最新美国发明专利第2010-06-29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
US07745185B1	Sulfotransferase 1A3 sequence variants Isolated sulfotransferase 1A3 nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides that include nucleotide sequence variants and amino acid sequence variants are described. Methods for determining predisposition to particular clinical conditions and methods for determining sulfonator status also are described.
US07745178B2	Complexity management of genomic DNA The presently claimed invention provides for novel methods and kits for reducing the complexity of a nucleic acid sample by providing non-gel based methods for amplification of a subset of the sequences in a sample. In a preferred embodiment, amplification of a subset can be accomplished by digesting a sample with two or more restriction enzymes and ligating adaptors to the fragments so that only a subset of the fragments can be amplified. The invention further provides for analysis of the above amplified sample by hybridization to an array, which may be specifically designed to interrogate the desired fragments for particular characteristics, such as, for example, the presence or absence of a polymorphism.
US07745177B2	Method for manufacturing xylitol with high-yield and high-productivity The present invention provides a method for manufacturing xylitol with high-yield and high-productivity by using a xylitol dehydrogenase-deficient mutant of xylitol producing microorganism. This goal is achieved through modification of the metabolic pathway of the xylitol producing microorganism, preferably a natural xylose-assimilating yeasts and fungi, by disrupting or inactivating the expression of desired genes.
US07745171B2	Cell-free protein synthesis method using insect cell extract solution The present invention provides a preparation method of an insect cell extract solution for cell-free protein synthesis, the insect cell extract solution, a protein synthesis method in a cell-free system, which uses the insect cell extract solution, and a kit for cell-free protein synthesis containing the insect cell extract solution. The extract solution is easily prepared by the method of the present invention and can synthesize a higher amount of protein than by extract solutions prepared by conventional methods.
US07745161B2	Amplification of enzymatic reactions for use with an enthalpy array Provided is a method of detecting characteristics of a reaction of interest, including instituting the reaction of interest, obtaining an amplified heat related to the reaction of interest, measuring the amplified heat, and determining the characteristics of the reaction of interest, using the signal obtained in the step of measuring.
US07745159B2	Methods and compositions for diagnosing carcinomas The invention is directed to compositions and methods for the detection of a malignant condition, and relates to the discovery of soluble forms of mesothelin polypeptides, including mesothelin related antigen (MRA). In particular the invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding MRA and an MRA variant. The invention also provides a method of screening for the presence of a malignant condition in a subject by detecting reactivity of an antibody specific for a mesothelin polypeptide with a molecule naturally occurring in soluble form in a sample from such a subject, and by hybridization screening using an MRA nucleotide sequence, as well as other related advantages.
US07745156B2	Methods for diagnosis and treatment of epithelial-derived cancers The present invention relates to the use of a polypeptide (CD27L) for diagnosis of epithelial-related cancers, in particular kidney cancer e.g. renal cell cancer and colorectal cancer, e.g. colon cancers, as well as in methods of treatment of such cancers.
US07745154B2	Preventives/remedies for myeloma tumor and method of diagnosing the same The present invention provides a preventive or therapeutic drug for a myeloma tumor and osteoclastic bone loss associating therewith, the drug containing as an active ingredient an osteopontin-production regulator or inhibitor; a screening method for a preventive or therapeutic drug for a myeloma tumor, characterized by determining osteopontin production regulatory or inhibitory effect; as well as a diagnostic kit for a myeloma tumor, characterized by including a reagent for measuring blood osteopontin level, and a diagnostic method.
US07745151B2	Methods of determining binding between Nogo receptor and p75 neurotrophin receptor Inhibitors of Nogo Receptor (NgR)-p75 binding are used to reduce NgR-p75 binding mediated axon growth inhibition. Mixtures of NgR and p75 are used in pharmaceutical screens to characterize agents as inhibiting binding of NgR to p75 and promoting axon regeneration.
US07745143B2	Plasmon resonance biosensor and method A method of analyzing a sample comprising directing a beam of light to a spot on the surface of a microarray treated with the sample using a digital micromirror device, and observing the SPR spectral shift due to a chemical binding event. The digital micromirror device can be, for example, that used in Digital Light Processing (DLP). Such a device can selectively place a pixel of light onto a microarray such that each spot can be observed at millisecond intervals and the whole microarray can be sequentially scanned over a relatively short period. The SPR spectral shift for each spot can be measured as a function of time, thus producing SPR detection of molecular binding in an array format.
US07745142B2	Molecular modification assays Assays for detecting molecular modifications such as phosphate modifications and the presence and/or activity of enzymes and other agents involved in facilitating or otherwise regulating such modifications.
US07745141B2	Mycobacterial proteins as early antigens for serodiagnosis and vaccines A number of protein and glycoprotein antigens secreted by, or expressed on the surface of, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) have been identified as “early” Mtb antigens on the basis of antibodies present in subjects infected with Mtb prior to the development of detectable clinical disease. PirG protein encoded by the Mtb gene Rv3810, PE-PGRS protein encoded by the Mtb gene Rv3367, PTRP protein encoded by the Mtb gene Rv0538) and MtrA protein encoded by the Mtb gene Rv3246c, or epitopes of these proteins, are useful in immunoassay methods or T cell assays for early, rapid detection of TB in a subject. Preferred immunoassays detect antibodies in the urine. Also provided are antigenic compositions, kits and methods useful for detecting these early Mtb antigens and early Mtb antibodies specific for them. Vaccine compositions comprising the foregoing antigens or epitopes are also disclosed.
US07745140B2	Activation and expansion of T-cells using an engineered multivalent signaling platform as a research tool Provided are a system and methods for selectively inducing expansion of a population of T cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors, such as lymphokines, and accessory cells for research purposes. The cell based expansion system and methods permit the long-term growth of CTLs, preferably human CTLs. In addition, T cell proliferation can be induced without the need for antigen, thus providing an expanded T cell population that is polyclonal with respect to antigen reactivity. Further provided are methods for using the system and methods to screen and identify antigens related to specific diseases or conditions, tumors, autoimmune disorders, or an infectious disease or pathogen, and to identify target molecule for research purposes, or for developing a vaccine based thereon.
US07745137B2	Method of diagnosing risk of myocardial infarction by detection of specific gene polymorphisms It is intended to provide a means of diagnosing myocardial infarction which shows a high accuracy and a high predictability. The risk of myocardial infarction is diagnosed by a method comprising the following steps: (i) the step of analyzing 2 or more polymorphisms among 10 gene polymorphisms or 5 gene polymorphisms proved as relating to myocardial infarction; (ii) the step of determining the genotype of a nucleic acid sample based on the polymorphism data obtained in the above step; and (iii) the step of determining the genetic risk of myocardial infarction from the genotype thus obtained.
US07745131B2	High throughput genome specific molecular markers for erucic acid content genes in Brassica napus A single base change in the Bn-FAE1.1 gene in the A genome and a two-base deletion in the Bn-FAE1.2 gene in the C genome produce the nearly zero content of erucic acid observed in canola. A BAC clone anchoring Bn-FAE1.1 from a B. rapa BAC library and a BAC clone anchoring Bn-FAE1.2 from a B. oleracea BAC library were used in this research. After sequencing the gene flanking regions, it was found that the dissimilarity of the flanking sequences of these two FAE1 homologs facilitated the design of genome specific primers that could amplify the corresponding genome in allotetraploid B. napus. The two-base deletion in the C genome gene was detected as a sequence characterized sequence region (SCAR) marker. To increase the throughput, one genome specific primer was labeled with four fluorescence dyes and combined with 20 different primers to produce PCR products with different fragment sizes. Eventually, a super pool of 80 samples was detected simultaneously, making it possible to analyze over half a million of samples per day using a medium capacity ABI 3100 Genetic Analyzer. This dramatically reduces the cost of marker detection. The single base change in the Bn-FAE1.1 gene was detected as single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) marker with an ABI SNaPshot kit. A multiplexing primer set was designed by adding a polyT to the 5′ primer end to increase SNP detection throughput through sample pooling. These multiplexed high throughput molecular markers have been successfully implemented in our canola/rapeseed breeding programs.
US07745130B2	Hepatitis B viral variants with reduced susceptibility to nucleoside analogs and uses thereof The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside or nucleotide analogs and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular HBV variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for and/or develop or design agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.
US07745129B1	Methods for sequencing of a necleic acid Improved labeled molecule probes for use in biomedical applications including the sequencing of nucleic acid molecules and methods and apparatuses for their use are detailed. Labeled-probe-assemblies, comprising a probe element, for binding to a target molecule, attached to a label-assembly further comprising a linear series of information encoded structures and means for spatially separating these structures, are presented together with methods for extending the label assemblies such that the information encoded structures can be individually resolved, substantially simultaneously, by a readout device.
US07745128B2	Ras mutation and compositions and methods related thereto Disclosed are newly discovered Ras mutations and combinations of mutations, proteins and peptides and fusion proteins containing these mutations, nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins, peptides, and fusion proteins, and a variety of tools and diagnostic, therapeutic, and screening methods associated with the use of such mutations.
US07745127B2	Molecular diagnostic method for dementia with lewy bodies The present invention describes methods of molecular diagnosis of a concrete form of a-synucleinopathy, the dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), associated to the levels of ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) or the alteration of its ubiquityl-ligase activity. It also refers to the use of compounds that permit the modification of the UCH-L1 levels or of the enzymatic activity of UCH-L1. This invention has application in the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from DLB.
US07745126B2	Methods, kits and compositions pertaining to combination oligomers and libraries for their preparation This invention pertains to the field of combination oligomers, including the block synthesis of combination oligomers in the absence of a template, as well as related methods, kits, libraries and other compositions.
US07745125B2	2′-terminator related pyrophosphorolysis activated polymerization The present invention provides reaction mixtures that include blocked oligonucleotides comprising 2′-terminator nucleotides. The blocked oligonucleotides are rendered extendible when the 2′-terminator nucleotides are removed from the oligonucleotides, e.g., via pyrophosphorolysis. The reaction mixtures can be used in various nucleic acid polymerization and/or amplification assays, among many other applications. In addition to reaction mixtures, the invention also provides related methods and reaction mixtures.
US07745124B2	Hybridization method A hybridization method is provided in which an efficient hybridization reaction can be carried out. Further, there are provided, using this hybridization method, a method for detecting a target gene with high sensitivity and a signal amplifying method for markedly improving the detection sensitivity of the target gene. There is provided a hybridization method comprising the use of oligonucleotides in a reaction solution, the method comprising forming partially a reaction temperature region in the reaction solution and performing a hybridization reaction in the reaction temperature region.
US07745117B2	Methods for incorporating non-perfectly matched oligonucleotides into target-specific hybridization sequences The present invention provides a method of designing target-specific hybridization sequences which include one or more mutations. The method of the invention comprises selecting a candidate target nucleotide sequence in a subject nucleotide sequence. A first complementary nucleotide sequence to the target nucleotide sequence is identified by applying the known bonding relationships of the nucleotides. Next, a second complementary nucleotide sequence having one or more mutations is constructed. The amount of the “target-second complementary nucleotide sequence” hybrid formed when the candidate target nucleotide sequence and second complementary nucleotide sequences are combined in the presence of interfering sequences is characterized and used to assess utility of the second complementary nucleotide sequence. The present invention also provides the target-specific hybridization sequences designed by the methods of the invention.
US07745116B2	Composition and method for nucleic acid sequencing The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting incorporation of a labeled nucleotide triphosphate onto the growing end of a primer nucleic acid molecule. The method is used, for example, to genotype and sequence a nucleic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the method described herein detects individual NTP molecules.
US07745115B2	Method for the surveillance for biological, chemical and radiological agents Provided is a method of surveillance for hazardous materials, e.g., chemical, biological and radiological agents. The method comprises assaying a sample derived from materials collected from a sample domain for the presence of a chemical, biological, or radiological agent. The sample domain comprises at least one collection point from which the materials are collected in a pre-existing operation unrelated to surveillance.
US07745113B2	Use of islet 1 as a marker for isolating or generating stem cells The present invention provides in vitro methods of expansion and propagation of undifferentiated progenitor cells and more specifically undifferentiated progenitor cells containing Islet1, a marker apparently unique to proliferating cardiac stem cells. Methods are described for isolation of stem cell populations as well as for provoking expansion and propagation of undifferentiated progenitor cells without differentiation, to provide cardiac repair or improve cardiac function, for example.
US07745110B2	Adipogenic adenoviruses as a biomarker for disease This invention relates to the relationship between infection with an adipogenic adenovirus, such as adenovirus-36, and obesity-related disease. In particular, this invention relates to assaying a subject to determine the adipogenic adenovirus infection status and then determining the subject's predisposition to developing an obesity-related disease based on the adipogenic adenovirus infection status.
US07745106B2	Methods and devices for separating liquid components Methods and devices for preparing a solid-fibrin web are provided. One method may include drawing blood from a patient, separating plasma from the blood, contacting the plasma with a calcium-coagulation activator and concurrently coagulating and axially centrifuging the plasma to form the solid-fibrin web. The solid-fibrin web may be suitable for regenerating body tissue in a living organism. Devices used in the methods may also be provided.
US07745104B2	Bottom resist layer composition and patterning process using the same There is disclosed a bottom resist layer composition for a multilayer-resist film used in lithography comprising, at least, a polymer comprising a repeating unit represented by the following general formula (1). Thereby, there can be provided a bottom resist layer composition that exhibits optimum n value and k value on exposure to shorter wavelengths, excellent etching resistance under conditions for etching substrates, and is promising for forming a bottom resist layer used for a multilayer-resist process such as a silicon-containing bilayer resist process or a trilayer resist process using a silicon-containing intermediate resist layer.
US07745094B2	Resist composition and patterning process using the same A resist composition is provided comprising a silicone resin, a photoacid generator, a nitrogen-containing organic compound, and a solvent. The silicone resin is obtained through cohydrolytic condensation of a mixture of three silane monomers containing a fluorinated norbornane group, an organic group having a carboxyl group protected with an acid labile group, and a lactone ring-bearing organic group, respectively. The resist composition has satisfactory resolution and overcomes the problem of a low selective etching ratio between resist film and organic film during oxygen reactive etching.
US07745089B2	Process for producing toner, and toner A process for producing a toner by subjecting a polymer and a resin component containing a cross-linkable polymer capable of cross-linkingly reacting with the polymer, to cross-linking reaction in the presence of a first wax to form a wax-containing cross-linked polymer composition; mixing the wax-containing cross-linked polymer composition with at least a colorant and a second wax, followed by melt-kneading to form a toner composition; and pulverizing the toner composition to produce toner particles. Also disclosed is a toner produced by this process. The toner thus obtained is a toner whose fixing performance and anti-offset properties are well balanced and also which makes it possible to afford images having less fog and high quality, over a long period of time in environments of from low temperature and low humidity to high temperature and high humidity, and is highly durable without causing any contamination of members with which the toner comes into contact.
US07745086B2	Developer material, developer material cartridge, image forming device, and image forming apparatus A developer material includes base particles that contain at least a binder resin and a colorant, and an external additive that covers the surface of the base particles. The developer material has a mean volume particle diameter in the range of 3.9-6.1 μm, and includes pulverized base particles of an external additive. The external additive has a mean particle diameter in the range of 30-110 nm, the external additive being in an amount in the range of 1.0-3.0 weight parts based on 100 weight parts of the base particles. The external additive covers a surface of the base particles, a surface area of the base particles being covered with said external additive, the surface area being in the range of 30.6-58.6% of a total surface area of the base particles.
US07745085B2	Toner for developing electrostatic latent image and method of manufacturing same, electrostatic latent image developer, cartridge, and image forming apparatus A toner for developing an electrostatic latent image that includes a crystalline polyester resin and a release agent, wherein structures in which the crystalline polyester resin contacts the release agent exist in a ruthenium-stained cross section of the toner, and if the cross-sectional area of these structures is labeled A, the cross-sectional area of lone portions of the release agent is labeled B, and the cross-sectional area of lone portions of the crystalline polyester resin is labeled C, then 40≦100×A/(A+B+C)≦70, 10≦100×B/(A+B+C)≦30, and 20≦100×C/(A+B+C)≦30.
US07745081B2	Diphenyl amine derivative, production method therefor and electrophotographic photoconductor The present invention provides a diphenyl amine derivative having the excellent solubility to a solvent and compatibility to a binding resin, an efficient production method therefor, and an electrophotographic photoconductor having the excellent sensitivity, capable of effectively preventing generation of the black dots. A diphenyl amine derivative represented by the following general formula (1) is used: (In the general formula (1), R1 to R12 each are a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, or the like, Z is a ring structure linked with a benzene ring, which is a 4 to 8-membered ring including a hydrogen atom, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a carbon atom or a sulfur atom, m1, m2, n1, n2 each are 0 or 1, m1+n1 is 1 or 2, and m2+n2 is 1 or 2.)
US07745079B2	Apparatus for and method of thermophoretic protection of an object in a high-vacuum environment Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus for and method of protecting a reticle in a lithography system from particle deposition using thermophoresis, but still allowing a high vacuum area for the photo-optics.
US07745077B2	Composition for coating over a photoresist pattern The present invention relates to an aqueous coating composition for coating a photoresist pattern, comprising a polymer comprising at least one unit with an alkylamino group, where the unit has a structure (1), where, R1 to R5 are independently selected from hydrogen and C1 to C6 alkyl, and W is C1 to C6 alkyl. The invention also relates to a process for imaging a photoresist layer using the present composition.
US07745068B2	Binary photomask having a compensation layer A binary photomask with an improved resolution and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The binary photomask may include a substrate, a transmission-prevention pattern formed on the substrate to define a circuit pattern, and a compensation layer configured to change light transmitted through the binary photomask based on a topology of the compensation layer and arranged on the transmission-prevention layer and/or the substrate.
US07745067B2	Method for performing place-and-route of contacts and vias in technologies with forbidden pitch requirements Provide is a method of making a mask layout, an integrated circuit device made by a method, a computer readable medium, and a mask for forming contact holes. The method can comprise patterning a first feature along a first axis, determining a first set of areas adjacent to the first feature, wherein each of the areas in the first set of areas is within a first angle away from the first axis, and wherein each of the areas in the first set of areas is within a first distance away from the first feature, and patterning a second feature in at least one of the first set of areas so as to form a mask layout, wherein each of the first feature and the second feature are one of a virtual feature and a real feature.
US07745064B2	Oxidation facilitator Fuel oxidation facilitators for use in electrochemical devices are described, as well as devices incorporating facilitators and methods of their use. Exemplary facilitators separate a liquid anode of a fuel cell from fuel supplied to the fuel cell, and facilitate oxidation of the fuel.
US07745059B2	Fuel cells cartridge and electric apparatus having built-in fuel cell The fuel cell cartridge including: an external casing; a fuel cell body (stack), which is accommodated in the external casing and which includes at least a fuel electrode, an oxidizer electrode, and an ion conductor; and a fuel tank for storing a fuel, wherein the external casing has a penetration hole, which penetrates an inner portion of the external casing and which is in communication with outside air, and wherein an inner wall of the penetration hole is provided with at least an opening communicating with the oxidizer electrode. The fuel cell cartridge is detachably attached to an electric apparatus, and an inlet of the penetration hole of the fuel cell cartridge is situated at a position corresponding to an outside-air communicating port, which is provided in the electric apparatus and which is in communication with outside air.
US07745057B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery 10 according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positive electrode 11, a negative electrode 12, a separator 13 and a nonaqueous electrolyte liquid in which not only the positive electrode 11 contains a positive electrode active material charged at or higher than 4.3 V based on lithium and a halogenated cyclic carbonate is added in the nonaqueous electrolyte liquid, but also an inorganic insulating material particle layer is formed on the surface of at least either of the positive electrode 11, the negative electrode 12 and the separator 13. By employing such a constitution in the present invention, a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery using a positive electrode charged at a high electric potential of 4.3 V or more based on lithium in which the amount of a generated gas is small even when the battery is overcharged at higher temperatures, and the impact safety and reliability thereof are high, can be provided.
US07745055B2	Electrolyte for rechargeable lithium battery and rechargeable lithium battery comprising same Disclosed is an electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery including: a first additive having an oxidation potential of 4.1 to 4.6V; a second additive having an oxidation potential of 4.4 to 5.0V; a non-aqueous organic solvent; and a lithium salt.
US07745053B2	Lithium secondary battery having an improved polymer electrolyte Lithium secondary batteries having polymer electrolytes are provided. A lithium battery includes a positive electrode including a positive active material capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions, a negative electrode including a negative active material capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions, and a polymer electrolyte. The polymer electrolyte includes a polymer, a non-aqueous organic solvent, and a lithium salt. The polymer electrolyte has a shear strength relative to the positive electrode of about 0.7 N/mm or greater.
US07745050B2	Separator and non-aqueous electrolyte battery A separator having a structure in which a resin layer is formed at least on one principal plane of a base material layer, wherein the resin layer has an inorganic substance is provided. A non-aqueous electrolyte battery in which a cathode and an anode are arranged through the separator so as to face each other is also provided.
US07745045B2	Laminated film and secondary battery comprising the same The present invention relates to a layered product in which at least an aluminum foil, a chemical conversion layer, an olefinic resin layer having an adhesive property to metal and a thermal bonding resin layer are successively laminated on a substrate layer. A fluororesin layer, formed by a fluorine-containing copolymer having a crosslinking group and a curing agent that reacts with the crosslinking group, is formed between the olefinic resin layer and the thermal bonding resin layer.
US07745044B2	Battery module A battery module includes a battery case, at least a battery, and at least a thermal pad. The battery case includes a top cover and a bottom cover. The battery is received in the bottom cover of the battery case. The thermal pad is placed in a chamber of the batteries and pressed by the top cover of the battery case after the top cover and the bottom cover covering together. Therefore, the thermal energy created by the battery module can be easily transmitted to the outside of the battery module case along the thermal pad.
US07745043B2	Fuel cell stack A planar fuel cell stack, having generators that generate electricity by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel and an oxidizing agent, the generators arranged on a same plane. A beading unit and a protruding portion are formed on a fastening plate and a separator so as to improve structural stiffness thereof. Accordingly, the constituent elements of the stack are fastened with a substantially uniform conjoining pressure compared to a conventional planar stack, and the thickness of the stack of the present invention can be thinner than that of the conventional planar stack.
US07745041B2	Electrochemical element Positive and negative electrodes include exposed current collector portions at both lengthwise ends, and these exposed current collector portions are bent such as to protrude from the widthwise edge of the electrodes to form welding pieces. The positive and negative electrodes and a separator interposed therebetween are wound around into a flat shape having an ellipsoidal cross section. The welding pieces of the positive and negative electrodes protruding from opposite sides of the wound electrodes are welded together with respective leads. According to this configuration, a simple but high-quality current collector design capable of stable electrical connection in a high power output prismatic electrochemical element is provided.
US07745040B2	Safety device for preventing overcharge of secondary batteries and secondary batteries therewith An object of the present invention is to provide the device for protecting a secondary battery safely from overvoltage and overheating caused by the overcharge by using simple safety device, which provides a contacted safety device which connects between a constant voltage element showing a discharge characteristic in the state of overvoltage and a MIT (metal insulator transition) element showing a discharge characteristic in the state of overheating. Each of the constant voltage element and the MIT element are connected in parallel between a cathode lead and an anode lead of the secondary battery. The contacted safety device has a characteristic combining a discharge/heat dissipation characteristic of the constant voltage element and a discharge characteristic of the MIT element which immediately responds to the heat dissipation of the constant voltage element, resulting in effect of preventing overcharge advantageously since the contacted safety device makes discharge in terms of 2 factors of voltage and temperature in case of overcharge.
US07745034B2	Fuel cell system and fuel cartridge having fuel buffer module Disclosed is a fuel cartridge. The fuel cartridge according to the present disclosure comprises a fuel container having a first port configured to flow fuel therethrough; and a buffer module configured to be coupled to the fuel container, wherein the buffer module comprises a second port configured to engage with the first port, a tubing connection comprising a first and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to or forms the second port, a third port coupled to or formed by the second end of the tubing connection, and a buffer container in fluid communication with the second and third ports via the tubing connection, wherein the buffer container is configured to store fuel therein when an inflow of the fuel to the buffer module is greater than an outflow from the buffer module.
US07745031B2	Solid oxide fuel cell SOFC cell comprising a metallic support 1 ending in a substantially pure electron conducting oxide, an active anode layer 2 consisting of doped ceria, ScYSZ, Ni—Fe alloy, an electrolyte layer 3 consisting of co-doped zirconia based on oxygen ionic conductor, an active cathode layer 5 and a layer of a mixture of LSM and a ferrite as a transition layer 6 to a cathode current collector 7 of single phase LSM. The use of a metallic support instead of a Ni—YSZ anode support increases the mechanical strength of the support and secures redox stability of the support. The porous ferrite stainless steel ends in a pure electron conducting oxide so as to prevent reactivity between the metals in the active anode which tends to dissolve into the ferrite stainless steel causing a detrimental phase shift from ferrite to austenite structure.
US07745024B2	Sealed accumulator equipped with a safety device A sealed accumulator (1) having an electrochemical bundle (9) including at least one positive electrode and one negative electrode arranged in a container (2); positive (6) and negative (7) current output terminals arranged on a cover (5) of the container and respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes; a circuit-breaker including a connecting piece (10) and a membrane (20), electrically insulated from the connecting piece and suitable for deforming under the effect of an overpressure in the container, to break the connecting piece. The connecting piece extends over the top of the cover of the container and conducts an electric current between an electrode of one polarity and its current output terminal. The connecting piece is dimensioned to allow the passage of a current greater than 50 A.
US07745022B2	CMC with multiple matrix phases separated by diffusion barrier A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material (10) with increased interlaminar strength is obtained without a corresponding debit in other mechanical properties. This is achieved by infusing a diffusion barrier layer (20) into an existing porous matrix CMC to coat the exposed first matrix phase (19) and fibers (12), and then densifying the matrix with repeated infiltration cycles of a second matrix phase (22). The diffusion barrier prevents undesirable sintering between the matrix phases and between the second matrix phase and the fibers during subsequent final firing and use of the resulting component (30) in a high temperature environment.
US07745011B2	Coating composition and method for enhancing the strength of corrugated cardboard A low-cost and effective coating composition for cardboard allows use of thinner paper board with the same or higher strength relative to conventional water-resistant cardboard. The resulting cardboard can also be repulped and more easily recycled. The inventive coating composition, preferably applied to the fluted inner ply of the cardboard (as a waterproof barrier), is compatible with the utilization of low-cost starch-based adhesives for gluing the fluting to the liners. At least one side of the fluting cardboard is coated with a composition comprising: from about 10% to 70% by weight, and more preferably from about 40% to 60% by weight, of sodium silicate; from about 10% to 60% by weight, and more preferably from about 30% to about 50% by weight, of a synthetic resin emulsion; from about 10% to 50% of a paraffin-water emulsion; and from about 5% to about 25% by weight of added water.
US07745010B2	Coating compositions exhibiting corrosion resistance properties, related coated substrates, and methods Coating compositions are disclosed that include corrosion resisting particles such that the coating composition can exhibit corrosion resistance properties. Also disclosed are substrates at least partially coated with a coating deposited from such a composition and multi-component composite coatings, wherein at least one coating later is deposited from such a coating composition. Methods and apparatus for making ultrafine solid particles are also disclosed.
US07745008B2	Processing solution for forming hexavalent chromium free and corrosion resistant conversion film on zinc or zinc alloy plating layers, hexavalent chromium free and corrosion resistant conversion film, method for forming the same A processing solution for forming a hexavalent chromium free, corrosion resistant trivalent chromate conversion film on zinc or zinc alloy plating layers comprises: trivalent chromium and oxalic acid in a molar ratio ranging from 0.5/1 to 1.5/1, wherein the trivalent chromium is present in the form of a water-soluble complex with oxalic acid; and cobalt ions, which do not form a hardly soluble metal salt with oxalic acid and are stably present in the processing solution without causing any precipitation; wherein the solution reacts with zinc when bringing it into contact with the zinc or zinc alloy plating to form a hexavalent chromium free, corrosion resistant, trivalent chromate conversion film containing zinc, chromium, cobalt, oxalic acid and silicon on the plating. The film is quite thin, free of any hexavalent chromium, has corrosion resistance identical to or higher than that achieved by the conventional hexavalent chromium-containing film and can be formed using a processing solution having a quite low concentration.
US07745007B2	Release sheets and methods of making the same Release sheets that can be used to manufacture artificial leather, paneling, and other products, as well as methods of making such release sheets are described. In general, the release sheets include a substrate and a release coating. The release coating is formed on the substrate by applying a crosslinkable material, such as an acrylic functional material, then crosslinking the material. An example of a release coating is the crosslinked reaction product of an acrylic functional material and a Michael donor. The release sheets have surfaces that can be replicated with high fidelity using a casting material, such as a urethane casting material.
US07745006B2	Low odor, fast cure, toughened epoxy adhesive An epoxy adhesive composition of an epoxy resin and an amine hardener includes a synergistic accelerator of an effective amount of short chain polyol and an effective amount of a dihydric phenol having between about 6 and about 24 carbon atoms. Surfaces of adherends are joined with the dried residue of the epoxy adhesive composition by applying the epoxy resin composition to one or both surfaces, joining the surfaces, and applying pressure, optionally with heating. The joined adherends having the dried epoxy resin composition is another disclosed embodiment.
US07745002B2	Method of coating the surface of an inorganic powder and a coated inorganic powder manufactured using the same The present invention provides a method of coating the surface of an inorganic powder comprising; (a) providing an alcohol solution of an alcohol-soluble metal salt and an alcohol solution of an amine compound; and (b) mixing and stirring the two alcohol solutions with an inorganic powder and water, thereby coating the surface of the inorganic powder with a metal hydroxide produced from the alcohol-soluble metal salt. The inorganic powders coated with metal oxide manufactured according to the present invention exist independently without substantial agglomeration, and the metal oxide coating is deposited substantially only on the surface of the inorganic powder with uniform thickness without substantial clustering among the inorganic powders. Consequently, when a Ni electrode layer is prepared using the titanium oxide coated Ni powders manufactured according to the present invention, not only quality but also yield of MLCC can be improved.
US07745001B2	Synthesis of nanoassemblies containing luminescent quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles Negatively charged luminescent CdSe—ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were successfully incorporated into novel luminescent glyconanospheres averaging around 190 nm in diameter through electrostatic interactions with carboxymethyldextran (CM-dextran) and polylysine. The glyconanospheres preferably contain as well carboxyl-modified iron oxide nanocrystals. In addition to electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged dextran, the negatively charged CdSe—ZnS QDs (and negatively charged iron oxide nanocrystals, if present), and the positively charged polylysine, covalent amide bonds were introduced to cross link the QDs (and negatively charged iron oxide nanocrystals, if present) with the polysaccharide matrix to further stabilize the glyconanospheres. The dextran residues on the surface of the nanospheres show high affinity toward the glucose binding protein-Concanavalin A (Con A). As a result, these luminescent CdSe—ZnS QD incorporated glyconanospheres are a useful tool for studying carbohydrate-protein interactions that are critical steps in bacterial and viral infection.
US07744999B2	Crystallized meta-aramid blends for improved flash fire and arc protection A yarn, fabric, and garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection and having improved flash fire protection contains a majority, by weight, of meta-aramid fibers having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%, and a minority of modacrylic fibers, para-aramid fibers, and antistatic fibers. Garments made from the yarns provide thermal protection such that a wearer would experience less than a 65 percent predicted body burn when exposed to a flash fire exposure of 4 seconds per ASTM F1930, while maintaining a Category 2 arc rating per ASTM F1959 and NFPA 70E.
US07744993B2	Polymer foams with treated fillers, fabrication method and products using same The present invention provides for a polymer composite foam with a treated filler and methods for making the same. The polymer composite foam includes a polymer capable of being formed into a polymeric foam and a treated filler, wherein the polymer defines a plurality of cells dispersed therethrough and the treated filler is dispersed throughout the polymer. The filler is treated by techniques which exfoliate, delaminate or intercalate the filler particles into individual micro and/or nano size particulates and platelets. Ideally, the treated filler has a median particle size ranging from about 0.1 nm-10 μm. The treated filler enhances the rigidity, barrier properties, heat deflection temperature, nucleation characteristics, fire retardant characteristics and impact properties of the foam. The products fabricated from the polymer composite foam include containers, cups, sleeves, bags, plates, bowls, protective packaging, boards, sheets, void fillers, storageware, dinnerware and cookware. The present invention also provides for methods of fabricating the polymer composite foam.
US07744989B2	Flash-spun sheet material This invention relates to improved plexifilamentary sheet material useful in protective apparel and filtration media, which material is comprised of substantially continuous polyethylene plexifilamentary fiber strands and has a Frazier Permeability, normalized to 1.0 oz/yd2 basis weight, of at least 2 cfm/ft2.
US07744986B2	Multilayered erosion resistant coating for gas turbines A coating system is used on an engine component having an outer surface configured to be exposed to a first plurality of particles impinging against the outer surface at an angle within a first angle range and a second plurality of particles impinging at an angle in a second angle range. The system includes a bond layer overlying the engine component outer surface, a first erosion-resistant layer comprising a first material that is more resistant to erosion by particles impinging the component outer surface at an angle within the first angle range than by particles impinging within the second angle range, an interlayer overlying the first erosion-resistant layer, and a second erosion-resistant layer comprising a second material that is more resistant to erosion by particles impinging the component outer surface at an angle within the second angle range than by particles impinging within the first angle range.
