最新美国发明专利第2010-06-08期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US07732226B2	Method of manufacturing flash memory device Disclosed are methods of manufacturing a flash memory device. The method can include performing a first test on memory banks of chips on a wafer to record an availability of the banks; performing an inking process on each of the chips according to a number of available banks in the chip; performing a sawing process to divide the chips mounted on the wafer; packaging the divided chips according to the number of available banks in the chip; and performing a verification test on the packaged chips.
US07732220B2	Method of analysis of a mixture of biological and/or chemical components with the use magnetic particles and apparatus for its embodiment Disclosed is a method of analysis of a mixture of biological and/or chemical components that entails spatially arranging a chosen component attached to magnetic particles, exposing the particles to a magnetic field, and recording a magnetic induction signal, from which the content of the analyte in the mixture is judged; this includes grouping the chosen component in a probe volume, making the magnetic field alternating, pre-setting its spectrum, at least, at two frequencies, and recording the signal at a frequency, which is a linear combination of these frequencies, during the exposure of the magnetic particles to the field.
US07732219B2	Detection and amplification of ligands A system for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism coupled to the receptor wherein an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding a ligand. Examples of suitable amplification mechanisms include antibody-embedded liquid crystalline materials; use of alpha-2-macroglobulin to encage an enzyme, whereby the enzyme is separated from its substrate by an receptor; and a receptor engineered to inhibit the active of site of an enzyme only in the absence of a ligand. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.
US07732218B2	Method for preparing analytical standard, and analytical standard prepared by the same There is provided a method for preparing an analytical standard used for microbeam X-ray fluorescence analysis which includes: a mixing step in which an element is added to a base material, and the base material and the element are mixed by stirring to obtain a mixed solution; a deaeration step in which the mixed solution is deaerated; a freeze step in which the mixed solution is slowly frozen; and a cutting step in which a thin section is cut out from the frozen mixed solution. In order to surely remove bubbles from the mixed solution, the deaeration step may contain a stationary step in which the mixed solution is allowed to stand still at room temperature; or the stationary step includes a removal step in which gas contained in the mixed solution which is allowed to stand still is removed with a suction apparatus.
US07732216B2	System and method for testing chromatography media and devices Methods for testing the chromatography type and/or the integrity of a chromatography membrane or monolith, preferably, for testing the chromatography type and integrity of a chromatography device comprising a chromatography membrane or chromatography monolith while the membrane or monolith is sealed in a housing, are disclosed.
US07732211B2	Method and apparatus for screening of polycondensation catalysts The present invention relates to a method for screening of polycondensation catalysts, wherein at least two polycondensation catalysis reactions are performed simultaneously under substantially equivalent conditions in at least two reaction cells which are present in one and the same room, using a sample comprising material to be polycondensated and a catalyst to be screened, and wherein the performances of the catalysts are analyzed.The present invention further relates to an apparatus suitable for performing the method.
US07732207B2	Method for expression of small antiviral RNA molecules within a cell In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). The methods can be used to express double stranded RNA complexes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell, that interfere with a viral life cycle by down regulating either the viral genome, a viral genome transcript, or a host cell that. In another aspect the invention provides methods for treating patients having suffering from infection, particularly infection with HIV. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle.
US07732206B2	Oligodendrocyte determination genes and uses thereof The invention relates to methods and reagents for promoting the differentiation of oligodendrocytes from stem cells, by co-activating the Olig genes and the Nkx2.2 genes, and the use of the differentiated oligodendrocytes thus obtained in treating diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The invention also relates to the use of OLPs and oligodendrocytes thus obtained for drug screening.
US07732203B2	Method for transdifferentiating mesenchymal stem cells into neuronal cells This inventive discloses a method for transdifferentiating mesenchymal stem cells into neuronal cells, which comprises increasing the level of a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor in the mesenchymal stem cells, said cells being useful in cell therapy or gene therapy for treating brain neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer disease, Hungtington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral paralysis and brain ischemia; and spine disfunction caused by a traumatic injury.
US07732202B2	Oxygen tension for the parthenogenic activation of human oocytes for the production of human embryonic stem cells Methods of producing human stem cells are disclosed for parthenogenetically activating human oocytes by manipulation of O2 tension, including manipulation of Ca2+ under high O2 tension and contacting oocytes with serine threonine kinase inhibitors under low O2 tension, isolating inner cell masses (ICMs) from the activated oocytes, and culturing the cells of the isolated ICMs under high O2 tension. Moreover, methods are described for the production of stems cells from activated oocytes in the absence of non-human animal products, including the use of human feeder cells/products for culturing ICM/stem cells. Stem cells produced by the disclosed methods are also described.
US07732200B2	Materials and methods for nerve grafting, selection of nerve grafts, and in vitro nerve tissue culture The subject invention pertains to compositions and methods for culturing nerve tissue in vitro and nerve grafts produced using such methods. The compositions and methods of the subject invention can be employed to restore the continuity of nerve interrupted by disease, traumatic events or surgical procedures. The invention also concerns methods for promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue using the present compositions and nerve tissue treated according to such methods.
US07732199B2	Process for making transplantable cardiomyocytes from human embryonic stem cells This invention provides populations human cells of the cardiomyocyte lineage. The cells are obtained by causing cultures of pluripotent stem cells to differentiate in vitro, and then harvesting cells with certain phenotypic features. Differentiated cells bear cell surface and morphologic markers characteristic of cardiomyocytes, and a proportion of them undergo spontaneous periodic contraction. Highly enriched populations of cardiomyocytes and their replicating precursors can be obtained, suitable for use in a variety of applications, such as drug screening and therapy for cardiac disease.
US07732191B2	Hybridization system using the control of pump and valves in closed system Provided is a hybridization system for hybridizing a biochip including: a chamber device including at least a hybridization chamber including a support for a biochip and a first cover having a sample inlet; an agitation device including: two air channels connected to ends of the hybridization chamber; two valves disposed in the air channels; an integrated air channel to which the two air channels are connected; and an air pump disposed in the integrated air channel; and a washing and drying device including: a flow channel connected to one of the two air channels through a branched valve; a flow pump disposed in the flow channel; and a buffer inlet disposed opposite the flow channel.
US07732189B2	Method of treating radioactive waste This invention relates to a method of treating irradiated material which includes reducing irradiated material to particulate form, suspending the particulate irradiated material, or derivatives thereof, in a fluid to form a suspension, and removing radioisotopes from the suspension by biological treatment.
US07732188B2	Protozoan strains of reduced virulence and use thereof The present invention relates to a protozoan strain of the family of the Trypanosomatidae the virulence of which is lower than that of the corresponding wild-type strain, characterized in that at least one copy of the SIR2 gene present in the genome of the strain is inactivated.
US07732184B2	Liquid starter cultures having an improved storage stability and use thereof Liquid microbial starter culture that retains its initial metabolic activity during storage for extended periods of time. Such liquid starter cultures are useful in the manufacturing of food and feed products. Starter cultures of the invention include culture of lactic acid bacteria, e.g. Lactococcus species.
US07732183B2	Method for refolding enzymes The invention provides methods for efficient recombinant expression, refolding, and purification of Beta-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE) polypeptides. In various aspects, the method includes the steps of expressing a recombinant construct in bacteria, dissolving inclusion bodies with a denaturant at high pH in the presence of a reducing agent, diluting the solubilized BACE polypeptide in an aqueous solution at a temperature of about 1° C. to 15° C., and incubating the diluted sample at a temperature of about 4° C. to 15° C. until the recombinant BACE polypeptide folds into an active enzyme.
US07732181B2	Neomycin-phosphotransferase-genes and methods for the selection of recombinant cells producing high levels of a desired gene product The invention relates to modified neomycin phosphotransferase genes and their use in a selection method for high-producing recombinant cells. The invention further relates to expression vectors which contain a modified neomycin phosphotransferase gene and a gene of interest functionally linked to a heterologous promoter and a method of preparing heterologous gene products using these expression vectors.
US07732180B2	Porcine Forssman synthetase protein, cDNA, genomic organization, and regulatory region The present invention provides porcine Forssman synthetase (FSM synthase) (Globoside α-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase) protein, cDNA, and genomic DNA sequence. Furthermore, the present invention includes porcine animals, tissue and organs as well as cells and cell lines derived from such animals, tissue and organs, which lack expression of functional FSM synthetase. Such animals, tissues, organs and cells can be used in research and in medical therapy, including in xenotransplantation. In addition, methods are provided to prepare organs, tissues, and cells lacking the porcine FSM synthetase gene for use in xenotransplantation.
US07732172B2	Process for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.
US07732170B2	Enhanced production of lipids containing polyenoic fatty acid by very hugh density cultures of eukaryotic microbes in fermentors The present invention provides a process for growing eukaryotic microorganisms which are capable of producing lipids, in particular lipids containing polyenoic fatty acids. The present invention also provides a process for producing eukaryotic microbial lipids.
US07732162B2	Inhibitors of glutaminyl cyclase for treating neurodegenerative diseases The present invention provides novel physiological substrates of mammalian glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 2.3.2.5), new effectors of QC, methods for screening for such effectors, and the use of such effectors and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such effectors for the treatment of conditions that can be treated by modulation of QC-activity. Preferred compositions additionally comprise inhibitors of DP IV or DP IV-like enzymes for the treatment or alleviation of conditions that can be treated by modulation of QC- and DP IV-activity.
US07732152B2	Liquid crystalline substrates for culturing cells The present invention is directed to liquid crystalline substrates useful in the culture of cells and methods of their use. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods and devices for imaging changes (e.g., reorganization) of extracellular matrix components by living cells.
US07732151B2	Use of IRS-polypeptides for identifying of pharmaceutically active compounds An assay for determining the ability of an enzyme, functional fragment, or functional derivative thereof to modify the phosphorylation status of a biotinylated polypeptide.
US07732149B2	Methods of screening agonistic antibodies Cell strains with ligand-dependent (factor-dependent) proliferation are super-infected with antibody libraries against each of the various receptor chains. Antibody genes are recovered from strains that autonomously grow by the autocrine stimulation by agonistic antibodies formed by appropriate combinations, enabling effective screening of agonistic antibodies. In this method, effective screening can be carried out using antibodies as libraries. Furthermore, the manipulations are simple, and there is no need for complicated operations.
US07732147B2	Neurotransmission disorders There is disclosed a method for diagnosing neurotransmission or developmental disorders in a mammal comprising the step of detecting in a bodily fluid of said mammal autoantibodies to an epitope of the muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). One such method comprises a) contacting said bodily fluid with said MuSK or an antigenic determinant thereof; and b) detecting any antibody-antigen complexes formed between said receptor tyrosine kinase or an antigenic fragment thereof and antibodies present in said bodily fluid, wherein the presence of said complexes is indicative of said mammal suffering from said neurotransmission or developmental disorders. Also disclosed are kits for use in the diagnosis of neurotransmission and subsequent developmental disorders.
US07732146B2	Method for screening an agent that modulates activity of macrophage migration inhibitory factor Inhibitors of MIF are provided which have utility in the treatment of a variety of disorders, including the treatment of pathological conditions associated with MIF activity. The inhibitors of MIF have the following structures: including stereoisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein n, R1, R2, R3, R4, X, Y and Z are as defined herein. Compositions containing an inhibitor of MIF in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided, as well as methods for use of the same.
US07732141B2	Methods for evaluating drug-resistance gene expression in the cancer patient The methods of the invention detect in a qualitative or quantitative fashion drug-resistance RNA and DNA in blood plasma, serum, and other bodily fluids. The methods of the invention thereby enable the assessment of drug resistance in a neoplasm without the requirement of a tissue biopsy. The inventive methods are useful for the evaluation, monitoring, and selecting of drug treatment regimens, and for determining a predisposition for or prognosis of chemoresistant neoplastic disease.
US07732140B2	Method for direct electrical detection of molecules and molecule-molecule interactions A method for direct electrical detection of proteins, peptides and the like, and their interactions includes an electrode arrangement, a current/voltage provider, and a circuit analyzer. The electrode arrangement has an interdigitated electrode pair including a first electrode and a second electrode. Coupled to the electrode arrangement is a signal generator adapted to provide a signal (e.g., an alternating current or voltage) having a selected range of frequencies. The analyzer is coupled to the electrode arrangement and is operative to analyze an electrical parameter of the circuit as the signal is applied. An analytic method includes measuring changes in one or more parameters of the circuit over the range of frequencies. By such measurement, the device can determine whether a target moiety has been bound by a probe attached to the electrode(s). The device can also specifically identify the intermolecular system detected, i.e., by “fingerprinting” the electrical response of each molecule or intermolecular complex.
US07732139B2	Multiple SNP for diagnosing cardiovascular disease, microarray and kit comprising the same, and method of diagnosing cardiovascular disease using the same A multiple single nucleotide polymorphism (multi-SNP) marker for cardiovascular disease diagnosis and a method of diagnosing cardiovascular disease are provided. Also, sets of polynucleotides, a microarray, and a kit including the microarray are provided.
US07732138B2	Rapid genotyping analysis and the device thereof The present invention discloses the use of Allele-Specific-Oligonucleotide (ASO) as a detection assay for human HLA classification. Using Reversed-Dot-Blotting format and flow through hybridization process, more efficient, faster and less expensive HLA classification can be achieved. A simplified procedure for HLA genotyping is also described. This invention further provides a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)-based DNA fingerprining method for rapid and accurate genotyping, identification as well as DNA analyses of genetic data from human beings and different organisms. In addition this invention also discloses a new device for rapid and sensitive analyses of nucleic acids, proteins and other analysts for diagnosis.
US07732131B2	Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions targeting 4Ig-B7-H3 and its counterpart NK cell receptor The present invention relates to the identification of 4Ig-B7-H3 protein as a tumor associated molecule that imparts protection from NK cell-mediated lysis via a 4Ig-B7-H3 receptor on NK cells. The invention provides compounds that interfere with interactions between the 4Ig-B7-H3 protein and its receptor that can be used to potentiate NK cell cytotoxicity. Also provided are compounds that bind 4Ig-B7-H3-expressing cells so as to inhibit or eliminate them. The compounds are particularly useful in the treatment of tumors, inflammatory conditions, infections and transplantation. Also provided are methods for diagnosing disease by detecting a 4Ig-B7-H3 protein.
US07732130B2	Immunoprotective influenza antigen and its use in vaccination The present invention relates to an influenza antigen, comprising a fusion product of at least the extracellular part of a conserved influenza membrane protein or a functional fragment thereof and a presenting carrier, which may be a presenting (poly)peptide or a non-peptidic structure, such as glycans, peptide mimetics, synthetic polymers. The invention further relates to a vaccine against influenza, comprising at least an antigen of the invention, optionally in the presence of one or more excipients. The invention also relates to use of the antigen, a method for preparing the antigen and acceptor cells expressing the antigen.
US07732122B2	Method for producing photonic crystals The invention relates to a process for producing photonic crystals by first providing an inorganic photoresist which, on illumination with energy greater than the electronic band gap of the photoresist, exhibits a phase alteration. Illumination of the photoresist with a laser beam whose energy is lower than the electronic band gap of the photoresist but whose intensity at the focal point is so high that nonlinear effects occur there nevertheless results in a phase alteration in the photoresist. Thereafter, the illuminated photoresist is exposed to an etching solution which preferentially dissolves one phase of the photoresist, and the developed photoresist is finally removed therefrom as a photonic crystal. Inorganic photonic crystals produced by the process according to the invention are suitable for completely optical systems, circuits and components for optical telecommunication or computer systems.
US07732120B2	Method for making soft pellicles The present invention relates generally to the fields of semiconductor lithography. More particularly, it concerns methods, compositions, and apparatuses relating to 157 nm and 193 nm soft pellicles and the use of perfluorinated polymers in the creation of pellicles.
US07732110B2	Method for exposing a substrate and lithographic projection apparatus A method for exposing a resist layer on a substrate to an image of a pattern on a mask is disclosed whereby, after starting exposure and before completing exposure, a controlled amount of contrast loss is introduced by a controller in the image at the resist layer by changing during exposure the position of the substrate holder. The contrast loss affects the pitch dependency of the resolution of a lithographic projection apparatus, and its control is used to match pitch dependency of resolution between different lithographic projection apparatus.
US07732109B2	Method and system for improving critical dimension uniformity A method for improving critical dimension uniformity of a wafer includes exposing a plurality of mask patterns on a first plurality of substrates at predetermined locations with common splits conditions of focus and exposure dose for each of the first plurality of substrates to form a plurality of perturbed wafers; measuring a critical dimension of the plurality of mask patterns at each of the predetermined locations for each of the plurality of perturbed wafers; averaging the critical dimension measured at each of the predetermined locations over the plurality of perturbed wafers to form a perturbed critical dimension map; measuring a sidewall angle of the plurality of mask patterns; averaging the sidewall angle measured to form a perturbed sidewall angle map; and providing the perturbed critical dimension map and the perturbed sidewall angle map to an exposure tool.
US07732108B2	Method for OPC model generation A method for generating or refining an OPC model for use in wafer fabrication. A predetermined feature layout is used to prepare a mask for use in, for example, a photolithographic process. The mask is used to create structures corresponding to mask features on a semiconductor wafer using the mask. Measurements of the actual mask features and wafer features may then be assessed and correlated, and the results used to generate an OPC model or refine an existing one. In addition, the OPC may be used to simulate a fabrication operation by applying the OPC tool to a predetermined layout to produce a mask image and a wafer image, and then comparing the predetermined layout to the simulated wafer image to determine at least one fitness value.
US07732107B2	Mask pattern correction device, method of correcting mask pattern, light exposure correction device, and method of correcting light exposure In view of realizing a lithographic process which makes it possible to estimate and correct flare with an extremely high accuracy, and causes only an extremely small dimensional variation in width, over the entire portion not only of a single shot region, but also of a single chip region, a mask pattern correction device of the present invention has a numerical aperture calculation unit calculating, for every single shot region, flare energy for a mask pattern corresponding to a transferred pattern, based on an exposure layout of a plurality of shot regions, or more specifically, while considering flare from a plurality of shot regions located around every single shot region.
US07732105B2	Photomask with overlay mark and method of fabricating semiconductor device Provided are a photomask and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The photomask includes a photomask substrate including a chip region and a scribe lane region, with an overlay mark formed in the scribe lane region. The overlay mark includes one or more sub-overlay marks. Each of the sub-overlay marks includes a plurality of unit regions sequentially connected to each other and having different widths, where the width of a given unit region is constant.
US07732104B2	System and method for eliminating the structure and edge roughness produced during laser ablation of a material The present technology relates generally to laser ablation, and more particularly pertains to a system and method for eliminating structure and edge roughness, which is produced during the laser ablation of a material. Ablation of materials using a femtosecond laser beam produces a fine scale periodic structure in the ablated region. The structure consists of residual (i.e. unablated material) and is always perpendicular to the polarization direction of the laser beam. By changing the polarization direction during the ablation process, the structure is averaged over many directions and thus eliminated. This eliminates structure and edge roughness in a material caused by the laser ablation of the material. The method is employed to the repairing of photomasks so as to cause the optical quality thereof to be improved.
US07732101B2	Method of producing a glass substrate for a mask blank by polishing with an alkaline polishing liquid that contains colloidal silica abrasive grains In a method of producing a glass substrate for a mask blank, a surface of the glass substrate is polished by the use of an alkaline polishing liquid that contains colloidal silica abrasive grains, from which alkali metal is removed to suppress occurrence of an alkali metal gel substance protrusion adhered on the glass substrate. The polishing process may include a surface roughness control step for initially finishing the surface of the glass substrate to a predetermined surface roughness by moving a polishing member and the glass substrate relative to each other under a predetermined pressure. This may be followed by a protrusion suppressing step under a pressure lower than the predetermined pressure, to minimize polishing rate and suppress occurrence of a fine convex protrusion.
US07732096B2	Lithium metal oxide electrodes for lithium batteries An uncycled preconditioned electrode for a non-aqueous lithium electrochemical cell including a lithium metal oxide having the formula xLi2−yHyO.xM′O2.(1−x)Li1−zHzMO2 in which 0
US07732094B2	Mesoporous carbon composite, method of preparing the same, and fuel cell using the mesoporous carbon composite A mesoporous carbon composite includes mesoporous carbon having mesopores; a conductive polymer coated on only an outer surface of the mesoporous carbon; and an organic electrolyte. The mesoporous carbon composite may be prepared by impregnating an ordered mesoporous silica (OMS) with a mixture comprising a carbon precursor, an acid, and a solvent; heat-treating and carbonizing the impregnated OMS to form an OMS-carbon composite; mixing the OMS-carbon composite with a monomer that forms a conductive polymer and a solvent to provide a surface of the OMS-carbon composite with the monomer; polymerizing the monomer to obtain a conductive polymer-coated OMS-carbon composite; removing the OMS from the composite to obtain a conductive polymer-coated mesoporous carbon; and doping the conductive polymer-coated mesoporous carbon with an organic electrolyte. A supported catalyst and a fuel cell include the mesoporous carbon composite.
US07732085B2	Inertial pump for moving gases in a micro fuel cell A fuel cell device includes at least one and preferably two gas storage chambers, the gas storage chambers being connected via gas flow channels to a fuel cell membrane, such as a proton exchange membrane. A piston in each gas storage chamber moves to compress the gas upon being subject to an acceleration force. A flow control opens upon a predetermined condition being achieved to provide the compressed gases to a fuel cell membrane.
US07732084B2	Solid oxide fuel cell with internal reforming, catalyzed interconnect for use therewith, and methods A catalyzed interconnect for an SOFC electrically connects an anode and an anodic current collector and comprises a metallic substrate, which provides space between the anode and anodic current collector for fuel gas flow over at least a portion of the anode, and a catalytic coating on the metallic substrate comprising a catalyst for catalyzing hydrocarbon fuel in the fuel gas to hydrogen rich reformate. An SOFC including the catalyzed anodic inter-connect, a method for operating an SOFC, and a method for making a catalyzed anodic interconnect are also disclosed.
US07732082B2	Fuel cell module A fuel cell module, wherein slopes of a same angle θ relative to a bottom face are formed on both side faces to form a recessed groove in a tapered shape. Since the angle θ is provided to the side faces of the recessed groove, the exhaustion of gases from the accumulation of gasses to the outside can be assisted by the side faces with the angle θ more than in a case where the side faces of the recessed groove are formed in right angled shapes even if the accumulation of gases is produced between an adhesive agent and the inner surfaces of the recessed groove when first and second separators are joined to each other for modularization by covering the first separator on the second separator. Thus, the accumulation of the gases can be prevented from occurring.
US07732079B2	Fuel cell stack A fuel cell stack is provided with a plurality of stacked separators. This fuel cell stack includes: terminals that extend from the separators; packing in which are formed a plurality of through holes through which the terminals are inserted; a packing casing that has a packing housing concave portion that envelops side surfaces of the packing and supports a bottom surface of the packing, and has through holes through which the terminals are inserted; and a connector housing that has a pressing surface that presses a top surface of the packing. Mountain-shaped protruding portions whose apex portions are formed by circumferential edges of apertures of the respective through holes are provided on the top surface of the packing, and the pressing surfaces of the connector housing are formed in a configuration that conforms to the side surfaces of the protruding portions. Internal surfaces of the through holes in the packing are in contact without a gap in between with external surfaces of the terminals. The sealing performance in extraction portions of terminals that are used for cell voltage detection is improved.
US07732078B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte battery pack comprising a liquid-absorbent composition A liquid-absorbent composition, which has a liquid-absorbent crosslinked resin that exhibits excellent absorption of the nonaqueous electrolyte of nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cells that constitute a nonaqueous electrolyte battery pack (and particularly a lithium ion nonaqueous electrolyte rechargeable battery pack), contains a powder of a liquid-absorbent crosslinked resin produced by crosslinking a methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer with a polyfunctional isocyanate compound, and a binder resin. Also, a liquid-absorbent sheet for a nonaqueous electrolyte battery pack contains supporting substrate and formed on one side of a supporting substrate a liquid-absorbent crosslinked resin layer, produced by crosslinking a methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer with a polyfunctional isocyanate compound. The nonaqueous electrolyte battery pack contains a battery case and disposed within the battery pack a nonaqueous electrolyte battery cell, a wiring circuit board, and an electrolyte absorption member formed from the liquid-absorbent sheet for absorbing electrolyte in the event that electrolyte leaks from the nonaqueous electrolyte battery cell.
US07732076B2	Heating solid oxide for fuel cell stack This invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell system comprising at least one longitudinally extending tubular solid oxide fuel cell and a longitudinally extending heater mounted in thermal proximity to the fuel cell to provide heat to the fuel cell during start up and during operation as needed. The heater and fuel cell can be encased within a tubular thermal casing; the inside of the casing defines a first reactant chamber for containing a first reactant, such as oxidant. The fuel cell comprises a ceramic solid state electrolyte layer and inner and outer electrode layers concentrically arranged around and sandwiching the electrolyte layer. The outer electrode layer is fluidly communicable with the first reactant, and the inner electrode layer is fluidly isolated from the first reactant and fluidly communicable with a second reactant, such as fuel.
US07732072B2	Rechargeable battery Disclosed is a rechargeable battery including: a bare cell composed of an electrode assembly including a negative electrode, a separator and a positive electrode, a container for housing the electrode assembly and an electrolyte, and a cap assembly for closing an opening of the container; and a safety device electrically coupled to an outer surface of the bare cell, wherein the safety device is coupled to the bare cell by being incorporated into a battery component part, and each of bonding surfaces of the bare cell and the battery component to be bonded to each other has a bonding parts capable of forming a mechanical bonding between the bare cell and the battery component. The rechargeable battery permits a safety device such as a protective circuit board and a bimetal device to be coupled to a bare cell in a stable and simple manner. Additionally, the mechanical bonding parts between the safety device and the bare cell can be separated so that the safety device such as a protective circuit board can be reused.
US07732067B2	Epitaxial layer structures and precursors for topotactic anion exchange oxide films This invention disclosure describes methods for the fabrication of metal oxide films on surfaces by topotactic anion exchange, and laminate structures enabled by the method. A precursor metal-nonmetal film is deposited on the surface, and is subsequently oxidized via topotactic anion exchange to yield a topotactic metal-oxide product film. The structures include a metal-oxide layer(s) and/or a metal-nonmetal layer(s).
US07732066B2	Surface-coated machining tools Surface-coated machining tools in particular utilized in routing, slitting and drilling processes on printed circuit boards onto which integrated circuits and various electronic parts are populated. A cemented-carbide base material containing tungsten carbide and cobalt, with the cobalt inclusion amount being 4 weight % or more and 12 weight % or less, is furnished. A compound thin film made up of a combination of one or more elements selected from the group titanium, chromium, vanadium, silicon and aluminum, and one or more selected from carbon and nitrogen, is coated over the cemented-carbide base material. The compound thin film is coated in at least a single layer.
US07732062B1	Charge transport layers and organic electron devices comprising same Provided are organic n-doped electron transport layers comprising at least one electron transport material and at least one electron rich dopant material and organic p-doped hole injection layers comprising at least one hole transport material and at least one electron deficient dopant material.
US07732056B2	Corrosion-resistant aluminum component having multi-layer coating A method of providing a corrosion-resistant coating on a surface of an aluminum component comprises anodizing the surface of the aluminum component to form an anodized aluminum oxide layer and sputter coating a sputtered layer on the anodized aluminum oxide layer. A coated aluminum component can be used in a substrate processing chamber and comprises an aluminum body, an anodized aluminum oxide layer formed on the aluminum body, and a sputtered layer comprising aluminum oxide on the anodized aluminum oxide layer.
US07732051B2	Polymer-coated magnetic particles comprising a 2,3-hydroxypropyl group, and probe-bonded particles A method for producing magnetic particles includes forming a hydrophobic first polymer layer on the surface of a mother particle containing superparamagnetic particles, forming a second polymer layer having glycidyl groups at least on its surface on the first polymer layer, and introducing a polar group containing one or more of at least one atom selected from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, and a sulfur atom by chemically modifying the glycidyl groups.
US07732048B2	Cellulose multi-filament The present invention relates to cellulose fiber containing 500 to 2000 of filaments and having homogeneous physical properties and the multi-filaments according to the present invention is characterized in that the strength and the breaking elongation of the multi-filaments are 4 to 9 g/d and 4 to 15%, respectively. In particular, the present invention is characterized in that each mono-filament selected 100 strands from every three part divided from multi-filaments has properties as following: (a) 3 to 9 g/d in average strength, 7 to 15% in average breaking elongation and 0.035 to 0.055 in by birefringence, (b) the differences of the above three parts are below 1.0 g/d in average strength, 1.5% in breaking elongation and 0.7 denier in denier, (c) the CV (%) (coefficient of variation) of the above three parts are below 10%, and (d) the birefringence differences of the above three parts are below 0.004.
US07732045B2	Film for membrane structure A film for a membrane structure, which comprises a film substrate containing a fluororesin, a photocatalyst layer and an interlayer interposed between the film substrate and the photocatalyst layer, wherein the fluororesin is at least one member selected from the group consisting of an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, a tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer, a tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, a polyvinyl fluoride and a polyvinylidene fluoride; the interlayer contains an organic-inorganic hybrid polymer obtained by hydrolyzing/co-condensing at least one member selected from the group consisting of an organosilane, a hydrolysate of an organosilane and a condensate of an organosilane, and a silyl group-containing organic polymer; and the mass remaining ratio of the organic-inorganic hybrid polymer is from 50 to 80% at 500° C. measured by thermogravimetric analysis.
US07732043B2	Ceiling tile with non uniform binder composition A ceiling tile product and method in which a slurry formed mat primarily comprising mineral wool and binder is provided with a binder enhancement zone at its face. The binder enhancement zone can reduce the total required latex content, reduce the amount of finish or paint needed to achieve a commercially acceptable color and improve noise reduction.
US07732038B2	Electromagnetic wave shielding filter An electromagnetic wave shielding filter 10 comprises a transparent substrate 1, and a mesh layer 3 containing an electrically conductive layer 2, formed on the transparent substrate 1 with a transparent adhesive layer 9. A transparent colored resin layer 4 containing a coloring agent is formed on the mesh layer 3, with a transparent barrier layer 5 interposed between the two layers. An anticorrosive layer 6 and a blackening layer 7 are formed on the electrically conductive layer 2 in the mesh layer 3. The transparent colored resin layer 4 also serves as an adhesive layer, and a functional layer 8, such as an optical filter, a protective sheet, or a display front substrate, is further laminated to the transparent colored resin layer 4.
US07732037B2	Conductive porous material, resin molding die employing the same, and method of preparing conductive porous material A conductive porous material includes a matrix having a sintered compact of an oxide, a communicating opening formed in the matrix, having a small diameter and being permeable to gas and impermeable to substance other than gas, and a conductive layer provided on an internal wall of the communicating opening and receiving a current to generate heat. As conductive material is used, an organic substance adheres on the internal wall of communicating opening. To address this, conductive layer is caused to generate heat to decompose and thus remove the organic substance and thus prevent the communicating opening from clogging.
US07732035B2	Base for plastic container A base for a plastic container is disclosed. The base includes a central vertical axis; an outer supporting annular portion for supporting said container on a surface; a central portion of the base, the central portion provided about said central vertical axis; and a base portion. The base portion extends between the annular portion and the central support portion of the base. The base portion includes at least two lugs that extend radially from a position adjacent the annular portion towards the central portion, the lugs including at least two stepped segments.
US07732033B2	Sealants for structural member joints and methods of using same Thermoplastic sealants and methods for forming a joint, such as a weld joint, between one or more structural members using thermoplastic sealants are provided. The thermoplastic sealants have melting temperatures lower than the melting temperature of at least one of the structural members. The thermoplastic sealants may further include fillers, and are disposed between faying surfaces of the structural members. The sealants can fill the spaces between the structural members to prevent the entry of chemicals, moisture, debris and other substances.
US07732031B1	Striated carrier A system including multiple items releasably secured on a smooth carrier sheet having a plurality of, or groups of striations ranging in depth from 5 to 99 percent of the thickness of the carrier sheet. In one exemplary embodiment, a first group of striation includes a plurality of parallel striations oriented generally along one axis, and a second group of striations includes a plurality of parallel striation oriented generally along a second axis. During shipment, the adhesive retains sufficient traction to the carrier sheet by engaging the striations to substantially eliminate the lateral movement or sliding of the items from their original position on the carrier sheet. When removed from the carrier sheet, the adhesive releases from the carrier sheet and remains retained by the items even though the adhesive partially flowed into the carrier sheet striations.
US07732030B2	Method and apparatus for preform consistency According to one embodiment of the present invention a method of creating a composite with an object having a central axis is provided which comprises wrapping a first fabric layer around the object in one of a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction around the central axis of the object. A second fabric layer is wrapped over the first fabric layer. The second fabric layer is wrapped around the object in the other of the clockwise or the counterclockwise direction around the central axis. The object is placed in a mold and resin is injected into the mold to form the composite.
US07732029B1	Compositions of carbon nanotubes A coating composition may include a fluoropolymer; a plurality of carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbon nanotubes are substantially non-agglomerated and substantially uniformly dispersed in the fluoropolymer; and a coupling agent. The coupling agent may include a first functional group, a second functional group, and a linking group. The first functional group may be bonded to the carbon nanotubes. The second functional group may be bonded to the fluoropolymer. The linking group may bond the first functional group to the second functional group.
