最新美国发明专利第2010-08-03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
US07767382B2	Method of making a photopolymer printing plate A method of making a lithographic printing plate comprising the steps of: a) providing a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising (i) a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, (ii) a photopolymerizable coating on said support, b) image-wise exposing said coating in a plate setter, c) developing the precursor, thereby removing the non-exposed areas of the coating from the support, whereby the developing step is carried out off-press in a gumming unit by treating the coating of the precursor with a gum solution.
US07767381B2	Photosensitive resin composition, and photosensitive film and stencil for screen printing using the photosensitive composition This invention relates to a photosensitive composition characterized by comprising components A, B and C, and a photosensitive film and a stencil for screen printing using the photosensitive composition; Component A: a poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer represented by formula (1) or (2) wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or aralkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein the alkyl and aralkyl groups may be substituted by a hydroxyl or carbamoyl group and the bond between carbon atoms thereof may be present through an oxygen atom or an unsaturated bond; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; m is an integer of 1 to 6; n is 0 or 1; and X− represents a halogen ion, a phosphate ion, a methosulfate ion, or a sulfonate ion, or a mixture of the anions; component B: a radical polymerizable monomer containing at least one ethylenically unsaturated bond and possesses an anion dissociating capability; and component C: a radical photoinitiator.
US07767379B2	Polymer compound, positive resist composition, and method of forming resist pattern There is provided a positive resist composition including a resin component (A) which displays increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid, and an acid generator component (B) which generates an acid upon exposure, wherein the resin component (A) includes a polymer compound (A1) containing a structural unit (a0) represented by a general formula (a0-1) shown below, and a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester which has an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group: (in the formula (a0-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, or a halogenated lower alkyl group; two of R′ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, or an alkoxy group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; X represents an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom.).
US07767367B2	Photomask blank and photomask making method A photomask blank comprises a transparent substrate, a light-shielding film deposited on the substrate and comprising a metal or metal compound susceptible to fluorine dry etching, and an etching mask film deposited on the light-shielding film and comprising another metal or metal compound resistant to fluorine dry etching. When the light-shielding film is dry etched to form a pattern, pattern size variation arising from pattern density dependency is reduced, so that a photomask is produced at a high accuracy.
US07767366B2	Photomask blank and photomask A photomask blank is provided comprising an etch stop film which is disposed on a transparent substrate and is resistant to fluorine dry etching and removable by chlorine dry etching, a light-shielding film disposed on the etch stop film and including at least one layer composed of a transition metal/silicon material, and an antireflective film disposed on the light-shielding film. When the light-shielding film is dry etched to form a pattern, pattern size variation arising from pattern density dependency is reduced, so that a photomask is produced at a high accuracy.
US07767365B2	Methods for forming and cleaning photolithography reticles A method for removing impurities (e.g., atomic sulfur) from a reticle for use in photolithography is provided. In one embodiment, a reticle (or photomask) comprising a plate, a first layer over the plate, and a photoresist layer over the first layer is provided. The photoresist layer is removed with a first chemistry comprising a sulfur-containing compound. At least a portion of the first layer is removed with a second chemistry comprising a sulfur-containing etchant, thereby exposing portions of the plate. Removing the photoresist layer and/or at least a portion of the first layer leaves sulfur on at least portions of the reticle. In a cleaning step, the reticle is contacted with one or more excited species of oxygen to remove residual sulfur and other contaminants, such as carbon, sulfur and oxygen-containing species. Methods of embodiments can be used to clean, e.g., binary photomasks, attenuated phase shift masks (APSMs) and high transmission attenuated photomasks.
US07767364B2	Method for correcting mask pattern, photomask, method for fabricating photomask, electron beam writing method for fabricating photomask, exposure method, semiconductor device, and method for fabricating semiconductor device A method is provided for correcting a mask pattern to be formed on a photomask used in a lithographic step of a semiconductor device fabrication process. The method includes the steps of extracting an isolated pattern having an optically isolated portion from the mask pattern and providing, in an adjacent pattern extending parallel to the isolated portion of the isolated pattern and having a terminal end, an extended portion extending from the terminal end next to the isolated portion of the isolated pattern along a direction in which the isolated portion of the isolated pattern extends.
US07767363B2	Methods for photo-processing photo-imageable material The invention includes methods for photo-processing photo-imageable material. Locations of the photo-imageable material where flare hot spots are expected to occur are ascertained. A substantially uniform dose of light intensity is provided to at least the majority of the photo-imageable material other than the hot spot locations, and is not provided to the hot spot locations. The provision of the substantially uniform dose of light intensity can occur during formation of a primary pattern in the photo-imageable material with a reticle, utilizing the same reticle as that used for making the primary pattern; or can occur at a separate processing stage than that utilized for forming the primary pattern and with a separate reticle from that utilized to form the primary pattern. The invention also includes reticle constructions which can be utilized for photo-processing of photo-imageable material.
US07767361B2	Hologram recording material, process for producing the same and hologram recording medium The present invention provides a hologram recording material which attains high refractive index change, high sensitivity, low scattering, environment resistance, durability, low dimensional change and high multiplicity, and is suitable for volume hologram recording; a process for producing the hologram recording material; and a hologram recording medium. A hologram recording material comprising a metal oxide matrix and a photopolymerizable compound, said metal oxide matrix having a halogen-containing organic group. The metal oxide matrix is formed by hydrolysis and polymerization reaction of a metal alkoxide compound, and said metal alkoxide compound includes a metal alkoxide compound represented by the following general formula (1): (RH)mM(OR)n (1) wherein RH represents the halogen-containing organic group, R represents an alkyl group, M represents a metal atom, m represents 1 or 2, and m+n represents the valence of the metal atom M.
US07767355B2	Fuel cell stack with dummy cell A fuel cell stack 10 includes a stacked structure 14 composed of a plurality of electricity-generating cells stacked successively, and dummy cells arranged at both ends in a stacking direction of the stacked structure 14. Each dummy cell 16 each includes a conductive plate 52 and first and second metallic separators 54, 56 which sandwich the conductive plate 52. The conductive plate 52 is formed of a metallic plate having substantially the same shape as that of the electrolytic membrane electrode assembly 22. The first and second metallic separators 54, 56 are structured in the same manner as the first and second metallic separators 24, 26 of the electricity-generating cell 12.
US07767354B2	Temperature controlling apparatus for battery, vehicle apparatus using the same, and controlling method therefor In an ECU, a coolant fan performs cooling operation such that a control DUTY value is limited by a control DUTY value according to tolerable noise level of the cooling fan based on a vehicle speed in a case in which the temperature in the high-voltage battery is lower than a predetermined limitation for highest temperature. In a case in which the temperature in the high-voltage battery is higher than the predetermined limitation for highest temperature, the cooling fan performs the cooling operation by using an energy storage device cooling operation requirement value and an IPU cooling operation requirement value such that performance in the high-voltage battery is not affected. By doing this, a temperature controlling apparatus for batteries in which it is possible to cool the battery and solve temperature difference among a plurality of batteries can be provided.
US07767351B2	Fuel cell with cartridge and colorant A cartridge includes a first housing, a second housing within the first housing, and a colorant. The first housing has an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the second housing contains an alcohol fuel or a hydrocarbon fuel and has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The colorant is supported by at least a portion of the interior surface of the first housing.
US07767349B2	Alloy compositions for lithium ion batteries Alloy compositions are described for use in anodes of lithium ion batteries. The alloy compositions contain (a) tin, (b) a second element that includes silicon, aluminum, or a combination thereof, (c) a third element that includes yttrium, a lanthanide element, an actinide element, or a combination thereof and an optional alkaline earth element, and (d) an optional transition metal. The alloy compositions are amorphous and remain amorphous even after multiple cycles of lithiation and delithiation.
US07767348B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery and battery pack using the same A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes an electrode assembly formed by winding positive and negative electrodes, and an insulating layer together. Each of the electrodes has a core sheet and mixture layers formed on both sides of the sheet. The insulating layer electrically insulates the electrodes. At least one of the electrodes includes a core-exposed portion continuous parallel to the winding direction. Each of the mixture layers has an inclined weight region where the amount of mixture per unit area decreases toward the core-exposed portion, and a constant weight region in which the amount of mixture per unit area is constant. The inclined weight region has a width of not more than 0.2 of the width of the mixture layers and has an average mixture density of not less than 40% and not more than 99% of the mixture density of the constant weight region.
US07767339B2	Production method of non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery A method for producing a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising the steps of: (i) mixing a positive electrode active material, a first binder A and a dispersion medium to prepare a paste A, the active material comprising a lithium-containing transition metal oxide; (ii) mixing a conductive agent, a second binder B and a dispersion medium to prepare a paste B, the conductive agent comprising carbon black; (iii) mixing the paste A and the paste B to prepare a positive electrode material paste C; (iv) applying the positive electrode material paste C onto a positive electrode core member and rolling and drying the resultant member to prepare a positive electrode; and (v) fabricating a battery using the positive electrode, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein contact angle θA between the non-aqueous electrolyte and the binder A and contact angle θB between the non-aqueous electrolyte and the binder B satisfy the formula (1): θB−θA≧15°.
US07767332B2	Alkali/transition metal phosphates and related electrode active materials Electrode active materials comprising lithium or other alkali metals, a transition metal, and a phosphate or similar moiety, of the formula: Aa+xMbP1-xSixO4 wherein (a) A is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, and mixtures thereof, and 0
US07767330B2	Conductive matrices for fuel cell electrodes The durability of a fuel cell having a polymer electrolyte membrane with an anode on one surface and an oxygen-reducing cathode on the other surface is improved by replacing conductive carbon matrix materials in an electrode with a matrix of electrically conductive metal compound particles. The electrode includes a catalyst supported on a nanosize metal oxides and electrically conductive nanosize matrix particles of a metal compound. One or more metal compounds such as a boride, carbide, nitride, silicide, carbonitride, oxyboride, oxycarbide, or oxynitride of a metal such as cobalt, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, neodymium niobium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, and zirconium is suitable. For example, the combination of platinum particles deposited on titanium dioxide support particles mixed in a conductive matrix of titanium carbide particles provides an electrode with good oxygen reduction capability and corrosion resistance in an acid environment.
US07767329B2	Solid oxide fuel cell with improved current collection A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a plurality of tubes, each having an anode, electrolyte and cathode. Anode and cathode current collectors are mounted on the tubes. The anode current collector electrically connects to the anode and can have a contact with the anode. The cathode current collector electrically connects to the cathode and can have a contact with the cathode. An electrically conductive sealant may be positioned between the anode of one tube and the cathode current collector of another tube.
US07767325B2	Method and apparatus for the investigation of a fuel cell system A method and an apparatus for the investigation of a fuel cell system comprising at least one fuel cell having an anode side to which a fuel is supplied in operation and a cathode side which is separated from the anode side by a membrane and to which an oxidizing agent is supplied in operation, in order to carry out at least one of the following tests: a) to test whether the fuel cell system is gas-tight at the anode side and/or at the cathode side, b) to test whether a leakage is present between the anode side and the cathode side of the fuel cell system, c) to test the starting behavior of the fuel cell system, d) to test the operation of the fuel cell system at low current yield. The respective test is carried out with a mixture of at least inert gas with at least one fuel permissible for the operation of the fuel cells, the mixture being supplied to the anode side of the fuel cell system. The mixture is so selected that the proportion of fuel lies below a value at which the mixture is flammable in air.
US07767319B2	Insert The present invention relates to a coated cemented carbide milling insert for either wet or dry machining of cast iron such as nodular cast iron (NCI), grey cast iron (GCI), austempered ductile iron (ADI) and compacted graphite iron (CGI) where a high wear resistance and an excellent resistance against thermo cracks are required comprising: a substrate comprising from about 5 to about 7 wt-% Co, from about 140 to about 250 ppm Ti+Ta and balance WC with a weight ratio Ti/Ta of from about 0.8 to about 1.3 and a PVD-layer consisting of AlxTi1−xN, with x=from about 0.50 to about 0.70 and with a thickness of from about 1 to about 10 μm. The invention also relates to a method for making cutting tool inserts and their use.
US07767317B2	Organic element for low voltage electroluminescent devices An OLED device comprises a cathode, a light emitting layer and an anode, in that order, and, having located between the cathode and the light emitting layer, a further layer containing; (a) 10 vol % or more of a carbocyclic fused ring aromatic compound, and (b) a cyclometallated complex represented by Formula (4′) wherein: Z and the dashed arc represent two or three atoms and the bonds necessary to complete a 5- or 6-membered ring with M; each A represents H or a substituent and each B represents an independently selected substituent on the Z atoms, provided that two or more substituents may combine to form a fused ring or a fused ring system; j is 0-3 and k is 1 or 2; M represents a Group IA, IIA, IIIA and IIB element of the Periodic Table; and m and n are independently selected integers selected to provide a neutral charge on the complex; and provided that the complex does not contain the 8-hydroxyquinolate ligand. Such devices exhibit reduce drive voltage while maintaining good luminance.
US07767316B2	Organic electroluminescent devices and composition An organic light emitting device contains a cathode, an anode, and has located there-between a light emitting layer, comprising co-hosts including a hole transporting compound and a particular aluminum chelate, together with at least one light emitting Iridium compound, wherein the Iridium compound is a tris C^N-cyclometallated complex with a triplet energy less than or equal to the triplet energy of each of the co-hosts.
US07767315B2	Document authentification A method producing authenticatable documents by incorporating a fluorescent organometallic complex in the toner or in the paper in which the fluorescent organometallic complex gives off light with a characteristic spectrum when exposed to UV light.
US07767313B2	Polypropylene composite film comprising a metallocene-catalyzed propylene/1-butene random copolymer A polypropylene composite film having a propylene/1-butene random copolymer which has 60 to 90 mol % of propylene units and 10 to 40 mol % of 1-butene units and has a triad isotacticity of not less than 85% and not more than 97.5%, a molecular weight distribution of from 1 to 3, an intrinsic viscosity of from 0.1 to 12 dl/g, a melting point of from 40 to 75° C. and a crystallization rate at 45° C. of 10 minutes or less, and satisfying the following relation, 146 exp (−0.022M)≧Tm≧125 exp (−0.032M), and an olefin catalyst for preparation thereof.
US07767312B2	Layered product An easy-to-tear laminate is provided which is satisfactory in tearability and heat-sealing strength and excellent in ease of opening and contents-protecting performance. The laminate comprises a base layer and a layer comprising 10-95% by weight specific ethylene-based terpolymer (A) and 5-90% by weight specific low-density polyethylene (B) produced by the high-pressure radical polymerization method.
US07767310B2	Primer composition and articles incorporating the primer A primer composition includes the reaction product of (a) a polyglycidyl ether of a hydroxy-functional material; and (b) an amino polyalkoxysilane. The reaction product, when hydrolyzed, comprises at least 6 silanol groups, such as at least 8 silanol groups, such as at least 10 silanol groups, such as at least 12 silanol groups.
US07767307B2	Preparation method of a coating of gallium nitride The invention concerns a monocrystalline coating crack-free coating of gallium nitride or mixed gallium nitride and another metal, on a substrate likely to cause extensive stresses in the coating, said substrate being coated with a buffer layer, wherein: at least a monocrystalline layer of a material having a thickness ranging between 100 and 300 nm, preferably between 200 and 250 nm, and whereof crystal lattice parameter is less than the crystal lattice parameter of the gallium nitride or of the mixed gallium nitride with another metal, is inserted in the coating of gallium nitride or mixed gallium nitride with another metal. The invention also concerns the method for preparing said coating. The invention further concerns electronic and optoelectronic devices comprising said coating.
US07767304B2	Polarized articles and methods for obtaining polarized articles Processes suitable for creating polarized articles using polyvinyl alcohol films, and articles produced by those processes.
US07767303B2	Cleaning article containing hydrophilic polymers The invention relates to a cloth that can function as a moisturizing cleanser. When the cloth is moistened with water, it works up into a warm, sudsy cleansing lotion that feels great and works well as a facial cleansing cloth. The cloth contains water, at least one surfactant and at least one hydrophilic polymer.
US07767302B2	Pitch-based carbon fiber, web and resin molded product containing them To provide a carbon fiber reinforcement having excellent thermal conductivity and mechanical properties which is manufactured by mixing together two different types of pitch-based carbon short fibers having a ratio of the degree of filament diameter distribution to average fiber diameter of 0.05 to 0.2 and a fiber length of 20 to 6,000 μm which differ from each other in average fiber diameter or by mixing one of them with a pitch-based carbon fiber web to improve dispersibility into a matrix resin or increase the dispersion ratio of the pitch-based carbon short fibers.
US07767301B2	Heterogeneous lyophobic system for accumulation, retrieval and dissipation of energy A system for accumulating mechanical energy comprising a carrier fluid and a plurality of porous particles distributed in the carrier fluid is disclosed. The plurality of particles are broken fragments of a lyophilic starting material having at least one pore open to an exterior of the starting material and defined by an interior surface of the starting material, wherein the exterior and interior surfaces of the lyophilic starting material comprise a coating that is lyophobic with respect to the carrier fluid.
US07767291B2	Hydrocolloid-containing adhesive composition having network of fibrillated polymeric fibers Hydrocolloid-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions for medical use are disclosed which contain networks of fibrillated polymeric fibers that have surface areas of at least 4 square meters per gram and which have superior properties of low cold flow and high cohesive strength.
US07767287B2	Method of manufacturing optical element, and optical element A method of manufacturing an optical element having a good reflection preventing characteristic is provided in which an irregularity structure having a reflection preventing function can be formed at low temperature. The method includes forming a film on the optical substrate by using a coating liquid containing a metal alkoxide containing at least aluminum, immersing the film in a water-containing liquid, baking the film having been immersed in the water-containing liquid, and subjecting the film having been baked to treatment with warm water to form an aluminum-containing film having a fine irregularity structure.
US07767283B2	Packages The present invention relates to a package of a polyolefin polymer, wherein it comprises an addition of a pro-oxidant in the form of at least one salt of a metal of the group consisting of Mn, Fe, Cu, Co, and Ni, whereby the polyolefin is provided with a filler in the form of a mineral, such as calcium carbonate, such as talc, crushed marble, chalk, including nano particles thereof, calcite, silica, and nano particle clays, a filler in the form of natural fiber such as cellulose fiber, wood fiber, powderous wood or china grass, rice spelt, and starch.
US07767281B2	Inkjet recording element The present invention relates to an inkjet recording element showing good dye keeping in time and then good image stability. Said element comprises a support and at least one ink-receiving layer, said ink-receiving layer comprising at least allophane-type amorphous spherical or ring-shaped aluminosilicate particles, said aluminosilicate particles having been submitted to an acidic treatment. Said particles can be natural allophane, purified or not, or allophane obtained by synthesis.
US07767280B2	Liquid-crystalline medium Disclosed are a liquid-crystalline medium of negative dielectric anisotropy based on a mixture of polar compounds, which contains at least one compound of formula IA and at least one compound of formulae IB, IC and/or ID and the use thereof for an active-matrix display, in particular based on the ECB, PALC, FFS or IPS effect.
US07767279B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device The invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic among the characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a negatively large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light, a high stability to heat and so forth. A liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy comprising two components, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1-1) and formula (1-2), and the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-1) and formula (2-2): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having from 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, arbitrary hydrogen of which is replaced by fluorine; Z1 is a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy; ring A and ring B are each independently tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl, 1,4-cyclohexylene, or 1,4-phenylene, at least one of ring A and ring B is tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl.
US07767278B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase that includes two components, wherein the first component is a specific compound having negatively large dielectric anisotropy, and the second component is a specific two-ring compound having especially small viscosity, and a liquid crystal display device including the composition.
US07767275B2	Method for synthesizing self-aligned carbon nanomaterials on large area The present invention provides a method for depositing self-aligned carbon nanomaterials (carbon nanoflake, carbon nanotube, carbon nanorod and carbon nanosphere), by inducing a gas chemistry for the carbon nanomaterials, on a substrate having a large area of several inches in diameter, under the conventional CVD diamond deposition conditions. The well-aligned carbon nanomaterials on the large area are applicable for sensitive base materials in the fields including biochemistry and electrochemistry.
US07767273B2	Apparatus and method for producing two-sided patterned web in registration An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.
US07767272B2	Method of producing compound nanorods and thin films A method of producing compound nanorods and thin films under a controlled growth mode is described. The method involves ablating compound targets using an ultrafast pulsed laser and depositing the ablated materials onto a substrate. When producing compound nanorods, external catalysts such as pre-deposited metal nanoparticles are not involved. Instead, at the beginning of deposition, simply by varying the fluence at the focal spot on the target, a self-formed seed layer can be introduced for nanorods growth. This provides a simple method of producing high purity nanorods and controlling the growth mode. Three growth modes are covered by the present invention, including nanorod growth, thin film growth, and nano-porous film growth.
US07767271B2	Method for producing a metallized image on a sheet material and device for carrying out said method A method for producing a metallized image on a sheet material includes impregnating the material with a metal salts-containing solution and exposing the specified material points to a pulse laser radiation. The interaction of the pulses with the solution within a laser spot irritates a photochemical reaction resulting in a metal ion reduction into the elementary state thereof by associating the required number of electrons and deposition of metallic film which is firmly fixed to the filler of the sheet material in the laser spot area on the material surface. In case of sufficient laser radiation power, a recess is formed on the sheet material surface, and the metallic film is deposited on the bottom of the recess. An apparatus for carrying out the method for producing a metallized image comprises means for impregnating the sheet material with the metal salts-containing solution and means provided with a laser pulse generator for fixing the metal to said sheet material, a unit for controlling the pulse intensity and a unit for focusing pulses to the specified points of the sheet material.
US07767270B1	Selective functionalization of carbon nanotubes based upon distance traveled Method and system for functionalizing a collection of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). A selected precursor gas (e.g., H2 or NH3 or NF3 or F2 or CF4 or CnHm) is irradiated to provide a cold plasma of selected target particles, such as atomic H or F, in a first chamber. The target particles are directed toward an array of CNTs located in a second chamber while suppressing transport of ultraviolet radiation to the second chamber. A CNT array is functionalized with the target particles, at or below room temperature, to a point of saturation, in an exposure time interval no longer than about 30 sec. The predominant species that are deposited on the CNT array vary with the distance d measured along a path from the precursor gas to the CNT array; two or three different predominant species can be deposited on a CNT array for distances d=d1 and d=d2>d1 and d=d3>d2.
US07767268B2	Spray-coated member having an excellent resistance to plasma erosion and method of producing the same A spray coated member having an excellent resistance to plasma erosion is produced by irradiating an electron beam to an outermost surface layer portion of a ceramic spray coated portion covering a surface of a substrate to form an electron beam irradiated layer.
US07767267B2	Method of producing a coated valve retainer During engine operation, valve retainers and valve springs are constantly rubbing and impacting each other resulting in heat and wear. The purpose of this invention is to provide a surface coating onto the valve retainer to reduce the friction with the valve spring and thus improve durability. Specifically, this invention teaches a method to thermally apply coatings to the surface of the valve retainer. Although typically fabricated from steel, the usage of lighter weight titanium valve retainers is increasing for high performance, or racing engines. The reduced mass allows valves to move more readily and requires less spring pressure to operate, producing more power and a faster revving engine, however titanium is typically not as wear resistant as the steel it replaces. In one embodiment, a porous molybdenum or other oleophilic metal is applied to the surface of the valve retainer. In another embodiment, hard coatings of cermets, carbides, and super alloys are applied as coatings to valve retainers.
US07767266B2	Jetting device and method at a jetting device A method and a system for jetting droplets of viscous medium, such as solder paste, onto a substrate, such as an electronic circuit board. The volume of the droplets are adjusted by regulating the amount of viscous medium that is fed into a jetting nozzle for subsequent jetting of the viscous medium droplets therefrom. The exit velocity of the jetted droplets is adjusted or maintained substantially constant by regulating the velocity with which the viscous medium is impacted. Furthermore, the rate at which viscous medium is fed, for instance by a feed screw, into the nozzle is adjusted in order to regulate the feeding time required for feeding the viscous medium into the jetting nozzle, for instance in order to maintain a constant feeding time.
US07767262B2	Nitrogen profile engineering in nitrided high dielectric constant films A method of forming a nitrided high-k film by disposing a substrate in a process chamber and forming the nitrided high-k film on the substrate by a) depositing a nitrogen-containing film, and b) depositing an oxygen-containing film, wherein steps a) and b) are performed in any order, any number of times, so as to oxidize at least a portion of the thickness of the nitrogen-containing film. The oxygen-containing film and the nitrogen-containing film contain the same one or more metal elements selected from alkaline earth elements, rare earth elements, and Group IVB elements of the Periodic Table, and optionally aluminum, silicon, or aluminum and silicon. According to one embodiment, the method includes forming a nitrided hafnium based high-k film. The nitrided high-k film can be formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) or plasma-enhanced ALD (PEALD).
US07767255B2	Information storage medium with laterally magnetised dot array, and process for producing said medium An information storage medium with an array of laterally magnetised dots, as well as a process for producing this medium is disclosed.Each dot (2) contains at least one magnetic domain formed by a thin layer (4) of at least a magnetic material laterally covering this flat material and deposited at oblique incidence relative to the normal (z) to the plane (6) of the array. The invention applies in particular to computer hard drives.
US07767254B2	Paste for solar cell electrode and solar cell In a paste for a solar cell light-receiving surface electrode including silver particles, glass frit, resin binder, and thinner, silver particles with a specific surface of 0.20-0.60 m2/g are used as the silver particles. The silver particles are preferably included at 80 mass % or more to the total amount of silver particles being included in the paste.
US07767253B2	Method of making a photovoltaic device with antireflective coating A method of making an anti-reflection coating using a sol-gel process, for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. The method may include the following steps in certain example embodiments: forming a polymeric component of silica by mixing silane(s) with one or more of a first solvent, a catalyst, and water; forming a silica sol gel by mixing the polymeric component with a colloidal silica, and optionally a second solvent; forming a metal oxide sol by mixing silane(s) with a metal oxide, a second catalyst, and a third solvent; forming a combined sol by mixing the metal oxide sol with the silica sol; casting the mixture by spin coating or the like to form a silica and metal oxide containing layer on a substrate; and curing and/or heat treating the layer. This layer may make up all or only part of an anti-reflection coating which may be used in a photovoltaic device or the like.
US07767251B2	Repellent elastomeric article The invention described herein includes a repellent elastomeric article particularly useful in industrial and medical fields, such as gloves. The article contains an elastomeric base and a fluid-repellent coating composition that effectively repels both hydrophilic and lipophilic liquids from its surface. The coating comprises a low surface energy ingredient, such as a fluoroalkyl acrylic polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the low surface energy ingredient is in combination with a hydrophobic ingredient, such as a wax-based dispersion. Articles prepared in accordance with the invention reduce the risk of contamination associated with blood and other body fluids, as well as reduce fluid-based visual obstruction and enhance the clarity of medical procedures. The invention also provides a fluid-repellent coating composition for elastomeric articles, a process for preparing a fluid-repellent elastomeric article, and a method of reducing the ability of fluids to adhere to the surface of an elastomeric article.
US07767249B2	Preparation of nanoparticles Nanoparticles of a deposited bioactive agent can be obtained by selecting a solvent composition, selecting a deposition substrate, preparing a solution of the bioactive agent in the solvent composition, and applying the solution to a substrate as a plurality of droplets, such that evaporation of the applied solution produces nanoparticles of the bioactive agent.
US07767246B2	Method for preparing a coffee extract The invention relates to a method for preparing a coffee concentrate, wherein the coffee is subjected to two extractions, while the second extraction is carried out at a higher temperature than the first extraction. The method is suitable for preparing liquid as well as solid concentrates. The method produces a new concentrate that forms a further aspect of the present invention.
US07767245B2	Meal replacement beverage Meal replacement compositions are described herein. The meal replacement compositions are made using all natural ingredients and includes relatively high amounts of fiber and protein and relatively low amounts of fat. In some instances, a single serving of a meal replacement composition includes high amounts of cocoa, an ingredient containing plant polyphenols.
US07767241B2	Dry fractionation method for fat It is intended to provide a dry fractionation method for fat whereby the performance for fractionating a fat into a high-melting fraction, a medium-melting fraction and a low-melting fraction can be improved to thereby preventing, in particular, the medium-melting fraction from worsening of the melting properties in the mouth and a decrease in the melting point with the passage of time and, in its turn, improving the melting properties in the mouth of a chocolate product which is produced by using the thus obtained hard butter for chocolates, etc. A method of fractionating a fat wherein a fraction (in particular, a medium-melting fraction) obtained by dry fractionation is efficiently separated from a high-melting fraction and a low-melting fraction mixed therewith. More specifically, a dry fractionation method which comprises heating a crystal fraction containing a large amount of 1,3-disaturated-2-unsaturated triglycerides to thereby melt the 1,3-disaturated-2-unsturated triglyceride components followed by solid/liquid separation of tri-saturated triglycerides as a crystal fraction, thereby achieving a favorable performance of fractionating 1,3-disaturated-2-unsaturated triglycerides and saturated triglycerides.
US07767238B2	Beverage composition and method of preventing degradation of vitamins in beverages A vitamin fortified composition comprising vitamin stabilizers which are C6-C3 phenylpropenoic carbonyl compounds to prevent the degradation of the vitamins is provided. In addition, a method of preventing the degradation of vitamins in a vitamin fortified composition is provided.
US07767237B2	Continuous formation of center-filled gum The present invention provides a method for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material, including applying an anti-sticking agent to the rope of liquid-filled gum material before it is individually cut into pieces. The invention further provides for a liquid-filled chewing gum including a liquid-fill composition, and a gum region surrounding the liquid-fill composition, where the gum region includes an anti-sticking agent that reduces the tendency of the gum region to stick to the molds and operating machinery during gum manufacturing.
US07767233B2	Natural hair care composition, methods for obtaining the same and use thereof Disclosed is a natural hair care composition comprising extract of flowers of plant Butea frondosa and/or stem bark of plant Butea parviflora, and/or the exudates of stem and root of plant Butea superba, and a cosmetically acceptable carrier. Also disclosed are methods for obtaining the plant extract and use thereof in regulation of hair growth and prevention of hair loss in all kinds of hair disorders.
US07767232B2	Control of nitric oxide bioactivity by perfluorocarbons Perfluorocarbons are used to control nitric oxide metabolism, either to inhibit nitric oxide activity or to potentiate the effects of nitric oxide. Perfluorocarbons can be used, for example, to treat hypotension and vasoplegia in septic shock, to protect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, to treat hypertension, and to provide antiplatelet effects.
US07767229B1	Use of poly diallyamine polymers A poly(diallylamine)polymer pharmaceutical composition or pharmaceutical derivate used to sequester bile acid and/or to reduce serum cholesterol levels. The polymer is derived from a monomer of formula Ia, where R6 is a bridging group of valency r, and r is an integer of 3 or greater to provide a cross linked polymer, and all diallyl nitrogen atoms are linked to at least two further diallyl nitrogen atoms.
US07767226B2	Calcium sulfate based nanoparticles The present invention provides a method for facilitating repair of an area of bone by providing hemihydrate calcium sulfate particles, mixing the particles with an aqueous solution to obtain a paste, applying the paste to an area of bone in need of repair, and allowing the paste to set.
US07767225B2	Capsule formulation of pirfenidone and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients A capsule formulation of pirfenidone is provided that includes pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. In one embodiment, this capsule formulation is capable of sustaining desirable pharmacokinetic responses in a patient. Further provided are methods of treating fibrotic conditions and other cytokine-mediated disorders by administering pirfenidone capsules of such formulation to a patient in need.
US07767224B2	Method for the continuous production and coating of self-adhesive compounds on the basis of SBC that includes at least one pharmaceutically active substance A process for the solvent-free and mastication-free production of a self-adhesive composition which is based on SBC and comprises a pharmaceutically active substance, in a continuously operating apparatus which comprises a feeding section and a compounding section. The SBC is added to the feeding section and the pharmaceutically active substance is added to the feed section and/or the compounding section, and the composition is homogenized in the compounding section.
