicable in the maintenance of metal equipment of nuclear installations, in particular equipment that is for irradiated nuclear fuel reprocessing.
US07713584B2	Process for producing oxide films Processes are provided for producing bismuth-containing oxide thin films by atomic layer deposition. In preferred embodiments an organic bismuth compound having at least one monodentate alkoxide ligand is used as a bismuth source material. Bismuth-containing oxide thin films can be used, for example, as ferroelectric or dielectric materials in integrated circuits and as superconductor materials.
US07713579B2	Coating apparatus, coating method, and method for manufacturing optical film The coating apparatus includes a base for supporting a slot die, wherein the base has a height of not more than 5 m from a ground level, and a mean cross sectional area of not less than 3 m2 in terms of a horizontal direction.
US07713577B2	Preparation of graphitic articles Graphitic structures have been prepared by exposing templates (metal, metal-coated ceramic, graphite, for example) to a gaseous mixture that includes hydrocarbons and oxygen. When the template is metal, subsequent acid treatment removes the metal to yield monoliths, hollow graphitic structures, and other products. The shapes of the coated and hollow graphitic structures mimic the shapes of the templates.
US07713574B2	Transcutaneous analyte sensor The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
US07713572B2	Fermentation byproduct feed formulation and processing The invention is to products for enhancing the nutrient value of distillers, brewers or fermenters grain byproducts using an injector or mixer to add predetermined amounts of nutrients to the grains. The byproduct nutrient obtained is heated, dried and/or extruded to increase the ruminant bypass protein of the nutrient product.
US07713564B2	Cheese and methods of making such cheese Methods for preparing cheese are provided that involve combining a slurry with a cheese precursor to form an admixture that is subsequently processed to form the cheese product. The slurry typically includes a liquid such as water, milk and/or cream and one or more ingredients that are useful for inclusion in the final cheese product. Systems for preparing such slurries and cheese products are also provided.
US07713561B2	Oil resistant packaging Oil resistant package material and packages prepared therefrom have cyclodextrin incorporated in or adjacent to a film layer of the package to reduce the permeation of oil through the package material, and particularly out of the package. The film layer comprises a polymer that coordinates or bonds with a cyclodextrin compound in an amount sufficient to reduce the permeation of oil through the film layer as compared to a like film layer that does not contain cyclodextrin.
US07713556B2	Anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory extracts of plant biomass and their uses Extracts from an indigenous Jamaican plant that exhibit an anti-tumor activity and/or an anti-inflammatory activity and, more particularly, an extract of Jamaican Ball Moss (Tillandsia Recurvata) that has a therapeutic pharmacological activity, in particular an anti-cancerous activity by inducing tumorous cell death by apoptosis, and active compounds isolated thereof are described. Furthermore, methods for the extraction of the extracts are disclosed. Also, a pharmaceutical composition or product for the treatment of cancer which includes an effective amount of the described extract or an active compound thereof, a therapeutic compound and optionally a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier are described.
US07713555B2	Lubricant additive to enhance staying power of male erectile function Present invention provides an efficient way of enhancing male erectile function, without the fear of unknown long-term ill-effect as a result of taking medication orally. The additive of present invention can be used by condom manufacturers directly as part of the lubricant coating. The composition of the additive pursuant to present invention will cause the dilating and expansion of arteries sending blood to the chambers of corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum, and at the same time, cause the restricting and contracting of veins that take blood away. As a result, the hardness of penile erection is increases. Particularly, the staying power is enhanced and time of erection is prolonged, leading to increased sexual intercourse time and better sexual satisfaction.
US07713547B2	Method of administering a partial dose of a segmented pharmaceutical tablet A drug-containing pharmaceutical tablet adapted for accurate breaking which has two or more segments with at least one segment containing a drug.
US07713544B2	Biological component comprising artificial membrane A biocompatible biological component is provided comprising a membrane-mimetic surface film covering a substrate. Suitable substrates include hydrated substrates, e.g. hydrogels which may contain drugs for delivery to a patient through the membrane-mimetic film, or may be made up of cells, such as islet cells, for transplantation. The surface may present exposed bioactive molecules or moieties for binding to target molecules in vivo, for modulating host response when implanted into a patient (e.g. the surface may be antithrombogenic or antiinflammatory) and the surface may have pores of selected sizes to facilitate transport of substances therethrough. An optional hydrophilic cushion or spacer between the substrate and the membrane-mimetic surface allows transmembrane proteins to extend from the surface through the hydrophilic cushion, mimicking the structure of naturally-occurring cells. An alkylated layer directly beneath the membrane-mimetic surface facilates bonding of the surface to the remainder of the biological component. Alkyl chains may extend entirely through the hydrophilic cushion when present. To facilitate binding, the substrate may optionally be treated with a polyelectrolyte or alternating layers of oppositely-charged polyelectrolytes to facilitate charged binding of the membrane-mimetic film or alkylated layer beneath the membrane-mimetic film to the substrate. The membrane-mimetic film is preferably made by in situ polymerization of phospholipid vesicles.
US07713541B1	Zwitterionic terpolymers, method of making and use on medical devices Biocompatible terpolymers are manufactured to include a zwitterionic monomer, an alkoxy acrylate monomer, and a hydrophobic monomer. The alkoxy acrylate monomer can be a 2-methoxyethyl methacrylate (MOEMA) or a 2-methoxyethyl methacrylate (EOEMA). Alternatively, the alkoxy acrylate can be 2-methoxyethyl acrylate (MOEA) or 2-methoxyethyl acrylate (EOEA). The alkoxy acrylate monomers advantageously give the zwitterionic copolymers greater ductility, strength, and toughness while maintaining a desired amount of hydrophilicity. The improved toughness allows the zwitterionic copolymers to be processed without cross-linking, which improves the elongation properties of the zwitterionic copolymer, and reduces the risk of cracking during use.
US07713540B2	Devices and methods for reverse lipid transport The present disclosure relates to devices methods for the reverse transport of lipids such as cholesterols for the treatment diseases and conditions caused by vulnerable plaques. The devices can reduce or eliminate vulnerable plaques by transporting the plaques away from their location.
US07713539B2	Medical devices containing radiation resistant block copolymer The present invention relates generally to radiation-resistant medical devices which contain polymer regions for release of therapeutic agents. The present invention also relates to radiation-resistant block copolymer materials for use in connection with insertable or implantable medical devices. The radiation-sterilized medical device comprise (a) a release region and (b) at least one therapeutic agent and the release region comprises a radiation resistant copolymer that includes (i) a low Tg hydrocarbon polymer block and (ii) one or more high Tg polymer blocks.
US07713538B2	Drug delivery from stents An intravascular stent has a coat comprising a crosslinked amphiphilic polymer and a sparingly water soluble matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (MMPI). Preferably the polymer is formed from 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammonium phosphate inner salt, C4-18 alkyl methacrylate and reactive and/or crosslinking monomer and the MMPI is a hydroxamic acid, more preferably batimastat. Preclinical and clinical results are reported, showing good luminal areas and reduced intimal thickening.
US07713537B2	Insect control device for prolonged treatment of animals containing coumaphos and diazinon Annoying insects are controlled by attaching an insect control device to the body of the animal to be treated. The insect control device is a molded article, preferably in the form of an ear tag, which has been formed from a powder mixture of coumaphos and diazinon, polyvinyl chloride, and a plasticizer. The coumaphos and diazinon are generally used in an amount that would prolong the insecticidal activity without detracting from the suitability of the device.
US07713536B2	Preparation, in particular cosmetic preparation, and the production and use thereof A preparation, in particular a cosmetic preparation, in the form of a workable paste which is present in the form of a W/O emulsion and which is suitable for cosmetic uses, in particular in the area of decorative cosmetics for coloring and improving the skin, the lips and the eyelids. It is also suitable as a fixing for lipstick, as lip care, as a skin care foundation or as a sun protection agent. It is preferably in the form of a water-in-silicone emulsion. It contains a wax, a suitable emulsifier, a volatile silicone oil, a moistening agent, a solid phase and water. In addition it may also contain the additives and adjuvant substances which are approved and usual in cosmetics. Processes for the production of the preparation are also described.
US07713533B2	Active complex of α-lactalbumin (HAMLET) and cofactor The use of a biologically active complex of α-lactalbumin, selected from HAMLET (human α-lactalbumin made lethal to tumour cells) or a biologically active modification thereof, or a biologically active fragment of either of these, in the preparation of a medicament for use in the treatment of papilloma, such as cutaneous papillomas.
US07713529B2	Methods for treating and preventing infectious disease Nucleic acid sequences containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides that modulate an immune response including stimulating a Th1 pattern of immune activation, cytokine production, NK lytic activity, and B cell proliferation are disclosed. The sequences are also useful as a synthetic adjuvant.
US07713528B1	Method for in vivo delivery of active compounds using reagent conjugate This invention relates to novel reagent conjugates and a novel multi-step process for delivering active compounds to target analytes of interest in a patient for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. According to the process, two novel reagents are bound to each other by linkage of the sequence-specific components they contain. The first reagent, which is comprised of a target recognition component and a first sequence-specific component, is introduced into the patient and allowed to achieve maximal localization on the target cells. The second reagent, which is comprised of an active compound component and a second sequence-specific component is then introduced into the patient, thereby forming a complex with the first reagent via the recognition and binding of the sequence-specific components of the two reagents to form the reagent conjugate of the invention. The active compound component is thereby efficiently and specifically delivered to the target analyte.
US07713527B2	Specific avian egg antibodies for disease prevention and improvement of growth performance Piglet feed is supplemented with anti-E. coli K88 antibody-containing egg powder having a titer of the K88 antibodies of at least 1/256,000 as a means of improving growth performance of piglets.
US07713526B2	Wnt and frizzled receptors as targets for immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas The diverse receptor-ligand pairs of the Wnt and frizzled (Fzd) families play important roles during embryonic development, and thus may be overexpressed in cancers that arise from immature cells. The mRNA levels and expression levels of 5 Wnt (Wnt-1, 5a, 7a, 10b, 13) and 2 Fzd (Fzd-2, 5) genes in 10 head and neck squamous carcinoma cell lines (HNSCC) were investigated. In addition, anti-Wnt-1 antibodies were used to study the Wnt/Fzd signalling pathway. These results indicate that HNSCC cell lines overexpress one or more Wnt and Fzd genes, and the proliferation and survival of a subset of HNSCC may depend on the Wnt/Fzd pathway. Therefore, the Wnt and Fzd receptors may be useful targets for immunotherapy of this common cancer.
US07713524B2	Use of ADCC-optimized antibodies for treating low-responder patients The invention concerns the use of human or humanized chimeric monoclonal antibodies which are produced in selected cell lines, said antibodies bringing about a high ADCC activity as well as a high secretion of cytokines and interleukins, for treating underpopulations of so-called weak-response patients exhibiting CD16 FCGR3A-158F homozygote or FCGR3A-158V/F heterozygote polymorphism.
US07713521B2	MCP1 fusions The present invention provides polypeptides including MCP1 fused, optionally, by a linker, to an immunoglobulin. Methods for using the polypeptides to treat medical disorders are also covered.
US07713515B2	Methods and compositions for use in diagnosing and characterizing diseases involving abnormal apoptosis Methods are provided for diagnosing and/or characterizing disease involving abnormal levels of cellular apoptosis activity in a subject. In the subject methods, a sample is obtained from a subject suspected of having or known to have a disease involving abnormal levels of cellular apoptosis. The sample is then assayed for the presence of low molecular weight Actin protein fragments. The assay results are used to diagnose the presence of disease involving abnormal levels of cellular apoptosis activity and/or characterize disease involving abnormal levels of cellular apoptosis activity in the subject, e.g. to confirm an initial disease involving abnormal levels of cellular apoptosis diagnosis, to determine the stage of the disease, to monitor disease progression, to predict disease attacks, and the like. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for practicing the methods.
US07713508B2	Thiation of carbon nanotubes and composite formation The present invention comprises nanotube structures comprising nanotubes covalently bonded via chemically reactive groups on the outer walls of the nanotubes and methods for forming the covalently bonded nanotube structures. The present invention also comprises materials comprising the functionalized nanotubes covalently bonded to organic based monomers and/or polymers, and methods for their formation.
US07713504B2	Method for producing mixed metal oxides and metal oxide compounds A process to produce mixed metal oxides and metal oxide compounds. The process includes evaporating a feed solution that contains at least two metal salts to form an intermediate. The evaporation is conducted at a temperature above the boiling point of the feed solution but below the temperature where there is significant crystal growth or below the calcination temperature of the intermediate. The intermediate is calcined, optionally in the presence of an oxidizing agent, to form the desired oxides. The calcined material can be milled and dispersed to yield individual particles of controllable size and narrow size distribution.
US07713501B2	System for providing a chemical to a fluid A system for providing a chemical to a stream of a fluid. The system includes an elongate member with the chemical therein and moveable through the fluid to provide the chemical to the fluid. Optionally, the elongate member may be unwound from a first reel to a second reel through the stream of fluid to provide the chemical to the fluid.
US07713500B2	Leaching process A process for the oxidative leaching of sulphide mineral species, the method characterized by the method steps of: leaching a slurry containing the mineral species in one or more reaction vessels; circulating a stream of leach liquor to a flash cooler; flashing the liquor in the flash cooler at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure so as to dissipate heat; and recirculating the liquor to the or each reaction vessel.
US07713499B2	Fluidized bed reaction apparatus and methods for using the same Apparatuses and methods for preparing sol-gel solutions are provided. Specifically, apparatuses include a vessel optionally containing a stirrer; a pump; a fluidized bed reaction column; and multiple fluid lines. The multiple fluid lines connect the vessel and the pump in a first circulation loop and connect the vessel, the pump and the fluidized bed reaction column in a second circulation loop. Processes for preparing sol-gel solutions using such apparatuses are also disclosed.
US07713496B2	Water purifier with UV and adsorbent The invention has two primary portions, a means to provide ultra-violet radiation and a means for adsorbing organic, inorganic and, optionally, pathogens. The means to provide ultra-violet radiation comprises ultra-violet light sources emitting, at least in part, in the spectrum around 265 nm. Light emitting devices, including light emitting diodes and other solid state light emitting devices are available in this range as well. The adsorbent portion comprises several different adsorbent media, including zeolites, titanium dioxide (TiO2), alumina, carbon, micro- and/or nano-porous carbon, other minerals with a naturally occurring micro- and/or nano-porous structure, synthetic, including organic, substrates with a micro- and/or nano-porous structure, and surface-modified variations of the preceding adsorbents.
US07713492B2	Apparatus having a fiber mat for mounting a honeycomb body in an exhaust pipe for treating exhaust gases from a mobile internal combustion engine and vehicle having the apparatus An apparatus for treating exhaust gases from a mobile internal combustion engine includes at least an exhaust pipe with a direction of extent, a honeycomb body having at least ceramic or extruded material, and at least one metallic fiber mat, which is at least partially disposed between the exhaust pipe and the honeycomb body. At least two zones with different functions are formed in the direction of extent by the at least one fiber mat. At least one first zone serves a function of mounting the honeycomb body, and at least one other zone serves a function selected from the group consisting of thermal insulation and forming a seal against gas. A vehicle having the apparatus is also provided.
US07713489B2	Experimental device for the study and the extrapolation of processes in a reactive simulated moving bed The invention relates to an original experimental device for the study and the validation of processes in a reactive simulated moving bed, as well as the method that makes possible the exploitation of the results obtained from said device.This device consists of one or two columns and a number of storage tanks.
US07713485B2	Microfluidics switch with moving planes A microfluidics switch with moving planes has a first substrate with some holes and a second substrate with some micro-channels. Herein, the relative planes of both substrates are covered by a hydrophobic material. Therefore, while the substrates are neighboring and relatively moving, the overlap relation between the holes and the micro-channels are varied and a switch function is provided. Further, by using the hydrophobic material, while the distance between substrates is smaller than the height of drop of each liquid inputted into the holes, the fluids can not fluid between the planes and then different micro-channels are isolated from each other.
US07713484B2	Method and device for isolating and/or determining an analyte The invention concerns a device for isolating, on a reactive surface, an analyte from a liquid sample containing the analyte.
US07713483B2	Portable filter cap A portable water filtration system filters water as it flows through an inlet of a conventional storage container and removes impurities before they enter the container. The filtration system is implemented within a cap that can attach to a variety of standard water storage containers, such as Nalgene™-type water bottles. When attached to the storage container, the cap seals around the container inlet and prevents the outer surface of the container inlet from contacting the water. To that end, two watertight seals are formed to isolate the outer surface of the inlet from any fluid communication, e.g., during a water-filling process. Because the outer surface of the inlet does not contact the unfiltered water, no contaminants can adhere to the inlet's surface and threaten a drinker's health if he/she drinks directly from the storage container after the cap is removed. The filtration system may be detachable from the base, such that the filtration system can be removed while the filtered water is disinfected using known ultra-violet (UV) and chemicals. In one embodiment, the filtration system may be cleaned and reinserted in an opposite orientation to seal the filtered and treated water in the container.
US07713481B2	Automatic pipetting unit with replaceable pipetting head The invention concerns an automatic pipetting unit with a replaceable pipetting head. The pipetting head includes two head rails located on opposite sides. The pipetting unit also has two horizontal guide channels located in the interior of the pipetting unit for supporting the two head rails. Two frame-mounted, double-sided slider crank mechanisms are vertically arranged in the pipetting unit. Each double-sided slider crank mechanism includes two crank mechanisms each connected to a common articulated thrust joint by a thrust couple. The horizontal guide channels are formed in the articulated thrust joint and the crank mechanisms are connected indirectly to a head cover of the pipetting unit, so that with the opening and closing motion of the head cover the two slider crank mechanisms are moved between two end positions so that the pipetting head can be moved vertically between a lower end working position and an upper end replacement position.
US07713478B2	Equipment and method for measuring silicon concentration in phosphoric acid solution Disclosed is equipment for measuring a silicon concentration in a phosphoric acid solution under use as an etching solution during operation of a semiconductor substrate processing system. The equipment is provided with at least a reaction tank and a concentration-measuring tank. The reaction tank includes a reaction unit for adding hydrofluoric acid to a predetermined constant amount of the phosphoric acid solution drawn out of the semiconductor substrate processing system to form a silicon fluoride compound and then causing the silicon fluoride compound to evaporate. The concentration-measuring tank comprises a hydrolysis unit for bubbling the silicon fluoride compound, which has evaporated from the reaction tank, through deionized water to hydrolyze the silicon fluoride compound and a measurement unit for determining a change rate of silicon concentration in the deionized water subsequent to the bubbling. Also disclosed is a method for measuring a silicon concentration in a phosphoric acid solution under recirculation and use as an etching solution in a semiconductor substrate processing system in operation.
US07713475B2	Lateral flow immunoassay device and method A lateral flow immunoassay test device is provided that includes a housing with an elongated slot for holding a test sample collector; an elongated holder member for securing at least one immunoassay test strip therein; a first chamber for storing a first, pre-treatment reagent; and a second chamber for storing a second reagent. Methods of conducting lateral flow immunoassays are also provided. The device and methods of conducting lateral flow immunoassays as provided herein are advantageous in that they allow pre-treatment and pre-incubation of the test sample so that the sample flows onto the test strip more easily and provide for increases in the sensitivity of the assay.
US07713473B2	Sterilization system and vaporizer therefor A sterilizer employs a vaporizer having sloped surfaces over which flow liquid sterilant solution for vaporization. The arrangement promotes even distribution of the sterilant solution for more efficient vaporization.
US07713472B2	Antiseptic derivatives with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity for the impregnation of surfaces The present invention provides novel broad spectrum antiseptic compounds that further have properties that allow them to be coated/impregnated into polymer surfaces. Methods for coating these antiseptic compounds onto medical devices especially in-dwelling medical devices to prevent the growth of pathogens in such devices and hence, to prevent infection to patients via such devices are provided. The invention also provides antiseptics that are useful as general surface disinfectants and sterilizers, fluid disinfectants and biocide preservatives.
US07713471B2	System for protecting circuitry in high-temperature environments An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value. The thermal switch thereafter switches from its open position to its closed position in response to the temperature within the housing cooling to a switch-closed temperature value. With the present invention, the electrical components of a device are automatically protected from thermal damage during sterilization.
US07713467B2	Process for the production of a ball screw and ball screw A process for the production of a ball screw, which has at least one element produced powder metallurgically, is suggested, with which the at least one element is produced from a plurality of parts, wherein at least one first precursor body with a first joining area and one second precursor body with a second joining area are produced and the first precursor body and the second precursor body have been or are brought into contact via the first joining area and the second joining area prior to the sintering and/or during the sintering.
US07713466B2	Valve acting metal sintered body, production method therefor and solid electrolytic capacitor The invention provides a valve-acting metal sintered body for anode of a solid electrolytic capacitor, having a high capacitance, well impregnated with cathode material, and exhibiting excellent properties particularly when having a large volume, a capacitor having a low ESR, an excellent tan δ value and good long-term reliability such as moisture resistance and heat resistance by using the sintered body, and a production method therefor comprising the following steps: coating/printing/shaping a granulated product of a mixed dispersion containing a pore-forming agent, an organic binder and a primary powder or secondary aggregated powder of at least one member selected from valve-acting metal, a valve-acting metal compound and a valve-acting metal alloy or a granulated powder thereof, and a solvent, or compressing and shaping the granulated product of a mixture obtained by removing the solvent from the dispersion; sintering the shaped article containing a pore-forming agent; and removing the pore-forming agent from the sintered body.
US07713464B2	Multilayer container of polyglycolic acid and polyester and blow molding production process The invention provides a multilayer container that comprises a polyglycolic acid layer and a thermoplastic polyester resin layer and is much improved in terms of gas barrier properties, heat resistance, moldability, transparency and durability, and its production process. Polyglycolic acid is used as a gas barrier resin. At the body and bottom, the thermoplastic polyester resin forms an inner and an outer layer, and an intermediate layer comprising at least one polyglycolic acid layer is embedded in the thermoplastic polyester resin layer. The opening end of the container is formed of a thermoplastic polyester resin layer alone, and the body is biaxially oriented. The multilayer container has heat resistance enough to stand up to hot-filling at 93° C. for 20 seconds.
US07713463B1	Method of manufacturing embroidered surgical implants A method for applying microwave techniques to embroidered surgical implants including using microwave technology in the process of acetate removal and using microwave technology in the process of drying implants.
US07713458B2	Method of manufacturing laminated seamless belt and laminated seamless belt A laminated seamless belt having at least a base layer and an outer layer. The base layer contains a polyester thermoplastic elastomer as its main component. The base layer has a volume resistivity set to not less than 1.0×106(Ω·cm) nor more than 1.0×1011(Ω·cm). A volume resistivity of the outer layer is set to not less than 1.0×1011(Ω·cm) and not less than 10 times as large as that of the base layer. The base layer and the outer layer are formed by laminated extrusion.
US07713457B2	Composite sheet materials and processes for manufacturing same Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing sheet material. In one representative embodiment, a sheet of fabric material is positioned across a patterning template that has a number of openings; and the sheet of fabric material and the patterning template are fed through an extrusion device in which extrusion material coats the fabric material and forces the fabric material into the openings in the patterning template, thereby producing a composite sheet material.
US07713456B2	Drop generator die processing Processing a die that has an edge and a substrate upon which a layer of moisture permeable material is disposed. The moisture permeable material extends to the edge of the die. One embodiment comprises interrupting the layer of moisture permeable material to form a gap at a boundary near the edge, thereby to substantially block movement of moisture through the gap of the moisture permeable material.
US07713453B2	Method for fabricating microlenses and process of single photomask pattern-based photolithography A method for fabricating micro-lenses and a method for fabricating micro-lenses by photolithography are provided. The method includes forming a plurality of micro-cavities in a substrate, filling lens material into each of the micro-cavities, and heating the lens material, thereby reflowing the lens material so as to form a plurality of micro-lenses in the substrate. The micro-cavities define a boundary of each of the micro-lenses formed by reflowing the lens material, thereby preventing adjacent micro-lenses from fusing together by reflowing when overheated. The process uses negative photoresist and positive photoresist as micro-cavities and lens material respectively, thereby streamlining the fabrication method and its steps.
US07713452B2	Compounds that absorb ultraviolet light, methods of their preparation and optical lenses containing them Compounds that absorb ultraviolet light 380 nm to 400 nm range but avoid absorption in the blue light range, thereby imparting yellowness, i.e., 410-420 nm have suitable refractive characteristics useful in the preparation of optical resins or plastics suitable, for example, for the manufacture of ophthalmic lenses. Methods for making the compounds, optic lenses containing the compounds, and methods for making these are also described.
US07713448B1	Carbon nanomaterial dispersion and stabilization Carbon nanomaterials are stabilized and uniformly dispersed in a liquid such as water using a simple procedure. Methylcellulose is added to hot water where it separates and expands with a temperature of about 80-90 degree Celsius. Methylcellulose swiftly dissolves when the water cools down. Carbon nanomaterials are dispersed in a solvent and sonicated. This nanomaterial dispersed solvent is then added to the methylcellulose dispersed water and mechanically stirred. The resulting uniform mixture is up to 90% by weight nanomaterials and is stable for months.
US07713446B2	Synthesis of nanofibers of polyaniline and substituted derivatives Novel, simple methods are presented directed to the synthesis of nanofibers of polyaniline and substituted derivatives. The production of these fibers is achieved via various methods by controlling the concentration of aniline monomer or substituted aniline derivatives or an oxidant in the reaction medium and maintaining said concentration at a level much lower than conventional polyaniline synthesis methods. Methods are disclosed relating to the use of a permeable membrane to control the release of a monomer and/or oxidant as well as a bulk polymerization method.
US07713442B2	Metal silicate halide phosphors and LED lighting devices using the same The present invention relates to metal silicate halide (halosilicate) phosphors, the phosphors with an oxide coating, methods of making the phosphors, and light emitting diode- (LED-) based lighting devices modified with the phosphors.
US07713435B2	Heat exchange fluids comprising amine carboxylates Carboxylate salts of amines are used as components of heat exchange fluids. The amines may have a ratio of N to C of 1:0 to 1:12 and the carboxylate anion may be derived from an acid of the formula H(CH2)0-3COOH. A preferred monoamine heat exchange fluid utilizes triethanolamine formate. Lower carboxylate salts of diamines and triamines having the formula R2[N[(CH2)mNR]1-2]R where each R is independently selected from moieties of the formula —CnH2n+1 and moieties of the formula H[O(CH2)1-4]—, each m is independently a number from 1 to 6, and each n is a number from 1 to 4, are disclosed as compounds.
US07713430B2	Using positive DC offset of bias RF to neutralize charge build-up of etch features Apparatus, systems and methods for plasma etching substrates are provided. The invention achieves dissipation of charge build-up on a substrate being plasma etched to avoid notching or twisting in high aspect ratio contents and similar features.Charge build-up on a substrate being etched by plasma etching can be dissipated by a method for etching a substrate, the method comprising: providing a plasma processing chamber comprising a chamber enclosure and a substrate support adapted to support a substrate within the chamber enclosure; supporting a substrate on the substrate support; forming a plasma within the chamber enclosure such that a surface of the substrate is in contact with the plasma; etching the substrate by generating a negative bias on the substrate surface relative to the plasma; and intermittently changing the bias on the substrate surface to positive relative to the plasma. The present method can be readily integrated into known plasma processing systems.
US07713429B2	Method of manufacturing nozzle plate, and liquid ejection head and image forming apparatus comprising nozzle plate The method of manufacturing a nozzle plate comprises the steps of: applying a protective sheet to a first surface of a nozzle plate in which nozzles are to be formed; forming holes which pass through the nozzle plate and have bottoms inside the protective sheet, from a side of a second surface of the nozzle plate reverse to the first surface; filling a filling material into the holes, from the side of the second surface; peeling away the protective sheet after the filling step; forming a liquid-repelling film on the first surface of the nozzle plate after the peeling step; and removing the filling material after the liquid-repelling film forming step.
US07713421B2	Sorption method, device, and system The invention relates to a method of separating components of a fluid mixture comprising the steps of providing a fluid, providing a sorbent structure (120), sorbing a first component of the fluid, desorbing the first component, and electrokinetically biasing the first component in a direction other than the vector of the fluid mixture.
US07713413B2	Aerated anoxic membrane bioreactor A process for treating biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrogen and phosphorus containing wastewater, wherein the process includes providing wastewater influent to an oxygen-deficit aeration zone having activated sludge and mixing the wastewater influent with the activated sludge in the oxygen-deficit aeration zone to form a mixed liquor. The process further includes transferring the mixed liquor from the oxygen-deficit aeration zone to an oxygen-surplus aeration zone and transferring a portion of the mixed liquor from the oxygen-surplus aeration zone to a membrane filter wherein a filtrate is separated from sludge. In addition, the process includes recycling at least a portion of the sludge to the oxygen-deficit aeration zone as recycled activated sludge.
US07713412B2	Filter device A hollow fiber filter device for dialysis having a housing and an end cap is described. The end cap is attached to an axial end of the housing, and has a curved channel in fluid communication with a fluid port, a fluid chamber having a flow path defined by a plurality of curved members connected to an upper interior surface. The distance between circumferentially adjacent curved members may decrease in a radially outward flow direction.