US07732028B2	Adhereable, pre-fabricated, self-healing, anti-puncture coating for liquid container A bulk, generally elastomeric and pliable, layered mat formed to permit selective trimming into size-chosen mat trims/tiles, each of which is structured to perform as a self-puncture(wound)-sealing, defined-liquid-reactive, anti-puncture-leakage coating element applicable bondedly to the outside surface of a selected wall in a container holding the defined-liquid. The mat is made by preparing it as a generally elastomeric, pliable, layered arrangement of coatings formed of self-puncture-healing, defined-liquid-reactive, anti-puncture-leakage material, or materials; and is applied for use in relation to a selected container wall by (1) trimming, from the prepared mat, one or more trims/tiles shaped for specific use on the outside surface of that wall; and (2) applying and surface-bonding the one or more trims/tiles to the outside surface of the selected wall.
US07732020B2	Method and apparatus for the application of powder material to substrates An apparatus for electrostatically charging powder material and supplying it to an applicator for electrostatically applying the powder material to solid dosage forms includes a mixer for mixing a sump of the powder material to electrostatically charge the powder material, the mixer including two substantially parallel elongate mixing shafts having oppositely angled mixing paddles thereon and being arranged to rotate in opposite directions; and a feeder for removing the electrostatically charged powder material from the sump and supplying it to the applicator, and a method for electrostatically charging powder material and supplying it to an applicator for electrostatically applying the powder material to solid dosage forms.
US07732016B2	Superprimer A silane film that can be used in a wide range of environments, on metals of engineering interest, as a standalone process or as a primer for a top-coating by common paint systems. The film generally comprises: a) at least one bis-silane; b) a water soluble or dispersible polymer; c) nanoparticles; and, d) a water soluble solvent. It is also within the scope of the present invention to include a leachable inhibitor into the silane film. In sum, the present invention teaches a silane composition that may be applied by dipping, wiping, spraying, brushing, or other conventional techniques, whereby the film composition provides a metal treatment that is water soluble and may provide the availability of the coating to “heal” by utilizing a leachable inhibitor whenever damage occurs from scrapes or scratches.
US07732012B2	Method for manufacturing polycrystalline silicon, and polycrystalline silicon for solar cells manufactured by the method Provided is a method for the preparation of polycrystalline silicon in which, in conducting preparation of polycrystalline silicon by the Siemens method or by the monosilane method, no outer heating means is necessitated for the core member (seed rod), onto which polycrystalline silicon is deposited, from the initial stage of heating, the deposition rate is high and the core member seed rod can be used repeatedly.The method for deposition of high-purity polycrystalline silicon, at a high temperature, onto a white-heated seed rod in a closed reaction furnace by pyrolysis or hydrogen reduction of a starting silane gas supplied thereto, is characterized in that the seed rod is a member made from an alloy having a recrystallization temperature of 1200° C. or higher. It is preferable that the alloy member is of an alloy of Re—W, W—Ta, Zr—Nb, titanium-zirconium, or a carbon-added molybdenum (TZM) in the form of a wire member having a diameter of at least 0.5 mm, a plate member having a thickness of at least 1 mm or a prismatic member, or a tubular member having a diameter of at least 1 mm, wall thickness of at least 0.2 mm with an inner diameter not exceeding 5 mm, that the plate member, wire member, prismatic member or tubular member has a tapered form and further that the tubular member is a tapered duplex tube.
US07732009B2	Method of cleaning reaction chamber, method of forming protection film and protection wafer A method of cleaning a reaction chamber having a wafer holder is provided. First, the reaction chamber is cleaned by a cleaning gas. Next, a protection film is formed on the inner surface of the reaction chamber, wherein a gap is formed between the protection wafer and the wafer holder, and a cooling gas is guided therebetween simultaneously.
US07732008B2	Process for the production or coating of granules, apparatus for carrying out the process, and granules obtainable thereby A process for the production or coating of granules in a fluidized bed, which includes heating a fluidized-bed gas to produce the fluidized bed, and applying a liquid medium containing a granule-forming or coating-forming compound, or at least one reaction component therefore, by spraying particles located in the fluidized bed and at a same time vaporizing an organic solvent contained in the liquid medium, said particles having a smaller mean diameter than that of particles to be produced. The process also includes partial condensation of an organic solvent from at least a portion of a fluidized-bed waste gas leaving the fluidized bed, and re-heating the fluidized bed-gas leaving the condensation device and reintroducing the re-heated gas into the fluidized bed.
US07732007B2	Method of making a polarizer plate This invention relates to polarizing plates and their manufacturing process. More particularly, this invention provides a method of making a polarizing plate comprising, providing a polarizing film, coating at least one optical film solution to both sides of the polarizing film simultaneously or near simultaneously, and drying the optical film coating solution to form an optical film on each side of the polarizing film.
US07731997B2	Container for food products Various packages for food products are provided herein. In one embodiment, a food package has a rectangular substantially planar rigid bottom wall; two slanted side/side walls extending angularly upwardly from the bottom wall, each forming an angle of from about 55 to about 75 degrees from vertical axes extending orthogonally from a plane formed by the bottom wall; and a rectangular opening opposite the bottom wall, the opening larger in area than the rectangular rigid bottom wall. A top side wall and a bottom side wall extend upwardly from the bottom wall; and a flexible film extends over the opening and seals the opening. The side walls are configured to engage and hold the food product, each side wall being angularly ramped and extending downward and inward toward the bottom wall, and having at least one wall which extends downwardly from the angularly upward extending side wall.
US07731996B2	Dietary regime for companion animals The present invention provides a dietary regime for a companion animal. The dietary regime comprises feeding the companion animal a food product which is designed for administration for a particular event. The present invention includes a sequence of products for feeding at prescribed times or in a prescribed order to accommodate a physiological need or modify a physiological response.
US07731993B2	Composition for treating a dermal anomaly An improved composition for treatment of ulcer-type skin conditions. The composition is primarily characterized by a combination of nitroglycerin and arginine. Other embodiments comprise emollient cream, mineral oil, tumeric powder, folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc citrate. The composition is particulary effective in improving blood flow in the underlying capillary bed about the wound, improving nerve growth about the wound, increasing circulation, and having a standardized and more predictable therapeutic characteristic.
US07731991B2	Non-food and non-pharmaceutical use of a selected anhydrous dextrose composition The present invention relates to the non-food and non-pharmaceutical use of a powder anhydrous dextrose composition, characterized by the fact that the composition has: a) a particle size such that: at most 4% of its particles (expressed as a volume) have a size at most equal to 40 microns, and at most 8% of its particles (expressed as a volume) have a size at most equal to 100 microns, b) a hygroscopic index less than 1%, and c) an apparent density larger than 0.7 kg/l.
US07731988B2	Multi-polymer hydrogels The invention provides a multi-polymer hydrogel article having a first polymeric, water-swellable material and a second polymeric material, organized such that a first region substantially comprises the first polymeric, water-swellable material, a second region adjacent the first region comprises a mixture of the first polymeric, water-swellable material and the second polymeric material, and a third region adjacent the second region substantially comprises the second polymeric material. The article exhibits an increasing concentration gradient of the second polymeric material moving from the first region, through the second region, to the third region. The invention also provides methods for forming a multi-polymer hydrogel article by (a) forming a hydrogel structure using a first polymeric, water-swellable material, (b) creating an aerogel structure having a plurality of open pores by dehydrating the hydrogel structure, (c) contacting the aerogel structure with a second polymeric material to incorporate the second polymeric material into at least a portion of the plurality of open pores to form the multi-polymer hydrogel article, and (d) rehydrating the multi-polymer hydrogel article.
US07731985B2	4-aminopyrimidines and their use for the antimicrobial treatment of surfaces A method is provided for the antimicrobial treatment of a surface which comprises the contacting a surface with substituted 4-aminopyrimidines.
US07731984B2	Species of fungi and their use in pest and disease control The present invention describes substantially pure cultures of three new species of fungi, Meira geulakonigae (CBS 110052), Meira argovae (CBS 110053) and Acaromyces ingoldii (CBS 110050) (all nom. prov.), wherein said cultures are biologically pure. The conditioned medium for all three new fungi species is also described, as well as their biologically active products. The biological product of the three new fungi species and their conditioned medium has miticidal and fungicidal activities. Thus, a composition for the control of mites and/or phytopathogenic fungi comprising a biocontrol agent derived from any one of the three new fungi species is also described, optionally comprising an agriculturally compatible carrier. Finally, the present invention describes a method for producing a fungicide and/or a miticide, wherein the active ingredient of said fungicide/miticide is any one of M. geulakonigae, M. argovae, or A. ingoldii, or any combination thereof, and/or a culture thereof, and/or any product or derivative thereof, comprising culturing said fungus and optionally isolating said active ingredient from the culture.
US07731980B2	Chlamydia PMP proteins, gene sequences and uses thereof The invention discloses the Chlamydia PMPE and PMPI polypeptide, polypeptides derived therefrp, (PMP-derived polypeptides), nucleotide sequences encoding said polypeptides, antibodies that specifically bind the PMP polypeptides and PMP-derived polypeptides and T-cells specific for PMP polypeptides and PMP-derived polypeptides. Also disclosed are prophylactic and therapeutic compositions, including immunogenic compositions, e.g., vaccines, comprising PMP polypeptides or PMP-derived polypeptides or antibodies thereto. The invention additionally discloses methods of inducing in animals an immune response to Chlamydia cells, Chlamydia elementary bodies, and/or cells expressing Chlamydial proteins, e.g., cell infected with Chlamydia.
US07731978B2	Mutant forms of streptolysin O Forms of GAS25 (streptolysin O) which are not toxic but which still maintain the ability to induce protection against S. pyogenes are useful in vaccine compositions to induce protection against S. pyogenes.
US07731974B2	Mutant vesicular stomatitis viruses and uses thereof The present invention provides mutant viruses with a decreased ability to block nuclear transport of mRNA or protein in an infected cell which are attenuated in vivo. The mutant viruses of the present invention may also be capable of triggering the anti-viral systems of normal host cells while remaining sensitive to the effects of these systems. The present invention further provides for the use of the mutant viruses in a range of applications including, but not limited to, as therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and infections, as vaccines and adjuvants, as viral vectors, and as oncolytic and cytolytic agents for the selective lysis of malignant or infected cells.
US07731972B1	Immunoprotective influenza antigen and its use in vaccination The present invention relates to an influenza antigen, comprising a fusion product of at least (1) the extracellular part of a conserved influenza membrane protein (e.g., M2) or a functional equivalent thereof and (2) a presenting carrier. The presenting carrier may be a (poly)peptide or a non-peptidic structure such as glycans, peptide mimetics, and synthetic polymers. The invention further relates to methods of making and using the antigen, and to influenza vaccines comprising the antigen and optionally one or more excipients.
US07731969B1	Methods for developing and producing antigen-specific antibody-producing cells Disclosed are methods for producing immortalized antigen-specific plasma cells and antibodies which include depleting an immunized cell population of CD138-positive cells and activating the depleted cells. The methods may be used to improve the efficiency of obtaining immortalized antigen-specific plasma cells.
US07731962B2	Anti-ADDL monoclonal antibody and use thereof The present invention relates to antibodies that differentially recognize multi-dimensional conformations of Aβ-derived diffusible ligands, also known as ADDLs. The antibodies of the invention can distinguish between Alzheimer's Disease and control human brain extracts and are useful in methods of detecting ADDLs and diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease. The present antibodies also block binding of ADDLs to neurons, assembly of ADDLS, and tau phosphorylation and are there useful in methods for the preventing and treating diseases associated with soluble oligomers of amyloid β 1-42.
US07731959B2	Antagonists of neuropilin receptor function and use thereof The present invention relates to antagonists of neuropilin receptor fuction and use thereof in the treatment of cancer, particularly metastatic cancer, and angiogenic diseases.
US07731955B2	Interleukin-6 suppressive agent An interleukin-6 suppressive agent comprising lactoperoxidase as an active ingredient is used as a pharmaceutical preparation or the like for prevention and/or therapy of a disease caused by production of interleukin-6, such as thrombocytosis, myeloma, Castleman syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or influenza-virus infectious disease.
US07731951B2	Viruses for the treatment of cellular proliferative disorders Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by administering virus to proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway are disclosed. The virus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts proliferating cells having an activated Ras-pathway. Proliferative disorders include but are not limited to neoplasms. The virus is selected from modified adenovirus, modified HSV, modified vaccinia virus and modified parapoxvirus orf virus. Also disclosed are methods for treating cell proliferative disorders by further administering an immunosuppressive agent.
US07731950B2	Attack of tumor cells with missing, low or aberrant MHC expression by combining non MHC-restricted T-cells/NK-cells and MHC-restricted cells This invention is directed to therapeutic compositions containing non-MHC-restricted T-cells/NK-cells in combination with MHC-restricted T-cells and especially to therapeutic compositions, which comprise LAK cells. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to the use of the above combination in the treatment of tumors in humans, which tumors show a missing, low or aberrant expression of MHC class 1a or 1b molecules. By using the aforementioned compositions/combinations it is possible to provide a balanced selective pressure against emergence of tumor cell variants that would otherwise escape immune detection.
US07731945B2	Immunotherapy for reversing immune suppression A method for overcoming immune suppression includes the steps of inducing production of naïve T cells and restoring T cell immunity. A method of vaccine immunotherapy includes the steps of inducing production of naïve T cells and exposing the naïve T cells to endogenous or exogenous antigens at an appropriate site. Additionally, a method for unblocking immunization at a regional lymph node includes the steps of promoting differentiation and maturation of immature dendritic cells at a regional lymph node and allowing presentation of processed peptides by resulting mature dendritic cells, thus, for example, exposing tumor peptides to T cells to gain immunization of the T cells. Further, a method of treating cancer and other persistent lesions includes the steps of administering an effective amount of a natural cytokine mixture as an adjuvant to endogenous or exogenous administered antigen to the cancer or other persistent lesions; preferably the natural cytokine mixture is administered in combination with thymosin α1.
US07731944B2	Hair cosmetic compositions A hair cosmetic formulation, comprises (A) a fragrance ingredient comprising cis-3-hexenol; and (B) monoethanolamine.
US07731943B2	Stabilized aqueous aluminum zirconium solutions The present invention describes a method and compositions by which introducing PO4−3 ion at particular stage in the preparation of aluminum/zirconium solutions surprisingly results in significantly improved zirconium molecular weight stability.
US07731938B2	CYFRA 21-1 as a marker for colorectal cancer The present invention relates to the assessment of colorectal cancer. It discloses the use of the CYFRA 21-1 assay in the assessment of colorectal cancer. It also relates to a method for assessing colorectal cancer in vitro using a liquid sample, derived from an individual by measuring CYFRA 21-1 in said sample. Measurement of CYFRA 21-1 can, e.g., be used in the early detection or in the follow-up of patients with colorectal cancer.
US07731936B2	Metal complexes based on tetrathiol ligands and their use in nuclear medical diagnostics and endoradionuclide therapy and method for producing said metal complexes Provided are radiolytically and metabolically stable metal complexes based on tetrathiol ligands useful for nuclear medical diagnostics and in endoradionuclide therapy. Methods for their preparation are also provided. The complexes can have a central ligand, Y, that can be 99mTcO, 186ReO, 188ReO, 99mTcN, 186ReN or 188ReN.
US07731935B2	Steam reforming An apparatus for steam reforming of hydrocarbons comprises a heat exchange reformer having disposed within a plurality of vertical catalyst-filled tubes, through which a gas mixture comprising hydrocarbon and steam may be passed, and to which heat may be transferred by means of a heat exchange medium flowing around the external tube surfaces, wherein heat exchange adapting means are provided within the reformer so that the tubes have a zone of lower heat exchange extending from the bottom of the catalyst up to 25% of the catalyst depth with no heat exchange enhancement means provided in that zone. A process for steam reforming of hydrocarbons employs this apparatus.
US07731934B2	Titanium oxide with a rutile structure The invention relates to a novel form of titanium oxide.The titanium oxide is characterized in that it has the crystallographic structure of rutile with an orthorhombic lattice and a Pnmm space group, it has a platelet morphology, the platelets being of rectangular shape with a length between 3 and 10 nm, a width between 3 and 10 nm and a thickness of less than 1 nm and it has a specific surface area, determined by nitrogen adsorption/desorption, of 100 to 200 m2/g.Applications: self-cleaning glazing, photovoltaic cells.
US07731932B2	Methods of processing nanocrystals, and compositions, devices and systems including same Methods of processing nanocrystals to remove excess free and bound organic material and particularly surfactants used during the synthesis process, and resulting nanocrystal compositions, devices and systems that are physically, electrically and chemically integratable into an end application.
US07731931B2	Storage materials for hydrogen and other small molecules This invention relates to adsorbents useful for storing hydrogen and other small molecules, and to methods for preparing such adsorbents. The adsorbents are produced by heating carbonaceous materials to a temperature of at least 900° C. in an atmosphere of hydrogen.
US07731930B2	Carbon nanotube assembly and manufacturing method thereof A method for manufacturing a carbon nanotube assembly including the steps of: forming metallic fine particles, having a predetermined particle diameter, on a substrate; heating the metallic fine particles to a predetermined temperature of 300° C. to 400° C. in a reducing atmosphere to cause reduction at surfaces thereof; heating the metallic fine particles to a predetermined reaction temperature in a reactor; and introducing an organic compound vapor into the reactor to grow carbon nanotubes on the metallic fine particles in such a way that a time during which the temperature of the metallic fine particles exceeds 450° C. is 600 seconds or fewer for the period of time before the growth of the carbon nanotubes is started after the heating of the metallic fine particles is started.
US07731929B2	Spatial localization of dispersed single walled carbon nanotubes into useful structures Methods of aligning single walled carbon nanotube structures into selected orientations for a variety of different applications are achieved by initially dispersing the nanotube structures in aqueous solutions utilizing a suitable dispersal agent. The dispersal agent coats each individual nanotube structure in solution. The dispersal agent may be substituted with a suitable functional group that reacts with a corresponding binding site. Dispersed nanotube structures coated with substituted dispersal agents are exposed to a selected array of binding sites such that the nanotubes align with the binding sites due to the binding of the substituted functional groups with such binding sites. Alternatively, crystalline nanotube material is formed upon deposition of dispersed nanotube structures within solution into channels disposed on the surface of the substrate. Combining dispersal agent chemical modification techniques with deposition of the nanotubes into substrate channels is also utilized to produce useful structures.
US07731917B2	Heat exchange reactor The present invention provides a heat exchange reactor comprising a reaction tube for obtaining a product (B) by exothermic reaction while passing a starting compound (A) therethrough and a reactor shell covering the surrounding of the reaction tube and having its interior divided into a plurality of regions along the passing direction of the starting compound (A), each of which regions is filled with a heat medium for carrying out heat exchange between the inside of the reaction tube and the heat medium independently for the respective separate regions; wherein the reactor is provided with a heater for heating the heat medium charged in the most upstream region among the separate regions independently from the heat media charged in other regions.
US07731915B2	Pollutant decomposition device Pollutant decomposition device, including at least one outer transparent sheet and at least one inner transparent sheet being arranged such that a gap is formed between them and such that the gap is in communication with a surrounding gaseous composition on one side of the device such that the gaseous composition can pass through the gap. The device further including a photocatalyst arranged in the gap for depolluting the gaseous composition that pass through the gap. To obtain optimum decomposition efficiency the outer transparent sheet has a high degree of ultraviolet transmittance compared with the inner transparent sheet.
US07731914B2	Ozone infection control device An infection control device includes a plurality of air inlets spaced around the device's peripheral skirt. A negative ion ozone generator having a plurality of spaced pointed projections is inwardly of the peripheral skirt with a ground disk inwardly of the generator. Air flows through the inlets to the generator, to the disk and to a catheter exit site.
US07731911B2	Fluorination reactor A fluorination reactor having a reaction zone, an inlet for supplying an organic compound to be fluorinated to the reaction zone, an inlet for supplying elemental fluorine to the reaction zone, and an outlet for recovering a fluorinated reaction product, wherein the reaction zone includes a fluoride-adsorbing composition for adsorbing any HF produced as a byproduct of the reaction between the organic compound and elemental fluorine.
US07731904B2	Method for making probe support and apparatus used for the method A liquid discharging device includes a plurality of liquid discharge sections. Each liquid discharge section includes a reservoir, a nozzle that discharges a solution supplied from the reservoir, and discharge energy generating means that generates energy to discharge the solution from the nozzle. The number of the liquid discharge sections corresponds to the number of probe types to be formed. The nozzles are two-dimensionally arranged. Using this liquid discharging device, probe liquids are discharged from the corresponding reservoirs onto a solid-phase substrate to form a predetermined two-dimensional probe array of high-purity probes on the substrate. This process exhibits high reproducibility and processability, and the resulting probe array has high array density.
US07731901B2	Apparatus and method for performing counts within a biologic fluid sample A method and an apparatus for enumerating one or more specific elements within a biologic fluid sample are provided. An embodiment of the method includes the steps of: a) providing a chamber formed between a first planar member that is transparent and a second planar member, which members are separated from one another by a substantially uniform height; b) introducing the biologic fluid sample into the chamber, wherein the chamber height is sized such that the sample extends between the first and second members, and sized relative to the specific elements within the sample such that the specific elements non-uniformly distribute within the sample upon introduction into the chamber; c) examining substantially all of the sample within the chamber and enumerating all of at least one of the specific elements; d) determining the volume of sample contained within the chamber; and e) determining the number of the at least one of the specific elements per unit volume.
US07731898B2	Reagent container assembly and analyzer comprising such assembly A reagent container assembly adapted for being installed in a cavity of an analyzer. The reagent container assembly comprises a housing having an upper opening and defining at least one circular array of chambers, each chamber being adapted for receiving a reagent container, a cover for closing the upper opening of the housing, and a locking mechanism arranged within the housing. The locking mechanism is adapted for locking the cover and for preventing rotation thereof. The locking mechanism is further adapted for locking the housing and thereby preventing rotation thereof when the reagent container assembly is removed from its position in the analyzer. The locking mechanism is further adapted for cooperating with a pin arranged at the bottom of the cavity of the analyzer when the reagent container assembly is installed in the analyzer, the housing being unlocked by the cooperation and thereby allowed to be rotated within the cavity of the analyzer.
US07731894B2	Process for producing a breech slide for a firearm A method for producing a breech slide of a firearm in a metal injection molding process. The process includes the following steps: a green body is injected in an injection mold. The green body is cooled. The binder is removed from the green body to form a brown body. Then the brown body is sintered.
US07731893B2	Method for making anodes for electrolytic capacitor with high volumetric efficiency A method for manufacturing valve metal anodes of electrolytic capacitors by deoxidizing the anodes using Mg vapor in a deoxidizing furnace, removing the anodes from deoxidizing furnace, placing them in sintering furnace, sintering at temperature lower than the temperature conventionally used for sintering in vacuum, and leaching of Mg oxide off the anode surface. The process limits free oxygen and improves morphology of valve metal anodes, which results in improved performance of electrolytic capacitors with these anodes. The process does not require any special equipment or maintenance operations and, thereby, is highly productive due to performing deoxidizing and sintering separately in traditional deoxidizing and sintering furnaces.
US07731880B2	Cellulosic-thermoplastic composite and method of making the same Provided is a composition comprising fatty acid bis-amide, inorganic particulate such as pumice, cellulosic particulate, thermoplastic and maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin. The combination of an ethylene bis-amide and a minor amount of pumice produces cellulosic-thermoplastic composite that has superior extrusion properties over conventional metal stearate/ethylene bis-stearamide (EBS) compositions such as improved flex strength and resistance to water absorption.
US07731878B2	Process of forming a microperforated polymeric film for sound absorption A process of forming a microperforated plastic film includes providing a post tool having multiple posts, bringing plastic into contact with the post tool such that the plastic conforms to the shape of the posts, and solidifying the plastic into a solidified plastic film having a plurality of microperforations in the shape of the posts. Another step in the process is displacing any skins formed over the holes after solidifying the plastic. The process may be used to form a film for sound absorption where the posts are shaped and arranged to provide microperforations that provide a particular sound absorption spectrum. In one embodiment, the microperforations each have a narrowest diameter of 20 mils, a narrowest diameter less than a film thickness, and a widest diameter greater than narrowest diameter. The widest diameter may be about 125% or more of the narrowest diameter in an embodiment.
US07731876B2	Spinning method A method is provided for spinning a multifilament thread from a thermoplastic material, including the steps of extruding the melted material through a spinneret with a plurality of spinneret holes into a filament bundle with a plurality of filaments, winding the filaments as thread after solidifying, and cooling the filament bundle beneath the spinneret, whereby in a first cooling zone the gaseous cooling medium is directed in such a way that it flows through the filament bundle transversely, the cooling medium leaving the filament bundle practically completely on the side opposite the inflow side, and in a second cooling zone beneath the first cooling zone, the filament bundle being cooled further essentially through self-suction of the gaseous cooling medium surrounding the filament bundle.
US07731875B2	Sacrificial anodes in concrete patch repair High performance proprietary cementitious concretes or mortars developed for use as patch repair materials for corrosion damaged concrete often have high resistivities that inhibit the performance of sacrificial anodes located within the patch repair areas. A method of repair is disclosed which comprises removing the corrosion damaged concrete to form a cavity to receive a concrete repair material and forming within this cavity a smaller distinct cavity for assembling a sacrificial anode assembly and placing within this second cavity a pliable viscous ionically conductive backfill and a sacrificial anode and an activating agent to form a sacrificial anode assembly and connecting the anode to the steel and covering the anode and the backfill in the second cavity with a repair material to restore the profile of the concrete structure. In this arrangement a high resistivity repair material promotes the flow of protection current to steel in adjacent contaminated concrete that is at risk of corrosion.
US07731871B2	Optical disk and method for producing the same An optical disk is constructed such that a thin film including a reflective layer is formed on a substrate, or on a thermoplastic resin layer on the substrate. A stamper having an asperity pattern corresponding to information signals is directly pressed against the thin film to transfer the asperity pattern on the thin film. Heat-pressing the stamper against the thin film makes it possible to further accurately transfer the asperity of the stamper to the reflective layer with less pressing force in the case where the reflective layer is formed on a thermoplastic resin layer.
US07731868B2	Thick film conductive composition and process for use in the manufacture of semiconductor device The present invention is directed to a thick film conductive composition comprising: a) electrically conductive silver powder; b) ZnO powder; c) lead-free glass frits wherein based on total glass frits: Bi2O3: >5 mol %, B2O3: <15 mol %, BaO: <5 mol %, SrO: <5 mol %, Al2O3: <5 mol %; and d) organic medium, wherein (the content of ZnO/the content of the silver powder)×100 is more than 2.5.
US07731866B2	2,5-linked polyfluorenes for optoelectronic devices Polyfluorene polymers and copolymers having substantial amounts (10-100%) of fluorenes coupled at the 2 and 5 positions of fluorene are useful as active layers in OLED devices where triplet energies >2.10 eV are required.
US07731865B2	Liquid-crystal medium The present invention relates to liquid-crystal (LIQUID CRYSTALLINE) media comprising polymerizable compounds, in particular for use in LIQUID CRYSTALLINE displays of the PS (polymer stabilized) or PSA (polymer sustained alignment) type, and to PS(A) displays containing LIQUID CRYSTALLINE media of this type.
US07731864B2	Slurry for chemical mechanical polishing of aluminum Described herein are embodiments of a slurry used for the chemical mechanical polishing a substrate that includes aluminum or an aluminum alloy features having a width of less than 1 um. The slurry includes a precipitated silica abrasive having a diameter of less than or equal to 100 nm and a chelating buffer system comprising citric acid and oxalic acid to provide a pH of the slurry in the approximate range of 1.5 and 4.0.
US07731860B2	Ion beam method for removing an organic light emitting material A method of removing an organic, preferably polymeric, light-emitting material (4) from defined areas of a substrate (1) comprises the steps of arranging a shadow mask (5) to overlie the organic material other than in the defined areas, and applying a beam of ions (7) to the defined areas through the mask. The method is useful in forming organic light-emitting diode arrays.
US07731859B2	Process for conditioning sewage sludge A method of treating sewage sludge that has a solids concentration of about 18-35% by weight includes treating the sewage sludge with sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or a combination thereof to increase its pH to at least about 12, and treating the sewage sludge with calcium oxide. The treatment of the sewage sludge with the calcium oxide can take place before and/or during the treatment of the sludge with the sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or a combination thereof. The amount of calcium oxide used is about 0.05-0.8% by weight of the sewage sludge.
US07731858B2	Method for liquid purification using a molecular reaction unit A method for modifying contaminants in a liquid comprising a reaction chamber where the liquid interacts with an ionization reaction material which causes contaminants to reduce or oxidize into harmless compounds.
US07731857B2	Method for treating a process water to obtain carbon dioxide therefrom A method for treating a process water from a bitumen recovery process in order to obtain carbon dioxide from the process water, which method includes lowering the pH of the process water, thereby causing carbon dioxide to evolve from the process water as evolved carbon dioxide gas. The evolved carbon dioxide gas may be collected and compressed, and water vapour associated with the evolved carbon dioxide gas may be separated from the evolved carbon dioxide gas. After the carbon dioxide has been obtained from the process water, the process water and the water vapour separated from the evolved carbon dioxide gas may be recycled back to the bitumen recovery process. The evolved carbon dioxide gas may be stored for future use or sale. The method may also include heating the process water in order to reduce the solubility of carbon dioxide in the process water.
US07731843B2	Method and apparatus for treatment of water for an injection well The invention concerns a method and an apparatus (10) for treatment of water (26) to be injected into a subsea injection well, the apparatus (10) being disposed in water overlying the well, preferably on a water bed (12). The invention is characterized in that the apparatus (10) contains at least one receptacle (38, 40, 46, 48, 50) provided with at least one water-soluble solid-state chemical (42, 52, 54, 56) for treatment of the injection water (26). The water (26) is brought into contact with the at least one chemical (42, 52, 54, 56), causing it to gradually dissolve and mix with the water (26), after which treated water (26′) is led into an injection stream to the injection well.
US07731842B2	Submerged fixed film anoxic bioreactor A constant velocity serpentine anoxic reactor incorporates a multiple cell vertical serpentine path, as well as a horizontal serpentine path, through the anoxic chamber. A fixed film media is mounted within each cell of the anoxic chamber to provide a structure on which the bacteria can grow to sustain the biological reaction, which convert nitrates into nitrogen gas. The fixed film media can be a cross-flow media and can optionally include a web of textile material integrated within the fixed film media to enhance bacterial growth within the fixed film media or optionally the anoxic vertical serpentine configuration could be applied to an activated sludge operation. A nitrate recycle pump recycles about 75% of the effluent from the aerobic chamber back into the anoxic chamber to provide a nitrate source for the digestion of the BOD within the influent wastewater.
US07731841B1	Flow control systems and methods for artificial ponds An aerator system for an artificial pond comprising an aerator housing defining an aerator chamber, filter media arranged within the aerator chamber, and a control valve assembly. The aerator housing defines first, second, and third aerator housing ports. The filter media defines first and second portions of the aerator chamber. The first aerator housing port is in direct fluid communication with the first portion of the aerator chamber, and the second and third aerator housing ports are in to direct fluid communication with the second portion of the aerator chamber. The control valve array is operatively connected to the first and second aerator housing ports and may be configured in a first mode to allow a portion of the water flowing through the aerator housing to bypass the filter media.
US07731840B1	Apparatus for removing hydrocarbons and contaminates A mobile hydrocarbon and heavy metal removal unit for removing hydrocarbons and heavy metals from dirt, coal tar, sludge, slurries and aqueous particulates.
US07731836B2	Process for the desulfurization of gasolines comprising a desulfurization by adsorption of the light fraction and a hydrodesulfurization of the heavy fraction The invention relates to a process for the desulfurization of gasolines comprising a stage for fractionation of said gasoline into a light fraction that comprises thiophenic compounds such as thiophene or methylthiophenes, and a heavy fraction that concentrates the heaviest aromatic sulfur-containing compounds. The heavy fraction is treated by hydrodesulfurization, while the light fraction is brought into contact with a solid adsorbent that makes it possible to eliminate at least partially said light thiophenic compounds, whereby said adsorbent solid is regenerated by a flow internal to the process.
US07731833B2	Plating method and apparatus for controlling deposition on predetermined portions of a workpiece The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for plating a conductive material on a workpiece surface in a highly desirable manner. Using a workpiece-surface-influencing device, such as a mask or sweeper, that preferentially contacts the top surface of the workpiece, relative movement between the workpiece and the workpiece-surface-influencing device is established so that an additive in the electrolyte solution disposed on the workpiece and which is adsorbed onto the top surface is removed or otherwise its amount or concentration changed with respect to the additive on the cavity surface of the workpiece. Plating of the conductive material can place prior to, during and after usage of the workpiece-surface-influencing device, particularly after the workpiece surface influencing device no longer contacts any portion of the top surface of the workpiece, to achieve desirable semiconductor structures.
US07731830B2	Mold tooling with integrated conformal thermal management fluid channels and method An electroformed tool has an integrated base with channels contacting the tool with heat exchange fluids flowing through the channels during molding or embossing. A blank base is machined with a network of interconnected open channels on a top surface and end flow through passageways communicating with the channels. The tool is used as an electrode to erode the top surface of the blank base using plunge electro discharge machining by lowering the uneven deposit on the bottom of the electroformed tool down onto the top surface of the blank base in the electro discharge machining environment to form a top contoured surface to mate with the uneven deposit on the non-molding side of the substrate. Thermal management fluid channels are thereby conformal to the mold cavity. The tool and base are sealed together.
US07731827B2	Method for capturing charged molecules traveling in a flow stream The invention relates to a method for capturing charged molecules of interest traveling in an electrolyte flow stream through an electrically non-conductive channel, comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode individually separated from said channel, but in electrical contact with said flow stream, by a conductive ion selective semi-permeable membrane. Said membrane interferes with the normal migration of ions towards its respective electrode, generating at least two zones of different electric field. Balance between hydrodynamic and electrical forces captures certain ions into the flow stream. it also relates to a device for performing the method.