US07767220B2	Implantable or insertable medical articles having covalently modified, biocompatible surfaces Implantable or insertable medical devices comprising a surface region that is modified by covalently coupling a molecular species (or a combination of molecular species) to the same. The molecular species are selected such that the resulting modified surface region has critical surface energy between 20 and 30 dynes/cm. In certain embodiments, the covalently coupled molecular species comprise one or more methyl groups. An advantage of the present invention is that novel medical devices are provided, which have a surface with a critical surface energy value that has been shown to display enhanced biocompatibility, including enhanced thromboresistance, relative to other surfaces.
US07767217B2	Ophthalmic compositions comprising povidone-iodine A topical ophthalmic composition comprised of povidone-iodine 0.01% to 10.0% combined with a steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This solution is useful in the treatment of active infections of at least one tissue of the eye (e.g., conjunctiva and cornea) from bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal, or amoebic causes, as well as treatment to prevent such infections in appropriate clinical settings (e.g. corneal abrasion, postoperative prophylaxis, post-LASIK/LASEK prophylaxis). Additionally the solution is effective in the prevention of infection and inflammation in the post-operative ophthalmic patient.
US07767215B2	Topical compositions for anti-aging and methods of using same A pharmaceutical composition for treatment of skin aging including a pharmaceutically effective amount of estriol; a pharmaceutically effective amount of estradiol; a pharmaceutically effective amount of hyaluronic acid; a pharmaceutically effective amount of green tea extract; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is provided. In some embodiments, the composition further includes ascorbic acid, date palm extract, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed is a method for treating symptoms of skin aging and photoaging by administering a pharmaceutical composition having estriol, estradiol, hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and optionally, ascorbic acid and date palm extract. A method of promoting urogenital function is likewise provided wherein a pharmaceutical composition having estriol, estradiol, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract is applied intravaginally.
US07767213B2	Synthetic nanopores for DNA sequencing A compound and methods of making thereof having the structure shown below is disclosed. Each Ar is an aromatic group. Each M is palladium, platinum, or rhenium. At least one X in the compound has an aliphatic having at least 1 carbon atom. Each x, each y, and each z is an integer greater than or equal to zero. Each m is an integer greater than or equal to one. n is an integer greater than or equal to three.
US07767212B2	CAT allergen conjugates and uses thereof The present invention is in the fields of medicine, public health, immunology, molecular biology and virology. The invention provides compositions comprising a virus-like particle (VLP) or a virus particle and at least one antigen, particularly at least one feline antigen, and more particularly at least one feline antigen that is a human allergen. In certain embodiments, the antigen is a Fel d1 antigen or a fragment thereof, covalently linked to the VLP. The invention also provides methods for producing the compositions. The compositions of the invention induce efficient immune responses, in particular antibody responses, in mammals, particularly humans. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful in the production of vaccines, in particular for the treatment and/or prevention of allergies to cat dander and other cat antigens and allergens.
US07767211B2	S.aureus polypeptides The invention relates to antigenic polypeptides expressed by pathogenic microbes, vaccines comprising said polypeptides; therapeutic antibodies directed to said polypeptides and methods to manufacture said polypeptides, vaccines and antibodies.
US07767210B2	RNA virus vaccines and methods The invention is a vaccine, and method of vaccination, against RNA viruses, including RNA viruses in the family Flaviviridae, which includes for example West Nile Virus, Yellow fever virus, Dengue fever virus, Hepatitis C virus, Pestiviruses, Bovine viral diarrhea virus, and Classical Swine fever virus, wherein the vaccine comprises the RNA virus or immunogenic portions thereof, which have been treated with and rendered non-pathogenic by a phenothiazine dye and visible light. The invention includes novel strains of WNV for use in producing a vaccine.
US07767206B2	Neutralizing determinants of IL-17 Receptor A and antibodies that bind thereto The present invention relates to the identification of neutralizing determinants on IL-17 Receptor A (IL-17RA or IL-17R) and the antigen binding proteins, such as antibodies, that bind thereto and inhibit IL-17 ligand family members from binding to and activating IL-17 Receptor A or a receptor complex comprising IL-17 Receptor A.
US07767205B2	Anti-EphB2 antibodies and methods using same The invention provides anti-EphB2 antibodies, immunoconjugates, and compositions comprising and methods of using these antibodies and immunoconjugates.
US07767197B2	Delivery vehicle composition and methods for delivering antigens and other drugs The present invention provides an immunogen composition and methods for using the same for the development of immunity, and particularly at mucosal sites in a mammal, thereby providing immunity at the site of entry for many major pathogenic organisms and also systemic immunity. The immunogen composition includes an antigen, a biocompatible polymer, and a liquid vehicle, with the biocompatible polymer and liquid vehicle being present in such proportions and interacting in such a way that the immunogen composition exhibits reverse-thermal viscosity behaviour. A delivery vehicle composition including a drug other than an antigen is also provided. Methods are provided for delivering the compositions of the invention to a host.
US07767196B2	Optimized relaxivity and specificity hepatobiliary MRI contrast agent An adamantane functionalized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent has been synthesized, and shows high liver specificity, prolonged retention time in both the liver and kidneys, the highest relaxivity among clinical contrast agents, high water solubility, thermodynamic stability, signal intensity enhancement, hepatocellular uptake, and low osmolality and toxicity.
US07767195B2	Method for inducing a psychotic state in an animal and a high throughput assay method for identifying a candidate agent having anti-psychotic properties A high throughput neurophysiological assay for identifying anti-psychotic compounds is disclosed. In particular, a high throughput neurophysiological assay using information obtained from injecting a neural activity blocker, such as tetrodotoxin (TTX), into one hippocampus persistently coactivated pyramidal cells in the uninjected hippocampus that initially discharged independently. In accord with the definition of cognitive disorganization, pyramidal cell firing rates only changed for 15 min and did not accompany the coactivation. The disclosed assay uses the TTX-induced coactivity of hippocampal pyramidal cell discharge to identify compounds that may prevent or attenuate the changes in the hippocampal pyramidal cell discharge observed when a neural activity blocker is administered. The assays of the invention are useful for high throughput screening of targets in the discovery of drugs that have anti-psychotic properties. Also disclosed is a method of inducing and measuring neural activity normally associated with a psychotic state.
US07767193B2	3-substituted-2(arylalkyl)-1-azabicycloalkanes and methods of use thereof The present invention relates to 3-substituted-2-(arylalkyl)-1-azabicycloalkanes, methods of preparing the compounds and methods of treatment using the compounds. The azabicycloalkanes generally are azabicycloheptanes, azabicyclooctanes, or azabicyclononanes. The aryl group in the arylalkyl moiety is a 5- or 6-membered ring heteroaromatic, preferably 3-pyridinyl and 5-pyrimidinyl moieties, and the alkyl group is typically a C1-4 alkyl. The substituent at the 3-position of the 1-azabicycloalkane is a carbonyl group-containing moiety, such as an amide, carbamate, urea, thioamide, thiocarbamate, thiourea or similar functionality. The compounds exhibit activity at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), particularly the α7 nAChR subtype, and are useful towards modulating neurotransmission and the release of ligands involved in neurotransmission. Methods for preventing or treating conditions and disorders, including central nervous system (CNS) disorders, which are characterized by an alteration in normal neurotransmission, are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for treating inflammation, autoimmune disorders, pain and excess neovascularization, such as that associated with tumor growth.
US07767192B1	Nanometer-sized molecular sieve crystals or agglomerates and processes for their production A molecular sieve comprising crystals or agglomerates of average diameter 100 nanometers or less, which molecular sieve has a crystal or agglomerate size distribution such that the variance in the longest dimension is less than 15% of the average longest dimension, and which is capable of forming a collodial suspension, may be prepared by producing a boiling aqueous synthesis mixture of a silica source and an organic structure directing agent in the form a hydroxide in an amount sufficient to cause substantially complete dissolution of the silica source, and crystallizing the solution at 120° C. or less. The crystal size may be controlled by selection of an appropriate crystallization temperature.
US07767191B2	Combustion looping using composite oxygen carriers A method for producing hydrogen gas is provided and comprises reducing a metal oxide in a reduction reaction between a carbon-based fuel and a metal oxide to provide a reduced metal or metal oxide having a lower oxidation state, and oxidizing the reduced metal or metal oxide to produce hydrogen and a metal oxide having a higher oxidation state. The metal or metal oxide is provided in the form of a porous composite of a ceramic material containing the metal or metal oxide. The porous composite may comprise either a monolith, pellets, or particles.
US07767190B2	Inhibiting the formation of TCA in a Bayer causticisation process An improved process for the causticisation of Bayer liquors in an alumina refinery, the process including the steps of reacting lime with aluminate ions in a Bayer liquor within a primary reactor under controlled conditions of low to moderate temperature (between 70-80° C.) and agitation, to form substantially only a hydrocalumite species and hydroxyl ions; and a secondary reactor wherein the hydrocalumite species formed is subjected to heating in contact with a Bayer liquor under controlled conditions so as to cause the hydrocalumite species to react with the liquor to form calcium carbonate, aluminate ions and hydroxyl ions, whereby a causticised Bayer liquor is obtained and wherein the efficiency of lime utilization is substantially increased and/or alumina losses are minimized.
US07767188B2	Calcium-sodium polysulfide chemical reagent and production methods A calcium-sodium polysulfide chemical reagent and methods for producing the reagent. The reagent is a blend of calcium polysulfide and sodium polysulfide that can be prepared using various types, sources and ratios of lime, elemental sulfur and sulfide ion using either virgin or waste materials. The reagent is amenable to inexpensive and high rate production methods at ambient or warmer temperatures. The reagent can be used to precipitate metals from wastewater, stabilize hexavalent chrome in hazardous waste residues, remove mercury from coal fired power plants, and as an electrolyte in large-scale bromide/polysulfide electrical storage batteries.
US07767183B2	Production of carbon foam from coals Methods for the production of carbon foam from swelling coals that do not require the use of high process pressures, oxidized coal, devolatized coal, or high-strength, foam expansion confining molds are described. In some embodiments, a comminuted swelling bituminous coal is heated to a first elevated temperature sufficient to result in the coal particles softening and melting together to form a substantially homogeneous open cell plastic carbon material. The substantially homogeneous open cell plastic carbon material may then be heated to a second elevated temperature at a slow rate to form carbon foam. In some embodiments, the resulting carbon foam may be heated to a higher third elevated temperature. The resulting carbon foam may be subsequently heated to elevated temperatures as great as 3200° C. or more.
US07767182B2	Method for producing functional nanocarbon and hydrogen by direct decomposition of lower hydrocarbon In a reaction where a lower hydrocarbon is subjected to direct decomposition by using a catalyst to produce a functional nanocarbon and hydrogen, the lower hydrocarbon is subjected to the reaction in an coexistent gas comprising low concentration of oxidizing gas, reducing gas or a mixture thereof. The precursor of functional nanocarbon produced on the catalyst and amorphous carbon secondarily produced on the catalyst react with the coexistent gas so that being removed from the catalyst, making it possible to prevent the drop of conversion with time on stream due to the inhibition of the reaction by the precursor and by-product. In the case where the raw material of lower hydrocarbon is biogas, the coexistent gas can be easily contained in methane by lowering purification degree of methane.
US07767180B2	Precipitated silicas having special surface properties Precipitated silicas having an SiOHisolated absorbance ratio of greater than or equal to 1, may be used as reinforcers and thickeners for sealants.
US07767178B2	Regenerating molecular sieve absorbents used for alcohol dehydration A process for regenerating a molecular sieve absorbent bed used for dehydrating an organic solvent is disclosed. The process is illustrated by regenerating a molecular sieve bed used for dehydrating ethanol, which includes a dehydrating cycle where an ethanol/water vapor mixture is loaded onto the molecular sieve bed at a first temperature to absorb water and recover a substantially dehydrated ethanol vapor effluent. In a regeneration cycle, the bed is subjected to a temperature swing technique whereby a dried gas, such as dried CO2, heated to at a second temperature greater than the first temperature, is passed over the molecular sieve bed, optimally in a counter current directional flow with respect to the dehydrating cycle. The process obviates the need for applying a vacuum pressure swing to regenerate the molecular sieve bed. Water and residual ethanol are removed with the CO2 effluent and can optionally be condensed and combined with a feed input for a subsequent dehydrating cycle.
US07767174B2	Method and systems for removing mercury from combustion exhaust gas A method for facilitating reducing mercury in a fluid stream using a catalytic bed assembly including at least a first catalytic bed. The method includes receiving a flow of fluid including mercury at the catalytic bed assembly; injecting a flow of a compound including ammonia and a first mercury oxidizer upstream of the first catalytic bed; and oxidizing the mercury using the mercury oxidizer and the catalytic bed assembly.
US07767168B2	Sanitization system and system components A multi-use sanitization system is disclosed which includes one or more containers in fluid communication with other system components. Components of the system include an ozone contacting device, such as a vortex-venturi or a sparger, for incorporating ozone into a liquid, an ozone generator to provide ozone to the vortex-venturi, a fluid transfer valve to allow simultaneous flow of liquid into and out of the container, and a pump to promote fluid flow through the system. Optionally, a gas-liquid separator with an optional integral gas release valve, an ozone destructor, an oxidation-reduction potential ozone sensor, or a pour-through type pre-filter may be incorporated into the system.
US07767163B2	Exhaust treatment devices An exhaust emission control system can include a reformer a fuel source disposed upstream of and in fluid communication with the reformer, and a NOx adsorber disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with the reformer. The NOx adsorber can include a NOx adsorber catalyst having an acid adsorber disposed on the substrate and a base adsorber disposed over the acid adsorber.
US07767162B2	Concentric hopper and burn chamber for sulphorous acid generator This invention presents a sulphurous acid generator which employs a concentric hopper and burn chamber in which the burn chamber is surrounded or substantially surrounded by the hopper. The present invention also employs means for substantially eliminating any discharge plume.
US07767160B2	Apparatus for continuously producing polyisocyanate An apparatus for continuously producing polyisocyanate is provided for quickly contacting polyamine and carbonyl chloride in order to suppress an undesirable reaction between polyamine and polyisocyanate so that a by-product can be reduced and the yield of polyisocyanate can be improved. In a circulatory line 7, a material-mixing portion 8, a high-shear pump 3, a reactor 4, a liquid-feeding pump 5 and a cooler 6 are interposed in series along the direction of the flow of a reaction solution, thereby forming a closed line. In this apparatus 1, after polyamine and carbonyl chloride are supplied in the material-mixing portion 8, the reaction solution is sheared by the high-shear pump 3 in a state where the contact of the polyamine with the reaction solution is minimized. Thus, the formation of a urea compound as a by-product can be suppressed and the yield of polyisocyanate can be improved.
US07767159B2	Continuous flow sonic reactor and method A centrifugal pump adapted to excite a high-intensity sound wave in a fluid feedstock is disclosed. The impeller and stator of the pump are provided with multiple apertures sized and spaced to produce a sound wave of an intensity greater than one megawatt per square meter in the fluid. The sound wave forms cavitation bubbles in the fluid, and the static pressure in the pump combines with the compression cycle of the sound wave to collapse the bubbles at a rate sufficient to cause exothermic reactions in the fluid. The sonic reactor can be configured for use to produce thermal energy, oil refining, catalyst production, water desalination and other uses.
US07767157B2	Pressurized solution feed system for introducing hypochlorous acid to a fluid stream A system and method are disclosed for increasing the concentration of hypochlorous acid in a quantity of water. Acid is injected into chlorinated water to decrease the pH of the chlorinated water. By decreasing the pH, the hypochlorite/hypochlorous acid equilibrium of the chlorinated water is shifted to increase the concentration of hypochlorous acid on the treated water.
US07767156B2	Temperature control system A system for the control of the contents of a reactor which employs a control element of variable area containing flowing heat transfer fluid. The area available for the for the control of the contents of the reactor is controlled is changed by opening and closing a bank of conduits in a cascade and the conduits are opened and closed according to a temperature measurement device in the medium whose temperature is to be controlled.
US07767154B2	Microplate kit A reusable microplate kit for use in the life sciences industry includes a microplate and a removable lid. The microplate includes a sample area with a plurality of individual wells and a hollow outer frame formed around the sample area, the frame being shaped to include a plurality of openings in its top surface. The lid includes a plate, a plurality of latches formed on the underside of the plate and a compressible gasket affixed to the underside of the plate. In use, the lid is mounted on the microplate by inserting each latch through a corresponding opening until the latch snaps into engagement with the frame. In this manner, the plate and gasket together serve to seal off each well from the outside environment. The microplate kit additionally includes a tool for disengaging the lid from the microplate and thereby assist in their separation.
US07767151B2	High throughput mechanical alloying and screening The invention provides an apparatus and methods for conducting ball milling operations in a high throughput manner. Also provided are devices and methods for high throughput screening of alloys and other materials to identify those that have desired gas storage properties.
US07767146B2	Sample changer with balance Sample changer with a balance, with at least two sample carriers which can be delivered to the balance and which are located in a sample rack, the sample carrier being made and arranged in the sample rack relative to the balance such that the sample carrier can be conveyed onto a weighing surface of the balance by rotation and/or shifting of the sample rack and/or the balance. Preferably, the balance is integrated in the sample changer.
US07767145B2	High pressure fourier transform infrared cell A monitoring system enables in-situ monitoring of a solution enclosed within a high-pressure, closed loop environment. The monitoring system includes a calcium fluoride disk that is substantially transparent to infrared light. A hole is configured through the disk and a solution passes through the hole. Solution passing through the hole is analyzed by directing infrared light through the disk and the solution currently moving through the hole in the disk. The light exiting the disk is collected and analyzed to determine the composition of the solution through which the light passed.
US07767134B2	Templated carbon monolithic tubes with shaped micro-channels and method for making the same Disclosed is a method for forming an article with template shaped channels by (a) mixing a precursor with a fibrous template, (b) forming the mixture into a pre-determined shape, (c) curing the mixture to form a precursor composite, (d) carbonizing the precursor composite, and (e) decomposing the fibrous template to yield a shaped carbon article with template shaped channels.
US07767132B2	Three-dimensional structured printing A process for forming a three-dimensional article in sequential layers in accordance with a digital model of the article. The process comprises the steps of defining a layer of powder material, applying a liquid reagent to the powder layer in a pattern corresponding to the digital model, and repeating these steps to form successive layers. The powder comprises a first reactive component and the liquid includes a second active component capable of reacting with the first reactive component so that the article is built up in layers.
US07767130B2	Method and device for production of a three-dimensional article The invention relates to a method and device for production of a three-dimensional article from a material, by means of layered application. According to the invention, a dropwise application is carried out, whereby drops of reaction components are ejected by a nozzle arrangement (3) and applied to a base reaction component (2), arranged on a substrate (1). The material for the three-dimensional article is formed in layers, with reaction of the base reaction component (2) with reaction components on contact, whereby the material is formed on a reaction of the base reaction component with one of the reaction components to give a material with one material property and on another reaction of the base reaction component with another of the reaction components to give a material with another material property. On production of the three-dimensional article, an article section is produced in which a gradual transition between the one material property and the other material property is generated.
US07767129B2	Imprint templates for imprint lithography, and methods of patterning a plurality of substrates The invention comprises methods of patterning a plurality of substrates, and imprint templates used in imprint lithography. In one implementation, a method of patterning a plurality of substrates includes providing an imprint template having a plurality of spaced features. A first substrate is imprinted with the imprint template effective to form a plurality of recesses into the first substrate from the spaced features. After imprinting the first substrate, an elevationally outermost portion of the spaced features is removed effective to reduce elevation of the spaced features. After the removing, a second substrate is imprinted with the imprint template using the elevation-reduced spaced features effective to form a plurality of recesses into the second substrate from the elevation-reduced spaced features. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US07767127B2	Method for manufacturing perforated and/or two-color components, particularly for shoes in general A method for manufacturing two-color components, for shoes in general, including the steps of positioning a sheet element, made of rubber, in a mold that forms a plurality of cavities delimited by edges the free end whereof lies on the parting plane of the mold. A sheet of plastic material which has a release function is then superimposed on the sheet element, and a layer is positioned on the sheet in order to give mechanical strength thereto. The mold is then closed with a cover, applying pressure together with heating in order to fill the cavities with the rubber and simultaneously move the rubber away from the edges. After removing the layer and the sheet together with any flash of rubber present on the edges, a second sheet element is superimposed, and pressure and heating are applied in order to produce bonding with the perforated sheet element; after this, the resulting article, which has a two-color appearance, is subjected to vulcanization.
US07767123B2	Producing two distinct flake products using a single substrate A novel method is disclosed wherein a reflective coated organic substrate is releasably coated with a thin film coating having one or more layers for forming flakes once removed from the reflective substrate. The reflective substrate is conveniently used to make glitter after the flake material is removed.
US07767121B2	Solid composition having enhanced physical and electrical properties A method of making a treating wash includes mixing brass granules with acetone, mixing carbon nanotube material, iron pyrite granules and copper granules in the acetone brass mixture, and straining the liquid from the remaining solid material. Methods of treating materials such as brass granules, iron pyrite granules, carbon nanotube material, and brass granules comprises washing the materials in the treating wash, followed by straining and drying the materials.
US07767120B2	Aliphatic polyester multi-filament crimp yarn for a carpet, and production method thereof The present invention relates to multifilament crimped yarn comprising an aliphatic polyester and methods for producing thereof, and to carpets that are manufactured by using the crimped yarn. The present invention provides an aliphatic polyester multifilament crimped yarn for the carpets comprising an aliphatic polyester having a melting point of equal to or higher than 130° C., said multifilament crimped yarn having crimp elongation rate of the multifilament crimped yarn after being processed with boiling water of 3-35% and breaking strength of 1-5 cN/decitex.
US07767118B2	Nanoparticles from supercritical fluid antisolvent process using particle growth and agglomeration retardants The present invention provides a method of forming particles using supercritical fluid (SCF). In accordance with the method, one or more growth retardant compounds having both SCF-philic and SCF-phobic groups are present when one or more solute materials reach a supersaturation point and begin to form particle nuclei. The growth retardant compounds can reduce the particle growth rate, increase the nucleation rate and also prevent particle agglomeration. Preferred growth retardant compounds include sugar acetates and fluorocarbons.
US07767116B2	Conductive ceramic material and production method thereof 12CaO.7Al2O3 polycrystal having high conductivity is provided. The conductivity of the 12CaO.7Al2O3 polycrystal becomes 100 S/cm or more by controlling the nitrogen content in the 12CaO.7Al2O3 polycrystal within a range of 0.3 to 1.1 wt %, and that the conductivity becomes 150 S/cm or more by controlling the nitrogen content within a range of 0.5 to 0.9 wt %.
US07767110B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal composition is provided that has a wide temperature range of a nematic phase, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy and a large specific resistance, and preferably a liquid crystal composition is provided that has a larger optical anisotropy and a lower minimum temperature of a nematic phase while satisfying the aforementioned characteristics. A liquid crystal display device containing the liquid crystal composition is also provided. The liquid crystal composition contains a liquid crystal compound having terphenyl, in which one or two hydrogens are replaced by fluorines, as the first component, and a liquid crystal compound having phenylene, in which two hydrogens are replaced by fluorine, as the second component, and the liquid crystal display device contains the liquid crystal composition.
US07767106B2	Method of dry etching oxide semiconductor film Provided is a dry etching method for an oxide semiconductor film containing at least In, Ga, and Zn, which includes etching an oxide semiconductor film in a gas atmosphere containing a halogen-based gas.
US07767103B2	Micro-fluid ejection assemblies A micro-fluid ejection assembly and method therefor. The micro-fluid ejection assembly includes a silicon substrate having a fluid supply slot therein. The fluid supply slot is formed by an etch process conducted on a substrate using, a first etch mask circumscribing the fluid supply slot, and a second etch mask applied over a functional layer on the substrate.
US07767102B2	Systems and methods for harvesting and integrating nanowires The present invention is directed to methods to harvest, integrate and exploit nanomaterials, and particularly elongated nanowire materials. The invention provides methods for harvesting nanowires that include selectively etching a sacrificial layer placed on a nanowire growth substrate to remove nanowires. The invention also provides methods for integrating nanowires into electronic devices that include placing an outer surface of a cylinder in contact with a fluid suspension of nanowires and rolling the nanowire coated cylinder to deposit nanowires onto a surface. Methods are also provided to deposit nanowires using an ink-jet printer or an aperture to align nanowires. Additional aspects of the invention provide methods for preventing gate shorts in nanowire based transistors. Additional methods for harvesting and integrating nanowires are provided.
US07767100B2	Patterning method and field effect transistors A patterning method with a filling material with a T-shaped cross section is used as a mask during patterning to produce structures having sublithographic dimensions, such as a double-fin field effect transistor.
US07767097B1	Ozonated capacitive deionization process & product water Water from coal bed methane production which is suitable for almost nothing, is ozonated in a reactor to oxidize the iron content from +2 to +3, that is from ferrous to ferric, and to oxidize the manganese content from +2 to +4. The water after such first treatment is run through a separation means and then through a rotating filter, and then subjected to capacitive deionization, to yield clean water, which is then treated further to adjust he sodium content to render the water suitable for domestic and agricultural purposes. Some of the produced water is run back through the capacitive deionization cells when no voltage is applied to clean the cells for the next voltage application cycle. Some of the water produced may also be run back through the separation means to help clean out the crud.
US07767096B2	System to meter chemicals into water in a swimming pool A method to meter a granular chemical into water in a swimming pool provides a dispensation unit constructed to dispense a granular chemical at a selected rate per unit of time. The dispensation unit includes a device to open a container of the granular chemical. The dispensation unit functions to separate granular material for dispensation through apertures in the unit. The dispensation unit is charged with a granular chemical while the unit is upright. The unit is inverted in order to evenly distribute granular chemical on the surface of water in a swimming pool.
US07767095B2	Pathogen reduction using chloramines A method and apparatus for implementing pathogen reduction within a poultry processing or food processing plant that uses water that has been treated with chloramines at an advantageous dosage before being introduced to the production process at processing steps. The water treated with chloramines may be from a fresh water source or reclaimed water from the processing plant. The reintroduction of the treated reclaimed water advantageously causes a dramatic reduction in the levels of microorganisms associated with poultry processing, while substantially conserving water use.
US07767094B2	Method and apparatus for collecting and/or separating solids from liquids Apparatus (10) for collecting solids selling on the bottom of a liquid reservoir and/or floating solids, the apparatus (10) having a hollow suction head (23) and at least one outlet duct (26) extending from the suction head (23). Air can be supplied to the suction head (23) to create a suction pressure in the suction head (23) to cause settling solids beneath the suction head (23) to pass along the outlet duct or ducts (26). The suction head (23) may be connected to a collector (11) which is provided with a float (21) to support the collector (11) at the surface of the liquid, and the outlet duct or ducts (26) are connected to the collector (11) which collects the solids. The collector (11) may also have an inlet to collect floating solids.
US07767092B2	Decolorization method of colored effluent A method of decolorizing a colored effluent comprising (i) a colored substance; and (ii) a polyvalent carboxylic acid or a polyvalent aminocarboxylic acid, the method including the steps of: (a) controlling a hydrogen ion exponent (pH) of the colored effluent to be in a range in which two or more carboxylic acid groups in the polyvalent carboxylic acid or the polyvalent aminocarboxylic acid does not dissociate; (b) adding an inorganic metal salt to the colored effluent so as to allow the inorganic metal salt to react with the colored substance to form a precipitation in the colored effluent, and (c) eliminating the precipitation from the colored effluent.
US07767090B2	System for automated compression of chromatography columns The present invention provides an automated system and method for maintaining compaction, and therefore increased efficiency, of a media bed within a chromatography column. In the preferred embodiment, an adjustment assembly is slidingly engaged inside one end of the column such that it can be moved along the column's major axis. When idle, the force exerted on this end is equal to the compression on the media. When the column is actively processing chromatographic fluid, this exerted force can be expressed as the sum of the compression on the media, and the force of the fluid being processed. This total force and the fluid pressure are monitored using a load cell and a pressure sensor respectively. The compression force operating on the media bed is then computed based on these measurements and compared to the optimal value. The position of the adjustment assembly within the column is then modified in response to changes in the measured compression force.
US07767086B2	Filter element A filter element includes a filter medium (10) extending between two end caps (12, 14) that are respectively connected to an associable end region (16, 18) of the filter medium (10). The filter medium is supported at least on one side on a supporting tube (20). At least one of the end caps (14) and/or at least one end region (16, 18) of the filter medium (10) has a contacting device (22) and/or the respective end cap (14) itself or its parts are embodied in such a way as to derive the electrostatic charges, especially occurring during the operation of the filter element to ensure that the charge generated on the filter medium (Meshpack) by tribo-electrical effects can escape towards a mass point or a mass site via the contacting device (22) or the respective end cap (14).
US07767084B2	Oil strainer An oil strainer in which pressure loss by a turbulent flow in a case (10) is reduced as much as possible. The oil strainer has the case (10) having an inflow opening (112) and an outflow opening (122) that are at positions separated from each other, and also has a filter member (20) provided so as to partition the inner space of the case (10) into a space (SI) on the inflow opening (112) side and a space (SO) on the outflow opening (122) side. A guiding surface (13) is provided in the case (10), and the guiding surface (13) has dam-like ribs (113, 123), extends via a position behind the outflow opening (122) when viewed from the inflow opening (112) side, and converges the flow of oil toward the outflow opening (122).
US07767081B2	Magnetic fuel conditioner A magnetic fuel conditioner according to the present invention includes an inner pipe, an outer pipe surrounding the inner pipe with sufficient clearance that fuel can pass between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, a plurality of magnets placed inside the inner pipe with like magnetic poles facing each other, and a plurality of mild steel disks placed between each pair of magnets. In a preferred form, the inner pipe and the outer pipe are made of stainless steel. An outer sleeve of mild steel surrounds the outer pipe. In a preferred arrangement, each of the plurality of magnets is cylindrically shaped to tightly fit into the inner pipe and is in the range of from about 9000 gauss to about 10,000 gauss. Typically, the plurality of magnets comprise neodymium. In such an arrangement, each disk of mild steel is approximately one quarter inch thick and approximately the same diameter as the magnets in the plurality of magnets. There are two stainless steel cylinders of approximately the same diameter as the cylindrically shaped magnets. One of the stainless steel cylinders is placed in each end of the inner pipe and secured to retain the plurality of magnets within the inner pipe. A magnetic fuel conditioner according to the present invention is especially well suited when the fuel to be conditioned is diesel fuel.
US07767079B2	Amalgam separator An amalgam separator for purifying a waste stream that contains a mixture of air and waste liquid. The amalgam separator contains filter media that comprises a sulfur-impregnated carrier and an ion exchange resin, wherein the ion exchange resin is present at a concentration of from about 25 to about 75 weight percent. During its operation, the amalgam separator separates the waste stream into air and waste liquid portions, purifies the waste liquid portion, and then combines the purified waste liquid portion with the air.
US07767073B2	Organic salts and their use as reagents in electrochemical reactions Use of an organic compound salt of general formula A-XY (I) wherein A means an organic residue, X means a charged group and Y means a counter-ion, as a reagent in an electrochemical reaction and organic compound salt corresponding to the formula R1R2ZC-T-Q-XY wherein X is a charged group, Y is a counter-ion, Z is a group capable of being substituted, R1 and R2 mean organic residues, T means a group containing a hetero atom selected among N-R4, O and S, and Q means a connecting group linking the hetero atom and the charged group.
US07767072B2	Method of forming yttrium-modified platinum aluminide diffusion coating A method for forming a modified platinum aluminide coating on a turbine engine component surface includes the step of forming a platinum layer on the turbine engine component surface. A bath is then prepared, including a mixture of a primary alcohol and a tertiary alcohol, and an electrolyte including an yttrium salt. Then, yttrium from the yttrium salt is electrodeposited onto the platinum layer. The component is heated to diffuse the yttrium into the platinum layer to form a modified platinum layer. Aluminum is then deposited onto the modified platinum layer, and the component is heated to diffuse the aluminum into the modified platinum layer to form a modified platinum aluminide layer.
US07767070B2	Processes for coating of objects Processes are disclosed for the coating of objects with a coating composition. The processes include positioning the objects on a continuous belt comprising a supporting member positioned to retain the object thereon, conveying the continuous belt with a drive member such that the continuous belt passes through both a coating unit and a drying unit, coating the objects on the continuous belt with the coating composition, and drying the objects on the continuous belt.