US07744984B2	Method of treating substrates for bonding A method of treating a glass substrate for bonding. The method includes providing a glass substrate having a fritted portion of a ceramic frit material and a non-fritted portion. At least a portion of the fritted portion includes a bondable surface. The method further includes cleaning and activating the bondable surface for subsequent bonding. The cleaning and bonding steps are carried out by applying an air plasma to the bondable surface.
US07744982B2	Edge insulation for vacuum insulation panels The invention provides an edge insulation piece (1) comprising a thin sheet of material (2) which is manipulated by bending, rolling or other forming to effect a long conductive path within a small cross-sectional area. In a preferred embodiment, a thin layer of insulation material (3) is interleaved between two layers of the thin sheet of material (2), which is folded around the insulation layer (3) during forming of the edge piece (1). A further layer of insulation material (4) may be rolled within the edge piece (1) as it is. This interleaving of thin layers of insulation material (3, 4) prevents the surfaces of the thin sheet of material (2) from touching each other and also insulates the material (2) from the top and bottom panels (5, 6) of a vacuum insulation panel (7) when the edge piece (1) is inserted around the edge of the panel (7). The edge piece (1) may be further coated over part or all of its length with a low emissivity material (13) to minimise radiative losses. Alternatively or additionally the coating (13) may comprise a gas impermeable layer to form a gas impermeable barrier.
US07744979B2	Compositions for protective films for optical discs Compositions for protective films include inorganic microparticles dispersed in an acrylic radical-based binder resin. Binder resins are formed from binder monomers including base components, scratch-resistant components and diluent components. Diluent components include diluent monomers having principal chain structures including a functional group having a cyclic structure or a branched carbon chain structure.
US07744977B2	Support coil comprising a mechanical locking means and method for the production thereof A support coil for radially supporting an elastically expanded tube material includes an extruded profile body consisting of a plurality of windings wound about a longitudinal axis of the support coil. Each of the windings has opposing end faces. A ratchet arrangement joins the end faces of the adjacent windings with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support coil. A tongue and groove arrangement joins the end faces of the adjacent windings with respect to a radial direction of the support coil. The tongue and groove arrangement is spatially separated from the ratchet arrangement.
US07744976B2	Curable pressure sensitive adhesive composition, optical disk producing sheet, and optical disk A curable pressure sensitive adhesive composition is made to contain a polymer-containing energy rays-curable component and fine particles having an average particle diameter of not more than 30 nm, wherein the solid content of the fine particles is made to be from 5 to 60 wt %. A stamper-receiving layer or a curable pressure sensitive adhesive layer for bonding a protective layer is formed using this curable pressure sensitive adhesive composition, thus producing an optical disk producing sheet. This optical disk producing sheet has a low volume shrinkage rate upon curing, and has excellent adhesiveness. If this optical disk producing sheet is used, then an optical disk having little warping and excellent inter-layer adhesion can be obtained.
US07744975B2	Contaminant removal tape roll with sheet removal feature and method of manufacturing the same A roll of contaminant removal tape defining opposing longitudinal ends, opposing side edges, and opposing major surfaces. The tape is wound into a roll and includes a backing layer, an adhesive layer, a plurality of lines of perforations, and a set of discrete non-adhesive zones. The adhesive layer is applied to a first side of the backing layer to define a portion of the first major surface. The lines of perforations extend across at least most of the width of the tape between the first and second side edges to separate the tape into sheets. The non-adhesive zones are provided along the first major surface of the tape, with each non-adhesive zone extending from the first side edge. In one embodiment, the lines of perforations are progressively longitudinally spaced from one another, and respective ones of the non-adhesive zones correspond with respective ones of the lines of perforations.
US07744974B2	Composite structure and method of manufacture A fiberglass laminate used in fabricating a composite pile comprising a plurality of fiberglass type layers and an impervious tube array. A tubular composite pile construction includes the laminate as well as plastic inner and outer skins and a resin injected into the laminate. A method of fabrication includes providing a mandrel, wrapping a plastic inner sleeve about a bladder on the mandrel, wrapping the fiberglass laminate and wrapping a plastic outer skin about the laminate. Lastly, a resin is injected into the laminate to substantially fill between the inner and outer skins.
US07744973B2	Medical device components and processes Medical device components and processes are disclosed. For example, tube-shaped catheter components and processes of making tube-shaped catheter components are disclosed. Devices and systems, including medical devices and systems, such as catheters, containing tube-shaped catheter components are also disclosed.
US07744967B2	Process for resurfacing a monocrystalline or directionally solidified metallic piece A process for resurfacing a monocrystalline or directionally solidified metallic piece, having a thickness (Ws), in which a laser beam and a flux of metallic powder, whereof the nature is the same as that of the metallic piece, is applied to the piece to produce at least one layer of metal, monocrystalline or directionally solidified, from the piece, the laser beam being sent out at a power “P”, and moving along the piece at a speed “v”, wherein the laser beam and the flux of powder are applied coaxially on the piece and the P/v ratio is within the range defined on the figure.
US07744966B2	Production process of perpendicular magnetic recording medium A production process of magnetic recording media is provided in which, when using an oxide magnetic material as a perpendicular magnetic recording layer and forming a carbon protective layer using a plasma CVD method, stripping of the carbon protective layer and separation of a lubrication layer can be prevented, and satisfactory recording and reproduction characteristics can be obtained. In the production process of magnetic recording media, the magnetic recording media consists of, at least, a substrate 1 on which are provided a perpendicular magnetic recording layer and a carbon protective layer, in which the perpendicular magnetic recording layer consists of magnetic material containing a Co alloy and oxide material; the method includes a perpendicular magnetic recording layer formation process of forming the perpendicular magnetic recording layer on the substrate 1, a heating process of using a heating portion 28 to heat the substrate 1 on which the perpendicular magnetic recording layer has been formed, and a protective layer formation process of using a plasma CVD method to form a carbon protective layer on the substrate 1 on which the perpendicular magnetic recording layer has been formed.
US07744962B2	Thermosetting liquid coating composition for aluminum wheel and method of coating aluminum wheel The present invention provides a thermosetting liquid coating composition for an aluminum wheel comprising (A) a hydroxy- and carboxy-containing acrylic resin having a hydroxyl value of 90 to 150 mg KOH/g and an acid value of 1 to 30 mg KOH/g, the acrylic resin being obtained by copolymerizing a monomer mixture comprising 10 to 50 wt. % of a C6-18 alkyl ester of (meth)acrylic acid, 8 to 40 wt. % of a secondary hydroxy-containing unsaturated monomer, and a carboxy-containing unsaturated monomer; and (B) an amino resin. Also provided a method of coating an aluminum wheel using the composition.
US07744961B1	System and method for decorating vertical concrete surfaces A method, system and tool for decorating or creating roofs comprising the steps of providing a medium comprised of cement, a light weight aggregate, silica sand, fused silica, monofilament fine denier fiber, liquid polymer resin, and water; applying a bond coat of a primer made from concentrated liquid polymer to the desired surface; allowing the bond coat to become tacky; applying the medium to the bond coat on the surface; allowing the medium to set forming a scratch coat; applying a liquid release agent to the scratch coat; applying the medium over the liquid release agent; and decorating the medium.
US07744958B2	Method for making carbon nanotube-based device A method for making a carbon nanotube-based device is provided. A substrate with a shadow mask layer formed thereon is provided, to define an unmasked surface area on the substrate. The substrate is rotated around an axis. A catalyst layer including at least one catalyst block is formed on the unmasked surface area of the substrate. A thickness of the at least one catalyst block is decreased gradually from a first end thereof to an opposite second end thereof, and somewhere the at least one catalyst block having a region with a thickness proximal or equal to an optimum thickness at which carbon nanotubes growing fastest. A carbon source gas is introduced. At least one carbon nanotube array extending from the catalyst layer using a chemical vapor deposition process is formed. The at least one carbon nanotube array is arc-shaped, and bend in a direction of deviating from the region.
US07744955B2	Method of thermally tempering coated article with transparent conductive oxide (TCO) coating using flame(s) in tempering furnace adjacent TCO to burn off oxygen and product made using same A method of making a coated article including a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film supported by a glass substrate is provided. In certain example embodiments, the coated article including the TCO film on the glass substrate is thermally tempered in a tempering furnace. In certain example embodiments, during tempering flame(s) are provided proximate the exposed surface of the TCO in order to burn off excess oxygen near the TCO surface thereby preventing or reducing oxidation of the TCO during the tempering process. A coated article, that is thermally tempered, made by such a product is also provided.
US07744951B2	Coated glass substrate with infrared and ultraviolet blocking characteristics A composite oxide coating is provided on a substrate over an infrared (IR) blocking multi-layer coating (e.g., low-E coating), where the composite oxide coating efficiently blocks ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The composite oxide coating and the low-E coating may be heat resistant, and the coated glass substrate may be processed in a single high temperature heat treatment step. The coated article may be effective at blocking both IR and UV radiation in applications such as window applications. The UV blocking coating may include ceria as a UV blocker in certain example embodiment of this invention.
US07744949B2	Light emitting device and method of manufacturing method thereof and thin film forming apparatus A method of manufacturing a light emitting device of upward emission type and a thin film forming apparatus used in the method are provided. A plurality of film forming chambers are connected to a first transferring chamber. The plural film forming chambers include a metal material evaporation chamber, an EL layer forming chamber, a sputtering chamber, a CVD chamber, and a sealing chamber. By using this thin film forming apparatus, an upward emission type EL element can be fabricated without exposing the element to the outside air. As a result, a highly reliable light emitting device is obtained.
US07744947B2	Method of forming carbon nanotube on semiconductor substrate, method of forming semiconductor metal wire using the same, and method of fabricating inductor using the same A method of fabricating a semiconductor device by filling carbon nanotubes in a recess is disclosed. The method of fabricating the semiconductor device comprises patterning a mold on a substrate, coating carbon nanotubes on an entire surface of the recess and the mold formed by the patterning, filling the carbon nanotubes coated on the an entire surface of the mold in the recess, and removing the mold.
US07744942B2	Thickening composition having improved viscosity-emerging property A thickening composition characterized in that the thickening composition comprises a xanthan gum in which a potassium salt is attached to a powder surface of the xanthan gum.
US07744938B2	Yeast packaging The invention relates to active dry yeast which is packed in the form of a fermentation agent as a tablet containing active dry yeast.
US07744936B2	Method for preparing extract from wild ginseng showing anticancer activity and the composition comprising the same The present invention relates to a method for preparing purified extract from wild ginseng showing anticancer activity such as inhibitory of cancer cell adherence, inhibitory of cancer cell metastasis and immunostimulating effect and a composition comprising the same prepared by inventive method. The composition have potent anticancer activity, therefore, it can be used as the therapeutics for treating and preventing various cancer diseases.
US07744935B2	Compositions and methods for inhibiting 5-α reductase Disclosed herein are compositions for controlling androgen activity in target organs and cells through the modulation of a 5-α-reductase activity. In certain aspects, these compositions are employed to modulate androgenic activity by inhibiting the formation and availability of active androgen in target cells. As a result, the present invention is directed toward the treatment of a wide variety of conditions including, but not limited to, the treatment of prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic cancer, hirsutism, acne, male pattern baldness, seborrhea, and other diseases related to androgen hyperactivity. Several of these compositions have been shown to effectively decrease body weight, and in some cases, to decrease the weight of an androgen-dependent body organ, such as the prostate and other organs.
US07744934B2	Methods for modulating eicosanoid metabolism The inventive subject matter relates to methods for treating prostate cancer, comprising administration of a composition comprising therapeutically effective amounts of supercritical extracts of rosemary, turmeric, oregano and ginger; and therapeutically effective amounts of hydroalcoholic extracts of holy basil, ginger, turmeric, Scutellaria baicalensis, rosemary, green tea, huzhang, Chinese goldthread, and barberry.
US07744930B2	Compositions, methods and kits for enhancing weight loss while inhibiting loss of lean body mass Disclosed are combinations of soy protein, chromium and free leucine in amounts effective to inhibit the loss of lean body mass of a subject under conditions of caloric restriction. The soy protein, chromium and free leucine can be administered in several products, including a powder that is mixable into a liquid beverage (such as a shake), a snack bar, and a nutritional supplement (such as one or more tablets). Some embodiments also include corosolic acid and/or a tea drink that provides an effective dose of taurine. The products may be contained in kits containing the disclosed combinations as well as methods of using the products for weight loss and the inhibition of the loss of lean body mass in a subject during weight loss. The products and methods are also useful in the improvement of lipid profiles (for example reducing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels).
US07744929B2	Botanical drug compositions for treatments of liver and immunological disorders The present invention relates to compositions comprising the botanicals from the Family Ranunculaceae, Subclass: Dicotyledonae; Crassinucelli, Superorder: Ranunculales. Examples of these botanicals include but are not limited to; Actaea, Anemone, Ranunculus, and Nigella, or extracts thereof, which are useful in treating liver diseases, particularly those with viral etiology. More specifically, the compositions of the present invention are derived from various botanicals or medicinal plants. The compositions of the invention have demonstrated outstanding efficacy for treatment of patients with hepatic disorders. Compositions of the present invention have also exhibited immunomodulatory activities. The preferred compositions contain the botanical ingredients in concentrations of not less than 20% w/v. The treatment can be therapeutic or prophylactic and may be administered orally, parenterally, as suppository or via nasal mucosa. The treatment may be delivered in a single dose, multi-doses or via a slow release mechanism.
US07744925B2	Solid dose delivery vehicle and methods of making same The present invention encompasses a therapeutic composition in solid dose form that is suitable for pulmonary administration. The therapeutic composition may comprise therapeutic particles in a glassy state. The therapeutic composition preferably comprises a bioactive material such as insulin, and a sugar alcohol. The components are optionally in solid solution. The therapeutic composition can preferably remain in a glassy state when stored at elevated temperatures, and/or extended periods.
US07744923B2	Method for precipitation of small medicament particles into use containers Commercially feasible methods for lyophobic precipitation of liquid-dispersed or dissolved material (e.g., medicaments) are provided wherein a plurality of individual, open containers (22) each containing a quantity (84) of a solution or dispersion are treated within a common pressurizable chamber (12). In this process, desired near-supercritical or supercritical temperature and pressure conditions are established for a selected antisolvent gas such as carbon dioxide, and an ultrasonic device (14) is actuated to generate high energy ultrasonic waves in the chamber (12). This leads to intense mixing of the antisolvent with the liquid solution or dispersion within the containers (22), with consequent solvent removal and material precipitation.
US07744922B2	Capsule with fast content solubilization and release The present invention relates to a capsule comprising a core and at least one envelope comprising at least one film-forming polymer, characterized in that it exhibits a total solubilization time for its envelope of less than or equal to 85 s, according to a test A, preferably less than or equal to 80 s, more preferably less than or equal to 70 s.The invention also relates to the method of producing said capsule, and also to the products comprising said capsule, such as the food, pharmaceutical, oral hygiene or cosmetic products.
US07744917B2	Composition for animal consumption and method for reducing MAP kinase activity This invention is directed generally to compositions (including foods nutritional supplements, treats, and toys) for animal consumption, particularly compositions that comprise omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and particularly compositions that tend to aid in reducing mitogen-activated-protein (“MAP”) kinase activity in animals. This invention also is directed generally to methods for using such compositions, particularly to methods for using such compositions to reduce MAP kinase activity in animals, and particularly to methods for using such compositions to treat a cancer or tissue hyperplasia. This invention is further directed generally to processes for making such compositions.
US07744908B2	Spill resistant formulations containing clays The invention relates to novel spill resistant formulations comprising either a weak base or a weak acid as the pharmaceutical ingredient, a liquid base, a clay and a water soluble cellulose ether. The clay and cellulose ether allow for a broader pH range into which the pharmaceutically active agent may be dispersed or dissolved, and therefore allows for easier preparation and formulation of the pharmaceutical composition.
US07744905B2	Immunogenic polypeptide isolated from mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and uses thereof The present invention relates to an immunogenic polypeptide isolated from Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and variants of the polypeptide. The polypeptide and variants may be used in vaccines against Johne's disease and in methods for detection of the disease. Antibodies against the polypeptide or variants may be used in diagnostic tests for Johne's disease. Also included are polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide and variants, and methods for preparing these.
US07744902B2	Respiratory syncytial virus vaccines expressing protective antigens from promotor-proximal genes Recombinant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) having the position of genes shifted within the genome or antigenome of the recombinant virus are infectious and attenuated in humans and other mammals. Gene shifted RSV are constructed by insertion, deletion or rearrangement of genes or genome segments within the recombinant genome or antigenome and are useful in vaccine formulations for eliciting an anti-RSV immune response. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules and vectors incorporating a recombinant RSV genome or antigenome wherein a gene or gene segment is shifted to a more promoter-proximal or promoter-distal position within the genome or antigenome compared to a wild type position of the gene in the RSV gene map. Shifting the position of genes in this manner provides for a selected increase or decrease in expression of the gene, depending on the nature and degree of the positional shift. In one embodiment, RSV glycoproteins are upregulated by shifting one or more glycoprotein-encoding genes to a more promoter-proximal position. Genes of interest for manipulation to create gene position-shifted RSV include any of the NS1, NS2, N, P, M, SH, M2(ORF1), M2(ORF2), L, F or G genes or a genome segment that may be part of a gene or extragenic. A variety of additional mutations and nucleotide modifications are provided within the gene position-shifted RSV of the invention to yield desired phenotypic and structural effects.
US07744898B2	Peptides for inducing cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses to hepatitis B virus Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV polymerase, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.
US07744894B2	Method of treating multiple sclerosis and related t-cell initiated tissue destruction by administering HSA/CD24 Methods for blocking autoreactive T cell-initiated destruction of tissues in a mammal are provided. In one embodiment, the methods involve administering an HAS/CD24 polypeptide or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the polypeptide or fragment is glycosylated.
US07744893B2	T cell receptor CDR3 sequences associated with multiple sclerosis and compositions comprising same The present invention relates generally to the field of treating and monitoring multiple sclerosis by utilizing T-cell receptors peptides. In particular, nucleic acids and peptide sequences of T-cell receptors found in a population of MS patients are provided, along with compositions comprising such TCR peptides for use in, e.g., vaccines.
US07744891B2	Soluble lymphotoxin-beta receptors and anti-lymphotoxin receptor and ligand antibodies as therapeutic agents for the treatment of immunological diseases Compositions and methods comprising “lymphotoxin-β receptor blocking agents” which block lymphotoxin-β receptor signaling and are useful for altering immunological diseases, and particularly antibody mediated immune responses.
US07744890B2	Methods and compositions with reduced opalescence Methods for reducing the opalescent appearance of a protein preparation by modifying the ionic strength of the preparation, as well as compositions, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, of concentrated protein with decreased opalescence are disclosed. Purification methods which monitor and/or reduce the salt concentrations at selected steps are also disclosed.
US07744883B2	Method for reducing the number of unwanted molecules in blood The present invention provides a method, and resulting product, for the removal of unwanted molecules from a host's blood using a one-step procedure. The unwanted molecules may be anti-A blood protein and/or anti-B blood protein antibodies that would otherwise cause host rejection of transplanted organs or tissues from a source having a different ABO blood type. The unwanted molecules may also be excess antibodies, or virions, present in a diseased host.
US07744882B2	Soluble ErbB3 methods of detection and antibodies Regulation of sErbB3 isoforms in methods of regulating heregulin activity or ErbB receptor activities is disclosed. Cancer therapeutics and methods of therapeutically treating cancer comprising sErbB3 are also disclosed. Detection of sErbB3 in biological samples for risk assessment and prevention, screening, diagnosis, prognosis, theragnosis, evaluation of responsiveness to treatment, and/or monitoring of disease progression, recurrence, or metastasis of a cancer is disclosed as well. In examples, sErbB3 nucleic acid sequences, polypeptides, molecular probes, and antibodies are useful agents for regulation, expression, detection, and cancer therapeutics related to sErbB3.
US07744880B2	Cell growth inhibitors containing anti-glypican 3 antibody Provided is a cell growth inhibitor that can be used for treating diseases based on abnormal cell proliferation, and in particular cancer. The cell growth inhibitor contains an anti-glypican 3 antibody as an active ingredient.
US07744878B2	Antibodies that bind to cancer-associated antigen CD46 and methods of use thereof Provided herein is disclosure about the development and characterization of an antibody (mPA7) which binds to antigen CD46 which is present on a variety of human cancers from ovary, breast, lung, prostate, colon, kidney, and pancreas. Methods of diagnosing and treating various cancers by using antibodies such as mPA7 directed against this antigen are also disclosed.
US07744877B2	Expression and use of anti-CD20 Antibodies Disclosed herein are methods of depleting peripheral blood B cells in a human host comprising administering to the host an immunologically active anti-CD20 antibody in an amount effective to deplete peripheral blood B cells in the host.
US07744873B2	Method for treating glaucoma comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a composition comprising an antibody against gremlin The present invention provides methods and kits for diagnosing and treating glaucoma.
US07744871B2	Immunotherapeutic combination for the treatment of tumors that over-express receptors with tyrosine kinase activity The present invention is related to the field of immunology and more specifically to cancer immunotherapy, particularly with immunotherapeutic combinations and treatment methods to prevent tumor cell growth and/or to eliminate those cells.The methods described in the present invention are based on the blockade of receptors with protein kinase activity in tyrosine residues (Receptor Tyrosine Kinases, RTK) and of ligands for those receptors.Immunotherapeutic combinations are described that cause the blockade of RTK receptors and/or their ligands, by means of a combination of passive and active immunotherapy. The referenced procedures can be applied to patients in different clinical stages with tumors of epithelial origin that over-express those receptors. The combination of active and passive immunotherapy can be simultaneous or sequential independent of whether the therapeutic procedure will be used in patients with advanced disease or as adjuvant therapy.
US07744869B2	Methods of treatment using electromagnetic field stimulated mesenchymal stem cells Methods of modifying stem cells and compositions of modified stem cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells, using electric or electromagnetic fields. In various embodiments, the present invention's methods are for the treatment of a human or other mammal subject in need thereof, comprising providing an in vitro culture comprising mesenchymal stem cells, administering an electric stimulation to the in vitro culture, and implanting the mesenchymal stem cells into the subject. Methods also include treatment of a human or other mammal subject, comprising implanting mesenchymal stem cells into the subject, and administering an electric stimulation to the mesenchymal stem cells in situ. Other embodiments include methods of administering electric stimulation in conjunction with growth factors to stem cells.
US07744867B2	PTPase inhibitors and method of using same The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to pentavalent antimonials, purified pentavalent antimonials, and pentavalent antimonials that are comprised of an antimonial portion and an organic moeity portion. Alternatively the present invention is directed to agents and methods of screening agents which mimic the activity of pentavalent antimonials, particularly sodium stibogluconate and glucatime. An appropriate organic moeity may be selected based upon a desired interaction (e.g. steric action) with active site of a cellular component (e.g. a PTPase). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the active site includes a cysteine residue which may be impacted by the compositions of the present invention.
US07744865B2	IL1-β Binding antibodies and fragments thereof An IL-1β binding antibody or IL-1β binding fragment thereof comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 and SEQ ID NO: 9, and related nucleic acids, vectors, cells, and compositions, as well as method of using same to treat or prevent a disease. IL-1β binding antibodies or IL-1β binding fragments thereof are provided which have desirable affinity and potency.
US07744864B2	Method for identifying a patient at risk of having difficulty in sustaining a pregnancy Compositions, kits and methods for the prevention of, for example, spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, preterm labor or implantation failure during assisted reproduction are provided. The compositions, kits and methods provide an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor to prevent, for example, spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, preterm labor or implantation failure of an embryo.
US07744863B1	Method of inducing immune tolerance A method of inhibiting Th1 immune response in a subject in need of such treatment which comprises administering to the subject effective amounts for inhibiting Th1 immune response of an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody and IL-5 or an analogue or mimetic thereof.
US07744862B2	Production process of recombinant placental growth factor Process for extracting and purifying the recombinant Placental Growth Factor (PLGF) expressed in inducible prokaryotic expression systems comprising the following steps: I) fermentation of the bacterial cells, II) extraction and purification of the inclusion bodies, III) renaturation of the expressed protein, IV) ion-exchange chromatography, V) reverse-phase chromatography.
US07744861B2	Multi-arm polymer prodrugs Provided herein are water-soluble prodrugs. The prodrugs of the invention comprise a water-soluble polymer having three or more arms, at least three of which are covalently attached to an active agent, e.g., a small molecule. The conjugates of the invention provide an optimal balance of polymer size and structure for achieving improved drug loading, since the conjugates of the invention possess three or more active agents releasably attached to a multi-armed water soluble polymer. The prodrugs of the invention are therapeutically effective, and exhibit improved properties in-vivo when compared to unmodified parent drug.
US07744860B2	Reduced bioirritant composition A method for reducing irritancy of ascorbic acid administered to a biological surface for anti-angiogenic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and other effects. It has been discovered that pH neutralized ascorbic acid retains the efficacy of non-pH neutralized ascorbic acid in reducing neovascularization, providing an anti-oxidant effect, etc. but is less irritating and thus enhances patient comfort and compliance. It may be administered into or on the eye, on skin, into a body cavity, etc. either alone or with other agents.
US07744859B2	Semipermanent hair shaping method Disclosed herein is a semipermanent hair shaping method comprising: (a) applying onto the hair a first composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one solubilized fixing polymer chosen from anionic and amphoteric polymers, this application being optionally followed by a resting time for said first composition, (b) applying onto the hair a second composition comprising in a cosmetically acceptable medium at least one acid chosen from mineral and organic acids, such application being optionally followed by a resting time for said second composition, where step b) is conducted prior to or after step a), (c) rinsing the hair, and (d) shaping the hair either after applying the first composition of step a), or after applying the second composition of step b) and prior to the rinsing step c).
US07744855B2	Method of making particles for use in a pharmaceutical composition A method for making composite excipient particles for use in a pharmaceutical composition comprises a milling step in which particles of an excipient material are milled in the presence of an additive material. The product particles are of small size and the milling requires relatively low input of time and energy. The composite particles are suitable for use in inhalable pharmaceutical compositions.
US07744853B2	Radiolabeled annexins Radiolabeled annexin and modified annexin conjugates useful for imaging vascular thrombi are described. Methods for making and using such radiolabeled annexin conjugates are also provided.
US07744852B2	Methods and systems for marking post biopsy cavity sites A method of marking a cavity in a breast for subsequent visualization may include steps of providing a device having a delivery opening, a first marker and a second marker, the first and second markers being movable through the delivery opening, the first marker being configured to be visualized by ultrasound and the second marker configured to be radiopaque, the first and second markers being free to move relative to one another; introducing the device into a breast so that the delivery opening is positioned in a cavity formed in the breast; and moving the first marker and the second marker through the delivery opening and into the cavity in the breast, the first and second markers being free to move relative to one another when delivered into the cavity so that the first and second markers may take a number of different positions relative to one another when positioned within the cavity.
US07744851B2	Methods and agents for preparing 18F-radiolabeled fluorinating agents The present invention is directed to a method for preparing an anhydrous 18F-radiolabeled fluorinating agent by a nucleophilic reaction of a hydrated 18F-radiolabeled fluoride ion source with an unsaturated carrier compound; treating the 18F-radiolabeled carrier compound to produce a non-aqueous mixture of the 18F-radiolabeled carrier compound in a solvent; and reacting the 18F-radiolabeled carrier compound with a nucleophilic composition in a nucleophilic reaction to produce an anhydrous 18F-radiolabeled fluorinating agent. The present invention is also directed to an anhydrous 18F-radiolabeled fluorinating agent comprising the formula [QnM]x+(18F−)x. Additionally, the present invention is directed to an 18F-radiolabeled fluorinated radiopharmaceutical or an 18F-radiolabeled fluorinated radiotracer prepared by reacting the anhydrous 18F-radiolabeled fluorinating agent with a drug intermediate. The present invention is further directed to methods for treating a disease or imaging a subject using an 18F-radiolabeled fluorinated radiopharmaceutical or an 18F-radiolabeled fluorinated radiotracer.
US07744849B2	Platinum-alkali/alkaline-earth catalyst formulations for hydrogen generation A method and catalysts and fuel processing apparatus for producing a hydrogen-rich gas, such as a hydrogen-rich syngas are disclosed. According to the method a CO-containing gas, such as a syngas, contacts a water gas shift catalyst in the presence of water, preferably at a temperature of less than about 450° C. to produce a hydrogen-rich gas, such as a hydrogen-rich syngas. Also disclosed is a water gas shift catalyst comprising: a) Pt, its oxides or mixtures thereof; b) at least one of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, their oxides and mixtures thereof; and c) at least one of Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ir, Ni, Pd, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, their oxides and mixtures thereof. The WGS catalyst may be supported on a carrier, such as any one member or a combination of alumina, zirconia, titania, ceria, magnesia, lanthania, niobia, yttria and iron oxide. Fuel processors containing such water gas shift catalysts are also disclosed.
US07744845B2	Synthesis of lithium zirconate A process is disclosed for the preparation of lithium zirconate and doped lithium zirconates for use as regenerable carbon dioxide sorbants by wet mixing zirconium hydroxide with lithium carbonate and then calcining the mixture. Due to the improved physical properties resulting from the disclosed preparation process, the lithium zirconates produced by this process are capable of absorbing carbon dioxide at high rates and in large amounts.
US07744843B2	Methods for bulk synthesis of carbon nanotubes Methods for synthesizing single-wall carbon nanotubes by extracting metals from a carbide by halogen treatment at a temperature ranging between 700 to 1700° C. at ambient or low pressure are provided.
US07744842B2	Gas adsorption and gas mixture separations using carborane-based MOF material A method of separating a mixture of carbon dioxide and a hydrocarbon gas using a metal-organic framework (MOF) material having a three-dimensional carborane ligand structure.
US07744839B2	Method for reducing the nitrogen oxide concentration in gases The method comprises passing an N2O- and NOx-containing gas over a sequence of two catalyst beds, adding reducing agents for NOx and for N2O between the catalyst beds in such an amount that not only NOx but also a predetermined proportion of N2O is reduced. The reaction conditions are set so that the N2O content of the gas is reduced by not more than 95%, based on the N2O content at the entrance of the first catalyst bed, by decomposition to nitrogen and oxygen in the first catalyst bed and that not only chemical reduction of NOx but also chemical reduction of N2O occurs in the second catalyst bed so that the N2O content of the gas is reduced by at least 50%, based on the N2O content at the entrance of the second catalyst bed.
US07744838B2	Functionalized ionic liquids, and methods of use thereof One aspect of the present invention relates to ionic liquids comprising a pendant Bronsted-acidic group, e.g., a sulfonic acid group. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of an ionic liquid comprising a pendant Bronsted-acidic group to catalyze a Bronsted-acid-catalyzed chemical reaction. A third aspect of the present invention relates to ionic liquids comprising a pendant nucleophilic group, e.g., an amine. Still another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of an ionic liquid comprising a pendant nucleophilic group to catalyze a nucleophile-assisted chemical reaction. A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of an ionic liquid comprising a pendant nucleophilic group to remove a gaseous impurity, e.g., carbon dioxide, from a gas, e.g., sour natural gas.
US07744837B2	Reducing Agent Composition The invention relates to a reducing agent composition for use in the catalytic reduction process of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases, the composition containing 20-40 w % of urea, 19-40 w % of ammonium formate, and water.
US07744836B2	Gas purifying process and device This gas purifying process removes trace constituents from a mixed gas that includes a rare gas and nitrogen as main components, and at least one from among hydrogen, nitrogen and hydrogen reaction products, and water vapor as the trace constituent. This process sequentially carries out an adsorbing step for removing water vapor and nitrogen and hydrogen reaction products; a hydrogen oxidation step for converting the hydrogen into water vapor by means of a hydrogen oxidation catalytic reaction in the presence of oxygen; and a drying step for removing water vapor generated in the hydrogen oxidation step. When nitrogen oxides are included as a trace constituent, then a denitration step is carried out prior to the adsorbing step, to convert nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water vapor by means of a catalytic denitration reaction in the presence of a reducing substance.
US07744827B2	Catalytic treatment of fuel to impart coking resistance A fuel delivery system for a gas turbine engine includes a catalytic device for treating fuel to increase the usable cooling capability of an endothermic fuel. The catalytic device operates to treat and decompose components within in the fuel to render the fuel non-coking beyond 250° F. The catalytic device includes material that initiates reactions, and decomposition of coke forming components within the fuel to non-coke forming components within the fuel.
US07744823B2	Polymerization reactors with a by-pass line The present invention discloses a slurry loop reactor having at least two loops (1, 2) and comprising a by-pass line (11) connecting two points (12, 13) of the same loop reactor by an alternate route having a different transit time than that of the main route, said by-pass line also collecting the growing polymer of a first loop reactor (1) and sending said growing polymer to an entry point (13) in a second reactor (2).
US07744818B2	Stationary phase materials for micro gas analyzer Selecting a stationary phase for a fluid analyzer using certain criteria to determine an appropriate material for use in, for instance, a micro fluid analyzer. High absorption of an analyte or sample, low water sorbency and high porosity or permeability of the material may be sought. A selected material may incorporate a toughening agent using a neutral leaving group. A selected material may have a capping agent to promote hydrophobicity. A selected material may be a hydrophobic polymer. The selection of a stationary phase may involve molecular modeling.