US07713410B2	Wastewater treatment apparatus In a waste water treatment apparatus and/or method, waste water containing aminoethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide is introduced into a first denitrification tank within a first waste water treatment apparatus. Malodorous gas generated in the first waste water treatment apparatus is decomposed and treated in a second waste water treatment apparatus where another waste water is treated as another system. The second waste water treatment apparatus has a second nitrification tank including a semi-anaerobic section. The malodorous gas is introduced from the first waste water treatment apparatus into a scrubber. The malodorous gas is treated by sludge which is circulated between the second nitrification tank and the scrubber.
US07713408B2	Process for the catalytic hydrotreating of silicon containing hydrocarbon feed stock Process for the catalytic hydrotreating of a hydrocarbon feed stock containing silicon compounds comprising the steps of contacting the feed stock in presence of hydrogen with a first hydrotreating catalyst being arranged in at least two reactors being connected in series at an outlet temperature of up to 410° C. to reduce content of the silicon compounds in the feed stock; cooling of the feed stock such treated to a temperature of between 280° and 350° C.; and contacting the cooled feed stock with a second hydrotreating catalyst at conditions being effective in reduction of sulphur compound and nitrogen compound concentration.
US07713400B2	Method of making a nodular electrolytic flocculant A method of rapidly cooling molten mixtures of alkali metal alloys in which the metal components of said alloys have a wide divergence of melting points that result in separation of the alkali metals during cool down. A calcium-sodium alloy is produced in an electrolysis cell. A method of high pressure atomization of the calcium-sodium alloy and its subsequent rapid cooling produces a calcium nodular particulate that is encased in a sodium flocculant. The material manufactured is used as a nodular electrolytic flocculant reactant in the electrolyte of an alkaline battery.
US07713398B2	Selective plating apparatus and selective plating method A selective plating apparatus for applying selective electrolytic plating to a metal member includes: a mask member having a recess portion so that a space is formed to which predetermined parts of a surface of the metal member are exposed when the mask member is attached to the metal member, and having at least one supply opening for supplying electrolytic plating solution into the space and a discharge opening for discharging the electrolytic plating solution from the space both formed in a bottom portion of the recess portion; and at least one injection nozzle which injects the electrolytic plating solution in an oblique direction with respect to the predetermined parts of the surface of the metal member, and is arranged in vicinity of the supply opening.
US07713392B2	Test strip coding and quality measurement A test strip and analytical apparatus have pin connections permitting the definition of geographic regions or of particular customers. A test strip made for use in a particular region or for a particular customer will have pin connections matching features of the apparatus made for use in that region or by that customer. Insertion of the strip into the apparatus does not merely turn on the apparatus, but provides the regional or customer coding. Analog switches within the apparatus allow coding of a larger number of distinct regions or customers than would otherwise be possible, all without degrading the quality of the measurements made of the fluid being tested. Conductive paths in the strips permit testing the strips during manufacture so as to detect quality lapses regarding the printing or deposition of the paths.
US07713390B2	Ground shield for a PVD chamber Apparatus for processing a substrate in a physical vapor deposition chamber is provided herein. In one embodiment, apparatus for processing a substrate in a physical vapor deposition chamber having a target disposed in a lid assembly and a grounded chamber wall includes a ground frame and a ground shield. The ground frame is configured to be insulatively coupled to the lid assembly and has an electrically conductive lower surface. The ground shield has an electrically conductive wall that is adjustably and electrically coupled to the conductive lower surface of the ground frame. The ground shield is configured to circumscribe the target and has an upper edge configured to provide a gap between the upper edge and a peripheral edge of the target when installed.
US07713389B2	Perpendicular magnetic recording disk with ultrathin nucleation film for improved corrosion resistance and method for making the disk A perpendicular magnetic recording disk has a granular cobalt alloy recording layer (RL) containing an additive oxide or oxides, an intermediate layer (IL) as an exchange-break layer on the “soft” magnetic underlayer (SUL), and an ultrathin nucleation film (NF) between the IL and the RL. In the method of making the disk, the IL is deposited at a relatively low sputtering pressure, to thereby reduce the roughness of the RL and overcoat (OC), while the NF and RL are deposited at substantially higher sputtering pressures. The resulting disk has good recording properties and improved corrosion resistance over a comparable disk made with an IL deposited at high sputtering pressure and without the NF. The NF may be a discontinuous film with an average thickness of less than about 1 nm.
US07713387B2	Method for separating trioxane from a trioxane/formaldehyde/water mixture by means of pressure change rectification A process for removing trioxane from a use stream I of formaldehyde, trioxane and water, by a) providing a use stream I of formaldehyde as the main component and trioxane and water as the secondary components, b) mixing the use stream I with a recycle stream VII to obtain a feed stream Ia, c) distilling the use stream Ia in a first distillation stage to obtain a stream II of formaldehyde as the main component and water as the secondary component, and a stream III of trioxane as the main component and water and formaldehyde as the secondary components, d) distilling the stream III in a second distillation stage having a pressure higher than in the first distillation stage, to obtain a stream IV of trioxane and a stream V of trioxane as the main component and water and formaldehyde as the secondary components, e) distilling the stream V in a third distillation stage to obtain a stream VI of water and the recycle stream VII of trioxane as the main component and water and formaldehyde as the secondary components.
US07713382B2	Method and apparatus for processing wood chips A method and an apparatus for processing wood chips, wherein the wood chips are treated with steam in a gas removal apparatus. The condensate formed in the gas removal apparatus is removed from the gas removal apparatus and the wood chips are treated with a processing solution in order to remove metal ions from the wood chips. Condensate formed in the gas removal apparatus is used as processing solution.
US07713377B2	Apparatus and method for plasma treating a substrate Apparatus is provided for plasma treating a substrate. This has a chamber (2) and a plasma generator (4) which forms a plasma from one or more gases flowing within the chamber so as to produce one or more species for interacting with a substrate (8) placed within the chamber. A guide (12) is provided for directing the gas flow containing the species towards the substrate (8). When in use, the width of the plasma is greater than that of the substrate by an amount defining an outer region of plasma. The guide is adapted to direct the species from at least substantially all of the outer region of the plasma towards the substrate. A corresponding method of plasma treatment is also disclosed.
US07713375B2	Dry erase writing board and method This invention relates to a dry erase writing board. The dry erase writing board comprises a chalk or erase board having a face side, and a multilayer film which is adhered to the face side of the chalk or dry erase board. The outer or exposed surface of the multilayer film which is adhered to the chalk board or erase board is a clear dry erasable layer comprising at least one fluorocarbon polymer. The invention also relates to a method of preparing the dry erase writing boards of the invention which utilizes a multilayer film having an adhesive layer for adhering the multilayer film to the chalk or erase board and a pattern of non-adhesive material forms embedded into the upper or lower surface of the adhesive layer, or adhered to the lower surface of the adhesive layer. The dry erasable multilayer films described herein are easily applied to substrates such as a chalk or erase board with little or no formation of visible bubbles or wrinkles in the film.
US07713373B2	Process for producing packaging laminate material A process for producing a web-like laminate material for packaging container composed of a base layer and a thermally sealable inner layer, comprising: introducing an oxygen-containing gas in a silver vapor atmosphere; carrying a web-like base film in the silver vapor atmosphere to form a thin film of metallic silver on a surface of the web-like base film; oxidizing the thin film into a thin film of silver oxide; drawing out the base film provided with the thin film of silver oxide from the silver vapor atmosphere to obtain a web-like base layer; laminating an inner face of the web-like base layer with a thermally sealable inner layer, printing a container design on an outer face of the web-like base layer; and forming a thermoplastic layer or a support layer on the outer face and inner face of the web-like base layer. A seal zone, vicinity thereof and entirety of the container can be formed in an antibacterial atmosphere or with an antibacterial material.
US07713372B2	Method for forming a tangible item and a tangible item which is made by a method which allows the created tangible item to efficiently absorb energy A method for creating a tangible item (such as an “A” pillar garnishment 18) which increases the capacity of the item to absorb energy by the incorporation and/or addition of a plurality of adhesive-covered beads 25, and which utilizes the method and/or type of energy used to normally form the item to incorporate and/or add the adhesive-covered beads 25, thereby increasing efficiency while reducing cost. A new and novel tangible item, such as “A” pillar garnishment 18, having programmed energy absorption characteristics is also disclosed.
US07713363B2	Method of manufacturing high-strength aluminum alloy extruded product excelling in corrosion resistance and stress corrosion cracking resistance A method of manufacturing a high-strength aluminum alloy extruded product which excels in corrosion resistance and stress corrosion cracking resistance, and is suitably used in applications as structural materials for transportation equipment such as automobiles, railroad carriages, and aircrafts. The method includes extruding a billet of an aluminum alloy containing 0.5% to 1.5% of Si, 0.9% to 1.6% of Mg, 0.8% to 2.5% of Cu, while satisfying the following equations (1), (2), (3), and (4), 3≦Si%+Mg%+Cu%≦4 (1) Mg%≦1.7×Si% (2) Mg%+Si%≦2.7 (3) Cu%/2≦Mg%≦(Cu%/2)+0.6 (4) and further containing 0.5% to 1.2% of Mn, with the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities, into a solid product by using a solid die, or into a hollow product by using a porthole die or a bridge die, thereby obtaining the solid product or the hollow product in which a fibrous structure accounts for 60% or more of an area-fraction of the cross-sectional structure of the product.
US07713361B2	Metal product producing method, metal product, metal component connecting method, and connection structure A deposition is gradually formed by molding a product main body, removing a defect periphery including a defect generated on a surface to be treated of the product main body by molding so that a recess portion is formed on the surface to be treated of the product main body, employing a molded electrode composed of a molded body molded from a powder of a metal or the molded body processed with a heat treatment, and generating a pulsing electric discharge between the recess portion periphery including the recess portion and the molded electrode in an electrically insulating liquid or gas so that a material of the molded electrode or a reaction substance of the material carries out deposition and such at the recess portion periphery by energy of the electric discharge.
US07713360B2	Rare earth permanent magnet It is an object of the present invention to provide a permanent magnet which is observed as a uniform structure without microstructures, but shows a pinning type initial magnetization curve. There is provided a rare earth permanent magnet comprising a magnetic intermetallic compound comprising R, T, N and an unavoidable impurity, wherein R is one or more rare earth elements comprising Y, T is two or more transition metal elements and comprises principally Fe and Co; wherein the magnetic intermetallic compound has an T/R atomic ratio of 6 to 14; a magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of at least 1 MJ/m3; a Curie point of at least 100° C.; average particle diameter of at least 3 μm; and a substantially uniform structure; wherein the rare earth permanent magnet has a structure that gives a pinning-type initial magnetization curve; and wherein the magnetic intermetallic compound has a Th2Zn17-type structure, and the like.
US07713359B2	Device for interior flushing of tanks or containers The present invention relates to a device for interior flushing of spaces in tanks or containers. At least one rotatable part (8) of a pipe (6, 8, 11) for the supply of flushing liquid (7) is provided in the space (2) and said rotatable part (8) has at least one flushing nozzle (9) for discharging jets (10) of flushing liquid. A driving or operating device (22) is provided to rotate said rotatable part (8) about a geometric rotation axis (R1A) and the flushing nozzle (9) about another geometric rotation axis (R2A). The driving device (22) is provided to be brought to rotate in opposite rotary directions (R1, R2) by reversing its rotary direction. A switch device (23) is provided to bring either said rotatable part (8) or the flushing nozzle (9) to rotate in dependence of the rotary direction (R1 or R2) of the driving device (22). A control device (48) is provided to control the driving device (22) to rotate in one or the opposite rotary direction (R1 or R2).
US07713357B2	Method for treating a surface with a treatment gel and treatment gel The present invention relates to a method for treating a surface with a gel, as well as to a treatment gel.The treatment may be a decontamination, etching or surface degreasing treatment, for example.The method comprises in this order, the following steps: applying the treatment gel on the surface to be treated, maintaining the treatment gel on the surface to be treated at a temperature and relative humidity such that the gel dries by breaking up and that it has the time to treat the surface before forming a dry and solid residue, and removing the dry and solid residue from the treated surface by suction or brushing.The gel comprises a viscosing agent, a treatment agent and optionally an oxidizing agent.
US07713354B2	Film forming method, film forming system and recording medium After silicon nitride films have been formed on wafers by a film forming process in a reaction vessel, the reaction vessel is processed by a purging process specified by a purging recipe and compatible with the film forming process to suppress production of gases and particles by removing surface parts of films deposited on the inside surface of the reaction vessel and causative of production of gases and particles.A wafer boat 25 holding a plurality of wafers W is loaded into a reaction vessel 2, and the wafers W are processed by a film forming process specified by a film forming recipe 1 specifying, for example, Si2Cl2 gas and NH3 gas as film forming gases. Subsequently, a purging recipe 1 specifying a purging process compatible to the film forming process is selected automatically, and the reaction vessel 2 is processed by the purging process specified by the purging recipe 1. A purging recipe is selected automatically from a plurality of purging recipes specifying purging processes respectively compatible with film forming processes. Unnecessary extension of purging time is suppressed and the reaction vessel 2 can be processed by an appropriate purging process compatible with the film forming process.
US07713352B2	Synthesis of fibers of inorganic materials using low-melting metals A process is provided to produce bulk quantities of nanowires in a variety of semiconductor materials. Thin films and droplets of low-melting metals such as gallium, indium, bismuth, and aluminum are used to dissolve and to produce nanowires. The dissolution of solutes can be achieved by using a solid source of solute and low-melting metal, or using a vapor phase source of solute and low-melting metal. The resulting nanowires range in size from 1 nanometer up to 1 micron in diameter and lengths ranging from 1 nanometer to several hundred nanometers or microns. This process does not require the use of metals such as gold and iron in the form of clusters whose size determines the resulting nanowire size. In addition, the process allows for a lower growth temperature, better control over size and size distribution, and better control over the composition and purity of the nanowire produced therefrom.
US07713351B2	Method for crystallization of proteins using polysaccharides The objective of the invention is a crystallizing method for macromolecules, especially proteins and polypeptides, in which selected polysaccharides of biological origin, such as alginate, pectin, dextrin or chitosan and hydrolysates thereof, are used as reagents. Sedimentation of the crystals can be prevented and thus the uniformity of the product contributed with the method. The method can be used to prepare new crystal forms of the polypeptide and to improve the stability of crystals.
US07713347B2	Heat and rain erosion resistant coating A binder formulation is provided that is capable of forming a heat and erosion resistant coating on the surface of a substrate, particularly a substrate comprising titanium or aluminum. The binder formulation comprises a metal alkoxide compound, such as a titanium alkoxide and an organosilane, such as 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GTMS). The binder material may be capable of strongly bonding the binder to the substrate. The binder coating may also include one or more additives that may help improve the heat resistance and impact absorbance of the coating. The binder may also include one or more pigments so that the resulting sol-gel coating has a desired appearance and properties. The sol-gel coating can be cured under ambient conditions and does not require additional heat curing.
US07713329B2	Apparatus for manufacturing molten irons to improve operation of fluidized bed type reduction apparatus and manufacturing method using the same The invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing molten iron. The method for manufacturing molten iron includes producing a mixture containing iron by drying and mixing iron-containing ore and additives, passing the mixture containing iron through one or more successively-connected fluidized beds so that the mixture is reduced and calcined to thereby perform conversion into a reduced material, forming a coal packed bed, which is a heat source in which the reduced material has been melted, charging the reduced material to the coal packed bed and supplying oxygen to the coal-packed bed to manufacture iron, and supplying reduced gas exhausted from the coal-packed bed to the fluidized bed, wherein in the conversion of the mixture to a reduced material, oxygen is directly supplied and combusted in an area where reduced gas flows to the fluidized bed. The apparatus for manufacturing molten iron of the invention uses this method for manufacturing molten iron. Through use of the invention, the reduced gas passing through the fluidized beds may be improved, and cohesion of the iron-containing fine ores may be prevented.
US07713322B2	Filter layer for an, in particular conical, honeycomb body for exhaust gas treatment, method for manufacturing the filter layer, honeycomb body and exhaust gas purification device A filter layer includes at least partially gas-permeable material having a plurality of segments joined to one another in such a way that the filter layer has non-parallel edges. Inexpensive manufacturing methods for such a filter layer, conical honeycomb bodies having the filter layer and particle-filtering exhaust gas purification apparatuses for motor vehicles, are also provided.
US07713321B2	Air cleaner arrangements; components thereof; and, methods Air cleaner assemblies and components therefor are described and shown. Also methods of assembly and use are described and shown. Projection/receiver arrangements are described, for securing a filter cartridge in place within the housing. Also housing seal arrangements for the filter arrangements being sealed to the housing, and specific housing features and cartridge features are shown.
US07713318B2	Method of operating a hydrogen generator and method of operating a fuel cell system using a hydrogen generator The hydrogen generator includes: a reformer 101 having a reforming catalyst configured to cause a source material and water to react with each other to generate a hydrogen-rich reformed gas; a reformer heater 104 configured to heat the reformer; a carbon monoxide reducing portion 111,121 having a carbon monoxide reducing catalyst configured to reduce carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas; a carbon monoxide reduction heater 112,123 configured to heat at least one of the carbon monoxide reducing portion, the carbon monoxide reducing catalyst and the reformed gas passing through the carbon monoxide reducing portion; and a controller 200 capable of control such that the carbon monoxide reduction heater is caused to operate in a stop operation period.
US07713317B2	Reformer for power supply of a portable electronic device A reactor including a high-temperature reaction unit which causes a reaction of a first reaction material to create a second reaction material and a product, and a low-temperature reaction unit which causes a reaction of the second reaction material at a temperature lower than in the high-temperature reaction unit. A coupling pipe is interposed between the high-temperature reaction unit and the low-temperature reaction unit and transfers the first reaction material and the product created with the reaction material between the high-temperature reaction unit and the low-temperature reaction unit. An external flow pipe is joined to the low-temperature reaction unit at its having one end. The external flow pipe has a plurality of flow pathways including a flow pathway for supplying the first reaction material to the high-temperature reaction unit through the low-temperature reaction unit and a flow pathway for discharging the product from the high-temperature reaction unit through the low-temperature reaction unit.
US07713316B2	Fuel oils having improved cold flow properties The invention relates to fuel oils comprising a larger proportion of middle distillates having a sulfur content of at most 350 ppm and an aromatics content of at most 22% by weight, and also a smaller proportion of at least one copolymer of ethylene and vinyl esters, said copolymer containing a) bivalent structural units derived from ethylene of the formula 1 —CH2—CH2— (1) b) from 5 to 12 mol % of bivalent structural units of the formula 2 where R1 is saturated, branched C5-C18-alkyl, and c) from 4 to 13 mol % of bivalent structural units of the formula 3 and the sum of the molar proportions of structural units of the formulae 2 and 3 being between 12 and 16 mol %, to the corresponding polymers, and also to their use for improving the cold flow behavior of middle distillates having a sulfur content of at most 350 ppm and an aromatics content of at most 22% by weight.
US07713313B1	Process for preparing lithium manganate The present invention provides a process for preparing lithium manganate having lithium-in cell stability by utilizing manganese oxides having lower oxidation states in the furnacing step and by using stoichiometric amounts of lithium hydroxide monohydrate and a manganese oxide in water as a starting mixture. Cr, Ni, Mg, AL oxides are optionally added.
US07713310B2	Dyeing process comprising a zinc-based compound for wash-protecting the color of artificially dyed keratin fibers The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic process for wash-protecting the color of keratin fibers comprising applying a composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one zinc-based compound chosen from zinc-based mineral compounds and zinc-based non-nitrogenous organic compounds to keratin fibers previously dyed. Also disclosed is a cosmetic process for wash-protecting the color of dyed keratin fibers, comprising applying to the keratin fibers, after dyeing, at least one zinc-based compound chosen from zinc-based mineral compounds and zinc-based non-nitrogenous organic compounds. The present disclosure further relates to a process for dyeing keratin fibers comprising applying to the fibers at least one dye composition (A), optionally in the presence of an oxidizing agent, for period of time that is sufficient to develop the color, and applying a composition (B) comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one zinc-based compound as defined herein.
US07713308B2	Stent with soluble bladder retention member Ureteral stents having at least a portion of a proximal end of the ureteral stent constructed with a material that dissolves after being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time are disclosed herein. At least a portion of the proximal end portion of the elongate member includes a dissolving portion configured to dissolve in response to being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time. The elongate member also includes a non-dissolving portion that includes the entire retention member of the distal end portion and is substantially stable in the bodily fluid of the urinary tract of the patient. In some embodiments, a medial portion of the ureteral stent is also constructed with one or more dissolving materials. In some implementations, the proximal and/or the medial portions of the ureteral stent are constructed using various combinations of dissolving and non-dissolving materials.
US07713306B2	Method and apparatus for acetabular reconstruction A trial system for an acetabular prosthesis is described. The acetabular prosthesis is generally for implantation in an acetabulum and surrounding pelvis. The acetabular prosthesis includes an acetabular cup having a substantially concave inner surface and a substantially convex outer surface. The described acetabular prosthesis is especially useful in revision hip implant procedures where significant bone tissue loss has occurred either in or around the acetabulum and/or the pelvis. A collection of trial shells are provided to trial a range of motion of the hip joint before implanting a prosthetic shell into the acetabular prosthesis.
US07713305B2	Articular surface implant An implant for replacing a portion of an articular surface including a load bearing surface and a bone contacting region. The load bearing surface had a contour defined by a first curve string which is based on a contour of the articular surface being replaced in a first plane. The load bearing surface of the implant is further defined by the contour of the articular surface being replaced in a second plane, in which the first and second planes are mutually intersection planes.
US07713302B2	Intervertebral spacer device utilizing a spirally slotted belleville washer having radially spaced concentric grooves An intervertebral spacer device having a pair of opposing plates for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, separated by at least one spring mechanism. The preferred spring mechanism is at least one spirally slotted belleville washer having radially spaced concentric grooves. In a preferred embodiment there is a single such belleville washer which is modified to mount onto a ball-shaped head. The lower plate of this embodiment includes a post extending upwardly from the inner surface of the plate, the post including a ball-shaped head. The modified belleville washer can be rotatably mounted to the head such that the wider portion of the washer seats against the upper plate.
US07713301B2	Intervertebral disc prosthesis A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.
US07713299B2	Haptic for accommodating intraocular lens An intraocular lens is disclosed, with an optic that changes shape in response to a deforming force exerted by the zonules of the eye. A haptic supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. The region of contact between the optic and the haptic extends into the edge of the optic, similar to the interface between a bicycle tire and the rim that holds it in place. The haptic may be stiffer than the optic. The haptic may have the same refractive index as the optic. The haptic may include a saddle-shaped portion in contact with the adjustable optic, with a convex profile along an optical axis; and a concave profile in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.
US07713294B2	Near infrared microbial elimination laser systems (NIMEL) Methods, systems, and apparatus for Near Infrared Microbial Elimination Laser Systems (NIMELS) including use with medical devices are disclosed. The medical devices can be situated in vivo. Suitable medical devices include catheters, stents, artificial joints, and the like. NIMELS methods, systems, and apparatus can apply near infrared radiant energy of certain wavelengths and dosimetries capable of impairing biological contaminants without intolerable risks and/or adverse effects to biological moieties other than a targeted biological contaminant associated with traditional approaches described in the art (e.g., loss of viability, or thermolysis). Lasers including diode lasers may be used for one or more light sources. A delivery assembly can be used to deliver the optical radiation produced by the source(s) produced to an application region that can include patient tissue. Exemplary embodiments utilize light in a range of 850 nm-900 nm and/or 905 nm-945 nm at suitable NIMELS dosimetries.
US07713292B2	Bone anchoring element with thread that can be unscrewed A bone anchoring element (1) for anchoring an external device in a bone is described. A head (2) capable of connection to the external device is provided with a shaft (3) that can be anchored in a bone. A predetermined section of the shaft (3) has a bone thread (5). Moreover, the shaft (3) also has at least one bone thread-free surface (6,7; 11,12; 16,17; 21,22,23) that extends from a first end to a second end of the predetermined section essentially along the direction of the shaft axis. The bone anchoring element (1), thus provided, is pressed or soft-hammered into a hole (8, 28) previously generated in the bone and fixed in the bone by rotation by a predetermined angle. If the bone anchoring element has to be removed this can be achieved by unscrewing it in the standard fashion. The disclosure also describes methods for using the bone anchoring element.
US07713278B2	Method and instrument for effecting anastomosis of respective tissues defining two body lumens The method disclosed may be used following a prostatectomy, and may comprise inserting an instrument into the bladder lumen through incisions in the abdomen and bladder wall; using an end effector thereon to urge the bladder wall to the pelvic floor and align the openings of the bladder and urethra, and drive an anchor through the bladder wall into the pelvic floor, thereby connecting a balloon harness to the pelvic floor; inflating a balloon within the harness, which holds the bladder wall surrounding the bladder opening against the pelvic floor; maintaining the balloon in place and draining the bladder via a catheter during the time required for the tissues to effectively knit; and then deflating the balloon, disconnecting the harness, and withdrawing the instrument. The instrument may comprise one or more tubes that support an end effector comprising a positioner, an anchor driver, a harness, a balloon and a catheter.
US07713276B2	Occlusion clip An occlusion clip is disclosed that comprises an occlusion portion having an upper single element occlusion member having proximal and distal upper member ends and a lower single element occlusion member having proximal and distal lower member ends. The lower single element occlusion member and the upper single element occlusion member combine to define an occlusion member plane. The occlusion clip further comprises a spring portion having a torsion spring connecting the proximal upper member end to the proximal lower member end. The torsion spring has a spring height dimension in the occlusion member plane perpendicular to the upper and lower single occlusion members and is adapted to bias the upper and lower single element occlusion members toward a closed position wherein the upper single element occlusion member is in force contact with the lower single element occlusion member.
US07713273B2	Device, system and method for delivering a curable material into bone A curable material delivery cannula device is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a hub. The cannula includes an open proximal end, a deflectable segment forming a pre-set curve, a lumen, and side orifice(s) adjacent, and proximally spaced from, the distal end and fluidly connected to the lumen. When inserted within a guide cannula, the deflectable segment straightens. When distally extended from the guide cannula, the deflectable segment reverts to the curved shape. The distal end has a blunt tip for non-traumatic interface with bodily material. During use, curable material, such as bone cement, is delivered from the side orifice(s) in a radial direction relative to the lumen.
US07713267B2	Electronic coagulation scalpel The invention relates to a method of regulating the power available at the manipulator of an electronic scalpel so as to make said manipulator adapted to be used to obtain blood clotting, said electronic scalpel being of the kind comprising: at least a mains voltage rectifying circuit supplying rectified and direct voltage to at least a radio frequency circuit adapted to emit as output a current carrier signal at a main frequency set by an oscillator, said current signal feeding said manipulator through a radio frequency transformer, wherein said method consists in applying to the manipulator a wave form resulting from the sum of the carrier wave and a modulating wave of such frequency that the energy transmitted to the tissue to be coagulated is such to raise the temperature of the tissue to be coagulated until denaturation of the fibrinogen contained therein is caused and transforming it into fibrin. The invention relates also to the electronic scalpel carrying out such a method
US07713266B2	Subdermal cryogenic remodeling of muscles, nerves, connective tissue, and/or adipose tissue (fat) Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve/muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface.
US07713258B2	Disposable infusion device facilitating tissue fold formation for cannula deployment and method A device and method facilitates the forming of a skin fold during deployment of a cannula. The device may be a disposable infusion device and the method comprises adhering, to a skin surface, a base member having a port for receiving a cannula, forming a skin fold having skin surfaces sloping away from opposite sides of the base member, driving a cannula through the port of the base member while maintaining the skin fold, and releasing the skin fold. To facilitate the forming of the skin fold, the device comprises a base having a base surface and a flexible layer member. The flexible layer member has a first surface adjacent the base surface and a second surface adapted to be adhered to a patient's skin. The first surface has a first portion adhered to a portion of the base surface and a second portion adherable to the base surface.
US07713250B2	Needleless luer access connector A needleless luer access connector is disclosed having a septum disposed in a housing. The septum has a proximal portion with a cross section, a medial portion with a cross section smaller than the cross section of the proximal portion, and a distal portion. A longitudinal slit extends through the septum from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The septum and housing are designed so that septum will not be rotated or removed from the housing when the connector is accessed by a male luer taper. In addition, the septum and housing are designed to bias the slit at the distal portion closed and so a male luer connector does not have to extend completely through the distal portion to open the slit at the distal portion. Finally, the septum and housing are designed to minimize the amount of dead space in the connector when accessed with a male luer taper.
US07713246B2	Automatic valve A valve system is provided having a housing including a first end, a second end and a first passageway. The housing has a first port and a second port. A valve member is disposed within the housing and movable relative thereto. The valve member defines a portion of the first passageway that includes a first opening configured for alignment and sealed fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The portion of the first passageway further includes a second opening having a greater relative dimension than the first opening. The valve member is manipulable to establish sealed fluid communication between the first opening and the first port or the second port while maintaining continuous sealed fluid communication between the second opening and the first passageway adjacent to the second end of the housing. The valve member can be disposed within the housing for rotation relative thereto.