US07767069B2	Method for controlling the contact angle of a droplet in electrowetting and an apparatus using the droplet formed thereby A method for controlling the hydrophilic droplet using the electrowetting principle is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for increasing the change of the contact angle in the interface that is formed between the hydrophilic droplet and the nonpolar fluid by adding a constant concentration of two-element electrolyte or three-element electrolyte to the hydrophilic droplet; and an apparatus for controlling the droplet having the change of the contact angle and velocity scope increased by the method.
US07767063B2	Photo-formed metal nanoparticles and aerogel materials comprising the same Transparent monolithic aerogels based on silica, the bioderived polymer chitosan, and coordinated ions are employed to serve as a three-dimensional scaffold decorated with metal ions such as Au, Pt and Pd ions. It has also been found that the metal aerogels, such as Au(III) aerogels, can be imaged photolytically to produce nanoparticles.
US07767062B2	Submerged-type electrosorption-based water purification apparatus and method thereof Provided is a submerged-type, electrosorption-based desalination apparatus for water purification and method, comprising applying a DC voltage of 0.1 to 2.0 volts to a carbon electrode of the reactor to thereby adsorb inorganic ions on the carbon electrode, and reversely applying the same DC voltage having opposite polarity to recycle regeneration solution to the outside of the apparatus or into the treatment tank, thereby enhancing a recovery rate. In addition, in order to improve desalination efficiency, the reactor used in the desalination apparatus may be embodied in various forms of T-shaped, linear type, single, composite, and ion exchange membrane electrodes. Therefore, the present invention may be applied to remove inorganic ions from industrial wastewater, sea water, and brackish water, which contain large amounts of inorganic ions.
US07767061B2	Wet/dry crepe swing paper machinery A swing paper machine configured to manufacture both wet crepe paper web having a moisture content of at least 20% and dry crepe paper web having a moisture content less than about 15%. The paper machine includes a Yankee dryer having a paper web positioned thereon, a creping doctor blade configured to remove the paper web from the Yankee dryer as either the wet crepe paper web or the dry crepe paper web, a first reel, at least one carrier web, and at least one dryer. The wet crepe paper web is carried by the at least one carrier web to the at least one dryer for reducing a moisture content of the wet crepe paper web. The wet crepe paper web bypasses engagement with the first reel. The dry crepe paper web engages the first reel and is wound into a parent roll. The paper machine is changeable between manufacture of wet and dry crepe paper web without altering a position of the first reel and the at least one carrier web relative to the Yankee dryer.
US07767057B2	Deinking blends for use in reduced alkali systems The present invention relates to methods and compositions for deinking waste paper, optionally in non-alkaline or low-alkaline systems. Deinking compositions are provided that include a blend of an alkoxylated fatty alcohol and a fatty acid. The compositions may further include a second alkoxylated fatty alcohol. The deinking compositions also may include a first non-alkoxylated fatty acid and optionally a second alkoxylated fatty acid. Cationic derivatives such as cationic polymers also may be added to the deinking blend.
US07767056B2	High-frequency plasma processing apparatus This application discloses a High-Frequency plasma processing apparatus comprising a process chamber in which a substrate to be processed is placed, a process-gas introduction line for introducing a process gas into the process chamber, a first HF electrode provided in the process chamber, a first HF power source for applying voltage to the first HF electrode, thereby generating plasma of the process gas. The apparatus further comprises a second HF electrode facing the first HF electrode in the process chamber, interposing discharge space, and a series resonator connecting the second HF electrode and the ground. The frequency of the first HF power source is not lower than 30 MHz. The series resonator is resonant as the distributed constant circuit at the frequency of the first HF power source.
US07767055B2	Capacitive coupling plasma processing apparatus A capacitive coupling plasma processing apparatus includes a process chamber configured to have a vacuum atmosphere, and a process gas supply section configured to supply a process gas into the chamber. In the chamber, a first electrode and a second electrode are disposed opposite each other. An RF power supply is disposed to supply an RF power to the first or second electrode to form an RF electric field within a plasma generation region between the first and second electrodes, so as to turn the process gas into plasma. The target substrate is supported by a support member between the first and second electrodes such that a process target surface thereof faces the second electrode. A conductive functional surface is disposed in a surrounding region around the plasma generation region and grounded to be coupled with the plasma in a sense of DC to expand the plasma.
US07767049B2	Multi-layered container having interrupted corrugated insulating liner The present invention relates to insulated containers useful for serving, for example, hot beverages. Specifically, the present invention relates to multilayer containers comprising a corrugated sheet as an inner insulating liner wherein the liner comprises interruptions.
US07767047B2	Method for producing multilayer laminated film A method for producing a multilayer laminated film comprising: laminating a resin film having a moisture percentage of 10% by weight to 60% by weight with a first transparent film and a second transparent film each having a moisture percentage of 0.5% by weight to 5% by weight to be bonded to both sides of the resin film through an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive layer interposed therebetween; wherein the laminating comprising steps of: passing the resin film and the first transparent film between a pair of a first metal roll and a first elastic roll in such a manner that the first transparent film is placed on the first metal roll side so that they are bonded to each other under pressure to form a laminated film; and then, using the laminated film without winding up it and passing the laminated film and the second transparent film between a pair of a second metal roll and a second elastic roll in such a manner that the second transparent film is placed on the second metal roll side so that they are bonded to each other under pressure to form a multilayer laminated film. The method can prevent bubbles from being formed between the resin film and the transparent film.
US07767046B2	Vehicle wheel construction process An improved process for permanently attaching an overlay to a wheel disc, wherein the overlay is aligned and spaced apart from the wheel disc. A mold is created by a combination of the overlay, wheel disc and localized nests that engage at predetermined times during foam filling to close the mold. The mold is adequately sealed so that there is no foam leakage as the foam expands to fill the mold and, therefore, no final trimming of excess foam is required. The improved process is capable of accommodating a wheel having turbine openings therein.
US07767044B2	Method for heat-treating steel material Disclosed is an efficient heat treatment method which can be performed in a short time. Specifically disclosed is a method for heat-treating a steel material wherein a plastically deformed steel work is introduced into a heat treatment furnace when the work still retains the heat applied thereto during the plastic deformation, then the work is heated preferably at a heating rate of 15-50 DEG C./min and held at a temperature between Ac1 and Ac3 for 10 minutes or less, and then the work is slowly cooled at a cooling rate of 5-45 DEG C./min. This heat treatment method enables to easily produce a steel material having a uniform metal structure by simple facilities.
US07767043B2	Copper sputtering targets and methods of forming copper sputtering targets The invention includes a copper-comprising sputtering target. The target is monolithic or bonded and contains at least 99.99% copper by weight and has an average grain size of from 1 micron to 50 microns. The copper-comprising target has a yield strength of greater than or equal to about 15 ksi and a Brinell hardness (HB) of greater than about 40. The invention includes copper alloy monolithic and bonded sputtering targets consisting essentially of less than or equal to about 99.99% copper by weight and a total amount of alloying element(s) of at least 100 ppm and less than 10% by weight. The targets have an average grain size of from less than 1 micron to 50 microns and have a grain size non-uniformity of less than about 15% standard deviation (1-sigma) throughout the target. The invention additionally includes methods of producing bonded and monolithic copper and copper alloy targets.
US07767042B2	Aluminum alloy extruded product for heat exchangers and method of manufacturing the same A high-strength aluminum alloy extruded product for heat exchangers which excels in extrudability, allows a thin flat multi-cavity tube to be extruded at a high critical extrusion rate, and excels in intergranular corrosion resistance at a high temperature, and a method of manufacturing the same. The aluminum alloy extruded product includes an aluminum alloy including 0.2 to 1.8% of Mn and 0.1 to 1.2% of Si, having a ratio of Mn content to Si content (Mn %/Si %) of 0.7 to 2.5, and having a content of Cu as an impurity of 0.05% or less, with the balance being Al and impurities, the aluminum alloy extruded product having an electric conductivity of 50% IACS or more and an average particle size of intermetallic compounds precipitating in a matrix of 1 μm or less.
US07767041B2	Ag-Bi-base alloy sputtering target, and method for producing the same The sputtering target made of a Ag—Bi-base alloy contains Bi in solid solution with Ag. The sputtering target has an intensity of precipitated Bi of 0.01 at %−1 or less, as calculated by the following mathematical expression (1) based on analysis results of X-ray diffraction, and/or a sum of area ratios of predetermined intensities (third to sixth intensities in 8 intensities) of 89% or more, wherein the area ratios are obtained by calculating a planar distribution of characteristic X-ray intensities of Bi according to X-ray microanalysis: intensity of precipitated Bi=[IBi(102)/IAg(111)+IAg(200)+IAg(220)+IAg(311))]/[Bi]. Remarkable lowering of the yield of Bi content in resultant films can be suppressed by using the sputtering target.
US07767038B2	Low-nickel austenitic stainless steel and method for producing same A low-nickel austenitic stainless steel is provided which comprises by weight: ≦0.08% C, 4.0˜5.0% Mn, 0.7˜1.0% Si, 3.5˜4.5% Ni, 16.0˜18.0% Cr, 3.0˜3.50% Cu, ≦0.045% S, ≦0.030% P, impurity elements in the total amount of ≦0.2%, and Fe as the balance. This low-nickel austenitic stainless steel has decreased nickel content, but retains excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance property. Therefore, the cost for producing the stainless steel can be reduced remarkably. The method for producing the low-nickel austenitic stainless steel is also provided.
US07767037B2	High strength stainless steel pipe for use in oil well having superior corrosion resistance and manufacturing method thereof A stainless steel pipe for use in oil wells which has a high strength having a YS of 654 MPa or more and superior corrosion resistance even in a severe corrosive environment in which CO2 and are present and the temperature is high, such as up to 230° C. The pipe contains on a mass percent basis: 0.005% to 0.05% of C; 0.05% to 0.5% of Si; 0.2% to 1.8% of Mn; 0.03% or less of P; 0.005% or less of S; 15.5% to 18% of Cr; 1.5% to 5% of Ni; 1% to 3.5% of Mo; 0.02% to 0.2% of V; 0.01% to 0.15% of N; 0.006% or less of 0; and the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, in which Cr+0.65Ni+0.6Mo+0.55Cu−20C≧19.5 and Cr+Mo+0.3Si−43.5C−0.4Mn−Ni−0.3Cu−9N≧11.5 are satisfied (where Cr, Ni, Mo, Cu, C, Si, Mn, and N represent the respective contents on a mass percent basis). In addition, quenching treatment and tempering treatment are preferably performed, so that the pipe preferably has a texture containing a martensite phase as a primary phase and 10 to 60 percent by volume of a ferrite phase, or further containing 30 percent by volume or less of an austenite phase. Furthermore, at least one of Al, Cu, Nb, Ti, Zr, W, B, and Ca may also be contained.
US07767036B2	High strength cold rolled steel sheet and plated steel sheet excellent in the balance of strength and workability A high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet exhibiting an excellent strength-workability balance, including in percent by mass: 0.10-0.25% of C; 1.0-2.0% of Si; 1.5-3.0% of Mn; 0.01% or less (not including 0%) of P; 0.005% or less (not including 0%) of S; 0.01-3.0% of Al; and remaining part consisting of iron and inevitable impurities, wherein the space factor of bainitic ferrite to the entire structure is 70% or more, the space factor of residual austenite to the entire structure is 5-20%, the hardness (HV) is 270 or greater, and the half-value width of an X-ray diffraction peak on a (200)-surface of α-iron is 0.220 degrees or smaller.
US07767035B2	Metallic magnetic material for magnetic element of a choke coil and SMD choke coil A metallic magnetic material for magnetic element for magnetic element of a choke coil and an SMD choke power coil for accommodating low voltage and high current in a personal computer, graphic card, high frequency power supply, etc, is prepared by baking a powder of Fe—Si—Al alloy sendust, obtained by an atomization process and having an average particle diameter of 10 to 70 μm, at 600° C. to 1000° C. in air or in an oxidizing atmosphere and mixing the baked sendust with 3 to 45 wt % of a carbonyl iron powder with an average particle diameter of 1 to 10 μm. The metallic magnetic material for magnetic element according to the present invention is used in a coil-embedded SMD power choke coil having a square or rectangular shape with a height of 1 mm to 7 mm and with a length of one side being 3 mm to 13 mm.
US07767032B2	No-clean low-residue solder paste for semiconductor device applications A no-clean low residue solder paste is described for die-attach dispensing or fine pitch printing of semiconductor devices. The solder paste has a homogeneous consistency with no tendency to paste separation. The ultimately remaining residue is clear and crystal like and is compatible with further processing steps without prior cleaning with a solvent to remove flux residue. The solder paste comprises a relatively low amount of rosin in combination with a viscous solvent system, thixotropic agents, activators, additives and optionally plasticizers.
US07767031B2	Diesel particulate filter cleaning apparatus and method A diesel particulate filter of a motor vehicle is cleaned of diesel particulate material like ash and possibly soot, typically using equipment already available in a service shop following the method and diesel particulate filter cleaning apparatus of the invention. The diesel particulate filter cleaning apparatus has an air chamber that is coupled to a vibrator and is attached to the diesel particulate filter. The vibrator vibrates the air chamber and the diesel particulate filter to dislodge the diesel particulate material. Air is introduced into the air chamber and into the diesel particulate filter to further remove the diesel particulate material from the diesel particulate filter.
US07767028B2	Cleaning hardware kit for composite showerhead electrode assemblies for plasma processing apparatuses Apparatus to clean silicon electrode assembly surfaces which controls or eliminates possible chemical attack of electrode assembly bonding materials, and eliminates direct handling contact with the parts to be cleaned during acid treatment, spray rinse, blow dry, bake and bagging. Aspects of the apparatus include a kit including an electrode carrier to hold an electrode assembly, a treatment stand to allow access to the electrode assembly, a spider plate to clamp the electrode assembly in the electrode carrier, a nitrogen purge plate to supply nitrogen gas to the backside of the electrode assembly during acid cleaning of the electrode, a water rinse plate to supply water to the electrode face, a blow dry plate to supply nitrogen to dry the electrode assembly and a bake stand to support the electrode assembly during a bake before placing the clean electrode assembly in a bag.
US07767026B2	Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method An on-off valve 81 is opened during rinsing, whereby a part of DIW supplied to a processing liquid supply section 43 is guided into inside a suction pipe 82. After rinsing, a puddle is formed between a lower cleaning nozzle 29 and the bottom surface of a wafer. As the on-off valve 81 is opened while an on-off valve 86 is kept close, the puddle is sucked at a first speed (V1) which is regulated by a needle valve 85 and set to a relatively slow speed. Once the puddle is collected into inside the lower cleaning nozzle 29, the on-off valve 86 is opened so that the puddle is sucked at a second speed (V2) which is regulated by a needle valve 84 and which is faster than said first speed.
US07767025B2	Nozzle array configuration to facilitate deflux process improvement in chip attach process Systems and methods for treating workpieces are described. One embodiment relates to a deflux system including at least one array of nozzles, the nozzles adapted to transmit a fluid outward therefrom. The nozzles are moveable relative to one another, so that a distance between adjacent nozzles can be varied. The nozzles are individually adjustable with respect to an angle of spray emitted therefrom during operation. The system also includes a controller adapted to send a signal to each of the nozzles to transmit the fluid therethrough at a desired angle at a desired time. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07767024B2	Method for front end of line fabrication In one embodiment, a method for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided which includes supporting a substrate containing silicon oxide within a processing chamber, generating a plasma of reactive species from a gas mixture within the processing chamber, cooling the substrate to a first temperature of less than about 65° C. within the processing chamber, and directing the reactive species to the cooled substrate to react with the silicon oxide thereon while forming a film on the substrate. The film usually contains ammonium hexafluorosilicate. The method further provides positioning the substrate in close proximity to a gas distribution plate, and heating the substrate to a second temperature of about 100° C. or greater within the processing chamber to sublimate or remove the film. The gas mixture may contain ammonia, nitrogen trifluoride, and a carrier gas.
US07767022B1	Method of annealing a sublimation grown crystal A crystal is sublimation grown in a crucible by way of a temperature gradient in the presence of between 1 and 200 Torr of inert gas. The pressure of the inert gas is then increased to between 300 and 600 Torr, while the temperature gradient is maintained substantially constant. The temperature gradient is then reduced and the temperature in the crucible is increased sufficiently to anneal the crystal. Following cooling and removal from the crucible, the crystal is heated in the presence of oxygen in an enclosure to a temperature sufficient to remove unwanted material from the crystal. Following cooling and removal from the enclosure, the crystal surrounded by another instance of the source material is heated in a crucible in the presence 200 and 600 Torr of inert gas to a temperature sufficient to anneal the crystal.
US07767019B2	Gypsum products utilizing a two-repeating unit dispersant and a method for making them A gypsum slurry includes water, a hydraulic component including stucco and a polycarboxylate dispersant. The dispersant has two repeating units wherein the first repeating unit is an olefinic unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid repeating unit or an ester or salt, and the second repeating unit is a vinyl or allyl group bound to a polyether by an ether linkage. The slurry can be made into a gypsum panel.
US07767018B2	Metal pigment composition Disclosed is a metal pigment composition which can be used in an aqueous coating and shows excellent storage stability of a coating agent, and which is reduced in the deterioration of glossiness, hiding power, flip-flop property and the like when formed into a coating film. Specifically disclosed is a metal pigment composition which is treated with at least one amine salt of a heteropoly acid. The heteroatom constituting the heteropoly acid is at least one element selected from the elements belonging to Groups III, IV and V. The polyatom constituting the heteropoly acid is a transition metal. The amount of the amine salt of the heteropoly acid is preferably 0.01 to 10 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of a metal pigment. The metal pigment is preferably an aluminum flake.
US07767017B2	Multi-phasic nanoparticles A method of forming multi-phasic nano-objects involves the jetting of two or more different liquids in side-by-side capillaries thereby generating a composite liquid stream. The composite then exposed to a force field which causes the composite liquid stream to at least partially solidify into a nano-object. The method forms a nano-object having a number of morphologies such as rods, spheres, and fibers.
US07767011B2	Aqueous gel ink compositions and method of printing same An ink comprising a liquid vehicle, a gelling agent, an electrolyte and optionally at least one colorant. A method of forming an image, comprising heating the ink to a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is above a sol-gel temperature, and jetting the heated ink onto a transfer member or an image receiving substrate, wherein the transfer member or image receiving substrate is maintained at a second temperature at which the ink forms a gel.
US07767010B2	Flame retardant and microbe inhibiting methods and compositions The present invention provides compositions for application to a material, such as building materials, prior to an exposure of the material to fire, or prior to, during or after exposure of the material to conditions favorable to the growth of microbes. When compositions within the present invention are properly applied to a material, they have the effect of reducing the amount of burning that occurs to the material, and/or reducing the amount or density of smoke and associated toxic gases produced by the material, when the material is exposed to fire, and inhibiting the growth of microbes on the material when the material is exposed to conditions favorable to the growth of microbes. The invention also provides methods for reducing the burning of a material that is exposed to fire, and for inhibiting the growth of microbes on a material exposed to conditions favorable to the growth of microbes.
US07767005B2	Tunnel fan electrostatic filter An apparatus for filtering particulate matter from a gas. The apparatus includes at least one tube with a substantially axially located ionizer structure, and a fan for propelling the gas through the at least one tube. The ionizer structure includes a flat blade extending axially along at least a substantial part of the tube and having a saw tooth shape with a high number of sharp teeth placed regularly along the blade edges. The blade is twisted about its own longitudinal centerline to provide rotation for a gas stream flowing along the tube.
US07767002B2	Mercury removal sorbent A sorbent composition comprising a vanadium compound and a ZrO2 support material is disclosed. Methods of making and using the composition to remove heavy metals or heavy metal containing compounds from a fluid stream are also provided. Such methods are particularly useful in the removal of mercury and mercury compounds from flue gas streams produced from the combustion of hydrocarbon-containing materials such as coal and petroleum fuels.
US07767001B2	Contact and adsorbent granules The present invention relates to pellets or granules based on iron oxides and/or iron oxyhydroxides and iron(III) hydroxide, a unit suitable for the through-flow of a fluid medium at least partially filled with an adsorbent/catalyst in pellet form consisting essentially of iron oxide and/or iron oxyhydroxide embedded in an iron hydroxide matrix, processes for their production comprising filtering, drying and shaping steps and their processes of their use.
US07766995B2	Ozone production processes and its use in industrial processes The present invention provides for an improved process for producing ozone which can be used to remove contaminants from gas streams in industrial processes. The improved process uses a separation device after the ozone generating system to separate the ozone from the oxygen gas and directs the ozone to the industrial process and the oxygen back to the feedstream entering the ozone generating system. The improved process further provides for the use of ozone so generated to removed contaminants from industrial process flue gas streams.
US07766991B2	Honeycomb structural body An object of the present invention is to provide a honeycomb structural body (filter) which has a low pressure loss upon collecting particulates, makes it possible to deposit a great amount of particulates and ashes, and is less likely to produce cracks. The columnar honeycomb structural body of the present invention includes a plurality of through holes placed in parallel with one another in the length direction, and wall portion that separates the plurality of through holes from one another and constitutes a circumferential face, wherein the plurality of through holes are composed of a group of large-capacity through holes, with one end thereof being sealed so as to cause the total of areas of cross-section perpendicular to the length direction to become relatively greater, and a group of small-capacity through holes, with the other end thereof being sealed so as to cause the total of areas of the above-mentioned cross-section to become relatively smaller, and the above-mentioned circumferential face of the columnar honeycomb structural body has a chamfered corner portion.
US07766990B2	Apparatus for the separation of liquid from a fluid flow loaded with liquid droplets The apparatus serves for the separation of liquid from a fluid flow loaded with liquid droplets, which can be directed through separator structures in counterflow to separated liquid. The separated liquid flows away on surfaces of the separator structures into a collector located at the inlet are of a separator structure. The collectors are, in turn, connected to a collection line via a collection passage.
US07766984B2	Method of increasing carbon foam yield A method for increasing the yield of carbon foam is described. The method includes placing a foaming sheet over the top surface of the material to be foamed. In certain embodiments, the foaming sheet is placed over the top surface of particulate coal prior to and during the foaming process. In some embodiments the foaming sheet is a smooth, continuous sheet, such as aluminum foil or the like. The resulting carbon product includes an increased amount of usable carbon foam.
US07766983B2	Nanostructured corrosion inhibitors and methods of use A corrosion inhibitor composition for a fuel, comprising a plurality of nanoparticles formed of an inorganic composition having an average longest dimension of 1 nanometer to 100 nanometers, wherein the inorganic active composition is insoluble in the fuel and is adapted to react with a corrosion causing contaminant.
US07766980B2	Method for the preparation of precipitates The present invention concerns a method for the controlled precipitation of organic molecules which comprises the use of apparatus that is normally used in the field of photography.
US07766979B2	Phase transformation in molecular solids This invention relates to a method for phase transformation in molecular solids and the use of high-energy mills of said method.
US07766977B2	Dye composition of acidic pH comprising 2,3-diamino-6,7-dihydro-1H,5H-pyrazolo[1,2-a]pyrazol-1-one, a para-phenylenediamine, a meta-aminophenol and an oxidizing agent, and processes for dyeing keratin fibers using the composition The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, for example, human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising at least one first oxidation base chosen from 2,3-diamino-6,7-dihydro-1H,5H-pyrazolo[1,2-a]pyrazol-1-one and the addition salts thereof, at least one second oxidation base chosen from para-phenylenediamines, at least one coupler chosen from meta-aminophenols and at least one oxidizing agent, the pH of the composition ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The present disclosure makes it possible to obtain a coloration on keratin fibers with tints in red, coppery or mahogany tones that are sufficiently visible on natural or dyed hair and uniform from the roots to the ends.
US07766976B2	Polymer thickened hair colouring and bleaching compositions The present invention relates to hair coloring and hair bleaching compositions comprising a source of carbonate ions, at least one oxidizing agent and a specified polymer thickener wherein the composition is free of a source of radical scavengers. The compositions surprisingly provide improved hair colorant and bleaching compositions which deliver improved lift, lightening and color delivery whilst minimizing damage which are easy to manufacture and have long shelf life stability.
US07766974B2	Prosthetic foot with a processor to manage energy return of adjustable heel and keel springs A keel is provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a split section that is divided into two sections. Each section can have a top open channel formed therein. Each channel is compressible during compression of the keel. A variably adjustable compression member can be provided. The connecting portion is rigidly connected to a rigid center support. The top of the center support can have a threaded connector, which allows for vertically adjustable connection of an adjacent prosthetic component. A heel is also provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a top open channel formed therein. The channel is compressible during compression of the heel. A variably adjustable compression member can be placed within the channel. A processor can be provided for controlling the amount of compression of each compression member.
US07766972B2	Synthetic, malleable bone graft substitute material The invention includes a synthetic bone substitute material suitable for use as a replacement for cancellous bone in a bone graft composition, the material comprising a reticulated framework of interconnecting bioceramic struts defining an interconnecting interstitial void volume, and a solid non-porous composition substantially filling the interstitial void volume and in intimate contact with the reticulated framework, the pore-filling composition comprising calcium sulfate. Calcium triphosphate is a preferred bioceramic material for the reticulated framework.
US07766969B2	Modular progressive implant for a joint articulation surface An implant for on a resected articulation surface of a bone includes a tray having a top surface and opposition surface. An opening extends completely through the tray between the top surface and the bone apposition surface. A bearing member is mounted on the top surface of the tray, the bearing member having a top articular surface. Anchor downwardly projects away from the bone apposition surface of the tray, the anchor being adapted to engage the bone and being configured so that the anchor can selective pass completely through the opening of the tray. A fastener connects the anchor to the tray.
US07766962B1	Intravascular stent grafts and methods for deploying the same A stent anastomosis comprises a stent segment reconfigurable between a deployment configuration and a shortened, transversely expanded deployed configuration having a transverse dimension larger than its longitudinal dimension. In the deployed configuration, the stent segment engages an inner surface of an intravascular graft, securing the end of the graft within a vessel and forming a seal between the graft and an endoluminal surface of the vessel. The stent segment includes at least one securing member that extends outward from the stent segment in the deployed configuration, that pierces and penetrates the graft, and that pierces the endoluminal surface of the vessel to secure the graft within the vessel. In the deployed configuration, the stent segment can compress the graft against the endoluminal surface of the vessel to form the seal.
US07766961B2	Systems and methods for performing bi-lateral interventions or diagnosis in branched body lumens Bifurcated delivery assemblies provide bilateral access to first and second branch lumens extending from a main body space or lumen in a patient. One or more interventional devices are combined with the delivery assemblies for delivery s into one or both of the branch lumens. Bilateral renal stenting or embolic protection procedures are performed using the combination delivery/interventional device assemblies. Fluids may also be injected or aspirated from the assemblies. A bifurcated catheter has a first fluid port located on one bifurcation branch, a second fluid port located on a second branch of the bifurcation, and a third fluid port positioned so as to be located within a vena cava when the first and second ports are positioned bilaterally within first and second renal veins.
US07766960B2	Delivery catheter that controls foreshortening of ribbon-type prostheses and methods of making and use The present invention is directed to a delivery catheter for use in deploying a vascular prosthesis having a self-expanding helical section for use in a wide range of interventional applications. The delivery catheter comprises an elongated member having a helical ledge with a pitch selected to impose a predetermined amount of foreshortening on the vascular prosthesis during deployment. Methods of making and using the delivery catheter of the present invention also are provided.
US07766956B2	Intravascular stent and assembly Various intravascular stents, such as intracoronary stents, include improved expansion and connecting strut designs. Such stents can be both very flexible and fully cover vessel surface inside the vascular lumen, and be well designed for both the delivery phase and the deployed phase of the stent life cycle.
US07766955B2	Extendible stent apparatus The present invention concerns novel stent apparatuses for use in treating lesions at or near the bifurcation point in bifurcated cardiac, coronary, renal, peripheral vascular, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, urinary and neurovascular vessels and brain vessels. More particularly, the invention concerns a stent apparatus with at least one side opening which may further comprise an extendable stent portion laterally extending from the side opening and at least partly in registry with the wall of the side opening. Devices constructed in accordance with the invention include, singularly or in combination, a main expandable stent comprising at least one substantially circular side opening located between its proximal and distal end openings, which side opening may further comprise an expandable portion extending radially outward from the edges of the side opening; and a branch stent comprising proximal and distal end openings and which may further comprise a contacting portion at its proximal end, and which may optionally be constructed to form either a perpendicular branch or a non-perpendicular branch when inserted through a side opening of the main stent. The stents of the invention are marked with, or at least partially constructed of, a material which is imageable during intraluminal catheterization techniques, most preferably but not limited to ultrasound and x-ray.
US07766954B2	Advanced endovascular graft This invention is a system for the treatment of body passageways; in particular, vessels with vascular disease. The system includes an endovascular graft with a low-profile delivery configuration and a deployed configuration in which it conforms to the morphology of the vessel or body passageway to be treated as well as various connector members and stents. The graft is made from an inflatable graft body section and may be bifurcated. One or more inflatable cuffs may be disposed at either end of the graft body section. At least one inflatable channel is disposed between and in fluid communication with the inflatable cuffs.
US07766953B2	Deployment system for an expandable stent A deployment system and method for an expandable stent are described. The deployment system includes an expandable stent in an unexpanded state and a first tubular sheath having one or more first flaps extending from a distal end thereof. The one or more first flaps overlie one or more first longitudinal portions of the stent. A second tubular sheath may overlie the first tubular sheath. The deployment method includes advancing a deployment system including an expandable stent in an unexpanded state to a treatment site in a body vessel. At the treatment site, one or more second longitudinal portions of the stent are radially expanded to partially deploy the stent, and then one or more first longitudinal portions of the stent are radially expanded to fully deploy the stent. Each of the first and second longitudinal portions preferably extends from a proximal end to a distal end of the stent.
US07766952B2	Deployment system for a medical device A delivery and deployment system for a self-expanding stent comprises a proximal handle having a rotatable thumbscrew and a sliding component which is attached to a distal stent restraining sheath. A rigid open coil spring is provided for converting rotation of the thumbscrew into translation of the sliding component). The spring is attached to the thumbscrew. The sliding component is located between adjacent coils of the spring. Rotation of the thumbscrew twists the spring and slowly slides the sliding component and hence the distal sheath in the proximal direction to uncover the stent, removing the constraint on the stent which is accurately deployed at the site of interest. The handle has a guide elongate channel which constrains the sliding component so that it cannot move in a rotational direction.
US07766944B2	Anchoring element for fastening a rod of a device for adjusting a human or animal vertebral column on a vertebra An anchoring element for fastening a rod of a device for adjusting a human vertebral column on a vertebra and having a retainer for receiving the rod, a securing element attachable on the retainer and acting against the rod, a fastening element for attachment to the vertebral body and a clamping device between the retainer and the fastening element including a ring-shaped mount, a partially spherical bearing and an intermediate element embedded in the mount and surrounding the bearing. The bearing comprises level guiding surfaces on opposite sides. The intermediate element has mating counter surfaces which enable the retainer to move in one axial direction only relative to the fastening element and the level counter surfaces are formed on an inner side of one of two generally circumferentially extending elongate segments of the intermediate element.
US07766940B2	Posterior stabilization system Various methods and devices for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy posterior elements, are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a posterior implant is provided and can be adapted to control movement of two or more adjacent vertebrae. In particular, the implant can be adapted to control extension, flexion, and lateral bending of adjacent vertebrae. The implant can also be adapted to substantially prevent rotation of the adjacent vertebrae. In another exemplary embodiment, the implant can have an envelope of motion that is within an envelope of motion of a disc, either natural or artificial, that is disposed between adjacent vertebrae. In other words, the implant can be configured to allow flexion, extension, lateral bending of the vertebrae to within the amount of flexion, extension, and lateral bending allowed by the particular disc. The implant can also be adapted to substantially prevent rotation of the vertebrae relative to one another.