US07731826B2	Controlled translocation of a polymer in an electrolytic sensing system An electrolytic sensing system for measuring a blocking signal allows for controlled translocation of a molecule, such as DNA, through a fluid channel. A substantially constant electric field supplied by a DC source is applied across the fluid channel and induces translocation of the molecule within the system. An oscillating electric parameter (e.g. current or voltage) supplied by an AC source is also applied across the fluid channel as a means for measuring a blocking signal. The substantially constant electric field can be altered to provide more detailed control of the molecule and, optionally, run a select portion of the molecule through the channel multiple times to provide numerous signal readings. A temperature control stage cools the system, providing further control of molecule translocation. A modified or non-modified protein pore may be utilized in the fluid channel. The system allows for long DNA strands to be sequenced quickly without amplification.
US07731822B2	High capacity angled tower A column for distillation or fluid-fluid separation is oriented at an angle to the horizontal other than vertical to provide increased transfer plate surface area within the interior of a column of determined diameter and to reduce overall height of the structure.
US07731821B1	Reduction of sulfur-containing gases during conversion of coal into metallurgical coke A method of reducing sulfur-containing gases during conversion of a coal slab into metallurgical coke is disclosed. A sulfur-reducing agent is added to a coal slab, which may contain compacted coal aggregate. The coal slab, including the sulfur-reducing agent, is heated to produce metallurgical coke, which results in a reduced amount of sulfur-containing gases relative to an amount of sulfur-containing gases that would be produced by converting the coal slab into metallurgical coke without adding the sulfur-reducing agent to the coal slab before the coal slab is heated. The sulfur-reducing agent may be applied as a coating to the coal slab. The sulfur-reducing agent may include at least one of calcium carbonate, limestone, lime, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, and the like.
US07731819B2	Method of making creped towel and tissue incorporating high yield fiber An absorbent sheet of cellulosic fiber typically includes at least about 15% by weight of high coarseness, generally tubular and lignin-rich cellulosic fiber based on the combined weight of cellulosic fiber in the sheet. Lignin-rich high coarseness, generally tubular fiber employed may be characterized by a coarseness of at least about 20 mg/100 m and an average length of 2 mm. The sheet is prepared by way of a process including applying a dewatered web to a heated rotating cylinder and creping the web from the heated cylinder with an undulatory creping blade. Preferred lignin-rich, high coarseness, generally tubular fibers include thermo and chemi mechanical pulps. A particularly preferred embodiment is a sheet including at least about 15% BCTMP.
US07731817B2	Interlocking tooth bond for assembly of fiber composite laminates An improved method of joining fiber composite laminates is disclosed. Two fiber composite laminates may be joined together end-to-end. The bonding is done through the thickness of the fiber composite laminates. There are two ways to form the bond: (1) non-interlocking; and (2) interlocking.
US07731812B2	Thick film conductor case compositions for LTCC tape Methods of forming a multilayer circuit comprising: a) forming a patterned array of vias in a plurality of layers of green tape; b) filling the vias in one or more of the green tape layers from (a); c) printing over at least one surface of the green tape layers from step (b) with at least one patterned layer of a thick film composition consisting essentially of: i) electrically conductive powder; ii) an inorganic binder wherein the inorganic binder is selected from TiO2 and any compounds that can generate TiO2 during firing and any one of the following compounds: Sb2O3, Co3O4, PbO, Fe2O3, SnO2, MnO, CuO and mixtures thereof; and iii) an organic medium, wherein the total inorganic binder is in the range of 0.6 wt. % to about 2 wt. % of the total composition. d) laminating the printed green tape layers from step (d) to form an assemblage comprising a plurality of unfired interconnected functional layers separated by unfired green tape; and e) cofiring the assemblage from step (d).
US07731811B2	Analytic substrate coating apparatus and method An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.
US07731805B2	Dishwasher rack lift system A rack support system for a lower rack in a dishwasher is provided for a dishwasher having a wash chamber within a tub. The rack support system includes a frame configured to support the lower rack. A linkage system couples the frame to a side wall of the tub such that the lower rack is movable between a retracted position within the wash chamber and an extended position wherein the lower rack extends from the wash chamber. The lower rack is movable within a range between a lowered position and an elevated position with the lower rack extended from the wash chamber.
US07731804B2	Lid operating mechanism for a drawer-type dishwasher A dishwasher includes an outer housing, a drawer having front, rear, bottom and opposing side walls that collectively define a washing tub, a lid for selectively closing the washing tub and an operating mechanism that raises and lowers the lid as the drawer is shifted into and out of the outer housing. The operating mechanism includes a lifting slider slidably mounted in the outer housing operatively coupled to a lifting spring and a compression slider, also slidably mounted in the outer housing coupled to a compression spring. The lifting slider and compression slider are provided with corresponding lifting rollers and compression rollers that engage the lid. As the drawer is withdrawn from the outer housing, the lifting spring urges the lifting slider upward raising the lid and, as the drawer is inserted into the outer housing, the compression slider forces the lid downward onto the washing tub.
US07731800B2	Systems and methods for single integrated substrate cleaning and rinsing Inventive methods and systems of cleaning patterned integrated circuit (“IC”) substrates are described. The cleaning methods of the present invention include: (1) providing the patterned integrated circuit substrate having thereon poly silicon lines adjacent to each other; (2) charging a solution, which contains at least a solute selected to promote cleaning of the patterned integrated circuit substrate, to produce a charged solution, wherein at least a portion of the solute is present as clusters in the charged solution; and (3) conveying the charged solution for cleaning the patterned integrated circuit substrate.
US07731798B2	Heated chuck for laser thermal processing A chuck for supporting a wafer and maintaining a constant background temperature across the wafer during laser thermal processing (LTP) is disclosed. The chuck includes a heat sink and a thermal mass in the form of a heater module. The heater module is in thermal communication with the heat sink, but is physically separated therefrom by a thermal insulator layer. The thermal insulator maintains a substantially constant power loss at least equal to the maximum power delivered by the laser, less that lost by radiation and convection. A top plate is arranged atop the heater module, supports the wafer to be processed, and provides a contamination barrier. The heater module is coupled to a power supply that is adapted to provide varying amounts of power to the heater module to maintain the heater module at the constant background temperature even when the wafer experiences a spatially and temporally varying heat load from an LTP laser beam. Thus, heat from the laser is transferred from the wafer to the heat sink via the heater module and the insulator layer. In the absence of any laser heating, heat is also transferred from the heater module to the wafer as needed to maintain the constant background temperature.
US07731794B2	High starch light weight gypsum wallboard The invention generally provides gypsum-containing slurries including stucco, naphthalenesulfonate dispersant, and pregelatinized starch. The naphthalenesulfonate dispersant is present in an amount of about 0.1%-3.0% by weight based on the weight of dry stucco. The pregelatinized starch is present in an amount of at least about 0.5% by weight up to about 10% by weight of pregelatinized starch by weight based on the weight of dry stucco in the formulation. Other slurry additives can include trimetaphosphate salts, accelerators, binders, paper fiber, glass fiber, and other known ingredients. The invention also comprises the gypsum-containing products made with such slurries, for example, gypsum wallboard, and a method of making gypsum wallboard.
US07731792B2	Method of producing recycled hardened materials using waste gypsum Disclosed herein is a method for producing a recycled hardened material using waste gypsum. The method comprises treating acidic wastewater generated in the production of copper, zinc or titanium or the production of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and chlorine using saline water, with calcium hydroxide (slaked lime), so as to precipitate sludge, and mixing the precipitated sludge with pulp sludge ashes having pozzolanic properties.
US07731791B2	Use of pyrimido[5,4-g]pteridines as shading component in color filter colorant compositions The present invention relates to the field of color filters and LCDs. More specifically, the invention relates to a colorant composition for making color filters comprising pyrimido[5,4-g]pteridine derivatives of formula (I) wherein A1, A2, A3, and A4 are each independently of the others —NR1R2, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently of the others hydrogen, CrC8alkyl, —CO—C1-C8alkyl, —CO—Ce—Cuaryl, —COO—C1-C8alkyl, —COO—Ce—CMaryl, —CONH-d-Cβalkyl or —CONH—Ce-CMaryl, Or A1, A2, A3, and A4 are each independently of the others —OH, —SH, hydrogen, CrC8alkyl, CrC8alkoxy, or C6-C14aryl or —O—C6-C14aryl each unsubstituted or mono- or poly-substituted by halogen, nitro, cyano, —OR10, —SR10, —NR10R11, —CONR10R11, —COOR10, —SO2R10, —SO2NR10R11, —SO3R10, —NR11COR10 or by —NR11COOR10, wherein R10 and R11 are each independently of the others hydrogen, CrC8alkyl, C5-C12cycloalkyl or C2-C8-alkenyl; and to their use for color filter production and to color filters comprising said pyrimido[5,4-g]pteridine derivatives of formula (I).
US07731788B2	Inkset, ink cartridge, inkjet recording method, and recorded matter An ink set including at least a yellow ink composition, a magenta ink composition, and a cyan ink composition; the magenta ink composition containing as a colorant at least one type of compound expressed by the Formula M-1 in claim 1; the yellow ink composition containing as a colorant at least one type of compound expressed by the formula Y-1 in claim 1; and the cyan ink composition containing as a colorant at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of compounds or salts thereof expressed by the Formula C-1 in claim 1.
US07731783B2	Continuous pressure letdown system A continuous pressure letdown system connected to a hopper decreases a pressure of a 2-phase (gas and solid) dusty gas stream flowing through the system. The system includes a discharge line for receiving the dusty gas from the hopper, a valve, a cascade nozzle assembly positioned downstream of the discharge line, a purge ring, an inert gas supply connected to the purge ring, an inert gas throttle, and a filter. The valve connects the hopper to the discharge line and controls introduction of the dusty gas stream into the discharge line. The purge ring is connected between the discharge line and the cascade nozzle assembly. The inert gas throttle controls a flow rate of an inert gas into the cascade nozzle assembly. The filter is connected downstream of the cascade nozzle assembly.
US07731782B2	Temperature swing adsorption of CO2 from flue gas utilizing heat from compression Adsorption of CO2 from flue gas streams using temperature swing adsorption. The resulting CO2 rich stream is compressed for sequestration into a subterranean formation and at least a portion of the heat of compression is used in the desorption step of the temperature swing adsorption process.
US07731781B2	Method and apparatus for the enhanced removal of aerosols and vapor phase contaminants from a gas stream The invention provides methods and apparatuses for removing aerosols and, in some cases, vapor phase contaminants, such as mercury, from a gas stream. One method is directed to the removal of additional aerosols from a gas stream from which aerosols have previously been removed by using a screen in combination with a primary aerosol collection device. Another method is directed to the removal of both aerosols and vapor phase contaminants by using a sorbent in combination with a screen. Another method is directed to the removal of vapor phase contaminants by using a catalyst to convert the contaminant to a form that is more easily removed from the gas stream and optionally injecting a chemical to increase the rate of conversion. The invention also provides various apparatuses for use in performing the various methods of the invention.
US07731779B2	Method for processing landfill and other stranded gas containing commercial quantities of methane and contaminated by carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen into a pipeline or vehicle quality natural gas product Stranded natural gas, when contaminated by difficult to remove constituents such as Nitrogen and Oxygen, has long been considered uneconomical to process into pipeline quality gas and is abandoned or utilized in other energy applications where economically viable. Landfill Gas (LFG) is often considered a stranded gas although in many instances it is available at reasonable distances to natural gas pipelines, and has only rarely been processed for injection into natural gas pipelines. Other stranded contaminated gases, such as gases vented from remote oil wells or coal beds where access to transportation pipelines is not feasible are also candidates for collection. In many instances, billions of cubic feet of methane rich LFG has been vented or flared into the atmosphere. The present invention utilizes a variety of components and provides a product gas that will meet all known pipeline requirements and/or vehicle fuel specifications without the need for blending with pipeline gas and without using cryogenic separation techniques or partial cryogenic processes. The invention also provides a product gas suitable for further processing into Liquefied Natural Gas.
US07731777B2	Method for processing anode sludge The invention relates to a hydrometallurgical method for separating the precious metals and impurities of anode sludge obtained from copper electrolysis. According to the method, anode sludge copper is separated in atmospheric leaching; calcinated in two steps for separating selenium and for sulfatizing silver; the sulfatized silver is separated by leaching into a neutral aqueous solution, from which it can be separated by reduction or by extraction.
US07731772B2	Rotor unit of a centrifugal separator Rotor unit for a centrifuge for purifying flowing fluids, which rotor unit (12) comprises a plurality of disk elements (14) which are stacked concentrically one on another and provided with at least one centrally located fluid flow-through hole, where the disk elements (14) have lead-through openings by means of which the disk elements (14) are pushed onto a number of essentially axially elongate guide elements (16) distributed in the circumferential direction for guiding the disk elements in the circumferential direction and radially. The disk elements (14) are held together by a first and a second end element (18, 20) at the ends of the stack of disk elements. A central portion of at least some of the guide elements (16) are interconnected by means of a cross-stay construction (36) in order to prevent deflection of the rods owing to the centrifugal force during rotation of the rotor unit (12).
US07731770B2	Separating apparatus A separating apparatus includes a shroud that has a wall having a multiplicity of through-holes. At least one baffle is provided on the inner surface of the wall of the shroud. The baffle directs the airflow entering the shroud towards the central region of the shroud, thereby reducing conflicting air currents. The baffle may also be used to assist correct assembly of the separating apparatus. The baffle may be arranged to locate with a member provided on another component of the separating apparatus, such as a cyclone assembly, in order to locate that assembly in a predetermined orientation.
US07731768B2	Diesel fuel emulsion A fuel emulsion consists of diesel, water and an emulsifier composition having a hydrophile/lipophile balance value of at least 4. The emulsifier composition comprises a polymeric non-ionic surfactant having hydrophilic and hydrophobic repeating units together with at least one component selected from fatty acid esters or partial esters of polyhydric alcohols; alkoxylated fatty acid esters or partial esters of polyhydric alcohols; and alkoxylated primary alcohols. Preferred emulsifier compositions according to the invention include mixtures of the polymeric non-ionic surfactant with at least two of the components. Especially preferred compositions comprise mixtures of the polymeric non-ionic surfactant with the fatty acid (partial) esters or alkoxylated fatty acid (partial) esters. The emulsifier composition may include an emulsion coupler such as a primary alcohol, e.g. octanol.
US07731761B2	Polymeric hair dyes Disclosed are polymeric dyes of formula (1a); (1b); or (1c); wherein A and B, independently from each other represent a polymer backbone; X1 and X2 independently from each other are a linkage group selected from —C1-C10alkylene-; —C2-C12alkenylene-; —C5-C10cycloalkylene-; C5-C10arylene; —C5-C10arylene-(C1-C10alkylene)-; —C(O)—; —(CH2CH2—O)1-5—; —C(O)O—; —OCO—; —N(R1)—; —CON(R1)—; —(R1)NC(O)—; -0-; —S—; —S(O)—; —S(O)2—; —S(O)2—N(R1R2); or the direct bond; R1 and R2 independently from each other are hydrogen; or unsubstituted or substituted, straight-chain or branched, monocyclic or polycyclic, interrupted or uninterrupted C1-C14alkyl; C2-C14alkenyl; C6-C10aryl; C6-C10aryl-C1-C10alkyl; or C5-C10alkyl(C5-C10aryl); Y1 and Y2 independently from each other are a residue of an organic dye; or hydrogen; wherein at least one of Y1 and Y2 is a residue of an organic dye; An1, An2 and An3, independently from each other are an anion; a and b independently from each other are a number from 1 to 3; m is a number from O to 1000; n is a number from O to 1000; and p is a number from 1 to 1000; wherein the sum of m+n+p≧3.
US07731759B2	Control of a passive prosthetic knee joint with adjustable damping The invention relates to the control of a passive prosthetic knee joint with adjustable damping in the direction of flexion such that a prosthetic unit attached to the knee joint can be adapted for climbing stairs.
US07731758B2	Implant for subcutaneous or intradermal injection The invention concerns an injection implant for filling up wrinkles, thin lines, skin cracks and scars, for reparative or plastic surgery, aesthetic dermatology, and for filling up gums in dental treatment. The invention concerns the use of biologically absorbable polymer microspheres or microparticles suspended in a gel. Said suspension is produced either ready-for-use or freeze-dried. The biological absorbability of the microspheres is controlled and enables the production of implants having well defined persistence and deliberately limited to 3 years.
US07731755B2	Posterior stabilized mobile bearing knee A posterior stabilized mobile bearing knee prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial tray, and a bearing. The femoral component is configured to be implanted in a surgically prepared femur, with the tibial tray being configured for implantation in a prepared tibia. The bearing is supported on a platform of the tibial tray and rotates relative to the tray.
US07731751B2	Expandable spinal devices and method of insertion A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable from a first circumference to a second circumference through axial compression of segments of the device, particularly once the device has been properly situated within a vertebral space. The interbody/intravertebral body device is characterized by a plurality of axially stacked, individual segments that are provided on a central insertion and deployment rod. Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference.
US07731749B2	Bone anchoring device A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra and a head, a connection element for connecting at least two anchoring elements, a receiving part having a first end receiving the head, wherein the head is pivotable in the receiving part, and a second end comprising a recess for receiving the connection element, a first pressure element which exerts pressure on the head to lock the head in the receiving part, and a second pressure element which exerts pressure on the connection element to press the connection element against the first pressure element. The contour of the surface of at least the first pressure element or the second pressure element facing the connection element deviates from the contour of the surface of the connection element.
US07731747B2	Vascular bifurcation prosthesis with multiple thin fronds An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis for placement at an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support and a plurality of fronds extending axially from an end of the support. The support is configured to be deployed in at least a portion of the branch body lumen. At least one of the plurality of fronds is extendable into the main body lumen.
US07731743B2	Coiled-sheet stent-graft with slidable exo-skeleton A stent-graft having an exo-skeleton attached to a tubular graft, the tubular graft having a peripheral wall defining a lumen therein extending between first and second ends. One or more support elements, defining the exo-skeleton, are attached to the tubular graft, each support element extending generally peripherally around the tubular graft, each support element including generally axial segments and generally peripheral segments. A plurality of first fasteners attach the plurality of support elements to the wall of the tubular graft, at least one generally axial segment being slidably engaged by each first fastener. A plurality of second fasteners also attach the plurality of support elements to the wall of the tubular graft, each second fastener substantially anchoring a generally peripheral segment of the respective support element to the wall of the tubular graft. The stent-graft also includes first and second stents on the first and second ends for substantially anchoring the respective ends within a body passage.
US07731742B2	Stent A stent (10) for transluminal implantation comprises a first, second and third stent section (11, 12, 13) for splinting and/or keeping open a hollow organ which are connected to each other via elastic tubular sections (14, 15). The stent (10) combines at least three different stent designs in one stent and can therefore be adjusted to the motion behavior of a hollow organ in an improved fashion (FIG. 1).
US07731737B2	Methods and apparatuses for fixation of the spine through an access device In a method of treating the spine of a patient, an access device is inserted into the patient with the access device in a first configuration having a first cross-sectional area at a distal portion thereof. The access device is actuated to a second configuration having an enlarged cross-sectional area at the distal portion thereof such that the distal portion extends across at least a portion of each of two adjacent vertebrae. A stabilization of the vertebrae is then achieved using either translaminar facet screw fixation or transfacet pedicle screw fixation.
US07731735B2	Open axle surgical implant A surgical implant engageable by a surgical tool having spaced apart jaws with inward facing tubular protrusions, is provided. The implant includes a body for interfacing with a bone structure. The implant also includes a head connected with the body having spaced apart posts juxtaposed by a stabilization member receiving area. Each post has an outward side face that includes an upper generally vertical surface intersecting with a generally inward directed under surface that in turn intersects with a lower generally vertical surface. The side face has a generally tubular cylindrical indention intersecting the upper vertical surface and the inward directed under surface.
US07731732B2	Closure medical device A closure device for closing a puncture wound has a distal section that can be placed against the interior wall of a vessel and a proximal section that bunches in the tissue tract to close the wound. One variation of the device provides for removing the distal section from the vessel so that it resides also in the tissue tract after the proximal section has been securely bunched and lodged within the tissue tract in order to provide unobstructed fluid flow in the vessel.
US07731729B2	Method and apparatus for penetrating tissue A tissue penetrating system includes a plurality of penetrating members each having a tip. A penetrating member driver is coupled to the plurality of penetrating members. Each tip of a penetrating member is uncovered during launch of the penetrating member by the penetrating member driver. A support is provided with a plurality of openings. Each opening receives a penetrating member.
US07731727B2	Medical instrument to place a pursestring suture, open a hole and pass a guidewire A therapeutic instrument for the ergonomic, effective and safe opening and closing of targeted remote tissue sites; includes a pistol grip style handle with a hand activated lever for needle deployment and, optionally, with features to control tissue cutting and guide wire installation; also incorporates a specialized elongated rigid or flexible instrument shaft, which enables vacuum assisted holding of tissue at a uniquely contoured distal tip, where placement of a suture in a purse string configures occurs along with, if desired, tissue cutting and guide wire passage.
US07731723B2	Medical retrieval device A medical retrieval device has a multi-prong retrieval assembly. The multi-prong retrieval assembly has a first position, in which the retrieval assembly extends from the distal end of the sheath to form an open ended grasping device, and a second position, in which the retrieval assembly extends from the distal end of the sheath to form a substantially close ended basket-type retrieval device. When the retrieval assembly is used as a basket-type retrieval device, the distal ends of the prongs of the retrieval assembly that form the basket are not connected to each other. Thus, captured objects may be released by the operator, or by applying sufficient force to separate one or more of the prongs.
US07731721B2	Plating system with multiple function drill guide A bone fixation system including a bone plate and surgical drill guide is provided. The drill guide assembly includes one or more alignment drill tubes that are remotely aligned with corresponding fastener holes in the bone plate, and a plate holder to engage a hole in the bone plate. The surgical drill guide is releasably lockable to the plate holder.
US07731720B2	Systems and methods for injecting flowable materials into bones Systems and methods provide greater control over the placement of cement and other flowable liquids into bone.
US07731716B1	Irrigation set adaptor and control panel for electro-coagulation An adaptor for an irrigation set which includes an elongated cannula having an enlarged portion opposite the operative end thereof and a downwardly extending channel removably coupled to the manifold of a standard or label suction irrigation set for suction and irrigation fluids. The manifold is connected to suction and irrigation lines through respective valves. A bracket extends downwardly from the enlarged cannula portion and a hand control panel is mounted thereon with switches to activate cutting and electrocoagulation with an electrode, which is retractable within the cannula.
US07731713B2	Versatile irrigation system dissector A versatile irrigation system dissector for laparoscopic surgery comprises an elongated lumen having an elongated slim tip electrode slidably mounted therein and having a cutting tip extendable therefrom at one end. The lumen is connected at the other end to a manifold mounted on a handle, which includes a pair of switches to regulate the inlet and outlet flow through the lumen for irrigation and suction purposes. A control panel on the handle regulates the current to the tip for either cutting or coagulating. Thus, several operations may be performed with a single handheld instrument in a highly efficient and rapid action.
US07731711B2	Cryosurgical instrument and its accessory system The invention proposes a cryosurgical instrument and its accessory system operating on the base of a refrigerant evaporation. The invention comprises combination of some technical solutions. Flow in a central lumen of the cryosurgical instrument has oscillating character; the refrigerant is provided on the internal surface of the distal cryotip in the form of separated portions. 2. The internal surface of the distal cryotip of the cryosurgical instrument is covered by a porous coating, which soaks completely one portion of the refrigerant. 3. Vapors obtained as a result of the refrigerant boiling on the porous coating of the cryotip are removed through the central lumen into the atmosphere. Combination of these technical solutions allows to construct a safely cryosurgical instrument with high freezing power and small outer diameter. The proposed cryosurgical instrument may be designed as a flexible cryocatheter or as a rigid cryoprobe.
US07731709B2	Optical height zeroing device A leveling device for determining the zero pressure point of an external draining system with respect to a patient is provided. The leveling device generally includes a body having a viewing element defining a field of vision, and a reference point indicator spaced apart from the viewing element and disposed within the line of vision. The viewing element and the reference point indicator define a line of sight. The device further includes a horizontal level indicator mated to the body and oriented parallel to the line of sight established by the viewing element and the reference point indicator. The horizontal level indicator is effective to indicate the horizontal alignment of the body with respect to a particular reference point viewed through the viewing element and indicated by the reference point indicator. The device can optionally include a reflector element disposed adjacent the horizontal level indicator and within the field of vision, such that the horizontal level indicator is visible through the viewing element via the reflector element.
US07731708B2	Catheter system with attachable catheter hub A hemodialysis catheter assembly adapted for use in a subcutaneous tunneling procedure incorporates a mechanism for securing the catheter hub member to the elongated catheter, and to provide the requisite fluid communication between fluid passages within the hub and the catheter lumens within the catheter. The catheter hub member may be connected to the elongated catheter after implantation of the catheter via a subcutaneous tunneling procedure.
US07731702B2	Closed wound drainage system A portable closed wound drainage system that uses a pouch shaped dressing which is inserted into a wound. At least a portion of the outer surface of the pouch is porous to allow exudates to enter. Exudates are removed from the pouch by flexible tubing which is secured inside the pouch at one end and secured at the other end to a portable drain/suction unit. The pouch contains porous material. The tubing can have a single or multi-lumen structure. The pouch and the tube are sealed by a flexible sealing material which is applied to the outer surface of the skin. A cosmetic cover sheet is attached to the patient's skin over the closed wound drainage system.
US07731700B1	Subdermal injection port A subdermal injection port may include a housing, a first chamber within the housing, and a second chamber within the housing. The subdermal injection port may also include a needle stop between the first chamber and the second chamber. The subdermal injection port may further include an outlet in the housing, with the outlet being in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber.
US07731698B2	Device for administering an injectable product in doses A device for administering an injectable product in doses including a casing having a receptacle for a container which contains the product and accommodates a piston such that the piston can advance towards an outlet for delivering a selected product dosage, a dosing member, with which a dosing movement can be performed relative to the casing for selecting the product dosage, a drive unit, which can be coupled to the casing and the dosing member such that the drive unit can be adjusted relative to the casing from a dosing starting position to a dosing end position by the dosing movement of the dosing member, an operating mechanism which causes the drive unit to perform a delivering movement by which the piston is advanced towards the outlet, and a restoring spring, which is secured in a tensioned state and is coupled to the drive unit by a release for causing a restoring movement of the drive unit towards its dosing starting position.
US07731697B2	Apparatus and method for percutaneous catheter implantation and replacement A medical apparatus and method of use for implanting a catheter in a patient's body which catheter can be easily positioned, repositioned, and replaced. The apparatus includes an elongate sleeve comprising a wall surrounding an interior passageway extending from a sleeve proximal end to a sleeve distal end. The sleeve is intended to be percutaneously implanted through an incision in the patient's skin to place the sleeve distal end subcutaneously. The sleeve distal end outer surface carries porous material intended to contact the patient's dermis to promote tissue ingrowth. The sleeve passageway is dimensioned to snugly accommodate the outer surface of the catheter while permitting the catheter to slide relative to the sleeve. A split ring locking member is selectively operable in an unlocked state for permitting axial and rotational movement of said catheter relative to said sleeve and operable in a locked state for preventing such relative movement.
US07731695B2	Caged floating seal assembly A seal assembly establishes sealing engagement with a plurality of differently dimensioned instruments passing through a trocar. The seal assembly is a caged seal assembly movably disposed within the trocar and includes at least two seal segments disposable into and out of a sealing orientation relative to the instrument. A cage structure of the seal assembly includes at least two cage segments each connected to a seal segment, a biasing assembly connected to the cage structure and disposed and structured to normally bias the seal segments into sealing orientation.
US07731691B2	Subcutaneous infusion device and device for insertion of a cannula of an infusion device and method An infusion device including a site and a set for delivery of a substance to a patient. The site can include a cannula that is introduced into a subcutaneous layer of skin of the patient. The set can be coupled to the site by placing the set over the site and moving the set from an unlocked to a locked position. The set can be oriented at multiple rotational orientations with respect to the site, and can be coupled and uncoupled with the site multiple times. Also included is a device for inserting a subcutaneous infusion device into a subcutaneous layer of skin of a patient. Some devices automatically retract a needle used to introduce the cannula. Upon full introduction of the needle and associated cannula of the subcutaneous infusion device into a subcutaneous layer of skin of a patient, the device can move the needle into a retracted state.
US07731690B2	Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery An apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container, an actuator, and a biasing member. The actuator is configured to move the medicament container within the housing when the actuator is moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The actuator includes a gas container and a puncturer. When the actuator is in the first configuration, a portion of the puncturer is disposed apart from the gas container. When the actuator is in the second configuration, the portion of the puncturer is disposed within the gas container. The gas container has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the medicament container. The biasing member is configured to bias the actuator toward the second configuration.
US07731685B2	Coated medical device A coated medical device adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient is provided. The medical device is preferably an implantable balloon with a bioactive deposited or within the balloon. The balloon can further include a hydrophilic material positioned between the balloon and a bioactive material posited on the balloon.
US07731683B2	Endoluminal occlusion-irrigation catheter with aspiration capabilities and methods of use A catheter system comprising a guidewire, an endovascular catheter, and an aspiration catheter. The guidewire has an expandable occluder mounted on a distal end. The guidewire and the endovascular catheter are insertable into a lumen of the aspiration catheter. The aspiration catheter also includes infusion and aspiration lumen(s) and port(s). Methods of using the catheter system for treating a vascular lesion and removing embolic material during the procedure are also disclosed.
US07731677B2	Ultrasonic surgical system An ultrasonic surgical system enables connection of a hand switch as well as a foot switch, which is used to operate a driving signal generator, without the necessity of retrofitting a main unit including the driving signal generator used to drive an ultrasonic transducer incorporated in a connected handpiece. An extension unit is included for connecting the foot switch and hand switch to the main unit. The foot switch and hand switch are connected to the main unit via the extension unit.
US07731674B2	Walking assistance device A walking assistance device having a leg link connected to a load transmit portion via a first joint and to a foot attachment portion via a second joint, and having an intermediate third joint moving such that a distance between the first joint and the second joint is variable; a drive source for the third joint; and a battery for the drive source. When in an upstanding position, force in the forward-backward direction is prevented from acting on the load transmit portion to enhance stability. Also, a moment of inertia of the leg link is decreased to curtail a load applied to the leg of the user. The drive source and the battery are located at positions higher than the third joint, and when the user is in an upstanding position, a plane passing through the second joint lies between the drive source and the battery.
US07731673B2	Walking assisting device A compact and easy-to-use walking assisting device capable of reducing constrained feeling given to a user and allowing a free swing of the arms of the user in walking. The walking assisting device comprises one or more leg links to which ground contact members are connected at their lower ends respectively and a load transfer portion connected to the upper ends of the leg links, in which at least a part of the weight of the user is supported by the leg links via the load transfer portion, wherein the load transfer portion includes a seat member for the user to sit astride, wherein connecting portions with the upper ends of the leg links connected thereto are attached to the undersurface of the seat member, and wherein the connecting portions have a degree of freedom allowing the forward/backward and lateral swings of the leg links.
US07731669B2	Guidewire formed with composite construction and method for making the same A composite guidewire comprising a proximal wire segment having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the distal end being formed with a first flat planar bonding face which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, the proximal wire segment having a first elasticity; a distal wire segment having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the proximal end being formed with a second flat planar bonding face which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, the distal wire segment having a second elasticity; wherein the first and second flat planar bonding faces of the proximal wire segment are formed complementary to one another; and further wherein the proximal and distal wire segments are joined together by bonding the first flat planar bonding face to the second flat planar bonding face in an overlapping manner and a method for forming a composite guidewire.
US07731668B2	Methods and apparatus for sampling and analyzing body fluid A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.
US07731667B2	Bone marrow biopsy needle A biopsy needle for removal of tissue from a patient including an outer tube; an inner tube within the outer tube; and a snare connected to the inner tube and to the outer tube. The outer tube has an outer surface that has a first region that terminates in the distal end and is the distalmost section of the outer tube and a second region adjacent the first region. The first region represents a tip transition region and has a frustoconical shape that is defined by an outer surface area (A) and is defined by a cross-sectional area (Ba) at the interface between the first and second regions in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the needle, the interface representing a base of the frustoconical first region, wherein a ratio R=(A)/(Ba) is approximately 1 for a predetermined needle type, such as an 8 gauge needle.
US07731666B2	Apparatus and method for delivery of an aerosol An apparatus for measuring lung ventilation, comprising: a pressure device to measure volume of air flow; an aerosol-generating device that provides aerosol particles to be released at a determined point in a breathing cycle; a mouthpiece with a detector that measures the concentration of aerosol particles for a given volume during the breathing cycle; and a computing device configured to provide lung ventilation data as a function of time constants.
US07731663B2	System and method for generating a trend parameter based on respiration rate distribution Systems and methods provide for assessing the heart failure status of a patient and, more particularly, to generating a trend parameter based on a distribution of the patient's respiration rate. Systems and methods provide for detecting, using an implantable device or a patient-external device, patient respiration and computing a respiration rate based on the detected patient respiration. A distribution of the respiration rate is calculated, and a trend parameter based on the respiration rate distribution is generated. The trend parameter is indicative of a patient's heart failure status. An output signal indicative of the patient's heart failure status may be generated based on the trend parameter.
US07731661B2	Method for imaging the mechanical properties of tissue An imaging system comprises a device to excite mechanical waves in elastic tissue, a device for measuring the resulting tissue motion at a plurality of locations interior to the tissue at a number of time instances, a computing device to calculate the mechanical properties of tissue from the measurements, and a display to show the properties according to their location. A parameter identification method for calculating the mechanical properties is based on fitting a lumped dynamic parametric model of the tissue dynamics to their measurements. Alternatively, the mechanical properties are calculated from transfer functions computed from measurements at adjacent locations in the tissue. The excitation can be produced by mechanical vibrators, medical needles or structures supporting the patient. The measurements may be performed by a conventional ultrasound imaging system and the resulting properties displayed as semi-transparent overlays on the ultrasound images.