US07713244B1	Syringes for administering pasty or semi-solid formulations A syringe for parenteral injection of a semi-solid formulation. The syringe includes a hollow element forming a reservoir for the semi-solid product to be injected between a plunger and a needle hub urged in contact with the reservoir end. The plunger comes into direct contact with the hub when the dose contained in the reservoir-forming element has been injected. The element forming a reservoir and the needle are maintained mutually interlocked at the hub through a mount or case receiving the element forming a reservoir.
US07713242B2	Valve arrangement for surgical instruments and valve cage for accommodating the valve arrangement The invention relates to a valve arrangement for surgical instruments, particularly trocars, such as those used for minimally invasive operations, e.g. operations involving laparoscopic techniques. The invention also relates to a valve cage for accommodating the valve arrangement. The valve arrangement comprises a valve body made of closed-cell, gas-tight foam material having at least one slot, which passes through the valve body and which is provided for introducing a surgical instrument guided inside the trocar. The valve cage is provided in the form of a housing whose shape and size are adapted to the outer dimensions of the valve body. The housing can be joined to a conventional trocar sleeve in a sealed and detachable manner.
US07713240B2	Modular external infusion device A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module.
US07713237B2	Surgical cassette for intraocular pressure control An improved surgical cassette for controlling intraocular pressure during ophthalmic surgery.
US07713236B2	Airtrap The present invention relates to a system for increasing the temperature of a fluid being infused into a patient's body while the infusion is taking place. The present invention also provides for improved monitoring of air in the infusion system such to prevent the introduction of air into the patient's body receiving the fluid infusion. The present invention also provides for a system pump which provides a variable flow rate that serves a vast amount of infusion needs and purposes. A disposable cartridge in accordance with the present invention will allow for the efficient transfer of heat energy to the fluid being infused into the patient's body. The cartridge will further ensure that deleterious amounts of air will not be introduced into the patient's body.
US07713234B2	Self-injection guide tablet The self-injection guide tablet for subcutaneous injections includes adhesively mounted templates with headings indicating a particular day and body injection area. Each template further includes a grid guide, designed to cover the body injection area, along with instructions for placing the grid guide on the particular body injection area. Each grid guide includes a plurality of injection grids, in column or row format, with indicia marking a predetermined injection grid. Upon removing the grid guide from the specific template, the predetermined injection grid remains on the template, so the vacated injection grid forms the injection area for the subcutaneous injection.
US07713233B2	Balloons having a crosslinkable layer A dilatation balloon for use in combination with a catheter device, the balloon having a waist, cone and body portion and having a first layer formed from a first polymeric composition, the balloon having a second layer disposed on at least a portion of the first layer, the second layer formed from a second polymeric composition which is crosslinked on at least a portion of the dilatation balloon, and methods of making and using the same.
US07713231B2	Interventional catheter assemblies and control systems An interventional catheter assembly has an operating head [400] and catheter system [300] that are inserted and navigated within a patient's body while an operator controls the system externally of the operating head. Fluidic communication is provided between the operating head and the external system controls, and rotation is provided to the operating head by means of an external drive system. Numerous system controls are provided, along with various operating systems, sealing assemblies, actuators, torque transfer systems, and the like are provided. Some systems and controls are provided in a control pod [200] and some controls, as well as displays, are provided in a console unit [100]. Control pod [200], catheter system [300] and operating head [400] may be provided as a sterile, single use interventional catheter system, while the console unit [100] may be provided as a multiple use device that communicates with the sterile, single use interventional catheter system during operation.
US07713228B2	Surgical method An irrigating technique that can be used to increase the flow of fluid through the trabecular meshwork. Pulses of relatively high pressure irrigating are directed at the trabecular meshwork. These pulses can be focused, thereby perforating the trabecular meshwork, or applied over a larger area so as to stimulate the trabecular meshwork for improved fluid transport. In addition, the pulses of the irrigating balance salt solution can be used to clean away material, such as iris pigment, that may be blocking or clogging the trabecular meshwork. Such a technique may be practiced using the herein disclosed tip with commercially available surgical handpieces.
US07713225B2	Knee brace and method for securing the same A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, and having first and second sides divided by a median plane. The knee brace including a frame having proximal and distal portions, a stability strap having first and second ends respectively connected to first and second sides on the proximal frame portion along the posterior side thereof, and a cross strap having a first end connected to the first side of the proximal and a second end connected to the distal frame portions. A bracket assembly having a buckle connects the stability and cross straps to the frame. A sleeve is provided which covers the frame and upon which the bracket assembly rests.
US07713221B1	Strap tensioning of orthopedic appliances A tightener for orthopedic use, includes a guide loop having opposite sections, a first orthopedic strap anchored to one section for passing about a user's arm, leg or like member, and then passage through the loop to extend in a first tightening direction, a second orthopedic strap anchored to another loop section to extend in a second and opposite tightening direction, whereby the two straps extending in the first and second directions can be manually pulled in those directions to tighten the first strap about the member, and two tensioned straps can then be connected by push together connection to tightened extents of the first strap to hold tension transmission via the loop sections and straps.
US07713215B2	Steering, piercing, anchoring, distending extravascular guidewire A steerable guidewire assembly for intravascular and extravascular movement includes a flexible tube with a distal and proximal end and a lumen therebetween with the distal end being biased to assume a curved shape, a stylet wire disposed in the lumen that can be advanced beyond the distal end of the flexible tube to create an extravascular pathway by piercing tissue, a wire with a shape memory of a knot to replace the stylet wire and anchor the guidewire and/or the wire on the pathway, multiple flexible tubes of increasing diameter that distend the extravascular pathway when advanced over each other, radiopaque and radiodense materials to create distinguishable dark and bright images on fluoro-unit screens, and mechanisms for conveniently controlling movement from outside the body are disclosed.
US07713211B2	Method of optimizing patient outcome from external counterpulsation therapy A method of data management for optimizing the patient outcome from the provision of external counterpulsation (ECP) therapy is described. This method describes a process by which sets of dynamic cardiopulmonary dependent variables are measured during steady-state conditions, displayed, and translated into quantitative and qualitative measurements while the independent variables of ECP, cuff inflation duration and cuff inflation pressure settings of ECP systems, are altered by a physician. In combination with visual observation and computer-assisted ranking of the dependent variables, a physician can utilize the resulting information to render decisions on the optimal choice of the independent variables. The method will enable physicians to collect, view, track and manage complicated data using well-understood visualization techniques to better understand the consequences, acutely and chronically, of their therapeutic actions in general, and of their provision of ECP therapy in particular.
US07713204B2	Image data processing method and apparatus for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and image processing apparatus An ultrasonic diagnostic system for reducing black holes and highlighting of turbulent mosaic patterns without degradation in spatial resolution in an ultrasonic color Doppler method. The system includes a unit configured to extract image data in a specified range with reference to a specified pixel of the image data to generate kernel data, a pixel-value arranging unit configured to modulate the values of the pixels in the kernel data, a pixel-value selecting unit configured to select a pixel value of a modulated pixel value in a specified array rank, a characteristic determination unit configured to determine the characteristic of the image from the pixel value of the first image data, and a second image-data generating unit configured to generate second image data based on the value of a specified pixel in the first image data, and the selected pixel value in the specified array rank, or the demodulated pixel value.
US07713202B2	Method of controlling a surgical system based on a load on the cutting tip of a handpiece A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines an approximate temperature of the eye using an irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power to the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.
US07713201B2	Method and apparatus for shear property characterization from resonance induced by oscillatory radiation force A method for determining a shear elasticity and shear viscosity of a material based on resonance characteristics. A focused ultrasound wave is directed at the material to induce oscillations in the material, and a velocity of the material is measured. A spectrum of frequency of oscillation versus velocity is developed, and the resonance characteristics exhibited by the spectrum are used to estimate the shear elasticity and viscosity of the material.
US07713193B2	Expandable percutaneous sheath Disclosed is an expandable percutaneous sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration by a tubular restraint. In one application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure such as percutaneous nephrostomy or urinary bladder access.
US07713192B2	Endoscope system An endoscope system includes, in order to automatically detect a type of optical adapter and to generate to display an excellent image according to an intended purpose by performing an image signal processing control corresponding to the type of the optical adapter, a signal processing circuit for performing various image signal processings on an image signal from an image-pickup element, a plurality of optical adapters each including an image-formation optical system, adapter discriminating section, and LED, the optical adapters being detachably and selectively provided to the distal end of the endoscope section, and an apparatus main body including an image processing section for performing predetermined signal processing on the image signal from the signal processing circuit, an adapter detection section for detecting the adapter discrimination section, and a controller for controlling the whole endoscope system. At least driving control of the LED and various signal processing controls on the image signal obtained by the image-pickup element are performed based on the detection result of the adapter discrimination section by the adapter detection section.
US07713190B2	Flexible instrument A method of performing a medical procedure on a patient comprises conveying control signals from a remote controller to a drive unit, intravenously introducing the catheter into a heart of the patient (e.g., via the vena cava into the right atrium), and creating a puncture within a wall between two chambers (e.g., the left and right atria) of the heart. The method further comprises creating a puncture within a wall between two chambers of the heart, and operating the drive unit in accordance with the control signals to advance a working catheter within the guide catheter through the puncture.
US07713185B2	Impulse centrifuge for the purification of the lubricating oil from an internal combustion engine A free-jet centrifuge for the cleaning of lubricating oil comprising, a housing with a removable cover, a rotor rotatably arranged in the housing and with channels for feeding and removing the lubricating oil. The rotor is of split design with a drive part and a dirt trapping part which can each be flowed through by their own partial lubricating oil flow and which are designed with a torque transmission device which is engageable and disengageable. The dirt trapping part is separable from the drive part. A device is provided to prevent or restrict the axial mobility of the dirt trapping part relative to the drive part, which is ineffective or detachable when the cover is removed. The drive part extends from the bottom towards the top into the dirt trapping part or entirely through it. The drive part comprises all parts serving for the rotatable bearing of the rotor and the drive part is securely positioned against axial removal with an opened cover.
US07713184B2	Vertical filter filling machine and process Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.
US07713175B2	Infant activity systems A safe and fun exercise and walking-training apparatus and method that is ideal for infants in the approximate age range of 10 months to 18 months is disclosed. The apparatus is lightweight, very sturdy, very simple, consisting of only six unique elements, and may be assembled and disassembled by hand without tools. A system of attachable play features is also disclosed.
US07713174B2	Trampoline enclosure net This trampoline enclosure net design relates to a rebounding mat assembly and an enclosure net that surrounds the periphery of the rebounding mat assembly. The enclosure net is attached to the rebounding mat assembly by the enclosure net poles. The enclosure net pole includes: the body of the pole that is attached to the rebounding mat assembly and a connection assembly that sits at the top end of the body of the pole; a hanging hook is placed at the connection assembly; the hanging hook is connected to the enclosure net pole through an extendable piece. A connection assembly is placed at the top end of the pole; a hanging hook is placed at the connection assembly; the hanging hook is connected to the enclosure net pole through an extendable piece, allowing the enclosure net to expand and contract and buffer impact by user on the enclosure net.
US07713173B2	Exercise management function providing system and method An exercise management function providing system and method is disclosed having a shoe with built-in sensors for sensing a user's exercise. User exercise information is measured using sensor values from each of the sensors and the measured user exercise information is transmitted to a mobile terminal. Then, the mobile terminal receives the user exercise information so as to grasp a user's exercise state and quantity of motion, and provides an exercise management function in accordance with the user's exercise state and quantity of motion. Accordingly, the present invention provides an exercise program suitable for a user in accordance with a user's quantity of motion so that the user can get exercise suitable for a specific user, and the user can be provided with an exercise program to attain their own desired weight, thereby assisting with health care.
US07713172B2	Exercise device with proximity sensor An exercise device configured to sense and respond to objects in proximity to the exercise device is provided. The device includes a sensor configured to sense objects in proximity to the exercise device other than the user who is operating the exercise device. A console is in communication with the sensor that instructs components of the treadmill to provide, for example, an audible and/or visual response to the user of the exercise device, or to slow or stop the exercise device from moving. Sensors that are capable of sensing whether objects are within different spatial zones of proximity are disclosed. Multiple pre-defined and/or user-defined responses to objects detected in multiple corresponding spatial zones of proximity are also disclosed herein.
US07713171B1	Exercise equipment with removable digital script memory An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium including a telephone line that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local, system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system. A method for controlling an exercise apparatus includes running a modifiable script on a local computer to control the use and to monitor the operation of an exercise apparatus, and communicating with a remote system to provide the remote system with data concerning the use of the exercise apparatus. The script is stored in read/write memory of the local computer and remote system data received from the remote system may include at least a portion of a new script to be stored in the read/write memory of the local computer.
US07713169B2	Method of controlling a vehicle transmission A method of controlling a vehicle transmission during a gear change thereof, the method comprising operating a plurality of power shift clutches to disengage the power shift input gearing and the power shift output gearing, disengaging the driving connection between the range shift input shaft and the range shift output shaft by means of the range selection gearing, engaging at least two of the power shift clutches to vary the rotational speed of the power shift output shaft and hence the range shift input shaft, and operating the range selection gearing to establish a driving connection between the range shift input shaft and the range shift output shaft.
US07713166B2	Method and system for controlling rate of change of ratio in a continuously variable transmission Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.
US07713164B2	Double step gear shifting in a hybrid electric vehicle In a powertrain for a vehicle that includes an engine, a transmission having an input, a current gear, an input clutch, a target gear and an output for driving a load, and an electric machine for driving the load, a method for performing a gearshift from the current gear to the target gear comprising the steps of opening the input clutch, releasing a drive connection between the current gear and the output, producing a drive connection between the target gear and the output, using the electric machine to produce torque at the load, closing the input clutch; and reducing the torque produced by the electric machine.
US07713158B2	Transfer box with crown teeth A transfer box with a housing, an input shaft, a first output shaft extending coaxially relative to said input shaft, and a second output shaft extending parallel to said two shafts, as well as with a differential gear assembly arranged between said shafts, wherein the input shaft carries a cross member with a plurality of radial bearing arms for the differential gears, wherein a first side gear is connected in a rotationally fast way to the first output shaft and wherein a second side gear is rotatably supported on the input shaft and drives the second output shaft, wherein the differential gears are spur gears and the side gears crown gears and wherein the teeth of the differential gears engage the teeth of the side gears.
US07713155B2	Hydraulic tensioner In the check valve of a hydraulic tensioner, a bell-shaped retainer is provided with plural, branched, leg portions which resiliently grip the outer surface of a ball seat. Oil induction slots are formed between adjacent branched leg portions of the retainer to provide oil flow paths that are unimpeded by the plunger-biasing spring of the tensioner.
US07713154B2	Fixed pitch continuously variable transmission (FPCVT) A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for use in applications where a transmission is desired to change the speed of the motor relative to the speed of the final drive. The CVT has a set of chains or belts that are mounted around a set of pins set in radially cut slots of a set of spindles so that the pattern of pins are able to expand and contract radially around the CVT axis via these slots. Sprockets that freely spin in either direction unless a chain or belt has fully seated on at least one tooth are arranged on the pins so that only one sprocket engages one chain or belt allowing for smooth ratio changes while the load in engaged. The spindles share a set of springs that act to return the transmission to a higher ratio at moments the load is overcome.
US07713152B1	Arrowhead with unfolding blades An arrowhead of the expandable or mechanical broadhead type, i.e., having blades which unfold to increase the effective cutting area of the arrowhead, includes a tip with a rearwardly-extending actuating member which triggers one or more blades into an open state when the tip strikes a target game animal. The blades are pivotable with respect to a body into which the actuating member extends, and they include ears against which the actuating member presses upon tip impact to trigger the blades open. A latching spring maintains the blades in a closed state until the tip and actuating member are driven rearwardly by tip impact, and the tip and actuating member are preferably maintained in a forward and ready-to-trigger state by an opening spring. The actuating member may extend between the blade ears after the blades are triggered open to fix the blades in the open state until the tip is pulled forwardly to withdraw the actuating member from the ears.
US07713151B2	Mechanical broadhead with expandable blades A mechanical broadhead for attachment to an arrow having a broadhead body including a plurality of blade windows formed therein, a geometrically angled retractable blade attached within each of the blade windows, retaining springs for retaining the blades in a retracted position during flight, a front body slidably mounted onto the broadhead body, and a front tip secured to the front body. Upon contact with a target, the front tip and front body slide rearwardly into an end of the geometrically angled blades, thus pushing each of the blades through the blade windows into a deployed position. The blades of the broadhead are reset by inserting a sharp point underneath an end portion of the retaining springs and applying a slight twisting motion allowing the blades to retract back into the broadhead body into a loaded position.
US07713144B2	Multi-layer golf ball Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises one or more polyurethane materials. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less and, particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.
US07713142B2	Golf club head weight reinforcement A wood-type golf club head is described that includes a body including one or more walls defining an interior cavity and multiple weight ports formed in the body. At least one weight is configured to be retained at least partially within at least one of the weight ports. One or more fins or ribs are secured to each of the weight ports and to another structural member of the golf club head.
US07713140B2	Golf club head with variable face thickness A face or face insert (40) for a golf club head (20) is disclosed herein. The face (40) has an interior surface (40a) with a first thickness section (200) and a second thickness region (205). The first thickness section (200) preferably has a thickness that is at least 0.025 inch greater than the thickness of the second thickness region (205). In a most preferred embodiment, the first thickness section (205) has a X shape. The face or face insert (40) with variable thickness allows for a face or face insert (40) with less mass in a golf club head (20) that conforms to the United States Golf Association regulations.
US07713130B2	Tripod-roller Tripod roller for a constant velocity joint in a tripod construction having an interior ring, an exterior ring, and roller bodies arranged therebetween, whereby provided on the interior and on the exterior ring are two mutually opposing annular shoulders that limit the axial movement of the roller bodies in one direction. One of the rings has another annular shoulder for limiting the axial movement of the roller bodies in the other direction, while other ring is axially extended and has a circumferential annular groove in which is received a radially projecting locking ring that laterally overlaps the one ring.
US07713128B2	Headphone plug with the player tracker The jukebox for casino gaming machines provides a casino gaming machine that has at least one device for playback of audio, and may include a video display for playback of multimedia files. A separate central server in operable communication with a gaming machine client has access to player account information, as well as music, graphics and themes. The client communicates with a jukebox player. The jukebox player accepts and responds to user commands via a user interface. Earphones and earphone plugs are provided. The earphones and plugs host a debit/credit and player tracking system. The earphones and plugs communicate with an enabling device in the casino to allow a user to experience a selected entertainment program in its entirety while the user is operating the gaming machine.
US07713126B2	Video game control program and video game device In a video game device which performs a video game wherein a game character or unit moves through a plurality of paths including a plurality of branch points according to an instruction of a player, a first movement control unit displays branch-direction indications enabling the player to select one of a plurality of first branch directions at a branch point on a path in the video game, so that a selected one of the plurality of first branch directions is received from the player. A second movement control unit displays preceding-branch-direction indications enabling the player to select, in advance, one of a plurality of second branch directions at a branch point on a following path in the selected first branch direction, so that a selected one of the plurality of second branch directions is received from the player.
US07713120B2	Class of feature event games suitable for linking to multiple gaming machines A gaming method, apparatus and system for playing a game of chance is disclosed in which a plurality of gaming machines may be linked together for mutually competitive play. According to one embodiment, two or more gaming machines are linked to a centrally located display exhibiting a game board comprising one or more groups of earmarkable cells in one or more groups. Players on the gaming machines wager and attempt to achieve winning outcomes which earmark cells in the group with designators of their respective gaming machines. When a predetermined number or configuration of cells of a group are earmarked, an award may be distributed to those gaming machines having earmarked cells according to the number of designators within that group associated with each gaming machine. The game of chance may be configured for play on an individual gaming machine.
US07713119B2	Wagering game having rule set modification The present invention is directed to a gaming machine and a method of playing a wagering game having a basic set of rules for playing a wagering game. Under the basic set of rules, a player can accumulate and save assets that are associated with the wagering game. In addition to the basic set of rules, the wagering game includes modifiers to the basic set of rules that modify the assets, enhance the assets or provide new assets. These modifiers may, for example, multiply an award associated with an asset or group of assets, provide additional rolls of the dice, provide a bonus award, provide additional player selections, allow the player to continue game play after a game-terminating event has occurred, allow the player to use assets at a later gaming session, or allow a player to access new assets at a different gaming machine. The assets and modifiers can be shared by players at different gaming machines to influence the outcome of the wagering games and can be saved for use in subsequent gaming sessions.
US07713112B2	Precision ceramic whetstone The aim of the present invention is to provide a ceramic whetstone (3) which can accelerate sharpening cutlery smoothly. The ceramic whetstone (3) includes a ceramic stick (30) with high straightness accuracy having a plastic nut (31) at a first end, a plastic handle (32) at a second end. A bump (311) disposed on the inner area of the bottom of the plastic nut (31), a fixed bump (321) disposed inside the hollow plastic handle (32) to seal a second end, a stop plate (322) disposed on a top end of the handle (32) for shielding the area between thumb and index finger of a user, the stick (30) has an axial hole (301) accommodates the plastic nut (31) and the handle (32) fit over to both ends respectively, the bump (311) and the fixed bump (321) fit in the axial hole (301) to resist against the stick (30).
US07713109B2	Quick-change grinding pad and mounting system A quick change mounting system for grinding and other surface preparation pads provides a simple and effective way for the pads to be mounted and changed on the mounting plate of a large surface preparation machine without removing the mounting plate from the machine. (This method also allows that existing mounting plates and preparation pads may be used with a minimal amount of adaptation.) The new quick-change system makes use of a unique slot design (using countersunk keyhole slots) for mounting the pads on the plate. Studs fixed on the pads fit into slots on the plate and may lock into position. In operation, centrifugal and other forces then help to further seat the pad onto the plate.
US07713108B2	Eyeglass lens processing apparatus In an eyeglass lens processing apparatus for beveling a peripheral edge of an eyeglass lens, if the high curve lens processing mode is selected by a mode selector, a computing unit acquires a high curve bevel path for locating the bevel apex on a front surface curve of the eyeglass lens or for locating the bevel apex at a position shifted by a predetermined quantity from the front surface curve toward the rear side on the basis of the edge position information acquired by the edge position detector, thereby providing high curve beveling data for the rear surface beveling grindstone, or for the front surface and rear surface beveling grindstones; and a beveling controller bevels the peripheral edge of the eyeglass lens by the rear surface beveling grindstone, or by the front surface and rear surface beveling grindstones on the basis of the high curve beveling data.
US07713107B2	Polishing tool A polishing tool comprising a support member, and polishing means fixed to the support member. The polishing means is composed of felt having a density of 0.20 g/cm3 or more and a hardness of 30 or more, and abrasive grains dispersed in the felt. A polishing method and apparatus involving pressing the polishing means against a surface of a workpiece to be polished, while rotating the workpiece and also rotating the polishing tool.
US07713106B2	Device grinding method A device grinding method comprising the steps of holding the undersurface of a protective member which supports a plurality of devices by affixing their front surfaces onto the top surface of the protective member, on the chuck table of a grinding machine and grinding the rear surfaces of the plurality of devices held on the chuck table through the protective member by a grinding means while the chuck table is rotated, to form the thicknesses of the plurality of the devices to have a predetermined value, wherein the metering portion of a non-contact thickness metering equipment is brought to a position right above the rotating rotation locus of a predetermined device out of the plurality of devices supported on the chuck table through the protective member, the rear surfaces of the plurality of devices are ground by the grinding means while the thickness of the rotating predetermined device is measured with the non-contact thickness metering equipment, and the grinding by the grinding means is terminated when the thickness of the device measured with the non-contact thickness metering equipment reaches a predetermined value.
US07713103B2	Cooling system of an amphibious vehicle Amphibious vehicle 3 has one or more ducts 9 running from a first to a second end of the vehicle; from vent 5 to vent 7, or vice versa. The vehicle prime mover 19, transmission, brakes, and/or electronic controls, may be cooled in the duct. Fan 19 draws or blows air through the duct. The hull may comprise one wall of the or each duct; hull surface coolers may be provided for cooling liquid. The duct(s) may pass through one or more bulkhead(s) 11, 13 of the vehicle. A separate engine cooling system may comprise a radiator 23 and fans 29. The marine drive may be a jet drive; the vehicle road wheels (6, FIGS. 4 and 6) may be retractable above the vehicle water line when the vehicle is in marine mode.
US07713098B2	Single use security module mezannine connector An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a tool. The electrical connector includes a contact having a compliant jog section disposed between first and second ends of the contact. The tool is required to press-fit the connector to an electrical device without deforming the compliant jog section of the contact.
US07713093B2	Connecting module for mobile communication terminal A connecting module for a mobile communication terminal includes a housing, a first connecting terminal member, and a second connecting terminal member. The first connecting terminal member is provided in an upper region of the housing for electrically connecting to connecting terminals of a universal serial bus memory. The second connecting terminal member is provided in a lower region of the housing for electrically connecting to an input/output device. The second connecting terminal member has a different length than the first connecting terminal member.
US07713092B2	Backlight assembly, display device having the same, and method thereof A backlight assembly and a display device having the backlight assembly are provided where the backlight assembly includes a plurality of light sources for emitting light and a plurality of metal core printed circuit boards on which the light sources are mounted. The metal core printed circuit boards are directly connected to each other in predetermined regions to emit light in a surface direction. A method of assembling the backlight assembly is further provided.
US07713091B2	Adaptor device for connecting and accessing data card and computer device incorporating the adaptor device An adaptor device is provided for connecting and accessing data cards of various specifications and includes a data card insertion structure, a cover board, and a carrier board. The data card insertion structure forms at least one first insertion slot for the insertion of the carrier board. The carrier board forms at least one data card carrying section for carrying at least one selected data card. The cover board is mounted to a top surface of the data card insertion structure. An underside of the cover board is provided, at a predetermined position, with at least one set of signal contact elements. When the carrier board is inserted in the first insertion slot, a signal contact section of the data card is electrically connectable with the signal contact elements of the cover board for direct output through a signal connection port of the cover board or for output to a computer device via a signal connection port of the data card insertion structure.
US07713080B1	Electrical flex connector for mounting on a printed circuit board An electrical flex connector device for a printed circuit board, comprising a female member having a fixation portion for affixing the female member to an associated printed circuit board, a tab member extending from the fixation portion and configured to guide a male member of the flex connector device and to hold the male member between the tab member and the printed circuit board and a least one fastening member arranged on the female member for securely holding the male member in a predetermined position.
US07713077B1	Interposer connector An interposer connector is provided that is suitable for translatable connection between a first and second connector. The interposer connector includes a housing with a face that includes an opening and a terminal positioned in the opening. The terminal is configured to pivot about the opening so that when the interposer is caused to couple the first and second connector, the terminal may translate along a first plane to account for misalignment in a first direction between the first and second connector. The housing may further be configured to allow the terminal to translate in a second plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane so as to account for misalignment in a second direction.
US07713072B2	Adapter device for a low voltage switching device The present invention relates to an adapter device for connection of a low voltage switching device to a distribution bus bar system. The adapter device comprises a body provided with a front wall, which can be connected to the switching device, and a back wall, opposite the front wall. The device comprises first electrical terminals susceptible to electrically contact one of the distribution bus bars and second electrical terminals. The device also comprises first electrical connections electrically connected to first electrical terminals and which can be coupled with corresponding third electrical connections of the switching device. The adapter device is also provided with second electrical connection means connected to corresponding second electrical terminals and which can be coupled with corresponding fourth electrical connections of the switching device. The adapter device also comprises a plurality of coupling terminals, at least partly emerging from the back wall of the body, to removably connect the adapter device to the distribution bus bar system. In particular, each of the first electrical terminals electrically contacts one of the distribution bars following the action of one of said coupling terminals.
US07713070B2	Electric connection box A circuit structure 10 includes a circuit board 11 for mounting switching devices 13 and bus bars 12 wired into the circuit along the circuit board 11, and the case 20 includes a frame 21 that is disposed and secured in position around a perimeter edge of the circuit board 11 and a cover 24 that is assembled to the frame 21 so as to cover the circuit board 11. The frame 21 contains a second connector housing, and the second connector housing includes an hood 26a for accommodating the second terminals 15 formed at the ends of the bus bars 12. A deformation restricting portion 32 formed on the cover 24 is configured to abut the upper wall portion 26c (the outer face) of the hood 26a, thereby deformation of the hood 26a is restricted.
US07713068B2	Apparatus, system, and method for a scalable, composite, reconfigurable backplane An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a scalable, composite, reconfigurable backplane. The backplane is made up of one or more blade aggregation modules which provide switching for attached devices. The blade aggregation module connects to transition cards that then connect with blade modules. The blade aggregation module provides connectivity to the connected modules, which may connect to a second blade aggregation module through the transition cards. The transition cards may additionally connect with unit aggregation modules to connect rows of blade modules together. Transition cards can also provide outside connectivity. The backplane, made up of blade aggregation modules, transition cards, and unit aggregation modules, is highly scalable and versatile, and also provides an unblocked airflow path to facilitate cooling the blades.