US07766939B2	Suture anchor and approximating device An elastically curved suture anchor is resiliently straightened and delivered into tissue by a needle. When the needle is withdrawn, resumption of the curvature provides leverage for anchor rotation as the attached suture is pulled to fasten the anchor within the tissue. A fin at the proximal end of the anchor further increases the rotational leverage and expedites anchor fastening. When two or more anchors with connecting suture are delivered in series on a needle, the tension of the suture helps to draw the anchors together and approximates the pierced tissue.
US07766938B2	Pleural effusion treatment device, method and material The invention discloses a method of treating a patient for pleural effusion comprising percutaneously delivering an adhesive material to a pleural space of the patient. Suitable adhesive materials for performing any of the embodiments of the methods of the invention can be selected from the group consisting of hydrogels, collagen, poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolide), cyanoacrylates, glutaraldehyde, PEG, protein, and polysaccharide and derivatives thereof. The invention also discloses a pleural effusion treatment apparatus comprising an adhesive material adapted to adhere pleural membranes defining a pleural space and a pleural space access member adapted to deliver the adhesive material to the pleural space.
US07766936B2	Apparatus for trapping emboli A filter for filtering micro-emboli from a patient's blood during an angioplasty procedure is disclosed which comprises a plurality of curved wires connected to a rod between a first connector fixed with respect to the rod and a second connector slidingly mounted on the rod. Two layers of filter material are connected to opposite sides of the wires, and each layer includes perforations which are offset from the perforations in the other layer. When the rod and the wires are disposed within a catheter, the inner wall of the catheter compresses the wires toward the rod and when the rod is extended from the catheter, the wires resume their curved shape and pull the sliding connector along the rod toward the fixed connector.
US07766935B2	Modified headpiece for hydraulic coil deployment system A vascular occlusion device for use with a hydraulic deployment catheter is provided. The vascular occlusion device includes a headpiece that has a deformable interference element which changes from an initial configuration to a deformed configuration upon an increase of hydraulic pressure within the deployment catheter. When the interference element is in the initial configuration, the headpiece is secured to the deployment catheter, and when the interference element is in the deformed configuration, the headpiece can be removed from the deployment catheter for deployment of the occlusion device.
US07766934B2	Embolic protection device with an integral basket and bag An embolic protection device includes a basket defined by a section of a set of wires arranged as a plurality of struts. These struts are coupled together at their distal ends as well as to the distal end of a core wire or mandrel. Another section of the wires spirals around the core wire to define a hollow channel in which the core wire can reciprocate. Thus, pulling or pushing a proximal end of the core wire relative to the struts expands or contracts the basket. A filter bag is attached to the basket for capturing clots when the basket is in an expanded configuration.
US07766933B2	Stretch resistant design for embolic coils with stabilization bead A vasoocclusive embolic delivery system for use in placement of an embolic coil at a treatment site within a vessel. The embolic coil includes an elongated stretch resistant fiber having its distal end bonded to the distal end of the embolic coil. The stretch resistant fiber extends through a central lumen of the coil and extends beyond the proximal end of the coil. Also included is a generally cylindrical stabilization bead, having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the central lumen of the coil, mounted on the stretch resistant fiber within the lumen of the embolic coil. The stabilization bead serves to keep the stretch resistant fiber centered within the lumen of the embolic coil. Additionally, a headpiece is mounted on the proximal end of the stretch resistant fiber and serves to couple the embolic coil to the delivery system.
US07766930B2	Cannula for receiving surgical instruments A cannula (10) for receiving surgical instruments for performing a surgical procedure on a body includes a tubular structure (12) defining a passage (16) through which the surgical instruments are inserted into the body. The tubular structure (12) includes an expandable portion (40) for enabling an increase in the cross-sectional area of the passage (16). The expandable portion (40) of the tubular structure (12) has a slot (100) and a guide member (114) disposed in the slot. The guide member (114) is movable from a first end (102) of the slot (100) toward a second end (104) of the slot to enable the cross-sectional area of the passage (16) to increase. The expandable portion (40) has a stop (106) between the first and second ends (102 and 104) of the slot (100) engageable with the guide member (114) to retain the guide member in a position relative to the slot and resist movement of the guide member from the position relative to the slot.
US07766929B2	Surgical operating apparatus A surgical tool includes a sheath, a probe body, a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. A probe distal end portion is provided at the distal end portion of the probe body, a jaw is rotatably supported on the distal end portion of the sheath and is engaged with the probe distal end portion. A first tubular member a fits on the proximal end portion of the sheath and extends rearward. It has an elongated slit and extends in an axial direction of the sheath. A second tubular member fits in a rear end portion of the first tubular member. A tubular driving member is slidably inserted in the sheath and rotates the jaw. A coupling member including a projection body passes through the second tubular member, includes an engaging portion which is engaged in the slit of the first tubular member.
US07766919B2	Devices for mixing and extruding medically useful compositions This invention provides devices and methods for mixing and extruding compositions which are medically and non-medically useful. The devices are particularly useful for mixing substances which are relatively inert when alone but become reactive when mixed. A common feature of all of the devices is that they allow the user to mix and ultimately extrude a composition from a single device which includes a single container or multiple interconnected containers.
US07766917B2	Extractor for a bone connection element An extractor is provided to extract an insert used with a bone connection element such as a bone plate having at least one opening for a bone screw used with the insert. The extractor has an outer hollow sleeve having proximal abutment surface for engaging a surface portion of the bone plate, and an inner bar having a diameter enabling the insertion of the bar into the hollow sleeve. The bar has a threaded leading end to engage the thread of the insert to be extracted. The hollow sleeve has an inner thread and the inner bar has an outer threaded element for engaging the inner thread of the hollow sleeve. The outer threaded element is positioned with respect to the bar in a longitudinal position to enable the threaded locking end to extend beyond the proximal abutment surface of the sleeve to be threaded into the insert.
US07766910B2	Vessel sealer and divider for large tissue structures An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. The forceps also includes a drive assembly which moves the jaw member relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force the drive assembly to move the jaw members between the first and second positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance above the longitudinal axis. A knife assembly is also included which has a movable knife bar having a generally t-shaped proximal end dimensioned to operatively engage a corresponding slot defined within the housing, the slot being dimensioned to guide the movement of the knife bar during translation thereof.
US07766907B2	Ablation catheter with sensor array and discrimination circuit to minimize variation in power density A catheter is designed with a virtual electrode structure for creating a linear lesion. The catheter includes a sensor array that measures temperatures of adjacent tissue along the length of the virtual electrode section. The sensors in the sensor array include a conductive material that is substantially coated with an electrically and thermally insulating material. An aperture is formed in the insulating coating to expose an area of the conductive material. Leads are coupled with each sensor and are connected at their opposite, proximal ends with a discrimination circuit. The circuit processes the signals induced in the sensors to output a single temperature measurement, for example, the highest temperature, the lowest temperature, or the average temperature. The sensors also measure cardiac electrical activity and the leads are further connected to an electrocardiograph monitor to determine the efficacy of treatment.
US07766905B2	Method and system for continuity testing of medical electrodes An electrosurgical generator is provided which includes a continuity test circuit assembly for testing electrical continuity through an electrode of an electrosurgical instrument. The continuity test circuit assembly includes a test power source providing electrical test energy to a first conductor which is in electrical communication with the electrode and the electrosurgical generator and to at least one second conductor which is coupled to the first conductor for providing a path for current to flow between the first conductor and the at least one second conductor for establishing a test path through which the test energy flows between the first conductor and at least one conductor of the at least one second conductor. The continuity test circuit assembly further includes energy detection circuitry positioned along the test path for detecting the flow of the test energy through the test path for determining electrical continuity through the electrode.
US07766902B2	Microfluidic device for drug delivery A microfluidic device is provided for delivering a drug to an individual. The microfluidic device includes a body that defines a reservoir for receiving the drug therein. A valve interconnects the reservoir to an output needle that is insertable into the skin of an individual. A pressure source urges the drug from the reservoir toward the needle. The valve is movable between a closed position preventing the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle and an open position allowing for the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle in response to a predetermined condition in the physiological fluids of the individual.
US07766896B2	Variable stiffness catheter assembly A catheter comprising an outer shaft comprising a first section of electroactive polymer. The first section of electroactive polymer affecting either the flexibility of the catheter or the steerability of the catheter.
US07766894B2	Coaxial catheter system A robotic medical system and method of performing a medical procedure are provided. The robotic medical system comprises a user interface configured for receiving commands, an electromechanical driver configured for being coupled to outer and inner catheters having proximal and distal balloons, a balloon controller configured for being coupled to the proximal and distal balloons, and an electric controller configured for directing the electromechanical driver to linearly translate the outer and inner catheters relative to each other and for directing the balloon controller to inflate and deflate the proximal and distal balloons in response to the command(s). The method may comprise inflating and deflating the proximal and distal balloons, and linearly translating the inner and outer catheters relative to each other in a specified sequence to move the inner and outer catheters along the anatomical vessel.
US07766889B2	Absorbent article An absorbent article is provided including a backsheet, a topsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The diaper includes large rectangular fasteners that stretch in only one direction. At least one longitudinally extending, elasticized inner leg gather is disposed with the topsheet. The inner leg gather includes at least one elastic member for distributing elastic contractile forces. The inner leg gather is joined to the topsheet along a front tackdown zone and a back tackdown zone. The elastic members and tackdown zones extend in a manner sufficient to provide enhanced fit, functionality and waste containment. The unidirectional stretch fasteners and leg gathers are sized in relationship to each other to enable a complete encircling of each leg to form a better leg gasket for waste containment and fit.
US07766888B2	Disposable diaper with feces retaining pocket In a disposable diaper having a feces retaining pocket formed by body fluid absorbent panel sections overlapping each other in a crotch covering region so that the feces retaining pocket can be largely opened, a second panel section overlaps on a first panel section in the crotch covering region of the diaper to form the feces retaining pocket. The crotch covering region is provided along transversely opposite side edges thereof with elastically stretch- and contractable leak-barrier cuffs. Inner side edges of the respective leak-barrier cuffs are bonded to the second panel section in the vicinity of a rear end of the second panel section lying in the crotch covering region.
US07766887B2	Method for making reusable disposable article A method for making absorbent articles such as diapers and training pants having a pocket for receiving a removable core component is provided. Absorbent articles having removable absorbent core components are further provided. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article comprises providing a wearer facing portion and a garment facing portion, and providing a first absorbent core component with either the wearer facing portion or the garment facing portion. The wearer facing portion and the garment facing portion are associated such that an openable chassis pocket is formed there between, the wearer facing portion and the garment facing portion being separable to create an access opening to the openable chassis pocket for receiving a replaceable absorbent core component.
US07766886B2	Drainage devices and methods Active and passive wound drainage systems and method are provided. A drainage device includes an input passage for receiving the fluid from a site on or within the patient's body, a container for holding the fluid, and a reversible valve disposed between the input passage and the container. The reversible valve in an original configuration provides unidirectional fluid flow from the input passage toward the container, and in a reversed configuration provides fluid flow from the container toward the input passage.
US07766885B2	Drug delivery system A drug delivery system (10) has a positive pressure drug reservoir (15). A pump (19) is in fluid communication with the reservoir (15) via a first fluid passageway (18). The outlet (19b) of the pump (19) is in fluid communication with a first regulator (21). The regulator (21) includes a housing (24) that has a first subchamber (24a) and a second subchamber (24b). The second subchamber (24b) is divided into a lower chamber (28a) and a middle chamber (28b) by a diaphragm (28). A third fluid passageway (32) is positioned between the lower chamber (28a) and the drug reservoir (15), whereby accidental flow from the reservoir (15) to an outlet (21b) is prevented.
US07766881B2	Implant with surface structure An implant with a surface structure on at least a portion of a surface of the implant, wherein the surface structure is selected to facilitate, improve and enhance ingrowth characteristics of the implant. A method of providing an implant with a selected surface structure is encompassed.
US07766876B2	Gastrostomy catheter introducing device A gastrostomy catheter introducing device includes a puncturing device 1 including a body 6 having a tube 4 and a flange 5, and a puncturing needle 7 axially slidably held in the tube 4 of the body 6; and a gastric wall fixating and fistula expanding device 2 including an outer tube 9 to be inserted into the tube 4 of the puncturing device 1, a gastrostomy catheter guide member 10 held inside the outer tube 9, a clip 11 swingably attached to an inner end part of the gastrostomy catheter guide member 10, and a clip turning member 12 having one end connected to the clip 11 to turn the clip 11.
US07766874B2	Catheter head comprising a mobile connector A catheter head for medical and therapeutic applications including a catheter head housing, a cannula which protrudes from the catheter head and is to be introduced into organic tissue, a container connection for connecting a container containing a fluid to be administered, a fluid channel through which the fluid flows during the administration thereof, an injection needle connection for connecting an injection needle, a connection chamber which is adjacent to the cannula, the injection needle connection, and the fluid channel, and a connector that is arranged in a first position such that the injection needle can be guided from the injection needle connection into the connection chamber and then into the cannula, and in a second position such that it closes the connection chamber from the injection needle connection in a sealing manner after the injection needle has been removed.
US07766872B2	Prefilled, single dose, one time use, self-destructing, auto-disabling safety syringe with an injection molded barrel; method of manufacture and method of use The present invention relates to a single dose, one time use, self-destruction, auto-disabling safety syringe with an injection molded barrel. The invention successfully addresses and solves the problems of the prior art by combining the use of COC injection molding with the advantages presented by the ampoule cartridge and the traditional safety syringe all integrated into a single device. A pre-filled ampoule or barrel is molded with minimal draft enabling the syringe's piston plunger to be partially self-lubricated by the syringe's contents. The addition of an internal auto disabling coupler to the piston plunger allows the device to be used only a single time. In addition, the present invention's structure is such that its safety sleeve necessarily moves forward to cover the syringe's needle after use. The present invention's elements, as combined, solve the biocompatibility and safety problems of the prior art and provide an exact dose, prefilled, single time use, cartridge safety syringe.
US07766871B2	Spiral balloon catheter The present invention provides a balloon catheter system comprising one or more conduits to which are attached a compliant balloon having a non-helical shape in its deflated state, wherein said balloon is constructed such that is capable of adopting a spiral or helical conformation upon inflation. In addition, the present invention also provides methods for using said balloon catheter system.
US07766870B2	Foley catheter adaptor A safety adaptor having attachment components and reservoir components for use with balloon anchored catheters such that if the catheter is forcibly removed the reservoir components will act as a safety valve and allow the anchoring balloon to deflate. The safety adaptor acts to minimize damage caused to a patient due to the removal of an inflated anchor balloon of a catheter. The safety adaptor attaches to any existing catheter having a fluid balloon and does not require re-engineering or re-tooling of the catheter or adaptor.
US07766869B2	Catheter incorporating a high column strength distal tip region A catheter is disclosed providing a balloon catheter having a distal tip that is flexible while additionally incorporating high column strength. The present invention additionally provides a distal tip region that accommodates for various sized guidewires. In preferred embodiments, the distal tip region is initially configured for accommodating the passage of 0.12-inch guidewires only. Through specific manufacturing processes, however, the distal tip is modified so that it also may be expanded to accommodate the passage of 0.14-inch guidewires. In additional preferred embodiments, an elastomeric sleeve is disposed over the modified distal tip to allow the tip to return to the initial 0.12-inch accommodating profile when the larger 0.14-inch guidewire is withdrawn from the catheter.
US07766867B2	Low profile, pivotal connection infusion assembly This invention relates to therapeutic infusion assemblies, more specifically a device for the subcutaneous delivery of a fluid from a remote source. Applicant provides a base assembly which has a fluid channel therein and a cannula extending vertically downward from a flat bottom. A fluid connector member which receives a fluid bearing line from the remote fluid source and the fluid connector member pivotably and removably connects to the base member. The manner of connection is “hinged” allowing the fluid connector to move from a non-use position by rotation downward to a used position. In the use position a fluid channel in the fluid connector will connect with a fluid channel in the base to provide fluid to the cannula and to the patient.
US07766854B2	Device and method for irreversible closure of fluid communication in a container system A biological fluid collection system including a collecting device, a collecting container, a first channel connecting the two, a sampling bag, a second channel connecting the sampling bag and the first tube and at least one substantially irreversible closure device in an open position on at least the first or second channel. The biological fluid may be blood. A method of collecting biological fluid such as blood using the system so that fluid in the sampling bag is substantially irreversibly prevented from entering the collecting container.
US07766853B2	Peripheral access devices and systems A cannulation system (10) for perfusing a patient's circulatory system, includes an inflow cannula (14) having a first end adapted to be connected to said circulatory system and a second end adapted to be connected to a blood pump (19), an outflow cannula (23) having a first end adapted to be connected to the blood pump (19) and a second end adapted to be connected to said circulatory system at a location downstream of the first end of the inflow cannula. The flow of blood from the pump (19) is in series with the normal blood flow of the circulatory system of the patient and creates a localized region of hypertension.
US07766849B2	Disposable massage apparatus A disposable massage apparatus having a massage actuator operatively engaged to a holding member which defines a slot adapted to receive a conductivity blocker that prevents operation of the massage apparatus is disclosed. In operation, the user withdraws the conductivity blocker from the slot in order to make the massage apparatus operational while re-inserting the conductivity blocker into the slot makes the massage apparatus inoperative.
US07766848B2	Medical ultrasound transducer having non-ideal focal region A mechanically formed transducer capable of producing a non-ideal focal region is described. The transducer has a plurality of piezoelectric elements suspended in an epoxy and heat molded into a desired shape. One or more shaped irregularities in the transducer provides for a mechanically induced non-ideal focal field without the need for electronic steering or lens focusing. Systems and methods of making the same are also described.
US07766845B2	Disposable lancet and lancing cap combination for increased hygiene A body fluid testing device includes a test strip, an incision forming member, and a housing. The test strip includes an expression surface. In addition, the test strip is attached to the housing to form a cavity, and the cavity slidably receives the incision forming member. The body fluid testing device is positioned over the incision site where the incision forming member makes an incision. The user presses the expression surface against the skin to express body fluid. The cavity collects body fluid via capillary action, and the test strip analyzes the body fluid.
US07766839B2	Needle insertion systems and methods Embodiments of a needle insertion system and method are disclosed. One method embodiment includes transmitting a sound beam along an axis to contact a blood vessel; receiving the reflected sound beam from the blood vessel; processing the reflected sound beam to detect the location of the blood vessel; and, responsive to the detection, receiving a needle in a guideway that is oriented parallel to the axis.
US07766838B2	Ultrasonic probe in body cavity To miniaturize a probe, increase the channel number, and improve the flexibility of a flexible section, an ultrasound probe includes a transducer unit having a plurality of channels arranged for transmitting and receiving an ultrasound wave, and flexible circuit board is connected to the respective channels of the transducer unit in which a signal line for supplying a transmission signal and extracting a reception signal to/from transducer unit is provided. The flexible circuit board forms at least two channel blocks which are formed by dividing the plurality of channels and are spirally wound individually.
US07766837B2	M-tracking for space-time image A new method is introduced able to track the motion of a thin object, e.g. a wall, from a series of digital field data (e.g. images) in order to analyze field information corresponding to the moving position of the object. The method is based on the extraction of M-mode images where the wall can be identified and the wall properties can be extracted and analyzed. The digital implementation of the method into electronic equipments improves the quality of the information that can be extracted from field data and the potential diagnostic capability when applied to echographic medical imaging.
US07766836B2	Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, program for imaging an ultrasonogram, and method for imaging an ultrasonogram An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a probe 102 that transmits and receives ultrasound waves to/from a subject, transmitting means 120 for supplying a drive signal to the probe 102 for transmitting ultrasound waves, receiving means 122 for receiving and processing a signal output from the probe 102, a displacement calculating unit 105 for measuring displacement of a tissue according to an output signal from an ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit 103, a color DSC 108 for reconstructuring an elasticity image on the basis of the displacement of the tissue, and an image display 112 for displaying the elasticity image. Further, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes setting means 113B for setting a displacement search direction that sets a search direction of the displacement to match a tissue displacement direction for displacing the tissue. The color DSC 108 constructures the elasticity image on the basis of the measurement value of the displacement search direction.
US07766833B2	Ablation array having independently activated ablation elements A system for imaging and providing therapy to one or more regions of interest is presented. The system includes an imaging and therapy catheter configured to image an anatomical region to facilitate assessing need for therapy in one or more regions within the anatomical region and delivering therapy to the one or more regions of interest within the anatomical region. The catheter includes a therapy device having a plurality of independently controllable therapy elements. The independence of the therapy elements is exploited when multiple regions are to receive therapy simultaneously or at a given catheter position within a subject.
US07766832B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic device and image processing device A means to which at least two ROIs are input, a calculating means that calculates strain values of tissue with respect to the at least two ROIs by applying a pressure onto an object, and a display means that displays the strain values of the at least two ROIs so as to be compared with each other are comprised.
US07766829B2	Method and system for providing basal profile modification in analyte monitoring and management systems Method and system for providing basal profile modification in insulin therapy for use with infusion devices includes periodically monitoring the analyte levels of a patient for a predetermined period of time in order to determine, based on the monitored analyte levels, an appropriate modification factor to be incorporated into the underlying basal profile which was running at the time the periodic monitoring of the analyte levels were performed.
US07766828B2	Estimation apparatus and its control method A condition analysis unit (1302) estimates a surrounding environment and psychological state of the user on the basis of image data, voice data, and living body information. When the estimated psychological state is a predetermined state, a cause estimation unit (1303) estimates based on the living body information whether or not the physical condition of the user is bad. When the estimated psychological state is the predetermined state, the cause estimation unit estimates a cause of the psychological state on the basis of the surrounding environment.
US07766826B2	Multi-level averaging scheme for acquiring hemodynamic data A system and method for storing and processing physiological data in a medical recording device that allows continuous data collection and storage of such data in multiple time-resolved levels are provided. The method includes: sampling one or more physiological signals at a selected sampling rate; deriving physiological parameter values from the sampled signal; storing the parameter values as they are determined in a temporary memory buffer for a predetermined storage interval; determining a statistical aspect of the stored parameter values upon expiration of the storage interval; and writing the statistical aspect to a long-term memory buffer. A number of long-term memory buffers may be designated for storing a statistical aspect of a physiological parameter at uniquely different time resolutions. The resolution of each long-term memory buffer is determined by the storage interval defined for an associated temporary memory buffer, which stores parameter values from which statistical aspects are computed.
US07766824B2	Surgical hand access apparatus A surgical access apparatus adaptable to permit the sealed insertion of either the surgeon's hand and/or surgical instruments during laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures includes an access member having a passageway therethrough and first and second seal members mounted across the passageway. The first and second seal members each has an aperture in non-overlapping relation to each other in the absence of the object positioned therein. The outer seal portion of the first seal member may include a plurality of expansible ribs and corresponding recesses arranged along respective lines of intersection with the axis of the first seal member.
US07766820B2	Expandable sheath tubing An introducer sheath or catheter can be formed in two or more layers with an inner layer made of a higher durometer material and an outer layer made of a lower durometer material. The inner layer can have one or a combination of the following: one or more longitudinal slits, overlapping portions, monolithic hinges, or other formations to allow for radial expansion.
US07766816B2	Method and apparatus for closing off a portion of a heart ventricle Apparatus and methods to reduce ventricular volume are disclosed. The device takes the form of a transventricular anchor, which presses a portion of the ventricular wall inward, thereby reducing the available volume of the ventricle. The anchor is deployed using a curved introducer that may be inserted into one ventricle, through the septum and into the opposite ventricle. Barbs or protrusions along the anchor body combined with a mechanical stop and a sealing member hold the device in place once deployed.
US07766808B2	Carton flap gripping system A carton flap gripping system including an adjustable pin holder is provided.
US07766802B2	Rowing exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support A rowing or mid-row exercise machine has a main frame and a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame for rotation between start and end positions. The user support frame supports spaced positions on a user's body in the same relative orientation throughout an exercise movement. A user engagement device is movably mounted relative to the frames and has at least one handle gripped by the user in performing exercises. The handle is movable in a predetermined rowing exercise path between a start position spaced in front of a user's chest and an end position closer to the chest. A connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to rotational movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the user support, user engagement device, and connecting linkage.
US07766801B2	Method of using an exercise device having an adjustable incline A method of using an exercise device by following guidelines from a selected strength chart, hypertrophy chart, power chart or endurance chart. The exercise device includes a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline adjustably supported by, and vertically movable with respect to, the vertical support member for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline; a user support platform movably attached to the adjustable incline; first and second pulleys coupled to the adjustable incline; one or more cables extendable through first and second pulleys and coupled to the user support platform for movement of the support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement.
US07766798B2	Bicycle trainer with variable resistance to pedaling The invention is a bicycle trainer to which a standard bicycle temporarily attaches for exercise and simulated rides. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the front tire, and in preferred embodiments, a frame engages the rear tire to hold the rear tire in an elevated position against a resistance cylinder. The resistance cylinder provides a force against rear tire revolution and varies the resistance to pedaling. The resistance cylinder can vary resistance against back tire revolution by pumping a resistance fluid into and out of the cylinder, by changing the position of the resistance cylinder in relation to the back tire, or by translation of the bicycle back and forth. In other embodiments, the trainer is electronically controlled to simulate real-world geographical courses programmed into a readable format for electronically maneuvering front tire and back tire positions as necessary to provide resistance to pedaling.
US07766796B2	Framework system A load bearing framework system (11) for use as ready to assemble playground equipment constructed of a plurality of connector rods (31, 32) having fixed lengths and one or more adjustable length rods (33) and a plurality of connectors (21, 22, 23, 24) with angular spaced radially extending fingers and a camber angle to a plane normal to the axis of the connector, the fingers shaped relative the end of the connector rods allowing connection of a plurality of the connectors rods. The framework forms an interconnected geometric shaped unit with a substantially planar base of regular closed geometric shape for resting on the ground and an interconnected substantially hemispherical top shape. Detent means can retain connector rods and connectors together.
US07766794B2	Mobile exercise enhancement with virtual competition A glanceable interface presented by a computing device to a user while the user engages in physical exercise can provide information regarding exercise-related data within the context of the user's exercise-oriented goals. In particular, the glanceable interface can display the difference between a user's current exercise level and a target level, optionally with instructions how to reach the target level. Once the target level is reached, the glanceable display can provide raw exercise-related data to the user. In addition, virtual competition can be based on a target-achievement-score that is based on the amount of time, and the accuracy with which, a competitor maintains their exercise level within a target exercise level zone. Competitors can be automatically selected based on the closeness of their target-achievement-scores to the user's target-achievement-score, so long as at least one competitor has a higher target-achievement-score than the user so as to further motivate the user.
US07766791B2	System for protecting a powertrain A powertrain for a machine is disclosed. The powertrain has a power source and a transmission that is operably connected to the power source. The powertrain also has a differential that is operably connected to the transmission. The powertrain further has a first and second shaft that are operably connected to the differential. The first and second shaft respectively actuate a plurality of traction devices. The powertrain also has a clutch associated with the differential and configured to selectively reduce a total traction available to the machine by releasing the differential as a function of a torque produced by the power source.
US07766789B2	Control device for hybrid vehicle drive apparatus A control device for hybrid vehicle drive apparatus is disclosed. Upon receipt of a start-up request on an engine (8), if a determination is made that a rattling gear noise in a power distributing mechanism (16) exceeds a given value, first and second clutches (C1 and C2) are disengaged to cause a power transmitting path to be placed in a power interrupting state, and the first and second clutches (C1 and C2) are engaged to cause the power transmitting path to be placed in a non-differential state. Thus, engine start-up is initiated. This allows the engine (8) to be started up with a limited occurrence of rattling between gears incorporated in the power distributing mechanism (16) with a reduction in rattling gear noise.
US07766785B2	Multiple speed automatic transmission A multiple-speed automatic transmission includes an input, output, a first gear unit drivable connected to the input and including a component rotating at the speed of the input and a first gear unit output, the first gear unit producing a gear ratio of a speed of the input and a speed of a first gear unit output, the gear ratio being greater than unity, and a Ravigneaux gear unit for producing multiple ratios of the speed of the input and a speed of the output, the Ravigneaux gear unit being driveably connected to first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth rotating members and the output. A first clutch connects the first gear unit output and the first rotating member; a second clutch connects the first gear unit output and the second rotating member; a third clutch connects the third rotating member and one of the input and the rotating component, a fourth clutch connects the fourth rotating member and one of the input and the component; a first brake holds the fifth rotating member against rotation; and a second brake holds the sixth rotating member against rotation.
US07766783B2	8-speed transmission The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting mechanisms, three fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US07766782B2	8-speed transmission The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, two fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US07766779B2	Switching device for a motor vehicle and use of this device The invention relates to, in essence, a switching device (10, 11) for a motor vehicle. This switching device comprises two idler gears (17, 18) and a claw (14). This claw (14) assures, by displacement, a selective connection of a drive shaft (9) to one of the two idler gears (17, 18). According to the invention, the claw (14) comprises axial protrusions (65, 66) for simultaneously connecting it to the two idler gears (17, 18). To this end, the gears (17, 18) each have axial projections (67, 68). The protrusions (65, 66) are designed for entering the spaces made between the projections (67, 68). The inventive switching device (10, 11) is preferably used with a hybrid transmission device (1).
US07766777B2	Device for superimposing rotational speeds, comprising a servodrive Disclosed is a device for superimposing rotational speeds in a vehicle steering system. Said device comprises an input shaft (1) and an output shaft (2) that are arranged in a longitudinal direction relative to each other, a support system (IIa, IIb) which is fixed to the vehicle body and in which the input shaft (1) and the output shaft (2) are rotatably positioned so as to be mounted at least in part, a servodrive (6, 7) encompassing a stator (7) that is located on the support system (IIa, IIb) and a rotor (6) that is mounted so as to be rotatable parallel to the axis of the input shaft. The input shaft (1) is connected to a first toothed disk (3) while the output shaft (2) is joined to a second toothed disk (4). At least one additional toothed wheel (5) is mounted on the rotor (6) at a distance from the axis of rotation of the rotor (6) so as to be rotatable about its own axis around the input shaft (1). The toothing of said additional toothed wheel (5) engages into both toothings of the first and second toothed disk (3, 4).
US07766775B2	Chain tensioner A chain tensioner includes a housing having a closed bottom. A rod is axially movably inserted in the housing for pressing a chain. A wear ring is mounted to the outer periphery of the rod and is biased by a return spring mounted in the housing in a direction away from the bottom of the housing. A nut member is mounted between the wear ring and the bottom of the housing so as to be coaxial with the housing and axially movable relative to the housing. A ring-shaped spring member is provided between the nut member and the bottom of the housing to support the nut member. A screw rod is provided between the rod and the bottom of the housing and in threaded engagement with the nut member. A spring is provided between the screw rod and the bottom of the housing to bias the screw rod in a direction away from the bottom of the housing. The screw rod has an end surface that is in abutment with the rod.
US07766774B2	Torque limited decoupler A decoupler assembly is provided for allowing an alternator to be rotatably driven by a serpentine belt in an engine of an automotive vehicle and for allowing the speed of the belt to oscillate relative to the alternator. A hub is fixedly carried by a drive shaft from the alternator for rotation therewith. A pulley is rotatably journaled to the hub by a ball bearing assembly. A bare, helical clutch spring is operatively coupled between the hub and pulley for transferring rotational movement from the pulley to the hub during acceleration of the pulley relative to the hub by the serpentine belt and for allowing the hub to overrun the pulley during deceleration of the pulley relative to the hub. A torque limiter, preferably a spring or sleeve, is wrapped about the torsion limiting outward expansion of the torsion isolating the torsion spring from torques above a predetermined limit.
US07766773B1	Runner shock A shock for a lacrosse head comprising an energy absorbing element for use with a lacrosse head.
US07766767B2	Golf balls having a low modulus HNP layer and a high modulus HNP layer The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a dual-layer core and a cover. The core consists of a layer formed from a low modulus HNP composition and a layer formed from a high modulus HNP composition. The low modulus HNP composition has a material hardness of 55 Shore D or less and comprises a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/alkyl(meth)acrylate copolymer. The high modulus HNP composition has a material hardness of 45 Shore D or greater and comprises a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer. The cover preferably consists of a single cover layer.