US07731658B2	Glycemic control monitoring using implantable medical device An apparatus for monitoring a patient's blood glucose level. The apparatus includes an implantable medical device having a controller and an implantable heart sounds sensor configured to transmit signals to the controller of the implantable medical device. The controller is configured to determine if a patient is hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic based on the signals from the heart sounds sensor. A method is also disclosed that includes sensing the patient's heart sounds, determining the amplitude of the S2 heart sound, determining the length of the interval from the S1 heart sound to the S2max heart sound, determining the length of the interval from the S1 heart sound to the S2end heart sound, and determining the patient's blood glucose status based on the patient's heart sounds.
US07731656B2	Image display system, image display device, image display method In an image display system that displays the condition of a person under measurement in a visible form, the person carries a PDA (10). The PDA (10) includes a bio-sensor (11) to detect bio-information on the person and an environmental information sensor (12) to acquire information on the environment around the person. The PDA (10) sends the acquired information to an image display device (20) which is connected to the PDA (10) via a network (100). The image display device (20) includes a CPU (29) that judges the condition of the person on the basis of bio-information and environmental information, generates an image representing the condition of the person and displays the image on a display unit (23).
US07731654B2	Delivery device with viewing window and associated method A delivery device for positioning and deploying an implantable device within a lumen is provided. The device includes an inner tube positioned within an outer tube and capable of sliding therein, wherein the inner and outer tubes have proximal and distal ends. A side opening is defined in each of the inner and outer tubes, wherein each side opening is defined proximate to the implantable device and is capable of substantially aligning with the other side opening. The device includes an optical device capable of viewing at least a portion of the lumen prior to deploying the implantable device when the side openings are aligned with each other. A mechanism is coupled to at least one of the inner and outer tubes and is operable to deploy the implantable device within the lumen.
US07731653B2	System and method for genetically treating cardiac conduction disturbances The present invention provides delivery systems for and methods of delivering conduction protein genetic material to cardiac cells in localized areas of the heart to improve the conductance therein. More specifically, there is provided a system and method for delivering connexin proteins or nucleic acid molecules encoding connexin proteins to a site in the heart which has been determined by mapping procedures to have a conduction disturbance. For cases where conduction is impaired, selected genetic material is delivered to cells around the disturbance area, in order to enhance overall conductivity patterns; in other cases, genetic material is selected to slow conduction in affected areas, so as to prevent, e.g., brady-tachy syndrome.
US07731650B2	Magnetic capture and placement for cardiac assist device A system and method for capturing and placing a cardiac assist device on a heart. A cardiac assist device is delivered to a chest cavity of a being through an opening provided in a chest wall. A magnetically charged tether is provided at each corner or extremity of the cardiac assist device. Capture instruments magnetically couple with a corresponding tether. The magnetically coupled instruments and tethers then maneuver the cardiac assist device to a desired position about the heart. The cardiac assist device is then secured directly to the heart or to anchoring devices separately provided and secured to the heart.
US07731648B2	Magnetic nanoscale particle compositions, and therapeutic methods related thereto Disclosed are thermotherapeutic compositions for treating disease material, and methods of targeted therapy utilizing such compositions. These compositions comprise a) stable single domain magnetic particles; b) magnetic nanoparticles comprising aggregates of superparamagnetic grains; or c) magnetic nanoparticles comprising aggregates of stable single magnetic domain crystals and superparamagnetic grains. These compositions may also comprise a radio isotope, potential radioactive isotope, chemotherapeutic agent. These methods comprise the administration to a patient's body, body part, body fluid, or tissue of bioprobes (energy susceptive materials attached to a target-specific ligand), and the application of energy to the bioprobes so as to destroy, rupture, or inactivate the target in the patient. Energy forms, such as AMF, are utilized to provide the energy. The disclosed methods may be useful in the treatment of a variety of indications, including cancers, diseases of the immune system, central nervous system and vascular system, and pathogen-borne diseases.
US07731647B2	Device for placing a paper bag bottom A device for placing a paper bag bottom produces score lines on the ends of tubular segments which are used for producing bags, applies glue layers to the folded bottoms on the extremities of the tubular segments and/or to sheets for gluing them with the bottoms with the aid of gluers and connects and glues the folded bottoms and the sheets. The device has at least one gluer which includes at least one glue reservoir or at least one glue duct, the glue contained in the reservoir or in the duct being exposed to a pressure higher than ambient pressure. The glue reservoir or the glue duct is provided with at least one output orifice for applying the glue to the sheets and/or to the folded bottoms.
US07731646B2	Method of and apparatus for sealing zipper to a substrate A reclosable fastener (10) comprising a two-part body and a single flange (16) is located between two webs (34) of material from which a bag is to be made on a form-fill-seal machine. The fastener is attached initially to the inside of one web (34) by the flange (16). The combination passes between sealing jaws (44) to seal the webs to the fastener at thickened zones (30) at the margins of the body By making the body compact, and by using sealing jaws (44) which are longer than the body, the webs (34) form around the ends of the fastener body.
US07731643B2	Exercise machine An exercise machine for exercising the muscles of the upper body, in which a pushing or pulling movement can be performed in a direction approximately between horizontal and vertical towards or away from the shoulder joint of the user, with the user seated in the same position.
US07731641B1	Adjustable dumbbell An adjustable dumbbell includes a handle having a narrowed neck segment formed on each end portion and having a base plate attached to each end portion, two or more weight members each having a slot for receiving the narrowed neck segment of the handle, and each having an enlarged opening communicating with the slot for receiving the handle and for retaining the weight members to the handle when the weight members are offset from the narrowed neck segment of the handle, and a lock nut is engaged with the handle for quickly retaining the weight members to the handle after the weight members have been disengaged from the narrowed neck segment of the handle.
US07731640B1	Adjustable kettlebell An adjustable kettlebell includes a threaded shaft having a narrowed neck segment formed on one end portion and having a base plate attached to the other end portion, two or more weight members each having a slot for receiving the narrowed neck segment of the shaft, and each having an enlarged opening communicating with the slot for receiving the shaft and for retaining the weight members to the shaft when the weight members are offset from the narrowed neck segment of the shaft, and a lock nut is engaged with the shaft for quickly retaining the weight members to the shaft after the weight members have been disengaged from the narrowed neck segment of the shaft.
US07731638B2	Exercise machine with moving user support and multiple part linkage An exercise machine has a main frame and a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation about a user support pivot axis between start and end positions. The user support frame has at least a primary support and a secondary support for supporting spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise movement. The user support pivot axis is spaced below at least one of the supports in at least one of the exercise start and end positions. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames for engagement by the user in performing exercises, and a multiple part connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
US07731636B2	Resistance system for an exercise device A resistance system for an exercise device may include: a drive shaft configured to be operably connected to a movable part of an exercise device such that movement of the movable part causes the drive shaft to rotate; and a resistance source operably connected with the drive shaft and configured to resist rotation of the drive shaft. An exercise device may include: a drive shaft rotatably supported by a frame; a resistance source operably connected with the drive shaft and configured to resist rotation of the drive shaft; and first and second treadle assemblies pivotally connected with the frame and including respective moving surfaces. In such an exercise device, the first treadle assembly and the second treadle assembly may be operably connected with the drive shaft such that pivotal movement of the first treadle assembly and pivotal movement of the second treadle assembly cause the drive shaft to rotate.
US07731635B2	Cross training exercise device An exercise device includes a frame, a pair of foot supports, and at least one four-bar linkage assembly coupled to the frame. The at least one linkage assembly is coupled to at least one of the foot supports. The four-bar linkage assembly directs the foot support in a generally elliptical motion while in use. The generally elliptical motion defines a major dimension extending at an angle from horizontal that is within the range of about thirty degrees (30°) to about seventy-five degrees (75°) and the major dimension having a length that is within the range of about ten inches to about eighteen inches.
US07731631B2	Weightlifting apparatus A weightlifting apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart support columns which carry a pair of spaced-apart self-spotter bars. The self-spotter bars extend from the columns such that the height and optionally the angle can be adjusted. The self-spotter bars are positioned to hold a weight bar at a safe height should the user drop the weight during an exercise.
US07731628B2	Control apparatus for vehicle and method of controlling vehicle A control apparatus for a vehicle includes an engagement-pressure control portion that increases the engagement pressure to a predetermined pressure for a friction engagement element to be engaged during a torque phase of an upshift in an automatic transmission. When the inertia phase starts, the control apparatus increases the engagement pressure at a predetermined gradient. The control apparatus also includes a torque-boost control portion that executes a torque-boost control that boosts the torque output from the power source during the torque phase; and a torque-boost permission portion that determines whether the torque-boost control should be restricted. When it is determined that the torque-boost control should not be restricted, the predetermined pressure is set to a greater value, and the predetermined gradient is set to a smaller value than when it is determined that the torque-boost control should be restricted.
US07731626B2	Method and system for controlling a hybrid vehicle A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle drive has a device for detecting a charging power of a heavy-duty battery for an electric motor, a device for determining at least one fuel consumption parameter for several different transmission gear positions at the detected charging power and for determining an optimized gear position in which the determined fuel consumption parameter indicates an optimized fuel consumption. The determining device controls the gear position of the transmission to the determined optimized gear position by via a transmission control device.
US07731622B2	8-speed transmissions The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, one fixed interconnection and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US07731621B2	8-speed transmission The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US07731620B2	8-speed transmission The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, a grounded member and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US07731619B2	Variable motion control device and method of use Variable motion control devices and methods of use. The devices and methods relate to providing an output, such as a rotational shaft output, transmitted from a rotational shaft input, with the output varying based on a control input. The devices and methods are used, for example, to provide a variable output for use with a compressor, power take off, or transmission or differential application. To provide the variable output, the devices and methods include use of mechanical component systems, such as spur gear planetary systems, ring gear planetary systems, bevel gear arrangements, or combinations of such features. The control input is implemented, for example, by arrangements of bindably meshed gears, tension between pulleys joined by belts or similar arrangements of sprockets and chains, use of magnetic clutches, hydraulic or pneumatic controls, or braking devices.
US07731616B2	Variable motion control devices for transmission and other implementations and methods of use thereof Numerous implementations of variable motion control devices and methods of use thereof. The devices and methods provide variable output to such output devices as vehicles. The variable motion control devices are locatable between output devices and power sources, such as in vehicle transmission applications between the engine and driveline, wherein an output of a power source is input into the device, which, in turn, provides a variable output to the vehicle drive line or other output application.
US07731612B2	Arrow launched media reservoir An arrow having an arrowhead assembly attached thereto is provided for marking a remote location with a marking media. The marking media is preferably in the form of a paint ball or a scent ball. The arrowhead assembly includes a media reservoir defining a cavity and a plurality of supports extending outward from the media reservoir along a longitudinal axis. The supports secure the marking media within the cavity in a press-fit connection. In one embodiment, a cap and a resilient nose cone are attached to the media reservoir, surrounding the marking media, to prevent damage to a target upon impacting the target.
US07731608B2	Golf ball A golf ball having an indicia composed of a novel metallic ink is disclosed herein. The first indicia is preferably composed of a vacuum metallized pigmented ink having a particle size ranging from 10 microns to 12 microns. The ink is preferably an aluminum based ink. The golf ball is preferably a two-piece solid golf ball or a three-piece solid golf ball. The novel ink preferably has a viscosity above about 300 centipoise.
US07731604B2	Golf club iron head Embodiments of an iron type golf club head that defines a heel-portion, a mid-portion, and a toe-portion are disclosed. A mass of the heel-portion exceeds 35% of a combined mass of the heel-portion, mid-portion, and toe-portion. The heel-portion includes an opening to receive a weight insert located within a mass pad to provide heel biased weighting. The head further includes an undercut region in the toe-portion.
US07731603B2	Golf club head Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a golf club head having improved mass distribution characteristics. The golf club head includes a body and a face positioned at a forward portion of the body. The golf club head also includes one or more mass elements positioned at predetermined locations about the head. The mass elements assist in achieving desired relationship between the moment of inertia about a center of gravity x-axis and the moment of inertia about a center of gravity z-axis.
US07731592B2	Fixation arrangement for bearing bushings on a universal joint yoke A universal joint yoke includes a yoke base and two yoke arms, each respectively having a through extending bearing bore, a circular arc groove having a center that is arranged on a bore axis or is off-set from the bore axis toward the yoke base, and at least one securing recess on the outer face. A separate securing element for each yoke arm has an engagement portion with an outer circumference that is adapted to the circular arc groove and engaging the same and at least one securing portion that projects from the securing element in the direction away from the center and that engages the at least one securing recess and that secures the securing element against rotation around the center. A securing device retains the securing elements on the universal joint yoke.
US07731590B2	Creation of ranking table for competitive game Game apparatuses connected in a peer-to-peer manner play a competitive game with each other. Each of the game apparatuses stores a ranking table ranking points of multiple users based on past games of the users. When finishing playing the game, the game apparatuses respectively calculate points obtained by the respective users based on the result of the game, and update the ranking tables based on the newly calculated points. The game apparatuses transmit and receive information on the updated ranking table to and from each other. Each game apparatus integrates the ranking table locally stored with the ranking table transmitted from the other game apparatus to generate a new ranking table, and displays the new ranking table on a display device.
US07731587B2	Prize game apparatus A prize game apparatus that has plural pairs of pickup arms and can adjust the distance between the pairs of pickup arms is provided.A prize game apparatus includes: a pickup unit capable of moving in specified directions; plural pairs of pickup arms attached to the pickup unit; an opening/closing unit for opening and closing the pairs of pickup arms; and a distance adjustment unit for adjusting the distance between the pairs of pickup arms by moving the pair(s) of pickup arms; wherein a prize is picked up or released by closing or opening the pairs of pickup arms.
US07731586B2	Method and system for remote gaming Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods by which a player may remotely participate in casino gaming activity. Such aspects may include a video camera configured to provide visual data concerning the casino gaming activity to the player, a microphone configured to provide audio data concerning the casino gaming activity to the player, and a data network coupled with the video camera and the microphone. In such aspects, the player may be located in a hotel guest room, the hotel guest room may include a video display coupled with the data network, and one or more buttons of a remote control device associated with said video display may be configured to control said player's remote participation in the casino gaming activity.
US07731585B2	Game system including slot machines and game control method thereof A game system for playing a basic game, includes: slot machines which, when a combination of “BONUS” symbols stop in a winning line, transmit a signal for switching to a roulette game; a second game device, separate from the slot machines, which executes a second game; and a display for displaying an image corresponding to game status of the second game device. In cases in which the switching signal has been transmitted from any one of the slot machines, other slot machines enter a mode that allows the players at the other slot machines to participate in the second game. Furthermore, the game system includes a central controller which can communicate with the slot machines, the second game device, and the display, and which, upon reception of the switching signal from the slot machine, transmits a roulette game start signal to start the roulette game in the second game device.
US07731584B2	Gaming device having regenerating multiple award opportunities The present invention involves an apparatus and method for regenerating or awarding extra chances or opportunities to a player in connection with a gaming device and preferably in a bonus round of a gaming device. The present invention contemplates regenerating or awarding a plurality of extra chances or opportunities upon the occurrence of a predetermined event. More specifically, the present invention contemplates regenerating or awarding a number of extra chances or opportunities equal to the number of chances or opportunities with which the player enters or begins the game or bonus round of the present invention.
US07731575B2	Ventilation unit which can be dressed like a tight suit or similar A ventilation unit includes a casing which has two openings and an electric connection passage, a filter cartridge, a turbine disposed inside the casing and having an input and an output and a motor, a duct linking the output to the outside area of the casing via the output, another casing with a passage created inside the wall, a control circuit and a source disposed inside the casing, elements for associating the two housings such that the passages form a single passage, a flow meter inside the duct. The control circuit includes an exit which can issue a first alarm signal when the electric energy value of the source falls below a threshold. The ventilation unit is suitable for the ventilation of nuclear protection suits, bacteriological protection suits or protective suits in hospital environments.
US07731574B2	Mechanism for opening a vent cover A vent assembly has a base and a cover connected to the base. The cover moves between a closed and open position. A fan is optionally mounted for rotation in the base. A mechanism, including a strut system, raises and lowers the cover. The strut system is connected with the cover at two positions spaced from one another. When the cover is in its closed position, a retention force is provided by the strut system and is distributed about the cover.
US07731573B2	Method, system, and apparatus for modifying surfaces The present disclosure is directed to method, apparatus, and system for uniformly supporting flexible surface modifying articles during surface modification as well as enabling replacing and repositioning thereof for improving their useful service life as well as improving dust and debris control management.
US07731572B2	CMP head A CMP head includes a membrane support and a membrane. The membrane support is disk-shaped, having an origin and a radius R. The membrane support has at least a ventilator disposed in a central region within the range between origin and (⅔) R, and at least a diversion opening disposed in a peripheral region within the range between (⅔) R and R. The membrane includes a disk-shaped part disposed on the first surface of the membrane support, and an annular part surrounding the annular sidewall of the membrane support.
US07731564B2	Undergarment with memory foam insert Disclosed is a use of a memory foam insert in bras, camisoles, shorts, and briefs. The memory foam insert is designed to limit and prevent the bouncing motion through the breast and gluteal area during rigorous athletic activity. The invention conforms and molds itself to the individual's shape and figure, thereby allowing for a comfortable and secure fit.
US07731561B2	Plush character having spinning nose elements A plush toy that has a spinning nose construction. The plush toy includes a plush character form made of a sewn body shell that is filled with soft stuffing. The sewn body shell terminates along open seam edges in a head section. The open seam edges define an opening. A motor is positioned in the head section of the plush character form. The motor is positioned so that the shaft protrudes out of the head section through the opening. To prevent the motor from moving, the open seam edges of the sewn body shell are fastened directly to the motor. A nose structure is provided that is coupled to the motor. The nose structure includes a proboscis and a plurality of elongated elements that radially extend from the proboscis. An array of lights can be attached to at least one of the elongated elements.
US07731560B2	Motorized interactive figure The present invention provides for an interactive figure with a head, body and waist cavities, arms, legs and two motorized wheelbases. The body and waist cavities include a gear mechanism. The motorized wheelbases control the movements of the interactive figure via a relationship between the gear mechanism and motors housed within the motorized wheelbases by distributing power to the motors based on a user's input or a preprogrammed response.
US07731558B2	Illuminated toy building structures The present device is an illuminated building block device that mimics the look of a laser. The building block includes a non-opaque body comprising at least two mechanical connectors. At least two electrically independent conductors each traverse the body from each connector to each other connector. At least one LED is electrically connected to at least two of the electrical conductors. With at least two building blocks mechanically connected, a power source may be applied to one of the connectors of one of the building blocks to illuminate each LED. Preferably, the body of the building block is generally transparent and is capable of transmitting light from a colored LED to a connected block, thus mimicking the look of a laser. The invention also comprises a set of building blocks that permits light from an LED to pass from one connected block to an adjacent connected block.
US07731557B2	Toy airplane with finger roller launching system A toy airplane with a specialized launching configuration. The toy airplane has a body that extends between a nose and a tail. A roller assembly is disposed at the nose of the toy airplane. The roller assembly includes a free rotating finger roll that protrudes to the left and to the right of the nose. When a person launches the toy airplane, that person places his/her fingers behind the finger rolls on either side of the nose. As a person makes a throwing motion, the fingers roll off of the finger rolls just as the toy airplane is reaching its maximum velocity. The presence of the finger rolls, therefore, prevents a person from holding onto the toy airplane too long as it is being thrown.
US07731550B2	Electric connector An electric connector (1) has an attachment portion (2) for attachment to an electric conductor, a connecting portion (3) for connection to a mating electric connector, and a damping portion (4) which joins the attachment portion (2) to the connecting portion (3) and comprises a bottom wall (5) connected to one of the two portions and a top wall (6) connected to the other of the two portions. The bottom wall (5) and the top wall (6) lie on advantageously parallel planes, and are connected by one side wall (7).
US07731549B2	Plug-type connector for use on a glow plug and having an integral projecting blade contact A plug-in connector for connecting to a glow plug in a diesel engine has a circular cross section and a plastic base body on which at least one strip contact is coaxially provided. The strip contact has a longitudinally extending slit and at least one protruding projection on the base body. After the strip contact is installed on the base body the projection is deformed in such a way that it projects at least partially over at least one web of the strip contact after being deformed.
US07731548B2	Coaxial connector and a structure for attaching the coaxial connector to a connector housing A coaxial connector having excellent shielding performance. The coaxial connector 30 includes a coaxial cable 12, an outer conductor terminal 32 connected to a top end of the coaxial cable 12, an opening portion 34, stabilizers 36, and an engaging piece 44. The opening portion 34 locks a locking piece of a connector housing used to house the coaxial connector 30, the stabilizers 36 control an insertion orientation of the coaxial connector 30 into the housing, the engaging piece 44 engages with the locking piece, and they are provided on a peripheral surface at a main section of the outer conductor terminal 32. The opening portion 34 is closed by a main section of an outer conductor terminal of a counterpart coaxial connector when the connectors are mated. The engaging piece 44 functions as a guide plane when the stabilizers 36 are inserted into a slit of the housing.
US07731547B2	Electrical contact device An electrical contact device includes a housing having an insulating material and defining a first housing opening and a second housing opening, at least one shaft disposed in the housing, and a metal contact group disposed in the housing. The metal contact group includes a first contact connection assigned to the first housing opening and a second contact connection assigned to the second housing opening. The contact group has at least one attachment recess and the at least one shaft engages with the at least one attachment recess so as to secure the contact group.
US07731546B2	Microelectronic contact structure A probing apparatus can include a plurality of contact probes, which can be of a type that is disposed along an axis. Each contact probe can include a contact portion, a base portion, and resilient portion. Multiple arms can form the resilient portion, which can be disposed between the contact portion and the base portion. The contact probes can be configured to twist when compressed. The probing apparatus can also include a substrate with through holes, and the contact probes can be inserted into the through holes. The resilient portion of each of the contact probes can bias the contact portion such that at least a portion of the contact portion extends out of a through hole.
US07731544B2	U-shaped electrical connector spring devices and methods According to some embodiments, an electrical connection assembly comprises a conductive support having a pair of longitudinal conductive slots for receiving a corresponding pair of longitudinal conductive pins; and a U-shaped conductive spring coupled to the conductive support. The conductive spring comprises a pair of conductive longitudinal spring sides each aligned with a corresponding longitudinal conductive slot, and a spring top plate interconnecting the spring sides along corresponding top regions of the spring sides. Each spring side has a pair of parallel longitudinal slots defined therein. The longitudinal slots separate an outer perimeter section of the spring side from a central section of the spring side. The central section includes a contact tab configured to establish contact with a longitudinal conductive pin. The central section further includes an inward-bending support tab configured to press a bottom part of the outer perimeter section outward to establish contact with the conductive pin.
US07731542B2	Wire containment cap A wire containment cap includes a first side having a plurality of retainers for retaining wires, and a second side opposite the first side. Two sidewalls extend between the first side and the second side, and a support rib extends between the two sidewalls. The support rib includes two pair separators for separating wire pairs. In one embodiment, a plurality of sloped pair splitters is located between two of the retainers and includes a sharp point for cutting through insulation material on a pair of bonded wires. A communication jack assembly including a front portion and the wire containment cap is also described.
US07731541B1	Backplane connector with one-piece insulative bases A backplane connector has a housing, a first insulative base, a second insulative base, multiple first terminals, multiple second terminals and multiple third terminals. Each of the insulative bases is mounted in the housing and is formed into one-piece. The first terminals are mounted on the first insulative base. The second terminals are mounted on the second insulative base. The third terminals are mounted on the insulative bases. The one-piece insulative bases excellently reduce their tolerances and raise the structurally strength of the backplane connector. Therefore, the production rate of the backplane connector increases.
US07731540B2	Electrical power delivery system and method of manufacturing same In some embodiments, an electrical power delivery system including: (a) a base having: (1) a first surface; and (2) a second surface spaced apart from the first surface by a first sidewall; (b) a platform extending away from the second surface of the base, the platform having a third surface spaced apart from the second surface by a second sidewall; (c) a first electrical power outlet at the third surface; (d) a second electrical power outlet at the second sidewall; and (e) an electrical power cord. The first electrical power outlet and the second electrical power outlet are electrically coupled to the electrical power cord such that the first electrical power outlet and the second electrical power outlet receive electrical power from the electrical power cord when the electrical power cord receives electrical power.
US07731539B2	Connector for memory card In order to provide a connector for a memory card that seeks the reduction of the number of parts and the reduction of costs, there is provided a connector for a memory card including an insulating housing having plural power contacts and signal contacts lined up, and an accommodating unit for allowing installation of a memory card therein to bring an electric circuit in the memory card and an electric circuit on a printed circuit board into electrical connection through the power contacts and the signal contacts. A detecting contact for detecting that the memory card has been installed in the accommodating unit is further provided in the insulating housing along the power contact and the signal contact, and a leading end of the detecting contact is placed so as to be in contact with a pad of the memory card accommodated in the accommodating unit.
US07731537B2	Impedance control in connector mounting areas A high speed connector with reduced crosstalk utilizes individual connector support frames that are assembled together to form a block of connector units. Each such unit supports a column of conductive terminals in two spaced-apart columns. The columns have differential signal terminal pairs separated from each other by larger intervening ground shields that serve as ground terminals. The ground shields are arranged in alternating fashion within the pair of columns and they are closely spaced together so as to face a differential signal terminal pair. In areas where the terminals are mounted to the connector units, window-like openings are formed in the large ground shield terminals to reduce the amount of broadside coupling between the differential signal terminal pair and the signal terminal pair are narrowed to increase their edge-to-edge distance to account for the change in dielectric constant of the connector unit material filing in the area between the signal terminal pair.
US07731534B1	Electrical connector with improved buckling tab An electrical connector has an insulating housing defining a recess. A receiving plate extends frontward from a rear surface of the recess and spaced apart from a bottom surface thereof. A shell coupled with the insulating housing to form an insertion space where the receiving plate is located has a connecting plate located between the receiving plate and the bottom surface of the recess. A portion of the connecting plate is extended and curved upwards and then curved downwards and upwards sequentially to form a substantial split ring-shaped resilient element. The resilient element comprises an upper resistive portion located adjacent to the receiving plate and a lower resistive portion located adjacent to the bottom surface of the recess. A free end of the lower resistive portion extends obliquely upwardly to form a connecting portion. A distal end of the connecting portion forms a propping portion located above the connecting plate.
US07731532B2	Connector A connector, comprising a connector body (11) having a flange (19), a shell (17) forming a contour part, and a reinforcement member (53). The reinforcement member (53) further comprises a reinforcement part (67) in contact with the flange (19) in which screw holes (57) are formed and an engagement part (65) engaged with the shell (17). The reinforcement member (53) is detachably fitted to the connector body (11).
US07731530B2	Waterproof plug for connector, waterproof connector comprising the same and method of attaching the same A waterproof plug for a connector, includes an elastically deformable seal member for sealing a housing which houses terminals fixed at edges of electric cables in the inside thereof. The seal member is housed inside the housing by press-fitting, and has at least two elements holding the electric cables by sandwiching from both sides and tightly contacting with outer peripheral surfaces thereof.
US07731524B2	Blind docking electrical connector Method and apparatus for blind docking an electronic device or module with an electrical connector, for example within a rack for a computer system. A forwardly-directed power connector is secured to a distal end of at least one rail or shelf bracket for blind docking with a rearwardly-directed power connector on the electronic module. The shelf bracket securing the forwardly-directed electrical connector is included in a pair of longitudinally-extending shelf brackets secured to opposing vertical side walls of a rack at a common elevation to form a module bay. The electronic module may slide along the shelf bracket until a rearwardly-directed power connector of the electronic module blind docks with the forwardly-directed power connector. A boss or alignment stud may be included on the bracket to improve alignment of the connectors. The forwardly-direct electrical connector may also be secured to the bracket with a floating connection to enable minor adjustments in alignment during blind docking.
US07731520B1	Blade and receptacle power connector An electrical connector for supplying power to a circuit board or the like. The electrical connector has a housing with contact receiving cavities extending from a wire-receiving face to a mating face. Alignment cavities are positioned adjacent the contact receiving cavities and extend from the mating face toward the wire-receiving face. Contacts are positioned in the contact receiving cavities. Each contact has a wire-receiving portion and a contact section. The wire-receiving portion has power wires terminated thereto, and the contact section is positioned in the contact receiving cavities proximate the mating face. A connector latch arm extends from the housing and has a latch projection provided proximate the mating face of the housing. The latch projection is movable relative to the housing.
US07731517B2	Inherently sealed electrical connector An entirely wearable electrical connector for power/data connectivity. The principal element of a modular network is the wearable electrical connector, which is integrated into a personal area network with USB compatibility. An embodiment comprises a non-conductive elastomeric environmental seal.
US07731513B1	Conductive assembly and electrical connector having the same An electrical connector and a conductive assembly thereof are disclosed. The electrical connector includes an insulating body disposed with a plurality of receiving spaces, a first conductor correspondingly received in a receiving space and one end of the first conductor is hollowed out to form a receiving cavity, a liquid conductor stored in the receiving cavity, a second conductor, and a compressive elastic member. The second conductor having a main body that part thereof exposes outside of the receiving cavity, a guiding connection part extended from one end of the main body and located in the receiving cavity, and a stopper disposed between the main body and the guiding connection part. The compressive elastic member is arranged between the stopper and the bottom of the receiving cavity while the maximum compression distance of the compressive elastic member is larger than the distance between the rear end of the guiding connection part and the liquid conductor. Compared with the prior art, the conductive assembly and the electrical connector with the conductive assembly provide stable electrical connection.
US07731509B1	Battery connector A battery connector includes an insulating housing defining a receiving cavity cutting through a top surface and a bottom surface thereof and a conductor accommodated in the corresponding receiving cavity of the insulating housing. The conductor includes a substantial inverted U-shaped contacting portion exposed beyond the top surface of the insulating housing. A pair of substantially symmetrical elastic portions which extends downward from two lower free ends of the contacting portion respectively is restricted in the receiving cavity. A pair of soldering portions extends from two lower ends of the elastic portions. Because the conductor has a substantially symmetrical structure, the force acted on the conductor is shared out equally between the pair of elastic portions. Therefore, the conductor is prevented from offsetting when the battery connector is in use. It ensures the stable contact between the battery and battery connector.
US07731508B2	Adapter board, socket, and device for connecting an electronic controller to the connection leads thereof An adapter board for connecting an electronic controller to the connection leads thereof includes a printed circuit board having at least two pins, which can be inserted into connections for the connection leads of the electronic controller. The adapter board also includes a plug-in connector, which can be plugged into a mating plug-in connector of a socket and which can be brought into a signal connection with the connection leads. The pins are connected to the plug-in connector in an electrically conductive manner via the printed circuit board.
US07731507B1	Electric connector An electric connector is disclosed to include an electrically insulative housing, which has solder ball receiving portions, terminals respectively mounted in the housing corresponding to the solder ball receiving portions, each terminal having an endpiece, which defines with the sidewall of each of the solder ball receiving portions a respective receiving chamber, and solder balls respectively movably accommodated in the receiving chambers defined by the endpieces of the terminals and the sidewalls of the solder ball receiving portions.
US07731506B2	Pin layout of a golden finger for flexible printed circuitboard A pin layout of a golden finger for FPC is disclosed, which comprises: a substrate; a first conductive layer, having a plurality of first routings; a second conductive layer, having a plurality of second routings; and a plurality of conductive members; wherein the first and the second conductive layers are formed respectively on the two opposite sides of the substrate in a manner that each first routing is electrically connected to its corresponding first pin, while disposing a plurality of second pins, without contacting to the first pins and the first routings, on the side of the substrate where the first conductive layer is disposed for corresponding each of the second pins to the extensions of the plural second routings; and the plural conductive members are disposed forming electric connections between the second routings and the second pins in respective.
US07731505B2	Three-dimensional connector for a coordinate input device A three-dimensional connector for a coordinate input device, which provides a touch pad and a support plate under said touch pad, includes a flat conductor cable. The flat conductor cable has an end connecting with the touch pad and another end providing a plurality of conductive lines. Each of the conductive lines corresponds to and is perpendicularly penetrated with a connecting pin; said connecting pin has a head section to press-fit with said flat conductor cable, extends through a slot, which is provided at the support plate next to said touch pad, to act as a contact such that said flat conductor cable is capable of transmitting electronic signal along a direction perpendicular to said flat conductor cable. Hence, the flat conductor cable can be connected firmly without loosening so as to enhance compactness of the three-dimensional connector substantially.
US07731501B2	Underwater drawing tablet An underwater writing and drawing tablet that stretches a length of waterproof (plastic) vellum between two rollers over a flat surface thereby enabling the user to easily draw or write on said vellum and permanently save the drawing and writing.
US07731500B2	Vascular-access simulation system with three-dimensional modeling The illustrative embodiment is a simulation system for practicing vascular-access procedures without using human subjects. The simulator comprises a data-processing system and a haptics device. The haptics device provides the physical interface at which an end effector, which is representative of a medical instrument (e.g., a needle, catheter, etc.), is manipulated with respect to a haptics-device base to simulate instrument insertion. The data-processing system, by exchanging signals with the haptics device, provides a three-dimensional simulation that includes the resistive forces that a medical practitioner would experience if the simulated procedure were an actual procedure that was being performed on a real anatomy (e.g., human arm, etc.). The simulator displays the ongoing simulation and assesses the performance of its user.