US07744816B2	Methods and device for biomolecule characterization The methods and apparatus 100, disclosed herein are of use for sequencing 150 and/or identifying 160 proteins 230, 310, polypeptides 230, 310 or peptides 230, 310. Proteins 230, 310 containing labeled amino acid residues may be synthesized and passed through nanopores 255, 330. A detector 257, 345 operably coupled to a nanopore 255, 330 may detect labeled amino acid residues as they pass through the nanopore 255, 330. Distance maps 140 for each type of labeled amino acid residue may be compiled. The distance maps 140 may be used to sequence 150 and/or identify 160 the protein 230, 310. In different embodiments of the invention, amino acid residues labeled with luminescent labels 235, 245 or nanoparticles 315 may be detected using photodetectors 257 or electrical detectors 345. Apparatus 100 of use for protein 230, 310 sequencing 150 and/or identification 160 are also disclosed herein.
US07744810B2	Microwave iron-making furnace A reactor has a casing composed of a magnesia-based refractory, and a bottom plate composed of an MgO-graphite mixed refractory is disposed on a bottom part of this casing. A graphite crucible is provided at a bottom of the reactor, and the graphite crucible and the reactor are joined together by a magnesia cylinder. Iron ore powder, coal powder, and other such raw materials supplied into the reactor are irradiated with microwaves from microwave oscillators and are heated. The iron ore is reduced, and the resulting molten pig iron flows out through a hole into a crucible, and then is poured out of the crucible through another hole into a ladle. It is thereby possible to manufacture molten pig iron with high energy efficiency, instead of using blast-furnace iron-making.
US07744807B2	Nonwoven elastic fibrous webs and methods for making them A coherent nonwoven fibrous web comprises directly formed elastic fibers that have a molecular orientation sufficient to provide a birefringence number of at least 1×10−5 and preferably at least 1×10−2. The web can be made by a method that comprises a) extruding filaments of elastic-fiber-forming material; b) directing the filaments through a processing chamber in which gaseous currents apply a longitudinal stress to the filaments that attenuates and draws the filaments; c) maintaining the filaments at their orienting temperature while the filaments are under attenuating and drawing stress for a sufficient time for molecules within the filaments to become oriented along the length of the filaments; d) cooling the filaments to their orientation-locking temperature while the filaments are under attenuating and drawing stress and further cooling the filaments to a solidified fiber form; and e) collecting the solidified fibers as a fibrous nonwoven web. In a preferred aspect, the method includes the further step of annealing the collected fibers by exposing them to a temperature that is above their shrinking temperature but less than their relaxation temperature, and preferably bonding the fibers after (or before) the annealing step. Dimensionally stable webs comprising elastic oriented fibers are obtained.
US07744806B2	Process for making shrink film comprising rapidly-quenched semi-crystalline polyamide As a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a process for making a heat-shrinkable annular film, comprising: (A) extruding an annular extrudate downward from an annular die; (B) quenching the annular extrudate by applying a quenching liquid to the annular extrudate; (C) reheating the extrudate to an orientation temperature of from 130° F. to 210° F., resulting in a reheated annular extrudate; and (D) orienting the reheated annular extrudate while the reheated annular extrudate is in the solid state, the orientation being carried out with a total orientation factor of at least 2, so that the resulting oriented, heat-shrinkable film has a total free shrink at 185° F. of at least 10 percent. The extrudate comprises at least one semi-crystalline polyamide selected from the group consisting of: (i) polyamide 6, (ii) polyamide 66, (iii) polyamide 6/66, and (iv) polyamide 6/12. The semi-crystalline polyamide makes up at least 5 volume percent of the annular extrudate. At least 50% of the quenching liquid cascades down the annular extrudate for a distance of at least 2 inches. The quenching liquid makes initial contact with the annular extrudate within 0.1 to 8 inches of the annular die.
US07744804B2	Laser-transmissible composition and method of laser welding A laser-transmissible composition comprises: a dynamic crosslinking polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer that has a melting point ranging from 160 to 210 degrees Centigrade in case of non-coloring, and dye salt exhibiting transmission of a laser having a wavelength of 800 to 1200 nm. A method for laser welding comprises: putting a laser-transmissible molded workpiece 1 made from the laser-transmissible composition onto a laser-absorptive molded workpiece 2 having a laser-absorbent 7, irradiating laser 3 towards the laser-transmissible molded workpiece 1 to weld the laser-transmissible molded workpiece 1 and the laser-absorptive molded workpiece 2.
US07744803B2	Photo-crosslinkable polyolefin compositions A photo-crosslinkable polyolefin composition comprises a polyolefin, a source of functionality receptive to crosslinking by UV radiation, a cationic photoinitiator and optionally includes a free-radical photoinitiator, a crosslinking accelerator or sensitizer, and other additives such as compatibilizers, inorganic fillers, nanofillers, glass, polymeric and ceramic microspheres, glass fibres, flame retardants, antioxidants, stabilizers, processing aids, foaming agents and pigments. A method for manufacturing a UV-crosslinked polyolefin article comprises forming an article by extruding, moulding or otherwise forming the UV-crosslinkable polyolefin composition and subjecting the article to UV radiation on-line with the extrusion, moulding or other forming operation.
US07744800B2	Method and apparatus for controlling the stacking height of stackable products during compression molding off stops Method and apparatus for controlling the stacking height of stackable products during compression molding off stops includes slides that are movable into and out of an end of blind pockets in a compression mold in which the stack height surfaces are formed during the molding cycle. The slides are held in a retracted position until after the mold is closed and the molding compound flows to the shape of the molding cavity inside the mold including the blind pockets. Then the slides are extended into the ends of the respective blind pockets the same distance to compress the molding compound and obtain the desired height of the stack height surfaces formed by the blind pockets.
US07744796B2	Methods of forming imprint on resin-molded product, and resin-molded product A method of forming an identifying imprint on a resin-molded product, includes the step of dividing a material into a first portion and a second portion, to form an identifying surface on at least one of the first portion and the second portion. The method also includes the steps of molding a resin material into the resin-molded product, and transferring an imprint of the identifying surface onto the resin-molded product.
US07744795B2	Solution casting apparatus and method A dope containing a polymer and a solvent is discharged as a casting bead from a casting die onto a running (rotating) casting drum to form a casting film. First and second partition plates are provided upstream and downstream from the casting die, respectively. A third partition plate is provided upstream of a peeling roller disposed upstream of the casting die in the rotational direction of the casting drum. Dry air is supplied from a dry air circulator to a drying chamber defined by the second and third partition plates. A side labyrinth seal portion is provided close to the side end surface of the casting drum. A labyrinth seal portion of each of the first to third partition plates and the side labyrinth seal portion prevent dry air from entering the casting chamber even when flow volume of dry air is increased for high-speed casting.
US07744781B2	Conductive thermoplastic elastomer composition, method of producing same, and molding A conductive thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a component (A) containing a thermoplastic resin or/and a thermoplastic elastomer; a component (B) comprising an ionic-conductive agent containing an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer or/and an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer and a metal salt contained in the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer or/and the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether copolymer; and a component (C) comprising an ethylene-acrylic ester-maleic anhydride copolymer.
US07744776B2	Polymerizable liquid crystal composition and uses for the same The polymerizable liquid crystal composition includes at least two selected from the group of compounds represented by the following Formulas (1) and (2): wherein m is 5 or 10; and wherein n is 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9, and R is hydrogen or methyl wherein said composition includes at most only two compounds of Formula (1) in which m is 10; and wherein said composition does not include a compound of Formula (2) in which n is 3 and R is hydrogen.
US07744774B2	Azeotropic compositions comprising fluorinated olefins for cleaning applications The present invention relates to azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions comprising a fluorinated olefin having the formula E- or Z—C3F7CH═CHC3F7, and at least one alcohol, halocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, fluoroether, or alkanes and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the one compound selected from the group consisting of alcohols, halocarbons, fluoroalkyl ethers, hydrofluorocarbons, alkanes is either methanol, ethanol, iso-propanol, n-propanol, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, n-propyl bromide, C4F9OCH3, C4F9OC2H5, HFC-43-10mee, HFC-365mfc, heptane, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, these compositions are useful in cleaning applications as a degreasing agent or defluxing agent for removing oils and/or other residues from a surface.
US07744773B2	Freestanding films with electric field-enhanced piezoelectric coefficients A method to produce low-temperature sinterable powders which are then subsequently used to fabricate freestanding piezoelectric films with very large electric-field-enhanced piezoelectric response is provided. The −d31 coefficient for PMN-PT layers can be as high as 2000 pm/V, larger than that of commercial single crystalline PMN-PT bulk materials, at 10 kV/cm (or 20 V over the 20-micron film thickness). In contrast to single crystals, the polycrystalline freestanding films are easy to fabricate and can be made into any size. The films are also easily miniaturized. The method can be applied to nearly any piezoelectric material.
US07744767B2	Fluid separation system A system for separating a mixture of two fluids of different specific gravities comprising: a first chamber having an inlet for receiving said mixture; a second chamber having a connection for receiving the fluid with the higher specific gravity of said mixture from said first chamber, said connection being situated between a portion of the two chambers below the inlet; and a waste outlet in said first chamber to drain residue situated at an interface between the two fluids.
US07744766B2	User friendly dispensers A user friendly system that permits an unskilled person to quickly add dispersant material to a fluid system with the user friendly system utilizing operator evident dispersant carriers such as drawers, hangars or insertable cartridges.
US07744760B2	Method and apparatus for desalination A method and apparatus for purifying water are provided. A feed water such as seawater can be fed to a filter such as a nanofiltration membrane to produce a permeate that can, in turn, be fed to an electrodeionization system to produce fresh water.
US07744758B2	Liquid filter A liquid filter, especially oil filter for an internal combustion engine, having a cup-shaped housing with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a filter element arranged with a seal between the inlet and outlet, and a one-piece barrier membrane arranged in the area of the opening of the cup-shaped housing such that the liquid inlet and/or the liquid outlet can be closed by the barrier membrane.
US07744756B2	Wastewater flow diverter An apparatus for diverting wastewater in septic system comprises a top, a side adjoining and extending downwardly from the top, the top and the side form an inner volume and a partially open bottom. The bottom can be fully open. A first opening extends upwardly from the partially open bottom. A second opening, having a perimeter, is also on the side. The apparatus can be placed at outlet end of a trench to receive the trench pipe. The first opening, the open bottom and the inner volume permit the apparatus to be placed over a pipe without adjustments or modifications.
US07744751B2	Method of generating hydrocarbon reagents from diesel, natural gas and other logistical fuels The present invention provides a process for producing reagents for a chemical reaction by introducing a fuel containing hydrocarbons into a flash distillation process wherein the fuel is separated into a first component having a lower average molecular weight and a second component having a higher average molecular weight. The first component is then reformed to produce synthesis gas wherein the synthesis gas is reacted catalytically to produce the desire reagent.
US07744750B2	Process for reducing Bromine Index of hydrocarbon feedstocks This invention relates to a process for reducing the Bromine Index of a hydrocarbon feedstock having less than 5 wppm oxygenates-oxygen, comprising the step of contacting the feedstock with a catalyst at conversion conditions to form a first effluent, wherein the catalyst includes a molecular sieve having a zeolite structure type of MWW.
US07744747B2	Olefin production utilizing whole crude oil/condensate feedstock with a partitioned vaporization unit A method for thermally cracking a feed composed of whole crude oil and/or natural gas condensate using a partitioned vaporizer to gasify the feed before cracking same.
US07744746B2	FCC catalyst stripper configuration This invention relates to the catalytic cracking of a hydrocarbon feed. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus and process utilizing a catalyst stripper section of a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) reactor with chordal trays designed to provide improved stripping of hydrocarbons from spent FCC catalyst in an FCC reactor stripping zone.
US07744740B2	Procedure to recognize the diffusion gas composition in a wideband lambda sensor In a procedure to recognize the gas composition of a gas mixture, which consists of at least two gases of preferably different diffusion properties, delivered to a wideband lambda sensor, especially a gas mixture of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, whereby the lambda sensor has a pumping cell with at least one gas measurement chamber, provision is made for the recognition of the gas composition of the gas mixture to result by means of modulation of the gas in the gas measurement chamber. Preferably the air number in the gas measurement chamber of the pumping cell is periodically altered, whereby the sensitivity of the lambda sensor to the gases, of which there are at least two, likewise periodically changes.
US07744739B1	Spiral-wound cylindrical electrostatic oil cleaner A cylindrical oil contamination collector for removal of ultra-fine particulate includes a rectangular and continuous length of single-sided, corrugated, phenolic coated paper overlaid with three rectangular electrodes affixed thereto in a spaced-apart, side-by-side arrangement. Two of the electrodes are electrode grounds and the other electrode is a high voltage electrode. The phenolic coated paper is spiral-wound into a continuous spiral with at least one of the three rectangular electrodes sandwiched between adjacent, overlapping turns of the spiral-wound phenolic coated paper.
US07744738B1	Method and apparatus for rapid particle manipulation and characterization The present invention provides a method and apparatus for use in rapid particle transportation, separation, focusing, characterization, and release. Dielectrophoresis and electro-osmotic driven fluid convection are used independently or in tandem as the driving forces for particle manipulation and on occasion characterization. Although dielectrophoresis has been acknowledged for decades as a powerful technique for particle manipulation and characterization, long processing times and measurement inaccuracies that emerge from using disjointed electrodes have limited its usefulness in diagnostic kits. The present invention provides for a continuous wire that enables fluid flow patterns and dielectrophoretic forces with optimal configurations for rapid and sensitive particle manipulation and characterization.
US07744736B2	Method of manufacturing a reference electrode A method of manufacturing a reference electrode which has a shaft into which a diaphragm body of a porous ceramic is incorporated is comprised of the following method steps: Impregnating the ceramic with a lyogel precursor prior to incorporating the ceramic body into the shaft, and subsequently transforming the lyogel precursor into a lyogel, from which the solvent is removed through a drying process. A reference electrode has a shaft that is filled with electrolyte, and a diaphragm body formed of a porous ceramic and containing a system of hollow spaces is incorporated into the wall of the shaft. The system of hollow spaces is filled at least partially with a material that is formed of a lyogel by drying and has at least one component that corresponds to the ceramic material.
US07744735B2	Ionized PVD with sequential deposition and etching An iPVD apparatus (20) is programmed to deposit material (10) onto semiconductor substrates (21) by cycling between deposition and etch modes within a vacuum chamber (30). Static magnetic fields are kept to a minimum during at least the etch modes, at least less than 150 Gauss, typically less than 50 Gauss, and preferably in the range of 0-10 Gauss. Static magnetic fields during deposition modes may be more than 150 Gauss, in the range of 0-50 Gauss, or preferably 20-30 Gauss, and may be the same as during etch modes or switched between a higher level during deposition modes and a lower level, including zero, during etch modes. Such switching may be by switching electromagnet current or by moving permanent magnets, by translation or rotation. Static magnetic fields are kept to a minimum during at least the etch modes, at least less than 150 Gauss, typically less than 50 Gauss, and preferably in the range of 1-10 Gauss. The modes may operate at different power and pressure parameters. Pressure of more than 50 mTorr are preferred for deposition in a thermalized plasma while pressure of less than a few mTorr is preferred for etching.
US07744729B2	Ultrasonic energy system and method including a ceramic horn An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ⅛ the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.
US07744724B2	Polyareneazole/thermoplastic pulp and methods of making same The present invention relates to thermoplastic and polyareneazole pulp for use as reinforcement material in products including for example fluid sealing materials, as a processing aid including its use as a thixotrope, and as a filter material. The pulp comprises (a) irregularly shaped, thermoplastic fiber fibrous structures, (b) irregularly shaped, polyareneazole fibrous structures and (c) water, whereby thermoplastic fiber fibrils and/or stalks are substantially entangled with polyareneazole fibrils and/or stalks. The invention further relates to processes for making such thermoplastic and polyareneazole pulp.
US07744723B2	Fibrous structure product with high softness A multiply fibrous structure product having two or more plies of fibrous structure wherein the fibrous structure has a Compression Slope from about 11 to about 30; a basis weight from about 26 lbs/3000 ft2 to about 50 lbs/3000 ft2; a Wet Caliper greater than about 18 mils; and a Flex Modulus from about 0.1 to about 0.8.
US07744722B1	Methods for creping paper A creping aid system for use on a creping cylinder, for example, a Yankee dryer, comprises a creping adhesive and a creping modifier, the combination comprising polyethylene.
US07744720B2	Suppressor of hollow cathode discharge in a shower head fluid distribution system A chamber component configured to be coupled to a process chamber and a method of fabricating the chamber component is described. The chamber component comprises a chamber element comprising a first surface on a supply side of the chamber element and a second surface on a process side of the chamber element, wherein the chamber element comprises a reentrant cavity formed in the first surface and a conduit having an inlet coupled to the reentrant cavity and an outlet coupled to the second surface. Furthermore, the chamber component comprises an insertable member configured to couple with the reentrant cavity, the insertable member having one or more passages formed there through and each of the one or more passages are aligned off-axis from the conduit, wherein the one or more passages are configured to receive a process fluid on the supply side and the conduit is configured to distribute the process fluid from the one or more passages on the process side.
US07744717B2	Process for enhancing the resolution of a thermally transferred pattern Provided are processes for enhancing the resolution of a thermally transferred pattern on an imaged thermal transfer receiver, wherein the imaged thermal transfer receiver comprises a surface having an exposed portion and a non-exposed portion of one or more thermally transferred layer(s), comprising: (a) contacting said surface with an adhesive layer for a contact period to provide a laminate; (b) separating said adhesive layer from the laminate to provide a treated thermal transfer receiver having a surface substantially free of said non-exposed portion of one or more thermally transferred layer(s). The processes are useful in the fabrication of electronic devices including thin film transistors, circuits, electromagnetic interference shields, touchpad sensors and other electronic devices.
US07744714B2	Paste patterns formation method and transfer film used therein Disclosed is a paste pattern formation method comprising the steps of: forming a transfer pattern material on a film base material to prepare a transfer film; sticking the transfer film on a substrate on which a transfer pattern is formed so that the transfer pattern material contacts the substrate; separating the film base material from the transfer pattern material; filling a paste into the transfer pattern depression; solidifying the paste; and removing the transfer pattern material.
US07744711B2	Manufacturing method of ceramic slurry, green sheet and multilayer ceramic device A manufacturing method of ceramic slurry being used for producing a green sheet which can have a smooth surface, exhibits a satisfactory sheet strength, and is excellent in workability such as releasing, a green sheet produced by the use of the slurry produced by the method, and a multilayer ceramic device produced by the use of the green sheet is provided. According to the present invention, a manufacturing method of ceramic slurry at least comprising a ceramic powder and a binder resin solution, wherein a high-pressure dispersing treatment of the ceramic powder and a lacquer for preliminary addition, which is a part of the binder resin solution, is carried out so that a shearing rate is set to 1×107 to 1×108 [1/sec] to prepare a preliminary slurry, and at least a lacquer for post-addition, which a high-pressure dispersing treatment is not applied, is added to the preliminary slurry which a high-pressure dispersing treatment is applied.
US07744709B2	Welding repair method for full hoop structures A unique heat treat method for relieving stresses caused by a repairing weld joint in a full hoop part heat treats locally, at the location of the weld joint, and at a diametrically opposed location. By providing the diametrically opposed heat treat location, the present invention relieves stresses caused by the weld joint, without creating any additional residual stress in the weld joint.
US07744706B2	Solder alloy for bonding oxide material, and solder joint using the same The invention provides a solder alloy for bonding an oxide material, including more than 0% but not more than 1.0% of Mg and the balance being substantially Bi and Sn. Preferably, the alloy includes 0.01 to 0.6% of Mg, 35 to 86% of Bi, and the balance being substantially Sn. The invention can be used for bonding an oxide material, such as bonding glasses to each other. According to the invention, a low-cost solder joint of an oxide material is also provided.
US07744699B2	Substrate treating apparatus and method A substrate treating apparatus includes a treating unit for treating substrates, a piping for supplying a treating liquid to the treating unit, a heater mounted on the piping, an electronic thermal unit mounted on the piping in series with the heater, a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the treating liquid, and a controller for controlling the heater and the electronic thermal unit. The controller sets a first temperature control mode for performing a room temperature control using the electronic thermal unit when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is below a predetermined boundary temperature between room temperature and high temperature, and for performing a high temperature control with the heater when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is above the predetermined boundary temperature between room temperature and high temperature. The controller sets a second temperature control mode for performing a heating control using the heater and the electronic thermal unit to heat the treating liquid when a difference between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a target temperature at least corresponds to a first specified value set beforehand. Further, the controller sets the first temperature control mode when, after the second temperature control mode is set, the difference between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the target temperature becomes less than a second specified value set beforehand.
US07744697B2	Bulk monocrystalline gallium nitride The present invention refers to an ammonobasic method for preparing a gallium-containing nitride crystal, in which gallium-containing feedstock is crystallized on at least one crystallization seed in the presence of an alkali metal-containing component in a supercritical nitrogen-containing solvent. The method can provide monocrystalline gallium-containing nitride crystals having a very high quality.
US07744694B2	Use of redispersion powder compositions with accelerated-setting action Water-redispersible polymer powder compositions based on a) homo- or copolymers of one or more monomers from the group consisting of vinyl esters of unbranched or branched C1-15 alkylcarboxylic acids methacrylic esters and acrylic esters of C1-15 alcohols, vinylaromatics, olefins, dienes, and vinyl halides, with one or more protective colloids, and optionally, one or more antiblocking agents, in conjunction with one or more alkali metal or alkaline earth metal C1-4 carboxylates as setting accelerants added following polymerization accelerate the setting of construction chemistry products with hydraulically setting binders.
US07744693B2	Lightweight composite materials and methods Lightweight composite or “mineral foam” composite materials can be made from reactive materials such as metal oxides. The materials can be prepared from a reaction of metal oxide(s), phosphate(s) and residual materials to which may be added a reactive foaming agent and/or latex polymer to provide enhanced physical properties. The composite materials can have a density of between about 0.35 to 2.25 g/cc, and may be used for many applications including pre-cast structures, in-situ structures, insulating blocks, slabs and composite wall sections, light weight spheres, mixes and coatings.
US07744692B2	Lightweight concrete compositions A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 10 to 50 volume percent of sand and/or other fine aggregate, where at least a portion of the sand and/or fine aggregate has a fineness modulus of less than 2; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.
US07744689B2	Alkali resistant glass compositions An alkali resistant glass composition having improved durability to withstand highly alkali environments at elevated temperatures, such as curing of cementitious products in an autoclave, is conveniently formed from economical and abundant materials. The glass composition includes increased levels of calcium and iron, and relatively low levels of alkali metals, as compared to many other alkali resistant glass products, and comprises essentially of, by weight, >35% Si2O3, 1-25% CaO, 1-15% Fe2O3, 1-10% R2O, and an amount of Al2O3 such that the ratio of Si2O3:Al2O3 is greater than or equal to 1. Alkali resistance can be improved by forming a passivity layer on the surface of glass articles by treating the articles hydrothermally in a basic environment. Optionally zirconia and/or titania may be added to the composition to further improve alkali resistance.
US07744685B2	Composite electroless plating This invention is directed to a process for electrolessly metallizing an article, as well as to a plating bath and the subsequent plated substrate. The process comprises contacting the surface of an article with an electroless metallizing bath which may be essentially free of toxic and/or heavy metals.
US07744683B2	Transparent filterable dust bag with support container for vacuum cleaner The removable apparatus of a transparent filterable dust bag with a support container is designed as an attachment for a vacuum cleaner and like. A transparent filterable dust bag having an outer transparent wall and an inner filter cone coincides within a transparent support container which keeping the shape and position of the dust bag while separating dust from air. The transparent support container and the outer transparent wall of the dust bag allow to watch inside the filling level of the dust bag and to replace properly.
US07744676B2	TSA process In a TSA process of an at least two-component raw gas, to adjust for fluctuation in load, the cycle time of at least one method step is extended in the event of falling below the design load value.
US07744675B2	Gas separation membrane comprising a substrate with a layer of coated inorganic oxide particles and an overlayer of a gas-selective material, and its manufacture and use A gas separation membrane and a method of manufacturing such gas separation membrane that comprises a porous substrate treated with a layer of metal-coated inorganic oxide particles and with the layer of such metal-coated inorganic oxide particles being coated with an overlayer of a gas-selective material.
US07744674B2	Method in connection with steel production A method of producing a fluxing agent that can be used in production of steel, preferably stainless steel, employs as a raw material a hydroxide sludge that results from neutralization of metal-contaminated pickling liquid from a pickling step for a steel and contains at least one fluoride-containing compound. The hydroxide sludge is calcined. Steel, preferably stainless steel, is produced by decarburizing a steel heat, whereby a slag is formed on top of the steel heat, and adding a fluxing agent to the slag.
US07744673B2	Hollow sphere metal oxides In accordance with invention, there are methods for fabricating hollow spheres and nanofoams. The method for making hollow spheres can include providing a homogeneous precursor solution including a first solvent and one or more anhydrous precursor species and forming aerosol droplets having a first size distribution using the homogeneous precursor solution in an anhydrous carrier gas. The method can also include transporting the aerosol droplets through an aerosol reactor including a reactant to form a plurality of hollow spheres, wherein each of the plurality of hollow spheres can be formed by one or more chemical reactions occurring at a surface of the aerosol droplet. The method can further include controlling size and thickness of the hollow spheres by one or more of the precursor solution concentration, aerosol droplet size, temperature, residence time of the aerosol droplets in the aerosol reactor, and the reactant distribution in the aerosol reactor.
US07744671B1	Biomass heating system Improved systems, methods, apparatus and compositions for generating, extracting and distributing the renewable heat energy produced by microbial decomposition of organic biomass within a contained and controlled environment. This heat energy is preferably transferred and distributed, preferably by the use of heat pipes, to the interior of a greenhouse or other structure to be heated, either directly or via heat exchange apparatus such as hot water heating systems. In one embodiment heat transfer and distribution mechanism customized to the application requirements of a greenhouse heating batch-type process is disclosed, along with a recipe for a readily available biomass material composition. Additional continuous and batch process embodiments of biomass heating systems are also disclosed that extract heat energy from decomposing biomass for heating uses. In some embodiments gaseous products generated in a biological decomposition process, primarily CO2, are utilized to enhance plant growth in the greenhouse environment.
US07744669B2	Plugging material for aluminum titanate ceramic wall flow filter manufacture Disclosed are plugging mixtures for a ceramic wall flow filter, comprising an aluminum titanate precursor reactive batch composition including an alumina source, a silica source, and a titania source; a sintering aid; an organic binder; and a liquid vehicle. Also disclosed are ceramic wall flow filters comprised of end plugs formed from the plugging mixtures of the present invention and methods for the manufacture thereof.
US07744664B2	Compact counterflow fuel reformer A catalytic reformer assembly comprising a mixing chamber wherein fuel and air are mixed. The wall of the mixing chamber tapers toward an outlet end. A catalyst bed formed in an annular shape surrounds the outlet end such that the walls of the mixing chamber shield the catalyst from direct exposure to fuel droplets injected into the mixing chamber. The fuel/air mixture flows out of the mixing chamber, then turns and counterflows through the catalyst bed outside the mixing chamber. Hot reformate from the catalyst bed flows in a reformate flow chamber extending along the outer surface of the walls of the mixing chamber, heating the wall surface within the mixing chamber for instantaneous evaporation of injected fuel. A plenum for incoming air surrounds the reformate flow chamber which is also heated thereby.
US07744663B2	Methods and systems for advanced gasifier solids removal Methods and systems for a gasifier solids removal system are provided. The system includes a down flow combustor including an inlet and an outlet and a combustion zone extending therebetween, the combustor configured to direct a flow of process material including syngas, flowable slag, and particulates in a first downward direction, a plurality of flow passages in serial flow communication including a first flow passage and a second flow passage, wherein the process material flow reverses direction flowing from the first passage to the second passage, and a plurality of entrainment separation stages in serial flow communication with at least one of the plurality of flow passages.
US07744657B2	Styrl tetrahydroquinolinium thiol/disulfide dye compound and method for lightening keratin materials using the same The present disclosure relates to the dyeing of keratin materials using thiol/disulfide styryl tetrahydroquinolinium fluorescent dyes. Disclosed herein is a dye composition comprising a thiol/disulfide styryl tetrahydroquinolinium fluorescent dye and a dyeing process with, for instance, a lightening effect on keratin materials such as hair, using said composition. Disclosed herein are thiol fluorescent dyes and the uses thereof in lightening keratin materials. This composition can be used to obtain a lightening effect which can be resistant and visible on dark keratin fibers.
US07744656B2	Colouring composition The present invention is related to an aqueous colouring composition for keratin fibers especially human hair based on hair direct dyes and optionally oxidative dyes and comprising at least one arylated silicone.
US07744652B2	Aneurysm sealing device A device useful for treating an aneurysm having a neck comprises a first inflatable disc and a second inflatable disc, said second inflatable disc being adjacent to said first inflatable disc and in fluid communication therewith. The inflatable discs are sized and constructed such that when the inflatable discs are inflated, the aneurysm neck is engaged therebetween. The inflatable discs may include at least one wall that is substantially inelastic and may include an internal member limiting expansion of the inflatable disc in a direction parallel to the device axis. The inflatable discs may have an aspect ratio greater than 3.
US07744647B2	Intraocular lens Intraocular lens implant (10) for providing accommodation for near vision includes an optic (20) centrally disposed in a flexible membrane (30) and at least one haptic (40) outwardly extending from the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is adapted in use to facilitate translatable movement of the optic in response to attempted accommodation by the ocular substrate.
US07744645B2	Laminated drug-polymer coated stent with dipped and cured layers The present invention provides a method of applying a drug-polymer coating on a stent. A stent framework is dipped into a first polymeric solution including a first polymer, a first therapeutic agent, and a first solvent. The polymeric solution is dried and the first polymer is cured to form a thin drug-polymer layer on the stent framework. The steps of dipping the stent framework into the first polymeric solution, drying the first polymeric solution, and curing the first polymer are repeated until a target drug-polymer coating thickness is disposed on the stent framework. A drug-polymer coated stent including a stent framework and a laminated drug-polymer coated stent, a system for treating a vascular condition, and a method of treating a vascular condition are also disclosed.
US07744641B2	Expandable framework with overlapping connectors A stent may comprise a plurality of serpentine bands and connectors. A first connector may overlap a second connector when the stent is unexpanded. The first connector may also overlap the second connector in an unexpanded state when the stent is subject to compressive forces in the local area of the connectors, such as when the connectors are located on the inside of a curve. The second connector may be shaped according to a rotation of the first connector about the centroid of the cell between the first connector and the second connector.
US07744635B2	Spinal fixation system A spinal fixation system includes a pedicle screw having a longitudinal axis. A fixation element is configured to connect the pedicle screw to at least one additional pedicle screw. A coupling mechanism includes a pedicle screw securing device adapted to secure the coupling mechanism to the pedicle screw and a fixation element securing device configured to secure the coupling mechanism to the fixation element. A fastening mechanism is configured to fasten both the pedicle screw securing device and the fixation element securing device. The fastening mechanism is located along the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw.
US07744632B2	Rod to rod connector An apparatus for coupling a spinal rod to a cross bar comprising a main body having a channel with a wall for receiving a spinal rod therein, an opening for receiving a fastener with at least one tang adjacent to the opening, a clamping body pivotally disposed in the main body, the clamping body being moveable between a first position in which it does not clamp the spinal rod in the channel and a second position in which it does clamp the spinal rod in the channel, a cross bar having an opening aligned substantially with the opening of the main body and having the tang disposed therein, and a fastener for rigidly coupling the cross bar to the main body, the fastener being positioned within the openings of the cross bar and the main body, wherein the fastener is operable to force the tang into the cross bar to clamp the cross bar to the main body and simultaneously to move the clamping body between the first position and the second position.
US07744631B2	Method for vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening A method for providing vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening that restores the loss of disc height and provides disc regeneration. In one non-limiting embodiment, the method includes inserting pedicle screws into the vertebral bodies of adjacent vertebra and positioning a spring in compression between and in contact with the pedicle screws so that the spring bias forces the pedicle screws apart to provide a distractive force that increases the height of the disc space and promotes the disc regeneration.
US07744629B2	Spinal stabilization system with flexible guides In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus includes a vertebral anchor having a head portion and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion of the vertebral anchor and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot in the head portion of the anchor. An elongate cord may be received within the channel to facilitate inserting and securing a spacer between pairs of anchors installed into adjacent vertebrae of a person's spine.
US07744628B2	Surgical stapling apparatus having a wound closure material applicator assembly This disclosure relates to surgical stapling apparatus for enhancing one or more properties of body tissue that is or is to be repaired or joined. The apparatus includes a staple anvil, a staple cartridge, a driving member for driving the surgical staples from individual staple slots in the staple cartridge and against the staple anvil, and a wound closure material applicator assembly. The applicator assembly includes at least one conduit extending along at least a length of the driving member, anvil and/or cartridge and at least one reservoir in fluid communication with the at least one conduit, the reservoir containing a wound closure material therein. The staples can be coated with a wound closure material.