US07766765B2	Wood-type golf club head A wood-type golf club head has a volume V (cc) of not less than 350 cc and a club face area S (sq.cm) of not less than 30 sq.cm but not more than V×0.08+5. Preferably, the weight of the face portion is in a range of from 20 to 40% of the overall weight of the club head, and the overall weight is in a range of from 150 to 210 grams.
US07766761B2	Golf swing training apparatus A golf swing training apparatus and method of using same that instructs a trainee in the two optimum golf swings, namely an inward swing and an outward swing. The apparatus of the invention is of a unique configuration that, through the use of a novel practice ball assembly, allows a trainee to positively observe the differences between the inward golf swing and the outward golf swing.
US07766760B2	Muscle training apparatus and method The invention is directed to a muscle trainer for exercising opposing muscles of a person moving an implement, such as a golf club, wherein, if the opposing muscles were of appropriate strength, the opposing muscles would desirably apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining an ideal movement of the implement. The contemplated muscle trainer of this invention includes a body and a force generator positioned at a prescribed location on the body for urging the body in a direction away from a force direction which a weaker set of the opposing muscles would normally apply to the implement in the movement of the implement by the person.
US07766750B2	Slip clutch A slip clutch acts between a shaft and a housing. The slip clutch includes an oil reservoir within the housing and one or more slipping surfaces disposed in the oil reservoir that are keyed to the shaft and possibly alternately to the housing. The slipping surfaces may include stacked plates or washers. Each of the washers includes an oil groove or other structure on one surface thereof that maintains a consistent film of oil on the washer surfaces. The stacked washers slip relative to one another such that the shaft rotates relative to the housing upon an application of torque that exceeds a predetermined torque.
US07766739B2	Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a scrambled word game similar to the well-known game of JUMBLE.
US07766735B2	Externally baffled ridge vent Ridge vents and methods of their use are provided. In one embodiment, a rollable ridge vent for covering an opening of a roof ridge includes: an elongated flexible member having a central panel portion, a pair of lateral edges and a pair of transverse ends; a pair of vents disposed proximate to and inward of the lateral edges; a plurality of support ribs for supporting the central panel portion above the roof; and a pair of baffles disposed laterally from the vent openings, each pair of baffles comprising a plurality of baffle sections depending from the bottom surface of the central panel portion and oriented at an oblique angle to a respective proximate lateral edge.
US07766731B2	Exhaust gas chimney An exhaust gas chimney, especially an exhaust gas chimney installed directly downstream of a gas turbine or downstream of the waste heat recovery boiler of a gas turbine, includes an inner shell formed as a metal tube and surrounded by a sound absorption ring filled with bulk material for sound absorption. The sound absorption ring is formed as a ring jacket provided with a lower end plate that slopes downward and is permanently joined with the inner shell of the chimney, and with an upper end plate that slopes upward toward the inner shell. Ribs are joined to the inner shell of the chimney inside the annular jacket.
US07766727B2	Tribological surface and lapping method and system therefor A tribological system including: a tribological workpiece having a working surface adapted for moving relative to a counter-surface in a presence of a lubricant, in a load-bearing environment, the working surface for disposing generally opposite the counter-surface, the working surface having: (i) a metal surface layer; (ii) a plurality of organic particles incorporated in the metal surface layer, and (iii) a plurality of inorganic particles incorporated in the working surface, the inorganic particles having a Mohs hardness of at least 8.
US07766723B2	Device for automatically preparing ophthalmic lenses for mounting, enabling a plurality of lenses to be taken in charge simultaneously A device includes a measurement element for automatically measuring optical locating or identification characteristics of an ophthalmic lens, a cutting-out element for cutting out an ophthalmic lens and including an element for lens clamping, and a receiver/transfer element that receives an ophthalmic lens and transfers it in at least three transfers between at least four distinct positions, a first between a loading or unloading position for the lens and a measurement position in which the ophthalmic lens is presented aligned with the measurement element, a second transfer between the measurement position and an intermediate position, and a third transfer between the intermediate position and a cutting-out position, presenting the lens for being clamped by the clamping element of the cutting-out element. The transfer element includes a second transfer element arranged to receive a plurality of ophthalmic lenses simultaneously and to perform the second transfers of the ophthalmic lenses in turn.
US07766722B2	Apparatus for removing parasites from bees within a hive and method of accomplishing the same An apparatus and method for removing parasites from bees within a hive. The apparatus has a housing that extends from a first end to a second end and has a hollow interior. An air moving device is attached to the first end and a spout is connected to the second end. A container is located within the hollow interior of the housing and contains a parasite killing solution therein. The spout is then connected to a bee hive such that a heating system in communication with the housing can cause the parasite killing solution to boil allowing the air moving device to take the steam from the parasite killing solution to the interior of the hive to kill parasites.
US07766721B2	Internally illuminated tubular toy A toy sword has a translucent foam shell in the form of a blade. A light-transmissive tube is located within the foam shell and a multitude of light emitters are located along the tube and are configured to emit light through the tube to the foam shell from inside to illuminate the shell's exterior.
US07766719B2	Traveling apparatus and traveling stopping method A traveling apparatus, including a housing, first and second wheels, a wheel driving section, and a control section. The first and second wheels are supported for individual rotation in one and the other direction around a common axis on the housing. The wheel driving section is configured to drive the first and second wheels to rotate individually. The control section is configured to control the wheel driving section and is operable to control, when traveling of the housing which is traveling is to be stopped, the wheel driving section to drive the first and second wheels to rotate in different conditions from each other so that the housing is revolved toward a first one of the leftward and rightward directions with respect to a traveling direction of the housing once and then revolved toward a second one of the leftward and rightward directions to stop the housing.
US07766718B2	Rotatable flexible disk toys In one embodiment of the invention, a spinning or rotatable flexible disk toy is disclosed. The spinning or rotatable flexible disk toy includes a hand-held housing, an electric motor, a switch, and a flexible disk. The electric motor is mounted in the hand-held housing and has a rotatable shaft. The switch is mounted in the hand-held housing and electrically coupled to the electric motor to selectively provide power to the electric motor. The flexible disk is coupled to the rotatable shaft of the electric motor.
US07766714B2	Image display apparatus and manufacturing method thereof A method is provided for manufacturing an image display apparatus having a hermetic container including, as constructive members, a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to each other, and an external frame disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an image display disposed within the hermetic container. The method includes a step of disposing a conductive bonding member between the first substrate and the external frame, and a step of sealing the first substrate and the external frame by heating the conductive bonding member. The second substrate has an electrode located outside of the hermetic container, and the sealing step includes a step of extending the conductive bonding member softened by heating from a sealing area between the first substrate and the external frame to the electrode to be in contact with the electrode.
US07766711B2	Hardware-less wakeboard binding component and assembly and method of making assembly A wakeboard binding assembly includes a binding base and an outersole. The binding base is adapted to attach both to the wakeboard, and an upper of the binding. The outersole is designed to surround the periphery of the binding base and cover the area of attachment between the binding base and the binding upper. The attachment of the upper to the binding base eliminates the need to use hardware and fasteners for attachment of the upper to the wakeboard.
US07766703B2	Electrical connector with rotatable fastener An electrical connector to mechanically and electrically connecting first and second electrical conduit assemblies. The first electrical conduit assembly has a first conductive contact and an aperture in the first conductive contact. A first fastener is rotatably received in the aperture. The first fastener has a head member and a body portion. A threaded passageway extends from the head member to a distal end of the body portion. The distal end of the body portion is swaged to prevent the first fastener from being accidentally removed from the aperture. A second electrical conduit assembly has a second conductive contact. A second fastener extends outwardly from the second conductive contact and is adapted to be threadably received by the passageway of the first fastener.
US07766702B2	Conductor connection Disclosed herein is an electrical connector frame member. The electrical connector frame member includes a first leg section, a conductor receiving section, and a wedge section. The first leg section is configured to be connected to an electrical isolator. The conductor receiving section is connected to the first leg section. The conductor receiving section is configured to receive an electrical conductor. The wedge section extends from the conductor receiving section. The wedge section is integrally formed with the conductor receiving section and comprises a wedge connector shell contact surface. The wedge connector shell contact surface is angled relative to the conductor receiving section.
US07766696B2	Coaxial cable connector assembly An electrical connector assembly is provided for electrically connecting a plurality of coaxial cables to a circuit board. The assembly includes a housing having a mounting side portion configured to be mounted to the circuit board and a mating side portion opposite the mounting side portion. A plurality of coaxial cable connectors are held by the housing. Each coaxial cable connector includes an outer electrical contact and an inner electrical contact extending generally coaxially with each other. Each outer and inner electrical contact extends from a mating end portion on the mating side portion of the housing to a mounting end portion. The mounting end portion of each of the outer and inner electrical contacts is configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding electrical contact on the circuit board. The mating end portion of each of the outer and inner electrical contacts is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical contact of a corresponding one of the coaxial cables.
US07766692B2	Cable interconnect systems with cable connectors implementing storage devices In order to monitor connectivity status associated with an interconnect cable from the end-points to which either end of the cable is attached, a storage device storing a field replaceable unit identifier is provided to uniquely identify a cable end-point, which identifier can then be accessed to determine the connectivity status.
US07766688B2	Connector A connector for terminating a communications cable is disclosed including a termination assembly (30) including a plurality of wire receiving contacts (32) for receiving wires (24) of a cable; a lacing fixture (22) with a number of wire receiving spaces (23) and which is used to guide the wires into engagement with the wire receiving contacts (32); and a cutting blade (34) having a cutting portion (35) and a body portion; wherein the termination assembly and lacing fixture are arranged such that, as they are assembled together, wires held in the lacing fixture are pushed past the cutting portion of the blade which cuts off excess wire, the cut wires are pushed beyond the body portion of the blade, and the wires are pushed into engagement with the wire receiving contacts.
US07766685B2	Plug connector arrangement with secondary locking The present invention relates to a plug connector arrangement with a plug, having first catch arms arranged parallel to the plug-in direction and a secondary locking, as well as a mating plug with shoulders, behind which catch lugs engage in a final plugged-in position on the first catch arms. The secondary locking is released from a pre-catch position by the mating plug during the plug-in process and, on reaching its final catch position, is held back by the first catch arms until the catch lugs thereof are locked behind the shoulders of the mating plug.
US07766680B2	Flexible circuit board connector A connector device to be used with a flexible printed circuit board including a connector. The flexible printed circuit board has on its front and rear surfaces ground patterns, signal patterns and phase inversion signal patterns arranged such that the signal pattern and the phase inversion signal pattern are arranged between the two ground patterns, and has a ground layer between the front and rear surfaces and exposed portions located at predetermined positions and reaching the ground layer. The connector has first and second contacts of two kinds. The first and second contacts are arranged in one and the same inserting hole of the housing such that their contact portions are opposite to each other. When a pivoting member has been pivotally moved, the first and second contacts come into contact with the corresponding ground, signal and phase inversion signal patterns on the flexible printed circuit board and the members at the predetermined positions enter the exposed portions so as to contact the ground layer, thereby achieving a miniaturization of the connector and high speed transmission of signals.
US07766679B2	Pluggable module and detaching jig thereof There is provided a pluggable module having grooves, on lateral faces, for latching with a cage and engaging portions for detachment, wherein the module body is detached from the cage by using a module detaching unit which is inserted along the grooves and which locks the engaging portions of the module body in the length direction. Further, there is provided a detaching jig including: latch release portions which are inserted between the pluggable module and the cage; lock portions which allow the pluggable module to be locked in the detaching direction; and a handle portion for detaching the pluggable module from the cage.
US07766678B1	SIM card connector with eject mechanism A card connector having a housing and a card tray with an ejection mechanism for ejecting the card tray from the housing is disclosed. The connector has an ejection member and pivotable ejection lever that act in concert to eject the card tray from the housing. A force applied to the ejection member causes the pivotable ejection lever to pivot, which causes card tray to eject from the housing.
US07766674B1	Electrical connector with high profile An electrical connector includes an insulating housing (1a) including a pair of retaining spacers (1b) embedded therein and a number of terminals (2). The insulating housing has a base portion (11) with a concaving room (110) and an engaging portion (12). The terminal (2) defines a retaining portion (21) retained in the base portion, a contacting portion (22) projecting in the engaging portion and a leg portion (23). The retaining spacers are received in the concaving room and press against the retaining portions of the terminals.
US07766669B2	Compression connector with compressing, mounting and locking assemblies Compression connectors and methods are provided that are suitable for mating a flat flexible circuit and a printed circuit board. A mounting assembly secures a locking compression assembly to the printed circuit board. Pliable compression springs mounted on rotatable levers engage the top surface of the flexible circuit and force the flexible circuit down onto an interposer, which in turn forces the interposer down onto the printed circuit board. Stop plates are biased towards the rotatable levers to hold the levers in the closed position. Latch members engage the stop plates to keep the connector closed.
US07766667B2	Separable electrical connectors using isotropic conductive elastomer interconnect medium An electrical connector using an isotropic conductive elastomer as the interconnect medium.
US07766666B1	Board-to-board connector assembly A board-to-board connector assembly includes a receptacle connector having a plurality of first terminals, and a plug connector having a plurality of second terminals. Each of the first terminals has a first contact portion and a second contact portion and each of the second terminals has a first contact arm and a second contact arm. When the plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector, the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the first terminal electrically contact the first contact arm and the second contact arm of the corresponding second terminal respectively to make the first terminal and the corresponding second terminal electrically interconnected steadily.
US07766665B2	Printed circuit board direct connection and method of forming the same A system for directly connecting multiple printed circuit boards (PCB) circuits without the need for peripheral connectors. Multiple PCBs are electrically and mechanically interfaced with one or more plated holes or tabs on at least one first PCB and one or more plated tabs or holes on at least one second PCB. The plated tab(s)/hole(s) from said second PCB mate with the corresponding plated tab(s)/hole(s) from said first PCB to form a mechanical and electrical interconnect.
US07766663B2	Coaxially connected structure for opposed wiring substances and device having the same A coaxially connected structure for opposed wiring substrates of the present invention includes a first substrate equipped with a tab type bracket and a second substrate equipped with a socket type bracket, and further includes first and second ground cases respectively mounted on the first and second substrates to cover them. The first and second ground cases are respectively provided with first and second penetration openings to pass the tab type bracket and the socket type bracket therethrough. Exposed parts of the tab type bracket and the socket type bracket from the openings are mutually engaged and being fully surrounded with at least one conductive tubular member which has a function to determine a distance between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US07766661B2	Heat transfer member and connector A heat transfer member which is capable of enhancing efficiency of heat dissipation, and a connector including the heat transfer member. On the surface of an elastic body arranged between an LED and a heat sink, a heat conduction metal thin film that transfers heat generated in the LED to the heat sink is formed. The member may also include an electrical conduction metal film, whereby the member may serve as both a heat transfer member and as an electrical connector.
US07766659B2	Series unit with moveable terminal(s) for connection of coaxial cables A series unit comprises an input terminal and an output terminal each composed of a tubular receptacle having a center conductor and an external conductor provided concentrically with the center conductor, a television terminal, and a unit case for supporting the input terminal, the output terminal, and the television terminal. The external conductors of the terminals are electrically interconnected through the unit case. The center conductors are electrically interconnected in the space defined inside the unit case. The orientation of the connection end portion of the unit case is perpendicular to the connection/disconnection end portion to/from which the terminal of the cable is connected/disconnected. The input terminal and the output terminal are constituted as movable terminals rotatable at the connection end portions of the unit case. The planes defined by the center axes of the connection/disconnection end portions by the rotation of the movable terminals are perpendicular to each other.
US07766657B2	Endodontic file combining active and passive cutting edges An endodontic reamer/file for cleaning/shaping a tooth root canal having an elongated shank with a proximal end portion, a distal end and a tapered working portion having a longitudinal axis, the external surface of the shank working portion being defined by a plurality of at least two equally spaced apart continuous concaved helical flutes providing concave flute surfaces, the flute surfaces having therebetween an equal number of spiraled, spaced apart flanges, each flange having in a plane perpendicular the longitudinal axis a single outer end surface having opposed first and second ends, each first end forming an active spiraled leading scraping/cutting edge and each second end forming a passive spiraled edge.
US07766655B2	Self-contained dental prophylaxis angle with offset rotational axis The present invention discloses a self-contained dental prophylaxis angle with a separate therapeutic content lumen and drive shaft lumen. The phrophylaxis angle also provides an offset rotational axis and methods for its use in cleaning, polishing, bleaching, bonding, etching, abrading, desensitizing, or otherwise treating teeth. An offset drive system is provided to power rotation of the dental tip in a system that can be physically separated from the storage and dispensing system for therapeutic content. A self-contained dental prophylaxis angle with an offset rotational axis according to the present invention may be used with a variety of shaped dental tips of varying degrees of rigidity, according the needs of a given clinical application.
US07766652B2	Fired pottery items and a method for their manufacture Pottery wares are fired in a saggar in an electric kiln, whereby effects such as reduction firing and soda firing may be obtained.
US07766646B2	Injection molding apparatus with plate actuation of valve pins An injection molding apparatus includes a back plate, a driven pulley connected to the back plate and rotatable with respect to the back plate, a screw connected to the driven pulley to rotate with the driven pulley, a motor having an attached drive pulley, a belt or chain coupling the driven pulley and the drive pulley, a valve pin plate, a nut connected to the valve pin plate and mated with the screw, at least one valve pin connected to the valve pin plate, a manifold fixed with respect to the back plate, and at least one nozzle connected to the manifold. The valve pin extends through the nozzle to control flow of molding material. The screw can be a ball screw and nut can be a ball nut. The screw can have one portion connected to the driven pulley and another portion connected to a mold plate in a rotatable manner. The valve pin plate may be an assembly with an upper plate, a lower plate, and at least one valve pin holder fixed between the upper plate and the lower plate, the valve pin being fastened to the valve pin plate assembly with the valve pin holder. The positions of the screw and nut can be reversed.
US07766642B2	Portable conduit bending frame assembly and method of use thereof A portable conduit bending frame assembly comprises a support member having a conduit support surface extending substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the support member. A shoe is attached to the top surface of the support member. The shoe has a first alignment surface extending substantially perpendicular to a second alignment surface. A conduit bending surface extends between the first and second alignment surfaces and has a substantially arcuate configuration. The conduit bending surface faces the conduit support surface. A heating device is arranged proximate the conduit support surface for heating a conduit prior to bending the conduit at least partially about the conduit bending surface.
US07766641B2	Three dimensional (3D) printer system with placement and curing mechanisms A printer system is provided for developing a three dimensional (3D) printed structure. The system includes a plurality of spaced apart sets of printing devices. A conveyor system is arranged to serially convey a print medium operatively with respect to each set so that printed voxels from each successive set can form successive layers of the 3D printed structure upon the print medium. A placement mechanism is configured to place an object upon layers of the 3D printed structure. The placement mechanism includes a translation mechanism configured to translate the object at substantially the same velocity as the conveyance of the print medium during placement of the object. A plurality of curing mechanisms is interleaved between the sets of printing devices and is configured to cure the printed voxels.
US07766638B2	Tablet production method and tablet production apparatus A tablet production apparatus comprising a gas generator G, a lubricant powder discharge means 51 for discharging a lubricant powder into a gas generated from the gas generator G, depending on the supply of the gas from the gas generator G, and mixing the lubricant powder with the gas in dispersed state, a lubricant application means 91 for spraying the lubricant powder discharged from the lubricant powder discharge means 51 and mixed with the gas generated from the gas generation means G in dispersed state, onto each material contacting surface of a die, an upper punch and a lower punch, and an oxygen concentration measuring means 131a for measuring the oxygen concentration of the gas existing near the lubricant application means 91. The apparatus is designed such that the amount of the gas supplied into the lubricant application means is adjusted based on the oxygen concentration measured by the oxygen concentration measuring means 131a.
US07766635B2	Rotary pump having sinusoidal sealing lines A rotary pump has a housing composed of two intersecting cylinder sections and pump rotors therein. The rotors roll off on one another and against the interior wall of the housing in a sealing manner and have two approximately club-shaped sections that are connected to each other at their narrower ends via a waisting. The club-shaped section of one rotor engages into the waisting of the other rotor. The rotors create in each phase of the rotation movement an evenly increasing intake volume in front of the inlet port and an evenly decreasing discharge volume in front of the outlet port, provision is made that, in order to improve the pumping performance and increase the stability under load, the surface lines, which function as sealing lines are designed sine shaped.
US07766633B2	Scroll compressor having a slider with a flat surface slidable and fitted in a notch part of a main shaft A scroll compressor includes a compression section having an orbiting scroll with volutes that are substantially symmetrically formed on both surfaces of an orbiting base plate. A main shaft penetrates through and is fixed to a center portion of the base plate. A pair of fixed scrolls is placed on both surfaces of the orbiting scroll, and has volutes which correspond to the respective volutes of the orbiting scroll to form compression chambers. The main shaft has a notch part which is formed at a portion penetrating through the orbiting scroll and fixed scrolls. A slider is provided which has an eccentric hole including a flat slide surface corresponding to the notch part. The slider is fitted to the main shaft where the notch part is formed. The slider is made slidable in a direction orthogonal to a length direction of the main shaft by the flat slide surface.
US07766629B2	Fluid pump, cooling apparatus and electrical appliance A fluid pump having a case with a pump chamber defined by axial side surfaces and a circumferential surface, a suction port and a discharge port both provided in the circumferential surface so as to communicate with the pump chamber, an impeller formed into a disc shape and rotatably mounted in the pump chamber, a pressure generating protrusion, which generates pressure by rotation of the impeller and is located inside the pump chamber at a radial position, and a motor, which drives the impeller, installed in the case and having a stator and a rotor to which the impeller is attached for rotating together.
US07766627B2	Motor device for a fan A fan motor device includes a fan base, an impeller set and a motor set. The fan base extends a central barrel with ball bearings fitting with the barrel. The impeller set further includes an impeller, a shaft, a spring, a motor case and a magnet. The motor set further includes an insulation frame, a silicone sheet set, a coil and a circuit board. The barrel has an annular deep groove between the inner circumferential side and the outer circumferential side thereof for a stop ring being attached to an inner wall surface of the groove to reinforce the outer circumferential side so as to prevent the barrel from bending deformation and the motor set from displacing eccentrically or loosening off.
US07766626B2	Multipiston pump A multipiston pump including a plurality of piston pumps hydraulically combined into at least two pump units are coupled on the intake side, but supply two separate hydraulic circuits of a vehicle brake system with pressure fluid. To reduce brake pedal pulsation the piston pumps are driven in phase-offset fashion.An eccentric unit comprising two spaced-apart cams rotated counter to one another, with the individual piston pumps being located in a number of sectional planes through the pump housing corresponding to the number of cams and locate the connecting conduits for hydraulically coupling the pump units are located in a region of the pump housing defined by the sectional planes.
US07766625B2	Methods and apparatus for reducing stress in turbine buckets A method facilitates reducing stress in a turbine bucket including a metallic base metal. The method comprises providing a turbine bucket including at least one pocket formed therein, and filling at least one pocket defined in the bucket with a polymer composite having continuous fibers oriented in a resin matrix, such that the fibers have an orientation determined in accordance with a pre-selected frequency tuning of the bucket.
US07766624B2	Rotor blade for a ninth phase of a compressor The invention relates to a blade of a rotor of a ninth phase of a compressor, which can be defined by coordinates of a discreet combination of points, in a Cartesian reference system (X, Y, Z), wherein the axis (Z) is a radial axis intersecting the central axis of the compressor, the blade having a profile which can be identified by having a series of closed intersection curves between the profile itself and planes (X, Y) lying at distances (Z) from the central axis, the blade also comprising a thickening, substantially parallel to a base portion of the blade itself, fixable to said rotor, said thickening being substantially situated half-way up the blade and being suitable for shifting the natural resonance frequencies of the blade itself outside a functioning frequency range of said rotor.
US07766620B2	Rotor blade with a lightning protection unit, wind energy system having the same and a method for constructing a rotor blade A rotor blade for use in a wind energy system is disclosed. The rotor blade includes a rotor blade body comprising a tip; a down conductor extending along the rotor blade body; a conductive part including a conductive part body attached to the rotor blade body and connected to the down conductor, and an extension extending outward from the conductive part body and protruding out of the tip; a lightning receptor having a cavity for slidably receiving the extension; and a fastener removably fastening the lightning receptor to the extension.
US07766616B2	Turbine blade for a gas turbine, use of a turbine blade and method for cooling a turbine blade There is described a turbine blade of a gas turbine comprising a suction-side blade wall and a pressure-side blade wall that, in the trailing edge area, runs toward the suction-side blade wall. This suction-side blade wall has a trailing edge projection projecting over the end edge of the pressure-side blade wall at least in a partial section of the trailing edge area. A turbine blade of the aforementioned type is designed for a particularly long serviceable life while requiring little cooling air. To this end, the pressure-side surface of the trailing edge projection has a number of trough-shaped recesses that increase the transfer of heat from the trailing edge projection by a local swirling of the cooling air.
US07766608B2	Wind energy plant with marine life growth promoting structure The invention concerns a wind power installation, whether an offshore or an onshore wind power installation. An offshore wind power installation comprising an underwater construction which is externally provided with a structure which promotes a growth with marine fauna and flora for later harvest.
US07766607B2	Device for ventilating turbine disks in a gas turbine engine A device for ventilating turbine components in a gas turbine engine which includes first and second turbine rotors mechanically independent of each other, the first turbine rotor includes an HP turbine disk and the second turbine rotor includes an LP turbine disk and with a first circuit for ventilating the LP turbine is disclosed. The device includes an air compression wheel arranged downstream of the HP turbine disk between the HP turbine disk and LP turbine disk in order to assist the circulation of the air in the first circuit.
US07766602B1	Windmill with pivoting blades An efficient, yet durable wind turbine is provided for use in windy environments even with extreme wind conditions. The turbine includes spaced apart frame members rotatably mounted upon a central axle for rotation therewith, and having a plurality of blades rotatably mounted between the frame members for rotation upon blade axles. Blade directors automatically orient the blades relative to the wind direction. The turbines are self starting, with the frame members rotating in one direction while the blades rotate in an opposite direction so as to move between perpendicular and parallel orientations relative to the wind stream. In one embodiment, the turbine can be oriented either vertically or horizontally. The central axles can be connected to an electrical generator or, if powered by an engine, can be used to provide torque or propulsion to a mechanical device.
US07766595B2	Device and procedure for twisting a coil into perforations of flat components Described is a device and a procedure to twist a coil into perforations that are provided in the margin sections of flat components, sheets of paper in particular, with a drive that causes the rotation and axial in-feed of the coil, corresponding to the inclination of its helix shape. With a stopping device the coil is inhibited from moving further and a release brings the coil out of contact with the stopping device and into contact with the drive.
US07766593B2	Kit for fastening and locking of components A stack or assembly of fluid, mechanical, and/or electrical components permits removal of some components for maintenance, without compromising the fluid integrity of the remainder of the assembly. A fastening bolt, attached to at least one fluid component, is screwed into a stacking bolt, attached to another fluid component, the bolts being screwed together inside the bore of an adapter plate. A resilient insert sits between the head of the stacking bolt and the bore. At least a portion of the bore has a continuous taper, such that the diameter of the bore decreases in the vicinity of the insert. The taper creates a reduced diameter hole on one surface of the adapter plate, thus preventing interference between fluid ports on an adjacent fluid component. The taper also prevents loss of the insert during transportation and storage, and prevents undesired extrusion of material of the insert when the components are fastened together.
US07766589B2	Fixing system Fixing system adapted to be fixed in a removable manner on a penetrable surface, the fixing system comprising a housing base part and a pair of pin blocks mounted in the housing. Each pin block comprises a rigid body portion and a plurality of pins inclined obliquely in relation to said body portion. The pins of one pin block are oriented in a direction opposed to the direction of the pins of the other pin block, whereby an actuator mechanism moves the pin blocks apart or together, from a disengaged position to an engaged and stable position.
US07766588B2	Cargo handling apparatus A retaining member 16 is provided for use with a frame 10 for packaging elongate members, such as sections of tubular, for example casing, liner or drill pipe. The retaining member 16 comprises a pressure plate 18 on which is mounted a pair of pivoting hooks 20 for engaging with protrusions 36 formed on the frame 10. The hooks 20 are connected to threaded rods 28 received in a sleeve 30. A ratcheted handle 34 allows selective rotation of the sleeve 30 to draw the rods 28 therein, and so to pivot the hooks 20 to urge the pressure plate 18 against members received within the frame 10. A quick release mechanism is provided to allow easy release of the hooks 20 and the retaining member 16.
US07766584B2	Drilling auxiliary device having a cooling effect An auxiliary device for a drill includes a base having a first side provided with a gathering portion, a fixing post mounted on a second side of the base and provided with a limit hole connected to the gathering portion, a water inlet port mounted on the second side of the base and provided with a water inlet hole connected to the gathering portion, and a water outlet port mounted on the second side of the base and provided with a water outlet hole connected to the gathering portion. Thus, the cooling water flows through the water inlet hole of the water inlet port into the gathering portion of the base to surround the drill bit so as to provide a cooling effect to the drill bit and the workpiece during the drilling process.
US07766583B2	Workpiece removal device for a hole saw and plug cutter One embodiment relates to a workpiece removal device for a plug cutter. This combination comprises a housing having a longitudinally extending surface, a first closed end and a second open end opposite the first closed end. A boss is coupled (removably coupled for example) to the first closed end and extends toward the second open end, and a biasing member (a spring for example) is attached to a distal end of the boss. The combination further comprises means for contacting a predetermined portion of the biasing member with a workpiece, whereby a preselected portion of the workpiece is ultimately severed from the workpiece. The biasing member ejects the preselected portion from the plug cutter, forming a plug.
US07766580B2	Energy managing keel joint A keel joint protector, which, in certain aspects, includes a body made of flexible material, a central open bore through the body, and the body having a plurality of spaced-apart energy management zones therein for diffusing a force applied to a particular part of the body. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).
US07766577B2	Method of operating a shiplift A platform includes main transverse beams (“MTBs”), each supported by at least one hoist. It is determined whether a load on any MTB is different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount. An MTB which has a load different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount is selected and then vertically moved with respect to the other MTBs within a predetermined safety limit to transfer load between the selected MTB and the other MTBs while monitoring the loads on each MTB and the position of the selected MTB as vertical movement of the selected MTB proceeds. The monitored loads and position are compared with the safety limit; and the movement of the selected MTB stopped when either the desired load transfer is completed or the safety limit has been met.
US07766574B2	Fastener system for fastening together parts using pins having collars A fastener system is configured to fasten together at least two parts, one of which includes at least one flange that is caused to bear against a surface of the other part by a plurality of pins each presenting a collar having a non-circular outline. The collar is received in a groove formed in a bearing surface of one of the parts, and is designed to prevent the pins from turning by abutment against a wall, wherein the outline of each collar includes two substantially opposite plane surfaces that serve as mutual abutments against two adjacent collars.
US07766573B1	Quick release fastener for hurricane shutters A quick release fastener mechanism for easy installation and removal of conventional hurricane storm shutters over and from a window or door of a structure. The device comprises a removable stud for engaging and securing the hurricane shutters and a spring-actuated panel fastener that includes a leaf spring and hinged locking element to engage and hold the removable stud in position. The quick release fastener is installed and removed from outside the building by actuating or depressing a lever end of the hinged locking element to lock or to unlock and release the removable stud from within the spring-actuated panel fastener.
US07766572B2	Bottle for a cosmetic and a method of use A bottle comprising: a container containing a cosmetic; and an applicator including a tube that carries a first applicator head for applying cosmetic to a region of the body, the first applicator head being placed in front of the tube and being suitable for being dipped into the container, and the first applicator head being removable from the tube. The applicator also includes a second applicator head that is stored in the tube until the first applicator head is removed. The second applicator head is displaceable relative to the tube to take the place of the first applicator head.
US07766570B2	RFID label and label producing device A label producing device for producing an RFID label using a tag label tape with print includes a tape feed roller for feeding the tag label tape with print, a print head for performing printing on a print area provided in a cover film, a half-cut unit for cutting, on both end sides in the tape length direction of the tag label tape with print with respect to the print area, layers other than a separation sheet in the width direction to thereby form half-cut lines, and a cutting mechanism for cutting the tag label tape with print in the width direction on sides further toward the both ends in the tape length direction with respect to these two half-cut lines.