US07731497B2	Method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis and an appliance for implantation thereof A method of manufacturing a dental prosthesis to be implanted in a jaw of a patient, including the production of a radiological guide whose image, when the guide is placed in position on the jaw of the patient, can be processed for introducing virtual implants and guide cylinders in a surgically appropriate position; drilling holes into the guide on the basis of information obtained from the processing and placing real guide cylinders into the holes in order to form a surgical guide; placing the surgical guide on a pattern of the patient's jaw and drilling holes into the pattern through the guide cylinders; placing implant analogues into the holes drilled into the pattern; and producing the dental prosthesis on the pattern. Also, an appliance for carrying out the manufacturing method.
US07731496B2	Adjustable orthodontic apparatus An adjustable orthodontic apparatus formed by at least one base plate having opposing sides, the first side being a tooth engaging side and the second side having a plurality of columns of protrusions and channels created by the columns of protrusions and at least one connecting plate having opposing sides, the first side having a plurality of columns of protrusions and channels created by the columns of protrusions. The protrusions are designed to travel within the channels during an adjustment stage. A securing device locks the connecting plate to a desired position on the base plate.
US07731491B2	Fuel storage devices and apparatus including the same A fuel storage device in accordance with a present invention includes a fuel containing substance and a heater in thermal communication with the fuel containing substance.
US07731489B2	Valve for co-injection molding apparatus A coinjection molding apparatus includes at least one manifold having a first manifold melt channel and a second manifold melt channel. A hot runner nozzle is located between the manifold and a mold gate. The nozzle has melt channels communicating with the first manifold melt channel and the second manifold melt channel. A valve has a movable valve member for increasing and decreasing flow of melt in one of the melt channels of the nozzle. The valve member receives a pressure force from the melt. An actuator provides a control force to the valve member. The valve member moves in response to a difference between the pressure force and the control force.
US07731486B2	Compressor with dual pathways for returning lubricating oil This invention provides a compressor that can efficiently return lubricating oil through an oil storage chamber to a lubrication target site without residence of the lubricating oil within the discharge chamber and can prevent deterioration in lubrication performance. The compressor comprises a housing having a discharge chamber for lubricating oil-containing hydraulic fluid and a discharge port communicating with the discharge chamber, a rotational shaft extended into the housing, a compression unit for the suction, compression and discharge of the hydraulic fluid through the drive of the rotational shaft, and a lubricating oil separator comprising a separation chamber and an oil storage chamber. The separation chamber is provided between the discharge chamber and the discharge port in the housing. The oil storage chamber is located below the separation chamber. Lubricating oil separated from the hydraulic fluid in the separation chamber is introduced through an oil hole is stored in the oil storage chamber. The compressor further comprises a communication section for directly communicating the discharge chamber and the oil storage chamber without through the separation chamber.
US07731477B2	Insulated housing apparatus for use with an attic fan An insulated enclosure apparatus for use with an exhaust fan such as an attic fan which includes an upper frame through which air can exhaust and a lower frame for receiving air passing thereinto. The outer portion of the frame includes an upper frame and the lower frame that are each formed as two-piece units. Vertically extending panels extending therebetween to house the fan. A pivot axle is attached to the undersurface of each of the two doors for facilitating automatic opening and closing responsive to whether the fan is operating. Limit pins are included to restricted the distance of movement of the doors when opened. Gaskets can be attached along the door edges for sealing thereof to the upper frame.
US07731474B2	Cassette insertion control method A cassette insertion control method, wherein when a cassette (1) is sent to the storage part (41) of a garage (8a), the cassette (1) is tilted without positioning the garage (8a) and the cassette (1) to oppose to each other, and sent to the front opening part (40) of the garage (8a) from a tip corner part (45) of the cassette (1), thereby to securely store the cassette (1) in the garage (8a). Thus, even if the accuracy of the stop position of a picker running in a direction parallel with the arranged direction of the garage is not so high, the cassette can be securely stored in the garage.
US07731473B2	Medicine tray supply apparatus A medicine tray storage member (100) capable of storing medicine trays (7) in a stacked condition includes: a tray support member (101) for supporting the medicine trays (7); a tray transport member (102) having a transport mechanism for transporting the medicine trays (7), the tray transport member constituting a part of the tray transport line (3); and a control portion for allowing the tray support member (101) to move down to put the stacked medicine trays (7) on the tray transport member (102), thereby allowing the tray support member (101) to support and move up the next medicine tray (7) positioned above the lowermost one, and allowing the tray transport member (102) to supply the medicine tray (7) situated at the lowermost position to the tray transport line (3). The tray transport member (102) includes cut out portions (11) receiving movable leg portions (125) of a carrier (123) on which the medicine trays (7) in a stacked state are loaded.
US07731472B2	Method and apparatus for transporting a motorized vehicle The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting a motorized vehicle, such as a wheelchair, between the loading bridge and cargo bin of an aircraft in a timely manner. According to one embodiment of the invention, a metal cage assembly is implemented with a drop down ramp at the front and an adjustable floor that is raised by a lever handle on either side, outside of the frame. The assembly can be attached to an end of aircraft cargo belt loader by a strap that is wrapped around the belt frame and tightened via a ratcheting clamp. The adjustable floor can be raised or lowered at one end to offset the angle of the belt loader when it is raised to an upright position, for example, to reach a galley door of an aircraft. Angling of the adjustable floor can allow the floor to be substantially parallel to the loading bridge or aircraft cargo bin, thereby enabling the easy transfer of a motorized wheelchair to and from various compartments of the aircraft. The present invention can eliminate injuries to employees, prevent damage to the customer's motorized wheelchair and provide prompt service to physically impaired airline customers.
US07731471B2	Motor vehicle tire carrier A motor vehicle tire carrier includes a housing having an aperture. A drive shaft is rotatably secured to the housing. A spool is positioned in the housing and is rotatably driven by the drive shaft. A flexible elongate member has a first end secured to the spool, is wound about the spool, and extends through the aperture in the housing. A wheel plate is secured to a second end of the elongate member and is configured to support a motor vehicle tire. A crash plate is secured to the housing and has an aperture through which the elongate member extends, with the housing being secured to the crash plate. A guide member on the crash plate has an arcuate surface about which the elongate member will bend when the tire carrier is subject to a lateral force.
US07731468B2	Bookbinding coil end cutting and crimping machine A machine for cutting and crimping the ends of a helical coil inserted into holes at an edge of a book to hold the coil in place is adjustable to accommodate different diameters of coil. A guide member for centering the axis of the coil in a centering direction is adjustable to accommodate different diameter coils and for adjusting the location of the axis in an adjustment direction at right angles to the centering direction depending upon the diameter of the coil. A cutting device has a blade movable in a slot of an anvil to shear on one side and to bend on the other side to form a crimped end portion. The adjustment of the axis causes the cutting device to cut the end portion longer for larger coils. The cutting device is adjustable to rotate the anvil relative to the axis to accommodate different helix angles.
US07731466B2	Thread profile modification for controlled stiffness The thread form can provide a controlled thread stiffness which can more evenly distribute loads and can be less sensitive to changes in relative pitch. The controlled stiffness of the thread can provide a desired cantilever bending of the thread under assembled load. The thread form can utilize a traditional thread form at and/or above the pitch diameter, thereby maintaining the area of contact close to that of a standard thread form. Standard gaging implements can be used to ascertain the thread pitch and for quality control. The thread form includes a side extending between the crest and the root. The side has a first portion extending from the crest toward the root and the second portion extending from the first portion toward the root. The first and second portions extend toward the root in different orientations relative to the thread.
US07731462B2	Bulkhead for dividing a cargo container into two compartments A bulkhead for dividing a cargo container into separate compartments. The bulkhead has a first side facing a first compartment and a second side facing the second compartment. One or more bars are attached to the first side of the bulkhead. In one aspect, mounting brackets having a vertically aligned elliptical opening permits the fastening bar to have some play to better operate during instances of rough transportation.
US07731461B2	Load-bearing rail A load-bearing rail is provided for the cargo space of a motor vehicle, which is used for accommodating a load-bearing eyelet that can be guided therein in a movable and lockable manner. To provide a load-bearing rail for the cargo space of a motor vehicle, which may assume additional functions in order to both keep the weight low and to reduce the number of parts and thus to lower the cost of production, the load-bearing rail is provided with a bracket, which sticks out laterally and which serves as a support for a floor of the cargo space.
US07731460B2	Self-adjusting ULD loading guide and restraint A self-adjusting loading guide and restraint for guiding and restraining aircraft unit load devices includes a base and an arm substantially upwardly extending from the base. The arm includes a vertical restraint portion and guide member having at least one substantially planar guide surface that is pivotally connected to the arm, and is movable between a first guide position and a second guide position. When the vertical restraint portion is engaged with a stowed first unit load device, the guide member assists in guiding a second unit load device away from the first unit load device and the loading guide and restraint and into a stowage location that is adjacent to the first unit load device.
US07731453B2	Method and device for trenchless laying of pipelines Described is a method for the trenchless underground laying of pipes. According to said method, a shield tunnel boring machine and then subsequently pipes are driven through the ground starting from a starting shaft. The shield tunnel boring machine produces a borehole whose diameter is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the pipes. The annular space between the borehole wall and the pipes thereby obtained is filled with a supporting and lubricating agent. During advance, a continuous and periodical examination of the composition of the ground is carried out in the area of the shield tunnel boring machine or the first pipe following the shield tunnel boring machine or the first lubricating point. Depending on the result of the examination, the ground in the examined area is sealed off and/or solidified by a sealing and/or solidifying agent and/or the composition of the supporting and lubricating agent is adjusted.
US07731450B2	Method of operating a compactor machine via path planning based on compaction state data and mapping information A method of operating a compactor machine includes moving the compacting machine within a work area and determining a compaction response disconformity exists between at least two regions of the work area. The method includes generating a compactor navigation signal responsive to the compaction response disconformity. A method of compacting a work area may include determining a work material compaction response associated with at least one region of the work area is aberrant, and maneuvering the compactor machine within the work area responsive to a signal associated with the aberrant compaction response. A system for compacting a work area includes a compactor machine and an electronic controller configured via a compactor maneuvering control algorithm to detect an aberrant work material compaction response in a region of the work area and responsively generate a compactor navigation signal.
US07731449B2	Flexible marker device and methods for making same A flexible marker device comprises a marker body having a bottom end and a top end, and a base for supporting the marker body. The base has an aperture in a center portion thereof and a groove extending about the aperture in an upper surface of the base. The bottom end of the marker body is at least partially disposed within the groove. A cured material, preferably polyurethane, is disposed in the groove to thereby secure the marker body to the base.
US07731448B2	Portable rumble strip A portable rumble strip that is adapted to conform to a roadway having a base portion, grips that adhere to the roadway, and a plurality of vibrators protruding away from the roadway. The vibrators are effective to cause a vibration in a tire when engaged by a moving vehicle and effectively alerting the driver of the vehicle.
US07731447B1	Racing facility pit system A racing facility with a racing surface and a pit road. The pit road includes an pit road entrance connected to the racing surface, a plurality of pit walls defining a plurality of elongate pit boxes/stops each connected at a first end thereof to the pit road entrance, wherein the pit boxes are arranged in a side by side configuration and are arranged at an angle with respect to the pit road entrance and wherein the pit walls are movable such that a given pit box can be defined on a left side or a right side of a respective pit wall. The pit road also includes a pit road exit connected to the pit boxes at opposite second ends thereof wherein at least a portion of the pit road exit is arranged substantially parallel to at least a portion of the pit road entrance. The pit road entrance and/or pit road exit can intersect the racing surfaces at acute angles. The pit boxes can intersect one or both of the entrance and pit road exits at acute angles. Pit wall supports can be permanent or portable and can include resilient impact absorbing surfaces. Fixed designators indicate assigned pit boxes.
US07731440B2	Application material extruding container and forming method of application material extruding container To reduce manufacturing cost of an extruding container, a female thread member (5) integrally has an outer tube (5a) and an inner tube (5b) with an annular space (5s) between them being open to one side in an axial direction, and the inner tube (5b) has a female thread (5e) formed on an inner peripheral surface from one side and to extend in the axial direction and slits (5n) extending in the axial direction and being open to one side, while a core pin including a male thread corresponding to the female thread (5e) and a protruding portion corresponding to the slits (5n), is drawn out from an outer mold after a middle mold having a convex portion corresponding to the space (5s), whereby the core pin can be drawn out without breaking the female thread (5e) as the inner tube (5b) is expanded by the slit (5n).
US07731438B2	Sheet bundle printer and sheet bundle printing system A sheet bundle printer peeling off and performing printing on an uppermost sheet of a peelably adhered sheet bundle includes a print head performing printing on the sheet, a platen roller, at a print position, cooperating with the print head to feed both the sheet and an ink ribbon, pinched therebetween, and a platen moving mechanism moving the platen roller between the print position and a non-print position. The platen moving mechanism includes a manual operation device manually moving the platen roller from the print to non-print positions and a press roller that made to contact or moved away from the platen roller by the manual operation device to move the platen roller from the print to non-print positions while pressing it when the press roller contacts it. At the non-print position, the sheet is allowed to pass between the press roller and the platen roller.
US07731437B2	Paper cutting device and printer A paper cutting device comprising a fixed blade, a movable blade, a movable blade drive mechanism for moving the movable blade, wherein the movable blade and the fixed blade are disposed in substantially perpendicular positions.
US07731434B2	Actuator and blade drive device for camera An electromagnetic actuator includes; a coil for excitation; a stator excited with different magnetic poles by energization of the coil; a rotor magnetized with different magnetic poles in a circumferential direction thereof, and rotated by a magnetic force generated between the rotor and the stator; and an outputting member rotated in conjunction with the rotor and outputting rotational movement of the rotor to a first blade and a second blade. The rotor and the outputting member are jointed by welding and a welding portion of the rotor lies in a boundary of the magnetic poles thereof.
US07731433B1	Optoelectronic surface-mounted device and method for forming an optoelectronic surface-mounted device An optoelectronic surface-mounted device is provided comprising a premolded casing having a first cavity and a second cavity and a leadframe to which a first electrooptical element and a second electrooptical element are mounted. The leadframe is embedded in the premolded casing. The first cavity is adapted for providing a first electromagnetic radiation path between a first waveguide and the first electrooptical element, wherein the second cavity is adapted for providing a second electromagnetic radiation path between a second waveguide and the second electrooptical element. The first cavity and the second cavity are formed in the premolded casing to decouple electromagnetic radiation propagating along the first electromagnetic radiation path from electromagnetic radiation propagating along the second electromagnetic radiation path.
US07731431B2	Electromagnetic radiation shield for an optical subassembly In one example embodiment, an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) shield includes a central portion, an opening defined in the central portion, a wing attached to and extending outward from the central portion, and a protrusion defined in the wing. The perimeter of the EMR shield is approximately the same size and shape as that of a portion of an associated optical subassembly (OSA).
US07731425B2	Polywoven pinch bottom open mouth bag A pinch bottom open mouth bulk material bag fabricated from polywoven material has closures at one or both ends that are non-sewn and which comprise a strip of tape running in the cross-bag direction. The tape is folded over the respective bag end, which may be modified, and is glued in place to close the end. The closure has no holes or other openings through which contaminants may enter the bag interior.
US07731423B2	Mattress cover apparatus having X-ray cassette receptacle and method A protective cover for a cushion or mattress is disclosed. The protective cover has an upper part, an internal pocket to contain a radiography cassette, and an inflatable support element between the internal pocket and the upper part.
US07731421B2	Fluid level indication system and technique A technique that is usable with a well includes changing the temperature of a local environment of a distributed temperature sensor, which is deployed in a region of the well and using the sensor to acquire measurements of a temperature versus depth profile. The region contains at least two different well fluid layers, and the technique includes determining the depth of a boundary of at least one of the well fluid layers based at least in part on a response of the temperature versus depth profile to the changing of the temperature.
US07731419B2	Device, kit and method for monitoring a parameter history A device for determining a parameter history indication of at least one external parameter includes, in at least one embodiment, a first electrode portion, in consuming contact with a first electrolyte, and a second electrode portion, in consuming contact with a second electrolyte. A consumption process of the second electrode portion, in at least one embodiment, is controllable by an amount of consumption of said first electrode portion. The electrolytes are so arranged that consumption rates of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion present different dependencies on the at least one external parameter. A kit of parts including such a device, and a method for determining a parameter history indication of at least one external parameter are also disclosed.
US07731417B2	Temperature detection circuit A PWM signal generation circuit in an IPM includes an amplification circuit amplifying a voltage across terminals of a temperature sensor, a comparison circuit generating a PWM signal based on a triangular wave signal and an output signal of the amplification circuit, and a correction circuit setting an amplification ratio of the amplification circuit such that a pulse width of the PWM signal is set to a reference pulse width in an adjustment mode in which a switching element is caused to have a reference temperature. Consequently, characteristic variations in the temperature sensor, the amplification circuit, and the like can be corrected, and the temperature of the switching element can be detected with high accuracy.
US07731412B2	Fluid-handling apparatus and methods Fluid processing apparatus comprises a fluid-handling manifold comprising a manifold body having at least a first fluid duct and a second fluid duct. The first and second fluid ducts are in fluid communication with each other at a microfluidic junction of the fluid-handling manifold. The manifold body further comprises a transducer operative to generate ultrasonic acoustic traveling wave radiation into fluid in the microfluidic junction from an active surface toward a non-reflective boundary of the microfluidic junction. The microfluidic junction is operative to pass fluid received from the first and second duct, with micro-mixing effected by the traveling wave radiated into the junction during the fluid flow.
US07731410B2	Light-emitting module, method of manufacturing the same and display device having the same A light-emitting module includes a light guiding body, a light-emitting unit and a fluorescent unit. The light-guiding unit has a groove. The light-emitting unit is disposed in a portion of the groove and emits a first light. The fluorescent unit is disposed in a remaining portion of the groove, receives the first light and emits a second light having a different wavelength range than the first light. The fluorescent unit emits the second light to an inner side surface of the groove. Therefore, loss of the first and second light is reduced and light-using efficiency of the light-emitting module is increased. Furthermore, a power consumption of a display device is significantly reduced.
US07731401B2	High efficiency automotive LED optical system An exterior automotive lamp may be formed with LED light sources by efficiently using the available light. The LEDs are arranged in an array to illuminate a central lens to produce the horizontal spread from the central portion of the LED beam. Meanwhile a reflector gathers the more disperse side-emitted portion of the LED beam and directs that light as an outer sheath to form a supplementary portion of the beam. The lamp efficiently provides a beam that may be adapted for highbeam, lowbeam, fog, or signal purposes.
US07731399B2	Illumination in the area of aircraft cabins The present invention relates to an illumination strip for illuminating a handrail recess that itself at the same time forms a handrail; to a hatrack for installation in an aircraft cabin with a correspondingly designed handrail recess that at least in sections can be illuminated; as well as to the use of an illumination strip or a hatrack in an aircraft. The illumination strip comprises a carrier module for accommodating the illumination unit and illumination units accommodated by the carrier module. The carrier module is strip shaped and includes a positive locking member to secure the carrier module of the illumination strip into the handrail in an exchangeable manner.
US07731391B2	System and method for providing a uniform backlight An illumination system includes an illumination source such as an array of LED's over which is provided a diffuser. The illumination source provides light which, because of light refraction, radiates generally uniformly from edge to edge of the diffuser. The diffuser may be a planar flat piece of may include a hollow, cup like structure formed by a frame with a cover. The illumination system may be scaled up to provide multiple such illumination devices side by side to provide a greater area or strength of illumination. Multiple systems may utilize multiple diffusers or a single diffuser covering multiple illumination sources. The illumination source may be mounted to a backplate or heatsink which is larger than the illumination source to facilitate the addition of further electronic circuitry and or mounting capabilities.
US07731387B2	Lighting device with user interface for light control The present invention relates to a lighting device (1) comprising a lighting unit (2) and a user interface (3) for controlling the lighting color and/or intensity of the lighting unit (2). The user interface (3) comprises a physical object (4), which is shaped as a polyhedron, for instance a cube. Orienting the physical object (4), i.e. choosing which side is up, serves to select the color, and rotating the physical object (4) about the side on which it rests serves to change the intensity setting. The user interface (3) generates an output signal, which is the input for a processing unit (9). This processing unit (9) converts this signal into a driving signal suitable for controlling the lighting unit (2).
US07731382B2	Lamp structure The present invention relates to a lamp structure. The lamp structure is mainly installed inside a cabinet, and by opening the cabinet door will enable the electrical circuit of the lamp structure to be a close circuit; vise versa, closing the cabinet door will result in the open circuit of the electrical circuit of the lamp structure. When the electrical circuit is a close circuit, the light emitting part of the lamp structure will generate light to illuminate the internal space of the cabinet so as clearly view the objects location in the cabinet.
US07731380B2	Weapon mount tactical light trigger A weapon mount tactical light trigger includes a mount for Picatinny rail to clamp to a shotgun or rifle, a light mount to clamp a tactical light, and a principle mount to joint both mounts with a trigger base fixed at the back. Components of the trigger base include a trigger to switch on/off the tactical light, a circular shaft to allocate the trigger on the trigger base and a fixing bolt to keep the trigger and switch of the light to stay connected under normal conditions. When a user presses the trigger with a finger, the trigger pivots on the circular shaft and exerts pressure to the switch of the tactical light. The structure design of the trigger base is according to the principle of leverage; via pressing the trigger, it exerts pressure to the switch to turn on/off the light; as the mechanism design of this creation avoids possible shortfall of wire conduction and enhance the performance stability of the tactical light.
US07731376B2	Lighting device for display device and display using the same A backlight device includes a light guide plate opposed to fluorescent tubes, a diffusion sheet stacked on the light guide plate, and lens sheets further stacked on the diffusion sheet. A tip end of a corner portion of the diffusion sheet has a shape defined by removing a portion of the sheet along a straight line spanning between two sides constituting the corner portion. In first of the lens sheets, a tip end portion of a corner portion formed by two sides has a shape defined by removing a portion of the sheet in a larger amount than in the diffusion sheet by a circular arc which projects outward. In a second of the lens sheets, a tip end of a corner portion formed by two sides has a shape defined by removing a larger amount than in the first of the lens sheets along a straight line.
US07731374B2	Reconfigurable instrument cluster An illuminated gauge for a vehicle instrument panel includes a single LCD having at least a first display configuration and a second display configuration different from the first display configuration. A pointer is selectively actuatable to operate within one of the first and the second display configurations. A selector is used to switch between the first and second display configurations.
US07731371B2	Light emitting diode (LED) illumination control system and method An LED illumination system includes control circuitry and first, second and third colored LEDs. The control circuitry sequentially drives the first, second and third colored LEDs in a color cycle frame with relative duty cycles having a known relationship that achieves a color balance. The control circuitry also operates to introduce at least one spoke period in the color cycle frame, during which the first, second and third LEDs are driven in a manner that is controlled to provide brightness adjusting light that matches the color balance achieved by the relative duty cycles of the first, second and third LEDs during sequential driving thereof.
US07731369B2	Method and system for mounting a light engine assembly A system and method for mounting a light engine assembly is provided. More specifically, the system comprises a housing structure including an upper portion and a lower portion, a mounting structure coupled to the housing structure, wherein the mounting structure is not affixed to the lower portion, and a light engine coupled to the mounting structure.
US07731367B2	HDR displays and control systems therefor A controller for a display having a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear projection screen. Elements of the light modulator may be controlled by the controller to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.
US07731366B2	Stress birefringence compensation in polarizing beamsplitters and systems using same An optical system is provided. The optical system comprises a first polarizing beamsplitter (PBS), a first reflecting image-forming device, and a first quarter-wave retarding element. An optical system is also provided that comprises an image-forming device, a reflective polarizing layer, at least a first birefringent element disposed on an optical path between the image-forming device and the polarizing layer, and a quarter-wave retarding element. Further provided is an optical system comprising a color combiner unit, at least two polarizing beamsplitters (PBSs), and a first quarter-wave retarding element. The present application also provides methods of compensating for birefringence in an image projection system.
US07731363B2	Iterative fourier reconstruction for laser surgery and other optical applications Methods, systems and software for determining an optical surface model for an optical tissue system using Fourier transformation algorithms. A method of reconstructing optical tissues of an eye comprises transmitting an image through the optical tissues of the eye. The surface gradients from the transmitted image are measured across the optical tissues of the eye. A Fourier transform algorithm is applied to the surface gradients to reconstruct an optical surface model that corresponds to the optical tissues of the eye.
US07731359B2	Method for the determination of a progressive ophthalmic lens A method for the determination by optical optimization of a personalized progressive ophthalmic lens intended to be inserted into a frame chosen by a given wearer for whom a power addition has been prescribed in near vision, the method comprising the stages of: determining at least one parameter representing the frame chosen by the wearer; measuring parameters representing the wearer's head-eye behavior; weighting the parameters representing the wearer's head-eye behavior with the parameter representing the frame chosen by the wearer; determining power and resulting astigmatism defect targets for each direction of viewing under wearing conditions, the targets being associated with an individual merit function taking into account the weighted head-eye coordination parameters. The method allows the design of the lens to be adapted to the size and the shape of the frame chosen.
US07731358B2	System, apparatus, and method for correcting vision using an electro-active lens A spectacle lens is disclosed. The disclosed lens provides a vision correcting area for the correction of a wearer's refractive error. The viewing correction area provides correction for non-conventional refractive error to provide at least a part of the wearer's vision correction. The lens has a prescription based on a wave front analysis of the wearer's eye and the lens can further be modified to fit within an eyeglass frame.
US07731356B1	Hanging eyeglasses Eyeglasses that can be hung around the wearer's neck, without the necessity of a chain or cord, can be rotated between a normal viewing position, a conventional storage position and a hanging position. In the hanging positions, the rear ends of temple arms are spaced apart by a distance less than the diameter of a normal wearer's neck. In embodiment in which a hinge between the lens frame and the temple arms can be pivoted about three orthogonal axes, the lens frame will lie flat against the wearer's chest or neck. Two hinge configurations that allow the lens frame to lie flat include a ball and socket joint and a multiple hinge joint. The temple arms can also be extended so that the eyeglasses will more comfortably fit around the wearer's neck in the hanging position.
US07731354B1	Spectacle frame A spectacle frame is disclosed as including two frame members which are pivotally movable relative to each other, each frame member being capable of holding a piece of optical lens, each frame member having an outer side and an opposite inner side, and two nose pads each with a free major surface, in which each frame member includes an extension with a tunnel, and each nose pad is engaged with a pin and a stopper for simultaneous movement, and the pins are received within the tunnel of the respective frame member for relative rotational movement to thereby rotate each nose pad relative to the respective frame member, and each stopper is adapted, during rotational movement of the nose pad relative to the respective frame member, to abut the respective frame member to limit the extent of rotational movement of the nose pad relative to the respective frame member.
US07731353B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a printing unit configured to form an image on a recording medium, and a guide device configured to guide the printing unit to be drawn in a direction perpendicular to a recording medium conveying direction in which the recording medium is conveyed. Thus, because the printing unit can be drawn out from the main body of the apparatus, maintenance work to the printing unit can be easily performed in a state that the printing unit has been drawn out from the apparatus.
US07731346B2	Ink-jet recording method, ink-jet ink, ink-jet recording unit, ink cartridge for ink-jet recording and ink-jet recording apparatus The present invention provides an ink-jet recording method for forming an image by applying an ink to a recording medium. The ink contains at least water, a colorant and a surfactant. The content of the surfactant is higher than or equal to the critical micelle concentration of the surfactant, and the ink used has a surface tension lower than or equal to the critical surface tension of the recording medium. The ink is applied on the recording medium, and the surface tension of the ink is increased to a surface tension higher than the critical surface tension of the recording medium after the ink contacts the recording medium.
US07731345B2	Solid ink jet image forming apparatus A solid ink jet image forming apparatus includes a printing unit which fires melted solid ink onto an image on a printing medium for printing, and an ink supplying unit which contains solid ink in a lateral direction of the printing unit. In the case where the solid ink jet image forming apparatus includes a scanning unit reading an image from a document, a user can simply and easily load the solid ink without moving the scanning unit, so that the solid ink jet image forming apparatus has improved installation stability and a compact size.
US07731343B2	Negative pressure ink supply system A negative pressure ink supply system includes (1) a primary ink cartridges, (2) a secondary ink cartridges, which are connected by means of an ink tubes with the negative pressure ink cartridge assemblies provided between the secondary ink cartridges and the jet head. The ink, pumped from the primary ink cartridge, is put into the secondary ink cartridge, wherein it is supplied to the negative pressure ink cartridge and then in turn from the negative pressure ink cartridge to the jet head. The liquid level in the secondary cartridge is lower than the jet head surface and adjustable. The negative pressure ink supply system is suitable for image-printing equipment by supplying liquid ink, such as large format machines, portrait machines, plotters, etc.
US07731341B2	Continuous fluid jet ejector with anisotropically etched fluid chambers A fluid ejection device, a method of cleaning the device, and a method of operating the device are provided. The device includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface. A nozzle plate is formed over the first surface of the substrate and has a nozzle through which fluid is ejected. A drop forming mechanism is situated at the periphery of the nozzle. A fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the nozzle and has a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are positioned at an angle other than 90° relative to each other. A fluid delivery channel is formed in the substrate and extends from the second surface of the substrate to the fluid chamber. The fluid delivery channel is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.
US07731340B2	Liquid jetting head and method for producing the same An ink-jet head includes a channel unit and a piezoelectric actuator. The channel unit has a plurality of plates made of metal and including a cavity plate which is made of metal and in which a plurality of pressure chambers are formed and a supply plate which is made of metal and in which holes communicating with the pressure chambers respectively are formed, and the plates are diffusion-bonded with each other. The piezoelectric actuator has a vibration plate which is diffusion-bonded with the cavity plate. A groove is formed in a partition wall defining the pressure chambers or in an area overlapping the partition wall of the vibration plate, the cavity plate, and the supply plate. There is provided a liquid jetting head in which air hardly remains in the pressure chambers, and deterioration of jetting performance by the air is suppressed.
US07731339B2	Piezoelectric element, actuator device, liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus A piezoelectric element includes a lower electrode film disposed on a substrate, a piezoelectric layer 70 disposed on the lower electrode film, a upper electrode film 80 disposed on the piezoelectric layer 70, wherein the piezoelectric layer 70 is formed of a plurality of columnar grains 70a, and the upper electrode film 80 conforms to the surface shape of each of the grains 70a of the piezoelectric layer 70.
US07731338B2	Ink-jet printer head having laminated protective layer and method of fabricating the same A heat transfer type ink-jet print head and a method of fabricating the same. A method of fabricating an ink-jet print head includes sequentially laminating a heat generation layer and an electrode layer on a substrate, laminating a protective layer on the top surfaces of the electrode layer and the heat generation layer by sequentially laminating a first protective layer and a second protective layer on the top surfaces of the electrode layer and the heat generation layer, and laminating an ink chamber barrier and a nozzle plate on the top surface of the protective layer to form an ink chamber to prevent defects such as “pin-holes” from being generated during the formation of the first protective layer.
US07731337B2	High efficiency heating resistor comprising an oxide, liquid ejecting head and apparatus using the same The present invention is directed to a heating resistor including a conducting oxide having an electric conductivity and a nonconducting oxide having insulation or nonconductivity, liquid ejecting heads and apparatus comprising the heating resistors.
US07731335B2	Data storage device mounting arrangement for printing device The present invention provides a pedestal that protrudes from a fluid reservoir device that retains fluid for a fluid-ejection printing device. A data storage device may be mounted on the pedestal such that when the fluid reservoir device is inserted into a supporting structure, the pedestal and data storage device mounted thereon protrude into or through an opening in a surface of the supporting structure. Consequently, a disconnectable connection to the data storage device may be made at a location other than the inside of the supporting structure. Accordingly, connection to the data storage device is simplified and the risk of damage or a reduction in performance to the data storage device or its electrical contacts from fluid leaks from the fluid reservoir device is reduced.
US07731332B2	Ejection head, image forming apparatus and image forming method The ejection head comprises: n (where n is an integer not less than 2) pieces of ejection aperture groups arranged in a sub-scanning direction, each of the groups including ejection aperture rows arranged at prescribed intervals in a main scanning direction, each of the ejection aperture rows including a plurality of ejection apertures aligned in an oblique direction with a prescribed angle θ (where 0°<θ<90°) with respect to the main scanning direction, wherein: the ejection aperture groups are arranged in such a manner that phases of the ejection aperture groups disposed adjacently in the sub-scanning direction are varied in the main scanning direction so that, in projected ejection aperture rows that are obtained by projecting the ejection apertures of each of the ejection aperture groups to dispose the ejection apertures in the main scanning direction, one of the ejection apertures in one of the groups arranged adjacently in the sub-scanning direction is located between the adjacent ejection apertures in the other of the ejection aperture groups.
US07731329B2	Drum-mounted roller spittoon system and method Various embodiments of a system and method for spitting are disclosed.
US07731327B2	Desktop printer with cartridge incorporating printhead integrated circuit A desktop printer unit having a printhead cartridge, capping mechanism, a media input assembly, a media output assembly and a transfer mechanism. The printhead cartridge defines an ink reservoir and has a pagewidth printhead integrated circuit having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements and the capping mechanism for the nozzles. The transfer mechanism transfers printing media from the input assembly past the printhead integrated circuit to the output assembly.
US07731318B2	Pneumatic ink-jet system A pneumatic ink-jet system is applied in an inkjet printer and uses a negative pressure generator, which is designed according to the Bernoulli's Theory, with a stable airflow in a certain speed to generated stable pressure inside at least one inkpot and at least one print head. Therefore, the at least one print head is kept in an appropriate wet state and the quality of printing is enhanced. Moreover, a top surface of the ink inside the at least one inkpot can be controlled to be higher than the at least one print head, so the pneumatic ink-jet system can be applied in a large format inkjet printer.