US07713065B2	Storing information in association with online test taker icons An aspect of the present invention relates to an online test platform adapted to facilitate the development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.
US07713060B1	Joining mechanism for lightweight applications A convex polyhedron is formed from planar polygonal members, wherein aligned sides of adjacent abutting polygonal members meet to form edges of the polyhedron. A flexible polycarbonate plastic joining tab fits into slots in the centers of sides of adjacent polygonal members to enable adjustment of the dihedral angle between the adjacent polygonal members. A supplemental source of support such as hook and loop strips are used to fasten joined polygonal members securely in place at a desired alignment and dihedral angle. The polygonal members have mirrored interior faces which impart infinite internal reflections within an interior of the polyhedron, wherein one of the polygonal members is a two-way transparent mirror serving as a viewport, allowing a user to see into the infinitely-reflective interior of the polyhedron.
US07713056B2	Catalytic combustor A catalytic combustor is configured to accelerate the combustion processing of anode off gas in the combustor to reduce the amount of unburned hydrogen discharged to the outside of the combustor. Anode off gas and cathode off gas discharged from the fuel cell are fed into the catalytic combustor and combusted with a catalyst. Ventilation air is supplied from inside of the fuel cell is also supplied to the catalytic combustor. A portion of the catalytic combustor located upstream of the catalyst inside is divided into an upper flow path and a lower flow path by a partitioning plate and a gas flow passage is provided upstream of the upper and lower flow paths. The cathode off gas is supplied to the gas flow passage.
US07713051B2	Apparatus for forming a parison An apparatus for forming a parison is described. The apparatus has a mandrel housing. The housing has an axially aligned hollow mandrel channel therein and a side channel substantially transverse to the mandrel channel. A mandrel is also provided. The mandrel has an axially oriented notch in an exterior surface. The notch is in fluid communication with two fluid channels that extend continuously downwardly around the mandrel to meet one another on an opposite side of the mandrel from the notch. When the mandrel is installed within the mandrel channel, a first radial gap and a second radial gap, both between the mandrel and the mandrel housing, are formed.
US07713050B2	Die for forming honeycomb structure A die for forming a honeycomb structure includes a die base having a first plate-like member and a second plate-like member, the first plate-like member is provided with groove portions on the side of a bonding surface between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member, and a depth y (mm) of the groove portions satisfies: y≦a·(t1×E1+t2×E2)/(t1×t2×E1×E2) where t1 is a thickness (mm) obtained by subtracting the depth (mm) of the groove portions from a thickness (mm) of the first plate-like member, E1 is an apparent volume elasticity (GPa) of the first plate-like member at 25° C. in consideration of a state in which back holes are formed, t2 is a thickness (mm) of the second plate-like member, E2 is a volume elasticity (GPa) of the second plate-like member at 25° C., and a is a coefficient determined based on conditions during manufacturing.
US07713048B2	Device for a layerwise manufacturing of a three-dimensional object A device (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layerwise solidification of a building material at positions in the respective layers corresponding to the object is provided. The device comprises a machine frame (2, 3, 4, 5) and a building space (10) located in said machine frame, wherein in the building space (10) there are arranged: an application device (27) that applies layers of the building material onto a support device (26) and a previously solidified layer, respectively, by means of an application element (61); a dosage device (28, 29) that supplies building material from a building material accommodation region (23, 24) to the application device (27) for an application; and a heating device (31) for heating the applied layers of the building material. The building material accommodation region (23, 24) is limited by a wall that has a double-wall structure, so that a hollow space (34, 35) is formed therein.
US07713046B2	Injection molding apparatus having movable yoke plate A coinjection molding apparatus includes a manifold, a nozzle body coupled to the manifold, a sleeve disposed within the nozzle body and defining an outer melt channel between the sleeve and the nozzle body, a pin disposed within the sleeve and defining an inner melt channel between the pin and the sleeve, and a nozzle tip having an alignment portion contacting the sleeve. The sleeve is actuated to open and close melt communication of the outer melt channel and a cavity gate. The pin is actuated to open and close melt communication of the inner melt channel and an opening of the sleeve. The alignment portion aligns the sleeve with the cavity gate along the actuated range of the sleeve.
US07713043B2	Apparatus for uniform feeding of powders An apparatus for and a method of feeding powders to a subsequent processing step. In particular, the apparatus includes a first hopper, a first metering brush feed, an intermediate chamber, a second distribution brush, a level sensor, and a supply hopper to deliver powder to a pair of rollers. In one embodiment, the hopper is fitted to the roller diameter to produce a uniform, ribbon or free-standing sheets suitable for air-breathing battery and fuel cell electrodes.
US07713042B1	Rotary engine A rotary engine configured to use compressed air or high pressure steam to produce power. It has a casing with two peripheral exhaust ports each adjacent to a flattened area, a rotor having three slotted pistons, and a center valve with two opposed inlet ports that provide high pressure steam or compressed air to the pistons. Each rotor revolution produces three power strokes. Furthermore, the volume of air used for a single cycle is reduced, as a result of the air traveling through its pistons. Also, the engine stops when the vehicle it powers is at rest, and a spring inside each piston causes its angled tip to contact the rotary chamber upon start up. In addition, it is inexpensive to manufacture, as there is not much tooling needed to make the rotary engine, and it has only four moving parts, its rotor and the three pistons attached to it.
US07713041B2	Gear pump having optimal axial play The invention relates to a pump, in particular an oil pump, for internal combustion engines, comprising a pump case, with the pump case comprising a pump lid and a pump flange, with at least one toothed wheelset being arranged between the pump lid and the pump flange and the pump lid and the pump flange being connected via at least one distance element.
US07713032B2	High pressure tide actuated fluid pump The high pressure fluid pump includes a driver defined by a float riding on the waves of a sea surface, a fluid pump housing, an impeller operatively attached to the driver and disposed within the fluid pump housing, a backflow check system connected to the fluid pump housing, and an outflow check system controlling the pressure, volume of fluid flow, and direction of fluid flow to various other systems. The pump may be used to pump fluids other than seawater and may include features multiplying pumping mechanical advantage for a given tidal range.
US07713028B2	Turbine blade assembly A turbine blade assembly has a plurality of blades mounted on a central rotor. Each of the blades has a proximal section and a variable pitch section. A number of stays extend in groups from the central rotor to converge and terminate on an associated one of the blades. The stays each have a proximal end spaced from the blades.
US07713022B2	Small radial profile shroud for variable vane structure in a gas turbine engine A shroud for supporting a variable vane in a compressor section for a gas turbine engine includes a pair of components which are secured together by a threaded fastener extending into a blind hole in one of the two components. Additional material forms on the component which includes the blind hole extends beyond a pivot axis for the vane such that there is an increased length of engagement between the threaded fastener and the blind hole. The blind hole eliminates the need for multiple nuts and reduces the radial height of the shroud to save additional weight.
US07713013B2	Supporting device A device for supporting an article on a structure. The support device includes an elongate body with a head at one end, a neck, a shoulder flange, and an elongate threaded shank with threads extending therefrom. The head and/or neck may be arranged to engage the article, and the shoulder flange has a surface for engaging a corresponding surface of the structure. The elongate shank portion anchors the support device at a target site on the structure and tapers from a greatest diameter proximate to the shoulder flange to a pointed end. The initial taper is at a lesser angle to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body to a point where the angle increases, before which the threads may terminate.
US07713012B2	License plate fastener A two-piece, decorative fastener assembly for securing a license plate to a vehicle. The decorative fastener uniquely includes a threaded fastener for securing the license plate to the vehicle and a decorative cover that can be quickly and easily connected directly to the head portion of the threaded fastener.
US07713006B2	Reversible saw tooth A replaceable saw tooth for a rotary cutting machine. The saw tooth comprises more than two cutting edges on each of two opposed faces thereof. More specifically, the saw tooth may comprise a body having two cutting faces disposed opposite each other and spaced apart by at least four side faces which are each parallel to an opposite one of the side faces. The side faces are parallel to a central axis extending between the two cutting faces. Four cutting edges are defined between the side faces and each of the two cutting faces.
US07713005B2	Milling head for milling chamfers The invention relates to a milling head for milling chamfers, especially for a mobile chamfer miller, comprising successive seats for blanking dies, said seats having a position in which the blanking dies with a leading edge angle of between 40 and 75° operate respectively on average with a positive effective cutting angle of at least 6° and a clearance angle of at least 6°, and are provided for a border comprising blanking dies with a staggered arrangement of the cutting edges, such that respectively only one cutting edge length of 15 mm, preferably 12 mm, at the most, is active. Said measures increase the cutting performance of the milling head. The reduced cutting edge length can be formed on a long blanking die instead of using a shorter blanking die, in such a way that the cutting edge is interrupted by cavities or other e.g. flat triangular recesses on the surface of the blanking die. The staggered arrangement is then comparatively small.
US07712994B2	Connecting assembly between a shaft journal and a constant velocity universal joint with threaded sleeve A connecting assembly between a shaft journal which is axially secured, and a constant velocity universal joint whose inner joint part is engaged by the shaft journal in a rotationally fast way, wherein there is provided a threaded sleeve which is held so as to be axially secured and freely rotatable relative to the inner joint part and which comprises a thread which can be threaded on to a counter thread on the shaft journal.
US07712991B2	Applicator for fluid substances for medical and/or cosmetic use An applicator (1) for fluid substances for medical and/or cosmetic use comprises a container (2), which is divided by a transverse breakable partition (3) into a first chamber (4) for containing a fluid substance and a second chamber (5), which is spaced in an axial direction from the first chamber (4) and is provided with an opening (6), a piercing element (7), which is associated with the opening substantially hermetically with respect to the substance and so that it can slide axially between a first configuration, in which it does not interfere with the partition (3), and a second configuration, in which it interferes with the partition (3) in order to break it, an axial hole (8) formed through the piercing element (7), a porous pad (9), which is associated with the end of the piercing element (7) that is directed toward the outside of the container (2), and a cap (10) for covering the pad (9), which is detachably associated with the piercing element (7).
US07712984B2	Hybrid printer A printing device comprising a casing having a first part housing a first printing mechanism which comprises a printhead and a platen located at a print zone, and a holder for holding a roll of precut label stock in a position to pass through the print zone, and a second part housing a second printing mechanism which comprises a printhead and a platen located at a print zone and means for receiving a cassette housing image receiving tape in a position to pass through the print zone.
US07712979B2	Optical adapter The present invention provides an optical adapter, which can suppress electromagnetic waves from an optical communication module, is provided. An optical adapter comprises: a housing; an optical fiber which is housed in the housing; and a ferrule which is housed in the housing. The housing has a first edge to be inserted into a receptacle of an optical communication module, and a second edge for insertion of an optical connector plug. The optical fiber has a first edge to optically couple with the receptacle, and a second edge to optically couple with the optical connector plug. The ferrule houses the optical fiber. At least a part of the housing or at least part of the ferrule is formed of an electromagnetic absorption material.
US07712971B2	Optical connector Disclosed herein is an optical connection. In the present invention, an element wire is removably fastened to the optical connector by tightening a main wire connection member using a tightening member from a state in which a plug, a main wire aligning member, a spring, a fastening member, the main wire connection member and the tightening member are previously assembled together. Consequently, only a related optical line need be repaired or replaced with another one, so that the optical line connection work is markedly simplified and can be performed conveniently. Furthermore, there is an advantage of efficient reuse of components.
US07712970B1	Detachable fiber optic connector A detachable fiber optic connector includes a bottom cover shell having a rear extension, a rear cover covering the rear extension of the bottom cover shell to hold down a fiber optic, and a top cover shell detachably covered on the bottom cover shell to hold down connection modules that are respectively connected to fiber cores of the fiber optic. By means of pressing a retaining block of the rear cover downwardly away from a rear end edge of the top cover shell, the top cover shell can be pushed backwards and then pulled upwards to move coupling flanges thereof along bottom grooves of the bottom cover shell and then out of side grooves of the bottom cover shell, thereby exposing the connection modules and the fiber cores of the fiber optic to the outside for position interchange.
US07712964B2	Sliding bearing A sliding bearing having excellent initial conformability and seizure resistance as well as high durability and heat resistance is provided. A sliding bearing comprising a coating layer containing a resin and a solid lubricant formed on a bearing alloy layer, characterized in that the resin of said coating layer is a resin having a glass transition temperature of from 150° C. to 250° C. which has a great elongation at high temperatures.
US07712963B2	Fan, motor and bearing structure thereof A bearing structure which is cooperated with a shaft and is disposed in a bearing tube comprises an oil bearing and a cylindrical sealing member. The oil bearing has an axial hole. The shaft passes through the axial hole. The cylindrical sealing member covers a top surface and at least a portion of a sidewall of the oil bearing. The cylindrical sealing member has a through hole defined in its center. The shaft passes through the through hole.
US07712962B1	Storage bag The storage bag includes two sidewalls with peripheral edges and the sidewalls being attached together along at least a portion of the peripheral edges. One or more additional sidewalls may be disposed within the bag, and these additional sidewalls may be connected to form an inner bag. Any inner bag sidewalls may be laminated to the outer bag sidewalls or hang loose from the outer bag sidewalls. One or more of the sidewalls may include an adhesive for adhering to an opposing sidewall or item in the bag, a thin perforated layer disposed over an adhesive, a line of perforations for tearing, and/or one or more perforations for venting. Furthermore, processes for manufacturing a storage bag are disclosed.
US07712961B2	Methods and systems for improving 3D volume reconstruction from 2D X-ray images A method of improving the volume reconstruction in navigationally guided operations is provided. In certain implementations, a phantom which contains X-ray positive marks and marks detectable by a position detection system in a fixed spatial relation to each other is positioned in the region of the volume being investigated on the subject. For the volume reconstruction, a series of 2D X-ray projection images can be created, each of them containing, alongside the structures of the subject being examined, the images of the X-ray positive marks of the phantom as image information. Each 2D data set is transformed by a familiar method, in which, for example, the mechanical deviations of a real-world C-arm type X-ray diagnostic machine are identified by a kinematic model and are corrected. The transformed 2D data can be used for the volume reconstruction, and the volume model with the position information of the X-ray positive marks is relayed to a navigation system.
US07712955B2	Non-contact method and apparatus for hardness case depth monitoring There is provided a method and apparatus to monitor hardness using laser infrared photothermal radiometry. The emphasis is on the ability of this invention to monitor in a non-contact and non-destructive manner the hardness case depth of industrially heat treated steels. The present invention provides a method and apparatus comprising signal generation and analysis as well as instrumental hardware configurations based on the physical principle of photothermal radiometry. The method comprises (a) irradiating the sample surface with an excitation source of suitable emission wavelength and intensity. (b) producing periodic frequency pulses of the laser beam by means of a modulator in the appropriate frequency range (but not confined to) 0.1-100000 Hz. (c) passing the emitted beam through appropriate optics for beam conditioning (d) splitting the incident beam in two beams using a beam-splitter (e) focusing one of the beams onto a photodiode connected to a lock-in amplifier referenced to the modulator frequency to monitor laser power fluctuations (f) directing the second beam normal or at an angle to the surface of the sample (g) directing the generated infrared emissions from the sample surface to an infrared detector connected to another lock-in amplifier also referenced to the modulator frequency (h) recording the signals obtained from both lock-in amplifiers by a computer (i) processing the obtained signals through proprietary software and pre-calibration curves.
US07712951B2	Blender jar A blender jar defines a geometry to impart vertical movement to material being processed in the blender jar, and, alternatively or in combination, improves the horizontal movement to the blended material. By configuring one or more agitators on the floor of a jar, laminar flow or symmetric flow of material around the jar is disrupted. The material is forced in an upward direction in the jar and, therefore, into more frequent contact with the cutter blades rotating in the jar.
US07712949B2	Ceiling lamp holder to accept a non-incandescent lamp This invention is directed to a lampholder for receiving a non-incandescent lamp having a 2-pin base. A surface mountable member for receiving the lamp and which has no voltage transforming circuitry is disclosed. Each pin of the lamp has an enlarged cylindrical shaped end attached to a shaft of reduced diameter. The surface mountable member has two keyhole shaped apertures, each of which has a large circular end aperture and an arc shaped slot for receiving and securely holding the pins of the lamp to the surface mountable member. The circular aperture of each keyhole shaped aperture has a diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the enlarged cylindrical end of the lamp pin, and the arc shaped slot has a width that is both smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical end of the lamp pin and wider than the diameter of the shaft of the pin. The enlarged ends of the pins of the lamp, when located in the arc shaped slots, prevent the lamp from being pulled out of the surface mountable member.
US07712947B2	Backlight module A backlight module for use in a planar display panel is disclosed. The backlight module comprises a lamp tube set, a light guide plate and a positioning body. The lamp tube set comprises a lamp housing and at least a lamp tube. An optical film is disposed on the light guide plate. The light guide plate has a side for insetting the light guide plate into the lamp tube set. Furthermore, the positioning body is disposed on an inner wall of the lamp housing and comprises at least a flange against the side. The light guide plate is positioned to contact the positioning body so as to form gaps between the at least a lamp tube and the light guide plate or between the optical film and the lamp housing.
US07712943B2	Backlight module with light source substrate blocks An exemplary backlight module includes a light source, a light guide panel, and a frame. The light source includes a substrate, blocks disposed on the substrate and spaced from each other, and light emitting diodes (LEDs) each including a first electrode, a second electrode, a chip and a bonding wire. The first and second electrodes are arranged on the substrate between two blocks, and are electrically connected to each other via the chip and the bonding wire. The light guide panel transforms linear light to planar light. The frame receives the light source. Each of two adjacent corners of the frame are step-shaped or wedge-shaped, with two ends of the light source correspondingly cut into step or wedge shapes to engage the frame.
US07712941B2	Connector assembly A connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a housing having at least a socket, an electronic device disposed in the housing, a protection member disposed on a side of the housing, a light emitting element disposed on the protection member, a light pipe disposed on the housing for guiding light from the light emitting element, a shield surrounding the protection member and the light emitting element, and a cover encompassing the light pipe, the shield, and the light emitting element.
US07712940B2	Light source unit A light source unit includes a light source including a light emitting portion, a light source holding member holding the light source, a light transmission member including an incident portion wherein light from the light emitting portion is to enter the incident portion, a light transmission member holding member holding the light transmission member, a positioning portion provided on the light transmission member holding member and abutted on the light source to position the light transmission member holding member and the light source to position the incident portion and the light emitting portion, and an adjustment joining mechanism configured to join the light transmission member holding member and the light source holding member to each other so as to adjust the relative positions thereof, and joining them to each other in a state where the light source and the positioning portion abut on each other.
US07712937B2	User-propelled vehicle having a channel to receive an illuminatable means The vehicle, e.g. a scooter, has a footboard 116 with side edge channels 130, each housing a rod or tube 112 forming illumination. The rods or tubes are connected to power means, comprising a battery or dynamo. Each rod or tube can comprise a transparent or translucent polymeric sheath for a series of LEDs. A switch provides on/off control and can provide different modes of illumination of the LEDs. The scooter can be a foldable micro-scooter.
US07712934B2	Vehicle headlamp with daytime running light A vehicle headlamp. The headlamp comprises a light source and a reflector to direct light received from the light source out of the headlamp. A movable shade is positionable to control the light received by the reflector. A shade driver is coupled to the movable shade to position the shade. A first shade position configures the headlamp for high beam lighting. A second shade position configures the headlamp for low beam lighting. A third shade position configures the headlamp for daytime running lights.
US07712933B2	Light for vehicles A light for motor vehicles and the like includes one or more LEDs that are embedded in a polymer material. The light may be positioned on an exposed surface of the vehicle, and the encapsulation of the LEDs and other electrical components provides a waterproof assembly that is substantially impervious to ambient conditions. The light may include a light source and a light guide that are disposed in a watertight housing.
US07712931B1	Sweep collimator An optical element is configured for use in conjunction with a directional light source such as an LED to form an illuminator. The optical element includes a light entry surface, a reflector and an emission surface. Each of the light entry, reflector and emission surfaces are surfaces of revolution defined by revolving straight or curved lines about an axis of revolution. The light entry, reflector and emission surfaces are configured to produce a radiation pattern from the illuminator that is collimated in a first direction and divergent or swept in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
US07712919B2	Operation light The invention relates to an operation light, comprising at least one light-emitting component (9) and at least one light-reflecting surface Mn and in which the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting component (9) is so arranged in the operation light that all or substantially all of the light produced by the operation light consists of light reflected from the reflecting surface, and for each light-emitting component (9) at least one substantially planar light-reflecting surface Mn is provided so that the dimensions of the light-emitting surface of each light-emitting component (9), the direction of the normal to the surface and the distance of the surface in relation to the size of the reflecting surface Mn arranged for the light-emitting component (9) in question, to the direction of the normal to the surface and to the distance of the surface from the surface (11) to be illuminated have been so arranged that the operation light produces on the surface to be illuminated a light pattern of a given shape and size wherein the light intensity in the penumbral shadow area formed at the edges of the light pattern falls in a desired manner.
US07712918B2	Light distribution using a light emitting diode assembly A fluorescent light tube retrofit with light emitting diodes (LEDs) that evenly distribute light to avoid bright spots is disclosed. One tube in the form of a conventional fluorescent tube includes two LEDs mounted to the tube on opposite sides of a single circumference of the tube. The LEDs can face the center of the tube, or the LEDs can be offset facing relative to the center of the tube. A reflecting surface can be disposed inside the tube to reflect light evenly toward an arc of the tube. Alternatively, at least one LED can be oriented to direct light into a light pipe that curves around the interior of the tube.
US07712917B2	Solid state lighting panels with limited color gamut and methods of limiting color gamut in solid state lighting panels Methods of controlling a backlight unit including a plurality of solid state light emitting devices include receiving a request to set a color point of the backlight unit at a requested color point, and determining if the requested color point is within an acceptable range. In response to the requested color point being outside the acceptable range, a modified color point is selected in response to the requested color point, and a color point of the backlight unit is set at the modified color point. Corresponding solid state lighting units are also disclosed.
US07712907B2	Ring flash adapter A ring flash adapter of the flash uses a clamping device attached to the external flash of the camera, and using the lightguide (1) the, light can be transmitted from the flash into circular body. The lightguide has a flat circle and a head with an incidence surface and a reflecting surface. The lightguide also has an even number of separate, parallel, inter-connected shaped belt segments inserted in the head. The foreside of the circle forms an emission surface; the rear side is provided with a system of “V” shaped teeth to reflect light on the emission surface.
US07712899B2	Dual Scheimpflug system for three-dimensional analysis of an eye An apparatus for imaging an eye can include a pair of Scheimpflug imaging systems. Each Scheimpflug imaging system can have respective video cameras and optics configured to direct light reflected from an eye into the video cameras. The apparatus can also have a movable platform configured to move the pair of Scheimpflug imaging systems in accordance with eye movement detected by an eye tracking imaging system. In some embodiments, the Scheimpflug imaging systems can rotate 90 degrees about an optical axis of an eye being examined.
US07712896B1	Eyeglasses and assembly method thereof This invention is related to a pair of eyeglasses. The lens includes a pair of connecting pieces disposed with a connecting barb portion set on two opposite sides of the lens; the temples include a hinge portion comprising a hinge neck portion and a hinge pillar set on one end of the temples, the hinge neck portion being respectively connected to the temples and the hinge pillar; the connecting elements comprise a connecting trough with an inner trough in it, a hinge trough, and a hinge passage, and the connecting elements are respectively connected to the lens and the temples. Wherein when the lens is hinged to the connecting elements, the connecting piece is received by the hinge trough and the connecting barb portion is engaged in the inner trough; when the temples are hinged to the connecting elements, the hinge pillar is hinged in the hinge trough.
US07712895B2	Eyeglasses structure Eyeglasses include a frame, and two lenses; the frame has a streamline shape, and a relatively large curvature as compared with the lenses, and has a joining portion protruding downwards from a middle portion thereof, and grooves extending from two sides of the joining portion to an upper portion of an inward side thereof; each of the lenses includes a body, and a connecting plate, which is secured on the body, and has the same curvature as the body of the lens; the lenses are firmly joined to the frame with the connecting plates being inserted in respective ones of the grooves of the frame.
US07712893B2	Jewelry article for a lens of eyeglasses and a jewelry-installation tool for a pair of eyeglasses The base, on which the main body of a jewel is mounted, and the rear surface magnet are connected to the chain part. By this jewelry article for eyeglasses being mounted on a lens of the pair of eyeglasses, even if the main body of a jewel and the rear surface magnet fall because of their positioning difference on the lens occurred by some contacts to the main body of the jewel, the base and the rear surface magnet are in a state of being hanged down on an eyeglass frame through the chain part joined to the eyeglass frame by the joining part for an eyeglass frame.
US07712892B2	Image forming apparatus An inkjet recording apparatus provides an improved printing speed and improved convenience of use. A recording head discharges droplets of a recording liquid onto a paper so as to form an image on the paper. A belt conveyance mechanism has a belt onto which the paper is electrostatically attached. The paper attached onto the belt is conveyed in a direction perpendicular to a carding direction of the paper.
US07712891B2	Image-forming device A multifunctional device including a lower frame, a main control board, and a cartridge holder. A conveying space is formed in the lower frame farther forward than a recording unit and includes a discharge space for receiving discharged recording sheet. The main control board is disposed horizontally above the conveying space when viewed from the front. The recording unit is disposed farther rearward than the conveying space, with its topmost part substantially equal in height to the main control board. The cartridge holder is disposed to the side of the conveying space and the main control board and fits vertically within the top part.
US07712887B2	Image forming apparatus The image forming apparatus includes: a first liquid ejection device which, while scanning to and fro in a direction substantially orthogonal to a conveyance direction of a recording medium, ejects a first liquid containing a coloring material onto the recording medium; second liquid ejection devices which are disposed respectively on both regions in a scanning direction outside the first liquid ejection device, the second liquid ejection devices ejecting a second liquid onto at least an area of the recording medium on which the first liquid is to be deposited prior to the first liquid being deposited while the second liquid ejection devices perform a scan together with the first liquid ejection device; and first radiation irradiating devices which are disposed respectively on both regions in the scanning direction outside the first liquid ejection device, the first radiation irradiating devices irradiating an area of the recording medium on which the first liquid and the second liquid have been deposited with a radiation while the first radiation irradiating devices perform a scan together with the first liquid ejection device, wherein at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid contains a radiation-curable polymerizable compound; and at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid contains a polymerization initiator.
US07712885B2	Liquid-droplet jetting apparatus A liquid-droplet jetting apparatus includes a first common liquid chamber which supplies a liquid to first pressure chambers communicating with first nozzles and extending in a predetermined direction; and a second common liquid chamber which supplies a liquid to second pressure chambers communicating with second nozzles and extending in the predetermined direction. The first and second common liquid chambers are overlapped in a plan view, and each having a substantial width. A damper for attenuating pressure wave which propagates to the first and second common liquid chambers is formed at a portion in which the first and second common liquid chambers are overlapped. Each of the first common liquid chamber, the second common liquid chamber and the damper is formed to have a width overlapping with one of the first and second pressure chambers, thereby making it possible to attenuate the pressure wave efficiently.
US07712884B2	High density thermal ink jet printhead An inkjet printhead with an array of nozzles and corresponding actuators for ejecting ink through the nozzles, the nozzles being arranged in rows such that the nozzle centres are collinear; wherein, the nozzle pitch along each row is greater than 1000 nozzles per inch. By configuring the components of the unit cell (the repeating chamber, nozzle and actuator unit) such that the overall width of the unit is reduced, the same number of nozzles can be arranged into a single row instead of two staggered and opposing rows without sacrificing any print resolution (d.p.i.). One row of drive circuitry simplifies the CMOS. fabrication and connection to a print engine controller for receiving print data. Alternatively, the unit cell configuration used in the present invention can be arranged into opposing rows that are staggered with respect to each other to effectively double the print resolution—in the case of the preferred embodiment, to 3200 d.p.i.
US07712883B2	Print cartridge body An embodiment provides a print cartridge body with three or more compartments in series, and a partition formed between each successive pair of compartments. Each partition is substantially parallel to a scanning direction of the cartridge body.
US07712882B2	Ink cartridge unit with ink suspension characteristics for an inkjet printer The invention provides for an ink cartridge unit for an inkjet printer. The ink cartridge includes a main body defining a number of ink reservoirs, each reservoir having a layered stack of absorbent material forming a micro-capillary array for suspending ink inside said reservoir. The ink cartridge also includes a lid assembly covering the main body to seal ink inside the ink reservoirs, and a printhead assembly operatively fed with ink from the ink reservoirs in the main body.
US07712877B2	Inkjet printer and a method of manufacturing an inkjet printer An inkjet printer whose ink discharge characteristic will rarely change even when used for a long period of time is developed. The inkjet printer has a pressure chamber and a piezoelectric actuator and a controller. The piezoelectric actuator has a first electrode, a first piezoelectric film, a second electrode, a second piezoelectric film, and a third electrode, and they are laminated together in this order. The piezoelectric actuator forms a portion of the wall defining the pressure chanter. The controller applies ink discharge signal between the first and second electrode, ink discharge signal comprises advanced voltage change from a predetermined voltage to the lower voltage and subsequent voltage change from the lower voltage to the predetermined voltage. Ink can be effectively discharged by applying the ink discharge signal, but the ink discharge signal could change piezoelectric characteristic in the second piezoelectric film due to the deformation of the first piezoelectric film. The additional signal applying the second piezoelectric film via the second and the third electrode can reduce the changes of the piezoelectric characteristic. As a result, changes of ink discharge characteristic can be prevented.