US07766567B2	Method of printing with a print assembly having a binding assembly Provided is a method of printing with a print assembly having first and second print engines arranged in an opposing in-line sequential configuration along a paper path. The method includes the steps of drawing a sheet of paper into the first print engine, printing image data onto the sheet via the first and second print engines, printing fixative onto the paper to aid drying of ink, and binding the printed sheet into a document using a binding assembly of the print assembly.
US07766566B2	Developing treatment apparatus and developing treatment method In the present invention, a substrate transfer unit into/from which a substrate is transferred from/to the outside of a treatment container and a developing treatment unit in which development of the substrate is performed are arranged side by side in the treatment container, and a carrier mechanism is provided which carries the substrate while grasping an outside surface of the substrate from both sides, between the substrate transfer unit and the developing treatment unit. A developing solution supply nozzle for supplying a developing solution onto the substrate and a gas blow nozzle for blowing a gas to the substrate, are provided between the substrate transfer unit and the developing treatment unit and above a carriage path along which the substrate is carried, and a cleaning solution supply nozzle is provided in the developing treatment unit for supplying a cleaning solution onto the substrate. According to the present invention, since the substrate is carried with its outside surface being grasped, spread of contamination can be prevented to restrain generation of particles in the treatment container.
US07766564B2	Shutter device of a camera having two shutter blades A shutter device of a camera includes an upper plate and a bottom plate. An oscillator, which is provided between the upper plate and the lower plate, includes a rotator having a spindle, and the spindle pivots its opposite ends on pivot portions of the upper plate and the lower plate respectively. A driving arm is provided to the spindle to swing two shutter blades for exposing or shading an aperture of an aperture plate. One of the shutter blade is fixed to the driving arm that the spindle is no longer to be a rotation center of the second shutter blade, so that a working space, in which the aperture plate, the shutter blades are received, is elevated to the same level as the pivot portion of the lower plate to reduce a thickness of the shutter device.
US07766563B2	Shutter device and image-capturing device A shutter device includes: a base plate having a photographic aperture and a front surface and a rear surface; a shutter blade group that closes and opens the photographic aperture to light; a rear cover having an opening portion that corresponds to the photographic aperture, provided to the rear surface of the base plate with the shutter blade group between the rear cover and the rear surface of the base plate, and having a front surface and a rear surface; and a reflection prevention member fitted to the rear surface of the rear cover.
US07766551B2	Rotor block The invention relates to a rotor block (1) comprising a housing (2) with at least one connection surface (3A) that absorbs the load and pivot bearing seats (4) for plain and/or anti-friction bearings (5) that are designed to support a rotor (6). To dismount the rotor (6) from the housing (2), the plain and/or anti-friction bearings (5) can be dismantled from the exterior and the rotor (6) from a side (8) lying transversally to the bearings. The pivot bearing seats (4) take the form of recesses (9) that are directly configured in the housing wall, without the use of annular bodies. To facilitate the mounting and dismounting processes and to improve the precision of the rotor alignment, the pivot bearing seats (4) are configured in such a way that they form a segment greater than a semi-circle around the plain and/or anti-friction bearings (5), leaving a section open on one side (8) in relation to said bearings (5), thus forming a narrowing (13).
US07766548B2	Travel stand for a mobile X-ray diagnostic machine A travel stand for a mobile X-ray diagnostic machine with a laser detection system containing measurement devices to determine the position of the travel stand in a spatially fixed system of coordinates is provided. The measuring devices can operate by non-contact measurement techniques and that the position of the travel stand can be determined by techniques such as triangulation. An X-ray diagnostic machine with such a position detection system offers advantages in the 3D reconstruction from 2D X-ray projection images and in navigationally guided operations under X-ray monitoring.
US07766547B2	Object having a layer of conducting material forming a sensing device An object comprising a body part having an electrically insulating outer surface part, and a first layer arranged on the outer surface part. The first layer is formed by one or more electrically conducting materials and defines one or more conducting paths between a first area of the outer surface part and a second area of the outer surface part. Thereby electrical signals may be transferred between the first and second area parts. The layer further defines a sensing device, which is thereby embedded into the object. The object is provided with a threaded portion defining an outer thread. Thereby the object may easily be fitted into an opening having a mating inner thread. The object may be in the form of an ordinary bolt with a sensing device embedded in a surface part thereof.
US07766544B2	Temperature sensor mounting structure and battery module structure A temperature sensor mounting structure for a battery module that is formed by connecting single cells together in series including: a temperature-measuring device that detects the temperature of the battery module; a covering device that covers the temperature-measuring device; and movement-restricting devices that are removably engaged with the battery module and restrict the movement of the covering device.
US07766539B2	Apparatus for mixing liquids to form a liner material A liner material supply apparatus by which the weight ratio between a first feedstock liquid and a second feedstock liquid to be fed to static mixers (40, 42) is maintained sufficiently precisely. A heater for bring the temperature of the first feedstock liquid, which is fed from a first accommodation tank (26) to the static mixers through a first feeding pump (22), and the temperature of the second feedstock liquid, which is fed from a second accommodation tank (28) to the static mixers through a second feeding pump (24), to predetermined temperatures are annexed, at least, to the first feeding pump and the second feeding pump. Liner material acceptance unit (10) is disposed which is selectively located at an operating position where the liner material acceptance unit accepts a liner material discharged from discharge unit (18), and a non-operating position where the liner material acceptance unit does not interfere with the liner material discharged from the discharge unit.
US07766538B2	System for blending liquids in selected ratios A system that consistently blends together liquids at a specified ratio to create a particular resultant chemical solution stops operating and notifies an operator when the level of one of the supplied liquids is low. This ensures that the proper ratio of blended liquids will be maintained during operation of the system.
US07766536B2	LED light fixture An LED light fixture system includes an LED module having a plurality of LEDs attached thereto and directed inwardly toward a secondary optic. The LED module is releasably attached to an interior surface of a peripheral frame. The frame includes an openable portion positioned to allow the LED module to be inserted or removed through an opening created when the openable portion is in an open position. The openable portion is movable from the open position to a closed position and provides an electrical connection between the LEDs attached to the LED module and a source of electrical current when the openable portion is in the closed position.
US07766532B2	Light guide for surface light source device and surface light source device A light guide (3) for a surface light source used to constitute a surface light source in combination with a primary light source (1) and guiding light emitted from the primary light source (1). The light guide (3) has a light incident end face (31) on which the light emitted from the primary light source (1) impinges, a light exit face (33) from which guided light exits, and a rear surface (34) on the opposite side. A plurality of prism arrays (34a) extending in a direction traversing the light incident end face (31) are formed on at least one of the light exit face (33) and the rear surface (34), and each prism array (34a) has a plurality of divided top portions (34a1, 34a2) where the top is divided in the cross-section profile thereof in at least a partial region in the extending direction.
US07766531B2	Edge-lit optical display with fluted optical plate A display system includes a display panel and a backlight disposed behind the display panel. The backlight has a light guide and at least one light source that directs light into an edge of the light guide. The light guide comprises a front layer facing the display panel, a back layer facing away from the display panel, and a plurality of connecting members connecting the front and back layers. The spaces formed between the connecting members and the upper and the first and second layers are referred to as flutes. Light from the light source may propagate along the flutes.
US07766529B2	Light emitting diodes, display systems, and methods of manufacturing light emitting diodes Light emitting diodes, display systems, and manufacturing methods are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a light emitting diode (“LED”) include a die and a lens. The die is configured to emit wavelengths of light within a first predetermined spectral range. The lens is disposed on at least a portion of the die and is configured to filter the light emitted from the die such that a second predetermined spectral range is emitted from the LED.
US07766525B2	Household appliance, particularly built-in household appliance A household appliance includes a front door having an upper edge, a front cover disposed in front of the front door; and an optical status display device mounted on the household appliance. The one optical status display device is hidden in a built-in state of the household appliance or is hidden when the front door is closed. The optical status display device is located at a spacing from the upper edge of the front door. The household appliance also includes a light guide for transmitting a signal light emitted by the optical status display device.
US07766519B2	Illumination devices with cooling fans and cooling methods thereof Methods for cooling an illumination device are disclosed. The illumination device comprises a cathode, an anode and a cooling fan. A variation of a lamp voltage of the illumination device is first detected. The lamp voltage is the voltage difference between the cathode and the anode, and the variation of the lamp voltage is derived from comparing the lamp voltage which is detected with the lamp voltage at the first time the illumination device is used. A rotational rate of the cooling fan is then adjusted according to the variation of the lamp voltage.
US07766516B2	Diffusion plate of backlight structure and display device using the same A diffusion plate of a backlight structure and a display device using the same are provided. The diffusion plate is used in the backlight structure having several light emitting diodes. The diffusion plate includes a main body with many depression structures positioned on a surface of the main body. The surface faces the light emitting diodes. Each depression structure is positioned above the corresponding light emitting diode and includes an inclined surface. An inclined angle is formed between each inclined surface and a central axis of the corresponding light emitting diode for refracting the light emitted by the corresponding light emitting diode.
US07766514B2	Light emitting diode lamp with high heat-dissipation capacity This invention relates to a light emitting diode lamp with high heat-dissipation capacity wherein the lamp has at least one heat-dissipating unit, a plurality of air-flow channels being provided within each heat sink unit, an electrical insulation layer with high heat-conductivity being provided on the surface of the light emitting diode mounted with heat-dissipating unit, a metal circuit being formed on the electrical insulation layer with high heat-conductivity according to demand, at least one light emitting diode being packaged on the metal circuit such that provision of circuit board or coating of heat sink paste become unnecessary for the lamp.
US07766507B2	Illumination light source and image projector A light beam emitted from a light source (11) impinges on the spherical surface (20a) of a collimator lens (20) substantially perpendicularly thereto. A light beam making a small angle to the optical axis impinges on the ellipsoid (20c) and then it is refracted. The ellipsoid (20c) converts light beams diverging from a light source located at the first focal point thereof into parallel light beams. A light beam making a large angle to the optical axis impinges on an ellipsoid (20b) and then it is reflected totally off the ellipsoid (20b). A light beam diverging from a light source located at the first focal point of the ellipsoid (20b) is converted into a light beam being focused on the second focal point thereof. An ellipsoid (20d) converts the light beams focused on the second focal point thereof into parallel light beams. In this way, the light beams emitted from the light source (11) are converted into substantially parallel light beams by the collimator lens (20), thus providing an illuminator exhibiting high directivity, high efficiency and high uniformity in light quantity distribution.
US07766506B2	Light influencing element In the case of a light influencing element (6) for directing the light emitted from a light source (4) to a predetermined angular region, which has a plurality of rib-like raster elements (7, 12), which have reflecting side walls and are arranged in regular structure, the raster elements (7, 12) have a height (H) of a maximum of 5 mm. Through this there arise on the one hand greater freedoms in the design of the luminaire. On the other hand, the luminaire is lent an optical appealing appearance.
US07766505B2	Light source assembly A light source assembly includes a first and a second light source modules. The first light source module includes a first light source, a first heat-dissipating base, and a first connecting part. The first heat-dissipating base has a first side and a second side. The first light source is mounted on the first side of the first heat-dissipating base, and the first connecting part extends outwardly from the second side of the first heat-dissipating base. The second light source module includes a second light source, a second heat-dissipating base, and a second connecting part. The second heat-dissipating base has a first side and a second side. The second light source is mounted on the first side of the second heat-dissipating base, and the second connecting part extends outwardly from the second side. The first connecting part is detachably and slidably engaged with the second connecting part.
US07766504B1	Solar power illuminator A solar powered illuminator for lighting an outdoor environment has a housing joined to a platform supporting a solar panel wired to a circuit board and a rechargeable battery located within the housing. An elongated translucent tubular member joined to the housing has a passage accommodating LED lamps wired in series with electrical conductors connected to the circuit board. When solar panel is exposed to sunlight a charging current is supplied to the battery and electric power to the LED lamps is turned off. When solar panel is not exposed to sunlight the battery is disconnected from the solar panel and connected to the LED lamps to light the outdoor environment.
US07766497B2	Cool environment lamp with anti-fog component A lamp that can be used in a refrigerated or cold environment where an overall light output measured on a target plane is not significantly reduced due to condensation or fog includes a housing including a translucent cover, an LED disposed in the housing, and an anti-fog film. The LED is disposed in the housing with relation to the translucent cover such that light from the LED passes through the cover. The anti-fog film is disposed on at least one of the surfaces of the translucent cover.
US07766491B2	Optical beam scanning device, image forming apparatus An optical beam scanning device includes a polygon mirror 80 in which tilt angles with respect to a rotation axis of the polygon mirror 80 of respective plural reflecting surfaces are set to angles corresponding to photoconductive members associated with the respective reflecting surfaces, a post-deflection optical system A1 that guides light beams reflected and deflected by the respective plural reflecting surfaces in the polygon mirror 80 to the photoconductive surfaces of the photoconductive members corresponding to the respective reflecting surfaces, and a pre-deflection optical system 7a that shapes the light from the light source to be a light beam of a predetermined sectional shape and guides the light beam to the polygon mirror 80, the pre-deflection optical system 7a guiding the light from the light source to the polygon mirror 80 through an optical path that passes, in the main scanning direction, on an optical axis of the post-deflection optical system A1 and passes, in the sub-scanning direction, a position further apart from the optical axis of the post-deflection optical system A1 than all light beams after reflection and deflection guided by the post-deflection optical system A1.
US07766490B2	Multi-color primary light generation in a projection system using LEDs Amber light LEDs have a higher luminance than red light LEDs. A vast majority of images displayed on television consists of colors that can be created using amber, green and blue components, with only a small percentage of red. In one embodiment of the present invention, the typically red primary light source in a projection display system is augmented with an amber light source. Green and blue primary light sources are also provided. All the light sources are high power LEDs. The particular mixture of the red and amber light is accomplished by varying the duty cycles of the red LEDs and the amber LEDs. If the RGB image to be displayed can be created using a higher percentage of amber light and a lower percentage of red light, the duty cycle of the amber LEDs is increased while the duty cycle of the red LEDs is decreased. Light/pixel modulators for creating the full color image from the three primary light sources are controlled to compensate for the variable amber/red mixture. This technique improves the efficiency of the projection system and generates less heat. A further increase in luminance can be achieved by controlling the light mixture from green and cyan LEDs as a primary light source and/or by controlling the light mixture from blue and blue-cyan LEDs as a primary light source.
US07766485B2	Device for forming visible image in air The present invention relates to a device for forming a visible image which can draw a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional visible image without having a scanning locus of a laser beam recognized.The device for forming a visible image of the present invention is comprised of a laser source irradiating a laser beam in an invisible region, a scanning means for scanning said laser beam two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally, a condensing optical system for condensing said laser beam to a drawing scheduled point in the air for plasma emission of a gas, and a controlling means for controlling oscillation timing of said laser source and scanning timing of said scanning means so as to generate said plasma emission at said drawing scheduled point in a time series and for drawing a visible image as a residual image phenomenon of the plasma emission.
US07766483B2	Optical projection system and methods for configuring the same An optical projection system for use with a display surface includes at least one image source including an array of source image pixels, a projector to project a first projection of the array of source image pixels, and at least one mirror including at least one curved reflecting surface having a curved profile. The at least one curved reflecting surface is adapted to convert the first projection to a curved second projection directed onto the display surface to provide an array of displayed image pixels on the display surface corresponding to the array of source image pixels, wherein the array of displayed image pixels have constant pixel pitch among adjacent displayed image pixels.
US07766481B2	Device for illuminating organic objects The invention relates to a device for illuminating organic objects, particular organic objects of the eye. Preferably, the device can be used in an opthalmological diagnosis or therapy device. According to the invention, an array of miniaturized light sources is arranged in a spatially defined manner on a plane or a curved surface such that the light sources achieve a packing density that is as high as possible and can be electronically controlled individually in a very quick manner. The light source array is imaged onto the biological object by means of an optical system.
US07766480B1	Gonio lens with geometric reference A gonio lens is provided including a contact lens element and a geometric reference member. The contact lens element has an optical axis, a concave posterior contact surface to be placed in optical contact with the cornea of a patient's eye, and an anterior surface. The geometric reference member, such as a scale, is provided near the concave posterior contact surface of the contact lens element. The configuration and location of the geometric reference member are chosen to provide an image of the geometric reference member adjacent to an image of the periphery of the anterior chamber of the eye of a patient within a field of view of the contact lens element when the contact lens element is placed on the eye of a patient. The two images are formed relative to each other such that they are simultaneously in focus to permit visual comparison between the two.
US07766475B2	Image transfer on a colored base The present invention includes an image transfer sheet. The image transfer sheet comprises a release layer and a polymer layer. One or more of the release layer and the polymer layer comprise titanium oxide or other white pigment.
US07766473B2	Inkjet recording device and inkjet recording An inkjet recording apparatus including: a recording head having a plurality of ink ejection openings for ejecting photo-curable ink, the ink ejection openings being formed along a feeding direction of the recording medium; a light irradiation device for irradiating the ejected ink; a moving unit for reciprocally moving the recording head and the light irradiation device in a main scanning direction; a feeding unit for feeding the recording medium in the feeding direction by a predetermined amount at a time; and a control unit for ejecting ink needed for forming one band by reciprocally scanning the recording head n times to record an image, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus irradiates the ink ejected in respective scans of first to (n−1)th scans with the light at the respective scans and the inkjet recording apparatus irradiates the ink ejected in the nth scan at one of the (n+1)th and subsequent scans.
US07766472B2	Inkjet drawing device and inkjet drawing method The inkjet drawing device and method form an image on a sheet-like image recording medium relatively transported in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to a main scanning direction by using photocurable ink with an inkjet head moving in the main scanning direction. The device and method cause the inkjet head to eject the photocurable ink as an ink droplet imagewise to perform direct drawing, irradiate the image recording medium with active light by moving a point or substantially point active light source in the main scanning direction and by causing the active light to scan in the main scanning direction at a backward position distant from a position subjected to the drawing by the inkjet head by a predetermined distance toward a sub-scanning transport downstream side of the image recording medium, and curing the photocurable ink ejected onto the image recording medium.
US07766469B2	Ink cartridges An ink cartridge includes a particular wall, a protruding member extending from the particular wall in a particular direction, a protrusion extending from the particular wall in the particular direction, and an ink chamber configured to store ink therein. The ink cartridge also includes a translucent portion defining an enclosure, an ink supply portion configured to supply ink from an interior of the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink chamber, in which the ink supply portion and the translucent portion are each positioned between the protrusion and the protruding member. The ink cartridge further includes a signal blocking member positioned within the enclosure. Moreover, the signal blocking member is configured to move within the enclosure based at least on an amount of ink disposed within the ink chamber, and the signal blocking member is sandwiched between the at least one pair of wall surfaces.
US07766467B2	Print engine with partitioned body and interleaved ink storage modules The present invention relates to a print engine for an inkjet printer unit. The print engine includes a cradle unit and a replaceable cartridge unit to be releasably received within the cradle unit. The cartridge unit comprises an elongate body defining a plurality of partitions. An ink storage module assembly includes a row of ink storage modules each received between adjacent partitions. A printhead assembly is mounted to the body and includes an ink ejection integrated circuit (IC) connected to receive ink from the ink storage modules. A maintenance assembly is configured to cap and clean the IC.
US07766466B2	Ink supply method and printing apparatus The present invention relates to an ink supply method and a printing apparatus by which, when an ink supply operation is repeated by using a gas-liquid separation member, damage to the gas-liquid separation member can be reduced to improve the reliability. In order to realize this, an ink supply method for aspirating air in a sub tank via the gas-liquid separation member to supply ink from a supply opening into the sub tank sets a plurality of different amounts as an suction amount of air in the sub tank per a unit time.
US07766465B2	System for aligning a charge tunnel of an ink jet printer A system and method of aligning a charge tunnel of a continuous inkjet printer with a drop generator and a catcher, wherein the charge tunnel passes through an outer wall of a charge tunnel unit, including adjusting a linear position of the charge tunnel unit, and adjusting a rotary position of the charge tunnel unit. The adjusting steps are performed to ensure that the charge tunnel is aligned with the drop generator and the catcher.
US07766461B2	Liquid droplet ejecting head, image forming device, and method of manufacturing liquid droplet ejecting head The present invention provides a liquid droplet ejecting head including: a pressure chamber connected to a nozzle ejecting liquid-droplets; a vibrating-plate forming one portion of the pressure chamber; a lower-electrode formed on a surface of the vibrating-plate, and exhibiting one polarity; a piezoelectric body of flexurally-deformable, formed on a surface of the lower electrode, and disposed at a position facing the pressure chamber with the vibrating-plate therebetween; and an upper-electrode formed at a surface of the piezoelectric body opposite the surface at which the lower-electrode is formed, the upper-electrode exhibiting another polarity, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the lower-electrode, the piezoelectric body being provided further toward an inner side than a peripheral wall of the pressure chamber, and the lower-electrode being of a size such that one portion thereof overlaps with the peripheral wall of the pressure chamber, and being individuated per each piezoelectric body.
US07766457B2	Ink-jet head and printer using the same A printer (100) includes an ink tank (20), an ink-jet head (10), and a tube (30) connecting the ink tank with the ink-jet head. The ink-jet head includes a top plate (14) and a bottom plate (12). The bottom plate defines an ink storage pool (122) and an ink channel (124) therein. The top plate includes a plurality of control electrodes (142a, 142b, 142c). One end of the ink channel communicates with the ink storage pool, and the other end of the ink channel includes an ink muzzle (124a). A portion of the control electrode (142a) extends over the ink storage pool. The control electrodes are applied with impulse voltages to drive ink in the ink storage pool to move towards the ink muzzle along the ink channel.
US07766451B2	Printhead maintenance facility with balanced lift mechanism A printhead maintenance facility for an inkjet printer having a pagewidth printhead and a media path for feeding sheets of media substrate in a media feed direction wherein the pagewidth printhead has a nozzle face defining an elongate array of nozzles extending the printing width of the media substrate. The printhead maintenance facility has a wiper member extending the length of the nozzle array, a chassis for supporting the wiper member and a maintenance drive for moving the wiper member towards, and away from, the nozzle face, the maintenance drive being configured to apply a moving force to the chassis at a first bearing point proximate one end of the wiper member, and configured to apply an equal moving force to the chassis at a second bearing point proximate the other end of the wiper member. The first bearing point and the second bearing point are equidistant from a longitudinal mid-point of the wiper member.
US07766449B2	Ink-jet recording apparatus An ink-jet recording apparatus includes an ink-jet head having an ink ejection surface which has a plurality of ink ejection ports formed therethough, and a cap including a base, and an annular protrusion which extends from the base in a protruding direction. The annular protrusion has a recess formed therein, and when the annular protrusion contacts the ink ejection surface, an enclosed space is defined therebetween. The apparatus also includes a first movement mechanism configured to move the cap relative to the ink-jet head in a first plane which is parallel to the ink ejection surface to selectively position the annular protrusion in a first position in which the annular protrusion opposes the ink ejection surface, and a second position in which the annular protrusion is offset from the ink ejection surface in the protruding direction. Moreover, the apparatus includes a brush comprising a plurality of flexible needle members.
US07766443B2	Image forming apparatus, method of compensating for error of conveyance distance of recording medium in the same and computer readable medium provided in the same An image forming apparatus includes a feeding roller and a recording unit. The feeding roller is rotatably disposed to convey the recording medium in a conveying direction, and includes a rotational axle that is eccentric and a peripheral surface having an actual external dimension that is different from a theoretical external dimension. The recording unit has a head length in the conveying direction. A method of compensating for an error of a conveyance distance of a recording medium in the image forming apparatus includes (1) printing a first image on the recording medium; (2) rotating the feeding roller N turns, N being a positive integer; (3) printing a second image on the recording medium after the feeding roller has been rotated N turns; and (4) determining difference of the actual external dimension from the theoretical external dimension, based on both the first image and the second image.
US07766442B2	Image forming apparatus and method The image forming apparatus includes: a first group of large nozzles which eject large droplets of liquid for a color; a second group of small nozzles which eject small droplets of the liquid for the color, the small droplets having volume smaller than the large droplets; a dot data creation device which creates dot data according to input image data; a dot data correction device which corrects the dot data if there is an abnormal nozzle in one of the first and second groups, in such a manner that a corrective nozzle is selected from the other of the first and second groups, and droplet ejection performed by the corrective nozzle substitutes for droplet ejection that is originally to be performed by the abnormal nozzle; and a driving device which drives the large and small nozzles to eject the large and small droplets according to the corrected dot data.
US07766441B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus includes at least two print head groups, each print head group having at least one print head for printing on a printing medium by ejecting ink, the print head being movable; and at least two image processing sections, each image processing section being provided for each of the print head groups, the image processing section being capable of processing an image to be printed on the printing medium using the print head that belongs to the print head group corresponding to that image processing section.
US07766440B2	Image forming apparatus and method The image forming apparatus comprises: an ink ejection head which deposits radiation-curable ink onto a recording medium; a radiation curing device which irradiates the deposited radiation-curable ink on the recording medium with radiation to cure the deposited radiation-curable ink; and a correction device which performs correction processing of a volume of the radiation-curable ink to be deposited on the recording medium according to a variation in optical density change of a coloring material in the radiation-curable ink produced by difference in irradiation conditions of the radiation.
US07766434B2	Dually foldable host unit case for a computer A dually foldable host unit case for a computer includes a first plate member, an upper cover member, a lower cover, a front wall and a rear wall. The first plate member pivotally connects with the upper cover, the lower cover, the front wall and the rear wall respectively. The preceding parts are capable of being folded to allow the host unit case being reduced volume thereof while packaging and capable of being extended to allow the second lateral sides of the front and rear walls and the second lateral sides of the upper and lower covers are pivotally connected for setting up the host unit case conveniently and quickly.
US07766429B2	Rotation lock device A reclining device of a vehicle seat including a ratchet, a guide, three pawls and a rotating cam. Three spacing distances are defined due to such positioning of the three pawls, and one of the spacing distances is determined so as to be greater than the remaining two spacing distances. A non-toothed raised flat portion is formed in a portion of an inner circumferential surface of an inner toothed portion of the ratchet at a single site in a circumferential direction thereof. The raised flat portion is protruded radially inwardly beyond tips of inner teeth. The smaller remaining two spacing distances are determined so as to be smaller than a circumferential length of the raised flat portion.
US07766427B2	Seat device for vehicle A seat device for a vehicle adapted to adjust a positional height of a seat cushion includes rails, frames supporting the seat cushion, link members, a torque rod connecting link members, a sector gear formed so as to operate together with one of the link members and rotatably supported by one of the frames, an elongated hole formed on the sector gear, a pinion gear meshing with the sector gear, a pressing bracket supported by the pinion gear, a stopper pin inserted into the elongated hole of the sector gear and connected to the one of the frames at a first end of the stopper pin and to the pressing bracket at a second end of the stopper pin.
US07766421B2	Recliner lift chair with power lift and reclining units A lift chair includes: a base; a seat; a backrest; at least one ottoman; a lift-reclining mechanism attached to the base and to the seat; a backrest reclining mechanism coupled with the lift-reclining mechanism and attached to the seat, the backrest and the ottoman; a lift power unit attached to the base and to the lift-reclining mechanism; and a backrest reclining power unit attached to the base and to the backrest reclining mechanism. The lift-reclining mechanism is configured to move the chair between an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed and positioned above the base at a first height and at a first pitch angle that is positive relative to horizontal, the backrest is generally upright, and the ottoman is positioned below the seat, and a lifted position, in which the seat is raised to a second height that is higher than the first height and at a second pitch angle that is negative relative to horizontal. The lift-backrest reclining mechanism is further configured to move the chair from the upright position to a TV position, in which the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat, and to a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is reclined relative to the seat. The backrest reclining mechanism is configured to move the chair between the TV and fully reclined positions.
US07766417B2	Cowl structure of a motor vehicle A vehicle cowl structure includes a cowl box including a closed cross-section, an inclined holding surface configured to hold a lower end portion of a windshield, an upper wall extending toward an interior of a vehicle cabin from an upper end of the holding surface, a vertical wall extending downward from an inside end of the upper wall, a bottom wall extending toward a front portion of the vehicle from a lower end of the vertical wall, and a recessed portion formed on the upper wall extending in a direction of the width of the vehicle, wherein the recessed portion is depressed toward an inside of the cowl box and is smoothly curved from the windshield holding surface to the vertical wall.
US07766416B2	Wall structure of vehicle frame between cab and load-carrying bed A vehicle frame having a cab portion and a load-carrying bed includes sidewall structures opposed and spaced from one another forming sides of the cab portion and sides of the load-carrying bed. A wall structure extends between the spaced sidewall structures and separates the cab portion and the load-carrying bed. The wall structure forms a rear wall of the cab portion and a forward wall of the load-carrying bed.
US07766415B2	Windbreak device A windbreak device for motor vehicles, in particular cabriolet vehicles, is provided, comprising a windbreak base which is disposed level with a beltline of a vehicle body, and a wind deflector which is connected to the windbreak base in an articulated manner and can be pivoted from an inactive position, which extends approximately level with the beltline of the vehicle body, into an active position which rises above the beltline and runs transverse with respect to said beltline, and an electric drive unit by which the wind deflector can be moved between the inactive and the active position relative to the windbreak base. The windbreak device is provided with a rechargeable battery which provides electrical energy for operating the electric drive unit.
US07766409B2	Lid opening and closing system According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lid system including: a lid mounted to a recess to be opened and closed; a locking unit that retains the lid in a locked state to keep the lid closed; and a lock releasing unit that releases the locked state to open the lid. The locking unit includes: a pin that is protruded from a peripheral edge of the lid to be engaged with a hole on the recess in the locked state and retreated to release the locked state. The lock releasing unit includes: a push button pushable in a pushing direction; and a pushing element moved to push the lock pin in an opposite direction of the pushing direction by being linked with the push button.
US07766408B2	Forward/rearward sliding armrest A forward/rearward slidable and upwardly pivotable armrest supported upon an open center console. Retractable pins associated with inner underside locations of the armrest are displaced upon actuation of a lever component associated with the armrest, and which selectively reseats the armrest at linear travel locations along first and second rails defined upon the side walls of the console. Seating locations established between a slidable and upper support portion of the armrest and the recessed stops defined along inwardly facing surfaces of the rails permit the armrest to be translated to either forward or rearward locations of a center nominal position, relative to a fixed lower carriage with pivot support bracket.
US07766402B2	Bumper mounting system A bumper mounting system (10) for locating and installing a bumper (14) on a vehicle having a chassis and a hood (18) includes a chassis support member (42) pivotally mountable to a portion of the vehicle hood (18) and adjustably mountable to a portion of the vehicle chassis. The system also includes a bumper mounting member (46) mountable to both an interior portion of the bumper (14) and a portion of the chassis support member (42). The system further includes a first bumper support feature (114) formed on the chassis support member (42) and a second bumper support feature (118) formed on the bumper mounting member (46). The second bumper support feature (118) is engageable with the first bumper support feature (114) to at least temporarily position the bumper (14) relative to the hood (18).
US07766401B2	Rod set clip for vehicle door A latch set clip for use with a vehicle door and method of assembly are disclosed. The latch set clip may include a clip main body that mounts to a latch lever of a door latch assembly and a clip pivoting body that, with the main body, secures a lever rod to the latch set clip. The latch set clip may allow for components of a latch/window regulator module to be assembled before assembly into the vehicle door.
US07766392B2	Articulate connection piece for tubes A connection piece for the articulate connection of a first and a second tube, in particular a first and a second tube of a hot air supply system fed from the power unit of an aircraft, with the possibility of compensating for tolerances, wherein an interval between a tube end of the first tube and a tube end of the second tube is enclosed by a sealing mechanism. The tube ends each have a support ring, wherein the support rings are connected to each other by at least two connection elements arranged outside the sealing mechanism. At least two metal bellows are preferably used as the sealing mechanism, which enable almost maintenance-free operation. Steel ropes are preferably used as connection elements. In particular, tubes with a diameter of up to 160 mm, which are intended, depending on the material used, to conduct media with temperatures of up to 8500 C and pressures of up to 20 bars, can be connected in an articulate manner to each other by means of the connection piece.