US07744627B2	Annular support structures Reinforcing lumen rings are configured and adapted for use in conjunction with a circular endoscopic stapling instrument having a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The reinforcing lumen rings maintain anastomotic lumen, e.g. as formed by the circular endoscopic stapling apparatus, in an open condition. The reinforcing lumen rings can include an annular ring having an outer terminal edge and an inner terminal edge, the outer terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the staple cartridge assembly and the inner terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the staple cartridge assembly.
US07744625B2	Repair of ruptured membrane by injection of naturally occurring protein in amniotic fluid sac The present invention provides compositions and methods for use in treatment of premature rupture of membrane. The compositions of the invention include a therapeutic amount of an avian thick egg white composition. Preferably, the compositions include the purified thick egg white protein, ovomucin. The methods of the invention involve injecting an effective amount of the compositions into the prematurely ruptured amniotic sac of a patient in order to seal the rupture.
US07744617B2	Method and inflatable chamber apparatus for separating layers of tissue An apparatus for tissue dissection and instrument anchoring and methods for using such apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cannula, a dissection balloon releasably attached to the cannula at the distal end, an anchoring balloon disposed on the cannula, and a means for inflating both balloons.
US07744614B2	Corneal excision or scoring device Disclosed is a corneal excision or scoring device. In one embodiment, the device includes a stabilizing portion having a first opening adapted to encircle an eye, such that at least a portion of the stabilizing portion engages the conjunctival fornix of the eye when inserted. The device may also include a second opening adapted to receive a cutting portion having a cutter capable of cutting or scoring the eye. In another embodiment, the device includes a stabilizing portion having an interior with a stop and an exterior serrated edge formed from a plurality of teeth. The stabilizing portion becomes inserted in an eye, such that the serrated edge rests on a sclera of the eye. Next, a cutting portion becomes inserted into the stabilizing portion to cut or score the eye, and the stop limits the distance the cutting portion may be inserted. Related methods are also disclosed.
US07744613B2	Apparatus and methods for forming and securing gastrointestinal tissue folds Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided.
US07744606B2	Multi-lumen instrument guide This document discusses, among other things, a method of manufacture including a mold having at least one pin, and surrounding the pin with a hardenable material to form a first guide layer. The mold and pin are removed from the resulting first guide layer, to define a substantially untapered first instrument passage that corresponds to the geometry of the pin. Optionally, the first instrument passage includes at least five substantially untapered channels including a central channel. The first instrument passage is aligned with a substantially untapered second instrument passage of a stacked second guide layer. In a further example, the first and second guide layers are coupled to a guide coupler that cooperatively aligns the first and second instrument passages. The guide layers can be used with a trajectory guide for image guided surgery.
US07744599B2	Articulating spinal implant Disclosed are methods and devices for accessing and treating the spine, while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue. A device is introduced through tissue, to an access point on the spine. The device is thereafter advanced axially within the spine, from the access point across a treatment zone. In one embodiment, the device comprises an articulating spinal implant comprising a first elongate segment, a second elongate segment, and an articulating joint between the first and second segments.
US07744597B2	Device and process for producing fiber products and fiber products produced thereby The present invention is directed to a fiber, preferably bone fiber, having a textured surface, which acts as an effective binding substrate for bone-forming cells and for the induction or promotion of new bone growth by bone-forming cells, which bind to the fiber. Methods of using the bone fibers to induce or promote new bone growth and bone material compositions comprising the bone fibers are also described. The invention further relates to a substrate cutter device and cutter, which are effective in producing substrate fibers, such as bone fibers.
US07744595B2	Voltage threshold ablation apparatus The present invention relates to the field of electrosurgery, and more particularly to systems and methods for ablating, cauterizing and/or coagulating body tissue using radio frequency energy. More in particular, the systems utilize voltage threshold means for controlling the voltage applied to tissue in a cycle-to-cycle manner.
US07744594B2	Catheter for treating of arrhythmia A catheter for treating arrhythmia comprises a catheter shaft of a double-cylinder structure where an inner shaft is slidably inserted in an outer shaft, a balloon installed so as to straddle between the tip portion of the inner shaft and the tip portion of the outer shaft, a pair of high frequency current-carrying electrodes of which at least one electrode is provided inside the balloon, and a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature in the balloon. The front edge portion of the balloon at least in a deflated state protrude from the tip portion of the inner shaft. Alternatively, a tube that is more flexible than the inner shaft is provided on the tip portion of the inner shaft.
US07744590B2	Red to near-infrared photobiomodulation treatment of the visual system in visual system disease or injury A method of treating visual system disease is disclosed. One embodiment comprises the steps of (a) exposing a component of a patient's visual system to light treatment, wherein the light treatment is characterized by wavelength of between 630-1000 nm and power intensity between 10-90 mW/cm2 for a time of 1-3 minutes, and (b) observing restoration of visual system function.
US07744588B2	Tool for facilitating the connecting of a catheter or other tubular member onto a guide-wire without access to the ends of the guide wire An attachment tool to facilitate the attachment of one or more catheters or similar elongated instruments to a guide-wire or other elongated guide member, without requiring access to either end of said wire or member. The tool provides repeatable and reliable alignment of components to be attached, while being operated with a single hand. The catheter systems can be used for revascularization or treatment of arteries and lumens within the body, and the associated delivery of therapies therein and can include side attachable and over-the-wire components and/or low profile combination catheters to allow for flush and extraction of debris in small or tortuous anatomic pathways.
US07744582B2	Needle assisted jet injector A needle assisted jet injector and method for jet injecting medicament are disclosed. In one embodiment of the injector, the needle is retractably located within an injector nozzle assembly. Upon activation of the force generating source, a portion of the needle extends past the nozzle assembly and penetrates the outer layer of skin to deliver the medicament via jet injection to a deeper region. After activation, the needle retracts back into the nozzle assembly. In another embodiment, the needle is fixed to the end of the nozzle assembly. In both embodiments, the length of the portion of the needle that penetrates the skin is less than 5 mm.
US07744581B2	Device and method for mixing medical fluids A device and method for mixing medical fluids is disclosed. The device has an inlet port, an injection port, an outlet port, a first duct between the injection port and the inlet port, and a second duct between the inlet port and the outlet port. The injection port is sealed by a fluid-proof membrane which can be penetrated by an injection needle. The device further includes at least a first portion made of a first material and a second portion made of a second, substantially more resilient material, wherein the inlet port and the injection port are included in the first portion and the outlet port is included in the second portion, and the first and second portions are attached to each other by means of a combined friction coupling and snap connection.
US07744580B2	Device and procedure for the extemporaneous preparation of an individual quantity of sterile liquid A device and a procedure for the extemporaneous preparation of an individual quantity of sterile treatment fluid that may be compressible, in particular a treatment gas, the device comprising a rigid cartridge (3) with an outlet valve, an administration syringe (4) and a filtration-type connection/sterilization device (5, 6). The cartridge (3) simply contains an individual quantity of treatment fluid under pressure, and the cylinder of the syringe (4) is adapted to contain this individual quantity.
US07744576B2	Thin and dry diaper An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed having an absorbent core which imparts increased wearing comfort to the article and makes it thin and dry. The absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprises a substrate layer, a discontinuous layer of absorbent material, and a layer of thermoplastic material. A second surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material is in at least partial contact with a first surface of the substrate layer. Portions of a second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the first surface of the substrate layer and portions of said second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with a first surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material. A process for providing a storage layer for an absorbent core useful in an absorbent article is further disclosed.
US07744575B1	Sanitary napkin with attachment straps The present invention is directed to a wearable sanitary napkin having a front panel having an absorbent sanitary napkin and one or more straps for attachment to the body. In one embodiment, the front panel is substantially triangular in shape and the straps are connected to the corners of the triangle to form a thong style underwear. In still another embodiment, the wearable sanitary napkins are made of inexpensive material so that they are disposable. The absorbent sanitary napkins panties can be made with different levels of absorptive capacity and can be in different configurations and designs.
US07744574B2	Catheter tip to reduce wire lock An elongate medical device and methods for making and using the same. The elongate medical device may be a catheter that includes an elongate tubular shaft having a lumen defined therein. A scraping member is coupled to an inner wall surface of the shaft and extends into the lumen. The scraping member is configured to remove debris that may build up or otherwise be disposed on another medical device such a guidewire.
US07744573B2	Closed blood sampling system with isolated pressure monitoring A closed blood sampling system within a pressure monitoring line having a control valve that enables a clearance reservoir to be isolated from the pressure column when no samples are being taken. The valve is a stopcock-like device that includes a rotating valve member and attached control handle with clear visible and tactile indicators for the mode of operation. The rotating valve member has a number of internal and circumferential channels for connecting or disconnecting select ports in the core of the valve. By isolating the clearance reservoir, the quality of the pressure signal is improved such that the sampling line can be lengthened for greater convenience in the intensive care or operating room. The valve may also incorporate a blunt cannula sampling site therewithin.
US07744568B2	Infusion hub assembly and fluid line disconnect system An infusion hub assembly, comprising: a hub received in a hole in a wing, the hub having a bore passing therethrough, with an upper portion of the circular hub having an attachment surface thereon; an infusion cannula extending downwardly away from the wing, the infusion cannula being in fluid communication with the bore passing through the hub; a cover having a bore passing therethrough and having an inner attachment surface adapted to mate with the attachment surface on the upper portion of the hub; and a septum positioned in alignment with the bore passing through the cover.An infusion connector set comprising: a first connector; a septum received in the first connector; a second connector; a septum received in the second connector; and a flanged needle which penetrates both the septums in the first and second connectors when the first and second connectors are connected together.
US07744567B2	Reducing withdrawal force in a safety IV catheter An extravascular system for accessing the vasculature of a patient may include a catheter adapter, a needle, and/or a needle tip shield assembly. The needle tip shield assembly may have a needle cap, and the needle cap may have a needle shield and at least one low friction surface. The needle may be disposed within the catheter assembly and the needle tip shield assembly. The low friction surface may reside between the needle shield and the needle. The at least one low friction surface may reside on the needle, on the V-clip, and/or on a structure located between the needle and the V-clip.
US07744561B2	Needleless injection device A needleless injection device comprising a cylinder for medicine having an injection nozzle at a forward end thereof and an opening at its rearward end; a piston sliding in the cylinder through said open end, in use, to drive the medicine through the nozzle; a ram to drive the piston into the cylinder and having a longitudinal axis; and a mechanical energy accumulator to drive the ram when discharged and disposed between the ram and a discharge assembly, a rear end of the ram extending into said discharge assembly; wherein the discharge assembly comprises a retention member fixed in the assembly, said retention member having a plurality of retention elements spaced around and adapted to locate on the ram when in a charged position of the ram, and a release ring surrounding said retention elements to prevent radial outward displacement thereof and discharge of the ram; and wherein axial displacement of said release ring releases said retention elements and causes discharge of the ram by said accumulator; characterized in that said retention elements are integral with said retention member and each has an enlarged head which can move into and out of engagement with a groove or recess on the ram by deformation of the material of said retention member.
US07744559B2	Systems and methods for drug infusion with feedback control A system and method for infusing a drug under continuous positive pressure (such as convection enhanced deliver) to a target tissue to be treated is particularly useful for post-resection anticancer drug therapy. The system comprises a drug infusion catheter having an expandable device which is expanded within the target tissue such that the target tissue conforms to an outer surface of the expandable device, thereby creating a form of seal around the target volume in order to maintain an effective drug pressure gradient within the target tissue. The system further comprises a sensor to measure a parameter which can be correlated to the degree of conformance between the target tissue and the outer surface of the expandable device. The sensor is coupled to a feedback control system to determine whether there is a loss of conformance, and to adjust the expansion of the expandable device in order to maintain good conformance.
US07744557B2	Method and apparatus for delivering an agent to the abdomen A method and apparatus for treating gas for delivery into a body cavity, body space or body surface of an animal. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. One or more agents are released into the gas stream that flows through the chamber so that the gas stream carries the agent to the animal. Also shown, for use with, or without, the chamber, is an agent chamber adapted to be coupled to at least one structure defining at least one fluid flow path extending at least a portion of the distance between an insufflation device and the body cavity, body space or body surface.
US07744555B2	Implant having a photocatalytic unit An implant comprises a photocatalytic layer on at least one surface. In some embodiments, the photocatalytic layer is a semiconductor oxide that is doped. According to some embodiments, the implant comprises a wave guide. According to some embodiments the implant comprises a light port. According to some embodiments, the implant comprises a reflective material on a surface of the waveguide. According to some embodiments the implant comprises a composite material comprising a first material that has a transmissivity when exposed to a predetermined wavelength of light and a second material that has photocatalytic activity when exposed to the predetermined wavelength of light. According to some embodiments the implant comprises a light source adapted to irradiate the photocatalytic surface.
US07744553B2	Medical fluid therapy flow control systems and methods Systems and methods for improving medical fluid delivery systems, such as hemofiltration (“HF”) and hemodiafiltration (“HDF”) are provided. In first embodiments, systems and methods for selectively performing pre- and postdilution HF and HDF clearance modes is provided. In other embodiments, systems and methods for providing prime bolus and rinseback fluid volumes before, during and/or after HF and HDF therapies are provided. In further embodiments, improved systems and methods for removing ultrafiltrate from the patient are provided. Still further, improved filtration configurations and methods are provided.
US07744548B2	Massaging device having reciprocally deflective massaging function A massaging device includes a propeller shaft, at least one first swinging member mounted on the propeller shaft, and at least one second swinging member mounted on the propeller shaft by a male deflection block, a female deflection block and an adjusting rod. Thus, when the rotation direction of the propeller shaft is changed, the push block of the adjusting rod is slidable in the adjusting groove of the male deflection block to produce a time lag of the swinging actions between the second swinging member and the first swinging member, so that the second swinging member and the first swinging member are operated in the same swinging direction or in two different swinging directions so as to produce different swinging actions, thereby providing different massaging effects to the user.
US07744545B2	Guide wire A guide wire includes a wire body having a tapered portion disposed on a distal end portion thereof and having an outside diameter progressively reduced toward a distal end thereof. The guide wire includes a coil disposed in covering relation to the distal end portion of the wire body and a helically shaped wire. The coil includes an increasing wire-diameter portion where the diameter of the wire increases continuously toward a distal end thereof, the increasing wire-diameter portion being disposed in covering relation to the outer circumference of at least a portion of the tapered portion in a longitudinal direction.
US07744544B2	Dermal incisor The present invention is a dermal incisor for use in cutting a section from the skin of an individual for examination. The incisor has a housing in which an endless, flexible blade is disposed. The blade is connected to a handle that is rotatable with regard to the housing. Upon rotation of the handle, the blade also rotates in order to cut into the skin. The handle is also slidable with regard to the housing, such that the handle can be used to urge the blade into the skin while being rotated. The housing includes a pair of apertures engaged with a stop pin on the handle to limit the movement of the handle and the blade with respect to the housing in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The housing also includes a lower surface including a number of teeth thereon that securely engages the housing with the skin to prevent slippage of the skin while being cut to provide a smooth incision with few irregularities.
US07744542B2	Implanted air passage sensors A physiological sensor is located within the airway of the subject's body, such as for measuring barometric pressure and communicating this value to a blood pressure or other monitoring device, which can derive gauge pressure using the barometric pressure and a measured absolute pressure within the body. The physiological sensor may also detect one or more other physiological parameters such as air flow, sound, or a chemical property. It may be anchored within the airway with the ability to communicate wirelessly to one or more other medical devices, such as an implanted cardiac function management device. Methods of use are also described.
US07744538B2	Minimum arc velocity interpolation for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging Minimum arc interpolation is performed on velocity information distributed in three dimensions. By using complex representations of the velocity information, the interpolation may more accurately represent the angle or velocity for spatial conversion. Tri-linearly interpolating velocity information converts the information representing a three-dimensional volume to a reconstruction grid. The interpolation is performed with a graphics processing unit. Complex representations of the velocity are loaded as texture data. The graphics processing unit interpolates the data as texture fields. Look-up tables are used to determine an angle from the interpolated complex representation and/or a color value for displaying velocities associated with different spatial locations.
US07744537B2	Ultrasonic method and system for characterizing arterial tissue using known elasticity data In a method for identifying a living tissue in an ultrasonic diagnosis, the elasticity of a living tissue to be diagnosed is measured for each local small area by using ultrasound. Elasticity data for each kind of known living tissue is composed of an elasticity modulus frequency histogram in each local small area for each kind of living tissue and is managed in a data library. Regarding the elasticity data serving as the measurement results, the kind of living tissue to be diagnosed is identified by using the elastic data for each kind of known living tissue.
US07744533B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, image processing apparatus and image processing method An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a unit for generating image data, an image reconstructing unit and an image synthesizing unit. The unit for generating image data generates image data for displaying a tomogram of a subject by luminance according to signal intensities of echo signals obtained through ultrasonic waves transmitted to the subject. The image reconstructing unit generates reconstructed images by alternating at least one of a luminance and a color of an area of a predetermined luminance so that the area of the predetermined luminance is emphasized in the image data while the predetermined luminance is altered in turn. The image synthesizing unit supplies the reconstructed images to a display unit so that the reconstructed images are displayed on the display unit in turn.
US07744532B2	Coherence factor adaptive ultrasound imaging methods and systems Ultrasound imaging adapts as a function of a coherence factor. Various beamforming, image forming or image processing parameters are varied as a function of a coherence factor to improve detail resolution, contrast resolution, dynamic range or SNR. For example, a beamforming parameter such as the transmit or receive aperture size, apodization type or delay is selected to provide maximum coherence. Alternatively or additionally, an image forming parameter, such as the number of beams for coherent synthesis or incoherent compounding, is set as a function of the coherence factor. Alternatively or additionally an image processing parameter such as the dynamic range, linear or nonlinear video filter and/or linear or nonlinear map may also adapt as a function of the coherence factor.
US07744530B2	Surgical instrument holder An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.
US07744529B2	Laryngoscope blade An improved laryngoscope. In one embodiment a laryngoscope blade includes a main blade portion and blade tip and a blade base. The main blade portion has a posterior surface, a distal end and proximal end. The blade tip extends from the distal end of the main blade portion. The blade tip also has a width that is flared wider in a first direction than a width of the main blade portion. The blade tip is further positioned at a select angle with relation to the posterior surface of the main blade portion. The blade base coupled to the proximal end of the blade.
US07744528B2	Methods and devices for endoscopic imaging Embodiments include devices and methods. One embodiment includes a method for imaging an endometrial cavity, including acquiring a plurality of images using an imaging system. A first part of the imaging system is positioned within the endometrial cavity. At least portions of two or more of the images are combined into a representation of at least a portion of the endometrial cavity. The combining at least portions of two of the images may include determining any motion of the first part of the imaging system, between the two or more of the images. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07744524B2	Apparatus and method for electromagnetic treatment of plant, animal, and human tissue, organs, cells, and molecules An apparatus and method for electromagnetic treatment of plants, animals, and humans comprising: configuring at least one waveform according to a mathematical model having at least one waveform parameter, said at least one waveform to be coupled to a target pathway structure; choosing a value of said at least one waveform parameter so that said at least waveform is configured to be detectable in said target pathway structure above background activity in said target pathway structure; generating an electromagnetic signal from said configured at least one waveform; and coupling said electromagnetic signal to said target pathway structure using a coupling device.
US07744519B2	System and method for crumpling paper substrates The present subject matter relates generally to a system and a method for crumpling paper substrates. Specifically, the system and method provide for the crumpling of paper substrates to form fill material to be utilized in product packaging to fill void space and/or to wrap around products thereby allowing for safe transport of the products. The system comprises, generally, a paper crumpling machine having a braking mechanism for preventing uncontrolled rolling of a paper roll, a rake for effectively guiding paper sheeting into the paper crumpling machine, and a disengagement mechanism for easily disengaging the paper sheeting from the apparatus if necessary, and an automatic tensioning device for providing even distribution of tension on the paper sheeting. In addition, the apparatus comprises a cutting mechanism and/or a clamping mechanism for allowing cutting and/or clamping of the crumpled paper substrate.
US07744514B2	Machining station and method for producing vehicle bodies A machining station and a method produce vehicle bodies of different types. A clamping station has interchangeable clamping frames, at least one clamping frame magazine, into which the interchangeable clamping frames are deposited when not in use and from which the interchangeable clamping frames are removed when in use, and at least one robot for transporting the interchangeable clamping frames. The interchangeable clamping frames, in particular the clamping frames for the vehicle body side parts, are divided into a plurality of separable segmental clamping frames, with, to convert to a different type of vehicle body, one segmental clamping frame in each case being transported by a robot from the clamping station to the clamping frame magazine, being deposited there, a segmental clamping frame of a different type being removed from the clamping frame magazine and this segmental clamping frame being transported to the clamping station.
US07744509B1	Reinforcement member to enhance rotational motion such as for use in a stilt device Apparatus for enhancing relative rotation between a substrate and a rotatable member. The substrate preferably comprises a pole of a leg support assembly in a stilt device, and the rotatable member preferably comprises a leg engagement assembly of the stilt device which engages a user's leg. The reinforcement member preferably operates as a spacer for the substrate, as well as to reduce wear between the substrate and an elongated member which couples the rotatable member to the substrate. A limit surface of the reinforcement member limits mechanical deflection of the elongated member and preferably comprises an annular sidewall of an aperture. A locking feature of the reinforcement member preferably comprises a tab which engages a channel in the substrate to maintain a desired axial orientation of the reinforcement member.
US07744508B2	Stationary exercise apparatus A stationary exercise device with adjustable members for varying the stride path and the exercise intensity of a user. The stationary device having a stationary frame and a movable frame that moves relative to the stationary frame to vary the exercise intensity of a user.
US07744506B2	Cross over flywheel exercise device An exercise device for the crossover step, including an upper wheel supported, the upper wheel having a skating surface and being rotatable; a lower wheel joined to the upper wheel via a hub, the lower wheel having idler wheels supporting the upper wheel; upper legs and lower legs, the upper and lower legs being joined to the lower wheel; a track joined to the upper legs and lower legs, the track adapted to allow the upper wheel, lower wheel, upper legs and lower legs to be stored vertically against a wall and positioned for use adjacent a floor; and mechanism for controlled increase of simulated G-forces applied to a skater skating on the skating surface.
US07744505B2	Hydraulic pressure control device for continuously variable transmission A hydraulic pressure control device is provided that that controls hydraulic pressure of a clutch supplying torque to a continuously variable transmission while the vehicle is stopped and in a running range. The hydraulic pressure control device has an control section that estimates a clutch engagement hydraulic pressure for changing the clutch from an engaged state to a disengaged state based the hydraulic fluid pressure acting on the clutch during the stopping of the rotational movement of a primary pulley of the continuously variable transmission, and then controls regulation of the hydraulic pressure to the clutch from an engaged state to a disengaged state, when the vehicle is stopped and in the running range, so that the torque from the engine does not rotate a secondary pulley of the continuously variable transmission.
US07744497B2	Swinging implement A swing implement, such as a baseball bat (9), adapted for gripping by the hands of a user having a support surface (10) between the knob (20) and the handle (30) of the swinging implement. The support surface provides a gradual transition between the knob and the handle. The support surface supports the hand of the user while gripping the swinging implement. Another swinging implement (10) comprises a support surface extending at a shallow angle from the handle between the handle and the end surface of the knob for supporting the hand of the user while gripping the swinging implement. A support sleeve (6c) adapted to cooperate with a handle and knob of a conventional baseball bat including a support surface for providing added support for the hands of a user gripping the bat.
US07744496B2	Batting practice tee An improved multi-adjustable batting practice tee featuring a base assembly with an improved tube assembly thereby enhancing tube movement and overall batting tee stability is disclosed. The base assembly is configured to have standard dimensions for a “HOME PLATE” in accordance with the rules of Major League baseball. The base assembly includes a continuous channel positioned across the entire horizontal plane of the base assembly that includes an inner-locking guide rail system for enhanced batting tee stability.
US07744495B2	Golf mat apparatus A golf mat for holding multiple tees for golf practice. The mat has a foam bottom in underlying relation to an artificial turf into which is formed a plurality of recesses each of which is adapted to accommodate a golf tee that lies in the recess, placing it out of the path of a golf club. This provides a longer lasting mat and golf tee combination.
US07744491B2	Multilayer golf ball with a thin thermoset outer layer The present invention is directed towards a method of forming a multilayer golf ball which comprises a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The steps include forming a golf ball core; molding an inner cover layer around said golf ball core with a material having a first shore D hardness; and casting an outer cover layer around said inner cover layer and golf ball core with a thermoset material having a second shore D hardness less than the first. The core is comprised of a center made from a first rubber based material and an outer layer formed from a second rubber based material. Preferably, the first rubber based material has about 15 to 25 parts of a crosslinking agent per hundred parts of rubber and the second rubber based material has about 20 to 40 parts of a crosslinking agent per hundred parts of rubber.
US07744490B2	Golf ball core with soft outer transition volume and negative hardness gradient A golf ball including a unitary core having a volume, an outer surface, a geometric center, and an outermost transition volume adjacent to the outer surface, the core being formed from a substantially homogenous composition; and a cover layer. The outermost transition volume is disposed between the core outer surface and the geometric center, the transition volume has an outer portion congruent with the core outer surface, and comprises the outermost 45% of the core volume or less. Both a hardness of the core outer surface and a hardness within the outermost transition volume are less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient.
US07744484B1	Movable weights for a golf club head Embodiments of movable weights, such as weight plugs and other types of movable weights, for a golf club head are disclosed herein. One embodiment for a weight plug, for example, includes a mass element with a first end that has a threaded portion and a second end. The weight plug also has a weight cap with a seal retention portion that is configured to engage a seal. The cap is also configured to engage the threaded portion of the mass element. A seal is positioned between the first end of the mass element and the seal retention portion of the cap.
US07744475B2	Fastener manufacturing apparatus and method An assembly line for continuously manufacturing fasteners from a rod with a groove for receiving a wire for retaining the fasteners in a strip includes a receiver for receiving the rod. A die press is arranged to receive the rod from the receiver and includes a piercing member for piercing an aperture in each fastener and a cutting member for cutting each fastener from the rod. A tapping member provides ribs to an inner wall of the aperture formed in the fastener by the piercing member. An inspector inspects the internal rib formed into the inner wall of the aperture disposed in the fastener verifying exactness of the aperture and the rib. A wire inserter inserts the wire into the groove forming a strip of connected fasteners. The inserter receives the fasteners sequentially from the inspector after verification of the exactness of the aperture disposed in each fastener.
US07744472B2	Shark deterrent device A shark deterrent device is disclosed. The device comprises at least two hollow cylindrical shafts, a tip, a twist-release mechanism, and at least one self-lock mechanism. The tip may be replaceable. The shark deterrent device is a retractable unit that is easy for a diver to carry and stow, and yet can be extended in order to deter a shark. The device is unlocked from its retracted position by twisting a collar, thereby unlocking the concentric shafts and allowing the unit to be fully extendable by hand. Once the unit is fully extended, a self-lock mechanism lock the unit to prevent it from retracting during use. The unit has a handle formed at one end of the outermost cylindrical shaft and a tip at the opposing end of the innermost cylindrical shaft. The tip may be replaceable and removed, and other useful tips may be attached.
US07744469B2	Computer-usable program, storage medium and game apparatus In a computer program product which makes a computer operate as a game apparatus, the computer is operated by a “load value determining means” that, when a “remaining quantity” of an energy value representing the quantity of energy owned by the character is less than a “variable value” set as the energy consumed as an equivalent value for using a skill at the time that an operation for instructing the performance of the skill set for the character is proceeded, performs the skill, and determines a load value based on a difference between the remaining quantity of the energy value and the variable value; and a “restriction processing means” that places a restriction according to the load value on a parameter relating to an ability of the character during the time that the energy value is restored up to a predetermined basic value.
US07744465B2	Game machine and data storage medium having stored therein game program A game machine is provided with two display units, that is, a first LCD and a second LCD. On the second LCD, feature information unique to each object located in a virtual game space is displayed. When a player selects, based on information displayed on the second LCD, one of the objects provided in the virtual game space, a focus point of a virtual camera provided in the virtual game space is set so that the virtual camera is oriented to a direction of the selected object, and the state of the virtual game space captured by the virtual camera is displayed on the first LCD. With this, the virtual game space can be displayed without impairing its worldview. Also, the player can be allowed to easily specify a desired focus target in the virtual game space.
US07744464B2	Method of managing a card game, a computer implementation thereof, and a card game kit A method of managing a card game, a computer implementation thereof, and a card game kit are disclosed. In the method, a plurality of cards are dealt in one or more rounds to a plurality of players, each player receiving one or more cards in each round, with each card bearing a designated value and suit. The values and suits of the cards dealt are recorded in each round. Those values and suits are then revealed to the players during one or more of the rounds to enable the players to wager or withdraw from the game.
US07744458B2	Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain payouts based on selection of one or more symbols (power pays) A method of playing a slot machine game in which a player wagers upon one or more symbols and then collect awards for combinations of two or more symbols wagered upon appearing in adjacent to each other in the symbol matrix. The slot machine game may also provide a symbol repositioning feature in which one or more symbols are moved from their original positions to other positions in the symbol matrix.
US07744457B2	Gaming machine displaying special symbols that shift positions In a virtual spinning reels type video slot machine, one or more of the possible symbols are special symbols. Examples of special symbols are wild cards and multipliers. If the special symbol cannot be utilized in the current game to grant an award to the player, the special symbol is carried over into the next game. When the player spins the reels for the next game, the special symbol(s) moves (e.g., randomly) to any position in the array as the reels appear to spin. When the reels stop, the special symbol(s) carried over from the previous game is applied to the current game to grant an award to the player. In another embodiment, special symbols are not extinguished after they are used, but may continue for any selected number of games.
US07744456B2	Systems and methods for conducting a sweepstakes in a gaming environment Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for sweepstakes awards in a gaming environment. Certain embodiments provide a method including accumulating sweepstakes entries for a player based on at least one sweepstakes entry criterion and randomly selecting a winner from the pool of sweepstakes entries. The sweepstakes entries are associated with the player and incorporated in a pool of sweepstakes entries. In certain embodiments, the at least one sweepstakes entry criterion comprises at least one of one entry per player, accumulating points based on play, accumulating points based on machine outcome, and coin in. In certain embodiments, the method further includes determining eligibility of a player for the sweepstakes. In certain embodiments, eligibility is determined based on at least one of a player group, a machine group, a machine denomination, a machine type, a machine manufacturer, a game manufacturer, a game theme and a game title, for example.
US07744455B2	Game machine A game machine is disclosed which includes a display unit, a memory unit which stores a cell array and a plurality of game symbols, a display control unit, and a game control unit. The display control unit displays the cell array, a peripheral region surrounding the cell array, and the plurality of game symbols on the display unit, animates the plurality of game symbols so that the plurality of game symbols move across the cell array and the peripheral region along trajectories that include curved trajectories, and positions and displays a static combination of game symbols in the cell array. The game control unit selects the static combination of game symbols to be displayed in the cell array, and determines whether a winning combination of game symbols will be included in the static combination of game symbols.
US07744454B2	Gaming device having an accumulating award symbol A gaming device and method which includes a plurality of reels having multiple symbols on the reels. The symbols include at least one activator symbol. In one embodiment, if the player obtains an activator symbol on the reels, the activator symbol activates the symbols that are adjacent to the activator symbol. Activating the adjacent symbols reveals the awards associated with the adjacent symbols. The player receives an award that equals the activator symbol award plus the awards associated with each symbol that is adjacent to the activator symbol.
US07744446B1	Sanding apparatus A sanding apparatus includes a plurality of posts each having an upper end and a lower end. The plurality of posts is four posts. A first horizontal support extends between two of the posts and a second horizontal support extends between another two of the posts. The first and second horizontal supports are vertically adjustable with respect to the posts. A table is mounted to and extends between the first and second horizontal supports. A belt sander is amounted to the posts. The table is positioned between the lower end of the posts and the belt sander. The table is selectively movable upwardly towards or downwardly from the belt sander.
US07744442B2	Dolls with alterable facial features Toy dolls include a head having a face having an alterable appearance and a mechanism for altering the appearance of the face. The mechanism may include a first element configured to pivot about a first axis between a first position and a second position, a second element operatively coupled to the first element and configured to pivot about a second axis between a third position and a fourth position in response to the first element pivoting from the first position to the second position, and a third element operatively coupled to the first element and configured to pivot about a third axis between a fifth position and a sixth position in response to the first element pivoting from the first position to the second position. Pivoting the second element may alter a first aspect of the appearance of the face, and pivoting the third element may alter a second aspect of the appearance of the face.
US07744441B2	Interactive play sets The present disclosure is directed to interactive play sets that include play companions and play companion bases, and methods of guiding play companions to those play companion bases.
US07744440B2	Method of growing carbon nanotubes and method of manufacturing field emission device using the same A method of growing carbon nanotubes and a method of manufacturing a field emission device using the same is provided. The method of growing carbon nanotubes includes steps of preparing a substrate, forming a catalyst metal layer on the substrate to promote growing of carbon nanotubes, forming an inactivation layer on the catalyst metal layer to reduce the activity of the catalyst metal layer, and growing carbon nanotubes on a surface of the catalyst metal layer. Because the inactivation layer partially covers the catalyst metal layer, carbon nanotubes are grown on a portion of the catalyst metal layer that is not covered by the inactivation layer. Thus, density of the carbon nanotubes can be controlled. This method for growing carbon nanotubes can be used to make an emitter of a field emission device. The field emission device having carbon nanotube emitter made of this method has superior electron emission characteristics.