US07731314B2	Door assembly and refrigerator using the same A refrigerator includes a body, a compartment within the body, a container within the compartment, a door movable along a first direction with respect to the body and rotatable along a second direction, and a lifting mechanism supporting and elevating the container when the door rotates along the second direction. The lifting mechanism includes a hinge connecting the door with a frame connected with the rail assembly and allowing the door to rotate in the second direction, and at least one lifting bars coupled to the door and supporting and elevating the container when the door rotates about the hinge in the second direction.
US07731312B2	Retaining mechanism for a slide assembly A retaining mechanism for a slide assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a holding member, a blocking member and a fixed plate. The second rail is slidably connected to the first rail. The holding member has a fixed end and slots. The fixed end is fixedly connected to the first rail. The blocking member has a fixed end and an engaging section, and is located between the holding member and the first rail. The fixed end of the blocking member corresponds to the fixed end of the holding member and is fixedly connected to the first rail. The engaging section corresponds to the slots of the holding member. The fixed plate is fixedly connected to the second rail and corresponds to the slots of the holding member.
US07731307B1	Seal guard for compactor A guard for the axle seal of a wheeled tractor being an annular steel structure that bridges the plane of the seal between a spindle and final drive including a pair of axially spaced flanges having circular outer peripheries, at least one of the outer peripheries of the flanges being sized to produce a narrow gap seal with a circular interior surface of a wheel rim, a hub extending axially between the flanges and spaced radially inward of said flange outer peripheries, the flanges, hub and interior wheel surface defining an annular space adapted to trap debris.
US07731306B2	Replaceable wear pad, as well as method for manufacturing wear pads for a crawler track A replaceable wear pad for a crawler track of a tracked vehicle includes base plates for fastening thereto wear pads in a detachable manner, the wear pad includes a tread and a bottom side lying opposite to the tread and facing the base plate, the wear pad containing at least one reinforcing element, and the reinforcing element being molded-in by the wear pad material, the reinforcing element includes at least two holes and the wear pad includes cavities that run coaxially to the holes of the reinforcing element and, coming from the bottom side, end above the reinforcing element and at a distance to the same with the cavities serving the purpose of accommodating fastening devices which are fastened to the reinforcing element of the wear pad.
US07731304B2	Electrohydraulically regulatable vehicle brake system with traction control device The invention relates to an electronically regulatable vehicle brake system with traction control, in which a master cylinder is connected indirectly via a hydraulic unit to at least one wheel brake. The hydraulic unit has electromagnet valves and an externally triggerable pressure generator, for modulating the wheel brake pressure, optionally independently of the driver. For preventing wheel slip, the pressure generator is connected by its intake side to an intake conduit, among other things, that is controllable by an intake valve. To enhance the dynamics and improve the regulatability of a vehicle brake system, a self-aspirating pressure fluid storage unit is connected to the intake conduit and makes an aspiration volume available to the pressure generator.
US07731302B2	Stability enhancing system for tow-vehicle towing trailer assembly A system for providing enhanced force and motion stability and management for a tow-vehicle towing a trailer assembly is disclosed. The system includes a tow-vehicle with an electronic stability enhancing system in communication with a processor with memory, and sensors located on the tow-vehicle are used for detecting engagement with a trailer and communicating with a trailer electrical system and the processor. Computer instructions instruct the processor to identify specifications representing the tow-vehicle and the trailer and to calculate at least one force, at least one motion, and combinations thereof, affecting the tow-vehicle and trailer assembly. Computer instructions provide instructions for braking to at least one wheel of the tow-vehicle using the at least one force, the at least one motion, the electronic stability enhancing system, and the specifications of the tow-vehicle towing the trailer assembly.
US07731300B2	Hubcap for heavy-duty vehicles A hubcap for a wheel end assembly of a heavy-duty vehicle seals an outboard end of the wheel end assembly. The wheel end assembly includes a wheel hub formed with a cavity that contains lubricant, and the hubcap positively engages and mounts on the outboard end of the wheel hub to prevent the escape of lubricant and the ingress of contaminants. The integrally-formed hubcap includes a generally cylindrical sidewall and an outboard wall that extends generally perpendicular to the sidewall. A lip extends inboardly from and a shoulder extends radially outwardly from an inboard end of the sidewall, and the lip and shoulder cooperate to positively mechanically engage the outboard end of the wheel hub. An O-ring is disposed between the lip and the wheel hub to provide a seal. The hubcap also is adapted to accommodate components of a tire inflation system and other auxiliary components.
US07731299B2	Spare tire assembly A wheel on a vehicle having a flat tire may be protected by attaching a first semi-cylindrical shell having a first planar end to the wheel, and attaching a second semi-cylindrical shell to the first semi-cylindrical shell. The first semi-cylindrical shell and the second semi-cylindrical shell are secured together so as to form a cylindrical shell of diameter having a cylindrical wall which covers a tread surface of the flat tire. The first semi-cylindrical shell is attached to the wheel to cover a first portion of a tread surface of the flat tire; and, after attaching the first semi-cylindrical shell, the wheel is rotated. The first portion of the tread surface does not contact a ground surface prior to the rotation step, but does contact a ground surface through the first semi-cylindrical shell after the rotation step. A connector for connecting the semi-cylindrical shells to the wheel is also disclosed.
US07731297B1	Tailgate-securing dump apron for dump trucks A dump apron for a dump truck, the apron pivotally mounted around a lower end of the dump opening at the rear of the dump body, and movable in response to the tilt position of the dump body between a lower flow-channeling position and a raised tailgate-securing position. In the tailgate-securing position the apron serves to seal leaks of the loaded material around the tailgate, and to function as a secondary lock to back up the tailgate's primary latching or locking mechanism. In the preferred form, the apron is held at an acute angle to the closed tailgate in the raised tailgate-securing position, forming a trough for collecting particulate material leaking around the tailgate from the loaded dump bed, and allowing visual inspection of the lower end of the tailgate and the tailgate's primary lock.
US07731294B2	Seat At a vehicle seat 10, a cushion material 18 is provided at a frame 14 for a sitting portion of a seat frame 12, such that a seat cushion 20 is formed. An upper cushion member (three-dimensional solid knit fabric) 86, which is a surface layer portion of the cushion material 18, is stretched at the frame 14 for the sitting portion, and is layered on a cloth spring material 18 which is a lower layer portion of the cushion material 18. When the cloth spring material 68 is pressed and flexes downward due to pushing-against force which is based on body weight of a seated person at a time of sitting on the seat cushion 20, at regions of the cloth spring material 68 which are pushed by ischial tuberosities of the seated person, tensile forces of extension coil springs 80, which are forces in the pushing direction, act, and directions of tension of the cushion material 18 are in three dimensions.
US07731282B2	Seating accessory A seating pad assembly is provided for use by travelers to increase the comfort for a seat on a public transportation vehicle or at a public transit terminal. The seating pad assembly includes a cushion formed from a viscoelastic foam and having dimensions substantially conforming to the dimensions of at least the hip/thigh support and the back support of the seat. Thus, the viscoelastic foam will bridge hard points and pinch points of the seat and will efficiently support the traveler across the gap. The seating pad assembly further includes a removable cover, straps for holding the pad in a coiled condition and a carrying bag for transporting the pad assembly.
US07731281B2	Vehicle seat An impact absorbing plate 31 is disposed between a front part 31z of the impact absorbing plate 31 and a vehicle body 11 so that a rupture generating part 44 ruptured by impact is extended in the front and rear direction of the vehicle, and the impact absorbing plate 31 is fixed to a front part 13a and a rear part 13b of the front seat bracket 13 provided in the vehicle body by rivets 33 and 33. A portion of front part 31z of the impact absorbing plate 31 is cut to form a cutoff part 45, and a front end 17a of a rail 17 provided in a seat section is attached to a convex part 35, which is molded so as to expand upward an inner side of the cutoff part 45, by a rivet 34.
US07731276B2	Reclining seating unit with wall-proximity capability A seating unit includes: a frame having arms on opposing sides thereof, the frame located in a first position relative to an underlying surface that supports the seating unit; a backrest; a seat; and a reclining mechanism attached to the frame, backrest and seat. The reclining mechanism comprises a series of pivotally interconnected links, the links configured and arranged to move the backrest and seat between an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed and in a first location relative to the frame and the backrest forms a first angle with the seat, and a reclined position, in which the backrest forms a second angle with the seat, the second angle being smaller than the first angle, and the seat is in a second location relative to the frame that is forwardly of the first location. The reclining mechanism includes a cam unit having a generally arcuate bearing surface in contact with a contact surface, wherein movement of the backrest to the reclined position rolls the bearing surface on the contact surface, thereby driving the backrest and seat forward.
US07731275B2	Vehicle roof The invention relates to a vehicle roof with a roof opening with a flange surrounding the roof opening, on which a roof module with a roof frame comprising at least one frame member can be inserted through the roof opening from above, with guide rails arranged on the roof frame and with at least one roof section supported on these guide rails can be attached. The invention teaches that the roof frame is provided with a sealing frame which surrounds all sides of the roof opening which can be attached onto the flange from above, on which the guide rails and the frame members are attached, and which is sealed by means of at least one seal against the flange, and that furthermore mounting elements are provided through which the guide rails on the underside of the flange can be connected to it.
US07731273B2	Work vehicle viewing system A work vehicle is provided including a frame structurally carrying a cab structure having a brim including a plurality of viewing openings. The cab structure structurally carries a window in close proximity to the brim and is disposed above an operating viewing position. The window and brim are in viewing alignment from the operating viewing position. The window is sufficiently disposed within the cab structure for protection from vertically falling objects.
US07731272B2	A-pillar force transfer structure A load transfer structure in an A-pillar assembly for transferring force from a frontal impact to the vehicle rail, rocker and door reinforcement. The load transfer structure having a support wall, a pair of transverse walls, and a longitudinal wall and is disposed in a space within the A-pillar assembly. Accordingly, the load transfer structure reduces material required in conventional A-pillar assemblies while maintaining the same load transfer capabilities.
US07731270B2	Vehicle sliding door travel extension system A door bracket is mounted to a vehicle sliding door. A primary track is mounted along a side and extends to a remote end. A roller bracket having rollers received by the primary track is movable between a first position proximate the opening and a second position at the remote end. A link is pivotally joined to the roller bracket by a first pivot and pivotally joined to the door bracket by a second pivot. The link is rotatable around the first pivot between a first orientation and a second orientation. The link comprises an extension arm extending from the link toward the primary track. A shift mechanism contacts the extension arm when the roller bracket is at an intermediate trip point so that the link shifts from its first orientation to its second orientation when the sliding door is being opened.
US07731269B2	Door lining for a vehicle door An armrest formed in a door lining of an automotive door lining includes an upper wall fitted with a power window switch, a lower wall provided with an opening permitting access to a lower part of the switch and a detachable lid fitted on the opening. Thus, the opening in the lower wall of the armrest enables a worker to connect a wire harness drawn out of the interior of the door to the lower part of the power window switch. Because the opening is formed in the lower wall of the armrest which is usually concealed from the vehicle occupant, it does not produce an aesthetically negative impact. If desired, the opening may also be formed in other parts of the armrest as long as the opening is favorably concealed or otherwise prevented from impairing the external appearance of the door lining.
US07731263B2	Motorcycle A detachable cover for a motorcycle cowling that can be easily switched with a service part is described. The cover includes a cover front edge section that is formed so as to form a generally continuous surface with at least a portion of an outer periphery edge section of a head light, and a cover rear section that is removably attachable to the cowling and that extends to the rear from the cover front edge section when attached to the cowling. A motorcycle that easily allows external appearance to be changed to satisfy a user's requirements is also described.
US07731261B2	Integrated structural member for a vehicle and method of making A method for forming an integrated structural system for a vehicle is provided. The method including the steps of: securing a first beam component to a structural member by a molding process, the first beam component being molded from a first amount of thermoplastic material, the structural member being formed from a material different than the first amount of thermoplastic material; and securing a second beam component to the first beam component, the second beam component being separately molded from a second amount of thermoplastic material, the second beam component having a configuration different from the first beam component.
US07731258B2	Center floor console sliding armrest A console sliding armrest assembly for a vehicle includes a storage compartment having an opening for allowing ingress and egress of objects, and a console lid pivotally connected to the storage compartment. The lid may include a sliding armrest operatively engaged therewith. A guide assembly may be disposed within the lid for guiding the armrest, and may include a slider frame connected to the armrest. A guide plate may be connected to the lid for supporting the armrest, and a rail may be secured in the slider frame. The guide plate may be slidably engaged with the rail for allowing sliding movement of the armrest. A spring may be disposed between the slider frame and the rail, and may be engaged to either the slider frame or the rail for biasing the rail against the guide plate, and for thereby regulating tension in the guide assembly.
US07731256B1	Recreational vehicle slide out system A recreational vehicle slide out system includes a mobile dwelling assembly with an outer wall having an opening extending therethrough. An extension is slidably mounted to the dwelling assembly. The extension includes an upper wall, a lower wall and an exterior wall. The exterior wall forms a covering for the opening when the extension is in a stored position. A lateral wall includes a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge is hingedly coupled to a lateral edge of the exterior wall. The lateral wall is pivotable into a closed position extending between the exterior wall and the outer wall when the extension is in an extended position. The lateral wall is pivoted to a position approximately orientated parallel to the exterior wall when the extension is in the stored position to prevent the lateral walls from substantially extending into the mobile dwelling assembly.
US07731252B1	Door safety device A door safety device is disclosed. The door safety device includes a lock member, an attachment member carried by the lock member and an attachment device carried by the attachment member. A method of securing a sliding door in a closed position in a sliding door assembly is also disclosed.
US07731250B2	Electromechanical push to close latch An electromechanical push to close latch has a pawl positioned for linear movement in a housing, with the pawl being biased to the outward extended position. An electric motor operates a cam to change the position of the pawl thereby retracting it into the housing. An electronic circuit board controls the operation of the electric motor under the direction of an outside control signal. The circuit board also senses the position of the pawl to stop the operation of the motor when the pawl is fully retracted. The pawl mounting can be reconfigured for the pawl to extend and thereby operate in a plurality of selectable directions.
US07731249B2	Mechanism for locking a vent cover with a base A vent assembly has a locking mechanism to retain its cover on its base. The locking mechanism includes a latch and linkage coupled with the latch to move the latch between a locked and an unlocked position. A post member extends from the cover to cooperate with the latch such that in a locked condition, the cover is locked with the base in a closed position. When the latch is moved to a second position, the cover is enabled to pivot away from the base to an open position.
US07731246B2	Pipe coupling system A tubular coupling system and method; the system and method in at least certain aspects, using a coupling member with an interior protective ring that has at least one inner energizing member which, upon compression, forces the body of the coupling member against an interior wall of the coupling thereby inhibiting corrosive material from contacting the coupling's interior wall or, in the event some corrosive material does enter this area, holding the interior protective ring against the coupling's interior wall so that the corrosive material remains in and does not exit this area, thus inhibiting or preventing a continuous flow of corrosive material.
US07731245B2	Quick connector coupling A quick connector coupling comprising a connector body, a primary retainer, a secondary retainer and a male member having a radially enlarged upset. The connector body includes a stem and a separate cap permanently secured to the stem. The stem defines an axially extending through bore and includes an annular rib located radially outward of the bore. The cap defines an annular groove located radially outward of the bore. The annular rib of the stem is positioned in the annular groove of the cap. The cap is spin welded to the stem to permanently secure the cap to the stem. The connector body further defines two annular abutment surfaces. The primary retainer and the secondary retainer are located axially in between the two annular abutment surfaces of the connector body. The primary retainer has a ring and two primary retainer arm located axially forward of the ring. Each primary retainer arm is in abutting relationship with the upset. The secondary retainer has a ring and two secondary retainer arms located axially rearward of the ring. Each secondary retainer arm is located circumferentially in between two primary retainer arms and in abutting relationship with the upset.
US07731243B2	Coupling element for removably joining pipes A female coupling element includes two superposed coaxial rings, a locking ring and safety ring which are rotatably mounted about a body of the coupling element. The locking ring is axially immobilized with respect to the body while the safety ring is able to slide with respect to the locking ring and with the body. The locking ring (2) has at least one locking slot for receiving a projection of a second element inserted within the coupling element and a notch to lock the projection axially with respect to the coupling element, and the safety ring includes at least one safety slot having a notch which locks the projection circumferentially in the notch of the locking ring.
US07731242B2	Pipe clamp with built in test fitting A pipe clamp includes a deformable cylindrical sealing sleeve having a continuous side wall with a slotted opening extending 180 degrees around the circumference of the side wall adapted to receive a gate valve plate. The slotted opening has protruding lips bordered by clamping wedges. Clamps are provided for clamping the sealing sleeve to a pipe. Pressure members are provided. A clamping force with pressure members upon the clamping wedges to clamp the lips into a closed position thereby creating a fluid tight seal when the gate valve plate is removed.
US07731241B2	Assembly for fitting together exhaust pipes in multi-cylinder engine An assembly for fitting together multiple exhaust pipes in a multi-cylinder engine into a single unit is provided. The assembly includes a cap and a choke pipe connected to the cap. The cap includes a surface with multiple sockets protruding from the surface in a direction opposite to the choke pipe whereby the sockets engage the exhaust pipes. The cap also includes a skirt, which surrounds a perimeter of the surface. The skirt extends from the surface in a direction toward the choke pipe. An internal surface of the sockets, an internal surface of the skirt and an internal surface of the choke pipe are linearly arranged with respect to each other.
US07731240B2	Pipe coupling A pipe coupling for joining together the ends of two adjacent pipes includes a housing for receiving the ends of the two adjacent pipes, and a locking arrangement which includes an annular chamber, and a plurality of grippers radially moveable towards the central axis of the housing from an inoperative condition to an operative condition. Each gripper includes a gripping formation for operatively gripping a pipe inserted into a bore of the housing, and a locking formation for operatively engaging a corresponding locking formation on the housing so as to axially lock the gripper to the housing. Each locking arrangement also includes a locking ring for locking the grippers to the housing so that axial displacement of the locking ring under fluid pressure within the annular chamber causes radial displacement of the grippers into the operative condition.
US07731237B2	Safety restraint device for police vehicle The method and device of this invention immobilizes a person in a secure, upright restraint system in a police vehicle. It can be easily and safely applied by public safety officers including police or other law enforcement personnel and medical personnel to secure a person against undesired movement while maintaining them in an upright, sitting position which leaves the diaphragm free for natural, unrestrained breathing movement. The asphyxia-preventing restraining device comprises an ALR/ELR retractor. The ALR/ELR retractor comprises a shoulder harness having a pair of seat belt buckles, which significantly reduces the possibilities of injuries to police officers.
US07731234B2	Air bag module with diffuser An apparatus (10) helps to protect an occupant of a vehicle. The apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14), an inflation fluid source (26), and a diffuser plate (200). The inflation fluid source (26) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The diffuser plate (200) is disposed between the inflation fluid source (26) and the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The diffuser plate (200) includes a main body portion (210) and a plurality of raised portions (230). The raised portions (230) define slots (232) for allowing inflation fluid to flow from the inflation fluid source (26) to the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14).
US07731231B2	Airbag vent tube An airbag module comprising a housing with an inflatable airbag cushion disposed therein and at least one vent tube attached to the inflatable airbag cushion, wherein during inflatable airbag cushion deployment with an obstruction, the at least one vent tube remains open, and during inflatable airbag cushion deployment without an obstruction, the at least one vent tube at least partially closes.
US07731230B2	Air bag with deployment flap An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable from a stored condition to a deployed condition in which the protection device is positioned between an instrument panel (36) of the vehicle and the vehicle occupant. The protection device (14) includes upper portion (142) and a lower portion (144), each of which is at least one of rolled and folded. The upper portion (142) and the lower portion (144) are positioned overlying each other when in the stored condition. A deployment flap (120) includes a sheet of material having a first end portion (130) secured to the vehicle. The deployment flap (120) has a central portion (134) that wraps around the lower portion (144) and a second end portion (132), opposite the first end portion (130), that is tucked under the lower portion while the protection device (14) is in the stored condition.
US07731226B2	Vehicle seat side air bag assembly A vehicle side air bag assembly (16) includes a resilient bolster (17) that is located on or adjacent one lateral side of a vehicle seat back. The bolster (17) includes a frame (22) supporting a foam pad (30) within a trim (32) having a release seam (34). Deployment of an air bag module(36) the bolster (17) is controlled by an air bag guide (42) which has a pair of flexible panels (44, 46). One flexible panel (44) has an outer extremity including a first connection (50) to the bolster and the other flexible panel (46) has an outer extremity including a second connection (54) to the trim cover in a spaced relationship from the first connection.
US07731224B2	Inflatable curtain Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (28) of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18). The apparatus (10) includes an inflatable curtain (14) that is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) to a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and the vehicle occupant (28). The inflatable curtain (14) includes a main portion (100) comprising at least one inflatable chamber (52). The inflatable curtain (14) also includes a mounting portion (102) constructed separately from the main portion (100). The mounting portion (102) has a lower edge portion (108) connectable to an upper edge portion (106) of the main portion (100). The mounting portion (102) when connected to the main portion (100) forms an upper edge portion of the inflatable curtain (14) that is connectable with the vehicle (12) to help secure the inflatable curtain in the vehicle.
US07731222B2	Assembly for towing a wheeled stroller on sand An assembly and method for adapting a baby stroller to better travel over unstable ground, such as sand. A sledge is provided that has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is flat with a beveled front end that enables the sledge to be easily pulled over sand or mud. Retention features, such as semi-cylindrical depressions, are formed in the top surface of the sledge. The retention features enable a baby stroller to be placed atop the sledge without rolling off. Once the wheels of the stroller are attached to the sledge, the sledge can be pulled through sand and mud more easily. The sledge may be supported by wide wheels to help the sledge roll over unstable ground. Furthermore, the sledge may be collapsible so that it can be easily stored when not in use.
US07731217B2	Self aligning trailer hitch A device for bringing the separated truck and trailer borne elements of a goose neck hitch arrangement fully into position for completing the mating of the two elements without requiring the vehicle operator to leave the vehicle; and then for completing the mating of the elements and locking the hitch into place with the vehicle.An open bottomed receiver well is located in the tow vehicle bed. The trailer borne hitch section that drops into the receiver well comprises a funnel shaped member having a rod shaped probe as its lower end. The rod shaped probe, dependent from the goose neck trailer tongue is used to visually align the hitch over the receiver well as the truck is backed beneath it. The driver then exits and the probe serves to guide the hitch into the receiver well as the trailer tongue is lowered toward the truck bed following which a pair of lock pins are used to complete the hitching.
US07731216B2	Rollover prevention device A rollover prevention device for commercial tractor/trailers that senses when the tractor portion of the commercial truck has reached the critical height at which rollover of the trailer cannot be avoided. Once this critical height is reached pneumatic cylinders and pins automatically release the trailer from the tractor, thereby preserving human life and minimizing damage to property.
US07731213B2	Bicycle attachment A bicycle attachment comprises a pair of spaced rotatable wheels for engaging with a support surface, a connecting portion extending between and secured to the wheels, and a securing portion hinged relative to the connecting portion such that the securing portion is able to pivot relative to the connecting portion. The securing portion is adapted to be secured relative to a fork of a bicycle such that swiveling the fork relative to a frame of the bicycle also swivels the wheels and the connecting portion relative to the frame, and such that pivoting the securing portion relative to the connecting portion also pivots the fork relative to the connecting portion.
US07731211B2	Heavy-duty vehicle axle/suspension system An axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle, in which the vehicle includes a frame that extends in a longitudinal direction relative to the vehicle. The axle/suspension system is attached to the vehicle frame via at least one hanger and includes at least one beam, which includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the beam is connected to the hanger, and the second end of the beam immovably captures an axle, which extends in a transverse direction relative to the vehicle. The beam is formed of a composite material and has a substantially constant cross section in the transverse direction to provide sufficient strength to control roll forces encountered by the vehicle during operation.
US07731207B2	Mobile transport platform for the handling of aeronautical parts A mobile transport platform for the handling of aeronautical parts with a frame has an array of telescopic actuators vertically arranged in rows and columns, each telescopic actuator is coupled by one end to the frame, and has a coupled head (2c) at its opposite end; a control system connected to each telescopic actuator for individually controlling the actuation of each telescopic actuator so that the telescopic actuator can adapt a position between that of maximum extension in which the head and at least part of the shaft of the telescopic actuator project from the plane of the load surface, and that of maximum retraction in which at least the shaft of the telescopic actuator does not project from the plane of the load surface.
US07731206B2	Fork-lift truck and kit for truck The invention relates to a fork-lift truck comprising two steering wheels mounted on one axle, provided with a lifting and steering device arranged thereon and a fork-carrier frame mounted on the track rollers, comprising two supporting beams. The fork-carrier frame is mounted in such a manner that it interacts with the lifting and steering device. The fork-lift truck also comprises a set of wheels which can be disposed in the region of the front ends of the fork of the supporting beams on the fork-carrier frame. The aim of the invention is to enable a fork-lift truck to be fitted with an additional set of wheels if desired without having an adverse effect on the advantages of the use thereof. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the fork-lift truck comprises overlapping tracks which extend the supporting beams and which can be detachably fixed to the fork-carrier frame and can be placed onto the supporting beams. The set of wheels are detachably arranged on the front side of the tracks.
US07731204B2	Combination scooter/backpack The combination scooter/backpack is an article carrying device with the capacity to be converted into a wheeled land vehicle, and therefore has two modes of usage. The article carrying device resembles a conventional backpack with two straps positioned to be placed over the user's shoulders, entitled backpack mode. The wheeled land vehicle functions as a popular collapsible scooter, two wheels mounted upon a board member with propulsion means provided by user's contact with the ground, entitled scooter mode. A horizontal handlebar is positioned at the top of the combination and serves to steer the front wheel during scooter mode. Conversion between backpack mode and scooter mode is accomplished with the raising and lowering of said handlebar and the manipulation of releasable fasteners and latches. In both backpack and scooter modes, a cover circumferentially surrounds the combination scooter/backpack to secure and protect components that are not in use.
US07731203B2	Method for load-dependent air quality control in a pneumatic spring system According to a method for controlling the air volume in a closed pneumatic spring system of a vehicle, an air-powered pump supplies at least two pneumatic springs and/or a compressed air reservoir with a specific air volume as needed such that the air pressure prevailing in the respective pneumatic spring and/or the compressed air reservoir is at a level which causes a vehicle body resting on the pneumatic spring to be positioned at a desired distance from the roadway or the vehicle axle. In order to obtain largely constant control velocities at different load conditions of the vehicle while using a smaller compressed air reservoir than in previously known systems, the pneumatic spring pressure (P) is measured in at least two of the pneumatic springs, the distance (HN, NN, TN) of the vehicle body to the roadway or the vehicle axle is determined, the axle load (AL) of at least one vehicle axle is determined from the pneumatic spring pressure (P) and the distance (HN, NN, TN) of the vehicle body to the roadway or the vehicle axle, a target system air volume (PV_SOLL) is determined in accordance with the respective axle load (AL), and the actual system air volume is adjusted to said target system air volume by actuating the air-powered pump or a relief valve.
US07731200B2	Seal assembly, and rolling bearing and hub unit assembled therewith A seal member with its base end connected to a metal core has three seal lips. The thickness of the tip end of the intermediate seal lip in the intermediate position is d1, and the thickness of the base end is d2. The thickness of the tip end of the innermost inner seal lip is D1 and that thickness of the base end is D2. In this case, at least part of the base end of the intermediate seal lip and inner seal lip has its thickness regulated to be 0.2·d1≦d2≦0.8·d1, and 0.5·D1≦D2
US07731199B2	Prize acquisition game apparatus A prize acquisition game apparatus is provided which does not require the effort of replacing an interchangeable discharging port structure unit but rather has a discharging port the size of which can be easily changed.The prize acquisition game apparatus comprises: operation means which is operated by a player; a prize housing section for housing a plurality of prizes; prize acquiring means for acquiring a said prize; a discharging port which is formed in the prize housing section for discharging the prize from the prize housing section; control means for controlling the prize acquiring means to operate in response to an operation signal from the operation means; a discharged prize receiving section for receiving the prize discharged through the discharging port by the prize acquiring means which operates under the control of the control means; and sliding means for sliding a frame which is provided on the discharging port to change the size of the discharging port according to a distance the frame is slid.
US07731197B2	Automatic reset target plate rack An automatic reset target plate rack has a plurality of target plates and latches, a reset plate, and a reset mechanism. In operation, the user strikes one or more of the target plates, which travel rearward and are captured by the latches, and the user next strikes the reset plate to activate the reset mechanism and free the captured target plates, returning them to their upright position. In one aspect, a target plate rack consistent with the invention includes a target plate pivoting on a first axis; and a latch pivoting on a second axis. The latch is positioned to contact and capture the target plate when the target plate is pivoted to a predetermined rotational position. In another aspect, a target plate rack consistent with the invention includes a target plate pivotally disposed on a pivot rod and biased toward a first predetermined rotational position.
US07731196B2	Tossed projectile game A projectile having multiple openings for tossing onto a game field for encouraging and developing hand-eye coordination. The projectiles have plural fingers extending from a central hub of the projectile. The game field includes plural targets sized to fit within the projectile openings. Points are scored by using hand-eye coordination to toss the projectile so that it comes to rest on the field with one or more openings enclosing or partially enclosing a target or targets. This is a game that is safe and can be played indoors or outdoors by the entire family. The tossed projectile is designed to be lightweight and the targets are designed to minimize possible injury. The pegs can fold to a horizontal position in case of an accident.
US07731188B2	Sheet registration system with auxiliary nips A sheet handling system comprising a sheet registration system having sheet registration nips and a receiving system for a sheet including a capturing point for engaging said sheet. Auxiliary nips are positioned between the sheet registration nips and the receiving station. The auxiliary nips are moveable between an open and closed position. A controller receives a signal indicative of the length of the sheet and sends a signal to the auxiliary nips to be in a sheet engaging position when the length of the sheet is less than the distance between the sheet feeding nips and the capturing point of the receiving station and be in an open position if the length of the sheet is greater than the distance between the sheet registration nips and the capturing point of the receiving station. In another embodiment, the auxiliary nips are maintained in their open position until the trailing edge of a sheet is about to leave the sheet registration nips, at which point the auxiliary nips are closed.
US07731185B2	Device for placing sheets for a printer At least two coaxially rotatable sheet conveyors, operating together with one another, are provided, of which the first sheet conveyor, with a jacket surface serving as placement for the sheet, specifies essentially a curvature path for the sheet to be conveyed, and the second sheet conveyor has at least one gripping element to grip the accepted front edge of the sheet, in such a way that the front edge of the sheet can be gripped and conveyed between the gripping element and the jacket sheet.
US07731182B2	Sliding mechanism, sheet guide, sheet loading device, and image forming apparatus A sliding mechanism includes a sheet position limiting member having a sheet position limiting surface, the sheet position limiting member being configured to slide in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the sheet position limiting surface; and a guide member configured to guide the sliding of the sheet position limiting member.
US07731178B2	Feeding device A feeding device includes: a hopper, adapted to support a medium; a feeder, operable to feed the medium in a first direction; a separator, operable to nip the medium with the feeder at a nip point; and a guide, having a guide surface which guides the medium in the first direction and is provided with a recessed portion at a downstream side of the nip point in the first direction.
US07731177B2	Sheet supplying device A sheet supplying device for an imaging apparatus is provided with a sheet tray configured to mount a plurality of sheets in a stacked state. The sheet tray is inclined such that leading ends of the plurality of sheets are lower than trailing ends thereof. Further provided is a feed roller that faces an uppermost sheet of the plurality of sheets mounted on the sheet tray to be press-contacted thereto. The feed roller is driven to rotate to feed the uppermost sheet. Further provided is a sheet guide mechanism having at least one guiding section provided in front of the feed roller. The guiding section is inclined such that the leading ends of the plurality of sheets are moved toward the feed roller by their own weight. The guiding section is configured such that the degree of inclination of the guiding section varies depending on the amount of the plurality of sheets.
US07731175B2	Image forming apparatus and paper feeding method used with the same An image forming apparatus and a paper feeding method used with the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus includes: a paper feeding unit to accommodate a plurality of papers loaded thereon; a pick-up roller which picks up the papers loaded in the paper feeding unit and is set to rotate at multi-step speeds; a paper arrangement unit which aligns the papers to be transferred without skewing by applying a constant pressure to the front end of a paper transferred by a the pick-up roller; a printing unit which is disposed below the paper arrangement unit and forms a predetermined image on the transferred paper; a paper type sensing element which is disposed on a paper transfer path along which the paper feeding unit, the pick-up roller, the paper arrangement unit, and the printing unit are arranged; and a control unit which operates the pick-up roller at a rotation speed according to an identified paper type. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus can prevent paper wrinkling or poor paper arrangement occurring in a paper arrangement process.
US07731172B2	Transport device and image-formation device A system that prevents the engagement of an intermediate gear and a driven gear from releasing due to a force from the driven gear without increasing an arrangement angle is described. A surface receiving a load acting on a rotation axis of a second groove that is used as an axle bearing formed on the side of a second gear part that engages with a driven gear is made to be an inclined receiving part. The second receiving surface touches the rotation axis of the second groove part. The surfaces are arranged such that the distance from the center of rotation of the driving gear increases as it moves away from the driven gear. By this arrangement, the inclined receiving part creates a force in the opposite direction of the direction to release the intermediate gear from the driven gear that acts upon the rotation axis as the counteraction of the force that acts on the rotation axis, so the intermediate gear does not separate from the driven gear.