US07766387B1	Anti-skid tire chain device An anti-skid device for a vehicle for positioning a traction member beneath a vehicle wheel includes a support member that is attached to the vehicle, a pivoting swing arm with a traction wheel with traction members thereon, and a drive assembly attached to the support member and to the swing arm so as to extend and retract the swing arm. The drive assembly includes a gear-reduced electric motor that is coupled to a worm that meshes with a worm gear that is attached to the swing arm shaft. As the motor moves in a first direction, the gear mesh causes the arm to deploy and, in a reverse direction, the swing arm retracts. Spring-biasing is provided so as to maintain pressure of the traction wheel against the vehicle wheel and limit switches are provided so as to turn the drive motor on and off.
US07766386B2	Energy absorbing padding for automotive applications An energy absorber device having a hollow body of generally conical shape. The hollow body is formed by at least two truncated or cylindrical segments, aligned with each other along their axes of extension and/or symmetry, with successive sections being of decreasing width. The various truncated or cylindrical segments are connected to each other by intermediate portions defining, with the aforementioned segments, recesses or steps. The hollow body can be crushed into itself by a return of the segments of smaller dimension into the adjacent segments of larger dimension, generally telescopically. The device is dimensioned such that the base segment has a height equal to X and the other segments of smaller width have a height corresponding to about 2X.
US07766385B2	Passenger seat airbag A passenger-seat airbag (32) includes a left airbag (44), a right airbag (46), and a root portion (48). A strap (70) is provided in the root portion (48) that is inflated by gas injected from an inflator (28) when a passenger-seat airbag device (10) operates. The strap (70) connects the base-end portion (48B) of the root portion (48) to a connection root portion (48C). Further, the strap (70) is provided such that a peripheral length (L2) on a front side is longer than or equal to a peripheral length (L1) on a rear side in a lateral view showing the inflated root portion (48).
US07766382B2	Air belt and air belt apparatus A predetermined tension force is generated to an air belt even when an expandable portion is expanded in a narrow space. An air belt 30 includes a first normal belt 31, a second normal belt 32, and an expandable portion 33 therebetween. In order to regulate a thickness of the expandable portion 33 in an expanding operation, portions of the expandable portion 33 facing each other are coupled by means of a coupling portion 34 formed of a stitching thread. The expandable portion 33 includes a bag-shaped belt 33a and a knit cover 33b that is not extended in a longitudinal direction. When an inflator is operated, the expandable portion 33 is expanded and the air belt 30 fits an occupant. At this moment, since the knit cover of the expandable portion 33 is not extended in the longitudinal direction of the air belt 30, a length of the expandable portion 33 is reduced along with an expansion of the expandable portion 33 and the tension force is generated to the air belt 30.
US07766378B2	Head-protecting airbag apparatus The airbag of the head-protecting airbag apparatus includes a rear inflatable portion deployed at the interior side of the rear pillar. The rear inflatable portion includes an upper side portion extending rearward from a gas feed passage disposed at the upper periphery of the airbag, a main body disposed below the upper side portion and partitioned from the upper side portion by a partitioning portion, and a branched portion extending downward from the gas feed passage. The main body inflates with inflation gas fed from an inlet opening disposed at the lower end of the branched portion. At least a front lower area of the upper side portion is located below a parting line between a rear pillar garnish and an airbag cover at full inflation of the airbag. The upper side portion and the gas feed passage are folded and housed at exterior side of the folded-up main body and branched portion such that the main body is pushed out toward an interior of the vehicle getting over the upper end of the rear pillar garnish by the upper side portion and the gas feed passage.
US07766377B2	Side curtain airbag directional deployment apparatus At least one guide member extends longitudinally along at least a portion of a stowed side curtain airbag. At least one guide ramp directs deployment of the side curtain airbag toward the openable passage defined at least in part by one or more trim pieces. The guide member surrounds the side curtain airbag on three sides to define an airbag deployment opening facing a rear surface of the one or more trim pieces adjacent the openable passage. The interior trim structure covers the stowed side curtain airbag and allows deployment of the side curtain airbag through an interface joint to a position along a sidewall of a passenger compartment adjacent a rear seat location of a two-door coupe style vehicle. The interface joint defines an openable passage along the first and second abutting edges allowing deployment of a side curtain airbag through the interface joint.
US07766376B2	Vehicular air bag, air bag module having the vehicular air bag and method of folding the air bag An air bag, includes 1) a roll part configured to be wound in a form of a roll when the air bag is in a folded state to be installed in a vehicle. The roll part includes a pushed part formed by pushing a part of an outer face of the air bag inward to the roll part in a certain pushing direction, such that the roll part has a decreased cross section by the pushing.
US07766371B2	Airbag cover for airbag apparatus An airbag cover comprises a cover main body having a cover core covering an airbag and an outer layer disposed on an outer surface of the cover core, an ornament provided on an outer surface of the outer layer, and a fixing structure for fixing the ornament on the outer surface of the outer layer. And, an edge of the outer layer on the outer surface is covered by the ornament. According to this airbag cover having the ornament, it can be easy to form the outer layer.
US07766368B2	Retractable frame structure of a baby stroller A retractable frame structure of a baby stroller includes a frame, a pair of scissors-type linking sets, a push rod and a linking rod. Each scissors-type linking set is connected with the push rod and the link rod, respectively. When pushing the pushing rod, the scissors-type linking set will be collapsed and the linking rod will urge front wheels to move backward towards rear wheels, thus the collapsed stroller has a compact size which is convenient to carry and to store.
US07766367B2	Adjustable handle assembly An adjustable handle assembly is configured for a device that supports and carries a child and that can be moved along a surface. The handle assembly is coupled to a handle extension that extends from a part of the device and that has an end with an extension axis. The handle assembly has a stem configured to attach to the end of the handle extension. The handle assembly also has a grip body coupled to the stem. The grip body is independently movable relative to the handle extension both longitudinally along the extension axis and rotationally about the extension axis. An actuator is provided on the handle assembly and can be actuated between a lock position and a release position. In the lock position, the grip body is in a fixed position relative to the handle extension. In the release position, the grip body is permitted to move both longitudinally and rotationally relative to the extension axis between a plurality of selectable longitudinal and rotational positions. In one example, the device is a stroller that utilizes two such handle assemblies.
US07766360B2	Straddle-type vehicle A motorcycle that reduces air resistance without a cowling includes a steering handle, a headlight unit disposed in front of a handle base disposed at a substantial center of the steering handle, a meter unit disposed above the handle base, and a fuel tank disposed behind the handle base. In a side view of the motorcycle, the headlight top surface, the meter top surface and the fuel tank top surface are smoothly connected.
US07766350B2	Telescopic actuator A telescopic actuator is adapted to be used on a right side or a left side of a body. The telescopic actuator includes a housing having a cylindrical shape and formed with an opening portion, an output rod supported inside the housing so as to be protrudable and retractable with respect to the housing, and a stroke sensor comprising a detectable portion provided on the output rod so as to be movable inside the opening portion of the housing and a detecting portion provided on the housing so as to face the detectable portion. A direction in which the detectable portion is eccentrically disposed with respect to a vertical plane including an axial line of the output rod is different depending on whether the telescopic actuator is used on the right side or on the left side of the body.
US07766347B2	Seat assembly for a shopping cart A gate-and-seat assembly for a shopping cart includes a gate, a backrest, and a seat. The gate has a first end pivotally mountable to a rear portion of a shopping cart. The backrest includes a back support and a pair of legs with the back support defining a slot. The pair of legs extends from the back support and is pivotally mounted to a lower portion of the gate to enable pivotal movement of the backrest relative to the gate. The seat is pivotally mounted to the gate via at least one pivot mechanism and slidably extends through the slot of the back support. The seat includes a pair of ears extending laterally outward from the seat in opposite directions with each respective ear being releasably engageable relative to a rear surface of the back support of the backrest. The entire gate-and-seat assembly is made entirely from a plastic material. The seat is pivotally movable from a seating position to a collapsed position upon pivotal movement of the backrest relative to and toward the gate wherein the seat slidably moves through the slot of the back support and pivots downward toward the gate until both the seat and the back support are collapsed against the gate with the back support being spaced vertically above the seat.
US07766344B2	Device for changing distance between wheel and vehicle body, and system including the device An adjuster device includes (a) a shaft held by a vehicle body; (b) an arm extending from the shaft in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the shaft; (c) an actuator causing one of rotation of the shaft and axial movement of the shaft in the axial direction; and (d) a motion converter converting the one of the rotation of the shaft and the axial movement of the shaft, into the other of the rotation of the shaft and the axial movement of the shaft. The arm is connected at a distal end portion thereof to one of at least one suspension arm, so as to enable the rotation of the shaft to cause change in a vertical distance between a wheel and the vehicle body. The shaft is connected to one of the at least one suspension arm or to an axle carrier, so as to enable the axial movement of the shaft to cause change in an alignment of the wheel. Also disclosed is an adjusting system including the adjuster device.
US07766343B2	Hydraulic spring support system The invention concerns a hydraulic spring support system including a double acting hydraulic cylinder with a piston chamber and a rod chamber, a first accumulator that is connected constantly with the piston chamber, and a second accumulator that is connected constantly with the rod chamber. The invention proposes that the piston chamber and the rod chamber are connected to each other by a variable flow resistance.
US07766341B2	Seal structure, fluid device, integrated valve, and sealing member A seal structure in which a sealing member 510 fitted in the seal holding part 120 is elastically deformed to hermetically seal a flow passage joining portion. The seal holding part 120 opening on a flow passage side and including a first retaining surface 121, a second retaining surface 122, and a circumferential surface 123. The sealing member 510 includes a first surface 511 in contact with the first retaining surface 121, a second surface 512 in contact with the retaining surface 122, and an inner surface 513 located inside the seal holding part 510 and tapered to have a diameter becoming smaller from the first surface 511 side to the second surface 512 side. An engagement portion 515 engaged in the seal holding part 120 is formed protruding from an outer surface 514 located on the circumferential surface 123 side and on the first surface 511 side. When the sealing member 510 is fitted in the seal holding part 120 while the engagement portion 515 is pressed, the sealing member 510 is placed such that the inner surface 513 on the first surface 511 side protrudes inward and the outer surface 514 is in contact with the circumferential surface 123.
US07766332B2	Card handling devices and methods of using the same A card handling device includes a sensing system for identifying cards handled thereby. A control system may be configured to selectively control an infeed system, a storage system, and/or an output system of the device in response to a signal received from the sensing system, and to enable a user to selectively perform one or more of a shuffling operation, a sorting operation, and a dealing operation using the device. A card handling device may be configured to dispense randomly arranged hands, prearranged hands, randomly arranged decks, or prearranged decks.
US07766329B1	Wheel indicator and ticket dispenser apparatus A game unit including an indicator wheel and an award dispenser. In certain embodiments, when players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award such as a ticket or token. Preferably, a game unit may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel which displays a result of a game event or status.
US07766326B2	Sheet conveyance apparatus, sheet processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus The sheet conveyance apparatus includes a controller which controls a moving unit. The moving unit moves a sheet conveyance unit for conveying a sheet toward a direction intersecting with a sheet conveyance direction. The controller performs the control such that a moving speed of a shift moving unit is reduced when a shift amount of the sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus main body is small. Therefore, generation of a noise and vibration can be suppressed to save electric power consumption. When the shift amount of the sheet is large, the moving speed of the shift moving unit can be increased to shorten an operation time necessary to the movement.
US07766319B2	Recorded medium feeding device and recording apparatus A recorded medium feeding device includes a pickup roller that feeds recorded medium downstream from a setting position by contacting with the recorded medium and rotating and a separating means for separating recorded medium to be fed and subsequent recorded media from the next page onward. The positions of a nip point of the separating means and a place where the pickup roller contacts the recorded medium in the direction orthogonal to the recorded medium feeding direction with respect to a recorded medium of a predetermined size to be fed by the pickup roller are located within a range deviated to one side from the center of the recorded medium of the predetermined size. A path elongating portion that elongates the feed path length of the recorded medium by abutting the recorded medium is apart from the nip point and the place where the pickup roller contacts the recorded medium.
US07766318B2	Pickoff mechanism for mail feeder A pickoff system for removal of mail pieces one at a time from the end of a stack includes a pickoff belt mechanism positioned to frictionally engage an outer surface of a mail piece at the end of the stack and transport it transversely, which mechanism includes one or more belts mounted on a drive roller at one end driven by a drive motor and a follower roller at a trailing end. A pivot mechanism permits the trailing end to swing towards and away from the stack. A drive is connected to the pivot mechanism to move the trailing end towards and away from the stack, and a controller is connected to the drive to cause the drive to swing the trailing end towards the stack and swing the trailing end away from the stack in a manner effective to improve operation of the pickoff system.
US07766316B2	Roll-on and strip-off apparatus for the stacked depositing of sheets A device for arranging sheets in a stack that includes a surface for supporting the stack, one of the surface and the stack define a stack face. The device includes an adjustment unit, a rotatable shaft, a first roller, a second roller, a strip-off wheel, and a center roller. The strip-off wheel is fixedly mounted to the rotatable shaft such that the strip-off wheel rotates with the shaft. The strip-off wheel includes a plurality of teeth that are operable to contact the stack face such that rotation of the strip-off wheel pulls a first sheet from the stack. The center roller is between the first roller and the second roller. The center roller is operable to transport the first sheet pulled from the stack to a transfer device and to receive a second sheet from the transfer device and transfer the second sheet to an end of the stack face.
US07766314B2	Sheet post-processing apparatus having excellent sheet stacking capability A sheet post-processing apparatus discharges and conveys a sheet from a process tray to a storage tray, and decelerates a bundle hook and a paper discharge roller when the bundle hook reaches a discharge start position of a bundle of sheets. At this time, a tangential speed of the paper discharge roller is faster than a movement speed of the bundle hook. Subsequently, the sheet post-processing apparatus stops the paper discharge roller in accordance with a rotation position of the bundle hook, and then decelerates the movement speed of the bundle hook. After the sheets are stacked on the storage tray, the bundle hook accelerates to return to a home position. Additionally, the sheet post-processing apparatus includes a spool 17 having a sheet pressing guide member 16 with a bent portion 16A. When the sheets are conveyed to a process tray 13, the spool 17 is rotated forward to longitudinally align the sheets and then is backwardly rotated to press the sheets using elastic force of the sheet pressing guide member 16, thereby preventing a gap from occurring between the sheets or preventing the sheets from being misaligned.
US07766312B2	Coil spring A coil spring reduces Hertzian stress on a first turn and bending stress on a coil end.A coil end 11 is shifted in a diametral outer or inner direction of a coil spring relative to the first turn 13, to form a vertical gap between the coil end 11 and the first turn 13 in a free state without load on the coil spring. Due to the gap, the coil spring including the coil end 11 and first turn 13 can be entirely processed by shot peening as well as the remaining portion. The first turn 13 receives a combination of torsional stress and Hertzian stress (contact stress). Since the coil end 11 that receives high Hertzian stress is shifted in a diametral outer or inner direction of the coil spring relative to the first turn 13, a contact point on the first turn 13 is shifted in the diametral outer or inner direction to reduce the torsional stress on the first turn 13. The shift and gap formed between the coil end 11 and the first turn 13 are effective to prevent excessive bending stress and breakage of the coil end 11 when the coil end 11 and first turn 13 are repeatedly engaged and disengaged in the gap.
US07766309B1	Carbon dioxide manifold A carbon dioxide manifold contains an internal passage providing communication between a pump supply, a liquid container, a gas container, and a beverage dispenser. A valve is located inside the internal passage. The valve has an open position in which communication exists between the liquid container, the gas container, and the beverage dispenser, but not with the pump supply. The valve has a closed position in which communication exists between the pump supply and the liquid container, and between the gas container and beverage dispenser, but the only communication between the pump supply/liquid container and the gas container/beverage dispenser is through an orifice that allows a restricted flow of carbon dioxide through the valve.
US07766307B2	Cable handling device A cable handling device for use in the deployment and/or retrieval of a cable comprises a drum which provides mounting for a number of grooved rings, the rings receiving a cable thereabout. The drum forms an inner bearing race with each ring forming an outer bearing race such that the rings are independently and rotatably coupled to the drum. A second drum having one or more grooved ring is provided and the cable can be wound around the first and second drums. In use, one or both of the drums is rotated and the device is adapted to control the tension in the cable and/or to mitigate distortion in the cable caused by slippage between the cable and the device.
US07766305B2	Rectangular gate valve A rectangular gate valve having an improved driving action is disclosed. The rectangular gate valve of the present invention includes a sealing member, which opens or closes a wafer moving passage, a main shaft, which is coupled to the sealing member and has a guide member, and a housing bracket, which has a first guide slot, into which the guide member is inserted. The gate valve further includes a valve drive unit, which is provided in the housing bracket and has an air cylinder, a piston, a piston shaft, a moving unit and a connection link. The gate valve further includes a guide bracket, which has a vertical bracket, a second guide slot and a horizontal bracket. The gate valve further includes a guide link, which is moved along the second guide slot to guide movement of the main shaft.
US07766304B2	Self-sealing male luer connector with biased valve plug A self-sealing male Luer connector for connection with a female Luer connector. The male Luer connector includes a housing having a distally-projecting tubular male body and a surrounding cuff interconnected by a proximal wall in which is formed at least one activation opening. A valve plug is slidably installed within the housing and formed with a distal end configured to sealingly engage the distal end of the male body's interior flow passage and with at least one activation arm at its proximal end configured to extend through the activation opening into the cavity formed between the male body and the cuff. An elastomeric device is sealingly configured within the activation opening about the activation arm to secure the valve plug in position and bias it distally. The proximal end of the male Luer connector may be configured as a conventional female connector, a blood collection device, or other such device.
US07766303B2	Electromagnetic valve apparatus The force to draw an armature of an electromagnetic valve apparatus driving a valve for opening or closing a high-pressure liquid passage is increased and valve bouncing is alleviated by a surface of the core being flat and a surface of the armature facing the surface of the core being shaped convexly spherical. Interference of the surfaces is prevented by a smaller initial gap in a central portion of the faces, even when the armature is installed aslant due to insufficient accuracy of the component parts. Strong electromagnetic attraction can be secured because the smaller the gap is, the stronger the electromagnetic attraction.
US07766302B2	Variable valve actuator with latches at both ends Actuators and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators offer efficient, fast, flexible control with large forces. In an exemplary embodiment, an fluid actuator includes a housing having first and second fluid ports, an actuation cylinder in the housing defining a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends in first and second directions, an actuation piston in the cylinder with first and second surfaces moveable along the longitudinal axis, a spring subsystem biasing the actuation piston to a neutral position, a first fluid space defined by the first end of the actuation cylinder and the first surface of the actuation piston, and a second fluid space defined by the second end of the actuation cylinder and the second surface of the actuation piston. A first flow mechanism controls fluid communication between the first fluid space and the first port, whereas a second flow mechanism controls fluid communication between the second fluid space and the second port. The first and second flow mechanisms are substantially restricted through two integrated snubbing mechanisms when the actuation piston approaches the first and second direction ends of its travel, respectively. In addition to a differential fluid force on the actuation piston, there is a centering or returning spring force available to help open the engine valve against the high cross-over passage pressure, without the need for the fluid actuation system to be bulky and consume too much energy.
US07766291B2	Handshower slide bar A slide bar assembly is provided having slide bar supporting a bracket assembly that is suitable to retain a handheld showerhead. A brake assembly releasably couples the bracket assembly to the slide bar via a user-actuated trigger in order allow the user to adjust the height of the showerhead by pressing the trigger. The slide bar assembly further includes a wall mounting assembly that is configured to connect the slide bar to the shower wall.
US07766290B1	Adjustable assembly for hanging cookware and utensils An improved method of storing and retrieving cookware and utensils utilizing an assembly attached to the underside of an accommodating surface. The assembly incorporates hanger assemblies whose positions are adjustable along the length of the assembly. The hanger assemblies utilize hooks that hang in a downward vertical position and are capable of rotating and pivoting around their vertical axis. The assembly can be mounted onto any accommodating horizontal surface inside of an enclosed area such as a cabinet or in open space. The assembly can hang any cookware, utensil, or item with an accommodating appendage from which it could be hung.
US07766288B2	Display apparatus A display apparatus which folds a link member in the same plane to minimize the volume thereof is provided. The display apparatus includes a display main body, a base, a first link member relatively movably coupled to the display main body at a first end part thereof, and a second link member including a link accommodating part which accommodates the first link member, coupled with a second end part of the first link member through a link hinge unit at a first side thereof to move with respect to the first link member, and coupled with the base at a second side thereof.
US07766286B2	Holder for a heat exchanger The invention relates to a holder for fixing additional parts to a fin-tube block (19) of a heat exchanger and/or for supporting the heat exchanger, said fin-tube block (19) comprising parallel front surfaces (19a, 19b) and lateral surfaces or lateral parts (21). According to the invention, the holder is embodied as a clip connection consisting of two lockable plastic clip elements (1, 10) which receive the fin-tube block (19) thereinbetween.
US07766284B2	Mounting apparatus for a window decoration and window decoration including the same A wreath is provided. The wreath includes a candle holder having a support portion, a container having a recess extending from the support portion, and a first threaded portion extending from the support portion away from the container. A support wire formed into a ring shape is fixed to opposite sides of the candle holder such that the recess of the container faces toward a center of the ring shape. A plurality of plant components are arranged around the support wire, the plant components substantially obstructing the support wire from view. A coupling member has a second threaded portion. The coupling member is removably coupled to the candle holder via the first and second threaded portions. An engagement unit has a first end part held in position between the coupling member and the candle holder and a second end part held in position between a window and a window sill or a door and a threshold, and an elongated support bracket extending between the first end part and the second end part to support the wreath in a central portion of the window or door.
US07766282B2	Trailing edge device catchers and associated systems and methods Trailing edge device catchers and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes a wing having a wing support, a trailing edge device carried by and movable relative to the wing and having a device support, and a coupling connected between the wing and the trailing edge device. The coupling can include a pivot joint that includes a pivot element aligned along a pivot axis and connected between the wing support and the device support. The coupling can further include an actuator coupled between the wing and the trailing edge device, with the actuator having a first position in which the trailing edge device is stowed, and a second position in which the trailing edge device is deployed, with an air flow gap located between the wing and the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is in the second position. A cam track is carried by one of the wing and the trailing edge device and has opposing cam track surfaces fixed relative to each other. A cam is carried by the other of the wing and trailing edge device and is positioned within the cam track between the opposing cam track surfaces. The cam is offset from the pivot axis and during normal operation the cam can carry no load or a first load along a load path that includes the cam track, and when a decrease in support provided by at least one of the pivot element, the wing support and the device support occurs, the cam can carry a second non-zero load greater than the first load along the load path.
US07766280B2	Integral suction device with acoustic panel An inlet flow control system disposed within a nacelle includes a panel on an inner surface of that nacelle. The panel includes a noise attenuation layer that dissipates noise energy. A vacuum source generates a pressure differential across the noise attenuation layer for drawing airflow through the panel and away from an inner surface of the nacelle.
US07766273B2	Method for cutting and spooling a paper web A method of cutting and spooling a paper web by providing a transfer tape having a cover flap joined longitudinally to a carrier member along the trailing edge such that the cover flap opens in a hinged manner to expose a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on the carrier member for adherence to an advancing paper web for severance and transfer of the paper web onto an empty spool. The transfer tape is adhered to an empty spool. The cover flap is opened by air resistance encountered during rotation of the spool, by providing an adhesive tab member on the exterior of the cover flap that initiates opening upon adhesion of the tab member to the reel drum, or by providing a blast of pressurized air against the leading edge of the transfer tape.
US07766271B1	Strap collection device for tensioning a ratchet A hand activated retainment, storage and deployment device for binding straps used to secure loads on cargo transportation vehicles such as tractor trailers. The device has a winding mechanism with a spooling reel for winding excess binding strap during use and for removable storage of the strap when not deployed.
US07766265B2	Swinging device for increasing capacity of trash bin A swinging device for increasing the capacity of a trash bin includes a pushing assembly penetrating through the shredder body, a stirring board disposed at the bottom of the shredder body, and a shaft connecting the pushing assembly and the stirring board. The shaft converts the vertical displacement motion of the pushing assembly into a swinging motion of the stirring board. The shredded paper chips which typically form in a mound are thus pushed to the side and flattened. This helps reduce the space occupied by paper chips and increases the capacity of the trash bin, thus leading to less frequent emptying of the bin.
US07766261B1	Compact fluidic spa nozzle A compact, molded liquid oscillator nozzle having a longitudinal axis and a power nozzle, an interaction region having diverging sidewalls, top and bottom walls, and a pair of control ports at opposing sides of the interaction region, and an inertance loop connecting the control ports, characterized in that the inertance loop is molded in a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis.
US07766259B2	Spray nozzle with selectable deflector surfaces An irrigation sprinkler spray nozzle is provided that includes a first deflector surface defining a first configuration to project a fluid spray having a first distribution pattern, and a second deflector surface defining a second configuration to project a second fluid spray having a second, different distribution pattern. To select the fluid spray, the nozzle further includes a selector having a first position to select the first deflector surface and a second position to select the second deflector surface.
US07766258B2	Handheld windshield cleaning apparatus and method of using while driving An apparatus that is used by the driver or the passenger of a motor vehicle to clean the window of the motor vehicle, while the vehicle is in motion. The apparatus is used by either the driver or the passenger and is extend out of either side window to spray fluid on the windshield. The device is operated by a diaphragm pump that transports the fluid from a reservoir to the outlet nozzles. The fluid is sprayed in a jet-like fashion onto the windshield surface for the windshield wipers to use as a wetting agent for cleaning and clearing the windshield. The apparatus includes a sponge holder and a sponge that allows the operator to clean and clear the windshield even if the windshield wipers are not working properly.
US07766256B2	Combination blower and herbicide spraying device An apparatus for performing grounds maintenance functions and dispensing a fluid includes a grounds maintenance device and a fluid spraying device. The spraying device includes a container mounted on the grounds maintenance device for holding the fluid, and a spraying member in communication with the container for spraying the fluid. The spraying member is moveable from a carrying position in which the spraying member is carried on the grounds maintenance device to a spraying position in which the spraying member is moveable independent of the grounds maintenance device.
US07766254B2	Heated fuel injector A heated fuel injector includes a heated body, liquid fuel flowing through a fuel passage within the body, and a member that increases heat transfer from the heated body to the fuel within the fuel passage. The thermal efficiency of the fuel injector is increased separately or in combination by diverting the fuel flow along an inner circumferential contour of the heated body, by limiting the volume of fuel bypassing the heated inner surface of the body, by redirecting heat from the body to unheated portions of the fuel flow field within the fuel passage, and by increasing the available contact surface area for heat transfer. Improved heat transfer from the heated body to the fuel is achieved by integrating features that increase the contact surface area into the inside surface of the body or by positioning an insulating or a thermally conductive spacer within the fuel passage.
US07766253B2	Nebulizer device and method with overpressurization of a liquid to be nebulized A device (30) for nebulizing a liquid includes a nebulization head (40) having a capillary tube (40-1) and a nozzle (40-2) for ejecting a liquid (43), a liquid supply tank (42) for supplying the nebulization head with liquid (43), a vibrator (44) for vibration driving the nebulization head so that it ejects droplets of liquid in a nebulization jet. The device (30) further includes a pressure regulator for applying to the liquid at the inlet to the nebulization head (40), during nebulization cycles, a pressure greater than a first pressure threshold above which the liquid flows through the nebulization head when the head is not vibration driven, and lower than a second pressure threshold above which the liquid flows through the nebulization head when the head is vibration driven. Advantages of the device include increase in the nebulization flow rate and low sensitivity to changes in trim and to vibrations.
US07766251B2	Fuel injection and mixing systems and methods of using the same A fuel injection and mixing system is provided. The system includes an injector body having a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet, and defines a fuel flow path between the inlet and outlet. The fuel flow path may include a generally helical flow passage having an inlet end portion disposed proximate the fuel inlet of the injector body. The flow path also may include an expansion chamber downstream from and in fluid communication with the helical flow passage, as well as a fuel delivery device in fluid communication with the expansion chamber for delivering fuel. Heating means is also provided in thermal communication with the injector body. The heating means may be adapted and configured for maintaining the injector body at a predetermined temperature to heat fuel traversing the flow path. A method of preheating and delivering fuel is also provided.
US07766249B2	Anchor-bolt assembly A rail-carrying plate lies on an upper surface of a base. An anchor-bolt assembly has an elastomeric buffer sheet between the rail plate and the base upper surface and a bolt set in the anchor sleeve passing through the rail plate. An inner ring surrounds the bolt, bears directly on the base surface, is pressed downward by the bolt against the base surface, has an annular outwardly directed outer surface. An outer ring is transfixed by the bolt, has an annular inner surface spaced outward from the inner-ring outer surface, and bears upward on the rail plate. An annular elastomeric body between the inner and outer rings is bonded to the respective outer and inner surfaces thereof so that vertical displacement of the outer ring relative to the inner ring tends to self-center the two rings.
US07766246B2	Variable speed blower control in an HVAC system having a plurality of zones A zone control panel for use with an HVAC system having zone control and a variable speed blower, and a method for controlling a fluid temperature conditioning device. In one aspect, the zone control panel includes a plurality of thermostat terminals for receiving thermostat signals, a plurality of damper terminals for transmitting damper control signals, and one or more terminals for transmitting signals to control a fluid temperature conditioning device having a variable speed blower. The zone control panel also includes a blower terminal for transmitting a signal to a dehumidification terminal associated with the fluid temperature conditioning device, where the dehumidification terminal is labeled or indicated for use with a dehumidification operating mode or for initiating a dehumidification operating mode of the variable speed blower. The blower terminal changes state in response to the number of zones that are calling for conditioning and changes between only a first off state and a second alternating current (AC) signal state. The change in the state of the blower terminal causes the speed of the variable speed blower to change.
US07766245B2	Virtual code window A machine readable code is defined by a portion of graphical indicium located on a substrate; wherein the code is delimited by a temporary boundary that is generated by a reading machine relative to a fixed trigger point only when the code is being read.
US07766236B2	Method for reading data using multi-format magnetic head A method for reading data using a magnetic head having a first array of elements associated with a first data format, and a second array of elements associated with a second data format, the elements being selected from a group consisting of readers, writers, and combinations thereof, wherein the first and second arrays of elements are generally laterally adjacent each other in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of a magnetic medium over the head, the method comprising: determining a format of data on a medium; selecting one of the arrays of elements to read the data on the medium based on the determined format of the data; and positioning the selected array over the data on the medium.
US07766235B2	Combined radio frequency identification and optical imaging module An optical imager, a RFID reader, and a single host interface combined into a single module for use as a stand alone device or OEM product. The module includes a system microcontroller that interconnects an optical image microcontroller and a RFID microcontroller through the single interface to a host device, such as a computer. The system microprocessor is configurable via the host interface to selectively provide RFID reading, optical imaging, or a variety of combinations of both techniques. The module is programmable to allow the host computer trigger the RFID reader and optical imager. In addition, the system microcontroller is programmable via the host computer to provide image analysis, such as shape determination or recognition, prior to relaying data to the host computer through the single interface.
US07766230B2	Method of shipping, tracking, and delivering a shipment of packages over an internet-based network employing the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from the point of pickup and completed while shipment is being transported to its first scanning point in the network, so as to sort and route packages using the original shipment number assigned to the package shipment An Internet-based shipping, tracking and delivery network is deployed, wherein at the point of shipment pickup, digital images of shipping documents are captured and processed, shipping information graphically represented the digital images is extracted and encoded into digital image files, and these digital image files are transmitted to an application server and for storage in an information DBMS and subsequent recognition and processing, while the shipment is in transit, from the point of shipment pickup to the first scanning point. At the first scanning point, and subsequent sorting and routing hubs in the network, the original shipment number assigned to the package shipment and graphically represented in said shipping document images, is used to access the DBMS and retrieve recognized shipping information for use in sorting and routing each package in the shipment to its point of destination. By virtue of the present invention, network-assigned shipment tracking numbers need not be assigned, nor special labels generated, for package and delivery operations.