US07712875B2	Base member for liquid discharge head, liquid discharge head utilizing the same, and producing method therefor For providing a base for a liquid discharge head having an internal surface of a liquid flow path and a discharge port, suppressed in swelling by liquid and having high precision and high reliability, the base including a base member, an energy generating element for discharging a liquid, formed on the base member, and a resin structure having a liquid discharge port for discharging the liquid and disposed on the base member so as to cover the energy generating element, is provided with a protective layer. The protective layer is formed by a catalytic chemical vapor deposition on a surface of the resin structure in which the liquid discharge port is opened.
US07712873B2	Inkjet head An inkjet head includes a flow path unit, an actuator unit, a flat flexile cable, a cover member and plural filters. The actuator unit is joined to an inflow-port face of the flow path unit. The reservoir unit supplies ink in an ink reservoir thereof into the flow path unit through the filters against which a region of the reservoir unit at least partially abuts. A side face of the reservoir unit defines a recess reaching the region of the reservoir unit between adjacent two filters. A sealant is applied to a gap between side faces of the two adjacent filters on the inflow-port face of the flow path unit and applied to the recess.
US07712870B2	Ink jet recording head with sealant filling region in substrate To provide an ink jet recording head, by which a recording operation with a high recording quality can be performed without causing deformation or breakage of a recording element substrate and the manufacture cost is reduced, a filling groove filled with sealant for protecting a recording element substrate from ink includes a salient or divider.
US07712869B2	Inkjet printhead with controlled drop misdirection An inkjet printhead comprising: an array of ink chambers, each having a nozzle and an actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle; wherein, the nozzle has a nozzle rim defining a nozzle aperture and a localized irregularity on the nozzle rim extending toward the center of the nozzle aperture.
US07712866B2	Method for assembling a modular printhead assembly The present invention relates to a method for assembling a modular printhead assembly. The printhead assembly includes a flexible elongate ink-delivery member and a plurality of modules for being received in fluid communication with the ink-delivery member. The ink delivery member and the modules are received in a metal channel. The method includes the step of flexing the metal channel apart at a plurality of locations there-along to enable receipt of respective printhead modules.
US07712861B2	Image forming apparatus and droplet ejection correction method The image forming apparatus includes: an image forming device which has a plurality of nozzles performing droplet ejection of ink to deposit droplets of the ink to form an image onto a prescribed medium; an image reading device which acquires read image data by reading in the image on the medium; a deviation amount calculation device which, for each of the nozzles, calculates a current deviation amount that is a deviation amount in the droplet ejection with respect to a prescribed central value, by finding a weighted average of an initial deviation amount and past N deviation amounts nearest to a current time calculated for the nozzle according to past read image data; and a droplet ejection correction device which corrects the droplet ejection of each of the nozzles according to the current deviation amount of the nozzle calculated by the deviation amount calculation device.
US07712860B2	Ink jet printing apparatus and ink jet printing method An ink jet printing apparatus and an ink jet printing method are provided which are capable of minimizing image impairments caused by a bias of satellite positions even when an odd-numbered-pass bidirectional multi-pass printing is performed. To this end, in an odd-numbered-pass bidirectional printing, a mask pattern, in which print permitted pixels and print non-permitted pixels are arranged such a way that a percentage of pixels in which predetermined two inks are permitted to be printed by scans in different directions is higher than a percentage of pixels in which the predetermined two inks are permitted to be printed by scans in the same directions, is used. This increases the probability of satellites of the two types of the inks printed in the same pixels being printed on both sides of main dots, thus allowing a uniform image to be produced even by an odd-numbered-pass bidirectional printing.
US07712858B2	Image forming method, image forming apparatus, and printer matter In relation to a superimposed image obtained by superimposing second image data on first image data in which respective pixels are arranged in a staggered pattern, an image forming apparatus discriminates a region where the second image data is superimposed from a region where the second image data is not superimposed. When forming an image in a region determined as the region where the second image data is not superimposed in the superimposed image, the printing mechanism is controlled based on a first control pattern. When forming an image in a region determined as the region where the second image data is superimposed in the superimposed image, the printing mechanism is controlled based on a second control pattern different from the first control pattern.
US07712856B2	Pattern formation method, liquid droplet ejection apparatus and electro-optical device A pattern formation method for forming a pattern by ejecting a liquid droplet of a pattern forming material in a pattern formation region of a substrate includes: ejecting the liquid droplet at an outer periphery of the pattern formation region in an ejection direction directing from an inside of the pattern formation region toward an outside thereof when viewed from a normal line direction of the substrate.
US07712855B2	Universal inkjet printer device and methods A signal converter that may perform functions to enable a thermally based technology to be used with a piezo-electric printhead. The signal converter and piezo-electric printhead may optionally be used in conjunction with a chassis assembly having an adjustable vertical member for sizing the chassis assembly to a printer. Methods of using a piezo-electric printhead in a printer having a thermal printhead configuration may include the steps of coupling the printhead to the printer and performing conversion functions.
US07712849B2	Adaptable bi-fold scrapbook and craft workstation A scrapbook workstation includes a base workstation member including a first plurality of adjustable shelves, at least one bi-fold door rotatably coupled to the base workstation, and a collapsible table rotatably coupled to the base workstation member, wherein the at least one bi-fold door further comprises a second plurality of adjustable shelves formed in a first panel and a coupling board formed on a second panel.
US07712847B1	Laboratory workstation utility management configuration A laboratory station has rear legs and front legs which supports a table top. Utilities can be run through the rear legs and superior connections over prior art techniques are believe to be provided with preferred embodiments.
US07712846B2	Snowmobile drive track An endless drive track for a snowmobile is provided with traction lugs that are inclined relative to normal to the track base. When the traction lugs are inclined away from the direction of travel for the track, the traction lugs can compress the snow before engaging the snow for traction, thereby providing lift for a snowmobile traveling in deep snow. Second traction lugs, angled opposite the first, provide hard snow traction and long traction life.
US07712841B2	Locking of studs for mounting a wheel to a hub using cementing material A hub-bearing assembly for the wheel of a motor vehicle includes a rotatable hub (18) having a radial flange (17) with bores (16) formed therethrough. Wheel fastening studs (10) each have a stem (12) inserted non-forcedly through a respective bore (16). The studs (10) are fixed to the flange (17) by an adhesive or cementing material.
US07712840B2	Uniformity and stabilizing system for a tire/wheel assembly A uniformity and stabilizing system comprising a stabilizing ring used in conjunction with a balanced tire wheel assembly wherein the stabilizing ring destroys, absorbs, and dampens vibrations including those caused by non-uniformities in the tire. The stabilizing ring comprises either a solid ring or a cartridge having at least one interior chamber, the interior chamber filled with a flowable media. The stabilizing ring may be used in combination with balance weights.
US07712836B2	Vehicle seat comprising a height-adjustable seat frame A vehicle seat includes a height-adjustable seat frame which has at least two seat frame parts which can be moved relative to one another and at least one gas spring arranged between the seat frame parts for height adjustment purposes. The seat includes a control device that acts upon the gas spring and includes a valve device attached to a first seat frame part and has control valves for actuating gas flows for the gas spring. A control link on a second frame part actuates the control valves, so that a predefinable height of the vehicle seat is ensured regardless of a weight load on the vehicle seat. Movement of the control link relative to the second seat frame part brings about a height adjustment of the vehicle seat.
US07712834B2	Back support for seating unit A back support includes a base, a seat, and a back frame pivoted to the base. The seating unit has a flexible back (i.e., back shell) supported on the back frame and having stiff upper and lower sections connected by a forwardly protruding flexible lumbar section for providing lumbar support to a seated user. A spring mechanism is connected to the back frame and to a center lower edge of the flexible back. The spring mechanism biases the flexible back to bias the lumbar toward a forwardly protruding shape to provide optimal lumbar support when in the upright position and also during recline of the seated user.
US07712833B2	Structure for connecting members A structure intends to arrange the appearance of furniture at a connecting portion between a first member having stiffness and a second member movable relative to the first member and having stiffness without forming the connecting portion in an unnaturally large diameter. More specifically, the present invention provides a structure for connecting members comprising: a first member having stiffness; a second member movable relative to the first member and having stiffness; and a spring member in which an end portion thereof is connected to the first member and other end portion thereof is connected to the second member so as to accumulate a reaction force by elastic deformation, wherein the spring member is formed into a frame-like shape extending along the first and second members.
US07712831B2	Adjusting system for moving a vehicle seat in a vehicle cabin A vehicle seat, an adjusting system and a method for moving at least one vehicle seat arranged in a vehicle cabin, particularly an aircraft seat, comprising seat components that are coupled or guided together, such as a seat part, a backrest and a leg rest, the location and/or inclination of which can be adjusted by means of at least one or more adjusting units. The adjusting system allows a separation of the basic functions from driving devices, with an electronic device for collision-free movement and for adjusting custom-designed functions and facilitating the adaptation of the custom-designed functions. The movement sequences and movements of the respective individual seat components and the seat components in relation to one another and the movements of the components or seats within an environment or group of seats are accomplished by means of a movement model in a coordinate system.
US07712828B2	Saddle post supporting device The device includes a tubular fitting (6) that is part of a bicycle frame and able to accommodate a saddle post (7), elements (19,20) for locking the saddle post (7) in rotation, and members (8) for holding the saddle post (7) in a longitudinal position that is determined relative to the tubular fitting (6). The holding members comprise a stop surface (7a) that is provided on the saddle post (7) and able to work with a stop (8) that is provided on the fitting (6) so as to delimit the insertion length of the saddle post (7) in the latter. The holding members also include at least one annular crosspiece (9, 10) that can be arranged between the stop surface and the stop so as to allow the adjustment of the insertion length.
US07712827B2	Cycle saddle structure A cycle saddle structure comprising a base and a container is provided. The base has a front crotch portion and a rear supporting portion. The container is adapted to slide on the bottom portion of the rear supporting portion between an open position and a closed position with respect to the base.
US07712825B2	Folding top for a motor vehicle The invention relates to a folding top for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one first and at least one second structural element (6, 7), which are covered by a flexible roof panel (8). Said structural elements (6, 7) are designed to be mounted and detached transversally to the direction of the vehicle by means of a roof opening (2) and once attached, are fixed at the front to the windscreen frame (3) and at the rear to a bow (4) that spans the width of the vehicle. The flat structural elements (6, 7) are interconnected by means of guide devices (14, 15) and can be displaced in relation to one another transversally to the direction of the vehicle by means of said devices (14, 15).
US07712823B2	Armored vehicle The armored vehicle (1), showing a bottom and a top shell (4, 5) has a reinforced floor structure for protection against mines, in that the floor area (6) of the subshell (4) is connected rigidly with an inner floor plate (7) via bracing elements (13, 14, 15) having longitudinal and transverse walls, which are also connected with the side walls (11, 12) of the subshell (4) along their borders (9, 10). The minimum height of the stiff bracing elements (13, 14, 15) corresponds to distance provided for the arrangement of a drive shaft between the inner floor plate (7) and the floor area (6).
US07712820B1	Easy open collapsible trailer A collapsible trailer including a base, a shell hingedly secured to said base, wherein said shell engages with said base to form a sealed vessel when said trailer is in a closed position, a rear wall hingedly secured to said base, wherein said rear wall is entirely contained within said shell and said base when said trailer is in said closed position, a rear deck hingedly secured to said base, wherein said deck is entirely contained within said shell and said base when said trailer is in said closed position, a coupling means secured between said rear wall and said rear deck for transferring forces between said rear deck and said rear wall, and wherein said rear wall, said shell, and said base generally define a first room when said trailer is in said open position.
US07712819B2	Door for a motor vehicle Described herein is a door for a motor vehicle provided with a supporting framework, supporting means for supporting an external rear-view mirror, a lock, and a key assembly, which is operatively connected to the lock and can be selectively actuated via a control key for disabling/enabling opening of said lock from the outside of the motor vehicle. The key assembly is rigidly fixed to the framework, and is covered, towards the outer side of the door, by the means for supporting the rear-view mirror and is accessible from the outside through a seat made in the supporting means themselves.
US07712815B2	Articulating seat cushion and load floor for pick up or similar type vehicle The articulated seat assembly to efficiently utilize vehicle compartment space is comprised of a seat back slidably mounted to a floor for horizontal movement relative thereto. A seat pan is equipped with at least first and second seat flange indents on opposite ends of the seat pan to cooperatively engage a floor flange to provide support to the seat pan in first and second pivoted positions. A leg assembly is pivotally attached to the seat pan at a first end and pivotally attached relative to a vehicle floor at a second end. The leg assembly is equipped with a first flat to cooperatively engage the vehicle floor when the leg is in a first pivoted position and a second flat to cooperatively engage the vehicle floor in a second pivoted position. The leg assembly is further equipped with a contour to cooperate with a floor contour to permit pivotal movement of the leg.
US07712813B2	Expandable trailer An expandable trailer comprising a chassis, at least one pair of extendable supports, at least one pair of horizontal floor sections and at least one pair of floor elements. Each support is extendable laterally outwardly to a respective side of a central longitudinal axis of the chassis. The horizontal floor sections of each pair of horizontal floor sections are spaced apart laterally and each have an outer rail which is coupled to a corresponding one of the supports. The floor elements are pivotally coupled to each other and to the floor sections. Upon extension of the extendable supports from a retracted position to an open, extended position, the horizontal floor sections move laterally outwardly to extend from the chassis and the floor elements move from an upright vertical arrangement to an arrangement where the floor elements lie in horizontal alignment with the floor sections.
US07712812B2	Flatbed extender system for a vehicle An extender bed system having channel affixed to the flatbed of the vehicle and a cradle slidingly received within the channel. An extendable bed is slidingly received within the cradle and a plurality of bearings affixed to the cradle permit sliding movement of the cradle in the channel and sliding movement of the extendable bed in the cradle.
US07712811B2	Integrated ratcheting tailgate extender A vehicle tailgate extender mechanism including a tailgate frame having a tailgate bed extender guide, and a bed extender assembly coupled to the tailgate frame and including an extender cross member. An extender guide may be secured to the extender cross member, and an extender support member may be secured to the extender cross member. The extender support member is capable of at least partial insertion into and extraction out of the tailgate bed extender guide. A cargo restraining panel is rotatably coupled to the extender cross member. A ratcheting mechanism may couple the extender support member to the tailgate frame and allow the extender support member to be linearly displaced in a first direction within the tailgate bed extender guide while simultaneously preventing substantial linear movement of the extender support member in a second direction opposite the first direction within the tailgate bed extender guide.
US07712810B2	Inner mirror attachment structure To improve a force by which a base holds an inner mirror, a base 4 keeping a base inner 6 for holding an inner mirror 2 is constituted by a first base 30 bonded to a front window 3 and a second base 40 clasped by the base inner 6; the second base 40 comprises a recessed mating part 43 where the first base 30 is fitted, and wider parts 41a, 41b abutting against side faces 33a, 33b of the first base 30 and extending outward from the side faces 33a, 33b of the first base 30; when the first base 30 is fitted into the mating part 43 of the second base 40, the mating width of the base 4 mating with the base inner 46 can be expanded by the width of the wider parts 41a, 41b of the second base 40, whereby the force by which the base 4 holds the inner mirror 2 can be improved even if the first base 30 is commoditized.
US07712809B2	Exterior accessory module for vehicular modular door An exterior accessory assembly or module for a vehicle door assembly comprises an exterior rearview mirror and/or door cap assembly, which may further include a cover member, a door handle, window frame, window seal and/or an exterior rearview mirror assembly. The exterior rearview mirror and/or the cap assembly may mount to the modular door and provide an exterior rearview mirror, a window frame and/or door handle. The latch and/or mirror connectors provide for connection to the handle and/or mirror assembly, respectively, of the accessory module as the accessory module is affixed to the door frame. Preferably, the exterior mirror and/or cap assembly and door frame include corresponding electrical connectors for connecting electrical accessories of the accessory module to a door wiring or harness.
US07712807B2	Vacuum cup with relief port and method of moving and releasing an object A method utilizing a vacuum cup for a material handling system including a body portion and a perimeter seal that functions to substantially seal against an object. Engaging the vacuum cup with an object to substantially seal the cup perimeter against the object. Substantially closing a relief port, via the sealing member, as the vacuum cup is engaged with the object. Transporting the object to a targeted location while the perimeter seal is substantially sealed against the object. Moving the vacuum cup in a direction generally away from the object at the targeted location. At least partially opening the relief portion to at least partially vent the cavity from the vacuum cup. Removing the vacuum cup from the object.
US07712799B2	Hidden lock locked to an inner side of a doorplate A hidden lock locked to an inner side of a doorplate comprises a top seat assembly; a top rod; the top seat assembly being assembled to the top rod; a linking rod installed to a lower side of the top rod; a lower rod; a lower head; a top seat assembly; a resisting unit. The connecting shaft having a groove, plurality of slots, a plurality of holes, an upper engaging tube and a lower engaging tube. A bent stop is extended from the resisting unit. When a top rod reduces inwards, the stop will resist against a neck of the top rod to prevent a lower head to contact the ground. A pin device is installed for retaining the lock in high temperature.
US07712793B1	Scuba regulator connector using swivel ball and one-piece bushing A ball and socket-type swivel connector for use with second stage scuba regulators used by scuba divers. The ball is made from a metal with good corrosion resistance. The ball is held in position by a low friction bushing. The bushing, compresses the metal swivel ball with light assembly pressure. This is accomplished by machining or molding the same radius of the swivel ball into one side of the low friction bushing. No seawater can enter the swivel. The ball has a unique O-ring slot or channel that completely encircles the ball along a path that permits an O-ring to wipe the bushing upon swiveling of the connector and prevents seawater from entering the swivel. No area exists for seawater to collect around the O-ring. The preferred embodiment uses a high-grade stainless steel swivel ball, low friction polymer bushing material and an internally lubricated low friction O-ring. A wiper ring boot, a ball and socket wiper that utilizes an outer boot as a wiper ring, keeps sand and contamination out of the rotational mechanism of the swivel.
US07712782B2	Push-pull type tilt lever assembly for steering system of vehicle The present invention provides push-pull type tilt lever assembly for a steering system of a vehicle. According to the push-pull type tilt lever assembly for a steering system of a vehicle, a tilt lever assembly is disposed at the upper portion of a side of a steering column to perform locking and unlocking in tilt and telescopic functions in the steering system and achieves tilt locking and tilt unlocking by pushing or pulling a tilt lever. Further, since tilt lever is disposed at the upper portion of a side of steering column, it does not contact with the driver's knees in a car crash, such that it is possible to reduce driver's knees injury rate and remove cause of demerit for the knees injury rate in accordance with EURO NCAP that is a European car safety performance assessment programme.
US07712781B2	Protective cushion wrap with slip feature An airbag apparatus includes an airbag module. The airbag module includes an inflatable cushion coupled to an inflator and a retainer. The airbag module additionally includes a cushion wrap. The cushion is folded such that it is in a storage position. The cushion wrap includes a slip section and a retainer end portion. The retainer end portion is affixed to the retainer and disposed adjacent to the slip section. The slip section includes a folded portion and frangible end portion. The folded portion is disposed between the frangible end portion and the retainer end portion. Furthermore, the frangible end portion is affixed to the retainer.
US07712768B2	Side curtain air bag The present invention provides a side curtain air bag facilitating the control of tension with the airbag. The side curtain air bag includes chambers expanded by gas supplied from a gas generator, and expands and develops into a curtain shape along a side part of a vehicle so as to protect vehicle occupants. The side curtain air bag includes primary chambers which expand to form the side curtain air bag, and a secondary chamber which expands after the primary chambers to apply additional tension across the expanded side curtain air bag. The secondary chamber includes an opening communicating with the primary chamber.
US07712767B2	Airbag device An airbag device includes a door (16), an inflator (18), and an airbag (20). The door (16), provided in a vehicle-body outer panel (12), is opened to open an opening (12A) in the vehicle-body outer panel (12) when a predetermined situation occurs. The inflator (18) is disposed inside the door (16). The inflator (18) includes a gas-injection port (36) that is closer to the end (16B) of the door (16) in the longitudinal direction of the door (16) than to the center of the door (16) in the longitudinal direction of the door (16). The airbag (20) is disposed at a predetermined position inside the vehicle-body outer panel (12). When the predetermined situation occurs, the airbag (20) is inflated by the pressure of the gas supplied from the inflator (18) to open the door (16), and the airbag (20) passes through the opening (12A) in the vehicle-body outer panel (12), and is deployed toward the outside of a vehicle body. The high inflation pressure of the airbag (20) is applied to the end (16B) of the door (16).
US07712765B2	Stroller having a single folding shaft A stroller utilizes a handle folding assembly and a front frame folding assembly for a compact, easy storing folded size. An axle of the handle folding assembly rotates when a wrench is operated with single hand and two first sliders are brought to approach axially to each other and detach from two fastening elements, making the handle rotatable and folding to a rear frame. A button of the front frame folding assembly is pressed with single hand (or a seat is detached from a seat bracket) to detach a second slider of the front frame from a roller to make the front frame rotatable and folding to the rear frame. The position pins accompanied with a plurality of position holes enable the stroller an adjustable height of a seat and the handle.
US07712763B2	Trailer hitch receiver lock A freely pivoting lock ball fits within a trailer hitch ball receiver. A top lock shaft on the ball extends up through a hole in the top of the ball receiver into a lock collar welded to the top of the ball receiver. A cylinder lock fits into a top opening in the lock collar over the lock shaft to lock the lock ball within the ball receiver to prevent theft by towing the trailer with a conventional towing hitch ball. The cylinder lock and lock ball spin freely within the ball receiver and collar to prevent drilling or sawing the lock. There is no room between the cylinder lock and collar or between the ball lock and ball receiver to pry them loose. The lock collar is too thick for cutting with a bolt cutter.
US07712755B2	Extending and retracting device for vehicle step An extending and retracting device for a vehicle step includes a mounting bracket adapted to be fixed to a body of a vehicle and a step bracket. An arc sliding member is fixed to the step bracket. A driving arm defines a pair of ends thereof pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and step bracket, respectively. A supporting arm defines an upper end portion thereof pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a lower end portion of the supporting arm defining at least one arc slot of the lower end portion. The arc sliding member is adapted to fit into the arc slot so as to be slidable in the arc slot such that the lower end portion of the supporting arm is slidably connected to the step bracket.
US07712753B2	Joint for vehicle steering and suspension system The present invention concerns a steering and suspension system of a vehicle and a translational ball joint for use in a steering and suspension system. The system may include a lower joint assembly that employs the translational ball joint to couple a steering knuckle to a strut extension member. The translational ball joint may include a socket having a ball stud mounted therein, with the ball stud including a ball, mounted in the cavity, and a shank, including a cylindrical portion adjacent to the second end that is slidably received in a central bore of the ball and has a retention flange extending radially outward that has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the central bore to thereby prevent the retention flange from sliding through the central bore.
US07712741B2	Double sided scratch-off lottery tickets and methods of manufacturing the same A lottery ticket and continuous process of forming the same in which the front and rear surfaces of the lottery ticket and provided with scratch-off lottery games which may be accessed by the player without first having to remove a break-open window.
US07712740B2	Exit shaft dampening device to improve print quality The present invention includes a damping device for a media feed mechanism for a peripheral device having a media feedpath having a feed shaft and a downstream exit shaft. In one form a damping hub is mounted on said exit shaft, a resilient biasing member extending between the damping hub and the feed shaft to create a damping force on the damping hub. In another embodiment damping is provided by a brake structure engaging said damping hub. In yet another embodiment, a brake structure is pivotably mounted.
US07712734B2	Multi-purpose feeder for office automation machinery A multi-purpose feeder (MPF) for office automation (OA) machinery includes an MPF tray installed rotatably on a main body panel so that it can be opened and closed. An auxiliary stocker is rotatably installed on the tray by a hinge. An auxiliary stocker pivoting unit automatically pivots the auxiliary stocker as the MPF tray is opened and closed. Since the auxiliary stocker is automatically opened and folded when the MPF tray is opened and closed with respect to the main body, the MPF has improved user's convenience.
US07712731B2	Gutter clamp The gutter clamp is a handheld clamp allowing a user to temporarily clamp a gutter to a support surface, such as a face board, while work is being performed on the gutter. The gutter clamp includes an handle portion and a clamping portion extending from the handle portion. The clamping portion includes first and second clamping members joined to the handle portion in such a manner that the clamping members pivot toward and away from each other. The first clamping member is adapted for contacting an outer face of the support surface, and the second clamping member has a substantially U-shaped upper end, allowing the upper end to be mounted on an outer wall of the gutter, and to securely contact an inner face of the outer wall, the handles being resiliently biased to hold the clamping members, thus releasably securing the gutter to the support surface.
US07712724B2	Dynamic ball valve sealing device for three-way valves A ball valve having improved sealing between the valve member and the valve body is presented. Improved sealing is realized by providing a sealing member that is allowed to float on the outer surface of the valve member in the closed position. By being able to float on the outer surface, the sealing member can compensate for any variations in the valve member as a result of machining tolerances or variations in position of the valve member due to changes in pressure within the valve, thereby providing dynamic sealing The dynamic sealing is also provided by configuring the valve member such that it causes the sealing member to be exposed to a higher biasing force in the closed position than in the open position.
US07712721B2	Self-drying condensate pad for beverage and food service A protective pad apparatus that prevents water damage and water pooling upon indoor surfaces. When placed between a receptacle of ice and its underlying surface, said surface is shielded from dripping condensate. The invention utilizes several fabric features of different densities that cooperate to absorb and then to disperse water. There is an absorptive upper portion, a wicking-barrier core, and an insulative bottom portion, all of which are permanently attached to create a pad. The pad apparatus is of a capacity and size to function as an adjunct to vessels containing many servings of a beverage or food.
US07712719B2	Folding support stand for portable electronic devices The present invention provides a portable support stand for various devices such as laptop computes, tablet PCs and other electronic equipment. The stand has a tripod configuration which promotes stability of the user device. The front legs of the tripod may be adjusted between compact and extended positions, and may be placed in a position relative to the rear leg anywhere from 0° in a fully closed position to approximately 180° in a fully open position. Audible indicators are used with overall stand adjustment and with adjustment of stoppers at the ends of the front legs. Adjustment of the front legs relative to the rear leg employs a pivot section, including a finger disc spring, an adjustment actuator and an engagement member between the spring and the actuator. The engagement member includes projections or dimples which engage receptacles on an engagement member to secure the stand in a desired arrangement.
US07712713B2	Fastening means for a patient monitor A fastening means for a patient monitor, comprising a clamp member to be fastened to a supporting structure, a base member for supporting the patient monitor, the clamp member comprising two legs with free ends and a slot between the two legs, and a tightening means between the two legs for fastening the clamp member against the support surface placed between the two legs. The slot is wider at the bottom end than at the area between the free leg ends, and the fastening means is an electrically non-conductive element between the patient monitor and the supporting structure.
US07712711B2	Display apparatus A display apparatus including a display main body to display a picture thereon, a base to support the display main body on an installation surface, and a lifting unit provided between the display main body and the base to move the display main body up and down relative to the base, the lifting unit having a guide frame vertically disposed relative to the base, a lifting member slideably provided in the guide frame and coupled to the display main body, and an oil groove formed in at least one of the guide frame and the lifting member. With this configuration, the present general inventive concept provides a display apparatus in which a display main body can lift up and down relative to a base. The present general inventive concept also provides a display apparatus in which a display main body can rotate in various directions relative to a base.
US07712705B2	Deceleration device A deceleration device adapted for gradual dissipation of kinetic energy comprises a spool reel carrying a belt being wound up on the spool reel; an elevating spindle being driven by the spool reel when the belt is being retracted from the spool reel; at least one collet screwed to the elevating spindle; and at least one spring assembly being installed between the collet and a fixed bearing portion of the deceleration device. The at least one collet is screwed towards the fixed bearing portion by retraction of the belt from the spool reel thereby compressing the spring assembly, whereby a reaction load is generated by the spring assembly counteracting the retraction of the belt.
US07712697B1	Core winding apparatus and method of winding a core An apparatus for winding wire about a tooth of a core includes an amount of wire, a winding member configured to receive a portion of the amount of wire, and a winding device operatively coupled to the winding member. The winding device being configured to apply a number of wraps of the amount of wire to at least one of a plurality of teeth of the core. The number of wraps including a number of twists that is fewer than the number of wraps.
US07712696B2	Cable coiling method and apparatus A method (200) for coiling an earphone set (10) comprising at least one earphone (11), at least one cable (12), one for each earphone (11), and a connector (14), the method comprising: coiling the at least one cable (12) around a cable strap (21) having at least one end (22); passing a first (22) of the at least one end of the cable strap (21) over a first (11) of the earphones by inserting the first earphone (11) through a first slot (23) in the first end (22) for attaching the first earphone (11) to the cable strap (21); and passing a second (22) of the at least one end of the cable strap (21) over a second (11) of the earphones by inserting the second earphone (11) through a second slot (23) in the second end (22) for releasably attaching the second earphone (11) to the cable strap (21).