US07744439B2	Image display device and manufacturing method of the same The present invention provides an image display device capable of displaying a good image by suppressing yellowing of a glass substrate, and a high-yield manufacturing method of the glass substrate. The image display device is formed of a front-side glass substrate and a back-side glass substrate. In this manufacturing method, a glass substrate is used as the front-side glass substrate when Sn++ content in the glass substrate is a predetermined value or less, and the glass substrate is used as the back-side glass substrate when the Sn++ content exceeds the predetermined value.
US07744438B2	Production apparatus and method of producing a light-emitting device by using the same apparatus The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a light-emitting device. At least one of a light-emitting film forming step, a conductive film forming step and an insulating film forming step is carried out while holding a substrate in a manner that an angle subtended by a surface of the substrate and the direction of gravity is within a range of from 0 to 30°.
US07744437B2	Life-saving clothing Life-saving clothing, in particular for protecting against drowning persons in danger during travelling in water or any other liquid element. The life-saving clothing (1) includes a part encompassing the trunk of a user's body and is characterized in that the part has inflatable floating elements (3) which is made of a non-extensible material and is arranged in such a way that it takes a folded shape in the uninflated state thereof and forms a float around the user's trunk in the inflated state and the clothing (1) is provided with inflating elements (9) for the floating means. In a preferred embodiment, the volume of floating elements (3) is distributed substantially in front of and behind the user. The life-saving clothing (1) ensures the stable position of the user in such a way that the respiratory tract thereof is free.
US07744436B2	Rescue mat A portable, roll-able or fold-able mat for supporting one or more individuals includes a non-inflatable, buoyant core. The core includes buoyancy sufficient to support the one or more individuals on a surface of the mat. The core includes at least one layer of foam and a non-foam layer connected with at least one surface of the layer of foam.
US07744426B2	Electrical connector with improved contact arrangement An electrical connector mounted on a mother PCB includes an insulative tongue portion and a number of contacts held in the insulative tongue portion. The contacts have four conductive contacts and at least one pair of differential contacts for transferring high speed signals. The conductive contacts are adapted for USB 2.0 protocol. The contacts include a plurality of first and second tail portions to be arranged in a single row or at least two rows.
US07744425B2	Electronic part equipped unit An electronic part equipped unit includes a case body having a first recess portion for containing an electronic part and a second recess portion for containing a relay terminal and a ground terminal which are connected to the electronic part through leads, a wire side terminal to which a middle portion of a wire is attached, a cover member to which the wire side terminal is attached, and a shortcircuit preventing cover that covers a bottom wall and a side wall of the case body at a position corresponding to the second recess portion. The wire side terminal is brought into contact with the relay terminal when the cover member to which the wire side terminal is attached is fitted to the second recess portion of the case body.
US07744422B2	Electrical card connector for receiving at least two electrical cards The present invention relates to an electrical card connector comprising: a first connector with a plurality of first contacts; a second connector located at the lateral side of the first connector and with a plurality of second contacts; a PCB located at the bottom of the first connector and the second connector; a shell covering the first connector; a bottom plate mounted at the bottom of the shell; the first connector and the second connector are held on the same side of the PCB, a first receiving room is defined between the shell and the bottom plate, and the second receiving room is defined between the bottom plate and the PCB.
US07744421B2	Card connector and method of assembling same A card connector is disclosed that includes a first housing configured to have a first card inserted thereinto to be attached thereto; a second housing configured to have a second card inserted thereinto to be attached thereto, the second housing being provided on the first housing; and multiple contact members for the second card combined with the first housing by insert molding, the contact members each having, at a first end, a contact arm part to come into contact with a terminal of the second card, and at a second end, a lead terminal part to be soldered to a pad on a board, wherein the contact arm parts are placed inside the second housing with the intermediate portions thereof fixed to part of the second housing.
US07744419B2	Appliance connector device with integrated filter module The present invention relates to an appliance connector device having an A plug contact, a B plug contact and a G plug contact, an A′ terminal, a B′ terminal and a G′ terminal, an electrically conducting filter jacket and a filter module, wherein the filter module has an A″ conductor, a B″ conductor and a G″ conductor, wherein the A contact is connected to the A′ terminal via the A″ conductor, wherein the B contact is connected to the B′ terminal via the B″ conductor, wherein the G contact is connected to the G′ terminal via the G″ conductor, wherein the G″ conductor of the filter module has a shielding plate extending in a cross-sectional plane of the filter jacket and wherein the filter module has capacitance elements on both sides of the shielding plate with conducting surfaces aligned parallel to the shielding plate to generate capacitances between the A″ conductor and the B″ conductor and between these conductors and the G″ conductor. With such a plug device, it is provided, in particular for improving the ground connection of the G″ conductor of the filter module, that the shielding plate is provided with a plurality of contact fingers at the edge along most of its circumference, these contact fingers being in contact with the filter jacket on the inside under elastic tension, and the filter element has a contact surface for establishing a ground connection.
US07744414B2	Carrier assembly and system configured to commonly ground a header An electrical connector system includes a header and a carrier assembly attachable with the header. The header includes a leading end having a plurality of signal pins that are insertable into an electronic device and a stripline ground plate extending from the leading end toward a mating end. The carrier assembly is coupleable with the mating end of the header and includes a plurality of termination devices. Each termination device includes a cable terminated to a contact that electrically couples with one of the signal pins of the header, an insulator disposed around the contact, and a tubular shield disposed around the insulator. When the carrier assembly is connected to the header, the tubular shield contacts the stripline ground plate to commonly ground each signal pin/contact connection within the electrical connector system.
US07744408B2	Holding member, mounting structure in which holding member is mounted on electronic circuit board, and electronic component including holding member A holding member, for an electronic component inserted into a through hole provided in an electronic circuit board which includes a plate-shaped base that is fixed to the electronic component, a first leg and a second leg. The first leg extends from the base, and is inserted into the through hole. The first leg has a catch that projects laterally and outwardly with respect to an inserting direction in which the first leg is inserted into the through hole and locked with an edge of the through hole after the first leg is inserted. The second leg extends from the base and is inserted into the through hole together with the first leg. The second leg elastically deforms when the second leg comes into contact with an inner surface of the through hole, presses the first leg to an opposite side inner surface of the through hole, and elastically holds the catch in a state in which the catch is locked with the edge of the through hole after the second leg is inserted.
US07744406B2	USB flash drive and system and method for storing USB flash drives The present invention discloses systems and method for storing and organizing UFDs (USB flash drives) on a storage pole, and for configuring UFDs to accommodate storage on a storage pole. Various embodiments also include configurations of the UFDs and/or storage poles which prevent rotation of the UFDs on the storage pole, thereby providing aligned stacking of the UFDs. Some embodiments include more than one pole for storage and/or alignment of the UFDs. Some embodiments do not require a pole for storage and/or alignment of the UFDs. In addition, systems which allow extraction of a single UFD from a stack of UFDs while maintaining the order of the UFDs are also disclosed.
US07744404B1	Cable management system for product display A cable retraction mechanism for displaying merchandise mounted on a display post in a retail location. The cable retraction mechanism includes a cable assembly having a coiled or equivalent elastically stretchable section. The mechanism also includes a coaxial housing that is connected to a portion of the cable assembly. The reciprocating motion or action of the shuttle within the housing facilitates extension and retraction of the cable assembly in a manner that is independent of the coiled section.
US07744400B2	Electrical cord locking connector An electrical cord locking connector joins electrical cords in series and presents a streamlined profile that minimizes interference in restricted spaces through which the cords must be fed to service a job site. The connector joins the ends of successive cords utilizing the outwardly projecting shoulder provided on the female socket of one cord in cooperation with a latch member on the male end of the connecting cord to lock the two cords together. A cord provided with a female end terminating in a replacement cord cap is provided with a socket presenting a generally circular face and an outwardly projecting shoulder at the face for engaging a releasable latch member of a mating plug, thereby preventing separation of the plug and socket under force until the latch member is disengaged.
US07744394B1	Golden finger protecting device A golden finger protecting device includes a first, a second, and a third sidewall is connected between corresponding sides of the first and second walls. The first, the second, and third sidewalls are formed by folding a substrate along two parallel fold lines, to wrap the connection terminal of the expansion card. A width of the third sidewall is equal to thickness of the connection terminal. Widths of the first and second sidewalls are respectively greater than or equal to width of the connection terminal. A handle extends from the first sidewall or the second sidewall, away from the third sidewall. A first hole is defined symmetrically extending through the first and second sidewalls and extending through the third sidewall. At least one second hole is defined between a side opposite to the third sidewall of the first or second sidewall and a corresponding end of the first hole.
US07744392B2	High density coaxial jack A coaxial switching jack with a pair of coaxial assemblies mounted within a housing having a pair of front cable connection locations is disclosed. The coaxial assemblies each include a center conductor and an outer shield conductor. The center conductors are connected by a first spring and the shell conductors are connected by a second spring. Insertion of a coaxial cable connector within one of the front cable connection locations deflects the springs from the corresponding coaxial assembly and disconnects the center and shell conductors of the two assemblies. The jack may also be configured to provide an electrical connection between the center and shell conductors of the second coaxial assembly if a coaxial cable connector is inserted within the first coaxial assembly. The connection between the center and shell conductors of the second coaxial assembly may be through a resistor assembly allowing for selection of a desired electrical impedance.
US07744391B2	Memory card connector with improved sliding structure to reduce friction A memory card connector includes an insulative housing, a plurality of contacts retained in the insulative housing, a card eject mechanism and metal shell attached to the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a card receiving cavity for insertion of a memory card. The card eject mechanism includes a slider moveable along card-insertion or card-withdraw directions and a locking member fixed to the slider. The locking member includes a protrusion which forms a sideward dimple. The metal shell includes a top wall covering the card receiving cavity. The top wall defines a slit for receiving the protrusion. An arced surface of the dimple is driven to abut against an inner side of the slit in order to reduce friction therebetween.
US07744390B2	Electrical connector assembly with connection assist An electrical connector including a housing; a slide slidably mounted to the housing, wherein the slide comprises a rack section with teeth; a cam member and a connector position assurance (CPA) member. The cam member is rotatably mounted to the housing. The cam member comprises a caming surface adapted to contact a cam portion of a mating electrical connector. The cam member comprises a gear section with teeth engaging the teeth of the slide. The CPA member is movably connected to the housing. The CPA member is adapted to directly engage the cam member for preventing the cam member for rotating relative to the housing.
US07744388B2	Electrical connector having a protective door element An electrical connector including a housing having a socket shaped to at least partially receive a mating plug; a plurality of electrically conductive contact elements at least partially extending into said socket for effecting electrical connection with corresponding electrically conductive contacts of the plug; and a door element coupled to the housing, wherein the door element is mounted for slidable movement along a nonlinear path between an open position whereby the socket is laid open for engagement by the mating plug and a closed position whereby access to the socket is inhibited.
US07744385B2	High speed cable termination electrical connector assembly An electrical connector assembly comprises a header and a plurality of electrical cable terminations. Each of the cable terminations includes an electrically conductive housing, at least one signal contact positioned within an interior of the housing and electrically insulated from the housing, and at least two ground contacts extending from an exterior of the housing. The cable terminations are configured to mate with the header such that, for each cable termination, the signal contacts engage corresponding ones of the plurality of signal pins, and the ground contacts engage corresponding ones of the plurality of ground pins when the header and cable terminations are in a mated configuration.
US07744384B2	Spring contact structure and electronic device using same A spring contact structure (10) and an electronic device using same are provided. The spring contact structure is configured for releasing electrostatic charges of the electronic device, and includes a fixing portion (12), a clamping portion (14) and a grounding portion (16). The clamping portion is configured for electrically connecting to a substrate (30) of the electronic device, and includes a first clamp arm (142) and a second clamp arm (144) extending from opposite sides of the fixing portion. The second clamp arm is disposed over the fixing portion and the first clamp arm to clamp the substrate between the first and second clamp arms. The grounding portion extends from the fixing portion, and is configured for electrically connecting to a grounding unit (40) of the electronic device.
US07744381B2	Electronic device including printed circuit board, connector and casing An electronic device includes a printed circuit board, a connector mounted on the printed circuit board, a casing, and a sealing member. The casing houses the printed circuit board and a part of the connector in such a manner that the other part of the connector protrudes to an outside of the casing. The casing has a casing-side recess portion and a casing-side protruding portion that are connected each other to have a loop shape. The housing has a connector-side protruding portion and a connector-side recess portion that are connected to each other to have a loop shape. The connector-side protruding portion is fitted into the casing-side recess portion through the sealing member and the casing-side protruding portion is fitted into the connector-side recess portion through the sealing member.
US07744380B2	Overmolded electrical contact array The invention provides a connector incorporating an overmolded housing that may control the position of the mounting ends of the connector and may provide a structure to help transfer the forces for press fit of the connector to the printed circuit board (PCB). Such a connector may include a first leadframe assembly having a plurality of contacts, a second leadframe assembly having a plurality of contacts, an edge card, and a tail alignment housing. Each contact may include a lead portion and a mounting end. The lead portions of the contacts may engage the edge card. The tail alignment housing may include a housing body and a plurality of tail supports extending from the housing body. The tail alignment housing may be overmolded onto at least a portion of the mounting ends.
US07744375B2	Signal transmission device for towing vehicle A signal transmission device is used for connection between a first electrical connector at a truck-tractor of a towing vehicle and a second electrical connector at a trailer of the towing vehicle. The signal transmission device includes first and second magnetic holders, third and fourth electrical connectors mounted to the first and second magnetic holders respectively, a stretchable coil tube, and a cable. The first magnetic holder is adapted to be attached to the truck-tractor and the second magnetic holder is adapted to be attached to the trailer. The third electrical connector is adapted for connecting the first electrical connector at the truck-tractor and the fourth electrical connector is adapted for connecting the second electrical connector at the trailer. The cable is spirally inserted through the stretchable coil tube and provided with two ends electrically connected with the third and fourth electrical connectors.
US07744374B2	Sliding contact retaining device In a sliding contact retaining device for a contacting device of a rotor, the rotor can have a plurality of slip rings, wherein the contacting device serves to retain the sliding contact retaining device, and wherein an electrical contact can be established between the slip rings of the rotor and sliding contacts of the sliding contact retaining device, wherein using the sliding contact retaining device, sliding contact retainers can be disposed in a first and a second serial arrangement parallel to a rotational axis of the rotor, and wherein adjacently arranged slip rings can be contacted alternately from a sliding contact of the first serial arrangement and a sliding contact of the second serial arrangement, wherein the sliding contact retaining device has at least one holding device for receiving at least two serial arrangements of sliding contact retainers.
US07744372B1	Refreshable Braille display device Disclosed is a refreshable Braille display device comprised of a rotary character display assembly which can display a refreshable Braille character in the plane of the rotary display assembly. Also disclosed is a method of displaying a refreshable Braille character.
US07744371B1	Adjustable HVE tip A HVE tip that includes two tubular members, each of which is formed with a straight portion and a connecting portion, and one of the connecting portions is telescopically received within the other connecting portions so that the two tubular members can be rotated relative to one another between a plurality of configurations, including a straight configuration in which the axes of the two straight portions of the two tubular members extend generally parallel to one another and in the same plane, and a right angle configuration at which these axes extend generally perpendicular to one another in the same plane. An indexing connection is provided between the two connecting portions.
US07744367B1	Candle-maintenance tool A candle-maintenance tool for carving a substantially arcuate path in candle wax of a surface of a candle. The candle-maintenance tool includes a shaft having a candle-contacting surface at one end thereof and a blade coupled to the shaft near the candle-contacting surface. When the candle-contacting surface is pressed into the surface of the candle, at least a portion of the blade contacts the surface of the candle. When the candle-maintenance tool is rotated in place with the candle-contacting surface pressed into the surface of the candle, the blade carves a substantially arcuate path into the surface of the candle.
US07744365B2	Apparatus for blow molding aseptic containers An apparatus and method for blow molding and sealing an aseptic container. A pair of mold halves, including inner surfaces that when closed define a mold cavity, clamp about an extruded parison. The parison is inflated by high pressure blow air into conformity with the shape of the mold cavity. An evacuation device applies a force to an exterior portion of the blow molded container causing the portion to deform or flex inwardly, thereby reducing the internal volume and evacuating air from the blow molded container. A sealing tool thereafter causes the blow molded container to be sealed while the container is in the reduced volume condition. Upon removal from the mold assembly and cooling, the container returns to the desired shape.
US07744360B2	Process for making toothbrushes A process for making a toothbrush head comprising widthways adjacent sections, the process comprising the stages of first making the head in an injection moulding process with the sections relatively spaced apart from each other in a widthways direction, then secondly moving the sections of the so formed head relatively spaced closer to each other in a widthways direction. An apparatus for performing the process is also disclosed.
US07744358B2	Pattern transfer device and pattern transfer method An object is to transfer a concavo-convex pattern formed on the surface of a transfer die onto a transfer target accurately. A pattern transfer apparatus according to the present invention is one for putting a transfer die having a concavo-convex pattern against a transfer target on a substrate to transfer the concavo-convex pattern onto a surface of the transfer target. It is characterized by comprising pressing means for pressing the transfer die against the transfer target on the substrate at a plurality of different locations independently.
US07744357B2	Scroll compressor A scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll, an orbiting scroll orbiting the fixed scroll to perform compression on a refrigerant, a discharge cover provided at an upper end of the fixed scroll and guiding discharge of a compressed refrigerant, a first discharge chamber from which the compressed refrigerant is discharged; a second discharge chamber communicating with the first discharge chamber and separating oil from the discharged refrigerant, and a third discharge chamber communicating with the second discharge chamber and guiding discharge of the separated refrigerant.
US07744355B2	Submersable centrifugal magnetically affixed current changing aquarium pump An aquarium pump including a first unit comprising a magnet in an encasement disposed against the outside panel of an aquarium or other tank, and a second, submersible unit comprising a magnet in an encasement and a motor, an impeller, and buoyant material contained within a chamber disposed against the inside panel of an aquarium or other tank and opposing the first unit. The magnet included on the second, submersible unit includes a plurality of recesses into which are inserted synthetically coated ball bearings that are allowed rotate freely, with a portion of the ball bearings extending outside the magnet thus allowing the ball bearings to make contact with the aquarium or tank wall and allowing the second, submersible unit to be maneuvered into place without the necessity of violating the aquatic environment. The buoyant material allows the second, submersible unit to remain fixed in place solely utilizing magnetic attraction.
US07744354B2	Fluid pump, a fluid-transfer plate and an inductive sensor for a fluid pump The present invention relates to a fluid pump and a fluid-transfer plate and a sensor for a fluid pump, particularly applicable to linear compressors, for detecting the position of the respective piston and preventing the latter from colliding with the fluid-transfer plate upon variations in the compressor operation conditions, or even variations in the feed voltage. The objectives of the present invention are achieved by means of a fluid pump (1) comprising a piston (2) that is axially displaceable within a cylinder (3), the cylinder (3) comprising a cylinder closing fluid-transfer plate (40), the piston (2) being displaced toward the fluid-transfer plate (40) and capturing a gas or fluid from a low-pressure environment (11), and the fluid pump (11) comprising a sensor assembly (98), which includes an inductive sensor (8) associated with the fluid-transfer plate (40). The objectives of the present invention are also achieved by means of a fluid-transfer plate (40) particularly applicable to a fluid pump (1) and that comprises a valve plate (4) provided with a though-bore (10) for associating a protector (9) that cooperates with the cavity (10), the protector (9) comprising at least one sensor cavity (8′) for associating an inductive sensor (8). An inductive sensor (8) is also foreseen, which is applicable to the fluid pump (1).
US07744349B1	Blade flap locking for out-of-use helicopters In the absence of centrifugal force produced during rotation of helicopter blades, damage may result if a blade is rotated upward by wind or other forces. Lock units removably appended between the rotor assembly and each blade pitch housing attached to a helicopter blade are usable to restrict upward rotation. A base portion of a lock unit may be configured to be held in position by a removable pin device. An extendible device extending from the base portion to a surface of a blade pitch housing can be adjusted to press the base portion back against a surface of the rotor assembly. The lock unit thereby restricts these surfaces of the blade pitch housing and rotor assembly from moving closer to each other and thereby restricts upward rotation of the blade pitch housing and its attached helicopter blade. The lock units are readily removable in preparation for returning a helicopter to active use.
US07744347B2	Peripheral microcircuit serpentine cooling for turbine airfoils A turbine component has an airfoil portion with at least one central core element, a pressure side wall, and a suction side wall. The airfoil portion also has a serpentine cooling passageway in at least one of the walls. In a preferred embodiment, the airfoil portion has a serpentine cooling passageway in both of the pressure and suction side walls. A refractory metal core for forming the serpentine cooling passageway(s) is also described.
US07744341B2	Thermal module with centrifugal blower and electronic assembly incorporating the same An electronic assembly (1) includes a top cover (21), a bottom cover (22) and a thermal module (10). The thermal module includes a centrifugal blower (14) and a fin assembly (12). The blower includes a top lid (142) defining a first air inlet (146) therein, a bottom plate (147) defining a second air inlet (150) therein, and a sidewall (148). An air outlet (149) is defined in the blower in front of the sidewall. A first distance (H1) formed between the top cover and the top lid is greater than a second distance (H2) formed between the bottom cover and the bottom plate. A left edge (154) of the second air inlet adjacent to the air outlet offsets a distance from a corresponding left edge (155) of the first air inlet inwardly toward a rotation axis (A) of an impeller (143) of the blower.
US07744337B2	Transport device, in particular for panel-type workpieces The invention relates to a conveyor unit constituting a separating and feed mechanism (33), in particular for sheet-shaped workpieces, in particular sheets (3) to be printed, with a lifting mechanism (2) for transporting the sheet (3) vertically and a conveyor track with conveyor means (51, 52) for transporting the sheet (3) horizontally. This being the case, the conveying means (51, 52) are displaceable in a guide system between an operating position for feeding the sheet (3) to a production unit (36), in particular a printing machine (37), and a non-operating position to enable the sheet (3) to be lifted unhindered from a sheet stack (39).
US07744335B1	Pallet jack with independently elevatable fork arms A pallet jack with a pallet engaging fork having separate and independently movable first and second fork arms connected to independently controlled and operable first and second fork arm elevating means, for lifting a pallet loaded with a stack of items so that when the stack of items leans and is out of balance one fork arm can be elevated higher than the other to compensate and restore balance to the stack of items.
US07744331B2	Transport vehicle and method A transport vehicle includes a self-balancing vehicle base. A platform is supported on the base and is displaceable relative thereto between a first position and a second position. A support device engages the platform and supports at least a portion thereof during displacement between the first position and the second position. A method is also included.
US07744329B2	Automatic release system A release mechanism for use with an explosives disposal robot having an elongated boom includes a latch member secured to an outer end of the boom, the latch member having a fixed portion and movable latch or lever members. A flexible strap extends between the lever members, with one end being attached to one of the lever members and the other end being releasably attached to the other lever member. When the other lever member is moved to a release position the other end of the strap falls from the other lever member so as to release, for example, a firing line cradled in the strap. The one lever member can be actuated by way of a remote controlled solenoid connected thereto via a flexible cable or by way of an elastic member connected thereto. The elastic member is particularly useful when the elongated boom is telescopic in nature, as the latch member will be secured to one of the boom members and one end of the elastic member will be connected to another of the boom members with the other end of the elastic member being connected to the one lever member. When there is telescopic extension movement between the boom members the elastic member will act on the one lever member to cause it to move so as to release the strap from the other lever member.
US07744327B2	Tubular handling apparatus and a drilling rig The invention relates to a tubular handling apparatus for moving tubulars between a substantially horizontal transfer station and a second transfer station. The apparatus comprises a base and a boom, rotatable with respect to the base between a lowered position and a raised position by boom rotation drive means in a boom rotation direction around a horizontal boom rotation axis. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a gripper, rotatably attached to the boom and adapted for gripping the tubular, which gripper is rotatable about a gripper rotation axis by a gripper rotation drive means in a gripper rotation direction. According to the invention, the gripper rotation axis is parallel to and spaced from the horizontal boom rotation axis and in that the gripper rotation drive means provide a gripper rotation direction opposite to the boom rotation direction.
US07744326B2	Bind processing method, bind processing device, and binder cartridge A binder cartridge (51) that can accommodate a large number of binders (61), which are connected in parallel to each other by an engaging mechanism. A right angle crank-shaped guide groove (55) is formed in a gate portion (54) at the front end of the binder cartridge. A binder in the front row of the binder cartridge is moved by a binder lateral movement mechanism (7) along the crank-shaped guide groove in the lateral direction and is separated from the other binders. A pair of upper and lower pushers (12, 13) of a bind mechanism portion (5) pinch division ring portions of the binder in the vertical direction and insert the division ring portions into a punch hole formed on the sheets of paper.
US07744324B2	Cup washer for a fastener A washer for use with a fastener to join two components or plates includes a washer body having an inner portion and an outer portion joined by a connecting wall. The inner portion and the connecting wall form a cavity and the outer portion extends outwardly from the connecting wall to form a flange. The washer joins two plates fabricated from dissimilar material and minimizes stress in the joint. Additionally, the washer minimizes leakage through the joint and can be used with standard fasteners.
US07744322B2	Nut A nut having a nut body, a spring case, a washer, and a nut body urging spring. The nut body has received in it at least three or more nut segments and a nut segment urging spring, where the nut segments are, when rotated in the tightening direction after a bolt is inserted into the nut segments, screwed on to the thread of the bolt inserted. The spring case is attached at its upper end to the outer circumferential surface other than the upper part of the nut body so that the spring case is rotatable together with the nut body. The washer is rotatably attached to the lower part of the spring case. The urging spring is installed such that its one end received in the spring case is connected to the spring case or to the nut body and the other end to the washer, so that the urging spring can constantly urge the nut body in the tightening direction when the nut body is screwed on the bolt. When the nut is fitted on the bolt and rotated in the tightening direction, at least the three or more nut segments are screwed on to the thread of the bolt, causing the nut body in which the nut segments are received to be constantly urged in the tightening direction, which eliminates play of the nut segments to keep the nut and the bolt in a state where they are reliably screwed to each other.
US07744318B2	Transport vehicle for a rotor blade of a wind-energy turbine The invention is relative to a transport vehicle with a tractor and a trailer that are connected to one another during the transport of cargo by the cargo itself. The invention has the problem of making a transport vehicle available that also makes possible the transport on highways of very bulky material, especially such material that exceeds the usual profile height of underpasses and bridges (freeway bridges, etc.). A transport vehicle for a rotor blade of a wind power system with a tractor and a trailer that are connected to one another during the transport of the rotor blade by the rotor blade and that respectively comprise a holding device and/or receiving device for the rotor blade which holding device and/or receiving device is/are designed in such a manner that it/they permit(s) a rotation of the rotor blade about its longitudinal axis and that a drive for rotating the rotor blade is provided on the tractor and/or the trailer.
US07744310B2	Hydrostatically operated variable height bulkhead A self-adjusting barrier incorporates a series of float units restrained between a primary wall, such as a bulkhead, and a secondary wall, such as sheetpile. The secondary wall may be braced to the primary wall. The float units slidably interconnect along adjacent edges to self-adjust along a perimeter, such as a marina or waterfront lot, based on the height of water within the chamber (stilling basin) provided between the two walls. Mechanisms for deterring vandalism and providing increased environmental integrity are also provided for select embodiments. Methods of employing the barrier are also disclosed.
US07744300B2	Ready lock ring binder mechanism A ring binder mechanism that retains loose-leaf pages and has ring members that readily lock together, preventing accidental loss of pages. The mechanism comprises a housing that supports two hinge plates for pivoting motion, bringing the ring members to either an open position or a closed position. The mechanism further comprises a control structure, which includes an actuator moveable relative to the housing for controlling pivoting movement of the hinge plates. The actuator is connected to a travel bar that is moveable by the actuator into position for blocking pivoting motion of the hinge plates when the ring members are closed. The connection of the travel bar to the actuator permits the actuator to move in a range without actuating corresponding movement of the travel bar.
US07744297B2	Sticky note printer and method of controlling the same In a sticky note printer, a sticky note is peeled off and fed one by one from a bundle of notes set in position. In empty-feed motion, the sticky note is fed in a normal direction from a peel-off position through a sticky note ejecting slot to a pull-out position in which the sticky note protrudes outside the sticky note printer. In feed-back motion, the sticky note is fed in a reverse direction from the pull-out position to a retracted position in which printing can be performed. In feed-again motion, the sticky note is fed in the normal direction from the retracted position to the pull-out position. The empty-feed motion is made when the sticky note has been pulled away from the pull-out position. The feed-back motion or the feed-again motion is made, when an instruction for printing is given, in a manner synchronized with the printing operation.
US07744295B2	Aperture mechanism, optical apparatus and manufacturing method thereof To provide an aperture mechanism and an optical apparatus which are reduced in size. The aperture mechanism comprising: a driving member to be driven in accordance with an aperture operation; an aperture member having an aperture to be driven by the driving member; a first engagement section connected to one of the driving member and the aperture member; a second engagement section connected to another one of the driving member and the aperture member and engaged with the first engagement section; and a biasing member connected to at least one of the driving member and the aperture member to provide a bias in a direction in which the first engagement section and the second engagement section are facing to each other.
US07744294B2	Lens barrel, camera, portable information terminal device, and image input device Provided is a lens barrel configured to avoid deviation of a retracting lens holder frame and a retracting lens holder frame driving member from regular position. Also provided are a camera, a portable information terminal device, and an image input device, all of which use this lens barrel. With the above devices, even when normal cam engagement is damaged by occurrence of drop impact or the like, it is possible to secure normal driving of the retracting lens holder frame and to reduce malfunction of the retracting lens holder frame.
US07744293B2	Coaxial opto-electronic device having small form factor insulating structure A coaxial opto-electronic device used for SFF (Small Form Factor) and SFP (Small Form-Factor pluggable) opto-electronic transceiver module comprises an opto-electronic TO CAN (201) having a cap border (106) at one end, a metal tube (203) disposed around the opto-electronic TO CAN (201), and an isolation ring (202) interposed between the end face of the metal tube (203) and the cap border (106). The coaxial opto-electronic device allows the device's metal case ground to be insulated from the inner data ground, and at the same time, the device outer form is small enough and the size of inner part thereof is enlarged.
US07744286B2	Hardened fiber optic connection system with multiple configurations A fiber optic connection system includes a ruggedized fiber optic adapter and a ruggedized fiber optic connector and can further include a standard fiber optic connector (e.g., an SC connector), a pre-existing ruggedized fiber optic adapter, a first converter for converting the standard fiber optic connector to be compatible with the ruggedized fiber optic adapter, a second converter for converting the ruggedized fiber optic connector to be compatible with the pre-existing ruggedized fiber optic adapter, and a standard fiber optic adapter (e.g., an SC adapter). The ruggedized fiber optic connector is compatible with the ruggedized fiber optic adapter and with the standard fiber optic adapter. To retain the various connectors within the various adapters, various retention members and features (e.g. threaded retention members and latches) can be included in the fiber optic connection system. The first converter includes a converter housing that is sized to fit over a connector body of the standard fiber optic connector and retention shoulders of the connector body engage the converter housing.
US07744282B2	Motor One embodiment of the present invention provides a motor comprising a stator portion including a bearing using lubricant oil; and a rotor portion having a rotation shaft rotatably supported by the bearing, an oil deflector configured to return back to the bearing the lubricant oil that has leaked toward one end portion of the rotation shaft from the bearing, and a hub attached so as to oppose the oil deflector with a clearance therebetween.
US07744281B2	Method and device for monitoring the operation of a plain bearing In a method of monitoring the operation of a plain bearing, a lubricant passage (15) of a bearing segment, this lubricating passage (15) being provided for jacking oil for example, is used during hydrodynamic operation of the plain bearing for extracting samples for a temperature measurement. For producing the measuring operation, a switch-over device (19) clears a flow path from the lubricant passage (15) into an outflow passage (23) in such a way that lubricant from the lubricating film (13) flows through the lubricant passage, the temperarature of this lubricant being determined by a temperature sensor (16, 18).
US07744278B2	X-ray device with a scattered ray protection device An x-ray device is provided. The x-ray device includes an x-ray emitter, an image receiver arranged in a radiation direction at a distance from the x-ray emitter, a patient support disposed between the x-ray emitter and the image receiver, a relative position of the x-ray emitter and the image receiver being adjustable with respect to the patient support in at least one spatial direction, and a scattered ray protection device, which can be fixed in a fixed relative position with respect to the image receiver and/or the x-ray emitter as a reference object using a coupling unit the scattered ray protection device being entrained with the reference object when the reference object is adjusted with respect to the patient support.
US07744272B2	Portable apparatus and portable timepiece having a push button A portable apparatus has a push button mounted on a casing for operating a contact inside the casing. The push button is axially slidable in a pipe fixed in a through-hole extending through the casing. A coil spring encircles the pipe and is interposed between a flange of the pipe and a head of the push button to urge the push button outwardly. A packing ring for sealing the space between the pipe and push button is attached to either the pipe or the push button in the region where the coil spring encircles the pipe. Since the coil spring overlaps the packing ring, the axial length of the pipe and push button can be shortened to reduce the size of the casing.