US07731167B2	Methods and systems for controlling the feeding of stacked sheet material Methods and systems employing belt conveyors adapted to feed signatures to a collating conveyor and a control system that regulates the operation of the belt conveyors are provided. The control system is adapted to regulate the speed of the belt conveyors in response to the speed of the collating conveyor, for example, proportional to the speed of the collating conveyor, to minimize or eliminate signature misfeeds. The control system may implement a mathematical algorithm that defines a relationship between the collating conveyor speed and the belt conveyor speeds. The systems and methods may include ancillary feeding devices such as joggers and speeder wheels to optimize the transfer of signatures.
US07731157B2	Apparatus and method for heave compensation A heave compensation apparatus and method for a winch or crane system, the winch or crane system preferably for a vessel and including a lift wire for attachment to a load. The apparatus includes a vessel motion measurement device which may be in the form of a motion reference unit for measuring the motion of the vessel, and a control device or computer capable of receiving an output from the vessel motion measurement device and controlling the winch or crane system according to the movement of the vessel, so as to stabilise the load. The apparatus may further optionally include one or more of a lift wire tension measuring device for measuring the tension in the lift wire; a lift wire distance measurement device which measures the length of lift wire that has been paid out; and a load motion measurement device for measuring the motion of the load.
US07731156B2	Vacuum valve A vacuum valve including a valve housing two valve openings, a closure member having two closure plates, a transverse drive unit for adjusting the closure member between an open position and an intermediate position where the closure plates cover the valve openings, a first longitudinal drive unit for adjusting the closure member between the intermediate position and a first closed position, and a second longitudinal drive unit for adjusting the closure member between the intermediate position and a second closed. Each longitudinal drive unit includes a plurality of actuating elements which are guided into the vacuum area of the valve housing. These actuating elements are adjustable by driving elements between a retracted, passive position where their actuating ends are raised from the closure member and an advanced, active position where their actuating ends are pressed against the closure member and press the respective closure plate against the respective valve seat.
US07731151B2	Pendulum vacuum gate valve A pendulum vacuum gate valve comprised of a housing for enclosing a valve plate assembly having a pair of air pressure actuated floating seal plates disposed on opposite sides of the valve plate assembly which is actuated by a gate arm to reciprocate between open and closed positions and intermediate stop positions for controlling gas flow between intake and exhaust conduits connected to the housing.
US07731150B2	Malleable mold and method of use thereof A mold device including a body having a hollow, three-dimensional shape with at least one opening therein; the body being made from a material having a malleable characteristic, and having an axis extending vertically there through, wherein the inner surface of the body is, optionally, topographically contoured, with an upper limit of about five hundred (500) thousands of inch, has a reusable means for releasably positioning a wick stand.
US07731146B2	Dual swivel in-line load node lock mechanism An in-line node locking mechanism for supporting and locking a node within a rack system such forces applied on a node by the node locking mechanism generate consistent output forces. The in-line node locking mechanism utilizes dual swivel nuts and an in-line loading arrangement that evenly distributes forces along the length of a rail system to create evenly distributed forces and avoid the creation of stress points. An actuating screw causes the node locking mechanism to adjust between unlocked and locked positions. In the unlocked position, the mechanism causes the node to be lowered and move freely along the in-line rail system. In the locked position the mechanism causes the node to securely abut the rack system thereby locking the node within the rack system.
US07731144B2	Beverage container holder and basket A beverage cup holder to contain drinking fluids, collect condensation and spilled fluids, and direct them to a self contained reservoir. The holder has an upper rim that is taller than the container being held, ribs to support the entire height of the held container utilizing an upper funnel, and a device which stores spilled fluids and condensation within a self contained reservoir for spilled fluids formed by the holder from a centered vertical support column as well as creating an area to add attachments including weights, a magnet, or lighting to its open bottom end.
US07731132B2	Medication fluid tube stabilization device An interactive fluid tube stabilization device for an intravenous feeding tube is formed of an acrylic material that has a cylindrical shape. A lengthwise slit forms two overlapping sides for the device that can be manually spread apart to fit over and clamp onto the top bed rail of a hospital bed. A flap formed in the side of the device that is opposite to the slit has an arcuate end and a fold line spaced from the end through a distance that is greater than the diameter of the intravenous feeding tube. When the arcuate end is bent toward the top of the bed rail, it forms a gap that accommodates the feeding tube between the device and the flap, enabling most of the drag applied by the feeding tube to be borne by the device and to permit relatively free movement of the tube transverse to the bed rail to accommodate the movement of the patient.
US07731127B2	Drain mast connector A drain-mast connector, for use in transportation vehicles such as aircraft, includes an interface pipe which extends through an outer skin of a fuselage of an aircraft via a nipple-like connector. Such a connector allows for simple plug connection of the drain mast pipe and allows less contamination of the fuselage due to grey water disposal. Such a plug-like connection does not require a complicated mounting process.
US07731120B1	Mandrel for wound materials A mandrel and the blank from which the mandrel is formed is constructed so as to enable shipment in flat form to a manufacturer of material, e.g., fabric, who, in turn, assembles the mandrel and uses such to wind material thereon to form a fabric bolt. The blank is easily and entirely set up by simple folding procedures.
US07731114B2	Device for producing and processing food A device for producing and processing food, in particular meat, includes at least one perforated plate (P) having holes through which the food can be pressed. The perforated plate, (P) is made of two parts, for example, a carrier and an insert, and a press element, for example, a blade which is guided along the insert, is associated with the insert. The insert deviates, in a minimal manner, with heat arising between the insert and the press element.
US07731102B2	Neutral displacement wick Aspects of the invention include an air freshener device that emits fragrance through the evaporation of a fragrance-containing fluid comprising: a container, comprising a particular volume of the fragrance-containing fluid; a wick disposed partially in, and partially out of the fragrance-containing fluid, the wick having an immersion section immersed in the fluid so as to displace a displacement volume of fluid and a non-immersion section extending outward from a surface of the fluid, the immersion and non-immersion section being disposed on opposite lateral ends of the wick; the wick further comprising a displacement portion and a wicking portion, the displacement portion being configured to displace a desired first volume of fluid, the wicking portion being configured to wick a second volume of fluid; the displacement portion and the wicking portion designed to achieve a desired ratio between the displaced first volume of fluid and the wicked second volume of fluid.
US07731101B2	Straw apparatus for mixing and drinking beverages An expandable drinking and mixing straw apparatus that can be compactly stored and expanded when necessary to provide a deployed dual-functionality mixing and drinking apparatus. The several embodiments of the straw apparatus provide a unified apparatus as well as functionally equivalent embodiments with two straw sub-component members defined by an outer straw and an inner straw which sub-component members are bonded together at specified locations. When force is applied to the undeployed straw apparatus, a plurality of veins expands from the apparatus to provide mixing functionality without compromising suction functionality. Straw sub component bonding, vein bending and stopping, and method of deployment of the drinking and mixing straw apparatus are disclosed.
US07731095B2	Ternary SIM card delivery A ternary card assembly is provided that includes a detachable smart card, a detachable information tab, and a disposable carrier card, which are connected by breakaway links. The smart card and the information tab may be connected to one another directly or indirectly through an intermediate element. The information tab may include one or more panels that are elastically displaceable from the plane of the information tab to render the information tab useful in different ways. A payload set is also provided, which includes a smart card and an information tab, which is detachably connected to only a part of the smart card's perimeter. Also provided are methods of preparing a smart card for use and for customizing a smart card.
US07731092B2	Optical information reading apparatus In an optical information reading apparatus, a pickup unit has a predetermined reading position, and is configured to optically pickup information of a target when the information is located at the reading position. A marker beam irradiating unit includes a light beam source configured to emit a light beam. The marker beam irradiating unit includes a beam pattern forming lens arranged to allow the emitted light beam to enter thereinto. The pattern forming lens is configured to irradiate a marker beam based on the emitted light beam. The marker beam has a predetermined beam pattern composed of at least one linear beamlet to indicate the reading position of the pickup unit.
US07731091B2	Digital image capturing and processing system employing automatic object detection and spectral-mixing based illumination techniques A digital image capturing and processing system for illuminating objects using automatic object detection and spectral-mixing illumination technique. The system comprises an area-type illumination and imaging module for projecting a coextensive area-type illumination and imaging field (i.e. zone) into a 3D imaging volume during object illumination and imaging operations. The area-type illumination and imaging module includes a spectral-mixing based illumination subsystem for producing a first field of visible illumination from an array of visible LEDs, and producing a second field of invisible illumination from an array of infrared (IR) LEDs, wherein the first and second fields of illumination spatially overlap and intermix with each other and produce a composite illumination field that is at least substantially coextensive with the FOV of the image sensing array. An automatic object detection subsystem automatically detects an object moving through the 3D imaging volume, while an illumination control subsystem controls the relative power ratio (VIS/IR) of visible illumination and invisible illumination during system operations so as to achieve sufficient image contrast in captured digital images to ensure satisfactory image processing.
US07731090B2	Device and method for controlling the calorimetric quality of any printed document A novel control device and a method for using the device for the calorimetric quality assurance of photographic documents or any color and monochrome products printed on any type of supports. The inventive control device is embodied in the form of an improved reflective spectrophotometer which also makes it possible to read bar codes. The use of the novel control device requires the use of a novel method which enables any user of a production machine to be assigned with an unique alpha digital identifier for any arbitrary product configuration leading to an arbitrary chromatic response (reflectance spectrum or colour spectrum obtained according to a printed file values) which are considered by the competent user as desirable and retainable for certain products.
US07731088B2	Vehicle violation enforcement system and method A PDA device is used to record the ID of a vehicle boot RFID tag and to transmit to the tag and to a host entity violation data such as summons number, license number, time and date stamp, issuing person ID, location of the vehicle, scofflaw data and so on. This data may be entered into the PDA electronically via a communication network such as the internet or LAN system or manually via a keyboard. The host entity has a data base which is uploaded with this information and has correlation of RFID tag numbers to an unlock combination number for each boot. When the boot is attached to a vehicle, this PDA data is transmitted to the host entity whose contact telephone number is attached to the vehicle being booted. The driver contacts the entity to pay the fine and receive in return the unlock combination. The driver thus can release and remove the boot within minutes of returning to the vehicle and can return the boot at his leisure.
US07731087B2	Systems and methods for generating transaction receipts Systems and methods for electronically processing financial transactions involving corporate checks. A front end device at a location associated with a merchant and a check processing service configured to detect and process corporate checks. In one embodiment, the detection of the corporate check is achieved at the front end device by reading of an auxiliary on-us field in the check's magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line. Such information denoting the check as a corporate check is used by the check processing service to at least partially base its assessment of whether to approve and process the corporate check electronically.
US07731085B2	Product display A display for two or more products having two or more three-dimensional visual aspects providing visual information about two or more products. The visual aspect has a first visual product, a second visual product, a first sampling aspect for the first visual product, a second sampling aspect for the second visual product, product samples associated with both the first and the second sampling aspects, and a dispenser for dispensing the product samples.
US07731084B2	Devices and methods for monitoring transaction data from point-of-sale devices Systems and methods for monitoring transaction data in a point-of-sale (POS) system. An inline component is connected between a POS terminal and a printer. The inline component monitors communications between the POS terminal and the printer as well as communications sent to or from other devices connected with the POS terminal. As the data in the communications are monitored, portions of the data are extracted and sent to a remote processing server. The remote processing returns information which could comprise a variety of information, such as: fraud deterrent data, store promotions, customer messages, and the like to the inline component. The inline component sends this information to the printer for presentation to the user. The information is typically sent to the printer without interfering with the transaction being performed by the POS terminal. Commands included in the information can be implemented by the inline component.
US07731083B2	Information collection system, information collection device, terminal device management program, information collection management program, information collection management method, and terminal device management method A terminal device, in an information collection system in which the terminal device and an information collection device are connected, which reads question information from a question information storage section storing question information, as questions the responses to which are to be provided to the information collection device, and after power to the terminal device has been turned on, or based on a state of usage, receives the input of response information, as responses corresponding to output question information, and transmits the input response information to the information collection device.
US07731082B2	Continuously wound reinforced container and method of making the same A reinforced container assembly and method for making the same are provided. The reinforced container assembly comprises a fiberboard container and a first reinforcement strap. The fiberboard container has a lower portion and an upper portion. The first reinforcement strap wraps continuously around a periphery of the container a plurality of times in a spiraling manner from a starting point of the reinforcement strap to a terminating point of the reinforcement strap. The reinforcement strap physically connects to the container at a first location. The reinforcement strap is further physically connected to the container at second location. The reinforcement strap provides structural support to the fiberboard container to increase the strength of the container assembly.
US07731081B2	Paper box structure A paper box structure is formed of a paper material, and comprises a bottom plate and two side plates connected to both sides of the bottom plate. Each side plate comprises a top plate connected to one side of the side plate opposite to the bottom plate; and the other two sides of the side plate is connected with a main body fold plates respectively. Each main body fold plate comprises a frame plate having a central opening, a buffer plate; and at least one adjustable fold plate formed along both sides of the central opening. The frame plate is folded to form a U-shaped buffer space together with the top plate, the side plate and the bottom plate. The buffer plate is connected to one side of the frame plate near the side plate, and folded to form a step-like structure.
US07731079B2	Cooling apparatus and method of fabrication thereof with a cold plate formed in situ on a surface to be cooled A cooling apparatus and method of fabrication are provided for facilitating removal of heat from a heat-generating electronic device. The method of fabrication includes: obtaining a solder material; disposing the solder material on a surface to be cooled; and reflowing and shaping the solder material disposed on the surface to be cooled to configure the solder material as a base with a plurality of fins extending therefrom. In addition to being in situ-configured on the surface to be cooled, the base is simultaneously metallurgically bonded to the surface to be cooled. The solder material, configured as the base with a plurality of fins extending therefrom, is a single, monolithic structure thermally attached to the surface to be cooled via the metallurgical bonding thereof to the surface to be cooled.
US07731077B2	Structure and method to gain substantial reliability improvements in lead-free BGAs assembled with lead-bearing solders Methods of forming and assemblies having hybrid interconnection grid arrays composed of a homogenous mixture of Pb-free solder joints and Pb-containing solder paste on corresponding sites of a printed board. The aligned Pb-free solder joints and Pb-containing solders are heated to a temperature above a melting point of the Pb-free solder joint for a sufficient time to allow complete melting of both the Pb-free solder joints and Pb-containing solder paste and the homogenous mixing thereof during assembly. These molten materials mix together such that the Pb from the Pb-containing solder disperses throughout substantially the entire Pb-free solder joint for complete homogenization of the molten materials to form the homogenous hybrid interconnect structures of the invention.
US07731076B2	Laser trimming problem suppressing semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus and method A semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus includes a substrate holding section that holds a semiconductor wafer substrate, a discharge mechanism that discharges liquid drops of metal paste from a discharge nozzle toward a surface of the semiconductor wafer substrate, and a driving mechanism that moves at least one of the substrate holding section and the discharge nozzle. A control section is provided to control the discharge and driving mechanisms so as to adhere the metal paste to the surface. The semiconductor wafer substrate includes a terminal unit formed from two or more electrically separated terminals connected to a device circuit and an insulation layer having an opening in a formation position of the terminal unit. Further, the control section controls the discharge and driving mechanisms to selectively coat the opening of the semiconductor wafer substrate with the metal paste overlying the terminal unit to be electrically connected.
US07731075B2	Welding of single crystal alloys A blade member is oscillated in the direction of arrow A-A relative to a rim of a disc; a forge force is applied radially and a weld is formed along line; the blade member is formed from a face centred cubic (FCC) nickel based single crystal alloy, such as CMSX-4 of Cannon-Muskegon Corporation; the orientation of the single crystal blade member is controlled to maximize the stress on the slip plane; by maximizing the stress on the slip plane the in-plane friction forces and the forge force are minimized; minimizing the in-plane forces enables the single crystal blade member to be successfully welded to the rim of the disc.
US07731073B2	Surgical stapler with firing lock mechanism A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.
US07731068B2	Hanger A garment hanger having a first hook, a second hook positioned below the first hook, a pair of arms extending downwardly from the hook members, and a base member arranged in a horizontal position connecting the end portion of the arms. The hook members are attached to the arms by a housing and can pivot to an angular position with respect to the housing. The top portions of the arms are integrally connected and the hook members can rotate around and translate along the top portion. Further, each hook member can spin within the housing independently of the other hook member. Additionally, the base member includes a clamp which can be rotated around the base member and translated along the base member.
US07731063B2	Dry product dispenser with portion control A dispenser for use in dispensing a selected volume of a granulated, dry product. The dispenser includes a main body having an open interior that receives the supply of granulated products to be dispensed. A loading and dispensing member is positioned to receive the granulated product within a receiving cavity formed as part of the loading and dispensing member. A portion control member is selectively positioned within the receiving cavity. The position of the portion control member can be adjusted to vary the portion volume received within the receiving cavity between the portion control member and an open end of the receiving cavity. Once the portion volume has been received within the receiving cavity, the loading and dispensing member is moved to the dispensing position to dispense the portion volume. In this manner, a known, selected portion volume can be dispensed from the dispenser.
US07731050B2	Container and closure combination including spreading and lifting cams A closure (40) and container (10) combination which includes a closing and opening assist mechanism (22, 28, 28′, 30, 30′) which provides for spreading the locking mechanism (46) of the closure and causing a lifting movement of the closure to effect the removal of the closure from the container.
US07731049B2	Container with a cover indicating previous opening The invention relates to a container (1), especially a bucket or similar, comprising an opening, which is orientated upwards and which can be closed by a cover (3), and a peripheral container edge (2), which is drawn outwards in a downward direction on the container wall (5), where the cover (3) is detachably connected thereto and whereon at least one tongue-like element (8) is connected in such a way that at least one part of the cover (3) is raised due to a pivoting movement away from a starting position on the container wall (5). According to the invention, the tongue-like element (8) engages with the container edge (2) from behind with part of said tongue-like element which can be guided outwards by the pivoting movement to a position in front of the container wall (2) and the part of said tongue-like element is prevented from being guided behind the container edge (2) when the tongue-like element (8) pivots back in the direction of the initial position.
US07731048B2	Closure assembly with breakaway sealing portion with gripping tab A plastic lid for a can of the type comprising a tubular body (10) having an upper end (13) for the seating of the lid (20) comprising a sealing portion (21), removably seated on the tubular body (10) and provided with an upper edge (21b), a seal portion (25), to be ruptured upon the first opening of the lid (20), having an upper ring (25b) which is incorporated to a lower skirt (25a), said upper ring (25b) and said lower skirt (25a) being respectively seated onto and around part of the upper end (13), said upper ring (25b) being incorporated through radial bridges (26), to said upper edge (21b), the seal portion (25) presenting an interruption (25c) extending through the width of the upper ring (25b) and through at least part of the height of the lower skirt (25a). The sealing portion (21) incorporates a gripping tab (27) which is manually operable only when part of the seal portion (25) is ruptured.
US07731046B2	Composite sandwich panel and method of making same A method of manufacturing a composite panel includes manufacturing a composite panel having a first skin, a second skin, a core, and a plurality of distinct groupings of Z-axis fibers that extend through the core from the first skin to the second skin, wherein the Z-axis fibers include opposite ends respectively terminating at and integrated into the first skin and the second skin; and creating structural stringers in the composite panel by removing the second skin and substantially all of the core and the Z-axis fibers down to or adjacent to the first skin.
US07731044B2	Thermoplastic container adapted to be filled with a hot liquid A thermoplastic container (1) adapted to be filled with a hot liquid, comprising a body (2) having a plurality of recessed panels (3) parallel to the axis (4) of the body and separated by beams (5) parallel to the axis; the panels are arranged on a number of levels (A, B, . . . ), the panels of two consecutive levels being separated by a collar (6) in surface continuity with the beams; each beam is recessed to form a longitudinal central channel section (7), and the channel sections (7) of the beams (5) of the successive levels are connected to one another, in an angularly offset manner from a beam (5) of one level to the consecutive beam (5) of the adjacent level, by strongly inclined channel sections (8) extending in the collars (6), channel sections (7, 8) forming channels configured as parallel successive steps and distributed over the periphery of the body.
US07731042B2	Closure with hinged lid and stress relief recesses A closure is provided for a container opening. The closure includes a body for mounting to the container and a lid movable between a closed position and an open position. The lid and body are connected by a bistable, snap-action hinge structure having a web between two hinges. Stress-relief recesses are provided at an end edge of either the body hinge or the lid hinge or both.
US07731040B2	Crawler crane In a crawler crane of the present invention, a plurality of winches 11-14 for winding wire ropes are disposed on a rotating frame 6 of an upper rotating body 3 in a row in a plane view. A cabin 17 and a power unit 18 are disposed on the front and rear portions of either a right side or a left side of the rotating frame 6 of the upper rotating body 3. A working oil tank 36 of the power unit 18 is disposed between the cabin 17 and a driving section 31-34 of the power unit and in close proximity to a rear surface of the cabin 17. The working oil tank 36 is formed in a size which covers the substantially whole area of the rear surface of the cabin 17. In the crawler crane of the present invention, it is possible to take an anti-sound measure for the cabin to a satisfactory extent without causing cost increase. In the crawler crane of the present invention, moreover, it is possible to improve the transportability because the width of the upper rotating body can be shortened.
US07731038B2	Promotional display system By providing a pre-printed promotional system which employs two cooperating panels securely affixed to each other, with each panel being movable between a folded, compacted position and an unfolded, extended position, a unique, hands-on, printed, visually exciting and interest generating advertising/promotional product is attained. In addition, in the preferred construction of the present invention, the promotional system of the present invention is constructed to produce a snapping or cracking sound whenever the promotional system is moved between its two alternate positions. Although the creation or production of a sound is not required, it has been found that the sound produced further enhances consumer surprise and interest.
US07731035B2	Ore screening panel frame system An ore screening deck frame system which consists of a machine frame having a machine attachment portion and a support rail attachment portion and a panel support rail having a frame attachment portion and a panel attachment portion where in the rail attachment portion of the frame and the frame attachment portion of the rail are in end view cross section of a complementary shape so that the frame and rail can be locked together. The frame member comprises a vertically disposed web adapted to be secured to the screening machine and a frame support extending laterally of the upper edge of said web wherein the web and support are formed from reinforced wear resistant elastomeric material and the support consists of a central channel section in which the width of the channel opening is narrower than the internal width of the channel and the external lateral edges of the frame support include protrusions adapted to retain screen panel support rails. The frame is preferably made from polyurethane moulded over an inverted L section steel frame member.
US07731034B2	Electronic part supplying tape and electronic part supplying tape connecting method In a carrier tape for supplying an electronic part to an electronic part mounting apparatus for taking out the electronic part from a tape feeder to mount to a board, a tail side connecting portion having a cutout portion is provided to a tail side of the carrier tape mounted to the tape feeder, a front side connecting portion having a chipped portion is provided to a head side of the carrier tape to be used newly, respectively, and in tape splicing operation when a reel is interchanged, the cutout portion is fitted to the chipped portion and adhesive tapes are pasted thereon from two upper and lower faces thereof. Thereby, the tail side connecting portion and the head side connecting portion can be positioned in a longitudinal direction, a width direction and a thickness direction of the tape and held to each other and can efficiently be connected without using an exclusive connecting jig.
US07731027B2	Package and blank and apparatus for forming such package A package for containers such as bottles or cans, in particular beverage containers, folded from a blank, provided with: a substantially closed bottom panel (2); two side panels (4), upstanding from the bottom panel, on opposite sides thereof; two upper flaps (6) folded from the side panels over containers arranged on the bottom panel; end wall flaps (10) extending on both sides of each side panel while confining the containers; and top flaps (12) extending from the upper edges of the end wall flaps facing away from the bottom panel, below or between the upper flaps (6); wherein at least said two flaps (12) and/or the upper flaps (6) are attached to each other.
US07731026B2	Insert for truck box An insert is provided for the hollow interior of a trick tool box including one or more rails having mounting structure for supporting bins, trays, tool racks, tool holders, hooks, pegs and other means for storing items within the box interior.
US07731022B2	Apparatus support structure The invention relates to a pre-table system (V) for container handling machines, comprising at least in-feed and out-feed starwheels (A, Z), arranged such as to be driven on support housings (1), defining a starwheel configuration (K) in the pre-table system (V), within which the support housing (1) is fixed to a floor-standing support structure (S) whereby the support structure (S) has a tube and/or profile section frame (6) of sections (7) directly or indirectly detachably connected to each other at points (N) by means of the support housing and floor support feet (8), within which the support housings are arranged in a free-standing manner such that free areas (15) are formed around the support housings and at least some sections (7) may be combined together and with support housings such that the starwheel configurations (K) may be optionally altered.
US07731018B2	Rotary gatherer with collapsible pins A rotary gatherer has drums for delivering printed sheet materials and a conveyor having a conveyor chain and a first pin and a second pin connected to the chain and defining a pocket for receiving the printed sheet materials from the drums. The first pin may include a first section movable horizontally and vertically along a predetermined path with respect to the conveyor chain when subjected to a vertical force. A conveyor, a pin and a related method also are disclosed.
US07731017B2	Device for driving load conveyors or transporters A device for driving load conveyors or transporters in the form of a driving and guiding means (4), integrated in a line of conveyors or transporters (1 and 2) and extending along the longitudinal axis of said conveyors or transporters (1 and 2), perpendicularly to their plane and essentially formed by the combination of a driving belt (5), arranged along at least one longitudinal edge or in the extension of longitudinal edges of at least one conveyor or transporter (1 and 2) or two successive conveyors or transporters (1 and 2), and of a guide applying (6) the loads against the driving belt (5), arranged along the longitudinally opposite edges. Particular applicability is in the field of conveying by means of pallet conveyors or transporters, in particular with change of rate of transport and/or of level between conveyors.
US07731015B2	Chainless container-transporting device The present invention provides a container-transporting device which fundamentally avoids the problems caused by elongations and the structure of endless chains, which is inevitably created by using endless chains in the container-transporting conveyors for conventional filling-and-packaging machines. It is a container-transporting device for holding and transporting a square-cylindrical container 36 by a container holder 34 formed between container-transporting means 32 and 33 disposed to face parallel with each other, wherein the container conveying means 32 and 33 are equipped with: a number of blocks 40 having a holding part 38 constituting a part of a container holder 34; outward block-support members 42 and homeward block-support members 44, arranged by extending in the conveying direction, for supporting a number of blocks 40 in a movable condition along the conveying direction; a first transfer means 46 capable of sequentially transferring the blocks 40 that have been conveyed while being supported by the outward block-support members 42 to the homeward block-support members 44; a second transfer means 48 capable of sequentially transferring the blocks 40 that have been conveyed while being supported by the homeward block-support members 44 to the outward block-support members 42; and a block delivering means 50 capable of delivering and conveying the blocks 40 so that each block 40 can be circulated.
US07731014B2	Device for conveying a stack of flat objects Disclosed is a device for conveying a stack of flat objects, in particular a stack of mail items, in a conveyance direction. The conveyor device comprises a base face, a side wall, which is perpendicular to the base face, a base face conveyor facility let into the base face and a side wall conveyor facility let into the side wall. The side wall is divided into two partial side walls. The rear partial side wall—viewed in the conveyance direction—is offset outward in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction in relation to the front partial side wall. The side wall conveyor facility is let into the rear partial side wall. The base face conveyor facility is embodied to exert a force on the objects, which moves the objects toward the side wall conveyor facility.
US07731013B2	Mechanical workstation skillet lift A mechanical skillet lift and conveyor system including a workstation having a lift element securely positioned at a first location and a skillet including a lift device and a vertically translatable table drivenly coupled to the device, wherein the skillet device is configured to automatically cause a predetermined change in table elevation, when the skillet is translated through the workstation such that the device engages the element.
US07731012B2	Overhead transport system able to activate the selective drawing of garment lots Overhead transport system for the selective drawing of garment lots, making use of a box-shaped support rail (1) on which the garment hanger books (G) are hanging, inside which liftable tracks (5) are provided, through which a closed circuit chain (7) is guided. The chain being able to seize and draw the said hooks when the said liftable tracks are selectively push upwards due to to the inflation of corresponding rubber tubes (4).
US07731006B2	Airactuated cone clutch fan drive A clutch assembly having an overall diameter and overall axial length. Both the axial length and the ratio of the length to the diameter are reduced. A translatable clutch piston is in communication with a pressure chamber and is movable between a piston neutral position and a piston activated position in response to air pressure. A cone clutch member is moved from a clutch engaged position to a clutch disengaged position in response to the translatable clutch piston moving from the piston neutral position to the piston activated position. The cone clutch member engages the rotating drive shaft when in the clutch engaged position. A clutch spring member biases the cone clutch member into the clutch engaged position with a clutch engagement force. The clutch spring has a primary spring ratio of a wire diameter to a spring diameter optimized such that a maximum spring force is achieved while minimizing the spring length. A movable carrier member for the spring member has an increased axial length to reduce and limit abrasion damage to the piston and member. The bearing assembly has a reduced axial length limited by the ratio of its length to its inner diameter.
US07731005B2	Lock-up clutch mechanism for torque converter The present invention provides a lock-up clutch mechanism for a torque converter, in which a plurality of friction materials are arranged concentrically in a radial direction and adjacent friction materials are integrally connected to each other.
US07731003B2	Axially actuating device having elastic joining portion An axially actuating device having an elastic joining portion is provided, which is used for carrying an object and actuating the object to move axially, and comprises a fixed portion, a moving portion, and a joining member. The joining member is used to combine the fixed portion with the moving portion, such that the fixed portion and the moving portion are axially coupled with each other. Moreover, the fixed portion and the moving portion are respectively a fixed magnet and a coil, such that when a current is applied to the moving portion, the moving portion generates a relative displacement with respect to the fixed portion according to the current, so as to provide an axial displacement. Meanwhile, the moving energy is generated due to the repulsive interaction of the magnetic field, and thus a shock proofing efficacy is also provided.
US07731001B1	Disc brake A retraction arrangement for moving a piston in a bore of a caliper to a position of rest after each brake application. The retraction arrangement includes a cylindrical body with a plurality of inward projecting fingers that engage and apply a radial spring force on the piston. Each finger is defined by a cylindrical section that transitions into a first arcuate section that transitions into a radial section that transition into a second arcuate section that engages the piston. The second arcuate section moves with the piston during a brake application causing the fingers to pivots with respect to the cylindrical body resulting in a decrease in the radial spring force while creating an increasing axial spring force in each finger. On termination of the brake application, the axial spring force returns the piston to the position of rest to establish a running clearance between a friction member and the rotor.
US07730996B2	Long fiber thermoplastic composite muffler system with integrated crash management The present invention provides composite muffler systems formed of a long fiber thermoplastic. Long fiber thermoplastic technology allows the fibers, to maintain a length sufficient to provide structural strength at lower fiber loading. The long fiber thermoplastic material for forming composite muffler systems also provides increased impact strength and creep resistance as well as chemical and thermal resistance. Mufflers molded with long fiber thermoplastics demonstrate improved dimensional stability as compared to known short fiber based moldings. One suitable muffler structure is a multi-piece muffler assembly including at least one long fiber thermoplastic shell section. In accordance with the present invention, the long fiber thermoplastic material and moldings may also be combined with over-molding of preforms of unidirectional or woven inlays, which provide local structural performance. The use of such preforms is particularly suited to use in the manufacture of high temperature, structural articles such as bumper muffler combinations.
US07730994B2	Acoustic panel and manufacturing method An acoustic panel (1) has a recess (8) extending part or all way down to a facing (7). A panel loudspeaker (11) may be fixed in the recess or a water sprinkler (14) or other device may be mounted in or above the recess.
US07730993B2	Power steering device In a power steering device, a hydraulic power cylinder is configured to assist a steering force of a steering mechanism linked to steerable road wheels, a pump is configured to supply a hydraulic pressure to respective pressure chambers of the hydraulic power cylinder, an electric motor is configured to drive the pump, a torque sensor is configured to detect a steering torque of the steering mechanism, an operating load state detecting circuit is configured to detect an operating load state of the pump based on a viscosity resistance characteristic of a working oil, and an electric motor control circuit is configured to output a drive signal to the motor on the basis of a torque signal from the torque sensor and the operating load state of the pump.
US07730992B1	Off road heavy duty transmission/transfer case mount A mounting unit is mounted to the frame cross member of a vehicle. The mounting unit includes a bottom unit which is bolted to the frame cross member and a top unit which is bolted to the transmission/transfer case adapter. The top and bottom units are bolted to one another. The mounting unit allows the motor, transmission, and transfer case to move freely with respect to each other during hard use conditions, including extreme four-wheeling, without damaging the mounting unit.
US07730986B2	Electric component arrangement structure for vehicle, vehicle having the same, and method for arranging electric component in vehicle An electric component arrangement structure for a vehicle includes a plurality of electric components, a support member, and a body frame of the vehicle. The plurality of electric components includes a battery and an ECU. Couplers of the electric components are arranged in the support member. The body frame includes a main frame which supports an engine. The plurality of electric components are arranged in the body frame. The main frame supports the support member at a front region located forward with respect to the engine. The main frame supports the battery and the ECU at a rear region located rearward with respect to the engine.
US07730984B2	Method and apparatus for control of a hybrid electric vehicle to achieve a target life objective for an energy storage device A method for determining a preferred operating gradient for use in attaining a life objective for an electrical energy storage device in a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. A present state-of-life of the electrical energy storage device is provided and a life target for the electrical energy storage device is established as a predetermined limit in a predetermined metric at a predetermined state-of-life of the electrical energy storage device. A state-of-life gradient is then determined with respect to the predetermined metric which converges the state-of-life of the electrical energy storage device to the life target.