US07712695B2	Spool braking device for fishing reel A spool braking device and a spool braking method for increasing spool braking capability. The spool braking device includes a reel attached to a fishing rod in a detachable manner. A rotatable spool is arranged in the reel. A fishing line is wound to the spool. A brake mechanism electronically brakes rotation of the spool. An acceleration sensor detects swing acceleration produced when the fishing rod is swung and generates an acceleration signal. A brake control unit determines whether or not the spool needs to be braked based on the acceleration signal and drives the brake mechanism.
US07712694B2	Disc refiner with plates having logarithmic spiral bars A special shape of bars on refining discs or plate segments of a rotating disc refiner is disclosed including a plurality of bars generally extending outwards towards the outer end of the disk across its surface, arranged in a single, two or more radial zones, the plurality of the bars within a zone being curved with the shape of a logarithmic spiral. Disc refiners including such refining discs are also disclosed.
US07712693B2	Degradation insert with overhang In one aspect of the invention, a cone crusher has at least one crushing surface disposed on either a cone and/or an inverted bowl of the crusher. The crushing surface has at least one insert having an impact head with a stem protruding from a base end of the head. The stem has a smaller cross sectional thickness than the head.
US07712689B2	Shredder with thickness detector A shredder is disclosed. The shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, and a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. The shredder mechanism enables the at least one article to be shredded to be fed into the cutter elements. The motor is operable to drive the cutter elements so that the cutter elements shred the articles fed therein. The shredder also includes a detector that is configured to detect a thickness of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller that is operable to perform a predetermined operation responsive to the detector detecting that the thickness of the at least one article is at least equal to a predetermined maximum thickness.
US07712688B2	Comminuting apparatus, especially document shredder A comminuting apparatus, particularly a document shredder, having an approximately funnel-shaped feeding area for the material that is to be comminuted. A flap is provided to constrict the feeding area to a narrow feeding path and extends across the width thereof. The flap is pivotally and/or movably mounted in the feeding area.
US07712686B2	Fuel injection valve A fuel injection valve includes a valve member for regulating a flow of a fuel to a nozzle hole, a movable core axially slidable in an integrated body with the valve member, a fixed core being faced by an end of the movable core, and a coil portion having an increasing number of winding of a winding wire toward the movable core in a bobbin to have a magnetic attractive force between the movable core and the fixed core upon application of an electric current. The number of winding wire increases toward an end on a movable core side in the coil portion. Therefore, the generated magnetic field increases on the movable core side. In this manner, the magnetic attractive force between the fixed core and the movable core is increased without increasing a cross-section and/or a body of the movable core.
US07712683B2	Diffusion device with replaceable cartridge A removable replaceable cartridge for use with a liquid diffusing device. The cartridge includes a venturi, a conduit extending to the venturi, a mixing area and an outlet path for atomizing and dispersing a liquid within the cartridge. A diffusion device including a removable replaceable cartridge received within a housing. The housing includes a source of compressed gas which is directed into the cartridge. A venturi head with a unitary body for use with a diffusion device.
US07712679B2	Mist ejection head, image forming apparatus comprising mist ejection head, and liquid ejection apparatus comprising mist ejection head The mist ejection head has: a nozzle plate in which a nozzle hole for ejecting liquid is formed; a liquid chamber connected to the nozzle hole; an ultrasonic wave generating device which applies an ultrasonic wave to the liquid in the liquid chamber; and a reflective wall which reflects the ultrasonic wave applied to the liquid, wherein: the reflective wall is disposed so as to oppose the nozzle plate and has an axially symmetrical shape comprising a portion of a parabolic surface, the portion including an apex of the parabolic surface and being on an apex side with respect to a focal point of the parabolic surface; an axis of the parabolic surface passes through the nozzle hole; and the focal point of the parabolic surface is positioned in a vicinity of the nozzle hole.
US07712678B2	Vehicle temperature regulation control unit A control unit including a switch for regulating the temperature of a passenger compartment and/or the temperature of a vehicle seat. The switch is of a unit type with a control member, a switch member, a light-emitting member, and an indicator member housed in a single case, and can be disposed anywhere near a driver.
US07712675B2	Physical items for holding data securely, and methods and apparatus for publishing and reading them A physical object comprises one or more memory circuits adapted to be read wirelessly by a reader device attached to or incorporated within the physical object. Data in the memory circuit is protected from access by an unauthorised reader. Data in the memory circuit is also adapted to identify an authorised bearer of the physical object. Moreover, data in the memory circuit is adapted to allow access to a specified asset or assets by the authorised bearer.
US07712673B2	Identification document with three dimensional image of bearer An identification document includes a lens system and a specially prepared photo of a document bearer. The lens system and the specially prepared photo cooperate to create a three dimensional photo effect. The document includes two or more document layers. There is a lens structure in one of the document layers, and it includes lens elements. A photo is printed on one or more of the document layers. The photo depicts the document bearer, and includes two or more separate images of the bearer from different perspectives. Parts of the separate images are interleaved together into sets, and the sets are positioned relative to corresponding lens elements of the lens structure. These sets include parts of the separate images such that when viewed through the lens structure, the parts are viewed simultaneously making the subject appear three-dimensional to a viewer.
US07712671B2	Document printing and scanning method using low resolution barcode to encode resolution data A document is printed on a recoding medium together with a high resolution 2d barcode that encodes desired information about the document, and a low resolution 2d barcode that encode resolution data that specifies the spatial resolution of the high resolution barcode. The low resolution barcode has a sufficiently low spatial resolution so that it can be adequately read by a majority of scanners at their low resolution settings. Thus, if the printed document is scanned at a low scan resolution, the low resolution barcode can be adequately read to extract the resolution data in order to determined whether the scan resolution is adequate for reading the high resolution barcode. If necessary, the printed document can be re-scanned at a higher scan resolution so that the high resolution barcode can be adequately read. Alternatively, the resolution data may specify the print resolution at which the document is printed.
US07712669B2	Hand-held data capture system with interchangeable modules A data capture system includes a data collection terminal and a wireless communications module comprising a transceiver arranged to transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from a remote station in the data capture system. At least one flat antenna embedded within the communications module, and a pair of flat antennas may be included. A connector is arranged to removably couple the communications module with the data collection terminal and to transmit signals. A microprocessor is coupled with the connector and is arranged to standardize the logic levels and the format of the signals transmitted over the connector such that the data collection terminal may be engaged by the communications module through the connector without adjustment of the communications module.
US07712667B2	Hand held wireless reading viewer of invisible bar codes Hand held wireless reading viewer for bar codes printed with fluorescing inks that are invisible to the human eye. The reading viewer comprises a portable housing with a window transparent to the excitation and emission wavelengths, an LED or laser diode illuminator module having optical filter and diffuser, an image sensor module with a spectral band limited imaging optics, real time LCD video display, microprocessor with an image acquisition circuit, RF communications port, battery and self-destruct intrusion detector.
US07712662B2	Wireless diagnostic system and method A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments.
US07712661B2	System and method for registration of an electronic device A method for registering an electronic device includes receiving from a point-of-sale interface a transaction code and purchaser information associated with a purchase of an electronic device. While the transaction code is associated with the purchase of the electronic device, it does not uniquely identify the electronic device purchased. The method also includes receiving from the electronic device the transaction code and a device identifier that uniquely identifies the electronic device. The purchaser information and the device identifier are associated via the transaction code for registering the electronic device.
US07712658B2	Wallet consolidator and related methods of processing a transaction using a wallet consolidator A wallet consolidator to facilitate a transaction is provided. An embodiment of a wallet consolidator can include a housing, a data interface connected to the housing and positioned to effectuate communication between the wallet consolidator and one or more computing devices to thereby receive information associated with at least one card from one or more computing devices, and a memory positioned to store at least a portion of the information received by the data interface. The wallet consolidator can also include an input cluster connected to the housing to facilitate selection of at least a portion of the information by a user, a display screen to display a menu of functions to a user, and a controller positioned within the housing in communication with and to control each of the data interface, the memory, the input cluster, and the display screen.
US07712655B2	Banking computer account system with lock for secure payment via telephone A banking computer system with lock for secure payment via telephone and corresponding method, the system includes a telephone (1), a public communication system (2), a financial computer account system (3), wherein the financial computer account system (3) usually locks its user account (3-7), assigns a private phone number (6) to a user, and sets unlock information (8) associated with the user account (3-7) in the system. Once the user is connected to the financial computer account system (3) using the telephone (1) with the private phone number (6) through the public communication system (2), the financial computer account system (3) will check the unlock information (8) according to a predefined program, if the unlock information (8) is authenticated, the user account (3-7) will be unlocked for a predefined time, otherwise, the user account cannot be unlocked, the secure payment is therefore achieved by adding an unlock procedure which can be controlled by user.
US07712654B2	Goods supply system A goods supply system that retrieves parts for making up a product from goods storage locations in a supply area and supplies them to an assembly line, which comprises: a storage means that registers key information on the product and parts information including information on types and storage locations of the parts in advance; a first in-process card issuing machine that writes the key information on the product into a first in-process card; and a retrieving unit having a means that reads out the key information written in the first in-process card, collates the key information with the key information and the parts information registered in the storage means, and retrieves the parts corresponding to the key information from the goods storage locations.
US07712640B2	Mannequin system The present invention relates to mannequin systems that can be used for simulating motion for the performance testing of garments, including absorbent articles. The systems may include an assembled framework and a mannequin secured within the assembled framework. Motion of the mannequin is generated by an integrated system of pneumatic cylinders and a motor drive assembly. The mannequin may be made of a reinforced elastomeric composite material.
US07712638B2	Dual overlapping flip top closure assembly A closure for a container having a mouth wherein the closure is adapted for sealable connection to the mouth of the container and includes an end wall at the upper end of the skirt for closing the mouth when the closure is mounted to the container. The closure includes an opening in the end wall for dispensing a product held by the container and a first flap that has at least one flap aperture that is smaller than the opening. The first flap is adapted for selectively opening and closing the opening. A second flap is adapted for overlaying the first flap and includes a first state wherein one or more of the flap apertures in the first flap are open and a second state wherein the flap apertures in the first flap are sealed.
US07712634B2	Apparatus and method for dispensing small quantities of particles An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprises a hopper provided with a sieve at a bottom portion thereof, the hopper in use containing powder to be dispensed therefrom through the sieve, a support for the hopper, the support holding a portion of the hopper so that the hopper can in use be held above a container into which the dispensed powder is to be received, and at least one actuator for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed through the sieve when the hopper receives the impact energy, wherein the at least one actuator is arranged to deliver impact energy to the hopper from different directions and/or at different locations on the hopper. There is also provided a method of dispensing small quantities of particles.
US07712633B2	Through-pump liquid drain-back system for a dispensing package Provided is a liquid dispensing package for a container adapted to contain a liquid that includes a hand operated pump assembly coupled to an actuator, a liquid distribution subsystem in fluid communication with a discharge tube from the pump assembly, wherein downward motion of the actuator, provided by a user, causes liquid to travel through the discharge tube to the actuator top surface, and a through-pump liquid drain-back subsystem that permits drain-back of liquid from the top surface of the actuator when the actuator is in a rest position.
US07712631B2	Method for liquid dispensing using a dispense head A liquid dispensing device including a dispense head configured to be placed and secured onto a bottle of liquid in a manner which enables the liquid to be dispensed. The dispense head includes a stopper having gas inlets and a liquid intake tube. A gas intake and a dispense spout are also mounted on the dispense head. A valve assembly allows pressurized gas to be introduced into the dispense head and into the bottle of liquid such that selective channeling of gas or liquid can be controlled to flow through the dispense spout thus enabling either liquid to pour through the spout or gas to clear the spout. A system utilizing this dispense head and a method of dispensing liquid using this head are possible with this device.
US07712629B2	Device for movement of articles A device for moving articles between positions at time intervals. The device includes at least two gates disposed sequentially in the direction of travel of the article which can controllably be opened and closed. Upstream of each gate there is formed a temporary holding area for the article. The two gates (1; 2; 3; 4) are controllable by means of one single drive motor (8) or actuator. The two gates (1; 2; 3; 4) are each associated with one control element (5; 6) rotatable about a respective axis of rotation, and the drive motor or actuator (8) is adapted to move one actuating element (7) that is rotatable about an axis of rotation and which is common to the respective control elements (5; 6) of the two gates.
US07712627B2	Cover assembly for access openings An exemplary cover assembly includes a bezel, and a spring-loaded cover. The bezel includes an opening, a pair of slots, and a pair of pins. The opening is defined in the bezel for accessing a device installed thereto. The slots are defined adjacent opposite ends of the opening respectively. The pins are formed adjacent the slots respectively. The spring-loaded cover covers the opening of the bezel, includes a pair of fixing plates formed thereon slidably received in the slots of the bezel. Each of the fixing plates defines an arcuate groove that slidably receives the corresponding pin of the bezel, where the cover is capable of being pivoted open and shut.
US07712625B2	Cooling coaster for beverage container A cooling coaster device and method for supporting and keeping a cold beverage container cool are provided. The cooling coaster device can include a relatively short, cup-shaped body including a closed bottom and a cylindrical sidewall forming an opening at an end thereof. A sealing ring gasket is integrally formed with the cylindrical sidewall in a vicinity of the opening. The sealing ring gasket can form a narrowest portion of the cup-shaped body and can be capable of forming a water and gas-tight seal when a beverage container is inserted into the cup-shaped body. The cooling coaster device can include a support extending into an interior of the cup-shaped body and forms a stop surface arranged a set distance from the closed bottom. The cooling coaster can be formed as an integral, one-piece structure and can keep the cold beverage container cool while not concealing its labeling and preventing the formation of a condensation ring.
US07712622B2	Child's drinking cup A drinking cup (10, 110) that teaches a child how to drink from a cup while minimizing spills includes an elongated, generally cylindrical housing (12, 112) for holding a liquid (14, 114), the housing (12, 112) has an inside surface (16, 116), an outside surface, and a bottom (20, 120); an elongated, generally cylindrical insert (22, 122) with an inner surface (24, 124) and an outer surface (26, 126) where the insert (22, 122) fits within the housing (12, 112); and a cap (30, 130). The cap (130) may be molded to the insert (122). An annular space (28, 128) is formed between the outer surface (26, 126) of the insert (22, 122) and the inside surface (16, 116) and the bottom (20, 120) of the housing (12, 112). The bottom (123) of the insert (122) may be open and spaced above the bottom (120) of the housing (112). The space (28, 128) receives liquid (14, 114) flowing between the inner surface (24, 124) and the outer surface (26, 126). The cap (30, 130) has a plurality of openings (36a-36h, 136a-136f) formed therein. The openings (36a-36h, 136a-136f) are in fluid communication with the space (28, 128) formed between the insert (22, 122) and the housing (12, 112).
US07712620B2	Packaging container with finger receiving portion In a bottle 1 having a waist groove 61 and a grasping recess 63 nearly in the center of the height direction of a body portion 4 for imparting the sloped surface of a waist portion with necessary strength and restoring capability so that the denting and deformation of the sloped surface of the waist portion are prevented and for forming an easily graspable container even if it is a thin-wall container of which the weight has been decreased, a finger receiving recess 62 having the form of a convex curved surface toward an inside of the container is formed in a region including a container bottom portion side connecting face 61c of the waist groove 61.
US07712619B2	Screw cap We propose a screw closure for containers, particularly bottles, with a top from which extends a surrounding skirt, said screw closure having a holding device for fixing the screw closure to the container, and with a security band disposed at the edge of the skirt that is facing away from the top, said security band being connected to the screw closure via a predetermined breaking line, and at least one elongation zone being provided in the security band, said elongation zone enabling the security band to extend preferably transverse to its circumferential direction. This screw closure is characterized by the fact that the security band (11) has at least one elastic region (39) that is formed by the lower part of the security band (11) between a holding strip (29) and an elastic holding band (35).
US07712617B2	Artificial nipple An artificial baby-feeding nipple including a substantially solid nipple portion with one or more ducts formed therethrough for conveying fluids through the nipple. The nipple is radially compressible so as to prevent passage of fluids through the one or more ducts when so compressed through use of a material having a low durometer material.
US07712615B2	Support slide assembly for cable management arm A support slide assembly for a cable management arm is coupled with two slide assemblies. Two ends of the cable management arm are connected to one of the two slide assemblies. The support slide assembly includes a sliding member provided between the two ends of the cable management arm and sustained by the support slide assembly to travel in relation to the support slide assembly. Two ends of the support slide assembly respectively connected to the two slide assemblies. The support slide assembly includes a first rod and a second rod sliding into each other to become one retractable piece, allowing change of its total length. The two rods of the support slide assembly each is pivoted to a sliding block.
US07712614B2	Bicycle frame clamp adaptor An adapter includes a first arm and a second arm that is pivotably connected to the first arm. A first portion of the first and second arms cooperate to form a contour which generally matches a contour of a portion of a bicycle frame. A second portion of the first and second arms are constructed to engage one another such that, during a clamping process, the adapter engages the bicycle frame with a desired gripping pressure. Preferably, the gripping pressure is less than a pressure that would crush or otherwise deform the frame of the bicycle.
US07712611B2	Apparatus for controlling the separation of particulate material Apparatus for separating particulate material into relatively fine and relatively coarse particles wherein such particulate material and a gas stream are introduced independently of one another to a separating zone through which the gas stream flows at such volume and velocity as to entrain fine particles and convey them from the separating zone to grinding or other facilities and wherein the fineness of entrained particles may be adjusted by diverting a selected portion of the gas stream from the separating zone to a bypass passageway followed by recombining the diverted portion of such gas stream with the gas containing the entrained particles.
US07712608B2	Protective folding case for guitar A guitar case comprises a guitar body receiving case portion, a guitar body portion cover and a neck portion case top. A neck portion case bottom and a neck portion case sidewall off further provided. A top neck zipper portion secures the neck portion case top to the neck portion case sidewall. A bottom neck zipper portion secures the neck portion case bottom to the neck portion case sidewall. A zipper portion secures the guitar body portion cover to the guitar body receiving case portion.
US07712602B2	Method for use in a conveyor and a conveyor The invention relates to a method for separating the web rolls (2) of a roll set (1) traveling on a conveyor (3) from each other. The conveyor (3) comprises a conveyor belt or chain (12) adapted to run about driving and tail pulleys (7). In the method, the set (1) of web rolls is transported on the leg of the conveyor belt or chain (12). According to the method, onto the top surface of the conveyor belt or chain (12) is formed an elevation capable of separating the web rolls (2) apart from each other with the help of an elevating roll assembly (5) adapted to operate below the top surface of the conveyor belt or chain (12) and comprising at least one rotary elevating roll (6).
US07712601B2	Article processing system A star wheel H of a blow molding machine 13 constituting a blow molding line 2 as a master machine driven by a motor M is provided with an encoder E for generating a pulse depending on rotation of the star wheel H, and a filling line 3 as a slave machine driven by first to fifth servomotors SM1 to SM5 is controlled by second control means 5 based on a pulse from the encoder E. In the event of an abnormality in the blow molding line 2, the second control means 5 controls the filling line 3 based on a pulse from a pulse generator 5a instead of a pulse from an encoder E, and thus performs processing of a vessel retained by the filling line 3. Even in the event of an abnormality in the master machine, the slave machine can be continuously operated.
US07712596B2	Bill recycle machine Disclosed is a bill recycle machine, in which a separation part for separating bills from each other and a push plate are installed at the same level as a bill receiving space, and an elevation plate is removed, so that a simple structure and small volume thereof can be achieve. The bill recycle machine includes: a front plate forming a wall surface of a front side of a bill receiving space formed at a lower part of a shutter, the front plate rotating about a hinge shaft of an upper part of the front plate; a push plate forming a first bill receiving space between the push plate and the front plate; a stack plate installed at an opposite side of the first bill receiving space, based on the push plate, so as to support bills stacked through a stack wheel; a transfer plate forming a second bill receiving space between the transfer plate and the stack plate; and a pickup roller installed at a position allowing the pickup roller to make contact with bills stacked in the first bill receiving space when the push plate moves frontward.
US07712593B2	Bicycle freecoaster hub A bicycle hub comprises an axle 5, a first part 7 being seated on the axle 5 and being provided with or connected to a cog 6, a second part 8 being movable relative to the first part 7 in longitudinal and rotational direction of the axle 5, the first part 7 and the second part 8 being in contact with each other via a screw coupling provided by threads 7′ and 8′, a hub body 11 being arranged around at least the second part 8, the second part 8 being provided with a first cone surface 9, the hub body 11 having a second cone 10 surface formed thereon or connected thereto, wherein the two cone surfaces 9, 10 are engageable for power transmission, and wherein an adjustable stopper mechanism 12 is provided, limiting a gap providing space for an axial movement of the second part 8.
US07712591B2	Composite profile and method for manufacturing the composite profile A composite profile comprising an extruded aluminum alloy carrier profile comprising a rail head having a longitudinal axis B, the rail head comprises a surface and two longitudinal edges extending parallel to the longitudinal axis B and a metal channel shaped profile strip comprising a base portion spanning the surface of the rail head and parallel side legs which lie on the longitudinal edges of the head rail, an insert rod is provided on the parallel side legs which lie on the longitudinal edges of the head rail and engage in lateral slots provided in the two longitudinal edges of the rail head, wherein the profile strip is attached to the carrier profile under mechanical pretension by way of a weld seam which contacts the rail head of the extruded aluminum alloy carrier profile.
US07712590B1	Luggage grip having simplified construction A luggage grip includes two fixing seats spaced from each other, and a flexible holding bar mounted between the two fixing seats and having two opposite end portions each movably mounted on the respective fixing seat. Thus, the holding bar is pulled upward to have a curved shape for use with the user and is retractable to have a flat shape when not in use, thereby facilitating the user operating and folding the holding bar. In addition, the luggage grip has a simplified construction to decrease the cost of fabrication. Further, the luggage grip is assembled easily and quickly.
US07712589B2	Device and method for braking the supporting booms of an earthmoving machine This invention relates to a device for reducing the reaction force of the supporting booms positioning cylinder of an earthmoving machine, comprising a braking system applied between the supporting booms of the machine which is operated during the time in which the positioning cylinder remains inactive, thereby unloading part of the reaction force of the cylinder, hence reducing the stress.
US07712586B2	Passenger guiding system for a passenger transportation system Passenger transportation system (4) including a hallway (2) providing access to at least one transport car (6, 8, 10, 12) and a control for controlling the movement of the cars, characterized by a passenger trajectory tracking device (16) including a data processing means for monitoring the access areas to the cars (6, 8, 10, 12).
US07712585B2	Lifting device A lifting device adjusts the height of a top part relative to a base part for a patient couch. The lifting device includes an elevator mechanism and a drive unit for height adjustment. The elevator mechanism has a scissor mechanism with two scissor arms, which are pivotably connected together via a scissor pivot joint. The elevator mechanism further includes an elbow mechanism having two elbow arms, which are pivotably connected together via an elbow pivot joint. Each of the elbow arms is linked to a scissor arm via a linking pivot joint.
US07712584B2	Emergency braking for an elevator without counterweight An elevator without counterweight may Include an elevator car suspended by a hoisting rope, a traction sheave operatively connected to the elevator car by the hoisting rope, and a brake structure configured to engage with the traction sheave in a braking operation in an upward motion and a downward motion of the elevator car. The brake structure may include first and second brake elements. The first brake element may include a surface engageable with the traction sheave, and first contact and sliding surfaces. The second brake element may include second contact and sliding surfaces. The first sliding surface may slide along the second sliding surface relative to the second brake element when the elevator car moves with the upward motion. The second contact surface may contact the first contact surface to stop a sliding motion of the first brake element when the elevator car moves with the downward motion.
US07712581B2	Transmission having a sealing baffle A transmission having a sealing baffle is disclosed. The transmission further includes a transmission case, a torque converter housing and a torque transfer member. The transmission case has a drive sprocket and a driven sprocket mounted for rotation therein. The torque converter housing has a fluid pump for pumping lubrication fluid. The torque converter housing is configured to mount to the transmission case. The torque transfer member is coupled to the drive sprocket and to the driven sprocket for transferring a driving torque from the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket. The first baffle is mounted to the torque converter housing. The first baffle has a base, a first flange extending from a first side of the base, a second flange extending from a second side of the base and a sealing lip formed in the second flange. The sealing lip contacts the transmission case to form a seal to prevent the fluid from flooding the torque transfer member. The seal created by compression of the sealing lip against the transmission case and the subsequent thermal expansion of the baffle and sealing lip is maintained over the entire operating temperature range of the transmission.
US07712580B2	Active/passive distributed absorber for vibration and sound radiation control Vibration or acoustic sound control is achieved using an elastic layer of thermal or insulation material in which a plurality of discrete masses are distributed throughout. The elastic layer may be installed as a pre-formed layer, or be blown into position within a structure where vibration or acoustic sound control is required.
US07712579B2	Floor silencer It is an object of the present invention to provide a floor silencer that has good transport efficiency due to an ability to be transported in a flat state, and can be assembled to a floor panel of a vehicle by folding along a band-like concave portion. The floor silencer is used with a first surface side in contact with a floor carpet, and a second surface side in contact with the floor panel of the vehicle. The floor silencer also has the band-like concave portion and can be folded along the band-like concave portion. The floor silencer is transported in a flat state and not folded during transport, and is used folded along the band-like concave portion during assembly.
US07712578B2	Muffler of vehicle and exhaust apparatus using the same A muffler includes a case divided into three chambers by two baffles. The first chamber is closest to, and the third chamber is farthest from, the exhaust pipe. An inlet pipe has a first end connected to the exhaust pipe, and a second end in fluid communication with the third chamber. An outlet pipe expels exhaust and water from the first chamber to the exterior. A connecting pipe provides fluid communication between the first and third chambers. The second end of the inlet pipe is above the bottom interior surface of the outlet pipe. The inlet pipe may have holes in the second chamber, above the bottom interior surface of the outlet pipe. The connecting pipe may have holes in the second chamber. The baffles may have holes for the water to flow from the second and third chambers to the first chamber. Also, an exhaust apparatus utilizing the muffler.
US07712571B2	Ergonomic machine control console A control console for a machine having a seat with a plane of symmetry is disclosed. The machine also has an armrest extending from the seat in a forward direction generally parallel with the plane of symmetry. The armrest has an upper surface intended to support an operator's forearm. The control console includes a base operatively connected to the armrest, and at least one operator interface device operatively connected to the base. The at least one operator interface device has a neutral axis inclined at an oblique angle relative to the upper surface of the armrest. The at least one operator interface device is pivotal in a fore/aft direction to initiate only a single function of the machine, the fore/aft direction being rotated outward away from the seat a predetermined angle relative to the forward direction of the armrest.
US07712568B2	Method and apparatus for motor vehicle lockout A lockout system for a motor vehicle is provided. The system can include a source of input that identifies a status of a driver of the motor vehicle. The system can further include a source of passenger input that indicates if at least one passenger is present in the motor vehicle. The system can also include a lockout control module operable to disable the operation of the motor vehicle if at least one passenger is present in the motor vehicle, based on the status of the driver.
US07712563B2	Battery exchange system for a battery-driven industrial truck Battery exchange system for a battery-driven industrial truck, in which the chassis of the industrial truck comprises a battery compartment open to the side of the industrial truck for side installation and removal of a battery container, on the battery container on at least two opposing sides at least one respective laterally projecting support element being attached with a downwardly facing bearing surface and the battery compartment on opposing sides comprising horizontal support surfaces spaced apart from one another in parallel on which the support elements are supported with their bearing surfaces, when the battery container is inserted into the battery compartment.
US07712562B2	Intake structure of vehicle The present invention shortens an intake duct while enabling an intake of cleaner air into the inside of an air cleaner. In a vehicle in which vehicle body mounting parts such as an engine, an air cleaner and the like are supported on a vehicle body frame, a cabin is formed by mounting a pair of left and right seats on the vehicle body frame with the engine being arranged below the seats. An air cleaner is arranged behind the engine with an intake duct for sucking outside air being connected to the air cleaner. The intake duct extends frontwardly from the air cleaner while avoiding a cylinder portion of the engine with a distal end portion thereof being opened in a cabin side adjacent to the at least one seat.
US07712556B2	Omni direction vehicle An omni direction vehicle with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter with no apparatus mounted on the frame extending beyond the perimeter. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The vehicle can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the vehicle requires a zero turning radius and requires only the space it occupies to change its forward orientation.
US07712555B2	Steerable series two speed motor configuration A hydraulic system includes first and second pumps, first and second motors, and three valves for selectively creating combined and basic hydraulic flow. The arrangement of valves permits combined flow to be provided to both motors in series to cause high speed operation of the motors, and permits combined flow to be provided to one motor and basic flow to the other motor. When applied to a vehicle, the arrangement provides a steerable high speed series arrangement of the vehicle's drive motors.