US07744264B2	Semiconductor solid-state light-source module and assembly having the same An exemplary semiconductor solid-state light-source module includes a printed circuit board, at least one semiconductor solid state light source mounted on the printed circuit board and a light guide plate optically coupled to the semiconductor solid state light source. The printed circuit board includes a protrusion and a recess. The protrusion is configured for engaging with a recess of the printed circuit board of another similar semiconductor solid-state light-source module.
US07744263B2	Structured optical film Disclosed are structured optical films and optical displays incorporating such films. The film has a structured surface including a plurality of substantially parallel and elongate light-directing elements. Each element has a respective peak and defining at a junction with an adjacent element a respective valley. Each of the peaks and valleys define substantially the same dihedral angle and extend substantially uninterrupted across the structured surface. A first sequence defined by successive lateral distances between adjacent peaks is a first non-periodic sequence. A second sequence defined by successive lateral distances between adjacent valleys is a second non-periodic sequence. The second sequence is configured based on the first sequence, such that the peaks are arranged in a substantially coplanar formation. Alternatively, the first sequence is configured based on the second sequence, such that the valleys are arranged in a substantially coplanar formation.
US07744255B2	Light-reflecting and light-shielding apparatus of computer panel A panel assembly includes a panel (13), a light-reflecting member (30) and a light-shielding board (50). The panel includes a light-pervious area. The light-reflecting member is coupled to the light-pervious area of the panel. The light-reflecting member forms a light-guiding wall (363) with a plurality of spaced slots (361) therein. The light-shielding board is positioned between the light-guiding wall and the light-pervious area. The light-shielding board defines a plurality of spaced slots (513) corresponding to the slots of the light-guiding wall, light-shielding bars (517) are formed between adjacent slots respectively. The light-shielding board is slidable to cause the slots of the light-shielding board to be removed from the corresponding slots of the light-reflecting member and the light-shielding bars of the light-shielding board to cover the corresponding slots of the light-reflecting member, to thereby shield the light reflected from the light-reflecting member from passing through the light-pervious area.
US07744254B2	Ballast housing for electronic HID luminaire A luminaire having a housing containing an electronics assembly and a vertically oriented high intensity discharge lamp extending downwardly from a lamp socket carried by the housing, and a reflector carried by said housing for distributing the light emitted from the lamp. The reflector is positioned in relation to the housing and the lower portion of the housing is shaped to extend upwardly and outwardly from the lamp socket to the periphery of the housing to effectuate a convective uniform airflow upward and outward away from the electronics assembly during operation of the lamp.
US07744253B2	Built-in light The invention relates to a built-in lamp comprising a holder for fastening in an installation surface, in particular in a room ceiling, a bulb and a reflector, with a reflector opening disposed in the direction of illumination defining a direct light discharge region and with the direct light discharge region being surrounded by a diffuse light discharge region.
US07744250B2	LED lamp with a heat dissipation device An LED lamp includes a heat sink (10), a plurality of heat pipes (20) mounted on outer sidewalls (120) of the heat sink, and a plurality of LED modules (30) attached on the outer sidewalls of the heat sink with a portion of each LED module contacting a corresponding heat pipe directly. A plurality of fins (14) extend inwardly from an inner wall of the heat sink in a manner such that a through hole (16) is enclosed by the fins, thereby providing an airflow passage axially through the heat sink. By the use of the heat pipes, heat generated by the LED modules can be transferred to the heat sink evenly, whereby the heat can be dispersed to ambient air efficiently and rapidly.
US07744248B2	Lighting fixture A compact lighting fixture having various functions can be achieved at low cost. The lighting fixture can provide a high degree of freedom for space utilization, can provide a comfortable illumination space with designed light distribution, can be configured to require a smaller space for installation, and can have an appearance that is not so different from its surroundings. As a component constituting the illumination optical system, a polygonal frustum portion can be located at a center and can have tapered side reflecting portions. When assuming that three concentric imaginary circles have respective radii of R1, R2 and R3 (R1
US07744244B2	Light emitting diode with light emitting chips at inner side surfaces thereof and backlight module using same An exemplary light emitting diode includes a main body, a red light emitting chip, a green light emitting chip, and a blue light emitting chip. The main body includes two inner side surfaces opposite to each other and a inner bottom surface connected with the side surfaces. The side surfaces and the bottom surface cooperatively define an accommodating space. The red light emitting chip, the green light emitting chip and the blue light emitting chip are positioned at the bottom surface and the side surfaces of the accommodating space, respectively.
US07744237B2	Selectable beam lens for underwater light A lens for a wet environment lighting device that has a fixture with an interior that has an opening, and at least one light source located within the fixture interior. Light from the light source proceeds out through the opening. The lens is for location in front of the fixture and the light source located therein and the lens encloses the opening from the wet environment. The lens has a first light-directing area for directing light in a first beam pattern. The lens also has a second light-directing area, distinct from the first light-directing area, for directing light in a second beam pattern, distinct from the first beam pattern. The lens is positioned relative to fixture and light source therein to select from the distinct beam patterns based on the alignment of the light-directing areas relative to the light source resulting from a positioning of the lens.
US07744235B2	Lighting device and light control member used therefor and image display device using the lighting device and the light control member In a lighting device, suppose a distance between centers of linear light sources is D and a distance between the linear light sources and a light control member is H and a function representing an outgoing light intensity toward a normal direction at a position coordinate X (light source position shall be X=0) and f(X−D)+f(X)+f(X+D), in a range of −D/2≦X≦D/2, a ratio between g(X)min and g(X)max is 0.6 or more, a minimum value Xmin is in a range of −3.0D≦Xmin≦−0.5D, a maximum value Xmax is in a range of 0.5≦Xmax≦3.0D, and a cross-sectional shape of a given convex portion in X direction is formed of areas with (2N+1) number of different gradients represented by a certain relationship obtained from D, H and X.
US07744234B2	Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display having the same A backlight assembly is suitable for preventing generation of foreign materials. The backlight assembly comprises a reflector on a bottom cover, a set of optical sheets supported by the bottom cover, stoppers on opposite edges of the bottom cover to prevent movement of the optical sheet set, and supports extending from the reflector at least partially contacting inner sides of the first stoppers.
US07744230B2	Backlighting device The present invention relates to illumination of an instrument for displaying information suitable for use in a vehicle. The invention provides an illumination device for an instrument of a vehicle comprising: a substantially Y shaped light guide having a first leg portion a second leg portion and a third leg portion coupled at a junction; an LED coupled to one end of the first portion of the light guide; and in which the second portion and the third portion have an internal peripheral portion and an external peripheral portion, and the second leg portion and the third leg portion are arranged in operation to illuminate a segment of an instrument and each of the second leg portion and third leg portion have first grooves formed along the internal peripheral portion, and second grooves formed along the second peripheral portion. An instrument comprising such an illumination device is also provided.
US07744229B2	Outside rear view mirror for vehicles, preferably for motor vehicles In some embodiments of outer rear-view mirrors, a mirror head (12) and a mirror base (11) are joined together in an articulated manner by a hinge (15, 16). The mirror head (12) can pivot out of a normal operational position in or against the travelling direction (10) and be fixed in the position swivelled against the travelling direction (10). For the outer rear-view mirror to be pivotable out of its normal operational position in or against the travelling direction (10), the intermediate joint (30) has two parallel joint axes arranged between the mirror base and the mirror head, and a U-shaped projection (37). The outer rear-view mirror is advantageously used in motor vehicles.
US07744225B2	Light source apparatus that collects and provides different-colored light rays emitted by a plurality of different-colored light sources and a projector comprising such light source apparatus In a light source apparatus, a reflector has an inner reflective surface complementary to a part of the outer surface of an ellipsoid with a pair of focal points. The surface part has a first one of the pair of focal points therewithin. An array of light emitting elements is disposed at the position of the first focal point within the reflective surface. Thus, light rays emitted by the array of light emitting elements are reflected by the inner surface of the reflector so as to be focused at the other of the pair of focal points.
US07744223B2	Optical device and projector An optical device includes: a light modulation element that modulates a luminous flux emitted from a light source; a casing that houses the light modulation element; a holding member that holds the light modulation element and exposes a part thereof to outside; a refrigerant housed in a housing space surrounded by the casing, the holding member and the light modulation element; and a convection start unit that is provided in the casing and causes convection of refrigerant.
US07744220B2	Deformable mirror device and apparatus for observing retina of eye using the same A deformable mirror device includes a substrate; a plurality of electrodes provided on the substrate; a spacer disposed on the substrate; a support member disposed above the spacer and having an opening passing through from a first face of the support member facing to the substrate to a second face of the support member opposite from the first face; a deformable electrode film formed below the first face of the support member so as to be opposed to the electrodes with a distance and so as to cover the opening; an insulation film provided between the deformable electrode film and the support member; and a reflection film provided on a face of the deformable electrode film opposite from the electrodes so as to overlap the opening. The electrodes are electrically insulated each other by a plurality of grooves radially extending from a region which includes a position corresponding to a center of the opening.
US07744218B1	Pupil position acquisition system, method therefor, and device containing computer software A system and pupil position acquisition method and a device containing computer software for executing the same are provided. The system includes a shooting module, a scanning module, a signal transformation module, and a signal analysis module. The shooting module shoots an eyeball image using an image shooting device, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The scanning module scans the eyeball image to acquire an eyeball signal. The signal transformation module performs a wavelet transform on the eyeball signal. The signal analysis module analyzes the eyeball signal after the wavelet transform to acquire a signal interval, and analyzes and acquires a position of a pupil with respect to the eyeball image according to the signal interval.
US07744216B1	Display system intensity adjustment based on pupil dilation A method and/or system of adjusting light output intensity of a display system includes providing a display system that provides information to a user. Dilation of a pupil of the user is monitored (e.g., using an imaging device) and adjustment of the light output intensity of the display system is performed as a function of the monitored dilation of the pupil of the user. Yet further, for example, such adjustment of light output intensity may also be performed as a function of the monitored ambient light intensity in addition to the monitored dilation of the pupil of the user.
US07744212B2	Spectacles with interchangeable temples Spectacles consist of an optical or sunshade front optionally supported by a frame and comprising two interchangeable temples. Each temple is connected to the front or to the frame by a male part and an associated joint. In the spectacles, the joint of each temple consists of at least one pin arranged transversely in a corresponding longitudinal slot formed at one end of a free temple. The pin can be snapped into an elastically deformable recess formed in a plate projecting from the male part, the shape and dimensions of which are approximately the same as those of the slot of the temple, or vice versa.
US07744206B2	Ozone resistant dye-based images A process for providing an ozone resistant dye-based image, and a resulting image, includes jetting an ink containing the dye onto a microporous media surface to form a dye-based image, and thereafter jetting over at least a portion of the dye-based image a clear ink overcoat including a transparent polymeric binder containing dispersed inorganic nano particles, wherein the median equivalent circular diameter of all of the dispersed inorganic particles is in the range of 1 to 500 nm. Color fade due to ozone effects is diminished while maintaining jetability.
US07744202B2	Printing-fluid container A printing-fluid container includes a printing-fluid reservoir configured to hold printing fluid. A printing-fluid interface is configured to output printing fluid from the printing-fluid reservoir and an air-interface is configured to regulate an operating pressure within the printing-fluid reservoir.
US07744196B2	Nozzle arrangement having annulus shaped heater elements A nozzle arrangement is provided for ejecting ink. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet passage. A nozzle chamber structure extends from the substrate assembly to define a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet passage. The nozzle chamber structure defines an aperture through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. A pair of parallel heater elements extends from the nozzle chamber structure and into the nozzle chamber, and can be supplied with current so that ink in the nozzle chamber is ejected out through the aperture. Each heater element is shaped to define at least one broken annulus, in turn, comprising said at least one arcuate portion.
US07744195B2	Low loss electrode connection for inkjet printhead An inkjet printhead with planar thermal actuators, with contacts directly deposited onto the CMOS electrodes and suspended heater element, which avoids hotspots caused by vertical or inclined surfaces so that the contacts can be much smaller structures without acceptable increases in resistive losses. Low resistive losses preserves the efficient operation of a suspended heater element and the small contact size is convenient for close nozzle packing on the printhead.
US07744193B2	Increased droplet placement accuracy in inkjet printing The present invention relates to an inkjet print head (1) comprising at least one nozzle chamber (2), having a nozzle aperture (3) defined in one wall thereof for the ejection of printing fluid out of said aperture (3), and a printing fluid supply channel interconnected with said nozzle chamber (2). A printing fluid droplet tail release guide arrangement (4) is arranged at a predetermined position at an edge of a circumference of said aperture (3). The present invention further relates to a method for increasing droplet placement accuracy in an inkjet print head having at least one nozzle chamber with a nozzle aperture defined in one wall thereof for the ejection of printing fluid out of said aperture. The method comprises the step of providing a printing fluid droplet tail release guide arrangement at a predetermined position at an edge of a circumference of said aperture.
US07744189B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A controller of a liquid ejecting apparatus forms first inspection patterns on a medium in a head moving direction while moving a liquid ejecting head in a forward direction. Corresponding second inspection patterns are formed on the medium in the head moving direction while moving the liquid ejecting head in a backward direction. When forming the patterns, the controller sets a voltage of a drive pulse corresponding to a preferable combination of the first and second inspection patterns, as a normally-used voltage used for normal forming. The controller differentiates the voltages of the drive pulses used for forming the inspection pattern for every combination of the first and second inspection patterns. The second inspection patterns correspond to the first inspection patterns at timings when positions of the second inspection patterns in the head moving direction are theoretically aligned with the positions of the first inspection patterns.
US07744188B2	Print head check method and image forming apparatus A printer has a print head check unit that performs an ink ejection check to confirm whether or not ink is being ejected normally from nozzles, based on induced voltage generated when charged ink droplets are ejected onto a check area. Upon receipt of a print instruction (S100), the printer sets a flag F to 1 so as to start an ink ejection check and starts a paper feed process (S110). When the processes has been terminated (S120, S130), the printer starts printing. Accordingly, as an ink ejection check takes place concurrently with the paper feed process, the overall time required for the processes can be reduced, in comparison with any method in which the processes are executed separately. In this way, because of efficient implementation, the overall time required for the processes of the ejection check of the print recording liquid and an image forming process can be reduced. In addition, the ink ejection check may be performed in parallel with or partly overlapping with a process of receiving print data, a process of conversion into print data, a process of ejecting paper after printing, or a flashing process, etc.
US07744185B2	Fault tolerant superpixel constructions A process for coloring substrates, using the application of liquid colorants, in which the assignment of color is done on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and corresponding products. Relatively large areas of a substrate may be given the appearance of being uniformly colored by successively replicating or tiling a group of individually colored pixels comprising a repeating unit (i.e., a superpixel) across the substrate surface. The repeating unit is constructed in such a way that if a colorant application error develops, causing one or more pixels within the repeating unit to be colored incorrectly or incompletely, the overall arrangement of the pixels within the repeating unit will render such error less visually apparent when viewed on the substrate.
US07744183B2	Method of generating halftone print data for overlapping consecutive printhead segments A method of generating halftone print data for overlapping end portions of a pair of consecutive printhead segments in an array of two or more printhead segments. Generally an end portion of a first printhead segment overlaps an end portion of a second printhead segment, in which each printhead segment includes a plurality of ink ejection nozzles. The method includes generating a dither value from a dither matrix, and then combining the dither value with an overlap signal, which represents an extent of overlap of the end portions, to produce an output value. A mathematical operation is then performed on continuous tone print data using a comparator, based on the output value, to produce the half tone data.
US07744182B2	Capacitive load driving circuit and method, and liquid drop ejecting device A capacitive load driving circuit that supplies driving voltage to a capacitive load includes a driving voltage waveform generating unit. The driving voltage waveform generating unit, at times of charging or discharging of the capacitive load, generates a driving voltage waveform in which potential applied to the capacitive load varies stepwise from a first potential to a second potential during a predetermined time period.
US07744180B2	Recording device A recording device including an intermediate transfer unit; a supply unit that supplies ink receiving particles that receive an ink onto the intermediate transfer unit in the form of a layer; a particle density increasing unit that increases the particle density of the layer of the ink receiving particles supplied onto the intermediate transfer unit; an ink application unit that applies an ink to the layer of the ink receiving particles supplied onto the intermediate transfer unit; a transfer unit that transfers the layer of the ink receiving particles onto a recording medium; and a fixing unit that fixes the layer of the ink receiving particles transferred onto the recording medium.
US07744167B2	System and method for adaptive brake application and initial skid detection The adaptive brake application and initial skid detection system allows rapid brake application and prevents deep initial skids. Brake pressure is compared with a predetermined threshold brake pressure. Wheel velocity error signals are also generated to indicated the difference between the wheel velocity and a reference velocity signal. A pressure bias modulator integrator responsive to brake pressure signals adjusts the wheel velocity error signals to provide an anti-skid control signal. The pressure bias modulator integrator can also be initialized to the value of the measured brake pressure when the wheel velocity error signals indicate the beginning of a skid. Brake pressure difference signals are generated to indicate the difference between brake pressure and a commanded brake pressure, and an adjusted brake pressure error signal is generated in response to the brake pressure difference signals.
US07744164B2	Shield of a degradation assembly In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a shank with a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end being adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism, with a shield rotatably attached to the forward end of the shank. The shield comprises an underside adapted for rotatable attachment to the shank and an impact tip disposed on an end opposing the underside. A seal is disposed intermediate the shield and the shank.
US07744163B2	Fastening bracket for a chair The present invention concerns a fastening bracket for use in a children's chair (1) with a seat plate (2), wherein the seat plate has a vertical opening, characterized in that it comprises: a frame piece (10) comprising a vertical first opening (11), for placement on the underside of the seat plate (2), a lining clip (20) comprising two parallel vertical locking pegs (21) for introduction into the opening in the seat plate (2) from above, wherein the locking pegs (21) are connected together in a first end by a flange (22) and each locking tap having a horizontal pin hole (24) in the other end, wherein the flange (22) has a horizontal extent which is larger than the opening area of the opening in the seat plate (2) and comprising a through going vertical inner opening (25) between the locking pegs (21), and a locking pin (30) comprising at least two parallel arms (31) for introduction into the pin holes (24) in the lining clip (20), wherein the arms (31) are connected together with the pin cross piece (32). The invention also concerns a harness set and the use of the bracket and the harness set.
US07744161B2	System and method for modular furniture assembly A modular furniture assembly for securing together a plurality of furniture members, the modular furniture assembly comprising: a plurality of substantially planar frame members, each frame member comprising a plurality of ends, the plurality of ends comprising: a first end including a first cavity extending latitudinally along the first end; and a second end including a second cavity substantially identical to the first cavity, the second cavity being oriented and extending latitudinally along the second end such that a combined cavity is formed when the first end and second end come together; a base furniture member; and a securing system, configured to secure a first substantially planar frame member to a second substantially planar frame member, the securing system comprising an elongated member sized to extend through the combined cavity. The plurality of furniture members may comprise: a front member; opposing side furniture members; and a back furniture member.
US07744160B2	Method for producing objects, volumes, furniture modules and furniture, and articles produced by said method The invention relates to a method for producing objects, volumes, furniture modules and furniture as well as articles produced by said method that are composed of individual elements such as walls, panels, beams, legs, etc. The aim of the invention is to provide a method and articles such as objects, volumes, furniture modules and furniture that are highly stable and yet have a low weight, by providing a flat composite material composed of a plurality of layers and which is cut and folded along fold lines whereby the blank is shaped to a folded thin-walled shell which can be joined to an individual element.
US07744155B2	Protection system The protection system is used especially for the protection against a fatal effect of vertical accelerations triggered by a landmine on the passengers of an armored vehicle. For this, the sitting unit consisting of a seat body (7) and a backrest (8) is held movable in vertical direction and is coupled with an end area (15) of a longitudinally variable damping device (11), whose other end (13) is connected to the roof (4) of the vehicle (2) through a carrying equipment (6). In addition, the sitting unit is carried with vertical distance from the vertical guide (18) in a lower guide path (19) transversally directed so that the sitting unit executes both a downward as well as a tilting movement relative to the vehicle together with a passenger (3) during loading through vertical acceleration. In this way, an improved usage of the constructively limited effective length of the damping device (11) occurs so that the effect of the protection system is essentially improved. It is sensible to apply the same principle for the protection of all objects, which must be protected against the reaching or exceeding of a maximum load due to a too large acceleration or deceleration.
US07744150B2	Roof liner and procedure for obtaining a roof liner for vehicles The procedure comprises the following steps: a) joining a foam layer (1) and a plastic fibre mat (2); b) joining a plurality of additional layers (3, 4, 5, 6) to the central core (1, 2), joining at least one of said additional layers (3, 4, 5, 6) to the central core by a second thermostable adhesive (8, 9); c) applying pressure and heat to the product to give it a predetermined configuration and to polymerize the adhesive. The invention also relates to a roof liner.
US07744149B2	Cab suspension linkage system An agricultural vehicle is described having a chassis and a cab mounted on the chassis. A suspension system for reducing the accelerations transmitted from the vehicles tires or tracks through the frame, into the cab, and ultimately through to the operator is provided. By reducing the accelerations, the ride quality is greatly improved, allowing operators to operate a vehicle for longer periods of time without excessive fatigue.
US07744148B2	Rotatable cab with toe guard A machine cab includes a cab frame, a floor portion, a seat portion disposed proximate the floor portion, a rear portion disposed proximate the seat portion, side panels connected to the frame, a roof portion, and a toe guard connected to the floor portion and extending forward of the cab frame.
US07744144B2	Rear window control A device for activating a rear window of a motor vehicle is provided that includes a control lever designed as a 3-point link, which is pin-jointed at one end with the rear window. The device further includes a driving link, which can be driven rotatably about a first fixed bearing, and a coupling link, which is guided pivotably about a second fixed bearing. At least the first fixed bearing is arranged on a roof element of the motor vehicle, while the control lever is coupled to the driving link and the coupling link in a restricted guidance, such that a rotation of the driving link about the first fixed bearing shifts the linking point of the control lever to the rear window substantially vertically.
US07744143B2	Nonwoven panel and method of construction thereof A nonwoven material and method of construction thereof from post consumer mixed Asian cardboard for forming structural and/or acoustic and/or thermal panels. The method includes providing post consumer mixed Asian cardboard and comminuting the cardboard into pieces of a predetermined size. Further, combining the reduced sized cardboard pieces with heat bondable textile fibers to form a substantially homogenous mixture, and then, forming a web of the mixture, with the web having a predetermined thickness, in a dry nonwoven webbing process. Then, heating the web to bond the heat bondable material with the reduced size pieces of mixed Asian cardboard to form the nonwoven material.
US07744137B2	Page turning device A page turning device positionable on a finger tip of a wearer includes a finger sleeve of elastomeric material configured to be fitted onto the finger. A pad is affixed to the sleeve or incorporated into the sleeve, and includes a tacky outer surface configured to capture and lift a paper for movement thereof.
US07744131B2	One-piece label with integral tear strip A one-piece adhesive label is provided incorporating an integral tear strip. The tear strip is formed as the user grasps one activation tab that resides on either opposite end of the label. Preferably, one tab is formed at each opposite end. Slits formed on the opposite ends of the label adjacent the tabs enable the label to be torn in a uniform manner, taking advantage of the particular material characteristics of the label sheet that has unidirectional fibers.
US07744130B2	Secure product authentication tags A tag with features to enable its authenticity to be determined includes a hidden code intermixed with a visible pattern such that the hidden code is not readily detectable under ambient light condition, without the use of a specially designed reader. In one embodiment the tag is formed with a first layer containing a hidden code, formed of reflective elements, which overlies a second layer which is designed to absorb light having a predetermined wavelength (e.g., IR light). The hidden code can be detected by projecting a light source having the predetermined wavelength (e.g., an IR source) at a predetermined angle on the tag and using a sensor to sense the reflection from the tag.
US07744124B2	Apparatus including igniter assembly The present invention provides an apparatus provided with an igniter assembly including: an igniter main body having an ignition portion, provided with an ignition agent, and an electroconductive pin, a resin portion surrounding at least part of the igniter main body and a substantially cylindrical igniter collar fixed to an outer surface of the resin portion, the igniter assembly being disposed in an opening formed in a bottom portion of a housing, the igniter collar of the igniter assembly being fixed to the housing, the igniter collar fixing to the resin portion y deforming the igniter collar so as to engage the igniter collar with a concave portion in the resin portion.
US07744120B2	Integrated overhead side airbag module An overhead trim system for a motor vehicle has a mounting bracket coupled to an overhead area of the motor vehicle and an integrally formed trim member. The integrally formed trim member is configured to extend along a selected length of a perimeter of the overhead area and defines a hinge. The integrally formed trim member is coupled to the mounting bracket to define a cavity configured for receipt of an airbag module. The hinge in a first position is capable of retaining the airbag module within the cavity and in a second position is capable of enabling the airbag module to expand.
US07744116B2	Airbag system for a motorcycle, and motorcycle incorporating same An airbag system includes belt support members for housing support belts used for coupling an airbag to a vehicle body, and belt covers disposed over the belt support members. A central cover panel on the vehicle body is adjacent to an airbag module in which an airbag is accommodated. Left and right cover panels are engaged with, and disposed laterally outside of the central cover panel in the vehicle-width direction. The belt support members are configured by overhanging parts of the central cover panel, which are overhung laterally outside, and extension parts of the cover panels and which extend laterally inside; and both of these components are engaged with each other through engaging portions in the belt support members. Notches are provided in the extension parts, extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body outside in the vehicle-width direction relative to the engaging portions.
US07744111B2	Leanable tracking trailer for a motorcycle A one wheeled trailer is disclosed for use with and for pulling behind a two wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle or motorbike. The trailer is configured to track behind the motorcycle or motorbike and to lean with the cycle as a unit so as to respond in the same manner as the motorcycle or motorbike. The trailer is supported on a single tire aligned to track behind the motorcycle tires thereby eliminating the sideways torque when the trailer hits a pothole or a curb. The trailer is designed to perform on the road and in turns the same as the motorcycle and does not limit the motorcycle from performing the way it was intended.
US07744109B2	Method and apparatus for aligning a trailer hitch The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for assisting a driver of a towing vehicle to reverse the vehicle into alignment and proximity with a trailer, so that the towing vehicle and the trailer can be easily hitched together. The invention includes a detachable alignment system with a signal device to show a stop point via side mirrors to the driver while he is reversing the vehicle toward the trailer. The invention includes two complementary units respectively releasably attached to the vehicle and trailer, each unit having equal-length transverse support beams that respectively extend beyond the sides of the vehicle and trailer and that have visible markers depending from their distal ends, whereby the markers are visible to the driver via the side view mirrors. Being of equal length, the distal ends of support beams on either side of the vehicle and trailer permit the end markers to visually line up or come together as viewed by the driver through the side view mirrors when a tow ball on the vehicle and a trailer hitch on the trailer are accurately lined up for a positive connection. The markers permit the driver to align the vehicle unit to the trailer unit while reversing the vehicle, and therefore align the tow ball to the trailer hitch as those units are mounted to these parts specifically and respectively. A trigger switch on the trailer unit may be deployed to activate a signal device, for example a light, when in contact with the tow ball.
US07744103B2	Hollow shaft junction connection A junction connection is provided that is used to connect a torque transmitting junction component (2) to a hollow shaft (1). The junction component (2) includes a continuous recess which has a shape which corresponds to the outer cross-section of the hollow shaft (1) and which is used to receive the hollow shaft (1). The hollow shaft (1) includes a press stopper (8) in the connection area between the hollow shaft (1) and the junction component (2). The press stopper (8) forms, at least sectionally, a press fit with the wall of the hollow shaft (1). The junction connection enables the transmission of comparatively high torque during the entire service life thereof. The junction connection is also compatible with thin-walled, light-weight hollow shafts. The junction connection limits production costs, mounting and maintenance.
US07744101B2	Product trolley Product trolleys include a base, a sling assembly, and a roller assembly. The base includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, and an endwall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The base defines an inner surface, a first open end, a second open end opposite the first open end, and a top opening opposite the endwall. The base includes a spring action between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, such that the base is configured to be flexed to receive and releasably secure the product between the first and the second sidewalls. The sling assembly is secured to the base and includes a substantially flexible body formed of sheet material. The roller assembly is secured to the base proximate the endwall.
US07744099B2	Method and system for adjusting a vehicle aligned with an artificial horizon A method of adjusting a leveled height of the sprung mass of a vehicle that is in approximate alignment with a predetermined datum is disclosed. The method includes approximately aligning the sprung mass with the predetermined datum, receiving an input from an operator for changing the height of the sprung mass and adjusting the height of the sprung mass while maintaining approximate alignment with the predetermined datum. A system for performing the method is also discussed.
US07744097B2	Rear wheel suspension device for two-wheel vehicle A hydraulic cushion unit (1) is interposed between a frame and a rear wheel axle of a bicycle. A surplus hydraulic oil discharging passage (31a) discharges surplus hydraulic oil from the hydraulic cushion unit (1) to an accumulator (2) in contraction. A damping force generating valve (3) which maintains a closed state below a predetermined cracking pressure is disposed in the surplus hydraulic oil discharging passage (31a). A bypass passage (4) which bypasses the damping force generating valve (3) and a bypass valve (4) which opens and closes the bypass passage (L) are further provided. By closing the bypass valve (4) when pedaling of the bicycle is performed to start the bicycle, squatting of the bicycle is prevented while maintaining a shock absorbing function of the damping force generating valve (3).
US07744093B2	Seals and a method of making seals A seal and method of making seals utilizes folds in order to form creases in a length of material such that the creases reinforce individual seal elements or surfaces while perforations or slots in a seal edge allow air leakage from one side of the seal element or surface to the other. Thus, air pressurization can take place between spaced seal elements or surfaces and this allows air flotation or riding of a rotating component relative to a static housing component. The perforations are typically graduated from the seal edge in order to provide the best pressurization and air-riding effect for proximity or gap control between the sealing edge and the rotating component surface. The slots effectively provide flexibility to the sealing edge such that the seal component emulates a brush seal.
US07744092B2	Methods and apparatus to facilitate sealing in rotary machines A method and seal assembly for sealing a rotary machine including a rotary component and a stationary component is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of flexible leaf plates in an opening defined between a pair of spaced walls that include an adjustable front wall and an adjustable back wall that is opposed to the front wall. The method also includes adjusting a width of the opening by axially adjusting at least one of the front and back walls with respect to a central rotational axis of the rotary component.
US07744086B2	Method and apparatus for transporting flat products During the transport of flat products, in particular folded products which are transferred at the end of a transport path to an assembly which forwards them, a great degree of freedom from faults can be attained by the fact that, in the case of lower transport speeds, the products are accelerated during the transfer by air which passes along them at a higher speed in the transport direction than the transport speed. In the case of higher transport speeds, the products are expediently braked during the transfer by reducing the pressure in the gap between one of their surfaces and an adjacent guide surface.
US07744085B2	Image forming apparatus including sheet processing unit capable of aligning sheets An image forming apparatus may include an image forming mechanism configured to form an image and transfer the image on a sheet member, and/or a sheet processing unit. The sheet processing unit may include a sheet aligning unit, an ejection sheet tray configured to stack the sheet member, a sheet stopper configured to align the sheet member at a trailing edge thereof, a return mechanism configured to return the sheet member stacked on the ejection sheet tray to the sheet stopper, and/or a discharging mechanism configured to discharge the sheet member, aligned by the return mechanism, from the sheet stopper to the ejection sheet tray. The sheet aligning unit may include a stacking mechanism configured to stack the sheet member transferred into the sheet aligning unit and/or a sheet aligning mechanism configured to align the sheet member.
US07744081B2	Image forming apparatus A sheet surface detecting mechanism, which detects the upper surface of sheets stacked on a tray, including: a sensor disposed in a position spaced apart from a conveying portion; a pivotal sensor flag turning the sensor ON/OFF; and a sheet surface detecting member being disposed in parallel with the sheets stacked on the tray, moving in a vertical direction while causing the sensor flag to pivot in contact with the upper surface of the sheets, and turning the sensor ON/OFF via the sensor flag.
US07744079B2	Multi-station system and method for processing paper postal items A transport track extends through first and second stations for transporting paper postal items through the stations. The first and second stations are equipped with first and second drives for driving circulatable surfaces of the respective station along the transport track. The second drive is controlled for driving at least one of the second station's circulatable surfaces at a circumferential speed higher than the circumferential speed of the first station's circulatable surfaces. While a stack of postal items passes from the first station to the second station, highest normal force exerted thereon by the circulatable surfaces of the second station is larger or smaller than the highest normal force exerted thereon by the circulatable surfaces of the first station.
US07744077B2	Jam-door open sensing using media sensor and method for use thereof An open jam-door sensor having a peripheral device such as a printer including a substantially C-shaped feed path, the C-shaped feed path defining an inner guide and an outer guide, the outer guide being connected to the peripheral device. A media sensor for detecting type of media in the device is disposed on one of said guide opposite a reflective portion disposed on the other of said guides. The media sensor also being used to detect when the outer guide is in an open position and causing a processor to inhibit device operations, such as printing.