US07730983B2	Power control for hybrid motorcycle An automatic centrifugal clutch is interposed in a power transmission system between an engine and a driving wheel. A motor, which is capable of generating electricity, is supplied with electricity from a battery to generate auxiliary power. The motor is connected to a crankshaft of the engine. An acceleration data acquisition component acquires the accelerator operation amount and the accelerator operation speed. A delay time setting component sets a delay time according to the acceleration data. A motor controller supplies the motor 13 with a magnitude of electricity in accordance with the acceleration operation amount after the delay time has elapsed from the moment when an accelerator grip was moved from an idle position.
US07730979B2	Method of, and apparatus for, cleaning the exterior of tubing An apparatus for cleaning a bank of tubing includes a small, portable, mobile, remote controlled cart that travels over the surface of the banking of tubing and directs at least one high pressure fluid jet onto the surfaces of the tubes comprising the banks of tubing over which the cart is traveling. A method of cleaning the exterior of a bank of tubing includes traversing a small, portable, mobile, remote controlled cart over the surface of the bank of tubing, and directing a high pressure water generally downwardly toward the tubing as the cart traverses the surface of the bank of tubing.
US07730978B2	All-terrain robotic omni-directional drive assembly A main ellipsoidal drive element is provided including a buoyant internal chamber. The main ellipsoidal drive element defines a main ellipsoid axis, a minor ellipsoid plane, a first ellipsoid end portion, a second ellipsoid end portion, and an outer ellipsoid surface. A drive engagement element is mounted to the first ellipsoid end portion and selectively transfers rotational drive to the main ellipsoidal drive element around the main ellipsoid axis. A plurality of roller elements are mounted around a minor ellipsoid periphery of the main ellipsoidal element. Each of the roller elements are orientated to provide friction reduced rolling in a main ellipsoid axis direction and traction perpendicular to the main ellipsoid axis direction.
US07730973B2	Housing arrangement for a drill rig Housing arrangement 8 for a drill rig, especially adapted for damping sound, said drill rig comprising a feed beam holder 3, a feed beam 4 being movably attached to the feed beam holder 3 and having a drill end 41 and a rear end 42, and a drilling machine 5 being movably attached to and movable along the feed beam 4, said housing arrangement 8 comprising a casing 7, and said feed beam 4. The invention is characterized in that the casing 7 is directly attachable to the feed beam 4, such that the casing 7 and at least a part of the feed beam 4 enclose the drilling machine 5, and allows for mutual movement between the feed beam 4 and the feed beam holder 3.
US07730972B2	Downhole turbine In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has a jack element that is substantially coaxial with an axis of rotation of the drill bit and the jack element has an asymmetrical distal end that extends beyond a working face of the drill bit. A turbine is located within a bore formed in the drill bit and a flow valve is actuated by the turbine. The flow valve is adapted to route a drilling fluid in the bore into a porting mechanism adapted to extend the jack element farther beyond the working surface of the drill bit. The turbine is also adapted to rotate the jack element at variable speeds.
US07730971B2	Tension/collar/reamer assemblies and methods The present invention provides drilling assembles and methods that are especially useful for a bottom hole drilling assembly for drilling/reaming/or other operations related to drilling a borehole through an earth formation. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly utilizes standard drill collars which are modified to accept force transfer sections. In another embodiment, the drilling assembly comprises a tension inducing sub which creates a force that may be used to place the bottom hole assembly or portions thereof in tension. In another embodiment, a reaming assembly is held in tension to provide a stiffer reaming assembly.
US07730967B2	Drilling wellbores with optimal physical drill string conditions A drilling system includes a control unit and a bottomhole assembly (BHA) coupled to a drill string. The control unit uses measurements from sensors distributed throughout the drill string and BHA to determine the physical condition of the drill string and BHA and to determine whether drilling can be optimized. The drill string sensors are housed in receiver subs and optionally can be positioned on extensible members. The receiver sub also can include a short-hop telemetry module, a processor module, and a clock module. In one embodiment, the receiver subs include seismic sensors for enabling vertical seismic profiling. During operation, the processor visually presents to the operator via one or more graphical user interfaces a dynamically updated pictorial image representing the drilling system. The image is annotated with an appropriate visual signal to indicate a determined physical condition at a given location or component. The processor can also display recommended adjustments to drilling parameters for increasing drilling rates, improving tool life, and more precise steering.
US07730966B2	High density slurry A module for slurrifying drill cuttings that includes a skid, a programmable logic controller disposed on the skid, and a blender. The blender including a feeder for injecting drill cuttings, a gate disposed in fluid communication with the feeder for controlling a flow of the drill cuttings, and an impeller for energizing a fluid, wherein the module is configured to be removably connected to a cuttings storage vessel located at a work site. Also, a method of drill cuttings re-injection that includes creating a slurry including greater than 20 percent by volume drill cuttings in a blender system, and pumping the slurry from the blending system to a cuttings injection system. The method further includes injecting the slurry from the cuttings injection system into a wellbore.
US07730964B2	Power tool and overload protection The invention relates to a power tool having a change-speed gear device comprising a plurality of gears (1, 2) for adjusting on demand power stages of a drive, wherein an overload protection can be coupled to the gears (1, 2). According to the invention, the device comprises at least one gear (3) in which the overload protection function can be forcibly deactivated. The invention also relates to an overload protection.
US07730958B2	Method and apparatus to enhance hydrocarbon production from wells This invention teaches methods and compositions to enhance oil and gas recovery from reservoirs. The methods and compositions disclosed enhance hydrocarbon recovery and fluid disposal in subterranean reservoirs by injecting microemulsion fluids with supercritical fluids, water, or an alternating injection phase of each fluid.
US07730957B2	Well tool with line and installation method Installation of lines in well tools. A well tool for use in conjunction with a subterranean well includes connectors at opposite ends of the well tool, a line extending between the connectors; at least one threaded connection at a position between the connectors; and an anti-rotation device which permits make-up of the threaded connection without relative rotation between ends of the line. A method of installing a line in a well tool includes the steps of: making-up a threaded connection at a position between end connectors of the well tool; and preventing relative rotation between ends of the line during the threaded connection making-up step, the line extending between the connectors.
US07730955B2	Grooved expandable recess shoe and pipe for deployment of mechanical positioning devices A first, expandable casing member, in an unexpanded state, is provided with a lower axial end that has a radially expanded upset or recess shoe and a locating profile. The first casing member is run into a wellbore, expanded, and secured in place within the wellbore. A second expandable casing member is then provided in an unexpanded state and disposed into the wellbore through the first casing member using a running tool. The second casing member is located with respect to the first casing member and expanded using an expansion member carried by the running tool.
US07730954B2	Hydraulic control and actuation system for downhole tools A hydraulic control and actuation system for downhole tools. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control and actuation system includes an internal chamber serving as a low pressure region and a well annulus serving as an energy source. A valve assembly provides selective fluid communication between alternating opposite sides of a piston and each of the energy source and low pressure region. Displacement of the piston operates a well tool. Operation of the valve assembly is controlled via telemetry between a remote location and an electronic circuit of the system.
US07730953B2	Multi-cycle single line switch Systems and methods for selectively operating multiple hydraulic pressure controlled devices (PCDs) within a borehole using a common inflow and outflow line and a common cycling line. A control system is used wherein each of the PCDs is operationally associated with a separate sleeve controller. The sleeve controller for each PCD controls whether the individual PCD can be actuated by hydraulic pressure variations in the common inflow and outflow lines.
US07730952B2	Hydraulic fracturing methods using cross-linking composition comprising zirconium triethanolamine complex A method for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation comprises introducing into the formation a cross-linking composition which comprises a zirconium triethanolamine complex, a tetra(hydroxyalkyl)ethylenediamine, water, a cross-linkable organic polymer, and optionally, a polyol. The method can be used for cross-linking organic polymers over a wide range of pH. By varying the composition and optionally adding a delay agent, the method provides flexibility in rate of cross-linking.
US07730950B2	Methods for treating intervals of a subterranean formation having variable permeability Methods of using water-soluble hydrophobically modified polymers to treat intervals of a subterranean formation having variable permeabilities. An exemplary embodiment provides a method of treating an interval of a subterranean formation having a permeability that varies. The method comprises contacting the interval with a water-soluble hydrophobically modified polymer capable of selectively reducing the effective permeability of the interval to water without a comparable reduction of the effective permeability of the interval to hydrocarbons. The hydrophobically modified polymer modifies the interval to have a more uniform permeability without substantially preventing the flow of fluids through the interval. The method further comprises introducing a treatment fluid into the interval. The more uniform permeability of the interval allows for a more uniform treatment of the interval by the treatment fluid than would be allowed without treatment of the interval with the hydrophobically modified polymer.
US07730949B2	System and method for performing well treatments A technique is provided for performing a well treatment operation. A completion assembly is constructed with a tubular member designed to maintain pressure integrity above a given well treatment zone. The completion assembly and a service tool can be moved downhole for well treatment operations in one or more well zones. A converter tool is utilized to selectively form openings through a wall of the tubular member to enable flow following completion of the well treatment in a lower zone.
US07730945B2	Using geothermal energy to heat a portion of a formation for an in situ heat treatment process Methods of using geothermal energy to treat subsurface formations are described herein. Methods for using geothermal energy to treat a subsurface treatment area containing or proximate to hydrocarbons may include producing geothermally heated fluid from at least one subsurface region. Heat from at least a portion of the geothermally heated fluid may be transferred to the subsurface treatment area to heat the subsurface treatment area. At least some hydrocarbon fluids may be produced from the formation.
US07730936B2	Active cable for wellbore heating and distributed temperature sensing A heating and distributed-temperature-sensor cable permanently fixed in a wellbore that permits known amounts of heat to be introduced to subsurface formations and improved temperature measurement thereof. The heat is introduced into a target zone of the wellbore by forming the cable in two sections: an upper section that carries an electrical current without generating significant amounts of heat, and a lower section that generates heat from the electrical current. Continuous distributed-temperature-sensing is performed through measuring various scattering mechanism in optical fibers that run the length of the cable.
US07730934B2	Thixo-molding shot located downstream of blockage Disclosed is a metal molding process, including passing, through a conduit passageway, a volume of molten metal located downstream of a passageway blockage formable in the conduit passageway. Also disclosed is a molded article having a body made by a metal molding process, including passing, through a conduit passageway, a volume of molten metal located downstream of a passageway blockage formable in the conduit passageway.
US07730931B2	Method and apparatus for producing pleats in curtains and pleated curtains and hanging said curtains using said apparatus A method and apparatus, for pleating curtains and pleated curtains using the apparatus, are described. The apparatus may be provided as a parts kit which includes a stiffener, pleat-forming members, and fasteners. The stiffener is attached to a curtain and bent into a series of pleat-shaped formations. The pleat-forming members and fasteners are used to hold the stiffener and support the curtain, forming the created pleats in place. The curtain may then be hung on a curtain rod by a separate hanging element which couples the pleat-forming members to a curtain rod. The hanging element may form an integral part of the pleat-forming member.
US07730928B2	Overhead sectional door, hinge and stile assembly A hinge assembly pivotally couples adjacent panels together in an overhead sectional door. The panels include stiles between each lateral end of the panel to which the hinge assemblies are attached. The hinge assembly includes an upper hinge leaf on an upper panel with a pair of spaced generally parallel flanges which span the juncture between the upper and lower panels. The hinge assembly also includes a lower hinge leaf with a pair of flanges projecting generally parallel to each other. The lower hinge leaf is mounted to one of the stiles of the lower panel and each flange includes a pivot axis hole near a terminal end thereof for alignment with a pivot axis hole in one of the flanges of the upper leaf. The stile includes a pair of spaced, parallel sidewalls and a notch, depression or recess is on each sidewall. The recesses provide a seat for the respective flanges of the hinge leaves and clearance between the sidewall of the stile and any adjacent components. A rivet or similar pivotal connector device is seated within the pivot axis holes on each side of the hinge.
US07730923B2	Adjustable hanging apparatus for blind valances An adjustable hanging apparatus for blind valances is provided. The hanging apparatus includes a hanging device and a mounting device. The hanging device has a hook, which can be slidably hooked over a headrail. In addition, a base of the hanging device has an opening. The opening is disposed with two resilient mounting plates, and each mounting plate has a plurality of troughs. A neck portion is formed therebetween the mounting plates. The mounting device has a joint portion, which can engage with the valance. Also, a jam portion passes through the neck portion and mounted therein. Positioning flanges can be engaged with the troughs of the mounting plates so as to limit the vertical movement of the mounting device, and the mounting device can be inserted through the opening in the vertical direction of any positions to adjust the valance to desired positions.
US07730922B2	Apparatus and method for automatically fabricating tape with threads for visualization of air streams on aerodynamic surfaces Apparatus and method for visualizing air stream by little threads on aerodynamic surfaces such that strips of adhesive tape populated with threads are automatically fabricated.
US07730921B2	Belt welding apparatus and method Apparatus and method are disclosed for the welding of thermoplastic endless belts (28). Direct current is passed through a ni-chrome wire (27) to produce enough heat such that the thermoplastic melting point of the belt material is reached. The wire is mechanically moved through the abutting thermoplastic belt. The free ends being welded are securely held together with clamping members (2) and (4). In another embodiment a ni-chrome ribbon (54) is embedded in an electrically insulated screen to produce a heated planar surface. The invention is particularly suitable for the welding of polyurethane thermoplastic belts. Because the invention is hand held and it uses battery power, it is especially adapted for welding belts in the food processing industry.
US07730916B2	Folding work bench The folding work bench folds compactly for storage when not in use and occupies a minimal work space. The folding work bench has a durable work surface, a top storage shelf, a back board for hanging tools, a locking mechanism, and a work table that can be folded up against the back board and locked in a compactly folded configuration that also secures the tools on the back board in the work bench.
US07730908B2	Self supporting reinforced header A self supporting header has a horizontally extending header pipe of fiberglass reinforced plastic with a horizontal axis and a flange of fiberglass reinforced plastic connected to an outer surface of the header pipe by at least one web and extending along at least part of the horizontal extent of the header pipe. The at least one web extends vertically from at least one of the top and bottom of the header pipe and is connected to the flange. A reinforcing member or material is embedded in at least one of the flange and the at least one web and that has a greater modulus of elasticity than a modulus of elasticity of the fiberglass reinforced plastic of the header pipe reinforces a cross-section of the header for increasing the self supporting strength of the header. The reinforcing member may be made of metal or a carbon composite material.
US07730907B2	Device, with vanes, for use within a pipeline, and pipeline arrangement including such device A device for use in a pipeline including a fluid conduit section constructed of a flexible material. The fluid conduit section has a first end, which includes a first mounting arrangement, and a second end, which includes a second mounting arrangement. The fluid conduit section also has a length defined between the first and second ends, an internal diameter, and a fluid passage therethrough to allow fluid to flow from the first to the second end. The device also includes a plurality of longitudinally extending vanes positioned within the fluid conduit section, wherein radially inner edges of the vanes are in direct contact with the radially inner edges of adjacent vanes, and radially outer edges of the vanes contact one of the first and second ends, but are separated from the internal diameter of a remainder of the fluid conduit section, such that a space is defined therebetween.
US07730898B2	Semiconductor wafer lifter A novel semiconductor wafer lifter is disclosed for handling wafers during wet bench processing. In particular, the lifter has a plurality of holes formed in its vertical support surface to allow cleaning or rinsing fluid to flow through the vertical support instead of around its sides. These holes facilitates a constant flow of fluid across the wafer during recirculation of the tank contents during etching and rinsing operations, thus ensuring more even etching of all wafers and minimizing the deposition of particulate matter on wafer surfaces.
US07730881B1	Portable electric motor driven compressed air projectile launcher A portable motor driven air gun powered by a power source includes a motor that is coupled to a linear motion converter which drives a piston. The piston compresses air in a chamber against a forward air compression valve producing high-pressure air. When sufficient energy is stored within the air stream by the piston, the compression valve opens which releases the compressed air to push a projectile through a barrel. The engagement and disengagement of the linear motion converter and the connected piston to the motor can be controlled using sensors. The linear motion converter further is 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 is preferably rechargeable, allowing the air gun to be operated independent from either a wall outlet or a compressed air supply.
US07730880B1	Ignition apparatus for internal combustion engine There is obtained an ignition apparatus, for an internal combustion engine, that can make a predetermined output current flow in a stable manner so that the combustion state of the internal combustion engine can always be maintained in a good condition, even in the case where the voltage of the power source connected with the energy storing coil fluctuates. There are provided an energy storing coil (3), a switching means (S1) for accumulating energy, an ignition coil (4), and a switching means (S2) that turns on/off an ignition current; the switching means (S1) and (S2) are alternately turned on/off so that a current with a alternating polarity is made to flow continuously in the ignition coil (6); a switching means (S3) is connected both terminals of the energy storing coil (3); and when a current flowing in the energy storing coil (3) reaches a target value, the switching means (S1) is turned off and the switching means (S3) is turned off so that the energy storing coil current circulates through the switching means (S3) so as to keep the current to be approximately the target value.
US07730877B2	Fuel tank structure A main suction, that is a portion of a fuel feed-out pipe, and a bent portion, that is a lowermost portion formed at a return pipe, are both disposed within a fuel tank, positioned lower than a lowest liquid surface within a reserve cup, and can always be maintained in a state of existing within fuel. A fuel expelling port of a jet pump is positioned higher than a highest liquid surface at the reserve cup, and is always positioned higher than fuel within the reserve cup. As a result, a fuel tank structure in which suppression of flowing-out of fuel from the return pipe and the like, an improvement in the fuel transferring performance of the jet pump, and suppression of backward flowing of fuel through a transfer pipe, can all be realized is obtained.
US07730873B2	Valve controlled throttle mechanism in a heat regenerative engine In an engine having at least one cylinder with a reciprocating piston and a connecting rod for driving rotation of a crank disk and a crankshaft, a cam sleeve is moved along the crankshaft in response to a change in engine speed. The cam sleeve is coupled to a cam ring that moves with the cam sleeve and in a spiraling motion about the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft. A follower engages an outer face of the cam ring and is movable against a pushrod that opens an injector valve. The follower is structured and disposed to move in response to contact with a lobe on the outer face of the cam ring to urge the pushrod against the injector valve. The pushrod passes through a throttle control ring that rotates in an arc. Rotation of the throttle ring, with the use of a control lever, shifts the position of the pushrod on the follower relative to a fulcrum of the follower to control the distance the pushrod is driven by the follower and, thus, the amount the injector valve is opened.
US07730870B2	Engine dynamic load leveling A method for controlling an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders using electronic valve actuation, including operating a first portion of the cylinders in a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode, operating a second portion of the cylinders in a non-HCCI mode, and adjusting the valve timing of the second portion of cylinders to dynamically load level the engine in response to a transient torque demand. A system for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine, including a first group of cylinders to operate in an HCCI mode, a second group of cylinders to operate in a non-HCCI mode, and an engine controller operably coupled to the first and second groups of cylinders, said controller to adjust the valve timing of the second group of cylinders to dynamically load level the engine in response to a transient torque demand.
US07730869B2	Housing wheel engine Disclosed herein is a housing wheel engine that has a wheel shaped combustion housing, the housing wheel engine can hold several pistons which both sides working inside the combustion housing. The housing wheel engine transfers its rotating movement directly to the driveshaft by the planetary gearsets. A four-stroke time mechanism provided by the planetary gearsets.
US07730868B2	Portable gas powered internal-combustion engine arrangement A gas powered internal combustion engine in which the gas is provided from pressurized liquid gas in an LPG container and in which the LPG container is rigidly mounted adjacent to the internal combustion engine at a preselected angle to be in conductive heat transfer relationship to the internal combustion engine and in vibration receiving relationship to the internal combustion engine whereby the liquified gas in the LPG container is heated and the effective surface area thereof is increased.
US07730866B2	Sealing device This device is designed for a piston which is designed to move in alternating linear movement parallel to the axis of a chamber divided by the piston into a high pressure volume and a low pressure volume, and is of the type comprising: a circular cylindrical sliding surface bounding the chamber, an annular groove provided in the piston which is coaxial with the sliding surface and open towards the sliding surface, and a closed resilient sealing ring housed in a leak tight manner in the groove and intended to make sealing contact with the sliding surface. According to one aspect of the invention the ring is designed to determine the size of a lubricating oil film between the ring and the sliding surface to a limit lubricating thickness preferably from 0.1 μm to 1 μm when it moves from the high pressure volume to the low pressure volume.
US07730865B2	Engine air intake arrangement for a vehicle A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having an arrangement that inhibits the reduction of the fuel tank volume disposed to the rear of a moveable funnel that forms a portion of a variable length air intake. The vehicle includes an engine having an intake port. A fixed funnel introduces air to the intake port of the engine and a moveable funnel is position on the inlet side of the fixed funnel to selectively cooperate with the fixed funnel to deliver air to the intake port of the engine along with the fixed funnel. A parallel linkage moveably supports the moveable funnel. A fuel tank is disposed to the rear side of the moveable funnel and a motor that drives the parallel linkage is disposed on the opposite side to the fuel tank from the moveable funnel.
US07730862B2	Valve mechanism for internal combustion engine A valve mechanism for an internal combustion engine includes a first rocker arm (4) connected to an intake or exhaust valve and supported on a rocker shaft (3a), a second rocker arm (5) supported on the rocker shaft for being rotationally driven by a cam, a cylinder (10) formed on one of the first and second rocker arms (4, 5) and a first piston (11) provided in the cylinder, a contacting projection (4a) projecting on the other one of the first and second rocker arms, a return spring (12) for biasing the first piston in a direction in which the first piston contacts with the contacting projection, and a second piston (14) for displacing the first piston to a position at which the first piston does not contact with the contacting projection. The two pistons extend in parallel to each other when the first piston is at a non-contacting position.
US07730860B2	Actuator control apparatus and method An actuator control apparatus includes: an actuator that changes a state amount of an internal combustion engine; a sensor that detects an actual operation position of the actuator; a controller that controls the actuator to bring the actual operation position of the actuator to a target operation position set based on the operation state of the internal combustion engine; and a diagnosis portion that diagnoses the operation state of the actuator to be normal if the deviation between the target operation position and the actual operation position has been small for a predetermined time period and the amount by which the target operation position has changed in the predetermined time period is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. A method for controlling such an actuator control apparatus is also provided.
US07730852B2	Portable animal restraint and feeding station A portable and inexpensive device for restraining a dog, cat or other animal within a defined area. The device has a main body providing an endless circular groove that confines a wire or ring to rotating movement about the main body. The ring is attached to the animal's leash and allows the animal free movement within a circular area defined by the length of the leash. A plurality of removable pins anchor the device to the ground, with the pins being stored in storage grooves in the main body when not in use. The main body has a central recess that accommodates a bowl for food or water.
US07730840B2	Girder of a guideway for a track-bound vehicle A track carrier for a railborne vehicle, especially a magnetic suspended railway comprises a concreted plate (2) projecting laterally from the carrier (1). Stators (15, 16) are arranged at the two lateral ends of the plate (2) on the bottom of the plate (2), lateral guide rails (12) are arranged on the lateral surfaces of the plate (2), and glide strips (8) are arranged on the top side of the plate (2) for driving and guiding the vehicle. Hardenable, especially concreted, positionally correct contact surfaces (5, 6, 7) for the lateral guide rails (12) and/or for the stators (15, 16) and/or for the glide strips (8) are formed on the carrier (1), and the lateral guide rails (12) and/or the stators (15, 16) and/or the glide strips (8) are detachably arranged on, especially screwed to the contact surfaces (5, 6, 7) provided for them.
US07730839B1	Interfacial stress reduction and load capacity enhancement system An article and a process are provided for reducing the shear stress on an interface of a structural member in intimate contact with a compressive load. The article is in the form of a wedge that is forcibly placed against the sidewall of one end or both ends of the structural member. The wedge may take the form of a ring that can be placed on the inside or outside surface of a hollow cylindrical structural member. The process of forcibly placing a wedge against the sidewall at one or both ends of the structural member produces a transverse compressive stress upon the sidewall. The transverse compressive stress upon the sidewall attenuates the tendency of said sidewall to deflect when the structural member is subjected to a compressive load. A reduction in the deflection of the sidewall reduces the shear stress generated proximal to the interface of the structural member in intimate contact with a compressive load and increases the structural member load bearing capacity.
US07730835B2	Holding apparatus for holding a flexible plate on a circumferential surface of a holder of a printing machine A holding apparatus holds a flexible plate wound on a circumferential surface of a holder of a printing machine. A holding apparatus includes a hole section made in the holder along an axial direction of the holder, a groove section made by notching the circumferential surface of the holder along the axial direction to establish a connection with the hole section and accept insertion of a leading edge end portion and trailing edge end portion of the plate, a tension bar inserted and fitted into the hole section for engaging the trailing edge end portion of the plate, and a rotating mechanism provided in the hole section for rotating the tension bar.
US07730829B2	Beverage brewer A beverage brewer and method of using the same is provided. The beverage brewer has the capacity to brew a beverage from variable amounts of prepackaged pods or from free-form brewing material captured between upper and lower filter membrane surfaces.
US07730827B2	Attachment structure of swash plate support and hydraulic apparatus To provide an attachment structure of a swash plate support, that is, an attachment structure which suppresses an unstably fixed state of the swash plate support and realizes easy attachment and detachment of the swash plate support to and from a casing. A casing of a piston pump and a swash plate support which is attachable to the casing include a displacement preventing device and a rotation preventing device. In the swash plate support and the casing, since an engaging pawl portion of the displacement preventing device engages with an engaging portion, relative displacements in a first direction and a second direction along the rotational axis are prevented, and since a pin member of the rotation preventing device fits in the pin fit hole, relative rotations around the rotational axis are prevented.
US07730826B2	Swashplate type axial piston device having apparatus for providing three operating displacements An axial piston hydraulic device. The device has a housing that uses a servo piston in order to control the displacement of a swashplate within the device. By using a servo member disposed within a cavity of an end cap on the housing the axial piston hydraulic device is able to provide three operating positions depending on the angle of the swashplate.
US07730824B1	Precision tactical mount A precision tactical mount (12) includes a horizontal controller (30) and a vertical controller (34) for determining azimuth angles and elevation angles for a sight line of the precision tactical mount (12). The horizontal controller (30) and the vertical controller (34) have friction blocks (102, 114, 196) which engage mating friction surfaces with selectable forces for providing specific resistance against azimuth and elevation angular movement, without requiring separate mechanisms for locking the tactical mount (12) in selected positions. The friction blocks (102, 114 and 196) are preferably formed of softer materials than the mating friction surfaces to conform to the shape of the mating friction surfaces with increased normal forces, providing varying surface areas. The vertical controller (34) includes a course threaded screw member (142) mounted at an angle to a centerline (6) of the precision tactical mount (12) to provide fine control adjustment for elevation.
US07730821B2	Electromagnetic launcher with augmenting breech In an exemplary electromagnetic launcher, a housing with breech and muzzle is slidably supported in a carriage supported on a trunnion. First and second electrical contacts are mounted in the carriage toward an axis of the trunnion. The first and second contacts are electrically connectable to receive electrical power from an electrical power supply. First and second augmentation conductors are disposed aft of the trunnion and are electrically connected to the first and second electrical contacts. First and second main conductors extend from the breech toward the muzzle. A current cross-over connection is disposed toward the breech and electrically connects the first and second augmentation conductors with the first and second main conductors, respectively. The first and second electrical contacts and the first and second augmentation conductors may be engaged in slidable electrical contact over a portion of the first and second augmentation conductors, thereby accommodating recoil motion.
US07730817B2	Apparatus for cutting ductile materials and a method of operating the apparatus A cutting apparatus for ductile materials comprises a nozzle having a number of outlet openings separated from each other by separator webs. Next to the nozzle, a rotating cutting tool is provided, having a plurality of cutting knives for cutting off the strands of material discharged through the outlet openings of the nozzle. Each separator web is at least as wide as a cutting knife. For performing a cutting operation, the cutting tool is intermittently rotated. Between two cutting operations, the cutting tool is stopped, whereby its knives remain in a rest position behind the separator webs. For the next cutting operation, the cutting tool is rotated by such an amount that its cutting knives move from a position behind a first separator web to the next adjacent separator web.
US07730814B2	Video image type determination system, video image processing system, video image processing method and video image processing program A video image processing system, which determines a type of a video image scene and processes the video image based on a processing method corresponding to the type of the video image scene, is provided. A landmark feature variable obtaining section calculates the landmark feature variable on the basis of the photographing direction, the photographing position, and the landmark information. A moving feature variable obtaining section calculates a moving feature variable on the basis of the photographing position, the moving speed and route information. A video image type determining section determines a type of the video image scene on the basis of the landmark feature variable and the moving feature variable. A video image processing section determines a processing method of the video image on the basis of the type of the video image scene and a usage purpose, and processes the video image on the basis of the determined processing method. A display section displays the processed video image.
US07730807B2	Transmission for tractor A transmission for a tractor has a forward/reverse transmission unit for selectively changing a rotational direction of power of a first shaft connected with an engine and transmitting the power to a second shaft connected with an axle shaft, a main transmission unit installed between the second shaft and the axle shaft and having a plurality of gears to speed-change the power transmitted from the second shaft in four-speed, and a sub-transmission unit installed between the main transmission unit and the axle shaft and having a plurality of gears to speed-change again the power transmitted from the main transmission unit in four-speed. The transmission realizes forward/reverse 16-speed while having a compact structure.
US07730806B1	Vehicle pedal booster and associated method A vehicle pedal booster includes a rigid support panel with a rectilinear central region provided with a predetermined thickness and a plurality of anchoring brackets spaced from the support panel and positioned posterior thereof in such a manner that the existing vehicle pedal is intercalated between the anchoring brackets and the support panel. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for maintaining the anchoring brackets and the support panels directly and statically abutted against the existing pedal such that the vehicle pedal booster is prohibited from disengaging the existing vehicle pedal during driving conditions. Such a maintaining mechanism includes a plurality of rectilinear threaded fasteners penetrating through the orifices and engaging the anchoring brackets respectively.
US07730803B2	Switch designation apparatus for a bicycle control unit A switch designation apparatus for a bicycle control unit comprises a first switch structured to be mounted to a bicycle for providing signals to move a moving bicycle control device, a second switch structured to be mounted to the bicycle for providing signals to move the moving bicycle control device, and a switch designation unit that allows a user to selectively designate movements of the bicycle control device signaled by at least one of the first switch and the second switch.
US07730800B2	Power unit A small center distance is provided between a crankshaft and a gearshift shaft disposed in parallel. A power unit is built compactly in a direction of arrangement of the crankshaft and the gearshift shaft for supporting reliably the gearshift shaft on which heavy, first and second gearshift clutches are supported. A transmission includes a main shaft, disposed in parallel with a crankshaft and rotatably supported in a crankcase, and first and second gearshift clutches. The first and second gearshift clutches change a gearshift position in a first gearshift portion and a gearshift position in a second gearshift portion, respectively. The main shaft includes an outer shaft portion that extends from the crankcase and supports the first and second gearshift clutches. The outer shaft portion is supported by a bearing portion disposed in a front cover on a side opposite to the crankcase across the first and second gearshift clutches.
US07730792B2	Method and device for compensation for influences, which interfere with the measurement accuracy, in measurement devices of the vibration type A method for compensation for influences, which interfere with the measurement accuracy, in measurement devices of the vibration type, comprising a measurement tube through which a fluid medium can flow and which is caused to oscillate mechanically, acting as an oscillation body, by an excitation unit, whose oscillation behavior, which changes as a function of the flowrate and/or the viscosity and/or the density of the fluid medium, is detected by at least one oscillation sensor in order to determine the flowrate, wherein the material strain in the measurement tube is detected by means of at least one sensor, from which an indicator value for the influence causing the material strain is calculated in order to correct the measurement signal, by signal processing, from the indicator value obtained in this way.
US07730788B2	Method of measuring the retention force of a biomedical specimen in the form of an electrically conductive structure located on a carrier A method of measuring the retention force of a biomedical specimen coupled to a carrier includes the measurement of the force required for magnetically decoupling the specimen from the carrier. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing the specimen with an electrically conductive structure; creating an external alternating magnetic field near the specimen; increasing the amplitude and/or frequency of the magnetic field; detecting the start of the movement of the specimen on the carrier; and calculating the retention force of the specimen by determining the applied magnetic force on the basis of the parameters of the magnetic field. In other embodiments, the magnetic field may remain constant and the biomedical specimen may be moved through the field at varying speeds.
US07730782B2	Sensor device A sensor device includes a time determining part that determines time point information, and adds the time point information to the output supplied from a part subjected to failure diagnosis and related to generation of a failure detection signal, and to the output related to generation of a sense signal. With this structure, the failure detection signal is correlated with the sense signal by the time point information. Alternatively, the sensor device includes an output circuit that correlates the failure detection signal with the sense signal supplied at the same time point as the failure detection signal, and outputs both signals using a time division method.
US07730780B2	Level switch and method for detecting the fill level of a medium in a container A level switch detects the fill level of a medium in a container and transmits a switch signal corresponding to the detected level. The level switch incorporates a signal generator for generating an electromagnetic signal, a measuring circuit, and a reference circuit into which the electromagnetic signal can be fed. The measuring circuit is so configured and positioned that the signal fed into the measuring circuit changes as a function of whether or not the measuring circuit is surrounded by the medium, while the reference circuit is so configured and positioned that the signal fed into the reference circuit remains unaffected by the fill level of the medium. A tap at a specific point on the measuring circuit collects the measuring voltage, a tap at a specific point on the reference circuit collects a reference voltage, and a voltage comparator compares the measuring voltage with the reference voltage and emits a comparison-derived switch signal. This permits the dependable detection of a specific level of the medium in the container while essentially eliminating errors due to changes in extraneous parameters such as temperature fluctuations. A method for detecting the fill level of a medium in a container employing the switch is also disclosed.

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