US07712548B2	Hand-held power tool with an oscillation damper A hand-held power tool includes a pneumatic percussing mechanism (3) located in the power tool housing (2) and having an anvil (5) and a percussion piston (4) for applying blows to the anvil (5), and at least one oscillation damper (6, 6′) including an oscillation damping mass (7, 7′), at least one spring (8a, 8a′) for compressively preloading the damping mass (7, 7′) against the power tool housing (2), and an axially displaceable excitation member (9) for actively exciting the oscillation damper (6, 6′) in response to the anvil (5) occupying an operational position.
US07712547B2	Electric hammer An electric hammer comprising a hammer bit (313) performing hammering work on a work, a drive motor, a hammering piece (334) driven by the drive motor to apply a hammering force to the hammer bit, and a mechanism (371) for damping vibration generated during hammering. The damping performance of the electric hammer is enhanced by causing the driving amount applied to the damping mechanism (371) to vary between a first mode where the damping mechanism (371) generates vibration of the hammer bit (313) subjected to an external force from the work during the load driving time and thereby optimizes the damping and a second mode where the damping mechanism (371) generates vibration corresponding to the vibration of the hammer bit (313) not subjected to an external force from the work during the no-land driving time and optimizes damping.
US07712544B1	Tool bar with forward folding wings The forward folding tool bar for grain planters includes a main frame. Left and right pivot frames are pivotally attached to the main frame for pivotal movement about vertical axes. Wing assemblies are pivotally connected to the pivot frames for pivotal movement about horizontal fore and aft axes. A tongue assembly includes a rear tube fixed to the main frame. A forward tube is telescopically received in the rear tube. A mast is fixed to the forward end of the forward tube. A pantographic linkage includes draft links pivotally attached to the mast and a hitch member. A hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers the mast. The draft links include slots that receive bar portions attached to the rear tube, in a lowered working position. Telescopic tension connector links attached to the mast and the wings prevent pivotal movement of the pivot frames when telescopic movement is blocked.
US07712543B2	Residential dry sprinkler design method and system A method of designing a residential fire protection system in a residential dwelling unit are shown and described. The residential dwelling unit has a plurality of compartments as defined in the 2002 National Fire Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R. The method can be achieved by: determining a minimum quantity and location of residential fire sprinklers required to determine a hydraulic demand calculation of the residential fire sprinklers of a piping network filled with water and arranged to protect the plurality of compartments; and specifying the minimum quantity and location of residential fire sprinklers in a piping network filled with a gas. Various aspects of the invention are also shown and described.
US07712542B2	Fire suppression system A fire suppressant system having a pipe system, spray nozzles connected to the pipe system and a control system for selectively charging the pipe system with foam. The control system includes a pilot line for generating a signal based upon sensing an environmental parameter and a first control valve for activating the system based upon the signal. Preferably, the first control valve forms i) an interior cavity for mixing the compressed air and compressed air liquid, ii) an outlet in fluid communication with the interior; iii) a first inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to a flow through the outlet, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air; and iv) a second inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air liquid.
US07712541B2	System and method for protecting downhole components during deployment and wellbore conditioning A technique is provided to temporarily protect well system components during transport, movement downhole and/or initial downhole operations. A sacrificial material is formed as a protective sacrificial element disposed proximate susceptible well system components. The protective sacrificial element is at least partially dissolvable in fluids within a wellbore to facilitate removal of the element after a desired time period. Once the temporary, protective sacrificial element is removed, the protected well system component is fully operable.
US07712540B2	Flow control device A choke that is usable with a well includes an inlet port and an outlet port. The choke also includes pressure drop stages between the inlet port and the outlet port. Each of the pressure drop stages is adapted to create part of an overall pressure differential between the inlet and outlet ports.
US07712538B2	Method and apparatus for multi-positioning a sleeve A tool for shifting a sleeve into at least one intermediate position between stops has a shifting key that only can move the sleeve a finite amount before it is forced out of contact with the sleeve. An overpull key is released for engagement with the sleeve before the shifting key is forced out. The overpull key resists movement until a noticeable predetermined force is applied at which point the overpull key is freed from the sliding sleeve for a normal release. If any key fails to release, an emergency release is provided that independently displaces the key so that the tool can be removed. The tool can be operated in either an uphole or a downhole direction to shift the sleeve depending on the orientation of the keys. Embodiments using a single key type are contemplated.
US07712525B2	Determination of well shut-in time for curing resin-coated proppant particles A laboratory test method employs maximum acoustic wave velocity to determine cure time of a sample of curable resin-coated proppant (CRCP) that are packed in a pressurized chamber to simulate conditions in a reservoir rock formation during fracturing in which the CRCP will be used. The pressurized CRCP is subjected to a varying temperature profile that replicates the reservoir temperature recovery during shut-in of the fractured zone in order to develop maximum proppant pack strength and minimize proppant flow back following completion of the fracturing operation and to determine shut-in time to complete curing of the resin.
US07712522B2	Expansion cone and system An apparatus for the radial expansion and plastic deformation of a tubular member.
US07712509B2	Produce labeler with multiple cassettes at a single station An automatic apparatus for applying labels to produce is provided which utilizes three or more label cassettes angularly disposed in coplanar fashion adjacent a rotary bellows applicator. The cassettes may include labels indicating different sizes or grades of produce, for example, and each produce item being labeled may have a label selected from any one of said multiple cassettes. High label speeds in excess of 1000 labels per minute are achieved along with selective labeling.
US07712507B2	Tape dispenser with cutter shield A tape dispenser includes a main member, on which a tape roll mount, a cutter and a movable shield are provided, wherein the shield is moved to cover or expose the cutter, and at least a flexible arm is projected from the shield directly. The flexible arm has a suspended end urging a bottom wall of the main member. The flexible arm is compressed when the shield is moved to expose the cutter, and the compressed flexible arm may return the shield to cover the cutter automatically.
US07712503B2	Automatic flexible spacer or sealant applicator for a glass work piece and method of applying flexible spacer or sealant to a glass workpiece A dual head horizontal automatic flexible spacer and/or sealant applicator for a glass work piece that applies the flexible spacer and/or sealant along a single axis and will operate on a range of work pieces sizes. The machine will automatically square a work piece and pivot about a virtual pivot point of a corner of the work piece for any of a range of work piece sizes. A method of applying spacer and/or sealant is also disclosed.
US07712502B2	In-process vision detection of flaw and FOD characteristics An inspection system (9) includes an idler wheel (61) that is coupled to a fabrication system (8) and is in contact with a backing layer (65) of an applied material (64), A rotation sensor (63) monitors the idler wheel (61) and generates a rotational signal. A controller (24) is coupled to the rotation sensor (63) and determines a characteristic of one or more flaws and FOD (19) on a composite structure (12) in response to the rotation signal.
US07712497B2	Anti-slipping device for dual tires Provided is an anti-slipping device for dual tires including: a plurality of spike members 100 which comprises an insertion plate 110 bent in a trapezoidal shape to be inserted between the dual tires, and close-contact plates 120 integrally extending from opposite sides of the insertion plate 110 to closely contact each surface of the dual tires; a belt 200 connecting the insertion plates 110 of the plurality of spike members 100 to each other; and a fastener 300 coupled to opposite ends of the belt 200 to adjust tension of the belt, wherein the fastener 300 includes first and second connection rings 330a and 330b each inserted into insertion space parts 201a and 210b formed at both ends of the belt 200, and a belt fastener 340 detachably coupled to the first and second connection rings 330a and 330b to adjust tension of the belt 200, thereby stably providing running performance and braking power to minimize a risk of a slipping accident.
US07712496B2	Flaming wallet and/or method of making the same Certain example embodiments relate to flaming wallets, and methods of making the same, with such flaming wallets typically being used for magic tricks, illusions, jokes, and/or general fun. In certain example embodiments, a flame mechanism may be substantially completely concealed by “fake money.” The flame mechanism of certain example embodiments may include an igniter that produces a spark for causing flammable material applied to flame retardant material to combust, with the flame retardant material being inserted into respective recesses of one or more flame retardant material holders located between the inner surface of the flaming wallet and the rear surface of the fake money. In certain example embodiments, a magnet mechanism may facilitate the closing of the wallet and/or the extinguishing of the flames produced by the flaming wallet. Advantageously, the flaming wallet of certain example embodiments does not necessarily require hidden compartments or areas, or sleight of hand.
US07712495B1	Machine for forming a point on wooden stakes A wooden stake sharpening machine moves a conical cutting head along a linear path into engagement with a clamped wooden stake blank to affect sharpening thereof. A walking beam conveying apparatus moves a wooden stake blank into position from a supply bin where a clamping apparatus holds the stake blank in place while the cutting head moves onto the stake to form a point thereon. The drive mechanism moves the conveyor in coordination with the linear movement of the cutting apparatus, which trips a switch to actuate the clamping mechanism as the cutting head moves toward engagement with the stake blank. The conveyor then moves the sharpened stake toward a collection area while moving another stake blank into position for sharpening as the cutting apparatus is retracted away from the stake, thus providing an automated stake sharpening machine with a minimal number of moving parts.
US07712494B2	Method and apparatus for profiling a log for use in building timber or log homes A log profiler for sawing surfaces into and along the length of a log may be characterized as including a saw carriage selectively translatable along a track, a pair of log holders on the track for holding the log suspended over and along the track and adapted to selectively rotate the log about its long axis, a linear double-acting saw blade mounted on a blade carriage, the blade translatable linearly along the blade carriage relative to both the blade carriage and saw carriage, the blade carriage selectively rotatable and selectively elevatable relative to the saw carriage.
US07712488B2	Fiber architecture for Pi-preforms A woven preform for a reinforces composite material, which may be woven flat and folded into a shape. The preform has a three-dimensional weave architecture with fill fibers woven to provide layer-to-layer interlocking of layers of warp fiber as well as interlocking of fibers within each layer. At least two legs extend from a base, the base and legs each having at least two layers of warp fibers. The legs can be connected at a symmetrical or asymmetrical, distributed-column intersection, with an even or odd number of columns of warp fibers being located between the legs. The outer ends of the base and/or legs preferably have tapers formed from terminating layers of warp fibers in a stepped pattern.
US07712484B2	Paint selector valve A piston, which is displaceable by pilot air, is provided in a main body. A valve plug, which is composed of a resin material, is connected to an end of a shaft connected to the piston. The valve plug is seated on a valve seat section of a sub-body connected to the main body, and thus the flow of the paint to a flow passage is cut off. A seating section of the valve plug, which is to be seated on the valve seat section, is formed to be substantially spherical. Further, the surface of the valve seat section is recessed and substantially spherical corresponding to the seating section.
US07712478B2	Ergonomic crutch An ergonomic crutch comprising an armpit pad assembly, a top tube, a middle tube, a bottom tube, a hand grip, a shock absorber, and a footpad assembly. The armpit pad assembly comprises an armpit pad and means for allowing the armpit pad to tilt vertically and swivel horizontally. In an alternate embodiment, the crutch does not have a shock absorber.
US07712477B2	Tray for a walker The present invention relates to a tray for use with a walker. The tray includes a generally rigid tray base having an essentially rectangular shape with a front long side, a back long side, a first short side and a second short side, and wherein the tray has a length that extends to or past the essentially horizontal support member; a ridge extending along the sides of the tray, wherein the ridge has a height of at least about a ½ inch; a strap having a hook and loop fastener wherein the strap is positioned at or near the back long end; and a first hinge and a second hinge, the first and second hinges are positioned, when the tray is in use, at or near the front leg of the first and second support, respectively. The length of the tray is greater that the distance between the support member of the first support and the support member of the second support; and the width of the tray is less than the length of the support member of the first support or second support. The present invention further includes methods of using the tray, and system and kits that include the tray.
US07712476B2	Bio-degradable disposable umbrella A disposable umbrella includes a staff having an upper end and a lower end suitable for gripping by a user. A fixed collar is mounted on the upper end of the staff. A plurality of main struts are pivotably attached to the fixed collar and extend radially from the fixed collar. The main struts are movable from collapsed positions, wherein the main struts extend generally parallel to the staff, to open positions, wherein the main struts extend outwardly from the staff. A waterproof film is fixed to the main struts, such as by adhesive, and extends generally from the staff to the extended ends of the main struts. A slidable collar has a bore therethrough and is slidably mounted for movement along the staff. A plurality of actuating struts are provided, the actuating struts having an inner ends pivotably attached to the slidable collar and outers end pivotably attached to associated main struts so that movement of the collar along the staff towards the upper end of the staff causes the main struts to move out to their open positions. A latch is provided for selectively holding the slidable collar in a predetermined position on the staff to thereby hold the main struts in the open position, or releasing the slidable collar to allow movement of the slidable collar towards the lower end. The staff, collars, struts, waterproof film and latch are all formed of biodegradable materials. In this way the umbrella may be disposed of without harming the environment.
US07712474B2	Stationary and waterproof exfoliating device A disposable device for exfoliating skin is disclosed which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The device can be secured to a shower floor or wall without tools or adhesives, and provides a stationary and waterproof exfoliating device for hands-free use while showering.
US07712469B2	Detectable earplug and cord Earplugs (22, 24) and a combination (20) of a pair earplugs and a cord (26) that joins them, each can be detected by metal and/or magnetic detectors even if the parts of the combination becomes separated and fall into a batch of food, etc. Each earplug includes an earplug core (32) formed of a first elastomer with a multiplicity of metal-mag detectable particles (36) (particles detectable by electrical or magnetic detectors) embedded in the first elastomer, and an earplug covering (32) of a second elastomer (that may be the same as the first one) that is devoid of such particles. The cord includes a cord core (50) formed of a first flexible polymer with metal-mag detectable particles embedded therein, and a cord covering (54) formed of a second polymer that is devoid of such particles. The particles are preferably of iron, which is magnetically detectable but that can mark skin or clothing that it contacts, but which is isolated from the skin and clothing by the earplug and cord coverings. The earplug covering can be molded and then filed with the earplug core. The cord core can be extruded and the covering extruded around the core.
US07712468B2	Magnetic dental appliance A removable magnetic dental appliance is provided. The magnetic dental appliance can be used in the treatment of various conditions, including but not limited to, snoring, sleep apnea, some forms of temporomandibular joint pain or inflammation, myofascial pain or bruxism. The appliance includes an upper arch attachment member and a lower arch attachment member, each for removably engaging at least a portion of the dentition. A magnetic component is positioned anteriorly on one of the upper arch attachment member or the lower arch attachment member and a non-magnet magnet-attracted element is provided on the other arch attachment member for magnetic engagement with the magnetic component when the upper and lower arch attachment members are substantially vertically aligned. The appliance uses magnetic force to selectively position the mandible while still permitting movement of the mandible relative to the maxilla for improved comfort.
US07712464B2	Valve for paint ball guns A valve for paint ball guns includes a case for receiving a first piston rod therein in which a first end of a second piston rod is movably received. The case includes several chambers defined therein so as to introduce pressurized air into the barrel of the paint ball gun. The first piston rod includes two piston rings and one of which is larger than the other. The first piston rod is biased by a first spring. The first end of the second piston rod in the first piston rod is biased by a second spring which is easily overcome by pushing the second piston rod by a driving member. The movement of the second piston rod introduces pressurized air to apply to the piston ring of larger area to generate a force to overcome the force from the first spring and the piston ring of the smaller area.
US07712463B2	Self-regulating valve assembly A self-regulating valve assembly for a compressed gas gun includes a valve housing and a valve body disposed within the valve housing. The rearward end of the valve body defined an outlet port. The forward end of the valve body defines a gas balance reservoir open to and in communication with the breech of the gun. A valve gas passage is provided between the valve body and the valve housing, the valve gas passage providing communication between the outlet port of the valve body and the gas balance reservoir of the valve body. A slidable valve poppet is disposed within the valve body and includes a sensing end adjacent to and at least partially within the gas balance reservoir, the sensing end having a sensing face adapted to react to gas pressure within the gas balance reservoir. The valve poppet is slidable between a closed position and an open position. A valve spring within the valve body biases the valve poppet toward the closed position. Pressure in the gas balance reservoir exerts a force on the sensing face to urge the valve poppet toward the closed position.
US07712462B2	Portable electric-driven compressed air gun A portable motor driven air gun powered by a power source includes a motor that is coupled to a pinion which drives a rack connected to a piston. The piston compresses air in a chamber producing high-pressure air. When sufficient energy is stored within the air stream by the piston, a valve opens which releases the compressed air to push a projectile through a barrel. The pinion rotates until it comes to an interrupted thread surface, at which point the rack and pinion are returned to the starting position via a spring. The piston may be coupled to a bolt thru a lost motion device to facilitate positioning of the projectile for firing. The direction speed and operative modes of the gun may be controlled with an electric circuit. The power source may be rechargeable, allowing the air gun to be operated independent from either a wall outlet or a compressed air supply.
US07712461B1	Air propelling toy An air propelling toy for directing a quantity of air in a desired direction includes a housing including a perimeter wall that defines an interior space of the housing. The housing has an outlet port that extends through the perimeter wall and is in fluid communication with the interior space. A diaphragm is coupled to the housing and positioned in the interior space of the housing and divides the interior space into an air space and a mechanism space. The air space is in fluid communication with the outlet port. An actuating assembly is operationally coupled to the housing and the diaphragm. The actuating assembly is actuated to draw the diaphragm into the mechanism space to draw air into the sir space through the outlet port and quickly release the diaphragm to force the air out of the air space and out the outlet port.
US07712459B2	Air-fuel ratio control system for internal combustion engine and control method of the same An air-fuel ratio control system includes an air-fuel ratio sensor (23, 24) disposed upstream or downstream of an exhaust purification catalyst, and performs feedback control of the fuel supply amount such that an output value of the air-fuel ratio sensor is controlled to the target air-fuel ratio. The feedback control is performed by calculating a correction amount by summing up the value of a proportional and the value of an integral calculated based on the deviation between the output value of the air-fuel ratio sensor and the target air-fuel ratio, and correcting the fuel supply amount based on the obtained correction amount. At cold startup of the internal combustion engine, the value of the integral is set to be a smaller value from the startup of the internal combustion engine until a predetermined period elapses.
US07712458B2	Method and apparatus for raising the spark energy in capacitive ignition systems The present invention refers to an apparatus for raising the spark energy in capacitive ignition systems comprising at least one charge winding (L1) which via a first rectifier device (D1) charges a charge capacitor (C1) connected to the primary winding of an 5 ignition voltage transformer in order to provide said primary winding with energy for generation of a spark characterized in that additionally a second rectifier device (D2) and a switching device (Q2) are arranged in such a way that the switching device periodically can short circuit the charge winding and thereby increase the charge of the charge capacitor at low engine speeds.
US07712454B2	Reservoir-less fuel delivery module having crimp connection to a flange A fuel delivery module (10) for a fuel tank of a vehicle includes a mounting flange (37) constructed and arranged to be mounted to an opening in a fuel tank of a vehicle. A pump and filter structure (20) is provided and includes a fuel pump (14) having an inlet and an outlet, and a fuel filter (22) surrounding at least a portion of the fuel pump for filtering fuel exiting the outlet of the pump. A crimp connection (27) couples the pump and filter structure to the flange. An electrical connector (34) is provided through the flange and is constructed and arranged so as not to be exposed to fluid pressure of the module. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the fuel pump. A fuel regulator (28) is coupled to the pump and filter structure.
US07712453B2	Depressurizing valve and fuel injection device An object of the invention is to provide a depressurizing valve mounted to a common rail for a fuel injection device, in which a direction of a connector for the depressurizing valve can be adjusted, without affecting an air gap and a sealing performance. The depressurizing valve has a valve unit and a coil unit which is detachably assembled to the valve unit by a mounting member, such as a retaining nut. A valve housing has an inside space, which is fluid tightly separated into first and second spaces by a connecting member, which is fluid tightly connected to the valve housing and a stator core. A valve body and a spring are arranged in the first space for closing a flow control port. A cylindrical coil is accommodated in the second space, such that the coil is rotatable with respect to the valve housing.
US07712451B2	Multi-fuel multi-injection system for an internal combustion engine A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, the fuel injection system including a plurality of injectors, wherein each of the injectors is adapted to inject at least one of an alternative fuel and a fossil fuel over a full range of operating conditions of the engine.
US07712450B2	Ignition timing control apparatus and ignition timing control method for internal combustion engine In an ignition timing control apparatus for an engine, a KCS learning value learned when the engine is in a given operating state is used in an ignition timing control executed when the engine is in the other operating state. An estimated knocking occurrence ignition timing is set based on a most retarded ignition timing using the KCS learning value. A final ignition timing is set by changing a KCS feedback correction value based on whether knocking occurs when ignition is performed at the estimated knocking occurrence ignition timing. When a point indicating the engine operating state moves into a region where it is difficult to set the estimated knocking occurrence ignition timing, the KCS feedback correction value is changed to retard the final ignition timing, and the final ignition timing is set using the KCS learning value and the changed KCS feedback correction value.
US07712448B2	Internal combustion engine with starter device An internal combustion engine has a starter device, wherein the starter device has a drive member and a driven member and a locking mechanism for coupling the drive member and the driven member to one another for starting the internal combustion engine. The locking mechanism has at least one pawl that is pivotably supported on the driven member. For decoupling the drive member and the driven member, the at least one pawl is pivoted outwardly relative to an axis of rotation of the starter device. The at least one pawl has at least one pivot position in which the at least one pawl contacts at least one contact area of the driven member. The at least one pawl has at least one cover covering the at least one contact area.
US07712445B2	Fuel pressure boost method and apparatus An apparatus for providing pressurized fuel for an engine includes an engine starting apparatus including an electric motor operative to crank the engine and a fuel pump operatively coupled to the electric motor.
US07712442B2	Variable valve lift control system for a combustion engine with underneath camshaft In order to produce a variable valve lift control system for a combustion engine with underneath camshaft for the adjustment of a valve lift and an opening time of at least one inlet valve and/or outlet valve, load-dependently and rotation speed dependently as well as for the switch-off of individual cylinders of an internal combustion engine, it is suggested that an underneath camshaft (1) drives by means of a push rod (3) via a hydraulic valve clearance adjustment element (2) a rocker lever (4), which has a curve contour (14), which runs on a roller (13) of an intermediate lever (9), which is moveable by means of two rollers (15), which are arranged on one axis, in slotted links (10), which are connected in a fixed manner with a cylinder head, whereby the intermediate lever (9) supports with one contour at an adjustment bar (11), which is conducted in a housing, and rolls with a work curve (16) on a roller (8) of a cam follower (7), and whereby the cam follower (7) acts with engagement areas, which are provided bottom-sided, respectively, on a hydraulic adjustment element (6) and a valve (5) of a combustion engine.
US07712441B2	Predicted engine oil pressure A control module may include a cam phaser control module, a cam phaser oil pressure determination module, and a system oil pressure prediction module. The cam phaser control module may control an oil control valve (OCV) to control an oil flow to a cam phaser. The cam phaser oil pressure determination module may be in communication with the cam phaser control module and may determine a first engine oil pressure at a location between the OCV and the cam phaser when the OCV is in a open position. The system oil pressure prediction module may determine a second engine oil pressure at a location between the OCV and an oil pump outlet based on the first engine oil pressure.
US07712440B2	Increased HCCI operation window The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine for motor vehicles. The engine can be operated in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion mode and in conventional spark ignited (SI) combustion mode. For increasing volumetric efficiency and charge temperature during homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion operation timing, duration and lift of the intake valve and the exhaust valve respectively, being controlled such that an amount of residual exhaust gases is trapped in the cylinder of the engine. An intake valve is opened at a timed moment after top dead center during an induction stroke of the piston such that a pressure wave is generated from an intake manifold into the cylinder. The intake valve is closed at a timed moment before the pressure wave is reflected within the cylinder such that a charge mass of said pressure wave is retained within the cylinder.
US07712439B2	Method for controlling operation of the cylinder of an internal combustion engine, an engine comprising a cylinder operating according said method and a motor vehicle provided with said engine In this method, during the same operating cycle of the cylinder, the following phases are carried out: an opening phase at the exhaust (OE-OF); a first opening phase at the intake (OA1-FA1); a second opening phase at the intake (OA2-FA2); a fuel injection phase (OI-FI) and a combustion phase. The exhaust closing time (FE) is between the first intake opening time (OA1) and the second intake opening time (OA2).The invention also relates to an internal-combustion engine having a cylinder which operates in accordance with such a method, and a motor vehicle provided with such an engine.
US07712438B2	Method and apparatus for adjusting the correction level of an animal training receiver An animal behavior modification kit including a collar mountable receiver and a plurality of circuit boards. The collar mountable receiver has a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal. Each of the plurality of circuit boards are selectively mechanically connectable to both the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal. The plurality of circuit boards include at least one electrical component having an electrical characteristic. The electrical characteristic of each of the plurality of circuit boards being different.
US07712436B2	Plasma processing apparatus with filter circuit A plasma processing apparatus includes a first high frequency power for outputting a first high frequency, electrically connected to a first electrode disposed inside a depressurizable processing chamber; a heater power supply electrically connected to a heating element provided in the first electrode via filter circuits for reducing noise of the first high frequency. The plasma processing apparatus further includes air core primary inductors provided in primary stages of the filter circuits when seen from the heating element; and a grounded conductive case for surrounding or accommodating the primary inductors.
US07712433B2	Spray nozzle for use in manufacture of image display device and spraying apparatus using the same A spray nozzle for use in the manufacture of an image display device includes a first body having a first injection hole, and a second body configured to be rotatably coupled to the first body and having a second injection hole to inject fluid that is supplied thereinto from the first injection hole.
US07712432B2	Printing apparatus and method for bonding material In printing of a bonding material in which a board is supported from a component mounting-side surface on which a plurality of components are mounted, and a bonding material is printed on a working-side surface which is a surface opposed to the component mounting-side surface of the board, an edge portion region of the board supported by a board transporting unit is included in a support region of the board during the printing so as to enlarge the support region of the board having the components mounted thereon in high density and to achieve reliable and high precision printing of the bonding material.
US07712428B2	Modular floating construction A modular floating construction comprises one or more floating bodies having platforms including removable latching means, thereby providing floating stages, wharfs, working platforms to be used on water surfaces in general.
US07712424B2	Multi-hull vessel adapted for ice-breaking A multi-hulled vessel for upward ice-breaking is disclosed. The vessel has side hulls that are at least partially submerged while the vessel is underway. The side hulls each have a ridge on their upper surface. To break through ice at sea, the side hulls are positioned under the ice and the trim is adjusted for an upward trim angle. As the vessel moves forward, the ice is lifted and force concentrates along the ridge on the side hulls. The ice breaks along this force concentration, aided by the weight of the ice itself.
US07712423B2	Subsurface soil injection apparatus with improved delivery device An apparatus is provided for introducing a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil which includes a container for holding the material to be introduced into the soil, and tubing in fluid communication with the container at a first end thereof. At least one electrically controlled injector is provided in fluid communication with a second end of said tubing. Also, at least one shank is provided, which includes a base, and an injector mounting member attached to a surface of the base that is adapted for detachably mounting the electrically controlled injector onto the base. In addition, a controller is provided for activating the electrically controlled injector to introduce the material into the soil. Accordingly, enhanced control of the injection of the material into soil is achieved, and maintenance can be performed easily.
US07712414B2	System for roll impregnation A pre-packaged cleaning system or kit is used for transport, storage and solvent impregnation of one or more fabric rolls used for cleaning components of printing machines. A container holds one or more fabric rolls, and one or more bags containing a solvent. When the rolls are to be used, the bags are perforated, allowing the solvent to flow onto the rolls. Thus, the rolls can be impregnated with solvent immediately before use. Because they are stored separately, the rolls and solvent are not likely to deteriorate even during long periods of storage.
US07712411B2	Stencil printing apparatus for duplex or simplex printing A stencil printing apparatus which suppresses master consumption by switching between simplex printing using a simplex master and single-step duplex printing using a duplex master automatically in accordance with master information and sheet information comprises a printing drum and pressing means, and can be made to switch between duplex printing, in which a rear surface printing step is performed after a front surface printing step, and simplex printing by wrapping a duplex master formed with a first engraved image and a second engraved image around the printing drum during duplex printing, and wrapping a simplex master formed with a third engraved image for simplex printing around the printing drum during simplex printing. Master identification information, indicating whether the master was engraved with duplex printing images or a simplex printing image during engraving, is stored in a storage unit in association with plate cylinder identification information, and either a duplex printing mode or a simplex printing mode is selected on the basis of plate cylinder identification information obtained anew when an operation command or a plate cylinder attachment/detachment command is input into the apparatus, and the master identification information stored in the storage unit.
US07712398B2	Spring plier A spring plier is disclosed. The plier comprises a clipping handle and two symmetrical plier leg plates, and the clipping handle including two reverse direction similar shape plier plates mounted with rivets, the handle mounted with a cover, characterized in that the front end of the two clipping plier plate are respectively provided with a screw hole and a protruded post, the two plier leg plate corresponding to the screw hole and the protruded post are provided with a L-shaped fastening slot and an oval hole, and the front end is a pointed insertion leg, the L-shaped fastening slot engages at a screw fastened to the screw hole at the front end of the plier plate, and the oval hole is placed onto the protruded post, the oval hole provides fine adjustment of leg plate and provides a tolerance facilitating loading and unloading of leg plate, then the screw is tighten so as to secure and limit the two leg plates.