US07744073B2	Sheet finisher, image forming apparatus using the same, and sheet finishing method A sheet finisher of the invention includes a saddle stitch unit configured to stitch a center of a sheet bundle in which printed sheets are bundled, a fold unit configured to fold the center stitched by the saddle stitch unit and to form a fold line, and a fold reinforcing unit configured to reinforce the fold line formed by the fold unit, the fold reinforcing unit includes a placement table on which the sheet bundle transported from the fold unit is placed, and a roller unit that includes a reinforce roller and moves the reinforce roller along a direction of the fold line while pressing it to the fold line, and the placement table is provided with a groove-like edge clearance along an edge of the sheet bundle.
US07744071B2	Safety relief valve having a low blow-down value and spring therefore A safety relief valve is provided that comprises a body comprising a chamber therein and an inlet and an outlet, the inlet comprising an inlet valve seat; a disk member closable on the inlet valve seat; and a mechanism in the body biasing the disk member to rest on the inlet valve seat with a set force such that when the pressure in the inlet exceeds a set pressure resulting from the set force, the disk member is lifted from the inlet valve seat, the mechanism comprising a combination of a coil spring and one or more disk springs stacked in series with the coil spring.A method of preparing a coil spring for use in a pressure relief valve comprises measuring the spring rate of the coil spring and; modifying the spring so as to modify its spring rate to be within ±2% of a desired spring rate.
US07744069B2	Device for gassing liquids, in particular waste water The invention relates to a device for gassing liquids, particularly waste water, including a gas supply line (1) and at least one gassing element (2), which has a longitudinal axis (L) and can be attached to the gas supply line in a positive manner. In order to simplify the mounting of the gassing element (2), the invention provides that the gassing element (2) has at least one fixing plate (8), which laterally projects relative to the longitudinal axis (L) and which serves to establish a non-positive connection with the gas supply line (1).
US07744064B2	Collapsible barrier for swimming pool, providing a safe walking path A collapsible barrier to enclose a body of water, maneuverable between a deployed enclosure position and a collapsed position which barrier is comprised of panels articulated to each other, a ground panel (1) and an enclosure panel (2) which panels are formed from struts (4,7) supported by side rails (5,6), the struts (7) of the ground panel (1) together comprise a plate in which slits (3) are made through which the enclosure panel (2) struts, consisting of rods (4), can pass, so that in the deployed position of the barrier, the walkway surface provided by the ground panel (1) is nearly continuous.
US07744063B2	Safety device A safety device for a fall arrest system comprises: a body, attachment means for attaching the safety device to a support structure, a drum mounted for rotation relative to the body, a safety line wound on the drum, a speed sensitive clutch connected to the drum, and a linear energy absorber connecting the body to the attachment means, in which the speed sensitive clutch is adapted to respond to rotation of the drum relative to the body in a direction tending to unwind the safety line from the drum and above a predetermined speed by locking the drum against further rotation in said direction relative to the body, and the linear energy absorber is adapted to respond, when the speed sensitive clutch has locked the drum, to an applied load along the safety line greater than a threshold value by deploying and absorbing energy so that the attachment means moves away from the body.
US07744059B2	Valve actuating device A valve system includes a valve body arranged in a valve housing and actuatable via a shape-memory element that is movable from an undeformed rest state to a tension deformed state and is again transferred to the rest state. The valve system is improved by a force deflecting device that enables the shape-memory element to actuate the valve body exclusively during the transfer thereof to the tension or rest state.
US07744055B2	Electronic device with multi-angle positioning support An electronic device comprises a back cover and a support. The back cover defines a first contact area. The support is pivoted to the back cover by a pivot shaft, defines a second contact area contacting the first contact area. A plurality of positioning holes are defined in and disposed on the second contact area around the pivot shaft. The electronic device further comprises at least one retractable spring balls projected from the first contact area of the back cover. The spring balls are configured for cooperating with the positioning holes of the support. The support can stay at a variety of positions.
US07744046B1	Mounting device for electronic fish finder screen A mounting device for an electronic fish finder screen comprising a vertical mounting component connected perpendicularly to a horizontal mounting component via a joining component, wherein the height of the vertical mounting component can be adjusted by moving a locking pin on the vertical mounting component to various adjustment apertures disposed along the length of the vertical mounting component. A mounting platform is attached to the vertical mounting device to support an electronic fish finder screen.
US07744045B2	Display device The invention provides a display device having an improved exterior appearance by covering a bracket including a display unit with a back cabinet, capable of having a stand attached thereto and removed therefrom without taking off the back cabinet. A display unit 1 is fixed inside a cabinet 5 composed of a front cabinet 5A and a back cabinet 5B. An opening 28 is formed to the back cabinet 5B having an inner diameter D1 greater than an outer diameter D of a head portion 25A of a fixing screw 25. Thus, the stand 15 can be disassembled from the display unit 1 without taking off the back cabinet 5B, by removing a disengaged fixing screw 25 through the opening 28 to the exterior.
US07744043B2	CPAP hose tender A hose tender is provided for use with a CPAP system. The CPAP system includes a breathing mask connected to a CPAP air generator via a hose. The hose tender supports the hose above a user in a convenient and safe manner. The hose tender includes a support arm including a first end and second end. The first end of the support arm is provided with an arcuate coupling portion and the second end is provided with a hose engaging portion. The hose engaging portion includes a cantilevered section secured to the second end of the support arm such that a longitudinal axis of the cantilevered section is oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support arm; wherein the cantilevered section includes an abutment member and a return portion with an horizontal line member connected therebetween. The hose tender also includes a clamp for selectively securing the support arm to a support surface. The clamp includes an upper support arm receiving hole and a lower support arm receiving hole and the arcuate coupling portion is shaped and dimensioned to simultaneously extend through both the upper support arm receiving hole and the lower support arm receiving hole. The clamp further includes a spring having coils and the arcuate coupling portion of the support arm is shaped and dimensioned to seat within recesses defined by the coils of the spring.
US07744039B2	Systems and methods for controlling flows with electrical pulses Systems and methods for controlling flow with electrical pulses are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment includes an aerodynamic body having a flow surface exposed to an adjacent air stream, and a flow control assembly that includes a first electrode positioned at least proximate to the flow surface and a second electrode positioned proximate to and spaced apart from the first electrode. A dielectric material can be positioned between the first and second electrodes, and a controller can be coupled to at least one of the electrodes, with the controller programmed with instructions to direct air-ionizing pulses to the electrode, and provide a generally steady-state signal to the electrode during intervals between the pulses.
US07744038B2	Controllable winglets Systems and methods for providing variable geometry winglets to an aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, a winglet includes a base portion configured to attach to a wing. The winglet further includes a body portion. In turn, the body portion includes at least one of a deflectable control surface, a shape memory alloy (SMA) bending plate, and a SMA torque tube. The base portion is configured to attach to the wing such that the body portion projects at an upward angle from the wing.
US07744033B2	Aircraft luggage handling system In one embodiment, a method of operating an aircraft having a passenger cabin and a cargo hold, comprises the steps of directing passengers to board the aircraft, directing passengers to deposit their luggage in a luggage deposit location on-board the aircraft, and subsequently taking the deposited luggage from the luggage deposit location and then storing the luggage in the cargo hold of the aircraft. In another embodiment, a method of unloading an aircraft having a cargo hold and a passenger cabin, comprises the steps of transporting items of luggage from the cargo hold to a luggage collection location on-board the aircraft, and directing passengers to collect their luggage from the luggage collection location and to disembark the aircraft is also provided. Information may be gathered with regard to the identity of passengers embarking and disembarking the aircraft. Yet another embodiment relates to an aircraft having a passenger cabin, a cargo hold, and a luggage handling system mounted in the cargo hold. The luggage handling system may comprise a plurality of luggage storage locations located in the cargo hold of the aircraft, a selector for selecting one of the luggage storage locations, and a luggage transporter for transporting luggage from a luggage deposit location, to the selected luggage storage location.
US07744031B2	Apparatus and method to reduce/eliminate lockup of seatbelt retractor during motorized pretensioning activation A motorized seat belt retractor, comprising: a take-up spool configured to rotate in a winding direction and an unwinding direction; a motor for providing a driving force in a first direction and a second direction to the take-up spool, wherein the take-up spool rotates in the winding direction when the driving force is provided in the first direction; a mechanism coupled to a shaft of the motor, the mechanism being configured to rotate freely in the first direction and rotate in the second direction when either i) a predetermined force is applied to the take-up spool in the unwinding direction during or after application of the driving force in the first direction or ii) the motor applies the driving force in the second direction in order to overcome a predetermined resistance of the mechanism; and a locking retractor configured to prevent the take-up spool from rotating in the unwinding direction when the predetermined force is applied to the take-up spool in the unwinding direction during or after application of the driving force in the first direction.
US07744029B2	Belt spool A belt spool comprising a spool body and a torsion rod having a first end and a second end, the torsion rod being provided with a torque transmission profile at the first end, in order to be coupled with the spool body, a transmission element being connected with the torque transmission profile of the torsion rod, and a stop element cooperating with the transmission element and being coupled with the spool body.
US07744026B2	Food mill including a removable blade assembly A food mill including a container having a first flange and an opposing second flange, and a blade assembly removably connected to the container. The blade assembly includes a support arm having a first end defining a slot engageable with the first flange, and a second end including a latch. The latch is movable between a first condition, where the latch is disengaged from the second flange, and a second condition, where the latch is engaged with the second flange.
US07744024B2	Combination shredder head and basket and method of manufacturing same A combination shredder head and shredder basket with improved tactile property.
US07744021B2	Carwash spray nozzle and washing system using same A high velocity, multiple-jet spray nozzle for use in carwash systems. Each nozzle comprises the axial unitary combination of a base, a nozzle carrier and a face plate. An inlet and a chamber are formed in the body and axially aligned flow passages are formed in the nozzle carrier and face plate so that when the components are assembled, five parallel jets arranged in a circular pattern are defined between the chamber and the outer surface of the face plate. Stainless steel nozzle inserts are press fit into the flow passages of the nozzle carrier and are held in place by the face plate. Screws hold the assembly together. The nozzles are preferably used in multiples to define a wide stream of washing fluid which can be used to attach mud, ice and other debris on the surfaces of a vehicle as well as on wheels and undercarriage. Each nozzle has an alignment axis marked on the face plate along which the spacing between adjacent nozzle outlets is uniform.
US07744019B2	Spray gun An apparatus for mixing a catalyst with a resin and then spraying the mixture onto a surface. The catalyst is mixed with air before the catalyst/air mixture is introduced to the resin in the mixing tube. The sprayer is provided with a specially designed check valve to prevent resin and catalyst from back flowing into the air/catalyst supply line. The construction of the check valve prevents it from clogging or becoming stuck shut during operation.
US07744014B2	Injection module An injection module comprises a housing (1), inside of which an actuator element (2) and an injection valve are arranged. The actuator element (2) is designed for controlling the injection valve by a setting stroke. A compensating element (6) is provided that is connected to the actuator element (2) in order to compensate for the change in length of the housing (1) caused by thermal expansion.
US07744013B2	Laminar water jet with pliant member An apparatus having a housing with a water channel, for instance a laminar water flow, flowing there through. A pliant member is provided and contained within at least a portion of the housing with an outer surface and an inner surface, the water channel passing substantially unimpeded along and through the inner surface of the pliant member. An at least one water input, an at least one filter member and an at least one jetting element are also provided. The pliant member is oriented within the housing and surrounds at least a portion of water channel, the portion of the water channel flowing therethrough, and the pliant member expanding to absorb surges within the water channel from the input of water flowing in from the at least one water input.
US07744009B2	Rail anchor isolator The present invention provides an isolator particularly adapted for use with a rail anchor utilized in an application where railroad rail is installed on concrete ties. The isolator protects the concrete tie from contact with the rail anchor caused by longitudinal movement of the rail due to train acceleration of deceleration or expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. In one embodiment, the isolator is comprised of a structural plastic material and includes a front face section and a rear face section. The front face section and rear face section each comprise a generally rectangular structure, having a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges. A center section joins the front face section and rear face section and forms part of the top of the isolator. Ribs extending from the front face and the rear face to aid in positioning the isolator. In another embodiment, the front face section and the rear face section each include positioning tabs projecting therefrom to aid in positioning the isolator.
US07744006B2	Semiconductor device and memory card having the same A semiconductor device includes a first circuit which operates in accordance with an internal clock, a second circuit which generates information of which an external apparatus is to be notified, an interface section which notifies the external apparatus of the information generated by the second circuit without using the first circuit upon receiving a predetermined command from the external apparatus, and a plurality of terminals each of which is connectable to one of power terminals and ground terminals provided on a substrate. The information is determined depending on whether each of the plurality of terminals is electrically connected to the power terminal or ground terminal on the substrate.
US07744005B2	Induction card with a printed antenna An induction card with a printed antenna comprises: an upper cover film; an upper middle layer installed below the upper cover film; one or two surfaces of the upper middle layer being coated or printed with an upper patter layer; a pad thick layer installed below the upper middle layer; a hole being formed in the pad thick layer; an antenna coil layer installed below the pad thick layer; a printed antenna coil being formed on the antenna coil layer; a lower middle layer installed below the lower plastic layer; one or two surfaces of the lower middle layer being coated or printed with a lower patter layer; and a lower cover layer installed below the lower middle layer; the lower cover layer being installed with magnetic tape; and the lower cover layer is used as a protecting layer.
US07744004B2	Tag tape, tag tape roll, cartridge, RFID label A tag tape and a tag tape roll that can realize a uniform roll winding state, and an RFID label produced using them are provided. A tag tape in which a plurality of RFID circuit elements provided with an IC chip storing information and a loop antenna for transmission/reception of information is continuously arranged in a tape longitudinal direction with a predetermined interval is provided with an extension part of a protection member that compensates a difference of a thickness in a portion of the tag tape where the RFID circuit element is arranged and a thickness in a portion other than that of the tag tape in a tape width direction.
US07744003B2	Microcircuit card whereof the performances can be modified after personalization The invention concerns a microcircuit card comprising means (RX) for receiving a command and means for modifying at least one performance of the card capable of being implemented after a step of personalization of the card.
US07743999B1	Case for portable electronic device having external access port A case for portable electronic device has a set of substantially rigid opposing faces mounted on a hinge that fold together to enclose the device. An internal electrical connection between the device and the case is used to provide an electrical access point on the exterior of the case. The external electrical connection is accomplished through a passive electrical connector positioned on the hinge that holds the opposing faces together. Additional active electronics and batteries may also be positioned in the hinge such that the case can be operationally linked with the device contained in the case. Since many portable electronic devices are dimensioned to be carried in pockets or purses, limiting the size of a protective carrying case can be crucial to gaining consumer acceptance. The case is particularly well adapted for use with a digital music player.
US07743990B2	Imaging engine employing planar light illumination and linear imaging An imaging engine includes a plurality of linear imaging arrays, image formation optics, at least one illumination module and supporting circuitry that are embodied within a modular engine housing. The plurality of linear imaging arrays and image formation optics are mounted on an optical bench (which is integral to the engine housing) and provide field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear image arrays. The at least one illumination module produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear imaging arrays. The supporting circuitry includes: timing signal generation circuitry that supplies timing signals to the linear imaging arrays in order to read out the row image data produced by such arrays and converts the row image data supplied thereto into digital form.
US07743989B2	Laser power control arrangements in electro-optical readers Laser power control arrangements interrupt power to a laser used in electro-optical readers upon detection of operating conditions not conforming to preestablished standards, and adjust power to the laser to enhance reader performance without violating prevalent safety standards. Dual monitors are used to independently monitor the output power of the laser.
US07743988B2	Authentication system including electric field sensor An authentication system for reducing the power consumed during an authentication process and shortening the authentication time includes an electrode plate. The electrode plate has a unique shape that defines an authentication key. An electric field sensor detects capacitance corresponding to the shape of the electrode plate to generate a detection signal. A signal monitor compares the detection signal of the electric field sensor with a preset signal and generates a determination signal indicating the comparison result.
US07743987B2	Electronic-ink based label system employing a plurality of remote activator modules in communication with a plurality of remotely-updateable electronic-ink display labels each assigned unique encryption keys for allowing only a subset of said labels to receive a broadcasted message from a common encrypted message broadcast signal An electronic-ink labeling system for displaying graphical indicia within the space of a physical environment. The system includes a plurality of remote activator modules installed within the space of the physical environment, and a plurality of remotely-updateable electronic-ink labels installed within the space of the physical environment. Each remote activator module sends and transmits electromagnetic signals within the space of the physical environment. Each electronic-ink label employs an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The device includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in electrical communication with the addressable display assembly and an antenna structure. A signal transmitting structure transmits signals from the antenna structure to the remote activator module. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from the remote activator module, using the antenna structure. An on-board battery power structure, operably connected to the integrated circuit structure, supplies electrical power to the integrated circuit structure. Each electronic-ink label is assigned a unique encryption key so that when a common encrypted message broadcast is transmitted as an electromagnetic signal to the electronic-ink labels, only a subset of the electronic-ink labels, assigned unique encryption keys, are allowed to receive the broadcasted messages.
US07743981B2	GPS database to manage risk for financial transactions The present teachings describe a system for processing financial transactions. In one embodiment, the system includes a remote terminal adapted to identify the location of financial transactions via global positioning system (GPS) information such that the remote terminal acquires transaction information from a user and transmits a first signal indicative of transaction information and GPS information. In addition, the system includes an authorizing host adapted to receive the first signal transmitted by the remote terminal such that the authorizing host evaluates the risk associated with financial transactions based, at least in part, on the GPS information so as to determine whether to accept or decline the financial transaction. The present teachings further describe devices and methods of acquiring GPS information for the purpose of managing risk for financial transactions.
US07743979B2	Method and system for credit card reimbursements for health care transactions According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and a system for reimbursing credit card transactions for health care services and/or products. An exemplary method and system may involve registering a user for reimbursement wherein the user identifies one or more payment mechanisms and one or more reimbursement methods; identifying a user transaction with the one or more payment mechanisms at a merchant wherein the user transaction comprises one or more purchases; receiving merchant data regarding the user transaction; determining reimbursement eligibility of the one or more purchases of the user transaction based at least in part on the merchant data; and reimbursing the user for eligible purchases via the one or more reimbursement methods.
US07743976B2	Method for labeling sample containers A method of providing sample containers with an automatically readable identification for an analysis device, in which the sample container may be heated to an operating temperature for analysis. It is the object of the invention to improve the identification of sample containers in a manner that the sample contained in the sample container is not contaminated by the constituents of the identification agent during analysis. The object of the invention is solved in that the identification is applied at an elevated temperature above the operating temperature. By the method according to the invention, volatile constituents of the identification agent are advantageous evaporated so that when using the sample container during operating temperature of the analysis device, the sample to be analyzed is no longer contaminated by the exhaling constituents of the identification agent.
US07743972B2	Carton with dispenser A carton comprises a divider panel that connects a front panel of the carton to a back panel. The lower edge of the divider panel is offset from the bottom panel, and therefore is less likely to buckle or bend when the carton is subjected to axial compression. The divider panel therefore provides greater axial stiffness and strength to the carton.
US07743970B2	Carton with reinforced end handles A reinforced handle is provided in an end wall closure of a sleeve type carton by forming a handle aperture in a top end flap, and by aligning the handle aperture with corresponding cutouts formed in respective side end flaps, each cutout being reinforced with one or more reinforcing panels that align with at least its weight bearing edge. Each reinforcing panel is hingedly attached to the respective side end flap to be foldable along the hinged connection and secured in a face contacting arrangement, whereby the reinforcing panel overlies the cutout as an overlay panel, or aligns its edge with the weight bearing edge of the cutout. In this manner, the material at the weight bearing edge of the cutout is at least two plies thick. When the carton is fully erected and sealed, the reinforced cutout is in registry with the handle aperture, thereby creating the reinforced handle.
US07743968B2	Carton having multi-ply handle A blank and carton having a reinforced handle are provided.
US07743964B2	Bonding apparatus and bonding method A bonding apparatus (10) that bonds an electrode of a semiconductor die (12) and an electrode of a circuit board (19) using a metal nano paste includes a bump formation mechanism (20) that forms bump by injecting microdroplets of a metal nano paste on each electrode, a primary bonding mechanism (50) that carries out primary bonding to the electrodes in a non-conductive state by pressing the bump of the semiconductor die (12) against the bump of the circuit board (19), and a secondary bonding mechanism (80) that carries out secondary bonding so that the electrodes become conductive by pressurizing the primary bonded bump in bonding direction and by heating the bump to pressurize and sinter the metal nanoparticles in the bump. With this, it is possible to efficiently bond the electrodes with a simple and easy way while reducing a bonding load.
US07743962B2	Method for making a closed container, said closed container and its components A closed container with a tight and mechanically strong seal having two fastened-together metal elements including a body and a cover. The body is essentially a cylindrical or prismatic shape having a base with one or more axial walls and an open top axial end. The cover has a more or less complex shape having one or more walls to be positioned at the top axial end of the body facing the axial wall(s) of the body. The fastening of the metal elements is via a butt weld, advantageously with no filler metal. The internal structure at the weld line includes a docking guide having a groove provided with at least one degassing chimney, and a chamfered end above or below the weld line, on the wall. The body and/or the cover include(s) at least one blanked off degassing vent.
US07743961B2	Tool for friction stir welding, method of welding with the same, and processed object obtained by the same It is an object of the invention to reduce mixing of an impurity from a friction stir welding tool, reduce abrasion of the tool, and prevent the tool from being easily broken even though an object to be worked formed by a metal or an alloy having a high melting point of 1350° C. or more is friction-stir-welded.The friction stir welding tool according to the invention can friction-stir-weld a metal or alloy having a high melting point of 1350° C. or more as an object to be worked. At least a portion brought into contact with the object to be worked has a composition containing iridium, containing rhenium, ruthenium, molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, tantalum, rhodium, or two or more of them, and containing zirconium, hafnium, lanthanum, cerium, samarium, gadolinium, scandium, yttrium, or two or more of them, and has a Micro Vickers Hardness of 300 Hv or more.
US07743956B2	Tape locking mechanism for motor-driven staplers A table including a clincher mechanism is provided to be supported pivotably by a rear portion of a main body frame, the table is integrally formed with a wing piece 9 projected along the main body frame, a locking device is formed between the wing piece of the table and the main body frame, and by engaging the locking device with the wing piece, a pivoting force in an opening direction of the table is hampered.
US07743953B2	Brassier washing utensil A brassiere holder is presented that includes two cup receiving portions, a connecting portion and a hook portion. When the cup receiving portions are pressed from the side, the connecting portion is elastically deformed to allow the two cup receiving portions to be folded back on each other such that a part of a flange portion of the two cup receiving portions is brought into contact with the other part of the flange portion and a gap gradually increasing toward the upper side is formed between the two cup receiving portions. In this manner, since the cup portions of the brassiere are formed in a shape similar to a shape obtained in a state in which a three-dimensional shape of a breast of a human being is folded into two, the cup portions are positioned as they are under their current state and are put in a soft net bag.
US07743951B2	Container A container having a receptacle and a cover is disclosed. The receptacle includes a generally rectangular base portion, a continuous sidewall portion, and a collar. The sidewall portion includes a lower end and an upper end. The lower end of the sidewall portion is coupled to the base portion and the upper end defines an opening. The collar extends around the sidewall portion proximate the upper end. The cover is coupled to the receptacle and includes a top portion, a skirt, a flap, and a tear strip. The skirt extends downwardly from the periphery of the top portion. The flap is hingably coupled to the top portion proximate a corner of the closure and is moveable between an open position in which access is provided to the opening in the receptacle and a closed position in which the opening in the receptacle is closed. The flap includes a closing apparatus to releasably retain the flap in the closed position. The tear strip is removable and is coupled to the flap and the skirt. The tear strip substantially prevents the flap from being moved into the open position until the tear strip is removed.
US07743948B2	Dispensing device The present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a liquid or viscous substance, preferably foodstuff. At least one pump means (4) is provided to perform pump motions for sucking said substance (2) into the dispensing device (1) and dispense or discharge it therefrom. The pump means (4) is provided to divide inner parts of the dispensing device (1) into at least one suction chamber (30) and at least one dispensing or discharge chamber (31) which are interconnected through at least one transfer chamber (32). The pump means (4) is during a first pump motion in one direction (A) provided to suck substance (2) into the suction chamber (30) and simultaneously dispense or discharge substance (2) from the discharge chamber (31). The pump means (4) is during a second pump motion in the opposite direction (D) relative to the first pump motion provided to feed substance (2) from the suction chamber (30) and through the transfer chamber (32) into the discharge chamber (31).
US07743947B2	Cleaning tool The present disclosure provides an integrated spray and wipe system. A method of using such a system is also provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a fluid reservoir that extends through the center of a roll of cleaning material (e.g., paper towel roll). The tool houses cleaning fluid and cleaning wipes and therefore can be used to dispense liquid or cleaning wipes as needed.
US07743945B2	Dispensing device A dispenser includes a dispenser housing, a key device adapted to be mounted to a container and an indicating device. The key device is moveable between an engaged position wherein it is engaged with the indicating device and a disengaged position wherein it is disengaged from the indicating device. In other aspects, a resilient, flexible cap is fixedly secured to the dispenser housing and covers the container and prevents the valve stem from being disengaged from the dispenser housing. In another aspect, a dispenser housing has at least one guide and a connector has at least one arm having a catch portion. The arm is disposed through the at least one guide with the catch portion engaged with the guide such that the valve stem is prevented from being disengaged from the dispenser housing. In yet another aspect, a catch portion engages a ferrule portion of the container such the valve stem is prevented from being disengaged from the dispenser housing.
US07743935B2	Lock box A self locking enclosure and method of self locking an enclosure which provides an enclosure having a hingedly coupled lid which locks by operation of a latch which allows a first occurrence of the lid in the closed condition and subsequent operation of the lid to the open condition and which locks upon the second occurrence of the lid in the closed condition.
US07743933B2	Display system A display system can accommodate a number of products. The system includes one or more modules. Each module may be mounted on a support wall and includes back and shelf portions. Advantageously, a number of modules are arranged in a number of rows, one row above another. A number of dividers are removably secured to at least one of the walls and may be moved in stepwise or continuous fashion to separate groups of the products within each row. Various of the modules may include hook bars secured to the back wall portions for hanging certain of the products and/or space thieves removably secured to the shelf portions for forwardly offsetting stacked or hung products.
US07743931B2	Inventory display lock system A display lock a for securing merchandise on a display hook having at least two bars is provided. The display lock comprises, a clasp, a buckle, and a band. The clasp defines a channel sized closely to the outer periphery of one of the bars for a close fitting receipt of the bar. The projects away from the clasp and defines a detent region extending at least partially along the length of the band. The buckle is connected to the clasp. The buckle defines an aperture adapted to slidably receive the band and a catch engageable with the detent region of the band when the band is received in the aperture.
US07743930B2	Motor driven storage system A motor driven storage unit is configured to bring individual shelves to a standard handicapped accessible height for viewing and selection of product on shelves. The shelves are controllable and move in a continuous path that has both a front vertical path and a rear vertical path. Stationary guide tracks and complimentary tracking elements connected to the shelves are used to keep shelves stable. A connecting lever is used to attach the shelves to the chain or other transport means and along with the tracking system ensures that fill storage utilization of the shelves and the space between them can occur.
US07743929B2	Process of forming multilayered structures The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.
US07743928B2	Integrated apparatus and methods for treating liquids A passive self energized, liquid device operates entirely on capillary action. A microfilter fractionates nanoliter volumes of suspension such as whole blood into suspended particles or cells and liquid fractions. Blood, for example, is fractionated with minimal cell lysis, and the filtrate (plasma) flux is dependent upon design parameters similar to factors controlling blood filtration in microporous membranes, i.e. active filter area, fluid velocity and microfilter geometry. Weir-style filters communicate with a blood flow channel to separate plasma from blood moving by capillary action. An expanded downstream channel with multiple parallel capillary blood flow path provides continuing movement of blood past the filters. Lysing is controlled by the size of the filter pores and the duration of adherence of the red blood cells to the pores. The controlled lysis or prevention of lysis of red blood cells is accomplished by manipulating the significant capillary forces generated in the filters. Filtration, cell lysis and microchannel blood flow models are integrated into an overall microfilter design useful for fabricating microfilter devices for lab-on-a-chip clinical applications where they can be coupled with on-chip electrical and electro-optical devices.
US07743922B2	Packaging A packaging case (C;C′) erected by folding from a one-piece vacuum-formed molded sheet, has rectangular walls (1-4;71-74) that fold, and are clipped closed, about an article (A;S) to be protected from shock. The ends of the case are almost-completely closed by conformal edge-to-edge abutment of end-flanges (8-11;78-81) of serpentine profile that are upstanding from the walls (1-4;71-74). The flange-edges are each molded with ridges (13, 15) and grooves (14, 16) that nest ridge-within-groove with those of the abutting edges, for absorbing shock. The walls (1-4;71-74) are hinged together edge-to-edge, and at their edges rise in steps (23,24,33.34,43,44) to a central plinth (22,32,42). The steps (23,24,33,34,43,44) of adjacent walls abut one another within the erected case for shock absorption, and each wall (1-4;71-74) is strengthened by circular recesses (25-28,35-38,45-49) of reducing diameter with depth, let into its plinth (22,32.42). The circular recesses produce frusto-conical shock-absorbing projections (57,58,60,62,63) on the outside of the case. The case (C′) may accommodate a stack (S) of component-carrying trays (T) protected by end-caps (83).
US07743914B2	Dust tight closed type belt conveyor A dust tight closed type belt conveyor for conveying dust contained materials to be scattered out during operation; which comprises the conveyor belt supported in a form of concave by a plurality of rollers and a plurality of glide plates and also the bulged cover roof closing the upside space over the conveyor belt, so that all make a dust tight and closed conveying space extending in the driving direction. Further, the belt conveyor is preferably provided with a system for avoiding the belt meandering motion causing a harder dust scattering.
US07743907B2	Transport system for container processing machines A transport system for container processing machines, particularly for bottle fillers, with inlet and outlet stars, which can be driven and are arranged on columnar support housings, and define a star configuration, in which the inlet and outlet stars define container transport paths which are linked with the machine. Each support housing presents at least one, preferably lateral, connection interface, to which a joining end of a connection strut is attached, in a removable manner. The other joining end of the connection strut is connected, in a detachable manner, to a connection interface of an additional support housing or of a machine substructure. In each case, in such manner, the star configuration can be changed as desired in a modular manner.
US07743906B2	Egg orienting and accumulating system with forward and reverse interconnected conveyors for preventing egg overflow/ride up and prior to existing in individual rows upon spool bars A conveying and orienting system for handling eggs including a main conveyor for supporting thereupon a plurality of eggs and for segregating the same into individual file lines prior to delivery to a spool bar conveyor for subsequent egg handling operations. One or more return conveyors are positioned alongside the main conveyor and communicate with the main conveyor at first and second end locations. A control mechanism independently adjusts a travel speed of at least one of the main and return conveyors, this in order to redirect, along the return conveyors for reintroduction onto upstream locations of the main conveyor, a plurality of eggs which exceed of the present handling capabilities of the individual segregating lanes and spool bar.
US07743901B2	Parking lock releasing apparatus A parking lock releasing apparatus includes a manipulator element operable to select a parking range of an automatic transmission, a sensor operable to detect a selection by the manipulator element, an actuator operable to operate a parking lock mechanism of the automatic transmission based on a detection by the sensor, and a manual lever operable to manually release an operation of the parking lock mechanism. The manual lever is operable on condition that a parking brake device is in operation.
US07743897B2	Rod assembly weld A shock absorber includes a welded piston rod assembly. The piston rod assembly comprises an upper piston rod portion welded to a lower piston rod portion and a dirt shield welded to both of the upper piston rod portion and the lower piston rod portion using a single weld.
US07743895B2	Vibration damper Vibration damper comprising a cylinder in which a piston rod is guided with freedom of axial movement, where the piston rod cooperates with a piston arrangement comprising a first, stationary piston and at least one additional piston, which is supported on the piston rod with freedom of axial movement against the elastic force of at least one restoring spring, where the cylinder is divided by the stationary piston and by the minimum of one axially movable piston into a working space on the side of the piston facing the piston rod, a working space on the side of the piston facing away from the piston rod, and a working space between the two pistons, where valve-equipped through-openings control a connection between the working spaces, and where the axial movement of the minimum of one axially movable piston is limited by a hydraulic pressure stop.
US07743892B2	Device and method for pre-stressing the cable system of a vehicle brake actuating system The present invention relates to a device and method for pre-stressing the cable system of a vehicle brake actuating system.
US07743891B2	Elevator system The present invention discloses a method, a device, a computer program and a system for detecting the arrival in the elevator car/departure from the elevator car of elevator passengers. In the method the vertical acceleration values of the elevator car are received from the acceleration sensor and the passengers arriving in the elevator car and/or leaving the elevator car are detected on the basis of the vertical acceleration measurements of the acceleration sensor.
US07743890B2	Method and system for determining instantaneous peak power consumption in elevator banks A method and system determine peak power consumption over time by a bank of elevator for servicing a set of passenger hall calls and delivery requests, and selecting elevator schedules that keep peak power consumption below a predetermined threshold. For each car in response to receiving a hall call, a set of all possible paths to service all hall calls assigned to the car are determined, in which each path includes a set of all possible segments. A peak power consumption for each possible segment is also determined. The peak power consumptions for the set of all possible segments for each time instant are added to determine a total peak power consumption for each time instant, and a particular path is selected as a schedule to operate the bank of elevator cars, if the total peak power consumption for any instant in time while operating according to the selected schedule is below a predetermined threshold.