US07712393B2	Safety fold-away handle A safety grip for a handwheel which is movable between an operating position and a home position is comprised of an elongated and ergonomic body (1) and of a support (2), which is anchored to the body of a maneuvering member, such as a handwheel. The body (1) is comprised of an outer case (1a), a rod-like inner core (3) with a head (4), a bushing (6) slidably mounted on the core (3), a sleeve (7) in sliding engagement on the bushing (6), an axial thrust spring (9) arranged between two opposite shoulders (6a) and (7a) of the bushing (6) and of the sleeve (7), and a second thrust spring (10) arranged between the head (4) and the top of the bushing (6). The body (1) is connected to the support (2) at a pivot point (5). An end of the sleeve (7) engages a contact surface of the support (2) through a collar (8). The collar (8) has an inner conical mouth surface that engages a shaped rib (11) on the top of said support (2), where the shaped rib (11) has a frusto-conical outer surface.
US07712392B2	Electrical shifting device for a motor vehicle A shifting device for a vehicle includes a shift lever, a limiting element, and an actuator. The lever is movable in opposite first and second directions along an actuating path between neutral and end positions. The limiting element is movable into and out of the path. When the limiting element is in the path, the limiting element impacts the lever while the lever is in the neutral position to prevent the lever from moving from the neutral position in the first direction such that the limiting element acts as a shift lock blocking the lever from the end position. When the limiting element is out of the path, the limiting element allows the lever to move into the end position. The actuator is operable for moving the limiting element into and out of the path such that the actuator is operable for activating and deactivating the lock for the lever.
US07712388B2	Starter with overrunning clutch A starter includes a drive shaft having an outer periphery formed with shaft splines through which a drive power is transmitted from a starter motor, an overrunning clutch, having an inner periphery formed with barrel splines engageable with the shaft splines, which is axially moveable with respect to the drive shaft and plays a role as one-way clutch, and a pinion gear integrally disposed on the overrunning clutch to be movable into or out of meshing engagement with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine. A radial clearance between a tooth top of each shaft spline and a tooth bottom of each barrel spline is set to be less than a backlash between each shaft spline and each barrel spline.
US07712387B2	Pelvis assembly for dummy model A pelvis assembly for a dummy includes a pelvic plate attached to a lumbar region of the dummy, and one of more pelvic units, attached to the pelvic plate to transmit motion from a femur bar of the dummy to the plate. Each pelvic unit includes a hip joint, attached to the femur bar; a rotary axle, a first end of which is attached to the hip joint, and which is disposed laterally, to rotate together with the hip joint when the femur bar pivots vertically; and one or more pelvic angle adjusters, installed near a second end of the rotary axle, to transmit rotation of the rotary axle to the pelvic plate, thereby changing a vertical angle of the pelvic plate.
US07712384B2	Apparatus and method for maintaining multi-component sample gas constituents in vapor phase during sample extraction and cooling A dilution apparatus for diluting a gas sample. The apparatus includes a sample gas conduit having a sample gas inlet end and a diluted sample gas outlet end, and a sample gas flow restricting orifice disposed proximate the sample gas inlet end connected with the sample gas conduit and providing fluid communication between the exterior and the interior of the sample gas conduit. A diluted sample gas conduit is provided within the sample gas conduit having a mixing end with a mixing space inlet opening disposed proximate the sample gas inlet end, thereby forming an annular space between the sample gas conduit and the diluted sample gas conduit. The mixing end of the diluted sample gas conduit is disposed at a distance from the sample gas flow restricting orifice. A dilution gas source connected with the sample gas inlet end of the sample gas conduit is provided for introducing a dilution gas into the annular space, and a filter is provided for filtering the sample gas. The apparatus is particularly suited for diluting heated sample gases containing one or more condensable components.
US07712382B2	Doppler type ultrasonic flowmeter, flow rate measuring method using doppler type ultrasonic flowmeter and flow rate measuring program used in this doppler type ultrasonic flowmeter A doppler ultrasonic flowmeter including: an ultrasonic transmission member for casting ultrasonic pulses onto the fluid within a fluid tube, which is to be measured, along a measurement line from an ultrasonic transducer, a flow-speed distribution measurement unit for receiving ultrasonic echoes reflected from the measurement region due to ultrasonic pulses cast onto the fluid to be measured so as to measure the flow-speed distribution of the fluid to be measured in the measurement region; a flow measurement unit for measuring the flow of the fluid to be measured; and a transducer position adjusting mechanism for adjusting the relative position of a pair of ultrasonic transducers serving as the ultrasonic transmission member, a first transducer and a second transducer, which are disposed away one from another along the axial direction of a fluid tube.
US07712380B2	Waveguide doppler flowmeter Systems and methods are described for measuring flow properties of a high gas-cut multiphase mixture flowing in a conduit, such as a wet-gas produced from a hydrocarbon well. In aspects of the present invention, one or more receivers are used to receive Doppler shifted signals resulting from an interaction between a propagating dominant microwave mode developed in the conduit and the high gas-cut multiphase mixture flowing in the conduit. Analysis of the Doppler shift in the received signals may provide for determining the velocity of the gas and/or the liquid phase of the high gas-cut multiphase mixture. In other aspects, analysis of the phase difference of Doppler signals received at the plurality of receivers provides for a determination of the content of the wet-gas, such as the water holdup.
US07712377B2	Dimple test for detecting improperly inserted hose In a crimped hose, a length of rubber tubing is crimped into a blind-ended ferrule. To determine whether the tubing has been fully inserted, a dimple is pressed into the ferrule. The force needed to produce the dimple is small or large, depending whether the rubber is inserted properly, and the difference is large enough to serve as a detector. Measuring the dimple-force provides a commercially-useful test for proper insertion.
US07712375B2	Strength measuring method of honeycomb structure having insertion hole There is disclosed a method for measuring the strength of a honeycomb structure provided with an insertion hole preferably without generating any chipping. In the strength measuring method of the honeycomb structure, the strength is measured while a rubber plug is inserted into the insertion hole. The rubber plug has a hardness of 45 or more and 90 or less, a clearance between the inserted rubber plug and the inner surface of the insertion hole parallel to the depth direction of the insertion hole is 0.2 mm or more and 2.6 mm or less, and the protruding height of the inserted rubber plug from the peripheral surface of the honeycomb structure is 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less.
US07712371B2	Load sensor-equipped operating apparatus A load sensor-equipped operation apparatus. An operational member is movably operated. A reaction force member receives an operating force from the operational member, and a reaction force corresponding to the operation force. At least one pivotal connecting portion is interposed between the operational member and the reaction force member, pivotably connecting a pair of a first member and a second member relative to each other to transmit the operating force. A load sensor, which electrically detects the operating force, includes a shaft-like member, a main body member disposed to be relatively displaced in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the shaft-like member, a deformable member bridging the shaft-like member and the main body member, and a strain detecting element secured to the deformable member, which detects deformation of the deformable member. A transmittal link connects the first member to one of the shaft-like member and the main body.
US07712367B2	Interface module apparatus for an electrical machine, for calculating the life of a bearing An electric motor is equipped with an interface module, which is used to calculate the remaining service life of a bearing. The interface module can be integrated into the motor or can be fitted to the latter. The remaining service life of the bearing can be estimated from the signal of a rotary transducer and optionally a temperature sensor.
US07712365B1	Accelerometer for data collection and communication A method for communicating data is provided that includes collecting data associated with an individual using an accelerometer. The accelerometer is operable to monitor activity associated with the individual. The method also includes communicating the data to a computing device, which can receive the data and perform any number of operations.
US07712363B2	Liquid state detecting sensor A liquid state detecting sensor is provided in which a level detecting unit for detecting the level of a liquid and a concentration detecting unit for detecting the concentration of a particular component contained in the liquid are integrated.In a liquid state detecting sensor 100 capable of measuring the level and a urea concentration of a urea aqueous solution, a level detecting unit 70 and a liquid property detecting unit 30 are connected in an insulated state. An outer cylinder electrode 10 and an inner electrode 20 for forming the level detecting unit 70 form a capacitor, and level detection is performed on the basis of the electrostatic capacity which changes in response to the level of the urea aqueous solution which is present therebetween. A holder 120 for holding a ceramic heater 110 is fitted to a leading end portion 21 of the inner electrode 20, and the holder 120 is supported inside a leading end portion 11 of the outer cylinder electrode 10 by a rubber bushing 80. Further, the urea concentration is determined by a liquid property detecting circuit unit of a circuit board 60 by energizing a heat generating resistor pattern provided on the ceramic heater 110 for a fixed time duration and on the basis of a voltage value corresponding to a resistance value of the heat generating resistor pattern obtained at this time.
US07712361B2	Flow rate measuring apparatus having a resin plate for supporting a flow rate detecting element and a circuit board A flow rate measuring apparatus can reduce flow rate detection errors resulting from a temperature difference between an inside and an outside of piping. A base has a base main body which is formed at its base end with a connector protruding to the outside of the piping, and a flange which is formed on the base main body and is fitted into an insertion hole in the piping. A plate made of PBT resin is arranged on the base, and a flow rate detection element is formed on the plate so as to be exposed therefrom. A circuit board is arranged at a side of the plate opposite to the connector. A housing has a fluid passage groove that cooperates with the plate to form a measuring passage in which the flow rate detection element is disposed, and an enclosure portion enclosing the circuit board. A cover closes the enclosure portion.
US07712358B2	Testing components of drive trains A drive line (A) for testing a component (D) of a drive train of a vehicle comprises a torque sensor. The torque sensor measures AC variations in torque due to the operation of the component (D). The component (D) is coupled to the drive line by an adapter having a coupling for coupling the drive line to the axle. The torque sensor may output both AC and DC components of measured torque variation. A servo controller controls the drive line so that the drive line is driven into abutment with the axle and then backed off by a small preset distance.
US07712355B2	Displacement detector A displacement detector capable of making a measurement in two directions of measurement 180 degrees different from each other without the need of a switching operation has been disclosed. This displacement detector comprises a contact arm 41 supported rotatably at a fulcrum of extension and rotation 43, first and second contacts 42A, 42B provided to the contact arm, first and second arms 21A, 21B each one end of which comes into contact with the contact arm 41, a first detection element 25 of the first arm, a second detection element 26 of the second arm, a detection section that detects the positional relationship between the first and second detection elements, a first biasing means 24A of the first arm, a second biasing means 24B of the second arm, a first stopper 30A of the first arm, and a second stopper 30B of the second arm, and a reference rotation position is a state in which the first and second arms are in contact with the first and second stoppers and also in contact with the contact arm, and when the contact arm rotates from the reference rotation position in a first or second direction, the first or second arm enters a free state.
US07712354B2	Method and apparatus for controlling Z-position of probe Method and apparatus of easily controlling the Z-position of the probe used in a microprobe analyzer. The apparatus has: (A) a holder, (B) a reference body having a reference surface that is at the same height as a surface of a sample, the reference body being placed on or in the holder, (C) a probe-positioning device for bringing the probe into contact with the reference surface, (D) a controller for controlling motion of the probe-positioning device in the Z-direction, (E) position-measuring apparatus for measuring the Z-coordinate of the probe at which it is in contact with the reference surface, (F) a memory for storing a positional coordinate outputted by the position-measuring apparatus, and (G) probe contact detection apparatus for detecting that the probe is in contact with the reference surface.
US07712353B2	Ultrasonic liquid treatment system In a system and process for ultrasonically treating a liquid having a thermal conductivity, an elongate treatment chamber housing has an inlet and an outlet such that liquid flows longitudinally through an interior space of the chamber from the inlet to the outlet. At least part of the interior space of the chamber housing is filled with a bed of particles having a thermal conductivity substantially greater than that of the liquid whereby a ratio of the thermal conductivity of the particles to the thermal conductivity of the liquid is in the range of about 2:1 to about 400:1. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends longitudinally within the interior space of the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to generate mechanical ultrasonic vibration within the housing in direct contact with the liquid flowing therein as the liquid flows through the bed of particles.
US07712351B2	Device for the testing of packaging material The present invention relates to a device 100 for the testing of a packaging material comprising a housing 101 with an opening 104, a holder 105, whereby the holder 105 is positioned in a inner chamber 106 with an in- and outlet and means 103 for applying a vacuum in the inner chamber 106. The vacuum means apply a vacuum on a material to be tested, which when having defects (like undesired pores) will not withstand the vacuum and generating to a signal.
US07712348B2	Device and method for the selective determination of the quantity of oil mist A device for the selective determination of the quantity of oil mist includes an impactor (1) with a micronozzle (4) for dispensing a predetermined volume of a gas to be tested, a baffle plate (5) arranged downstream of the micronozzle (4) for depositing oil particles. A window (7) is provided on the side of the baffle plate (5) facing away from the micronozzle (4).
US07712347B2	Self diagnostic measurement method to detect microbridge null drift and performance A self-diagnostic measurement method to detect microbridge null drift and performance. An ASIC can be designed to include a self-diagnostic feature that automatically occurs at start up or upon command in Normal Operation whereby the temperature compensated microbridge null can be measured in a state of very low thermal energy and allows for the tracking of microbridge null stability versus time. An Airflow Combi-Sensor ASIC (Heimdal) with its strategic partner ZMD can be developed and can be implemented in the form of a self-diagnostic feature that occurs when power is first applied to the ASIC or upon command. When the self-diagnostic is initiated, power is removed and after the electronics have settled, a small power can be applied to the microbridge to measure the bridge null with reduced sensitivity to flow due to self-heating.
US07712346B2	Tooling die slide driver A slide driver assembly for use in a multi-station or a single-station progressive tooling die includes die sections that are operative to move between an open position and a closed position to perform a first operation on a work piece located between the die sections. A slide driver performs a second operation, such as a trimming operation, on the work piece as the die sections move between the open position and the closed position.
US07712345B1	Main beam fabrication procedure and system for making a main beam for warehouse framework A main beam fabrication procedure and system for making main beams for warehouse framework through feeding, auto-forwarding and flattening, punching, roller shape-forming, cutting-off and finished product collection steps, in which the punching machine comprises an upper mold holder, four upper punching dies arranged in two longitudinal rows on the bottom side of the upper mold holder and adjustable to change the transverse pitch between the two longitudinal rows of upper punching dies, a bottom mold holder, and four bottom punching dies arranged in two longitudinal rows on the top side of the bottom mold holder and adjustable to change the transverse pitch between the two longitudinal rows of bottom punching dies.
US07712341B2	Electronic combination lock An electronic combination lock includes a door handle having a code entry button and housing a lock assembly and an electrical circuit. The lock assembly includes a lock body, a rotating cylinder, spring loaded lift lock pins and corresponding key pins, a reset cam path and a programming cam path formed on the cylinder, a lift comb for lifting the lift lock pins, a latch for latching the lift comb and a magnet being selectively activated to cause the latch to release the lift comb. The electrical circuit receives a first input signal indicative of an input code entered at the code entry button and a second input signal from a program switch actuated by the programming cam path and is operated to store an entry code when the program switch is actuated and to activate the magnet when an input code matching the stored entry code is received.
US07712340B2	Lock structure A lock includes a body, a key-operated core in the body, two spring-biased plates slideable on a recessed portion of the body, and a locking crutch to be fastened to the body with the spring-biased plates. The body has crutch embedding holes on two sides of the core; the core has a plate part, and force is applied to the spring-biased plates through the plate part when the core is turned. The locking crutch has a groove on each of two ends to engage a corresponding plate. The plates are biased to engage the locking crutch when the core is in the locking position; and, the plates are forced to disengage from the locking crutch by turning the lock core to the unlocking position. Saw-resistant pins are inserted in receiving holes formed on a periphery of the lock body to protect the lock against a saw.
US07712338B2	Electric washing machine An inventive electric washing machine is configured so that a gas to be used for performing a specific process (decontamination process) on laundry is prevented from leaking to the outside. In the electric washing machine, a packing (120) to be brought into intimate contact with a door (12) for sealing a gap defined between the door (12) and a peripheral edge of an outer tub opening (118) when the door (12) is closed is opposed to a housing opening (14) with a space (129) defined between a lower edge portion of the housing opening (14) and the packing (120). If the door (12) is closed with laundry protruding through the lower edge portion of the housing opening (14), the protruding laundry is caught between the door (12) and the packing (120), so that the packing (120) is not brought into intimate contact with the door (12). If ozone is supplied into an outer tub (21) in this state, the ozone flows toward the housing opening (14) through a gap between the door (12) and the packing (120) at which the laundry is caught. However, the ozone flows into the space (129) (as indicated by a broken-line arrow X) and is retained in a housing (11) to be thereby prevented from leaking to the outside.
US07712337B2	Measuring device comprising an optical sensory array, and method using said measuring device The invention relates to a measuring device, comprising an optical sensory array for determining changes in the position of a drum which is mounted in a washing machine at least so as to be pivotable about a swiveling axis. The sensory array is provided with at least one light sensor, at least one modifiable light passage, and at least one light source. The light sensor is directed to portions of light which are emitted by the light source, are dependent upon changes in the light passage, and impinge the light sensor.
US07712335B2	Quartz glass cylinder for production of an optical component and method for production thereof The aim of the invention is to improve a known quartz glass cylinder for the production of an optical component, comprising an inner drilling, which is mechanically machined to size and provided with an etched structure by means of an etching treatment, subsequent to the mechanical machining, such that in the application thereof for production of pre-forms and optical fibers, few bubbles arise along the boundary surface between core and sleeve. Said aim is achieved, whereby the etched structure comprises striations with a maximum depth of 2.0 mm and a maximum width of 100 μm. A method for production of such a quartz glass cylinder mechanically machined to size is characterized in that the mechanical machining comprises several serial removal processes with successively lower removal depths, whereby after the last removal process the inner drilling has sub-surface striations with a maximum depth of 2 mm and the inner drilling is subsequently subjected to an etching treatment such that an etching removal with a maximum depth of 50 μm is achieved.
US07712333B2	Method for smoothing a surface of a glass substrate for a reflective mask blank used in EUV lithography To provide a method for smoothing a surface of a glass substrate having a concave defect, such as a pit or a scratch.A method for smoothing a surface of a glass substrate having a concave defect thereon, comprising: forming a film on the surface of the glass substrate having the concave defect by a dry deposition method, the film comprising a glass material having a fluid point Tf of 150° C. or above and of not higher than a strain point Ts (° C.) of the glass substrate; and heating the film of the glass material at a temperature of not lower than Tf and not higher than Ts to put the film in such state that the film of the glass material can flow so as to bury the concave defect, followed by cooling the film of the glass material, thereby to smooth the surface of the glass substrate having the concave defect.
US07712326B2	Energy transfer system and associated methods An energy transfer system includes an energy transfer device, a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe. The water inlet pipe may be connected to a water inlet of the transfer device to extract water from a water source. The water outlet pipe may be connected to a water outlet on the energy transfer device to discharge water to the water source. The water inlet pipe may extract water from a predetermined extraction depth, and the water outlet pipe may discharge water into the water source at a predetermined discharge depth.
US07712317B2	Flow control systems A flow control system comprises includes a fluidic control device having a main fluid path for a flow of fluid through the device, and a control fluid path for a control flow of fluid through the device. At least part of the control fluid path coincides with at least part of the main fluid path to control the flow of fluid out of the fluidic control device. A valve is associated with the control fluid path. The valve is movable between an open condition to allow fluid to flow along the control fluid path to effect the aforesaid control of the fluid flow out of the fluidic control device, and a closed condition to inhibit or prevent fluid flow along the control fluid path.
US07712314B1	Venturi cooling system A combustor for a gas turbine is provided having a nozzle assembly located at one end and a combustion chamber defining a second end of the combustor. A venturi is positioned within the combustor, between the nozzle and the combustion chamber. The venturi defines a passageway therein having a first side facing the nozzle and a second side facing the combustion chamber. Compressed air is directed into an inlet in fluid communication with the first and second sides of the venturi passageway. The venturi passageway directs the compressed air from the inlet in opposite directions within the first and second sides of the passageway for cooling the venturi.
US07712313B2	Fuel nozzle for a gas turbine engine In the fuel nozzle, the fuel is circulated in a helical path around the interface of a stem of the fuel nozzle and a flange for increase the cooling.
US07712309B2	Arrangement and a method for controlling a work vehicle An arrangement for controlling a work vehicle includes a power source, and a hydraulic circuit including a pump driven by the power source, at least one hydraulic actuator arranged in fluid connection with the pump via a first conduit, a variable displacement hydraulic motor unit arranged in fluid connection with the actuator and downstream the actuator via a second conduit. The variable displacement hydraulic motor unit is arranged for controlling movement of the actuator.
US07712303B2	Degradation estimating apparatus for unburned component adsorption catalyst A degradation estimating apparatus for an unburned fuel component adsorption catalyst, which is connected with an internal combustion engine and has an unburned fuel component adsorbent and an oxygen storage component is provided.The apparatus includes a degradation estimating unit for making estimation for a degradation of the unburned fuel component adsorption catalyst on the basis of a first term and a second term.The first term is from the cancellation of the fuel supply to detecting a variation of an upstream side air-fuel ratio occurring due to the increase of the reductant quantity in the exhaust gas.The second term is from the cancellation of the fuel supply to detecting of a variation of the downstream side air-fuel ratio due to an increase of the reductant quantity.
US07712301B1	System and method for augmenting turbine power output A method and system augments shaft output of gas turbine engines that can be used in multiple modes of operation. The system comprises a washing unit capable of injecting atomized water into the gas turbine engine, thereby obtaining a release of fouling material from the at least one compressor blade; and at least one water injection unit capable of injecting atomized water into the air stream of the gas turbine engine's inlet duct or at the gas turbine, under the control of a computational fluid dynamic model, in order to increase a mass flow of said air flow, wherein the power output from said gas turbine engine can be augmented.
US07712300B2	Water treatment and pressurization system for the adiabatic cooling of comburent air A water treatment and pressurization system for the adiabatic cooling of comburent air destined for plants using gas turbines (15), run by measuring, control and regulation units, comprising a lifting and pressurizing station (16) of vaporization water at a varying flow-rate for a maximum operating pressure, preferably up to 120 bar, associated with a series of nozzles (20) situated on nozzle-holder ramps (12) downstream of which there is at least one housing unit (44) for humidity and temperature probes (52-55). The lifting station (16) comprises at least two pumps (22) with relative auxiliaries devices connected to nozzle-holder collectors (39).
US07712291B2	Film wrapping machine simultaneously utilizing two film carriage assemblies A film wrapping machine comprises a pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, mounted upon a rotary ring member, for simultaneously dispensing wrapping film. A vertically movable frame member, upon which the rotary ring member is rotatably mounted, is effectively moved at a speed of ascent or descent that is approximately twice the speed as that of a vertically movable frame member incorporated within a conventional film wrapping machine so as to permit the dual film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies to dispense the wrapping or packaging film within a time frame that is approximately twice as fast as that of the conventional film wrapping machine and yet in a slightly overlapped mode as desired for packaging purposes.
US07712290B2	Container packaging apparatus A container packaging apparatus includes a side edge chuck member that positions and holds both side ends of an opening of a packaging bag in place during a deaeration operation, suppressing development of crimps in a sealed area of the packaging bag. A high level of sealing of the packaging bag and thus the packaging of a container case with a resultant high level of quality in a stable manner can be obtained.
US07712288B2	Unified ingestion package and process for patient compliance with prescribed medication regimen Techniques for reducing non-compliance of medication use are described. The techniques involve generating and storing an identifier for a specific dosage instance of a specific patient, and creating a package that includes a mechanism for conveying the identifier. Once the package is created, a set of one or more medications that are prescribed to be taken by the specific patient at the specific dosage instance are placed in the package. The set of medications within the package in a manner that prevents the identifier from being perceived from the mechanism until the package is opened. Once opened, the identifier is perceived and communicated back to an automated compliance system.
US07712285B2	Waste disposal device including a sensing mechanism for delaying the rotation of a cartridge A waste disposal device including a sensing mechanism for delaying the rotation of a cartridge. The waste disposal device comprises a container defining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated waste in a flexible tubing. The rotatable cartridge contains the flexible tubing. A lid is coupled to the device and is capable of moving between an open and closed position on the container. A rotation mechanism is operatively configured to engage the rotatable cartridge. A sensing mechanism is arranged to allow for delay in rotation of the cartridge until the lid assumes the closed position so that the waste is encapsulated in the flexible tubing after the closing of the lid, and after the subsequent twisting of the flexible tubing about the waste material caused by the rotation of the cartridge.
US07712282B2	Brace assembly having ductile anchor A shear brace assembly is provided which laterally braces wall lines within a structure, such as a house or other residential construction, while also providing vertical and out-of-plane load carrying capacity. The assembly consists of one or more wood-based panel(s) which are rigidly connected to concrete, masonry or wood support material directly below or above the shear brace assembly bearing surface. The term “wood-based” should be interpreted to mean that the panel may be constructed from a natural wood, or partially or wholly from an engineered wood, such as Timberstrand®, Parallam®, or the like. Ductile anchorage assemblies are used below, and in some applications, above the individual panels.
US07712278B2	Roofing assembly including sheet panels having side edge portions with projections mating with grooves on brackets anchored to roof A roofing structure for buildings, and more particularly a roofing assembly having high resistance, especially for use with roofs of residential and industrial buildings. The assembly comprises a plurality of sheet panels to be interconnected along side edge portions shaped to define a first longitudinal projection facing laterally outwards, and multiple mounting brackets to be anchored to a roof. Each bracket has at least one longitudinal groove to house in a snap fit relationship the first longitudinal projections of adjacent panels, so that the first longitudinal projections and the groove have opposing upper surfaces at least partly flat and substantially parallel or slightly inclined, in order to enhance the retaining action of the brackets and increase the separation load causing the separation of the edge portions from the brackets.
US07712277B2	Building siding with horizontal panels installed Exterior building siding for aesthetic and protection of the building against wind, rain and solar energy that includes attaching each horizontal plank from the top of the wall downwardly that includes a starting strip where each plank is interlocked to the plank above it. Each of the horizontal planks includes a top wall portion that fits snuggly into an “L-shaped” groove above it so that the panels can be firmly locked together vertically in a downwardly fashion to prevent any wind uplift against the siding or moisture intrusion.
US07712276B2	Moisture diverting insulated siding panel A siding panel product is provided comprising a first polymeric siding panel having a butt end and a top end, a front surface comprising a plurality of front faces defined between the top and butt ends and separated by at least one shoulder surface to define a stepped contour, and a rear surface. An insulation backing is coupled to the rear surface of the siding panel. The insulation backing comprises at least first and second insulation members coupled to the rear surface of said siding panel. The first insulation member has a bottom edge thereof coupled proximate to the stepped contour and the second insulation member has a top edge thereof coupled proximate to the stepped contour.
US07712273B2	Thermal breaker structures for use with roof decking assemblies Thermal breaker or thermal barrier structures are disclosed for use in connection with roof decking assemblies wherein the thermal breaker or thermal barrier structures effectively prevent the respective transmission of heating gradients from the interior or exterior building environments to the exterior or interior building environments by thermal conductivity so as to render buildings more energy efficient.
US07712271B2	Tiled transition bracket The present disclosure includes various brackets and methods for forming a tiled transition between a first surface and a second surface, the first and second surfaces forming an inside corner. One bracket embodiment includes a first base portion securable to the first surface, a second base portion securable to the second surface, and a receiving slot angled with respect to the first and second surfaces for receiving a tile strip, wherein the tile strip is permanently secured in the receiving slot to form the tiled transition between the first and second surfaces.
US07712270B2	Building panel An improved building panel is presented to make wall surface assemblies on structural building frames. The edge-sealed building panel includes with self-aligning features between adjacent horizontal edges for quick mating and assembly. The building panels have protuberant upper edges mate with grooves on the lower edges for improved sealing and weatherproofing, due to the interlocking shape and the use of compliant seals between the edges. The horizontal mating edge shapes enable pivoting assembly by engaging the building panel obliquely and swinging it onto the wall surface. Vertical mating surfaces with compliant seals are shaped to engage perpendicularly to the wall plane, so that the compliant seals clamp shut without in-plane relative motion, improving seal integrity.
US07712269B2	Fastener device A fastener device for releasably securing an object within an opening formed in a structure comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a pair of legs which are oriented at an angle relative to one another. A coupling element is movable along one of the legs of at least one of the first and second fastening members. One leg of each fastening member is inserted into a hole formed in the structure surrounding the opening allowing the other leg to pivot, preferably in a trochoidal motion, until the pivoting legs align with one another at which time the coupling element may be moved into engagement with the two pivoting legs to releasably connect the fastening members together in position to secure the object relative to the opening.
US07712266B2	Seismic structural device A pin-fuse frame is used in a frame assembly that may be subject to extreme seismic loading. The pin-fuse frame includes of columns, beams, plate assemblies that extend between columns and beams, and may included a diagonal brace. The plate assemblies are fixed to the columns and attached to the beams and brace via pin joints. A joint includes a pin connection through outer connection plates connected to a column and inner connection plates connected to a beam. Connecting rods positioned about the pin maintain a coefficient of friction until exposed to extreme seismic activity, at which time the joint accommodates a slippage of at least one of the inner and outer connection plates relative to each other rotationally about the pin. The diagonal brace is separated into two segments connected together with connection plates. These connection plates accommodate a slippage of the segments relative to each other.

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