US07743886B2	Systems for stabilizing ladders Systems for stabilizing ladders are provided. A representative system incorporates a ladder stabilizing assembly that includes a mount, a frame and a spike. The mount is configured to attach to a ladder. The frame extends from the mount and is movable between a stowed position, in which the frame is located adjacent the ladder, and an un-stowed position, in which the frame extends outwardly from the ladder. The spike extends from the frame and is operative to be driven into the ground such that, when the frame is in the un-stowed position and the spike is driven into the ground, the ladder stabilizing assembly provides support to the ladder.
US07743885B2	Load bearing system, and an article including such load bearing system A load bearing system including a load-bearing textile strap, including an article, such as a backpack or a climbing harness, that includes such load bearing system. The strap includes at least one woven portion and at least one non-woven portion. The woven portion has warp yarns extending along a longitudinal direction of the strap interlaced with at least one weft yarn, the woven portion having a first width. In the non-woven portion the warp yarns are spread transversely so that the non-woven portion has a second width greater than the first width of the woven portion.
US07743884B2	Sandwich panel for sound absorption An aircraft cabin panel for sound absorption, with a sandwich construction, comprising a core layer that comprises a plurality of tube-like or honeycomb-like cells that extend in an open manner across the thickness of the core layer and that are separated from each other by cell walls and that are uniform in design. A first cover layer faces away from the sound field, as well as a second cover layer that faces towards the sound field and that comprises a plurality of perforation holes and adjacent cells are interconnected by way of apertures in the cell walls. The perforation of the second cover layer comprises a distance (b) between holes, which distance exceeds the opening width (c) of the cells of the core layer, wherein the first cover layer is closed and wherein the cell walls comprise a perforation so that they are acoustically transparent in the direction parallel to the cover layers.
US07743879B2	Diaphragm, spherical-shell diaphragm and electroacoustic transducer, and method of manufacturing electroacoustic transducer A diaphragm in one mode of the present invention comprises an outer shape section having a circle with one diameter, or a shape of a polygon to be inscribed in a circle with the one diameter; an inner shape section protruding in one direction with regard to a plane including the outer shape section, wherein a shape formed by projecting the inner shape section on the plane is rotationally symmetric about the central axis of the circle; and a vibrating face section linking the outer shape section and the inner shape section and having an inclined face inclined to the central axis, wherein any one of cross-sectional shapes of the vibrating face section is rotationally symmetric about an eccentric axis which is eccentric with regard to the central axis, the cross-sectional shapes being defined by a plane intersecting perpendicularly to the central axis. An electroacoustic transducer uses the above diaphragm.
US07743875B2	Power steering apparatus having failure detection device for rotation angle sensors A power steering apparatus has a steering power assisting system coupled to tire wheels and a variable gear transfer system coupled to a steering wheel. The steering power assisting system includes a torsion bar rotation sensor and a first actuator rotation sensor to calculate a first pinion angle and a second pinion angle based on the detected rotation angles, respectively. The variable gear transfer system includes a steering sensor and a second actuator rotation sensor to calculate a third pinion angle based on the detected rotation angles. Sensor failure is detected by comparing the calculated first, second and third pinion angles.
US07743868B2	Radiator mounting for a motorcycle A motorcycle includes a front wheel defining a forward direction, a rear wheel defining a rotational axis, an engine for driving at least one of the wheels, coolant positioned at least partially in the engine, and a radiator assembly containing at least a portion of the coolant. The radiator assembly includes a radiator and an inlet guide. The radiator is positioned forward of the rotational axis and has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is positioned forward of the lower portion. The inlet guide is positioned adjacent the radiator and includes an inlet opening. At least a portion of the inlet guide extends upwardly from the inlet opening of the radiator, and the inlet opening is positioned closer to the rear wheel than to the front wheel.
US07743865B2	Method for identifying an object within a protective zone with a protective device for a vehicle Objects within an area of coverage are located at predetermined points in time with an optical sensor. Based on detected locations of the objects, a driving direction and/or a speed of the vehicle is determined as a function of measuring variables measured with the optical sensor. Based on the determined direction and/or speed, (a) a protective zone is selected among a plurality of protective zones previously stored in the optical sensor, or (b) a validity of a preset protective zone or a preset vehicle parameter value stored in the optical sensor is checked.
US07743861B2	Hybrid solid oxide fuel cell and gas turbine electric generating system using liquid oxygen A hybrid SOFC/gas turbine electric generating system comprising an SOFC stack, a hydrocarbon reformer, a first anode tailgas hydrogen-rich combustor to drive a first gas turbine stage, and a second stoichiometric combustor to drive a second gas turbine stage to drive a generator. Anode tailgas is also recycled into the reformer for substantially endothermic reforming of hydrocarbon fuel. Oxidant is provided as pure oxygen—which may be stored as liquid oxygen. All nitrogen may be excluded. Cathode exhaust is passed to the first combustor, to the second combustor, and is recycled into the cathodes. The turbine exhaust is passed through successive heat exchangers cooled by liquid oxygen being vaporized, precipitating water and solid CO2. The system is operated at about 800 kPa (about 8 atmospheres), thereby increasing the power output of the stack. The system may be operated with no gaseous exhaust or with by-products of water and CO2.
US07743860B2	Holding a hybrid electric vehicle on an inclined surface In a powertrain that includes wheels supporting a vehicle, an engine, a first machine able to operate alternately as an electric motor and electric generator, a second machine electric able to operate as an electric motor, and an electric storage battery having a variable state of charge, a method for holding the vehicle stationary on an incline including determining a magnitude of torque at the wheels required to hold the vehicle on the incline, determining whether the state of charge is low or high relative to a reference state of charge, determining whether a temperature of the first machine is low or high relative to a first reference temperature, and whether a temperature of the second machine is low or high relative to a second reference temperature, using the engine and the machines in various combinations to produce the required torque at the wheels.
US07743859B2	Hybrid drivetrains for trailers A trailer includes a pair of wheels rotatably coupled to a trailer frame. A motor is operable to provide drive torque to at least one of the wheels. The energy storage device is mounted to the frame and operable to selectively provide energy to the motor. A load sensor is operable to output a signal indicative of the magnitude of a load being transferred between the trailer and a tow vehicle. A controller is operable to generate control signals in response to the sensor signal. The control signals control operation of the motor.
US07743857B2	Cutting elements of gage row and first inner row of a drill bit A rolling cone drill bit is provided that has gage inserts on the first row from the bit axis to cut to full gage diameter that have a cutting portion enhanced with a layer of super abrasive material. The gage cutting surface has a center axis that is canted to be more normal to the gave curve such that its point of contact at gage is away from the thinner portion of the layer of super abrasive material.
US07743854B2	Well jet device and the operating method thereof The device comprises a body provided with bypass ports embodied therein and an insert with a jet pump and sealing elements. The insert comprises a pass channel, a channel for supplying an active medium to the pump nozzle, a channel which is used for supplying a pumped-out medium to the pump and which communicates with the pass channel and an output channel connected to an annular space. A mounting seat for a sealing unit is embodied in the pass channel above the channel for supplying the pumped-out medium. Said mounting seat is provided with an axial channel for passing a cable, which is used for moving instruments along the well bore, therethrough and through the pass channel. An axially movable spring-loaded steady bush provided with bypass holes in the wall thereof is arranged in the body. The insert provided with the pump is placed on the mounting seat embodied in the bush. An annular recess limiting the bush displacement is embodied in the body. The output channel is connected to a body surrounding space when the bush is in the lower position thereof and the bypass ports are closed by the steady bush wall when the bush is in the top position. Said invention makes it possible to reduce a time for a well examination and development.
US07743852B2	Auger stabilizer An auger stabilizer includes a rigid elongated body having a first end and a second end. The length of the body is adjustable between a retracted transport position and an extended drilling position. A pair of spaced apart wheels are attached at the second end of the body. A split body with two halves connected by fasteners is used to pivotally attach the first end of the body to a handle of an auger. When the body is in the extended drilling position, the pair of spaced apart wheels roll along a ground surface away from the auger as the handle of the auger descends and the pair of spaced apart wheels act to stabilize the handle of the auger against reactive torque.
US07743847B2	Cam operated devices A number of cam-operated devices such as power tools (10) are described, the tools having a rotary drive device (24) for rotating a drive shaft (36) having a cylinder cam (42) mounted thereon. A pair of cam followers (54) are located within a cam track (44) provided on the cam member (42), such that rotation of the cam (42) causes axial movement of the cam followers (54), which may be attached to a drive shaft (48) and a tool bit (12). A range of shapes of cam track (44) are described, each of which is non-sinusoidal in shape. Various embodiments of the invention provide non-sinusoidal cam tracks having forward or rearward throw sections which are respectively steeper, shorter, or provide greater acceleration of the cam followers than sinusoidal cam tracks of equivalent wavelength and amplitude. Related piston and cylinder devices and reciprocal drive devices are also described.
US07743845B2	Combination garden tiller and sprinkler head grass trimmer Apparatus for trimming grass around sprinkler heads or tending a small garden area includes a first housing member having a plurality of serrations formed on one end for cutting grass around such sprinkler heads. A second housing member partially disposed for reciprocal movement within the first housing member. A first elongated rod like member is passed through the center apertures in each housing member and the another elongated rod like member engages an end of such first elongated rod like member. A caged biasing spring is disposed over the second rod like member for aiding in reciprocal movement of the second housing member. A resilient elastomeric member is provided for absorbing shock during use of apparatus for tending such small garden area and a mechanism for manipulating the apparatus while trimming such grass around such sprinkler head or tending such small garden area.
US07743844B2	Crop residue and soil conditioning agricultural implement A disc harrow composed of one or more disc gangs has a subframe coupled to the disc gangs to move the disc gangs in response to variations in farmland terrain to limit the impact of obstructions when encountered during the harrowing process. When the obstruction is cleared, the subframe automatically returns the disc gangs to their pre-obstruction position. In addition to reducing the potentially-damaging impact of obstructions, the subframe also maintains a more consistent reel depth during undulations or changes in the farmland terrain, such as during harrowing of slopes or unleveled fields such as valleys, near waterways, and along fence rows.
US07743841B2	Aeration device A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.
US07743839B1	Beveled edger An edger having a main frame that can be advanced controllably relative to subjacent terrain, a cutting assembly on the main frame, and a drive for rotating the cutting assembly around a first axis. The cutting assembly has a plurality of cutting teeth that dig into underlying terrain as the cutting assembly is operated to thereby cooperatively produce a trench in the underlying terrain. The plurality of cutting teeth includes a first cutting tooth that has an elongate configuration with a leading end and a length extending along a first line. The first cutting tooth is oriented on the cutting assembly so that the length of the first cutting tooth traces a path with a circumference that has a radial extent with respect to the first axis that is substantially less than the length of the first cutting tooth. The length of the first cutting tooth is aligned generally in a circumferential direction.
US07743838B2	Sprinkler head shut off tool A sprinkler head shut off device, comprising of a handle with at least one jaw, a lever, a stopper arm, and a means for reciprocating the stopper arm as the lever is rotated, in order to bring a portion of the stopper arm in contact with the orifice of the sprinkler and stop water flow. The device further comprises a locking means to lock the lever in position. The locking means comprises a member attached to the lever which locks its rotary motion in one direction at a particular position by engaging with a portion of the means for reciprocating the stopper arm.
US07743836B2	Apparatus for controlling slip deployment in a downhole device and method of use An apparatus for use in a well. The apparatus comprises a mandrel containing a radial shoulder, a sub member concentrically disposed about the mandrel, and an upper slip, concentrically disposed about the mandrel, for engaging the well. The apparatus further comprises an upper cone abutting an underside of the upper slip, and wherein the upper cone is disposed about the mandrel, and an elastomer operatively associated with the upper cone, and wherein the elastomer is disposed about the mandrel. The apparatus further includes a lower slip, concentrically disposed about the mandrel, for engaging with the internal portion of the well, and lower cone abutting an underside of the lower slip, and wherein the lower cone is disposed about the mandrel, and wherein the lower cone is operatively associated with the elastomer. The apparatus further contains a first alignment member selectively connecting the sub with the upper slip, and wherein the first alignment pin is selected to shear at a first predetermined force.
US07743835B2	Compositions containing shape-conforming materials and nanoparticles that absorb energy to heat the compositions A composition, apparatus and method for use in a wellbore is described. In one aspect, a composition may include a shape-conforming material and nanoparticles sufficient to absorb a selected form of energy to heat the shape-conforming material to near or above a glass transition temperature. A method of deploying an apparatus using such a composition may include placing the apparatus at a suitable location in a wellbore and exposing the composition to the selected energy to deploy the apparatus in the wellbore.
US07743834B2	Running wellbore tubulars A method of running a tubular string into or out of a wellbore includes the steps of moving the tubular string relative to the wellbore and making up or breaking a connection between a tubular joint and the tubular string when the tubular string is being moved relative to the wellbore.
US07743831B2	Thermal activation mechanisms and methods for use in oilfield applications A method and apparatus associated with producing hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one heating element that is disposed in a chamber with actuator material. A member is also partially coupled to the chamber. The member is configured to extend to a first configuration when the at least one heating element converts at least a portion of the actuator material from a first phase to a second phase and contract to a second configuration when the actuator material converts from the second phase to the first phase.
US07743829B2	Cement flow control tool An apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid into a borehole through a conduit has a decelerating means adapted to be positioned within the conduit. The fluid could typically comprise drilling mud and/or cement, and in some embodiments, some of the cement can exit through apertures in a shroud of the apparatus to cement the decelerating means inside the conduit.
US07743825B2	Packer sealing element with shape memory material A packer or bridge plug uses a sealing element made from a shape memory polymer (SMP). The packer element receives heat or other stimulus to soften the SMP while the element is compressed and retained. While so retained, the heat or other stimulus is removed to allow the SMP to get stiff so that it effectively seals a surrounding tubular. High expansion rates are possible as the softness of the material under thermal input allows it to be reshaped to the surrounding tubular or to the surrounding open hole from a smaller size during run in and to effectively retain a sealed configuration after getting stiff on reduction in its core temperature while longitudinally compressed. The SMP or equivalent material whose modulus is changeable can be covered on the outside, the inside or both with an elastic material that protects the SMP and enhances the seal in the wellbore and against the mandrel.
US07743822B2	Snubber spool with detachable base plates A snubber spool with detachable base plates includes a base flange with a plurality of spaced-apart load pins received in through bores in the base plates. Tie plates with bores for receiving top ends of the load pins are mounted over the base plates in an offset orientation with respect to the base plates. A load nut that engages a pin thread on an outer sidewall of the snubber spool is tightened down on the tie plates to lock the base plates to the snubber spool.
US07743816B2	Switchable waste gas exchanger A switchable waste gas heat exchanger which can be arranged and used in exhaust gas recirculation lines in internal combustion engines, such as in motor vehicles.
US07743812B2	Apparatus for fitting or removing a pneumatic tire to or from a rim of a vehicle wheel An apparatus for fitting or removing tyre to or from a rim 1 of a vehicle wheel comprising a hooked tool 2 which is controlledly moved in a pivotal connection location 4 along a sliding guide 11 and in a second pivotal connection location connected to a link lever, on a tool holder 5, wherein the control movement of a rod-shaped control portion 10 is transmitted to the tool 2 by way of the gear transmission 9.
US07743808B2	Assembly of pneumatic tire, noise damper and rim A pneumatic tire and rim assembly is provided in the cavity with a noise damper in which a sponge material extending in a circumferential direction of the tire and having a volume V2 of 0.4 to 20% of entire volume V1 of the cavity, wherein the noise damper comprises a fixing surface fixed to a surface which surrounds the tire cavity, and a free surface directed to the tire cavity, a maximum value of thickness from the fixing surface to the free surface is in a range of 5 to 50 mm, including a thick mountain portion and a thin valley portion; and at least one of outer ends of the noise damper in the circumferential direction of the tire is formed into an inclined surface portion comprising a first inclined surface rising from the fixing surface and a second inclined surface extending from, the first inclined surface to the free surface.
US07743806B2	Non-pneumatic tire A non-pneumatic tire having a rim member 1, a ring member 3 disposed at an outer circumferential side of the rim member 1 and provided with a tread 2 on a circumferential face, and a plurality of link mechanisms 4 coupling the rim member with the ring member. Each of the link mechanisms 4 contains a pair of link members 7a, 7b formed of a link 5a, 5b which is connected at a first end with a side portion of the rim member 1 and which is swingable in the circumferential and meridian directions and another link 6a, 6b which is connected at a first end with a side portion of the ring member and 3 which is swingable in the circumferential and meridian directions with second ends of the links being hingedly connected one another to make the links swingable in the meridian direction. A spring member 9 imparting a stiffness against relative displacements in the radian, circumferential and width directions with respect to the rim and ring members 1, 3 is provided on the link mechanisms 4.
US07743802B2	Edge trimming and board ripping apparatus and method A wood product assembly includes a cutter and skewing assemblies. A cutter positioning body is movable by the slewing assembly along a slewing axis. A spindle housing is mounted to the cutter positioning body for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. A spindle, to which a cutter, such as a sawblade or chipper head, is affixed, is mounted to the spindle housing for rotation about a spindle rotation axis by a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a fixed position drive motor and a drive shaft assembly. The drive shaft assembly comprises a hollow drive shaft sleeve and a drive shaft. The drive shaft sleeve extends at least part way through the drive motor and is rotatable by the drive motor. An end of the drive shaft is slidably housed within and rotated by the drive shaft sleeve. The skewing assembly is coupled to the spindle housing to position the spindle rotation axis to a selected angular orientation to position the cutter at a selected skew angle.
US07743800B1	Container assembly for uncontaminated insertion of material Sensitive materials are packaged by being inserted into an uncontaminated reservoir of a container assembly without being contaminated during such packaging. The container assembly also includes an uncontaminated sleeve and an uncontaminated film. A lower portion of the sleeve extends from opening in the top of the reservoir and an upper portion of the sleeve is sealed by the film. When the film is broken, the material is inserted into the reservoir. The upper portion of the sleeve is separable from the lower portion of the sleeve. The container assembly also includes a first set of carrier arms attached to the upper portion of the sleeve for facilitating movement of the carrier assembly and a second set of carrier arms attached to the reservoir for facilitating handling and/or movement of the reservoir after the upper portion of the sleeve is separated from the lower portion of the sleeve.
US07743797B2	Gas flow management equipment for high pressure storage tanks In situ gas flow management equipment disposed within a high pressure industrial gas storage tank wherein interior longitudinally extending thermal management equipment interconnected with an external heat exchanger is installed in the interior of the tank along the central axis thereof and includes a stem extending from one end of the thermal management equipment, a fixed receptacle at an end of the tank disposed in operative relationship with the stem such that longitudinal displacement and axial rotation between the stem and receptacle is permitted, and a gas flow control embedded within the receptacle regulating the flow of gas into and from the tank, the in situ device therein, the external heat exchanger, and means for refilling and depleting the tank. Single ended and dual ended examples are described.
US07743796B1	Bottle neck vacuum pump Air is removed from a bottle by placing the apparatus over the bottle in a manner similar to that of a cork. A switch is activated by placement of the apparatus over the bottle and causes a pump to evacuate air from an interior of the bottle. A pressure sensor senses reduced pressure and shuts off the pump when a sufficiently low pressure is reached. An indicator also visually indicates that a vacuum state exists within the bottle. A temperature probe is provided, coupled to a display for visual readout of temperature of liquid within the bottle. A tilt sensor is provided to shut off the pump if the apparatus is tilted excessively. A button is provided which can be depressed to cause air to return into space in the bottle to return the bottle interior back to atmospheric pressure for removal of the apparatus.
US07743794B2	Seat belt webbing, method and narrow fabric needle loom for production of same The invention relates to a method for weaving a webbing, comprising at least one first (right-hand) weft thread and at least one second (left-hand) weft thread, characterized in that the two weft threads are introduced into the same shed from both sides of the webbing, are wound around weft thread retainers in weft change loops, are substantially retained by the weft thread retainers until shed change and are then stripped off from the left thread retainers by the reed and after shed change and are bound against the stop.
US07743793B2	Hose construction The present invention provides a hose for transporting material from one destination to another and a method of constructing a hose. According to an exemplary embodiment, the hose may be constructed with two helical coils wound in opposing directions and multiple layers. The hose construction may provide a flexible hose with walls that resist kinking and rupture.
US07743789B2	Valve for hydraulic braking of work machines or the like A valve for the hydraulic braking of work machines comprises an outer casing provided with a longitudinal seat and with at least one-to-third connection port, a slider slideable along the seat and provided with a contoured portion to control passage of the fluid through the connecting ports, and a reaction surface which is connected to the third connecting port, and an actuation for actuating sliding of the slider in the seat, which comprises first elastic element, interposed between the casing and the slider to contrast pressurized fluid thrust against the reaction surface, second elastic element interposed between a first abutment element of the slider and a second abutment element arranged inside the casing, which are adapted to contrast thrust of the first elastic element, and a manual actuation for actuating loading/unloading of the second elastic element.
US07743787B2	Mud saver valve with magnetic latching A mud saver valve for retaining drilling fluid in the Kelly of a rotary drilling rig for insertion into a Kelly sub with an enlarged opening inside having a valve and hollow piston closing the flow in a first position and having flow through when the hollow piston is moved by flow against a spring to an open position compressing a spring to stack height, the spring being magnetized to provide magnetic latching to assist in holding the hollow piston in the open position at flow rates lower than it would otherwise be held open.
US07743786B2	Irrigation system and shut-off control device therefor An irrigation system having at least one water distribution member, a water supply source and a horizontally oriented, shut-off control device located in a fluid flow line between a water supply source and the at least one water distribution member for automatically shutting off the flow of supply water to the at least one water distribution member in response to a predetermined increase in force of fluid flow. The shut-off control device has a housing with an interior flow path having rails and projections dimensioned to support a compressible ball which moves within the housing and limits side-to-side motion or turbulence.
US07743785B2	Passive pressure relief device system based on thermobattery for a compressed gas storage tank A compressed gas storage system with an incorporated pressure relief device is disclosed. The compressed gas storage system comprises a tank for storing a compressed gas, a battery in the direct surroundings of the tank, and a relief valve in communication with the tank. The relief valve is configured to be responsive to electrical current generated by the battery. The battery is configured to define an electrically active state when it reaches a temperature above a maximum safe operating temperature of the compressed gas storage system. The electrically active state of the battery is characterized by the generation of sufficient electrical current to open the relief valve which permits gas to escape from the tank. In another embodiment, a thermocouple in combination with a conducting metal may be substituted for the battery.
US07743784B2	Bursting disc assembly A bursting disc assembly has a bursting disc and an outlet side support ring. In order to provide a safety warning, when the bursting disc assembly is incorrectly installed in a reversed orientation, the outlet side ring has a passage through it from its radial interior to its exterior, in the form of a full thickness slot or a groove. In an incorrect installation, this passage provides a leak path from the pressurized side of the disc.
US07743772B2	Silver and silver oxide catalysts for the oxidation of carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke A component of a cigarette comprises a silver-based catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. The silver-based catalyst comprises particles (e.g., nanoscale or larger sized particles) of metallic silver and/or silver oxide supported in and/or on metal oxide support particles. The silver-based catalyst can be incorporated into a cigarette component such as tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and cigarette filter material to reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide in the mainstream smoke of a cigarette during smoking. The catalyst can also be used in non-cigarette applications.
US07743770B2	Nasal and oral cannula having three or more capabilities and method of producing same A cannula having at least three separate flow passages and comprising separate nasal and mouth main bodies. The nasal body has first and second nares and first and second main flow chambers respectively communicating with first and second ports, and the first and second flow chambers are separated from one another by a septum. The mouth main body is adjacent the nasal main body and has at least one mouthpiece and at least a third main flow chamber therein communicating with a third port. The cannula has at least first, second and third flow paths which can be connected with a desired supply, monitoring or detection device. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the cannula.
US07743768B2	Patient interface device with dampening cushion A cushion for use with a patient interface device includes a first end portion, which typically contacts the patient's face when the patient interface device is worn, a second end and/or opposite the first end, which is typically coupled to a portion of the patient interface device, a chamber, which is typically disposed between the first and second end portions, and an orifice. The chamber is structured to receive and store a dampening medium therein; and the orifice, which is in operative communication with the chamber, controls the passage of the dampening medium into and/or out of the chamber. A patient interface device including a mask shell and the cushion is also described.
US07743759B2	Gas sensor controller An ECU controls an A/F sensor that is provided in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine and produces current outputs corresponding to the concentration of oxygen in exhaust gas by being supplied with voltage and produces voltage outputs corresponding to the concentration of oxygen in exhaust gas according to the difference between the oxygen concentration around one of a pair of electrodes of the A/F sensor and the oxygen concentration around the other electrode. The ECU has: an energization limitation portion that, when moisture content is adhering on an inner face of an exhaust passage near the A/F sensor, energizes a heater of the A/F sensor while limiting the amount of power supplied thereto; and a specific output obtaining portion that obtains voltage outputs from the A/F sensor at least when the energization limitation portion is energizing the heater while limiting the amount of power supplied thereto.
US07743756B2	Air inlet system for an internal combustion engine An air inlet system for an internal combustion engine includes an inlet duct for furnishing air to the engine's cylinders, and a combination port formed within the inlet duct for inducting both recirculated exhaust gas and charge air into the engine. Mixing of the recirculated exhaust gas and the charge air is promoted by a flow director which is mounted at a downstream end of an EGR supply passage, as well as by a flow guide mounted upstream from the flow director, with the flow guide including an aerodynamic projection for causing charge air to move smoothly around the flow director and a swirl generator.
US07743755B2	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.
US07743754B2	Heated catalyzed fuel injector for injection ignition engines The present invention provides an injector-ignition fuel injector for an internal combustion engine, comprising an input fuel metering system for dispensing a next fuel charge into a pressurizing chamber, a pressurization ram system including a pressurization ram for compressing the fuel charge within the pressurizing chamber, wherein the fuel charge is heated in the pressurization chamber in the presence of a catalyst, and an injector nozzle for injecting the heated catalyzed fuel charge into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.
US07743753B2	Ignition system utilizing igniter and gas injector An ignition system for use with an engine is disclosed. The ignition system may have an igniter connected to selectively ignite a fuel mixture within the engine, an injector located to inject a non-combustible gas into the engine, and a controller in communication with the igniter and the injector. The controller may be configured to energize the igniter during a first mode of engine operation to ignite the fuel mixture, and cease energizing the igniter during a second mode of engine operation. The controller may also be configured to actuate the injector during the second mode of engine operation to promote auto-ignition of the fuel mixture.
US07743752B2	System and method for improving fuel vapor purging for an engine having a compressor A system and method for storing and purging fuel vapors for an internal combustion engine comprising a compressor is presented. The system allows the canister to be purged even while the engine is operated at high engine load.
US07743751B2	Fuel feed apparatus A feed pump pumps fuel from a fuel tank. A filter portion includes a filter element for removing foreign matter contained in the fuel discharged from the feed pump. A high-pressure pump pumps the filtered fuel to the internal combustion engine. A return passage is connected with a passage between the filter element and the high-pressure pump for partially returning the filtered fuel to the fuel tank. A priming pump portion has an inlet port, which is connected with the return passage, and an outlet port, which is connected with the filter element. The priming pump portion draws fuel from the fuel tank to supply the fuel to the filter element when being operated.
US07743750B2	Fuel liquid and vapor pressure sensor A combined liquid and vapor sensor assembly includes a body and a mounting portion for coupling the body to a fuel pump module flange that defines an interface between an interior and an exterior of a fuel tank. A liquid pressure sensor is housed in a recess in the body for sensing a liquid pressure of a fuel in the fuel tank, and a vapor pressure sensor is housed in the recess in the body for sensing a vapor pressure of a fuel vapor in the fuel tank. An electrical connector is coupled with the body for providing power to the liquid pressure sensor and the vapor pressure sensor.
US07743748B2	Method of controlling the operation of a solenoid A method for controlling the operation of a solenoid (14), in which solenoid the movement of the plunger is caused by bringing electric energy to the solenoid, whereby an electric current flows through the solenoid, the method comprising the following steps. defining a model (6) for describing the current signal of the solenoid at certain time intervals from the activation moment of the solenoid onwards, measuring the true current signal (7) of the solenoid at time intervals corresponding with the model, defining a residual signal (8), which is the remainder between the signal of the model (6) and the true current signal (7), and performing a threshold analysis (25) for the residual signal.
US07743747B2	Electrically actuated valve deactivation in response to vehicle electrical system conditions A method for controlling at least valve to operate in at least a cylinder of an internal combustion engine coupled to a manifold, the method comprising of deactivating said valve in response to an operating condition of a vehicle electrical system, wherein during at least a first condition of the vehicle electrical system said valve is deactivated in a first position that allows at least some airflow between the cylinder and the manifold.
US07743746B2	Coating for connecting rods and bearings in an internal combustion engine Disclosed is a connecting rod for a combustion engine, comprising a small connecting-rod eye that is provided with a plain bearing surface and is used for accommodating a piston pin, and a large connecting-rod eye which is provided with a plain bearing surface and embraces a crankshaft journal. In order to very effectively and inexpensively prevent the piston pin and the crankshaft journal of the connecting rod from jamming and wearing off, a self-lubricating coating made of a thermally cured resin which contains embedded solid lubricant particles is applied directly to at least one of the plain bearing surfaces by means of rotary atomization.
US07743743B2	Variable valve timing apparatus with reduced operation sound and control method thereof In a variable valve timing apparatus in which a phase of an intake valve is changed at an amount of change according to a rotational speed of relative rotation between an electric motor as an actuator and a camshaft, the set upper limit value of the rotational speed of relative rotation and a coefficient Nθ of conversion from a required phase-change amount to the rotational speed of relative rotation ΔNm in each control period are set at smaller values at the time of engine stop than at the time of engine operation. As a result, the rotational speed of the electric motor in the VVT operation at the time of engine stop is reduced thereby reducing the operation sound of the variable valve timing apparatus.
US07743741B2	Fuel injection engine and motorcycle comprising fuel injection engine An air fuel injection engine including an air-intake passage configured to guide air taken in from outside to a combustion chamber formed by a cylinder block and a cylinder head, a fuel injector configured to inject fuel to an interior of the air-intake passage, and a water jacket through which cooling water flows to cool the air-intake passage. As viewed in a plane crossing an air flow direction in the air-intake passage and passing through a predetermined region of an inner wall of the air-intake passage, the predetermined region including a crossing point at which a fuel injection center line of the fuel injected from the fuel injector crosses the inner wall of the air-intake passage, the water jacket is configured to extend away from the crossing point along a circumferential direction of the air-intake passage, from a region near the predetermined region.
US07743739B2	Engine-driven generator An engine-driven generator is provided that is formed by supporting an engine (3) and a generator (4) on a frame (2), wherein the frame (2) is formed as an open periphery framework type, within this frame (2) a duct member (31) is disposed around the outer periphery of the engine (3) and the generator (4), the duct member (31) defining a series of cooling air passages (32) between itself and the engine (3) and generator (4), a cooling fan (26) is provided in the cooling air passage (32), the cooling fan (26) being driven by the engine (3), an intake box (34) having an intake opening (38) at an outer end thereof and housing an electrical component (53, 55) is connected to the upstream end of the duct member (31), and an exhaust box (68) having an exhaust opening (73) at an outer end thereof and housing an exhaust muffler (74) of the engine (3) is connected to the other end of the duct member (31). A compact engine-driven generator that enables running noise to be reduced can thereby be provided.
US07743737B2	Engine on pulsed fuel additive concentrate dosing system and controller A safe, reliable system for automatically dosing diesel truck fuel tanks with a fuel additive is provided. The additive, such as a concentrated solution containing fuel borne catalyst (FBC), is fed by positive feed means in pulsed doses while the engine is on. The frequency and amount of FBC injection is controlled as a function of the time the engine is operated and predetermined values for rate of fuel consumption and intended additive concentrations in the fuel.
US07743736B2	Pet collar with ear guards This invention relates to a collar device that limits the head movement for a canine or feline pet while the pet is recuperating from surgery or injury. The collar may be fitted with removable ear guards. The collar is capable of being coupled to a leash so the animal can be taken on a walk with the protective collar in an operative position.
US07743735B2	Animal leash A leash according including an elongated lead having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a first handle disposed at the proximal end portion, a collar attachment mechanism disposed at the distal end portion, and a second handle disposed intermediate the proximal and distal end portions, the second handle being adjustable in position along the elongated lead and adjustable in size.
US07743729B2	Portable system for automatically and periodically applying moisture to curing concrete A system for automatically and periodically applying moisture to curing concrete that can be transported from one location to another is provided. A portable concrete curing unit receives water from a water source and distributes such water to a moisture applicator that is situated near a curing concrete object. The moisture applicator applies moisture to the curing concrete so as to maintain the concrete object at a desired moisture level during the curing process. The concrete curing unit may contain a power source, a pump, and a controller. The controller is connected to the pump such that the pump will distribute water to the moisture applicator during an activation period. This timing function of the controller allows for a system and method of automatically and periodically curing concrete that can be controlled by the user without extensive need for manual labor during the concrete curing process.

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