US07766228B2	System for sale of consumer goods A system for the sale of consumer goods, wherein the system comprises a device for providing a customer with a non-validated token that represents an article of merchandise. The article is to be paid for by the customer at a checkout unit when the token is checked by said unit. Said checkout unit has a means for providing a validated token that bears a transaction code. Said checkout unit has a means for communicating with an article dispensing device and providing the article dispensing device with said transaction code after the article has been paid for. The validated token is used to obtain the purchased article from the article dispensing device with the aid of a comparator device within the article dispensing device which compares the transaction code on the validated token with the transaction code communicated by said communication device, wherein the article dispensing device delivers the purchased article when there is a defined code correspondence.
US07766217B2	Method for managing a continuous in-line metal strip processing installation, and installation for implementing this method The invention relates to a new method for managing the feeding of a new coil into a continuous inline processing plant of a band-type product, in particular for passing short coils through the production line. According to the invention, the global duration for performing the general connection process of a new coil (11′) is divided into at least two time periods (T1, T3) realized in at least two successive portions (3, 4) of the inlet section (1) of the plant and the junction cycle is broken down into two separate phases S1, S2 between which a variable band length is set aside in at least one intermediate accumulator (5) in order to provide a time interval (T2) of variable duration between said time periods of the connection process. The invention applies especially to continuous etching lines of steel bands.
US07766214B2	Friction stir welding method The invention provides a friction stir welding method of forming a weld portion having an excellent fatigue property in the case of welding a weld material by using a friction stir welding method. The invention provides a friction stir welding method structured such as to insert a tool provided in such a manner that a pin-shaped probe protrudes to an end surface of a columnar member to a weld material in a state of being rotated, and move the tool in a state of being rotated, thereby welding two or more weld materials in accordance with a friction stirring, in which a cavity portion is provided in a part of a weld portion of the weld material, a member is formed in the cavity portion, and the weld material is welded by the friction stirring. In accordance with the invention, since an unwelded portion is not formed near the cavity portion, a notch effect is reduced, and it is possible to form the weld member which is excellent in the fatigue property.
US07766213B2	Device and method for monitoring a welding area and an arrangement and a method for controlling a welding operation Method and device (2) for monitoring a welding area of an object (14) in connection with welding, which device includes arrangements (3) for reproduction of the welding area, at least one filter (4) arranged in front of or in the reproduction arrangement (3), and an illumination arrangement (5) of the welding area with ultraviolet radiation. The filter (4) consists of a band-pass filter which is adapted for filtering around a wavelength within the ultraviolet wavelength range.
US07766210B2	Motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument with user feedback system A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising a moveable cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned in the end effector, a main drive shaft assembly connected to the end effector, and a handle connected to the main drive shaft assembly. The handle includes a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, a main motor for actuating the gear drive train, and a firing trigger such that retraction of the firing trigger causes actuation of the motor. Also, the rotational position of the firing trigger is related to the position of the cutting instrument in the end effector.
US07766200B2	Cross bar locking device of roof carrier for vehicles Disclosed herein is a cross bar locking device of a roof carrier for a vehicle. The cross bar locking device includes a link, which is movably provided in the cross bar and has protrusion pins, and locking members, which are coupled to respective ends of the link so as to be axially movable. The locking member has a locking protrusion, to be locked to the corresponding locking hole of the associated side rail, and a plurality of protrusion pins. The cross bar locking device further includes levers, which are rotatably coupled to respective ends of the cross bar by a hinge. An operating slot is formed in each lever so that the protrusion pins of the corresponding locking member and the link are inserted into the operating slot. Movement guide slots are formed in the lever and communicate with the operating slot.
US07766197B2	Closure with selectable dispensing orifices A dispenser for dispensing a viscous material in a selected one of a multiplicity of configurations comprises a container for a volume of a viscous material and having a squeezable body and a neck with a discharge opening at its upper end. Engaged on the container is a closure body of generally circular cross section having a top wall and a skirt, and the top wall has a discharge passage therethrough aligned with the discharge opening of the neck. The body top wall has a generally circular recess therein extending from the periphery thereof and beyond the discharge passage of the closure. Disposed in the circular recess is a generally circular rotating disc which has a multiplicity of discharge openings spaced about the disc in a circular array, and the discharge openings have a multiplicity of configurations. The disc is rotatable to align a selected discharge opening with the discharge passage in the top wall to permit viscous material to flow through the neck and the top wall of the closure body into and through a selected disc discharge opening.
US07766185B2	Detachable spill guard for a blender cup or other container A spill guard device for preventing unwanted spillage of material from a container. The device comprises a body shaped to fit on the rim of the container, the body having a U-shape in cross-section, and having a flange extending inwardly and adjacent the spout of the container, the flange preventing the material from spilling from the container as it is poured out via the spout. A notch in the underside of the body cooperates with a ridge formed on the exterior of the container, parallel and adjacent to the rim, to secure the device on the rim in proper location.
US07766180B2	Collapsible bulk cage liner A liner cassette for use with an existing intermediate bulk container includes a box and a liner. The box is configured to unfold within the intermediate bulk container and the liner is configured to fit within the box. The liner cassette includes two configurations. In a first configuration, the box and liner may be folded substantially flat to facilitate transportation. In a second configuration, the box and liner are configured to provide a liquid containment system for the existing intermediate bulk container.
US07766173B2	Polyamide reverse osmosis composite membrane and preparation method thereof An amine aqueous solution for forming an active layer of a polyamide reverse osmosis composite membrane is prepared, which consists of 0.1 through 20 weight % of polyfunctional aromatic amine monomer, 0.1 through 20 weight % of multi-functional tertiary alcohol amine, 0.1 through 20 weight % of strong acid, and 40 through 99.7 weight % of water.
US07766171B2	Rigid storage tray for flat and letter mail A storage tray for storing mail items in the sorting outlets of a mail sorting machine having a carousel with buckets that hold mail items and move in a transport direction such that the mail items describe an arcuate path when released from the buckets. The storage tray includes a bottom surrounded by side walls defining a horizontal top portion of the tray and a horizontal bottom portion of the tray, wherein the bottom of the tray includes a landing wall and a jogging wall intersecting in the bottom portion of the tray, the landing wall extending from the jogging wall in a first direction towards the top portion of the tray at an angle relative to the horizontal bottom portion of the tray, and the jogging wall extending away from the landing wall in a second direction along a generally arcuate curved path toward the top portion of the tray. The shape of the jogging wall preferably corresponds generally to the path of a mail item released from a bucket carousel of a sorting machine.
US07766169B2	Stackable egg-box, stack of egg-boxes and method for destacking said egg-box A stackable tray obtained by vacuum molding of a sheet of plastic material, said tray comprising, in open position: a) a top and a bottom; b) at least one receiving cavity opened upwardly; c) spacing means to keep, in a stack of trays, the top portion and the bottom portion of neighboring trays at distance from each other to thereby prevent interlocking. A stack of said trays and a method using said trays.
US07766165B2	Tool caddy having carrier proximate center of gravity A tool caddy which provides a carrier having open sides and a recess element configured to receive a part of the body of person in an open recess area to locate such part of the body closer to the center of mass of the tool caddy.
US07766163B2	Container for medical devices The present invention relates to a package comprising a container defining a compartment for containing a liquid and at least partly a medical device. The compartment extends in a longitudinal direction from a bottom of the container towards an opening of the container, wherein a first section of the compartment has a cross-sectional area which is smaller than a cross-sectional area of a second section of the compartment, and where the first section is arranged between the opening and the second section. As the cross-sectional area of the first section is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second section the first section will function as a stop for the liquid in case the container is placed in a horizontal orientation.
US07766162B2	Receptacle for a catheter A receptacle for a catheter, has a storage space (3) designed to receive a catheter, and an opening (4) connected to the storage space, through which opening a catheter in its longitudinal direction is pushable into and pullable out of the storage space (3). The receptacle (1) has a holding device (7) arranged in the storage space (3), which holding device is arranged to keep a catheter inserted into the storage space (3) in a spiral-shaped path under mutual separation of the different spiral turns of the spiral-shaped path so that the catheter is prevented from coming into contact with itself along the spiral-shaped path.
US07766160B2	Container for a plurality of discs and the like with central retention means A container for a plurality of discs, comprising a containment body which defines at least one recess for accommodating at least two discs, the recess defining a first region for accommodating at least one first disc and at least one second region for accommodating at least one second disc which is arranged at a higher level than the first region, elements for the central retention of each of the discs being further provided in order to retain them detachably in the recess, the elements for the central retention of the second disc being arranged at the upper level and being superimposed on and spaced from at least one peripheral portion of the first region for accommodating the first disc.
US07766159B2	Rod retaining snap rod with enlarged retaining ring A modular belt having a first belt module and a second belt module intercalated and locked into position by a pivot rod having a head at one end and a retaining ring disposed in spaced apart relation relative to the head along the longitudinal axis.
US07766157B2	Wear detection device for conveyor belt A wear detection device for a conveyor belt capable of automatically, easily, and accurately detecting the wear amount of the conveyor belt during the operation, formed in a simple structure, and manufacturable at low cost. A rubber magnet (3) magnetized in the thickness direction is buried in the conveyor belt (2) diagonally relative to both the advancing and thickness directions of the conveyor belt. A magnetic sensor (4) detecting the change of a magnetic force due to the wear of the rubber magnet (3) resulting from the wear of the conveyor belt (2) is disposed at a position through which the rubber magnet (3) is passed.
US07766156B2	Abutment module A abutment module for automatic processing and conveying equipment having an abutment member arranged on a base for objects moving in a movement plane in a current direction of working motion. The abutment member being able to be moved in and out of the movement plane by electrical actuating apparatus. An electrical rotary drive is provided for the electrical operation.
US07766153B2	Flat tray cartoner Trays are indexed at predetermined pitch on a tray conveyor. As the trays are conveyed, a turning guide engages a leading tray portion, turning the tray and urging it transversely downward and/or into buckets on an adjacent bucket conveyor or cartons on an adjacent carton conveyor. A cam is disposed rearward of each tray on the tray conveyors and the turning trays pivot about that cam. A hold-down prevents trays climbing over the turning guide. Pressure relief and tray indexing are provided upstream of the tray conveyor. Apparatus and methods are disclosed.
US07766144B2	Clutch plate with internal fluid channels A clutch plate assembly is provided having a friction interface and internal fluid passages for delivering pressurized fluid to the friction interface to cool the interface, and to reduce spin losses through the clutch assembly. The fluid passages comprise a plurality of primary passages extending inward from a clutch plate inner or outer diameter, and a plurality of secondary fluid passages intersecting the primary fluid passages for conducting fluid to the friction interface. Fluid is directed to the friction interface during clutch engagement for cooling thereof when the clutch assembly is engaging, and separates the clutch plates to reduce spin losses when the clutch assembly is disengaged. A method is also provided for controlling fluid flow at the friction interface, including providing fluid directly to the interface for cooling when the clutch plate assembly is engaging, and for reducing spin losses when the clutch plate assembly is substantially disengaged.
US07766143B1	Bicycle rear hub whose freewheel having smaller diameter and specification A rear hub for a bicycle includes a mandrel, a hub body, a first locking nut, a freewheel, an auxiliary threaded post, and a second locking nut. The mandrel has a primary threaded section and a secondary mounting portion which has a diameter smaller than that of the primary mounting portion. Thus, the secondary mounting portion of the mandrel has a smaller diameter so that the freewheel has a smaller diameter to reduce the tooth number of the driven gear to reduce the tooth number of the chainwheel to reduce the diameter of the chainwheel so as to reduce the whole volume and weight of the bicycle.
US07766142B2	Torque transmission device A torque transmission device for the application in the drive train of a vehicle, between a driven shaft of a drive unit and a transmission, with at least two transmission input shafts. The torque transmission device includes at least two friction clutches which respectively feature a clutch disc, which can be coupled respectively with one of the transmission input shafts, and an intermediate pressure plate disposed between the friction lining of the twin clutch discs. The friction lining of both clutch discs may be clamped respectively between the intermediate pressure plate and one pressure plate, in which the respective pressure plates are disposed on the side of the friction lining that faces away relative to the intermediate pressure plate, still the two pressure plates with the intermediate pressure plate are at least rotationally coupled and are axially displaceable by actuation elements relative to the latter, in which at least the two friction clutches form a preassembled clutch assembly. The preassembled clutch assembly can be preassembled on the transmission side and is at least non-rotatably connectable with a drive element mounted on the driven shaft of the drive unit during the assembly of the drive unit and transmission, wherein the intermediate pressure plate is supported by a bearing on at least one of the transmission input shafts in at least one axial direction, in which the intermediate pressure plate features a radial displacement possibility relative to the rotation axis of the transmission input shafts.
US07766139B2	Method of operating a DCT hydraulic power control system as well as DCT hydraulic power control system A DCT hydraulic power control system has a pump, a high pressure section for providing oil to actuators of the DCT, a low pressure section for providing oil to a lubrication and cooling system of the DCT, and a regulator for directing excess oil from the high pressure section to the lubrication and cooling section. A hydraulic control includes a first directional valve disposed in a main line of the low pressure section between the pump and the lubrication and cooling system, wherein the directional valve is controlled by an ON/OFF valve disposed between a check valve and the directional valve, wherein the check valve is disposed in a branch line of the low pressure section leading to the high pressure section, and wherein a second directional valve connects the second pressure outlet associated to the low pressure section with a suction side of the pump.
US07766134B2	Balanced flow cooling water jacket A fluid jacket for a disc brake is provided that promotes a balanced flow of cooling fluid throughout the fluid jacket to most effectively remove heat from the disc brake. The fluid jacket includes an annular body configured for engagement with a friction surface. The annular body defines a plurality of concentric flow passages. The annular body further defines first and second axial flow passages in fluid communication with first and second flow passages, respectively of the plurality of concentric flow passages, with the first and second flow passage separated by a third concentric flow passage. The annular body further defines a radial flow passage extending between the first and second axial flow passages, and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the radial flow passage.
US07766133B2	Insert and retainer for securing same to an aircraft brake disk An aircraft brake rotor (60) or stator (110) includes a circular disk having first and second walls (62, 112) and a peripheral wall (64, 114) including at least one notch (66, 116) having a bottom (70) and first and second sides (72). The disk further includes first and second peripheral wall portions separated by the notch (66, 116). An insert (10) is mounted in the notch (66, 116) and has first and second legs (14) with inner and outer walls (20, 22) extending along the notch first and second sides (72). The insert (10) has a first portion having a first width. A circumferential distance between the notch first wall (72) and the notch second wall (72) at a position toward the peripheral wall having the notch (66, 116) has a width less than the insert first portion first width. A retainer (30, 118) overlies the disk first and second walls (62, 112) and a portion of the insert (10) to limit axial movement of the insert (10) relative to the rotor (60) or stator (110) disk.
US07766126B2	Thermal valve assembly stand tube An integral stand tube for regulating fluid level within a transmission is provided. The stand tube includes an upper opening, at least one lower opening, and an internal volume defined by at least one internal passage for directing fluid from a valve body-side of a transmission to a main sump located on a gear-side of the transmission. The lower opening is operatively connected to a thermal valve assembly and a fluid passage formed in the transmission case between the auxiliary sump of the valve body-side and the main sump of the gear-side. Fluid passing from auxiliary sump to main sump bypasses dynamic transmission components to thereby minimize fluid aeration due to contact therebetween.
US07766123B2	Vehicle exhaust system An exhaust system for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or other straddle-type vehicle, that achieves miniaturization while providing advantageous noise reduction characteristics. The exhaust system is associated with an engine of a vehicle and includes an exhaust pipe connected to the engine and a silencer. A conical member is positioned within the silencer and includes an upstream end and a downstream end. At least a portion of a side wall of the conical member includes a plurality of through-holes. The conical member is oriented such that a radial dimension of the conical member increases in a direction from the upstream end to the downstream end.
US07766119B2	Vehicle A motorcycle has a head pipe and an engine disposed with its cylinder axis inclined rearward. An intake pipe located between a down tube and the engine is connected to a front part of the engine and includes an engine connecting part connected to a front part of the engine. The engine connecting part is inclined upward to the front to define an acute angle with respect to the cylinder axis of the engine. A funnel is connected to a throttle body and extends upward to the front in a more vertically upward direction than an axis of the throttle body.
US07766117B2	Motor-driven seatbelt apparatus A motor-driven seatbelt apparatus which enables easy re-restraining of a webbing even when an occupant releases the webbing temporarily from a restrained state. A control device senses the vehicle velocity with a vehicle-velocity sensor. When the vehicle velocity is a predetermined value or lower, the control device drives a motor to rotate a winding shaft, so that the webbing is wound into a completely wound state. When the vehicle is traveling at a vehicle velocity exceeding the predetermined value, the storing and winding operation of the winding shaft by the control device or the motor is not performed. Therefore, the occupant who temporarily released the webbing and finished an action such as to take out a small article in the cabin can re-restrain the webbing immediately thereafter.
US07766110B2	Vehicle having in-wheel motors A vehicle having in-wheel motors, wherein when the in-wheel motors are mounted on the vehicle driven by the torque of an internal combustion engine, the in-wheel motors are mounted on wheels on one side of the vehicle opposite to the other side on which the internal combustion engine is mounted. The non-rotating side of the motor and the knuckle are supported by a buffer mechanism having plates connected to each other by a direct-acting guide with springs composed of a direct-acting guide having a linear bearing and a rod and spring members moving in the vertical direction of the vehicle and mated with the direct-acting guide and a damper for interconnecting the plates, moving in the vertical direction of the vehicle to support the motor to either one or both of the unsprung mass of the vehicle and the car body by the buffer mechanism. Thus, the running ability and riding comfort of the vehicle having in-wheel motors can be improved.
US07766109B2	Hybrid powertrains and methods of operating Hybrid powertrains and methods of operating the hybrid powertrains are provided. In an embodiment, the method includes determining whether a temperature of a battery pack in a battery pack module is above or below a first threshold, and providing a command to an electrically variable transmission module to select either a first mode or a second mode in which to operate, when the determination is made that the temperature of the battery pack is below the first threshold.
US07766103B2	Drill bit and a single pass drilling apparatus A drill bit and a single pass drilling apparatus are disclosed. The one-piece drill bit is rotatable about a drilling axis and has a connection portion, adapted to be rigidly connected to a drill steel, a pilot part and a reamer part. The reamer part has a leading and at least one trailing first rock machining means disposed on one side of the pilot part within a sector defined by sector angle θ. At least one of the trailing first rock machining means is axially spaced from the leading first rock machining means in the direction toward the trailing end of the drill bit.
US07766102B2	Downhole assembly and cutter assembly This invention relates to a downhole assembly and to a cutter assembly, and in particular to a downhole assembly including an apparatus for breaking up large-scale material which is present behind a drill bit, and to a cutter assembly for use in such a downhole assembly. The downhole assembly is suitably for use in a drillstring, the downhole assembly comprising a drill bit, a sensitive component, and at least one rotatable set of cutter blades located between the drill bit and the sensitive component.
US07766100B2	Tapered surface bearing assembly and well drilling equiment comprising same A well drilling head comprises a housing and a bearing assembly. The housing has a sidewall structure defining a central bore. A tapered bearing assembly seating surface is provided within the central bore of the housing. The bearing assembly includes an outer barrel having a central bore, an inner barrel at least partially disposed within the central bore of the outer barrel and bearing units coupled between the barrels for providing concentric alignment of the barrels and allowing rotation therebetween. The outer barrel is removably seated within the central bore of the housing. A tapered exterior surface of the outer barrel is engaged with the tapered bearing assembly seating surface of the housing whereby engagement of the tapered surfaces align the outer barrel with respect to the central bore of the housing.
US07766096B2	Electrical power tool An electrical power tool (1) includes a housing (10,20,30), an electrical motor (21), a motion conversion mechanism (36), a counterweight holding member (73), a counterweight (74), and support members (71,72). The electrical motor (21) is accommodated in the housing (10,20,30). The motion conversion mechanism (36) is configured to convert a rotary motion of the electrical motor (21) into a reciprocation motion. The counterweight holding member (73) extends in a direction perpendicular to directions of the reciprocation motion and is capable of being elastically deformed in the directions of the reciprocation motion. The counterweight (74) is supported by the counterweight holding member (73) and is capable of reciprocating in the directions of reciprocation motion together with the counterweight holding member (73). The support members (71,72) are positioned away from the counterweight (74) by a predetermined distance for supporting the counterweight holding member (73) to the housing (10,20,30). The counterweight (74) is interposed between or among the support members (71,72).
US07766095B2	Link assembly for a tractor hitch The invention relates to a lower link assembly for a tractor hitch. The lower link assembly includes a first strut and a second strut. The first strut includes a channel at an end thereof and a hollow space defining first and second walls and adjacent to the channel. The second strut may be inserted into the channel. A locking element is associated with the hollow space for latching the second strut to the first strut, and may be moved between an unlocked position and a latching position. A spring pretensions the locking element in the latching position. A grip element is connected to the locking element, by means of which an operator may move the locking element into the unlocked position. The spring is biased to retain the locking element in the hollow space.
US07766090B2	Fire fighting system A fire fighting system for fighting forest and brush fires under dry, hot and windy conditions which includes a jet engine for generating a high speed air stream, a water source for supplying water to a cooling system which lowers the water temperature to between forty and fifty degrees fahrenheit, a nozzle for injecting cold water into the air steam and a filter which provides very fine particles of cold water within the stream. The stream of cold water is directed to a forest or brush fire dropping the temperature of the fire which eventually extinguishes the fire.
US07766088B2	System and method for actuating wellbore tools An actuator operatively coupled to a wellbore tool is activated upon receiving fluid that a predetermined applied pressure. When the fluid string reaches the predetermined applied pressure, the actuator undertakes a specified action such as longitudinal movement, rotation, expansion, etc. that actuates or operates the wellbore tool. Premature actuation of the wellbore tool is prevented by applying a resistive force to the actuator that, alone or in cooperation with another mechanism, arrests movement of the actuator. This resistive force is generated by applied pressure of the fluid in the work string.
US07766086B2	Fluid actuated circulating sub A downhole device used to divert fluid flow out of a work string into an annulus. The downhole device is activated by the movement of a plurality of pistons within the downhole device. Fluid flow through a restriction of the downhole device creates an increase in fluid pressure causing the movement of the pistons. The pistons move a flow tube between various locations within the device. In one location, the flow tube prevents fluid flow to the annulus while in another location the flow tube allows fluid flow to be diverted into the annulus. The downhole device may include a locating sleeve having a continuous j-track allowing the flow tube to be selectively retained at the various locations within the downhole device. Fluid flow through the downhole is used to cycle the device between diverting fluid flow to the annulus and forcing fluid flow down the work string.
US07766077B2	Self-contained modular heater The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for heating a fluid without a flame. The modular heater (apparatus) that includes an enclosure, a dynamic heat generator disposed within the enclosure, an electric motor disposed within the enclosure, a first fluid connector attached to the enclosure, a second fluid connector attached to the enclosure and an electrical connector attached to the enclosure. The electric motor drives the dynamic heat generator to heat the fluid to a specified temperature without a flame. The first fluid connector connects the dynamic heat generator to a fluid source. The second fluid connector connects the dynamic heat generator to a fluid storage. The electrical connector connects the electric motor to a power source.
US07766069B2	Overhead garage door with seam concealer An overhead garage door having a concealing apparatus between adjoining horizontal sections of the door is provided. The garage door may include horizontal sections and the door may be formed from a plurality of these sections, arranged in a stack, and pivotally connected to adjacent sections. The concealing apparatus, such as meeting rails, may be attached to adjacent horizontal sections to mask the appearance of a seam created as adjacent sections are joined. The meeting rails may also aid in sealing the door to form a weather-tight seal and keep wind, moisture and debris out of the garage. The concealing apparatus may also be an overlapping plate with an attachment region and an overhanging region.
US07766060B2	Tire and tire producing method A tire comprising a tread layer comprised of a tread rubber and an electrically conductive band arranged in a widthwise middle portion thereof, and a method of producing the tire, wherein the tread rubber is made of a low-conductive continuous rubber ribbon circumferentially wound plural times, and the electrically conductive band is made of a high-conductive thin annular rubber sheet. Also, the electrically conductive band is arranged so as to extend in the widthwise region ranging from a part of the top face of the first tread rubber portion to a part of the bottom face of the second tread rubber portion, whereby the tire uniformity is improved and the production is possible in a multi-size mixed production system and the conductive path from the belt to the treading face can be surely formed at a low cost.
US07766057B2	Bottom fillable bottles and systems for charging the same A bottle assembly is provided and includes a body portion defining a cavity therein; a top lid assembly selectively connectable to an upper end of the body portion, the top lid assembly includes a selectively deployable and retractable spout, wherein when the spout is in a deployed condition a fluid path is opened into the cavity of the body portion and when the spout is in a retracted condition the fluid path into the cavity of the body portion is closed; a trigger assembly operatively associated with the top lid assembly for selectively moving the spout between a deployed and a retracted condition; and a bottom lid assembly selectively connectable to a bottom end of the body portion, the bottom lid assembly including a valve assembly configured and adapted to open and close a fluid path into the cavity of the body portion.
US07766055B2	Microfabricated elastomeric valve and pump systems A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
US07766053B2	Multi-layer papermaker's forming fabric with alternating paired and single top CMD yarns A papermaker's fabric comprises a series of repeat units. Each of the repeat units comprises: a set of top MD yarns; a set of top CMD yarns interwoven with the top MD yarns to form a top fabric layer; a set of bottom MD yarns; a set of bottom CMD yarns interwoven with the bottom MD yarns to form a bottom fabric layer; and a set of CMD stitching yarns interwoven with the top and bottom CMD yarns to bind the top and bottom fabric layers together. The stitching yarns are arranged in pairs. The top CMD yarns are arranged in an alternating pattern in which first (a) a single top CMD yarn is positioned between adjacent pairs of stitching yarns, then (b) two top CMD yarns are positioned between adjacent pairs of stitching yarns.
US07766052B2	Conduit pipe for conveying media A conduit pipe for conveying media, having a core pipe made of a copper alloy and a jacketing made of a plastic material from the group of the polyolefins having functional groups. The ratio between the thickness of the jacketing wall and the thickness of the core pipe wall ranges between 2:1 and 14:1, while the ratio between the thickness (D) of the core pipe wall and its inside diameter (ID) ranges between 0.01 and 0.05.
US07766050B2	Conduit and method of forming A method of forming a double film layered continuous conduit is disclosed. The method includes applying at least one film of ribbon spirally around a former where at least half of each turn of ribbon overlaps the next turn of the ribbon, such that the leading and trailing edges overlap. A bead of molten plastic is then applied between the overlap.
US07766049B2	Balloon catheter This is a balloon catheter having at least two lumens. One of the lumens is a large working lumen. The balloon catheter is especially useful as a guide catheter or micro catheter and may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In particular, it has value in treating neurovascular embolic strokes in combination with other devices which are delivered to the stroke site through that working lumen. The remainder of the lumens typically are used to inflate and to deflate the balloon.
US07766047B1	Telescoping double blocking pipe plug A plugging device for double blocking a section of pipeline or piping and method for its use includes a first and second sealing element and at least one cylinder that is extendable along an axial direction of the pipe between a retracted first position and an extended second position. A means for actuating the cylinder, such as a fluid power source, is provided. When the cylinder is in the extended second position, the sealing element sealably engages an opposing cut end of the pipe. The sealing element is an elastomeric sealing element and may be cup-shaped, convex-shaped, or cork-shaped.
US07766045B2	Fluid pressure reduction device for high pressure-drop ratios A fluid pressure reduction device comprises two or more stackable annular plates. Each disk having a perimeter and a hollow center aligned along a longitudinal axis when the annular plates are stacked one on top of the other. Each disk further comprising at least one inlet flow sector having an inlet flow stage for defining a first inlet area and a first outlet area, and at least one outlet flow sector having an outlet flow stage defining a second inlet area and a second outlet areas wherein the ratio of the second inlet area to the second outlet area is predetermined to define a backpressure at the outlet flow stage to provide a sub-sonic fluid flow at the perimeter.
US07766044B2	Two-way damper A two-way damper is provided including a retaining member and a baffle. The baffle comprises a flexible member with a first portion secured and held in a fixed position by the retaining member and a second portion normally oriented in a first position, but free to move relative to said first position. The baffle also comprises a third portion, arranged between the first and second portions, being flexible and resilient and allowing the second portion to move to a second position relative to the first position upon the application of a pressure differential across the baffle above a threshold pressure and causing the second portion to return to the first position upon the application of a pressure differential across the baffle below the threshold pressure.
US07766042B2	Direct operated cartridge valve assembly A cartridge valve assembly includes a body having a central bore, a first port, a second port, and a third port fluidly connected to the central bore. The cartridge valve assembly further includes a main spool positioned within the central bore and being movable between at least a first position and a second position. The main spool forms, within the central bore, a first chamber, and a second chamber, and a control chamber. The cartridge valve assembly also includes a first passage fluidly communicating the first chamber with the second chamber, and an actuator adapted to apply a force to a first end of the main spool. The cartridge valve assembly further includes a feedback spool having an end exposed to a feedback chamber formed within the body, and a second passage fluidly communicating the control chamber with the feedback chamber.
US07766038B2	Manifold for multi-jet pool fixture A manifold device for a multi-jet pool fixture includes a central chamber having a jet interface surface. An inlet in fluid communication with the central chamber allows fluid to flow into the central chamber and out a plurality of openings disposed in the jet interface surface. An outlet in fluid communication with the central chamber allows water to flow out of the central chamber.
US07766037B2	Adjustable shutoff valve A gas valve assembly includes a solenoid coil, a linearly actuated plunger, and a stop member. The plunger is disposed in the coil so that a gap exists between the plunger and the stop member at a deenergized condition of the solenoid. The assembly includes a valve having a port and a closing member. The closing member blocks the port in a closed position corresponding to the de-energized condition of the solenoid, and slidably unblocks the port in an open position corresponding to the energized condition of the solenoid. An adjustable length member is coupled to the closing member and the plunger and has a portion accessible external to the valve assembly. The externally-accessible portion of the adjustable length member is adjustable to vary the size of the gap between the plunger and the stop member when the closing member is in the closed position.
US07766029B2	Valve A re-closable valve (1, 100, 700, 800) for use in sterile fluid transfer has a body (5) with open entry and exit sides (2, 3) and a passageway (4) for fluid therebetween. The entry side is connectable to an opening of a separate vessel and the exit side is connectable to downstream processing. The entry side includes a first rupturable seal (5b, 500) blocking the opening of the entry side. A piston (9) is connected to an actuator (7) via a cam mechanism (8, 85, 10) which moves the piston (9) axially in the passageway (4) and to the first seal (5b, 500). On movement of the piston (9) during a first actuation, the first seal (5b, 500) is torn free from the entry side to open the valve for fluid transfer. A sharp rim (15) surrounds the opening of the entry side and a curved surface area (193) encircles the piston exterior proximal the entry side. The valve (1, 100, 700, 800) can be re-closed by moving the piston (9) during a subsequent actuation thus engaging the sharp rim (15) with the curved surface area (193) which plastically deform to from a second seal. Arrangements are included to enable the valve (1, 100, 700, 800) to be multiply re-opened and re-closed, if desired.
US07766024B2	Tent frame and canopy A tent frame comprising support frames having side support and roof support members. Spans of the support frames are adjustable perpendicular to a ridge line of the tent frame without substituting structural members of different length. The tent frame is laterally adjusted by adding or removing support frames or by altering the distance between individual support frames. The tent frame is adaptable on uneven terrain and is capable of following irregular ground contour without delay in erection or changes in length and details in the structural members. A canopy can be provided overtop of the tent frame, or on the inside of the tent frame so that adjustments to the span do not require adjustment to the canopy size. The canopy is removably attached to the frame to cover the whole area or only partially cover the area under the tent, or can be removed fully.
US07766016B2	Anti-snoring device An anti-snoring device including first and second arcuate members. The first member defines a receptacle for receiving teeth located on either of the user's upper or lower jaw, and a first plurality of fasteners on an opposite side and extending outwardly therefrom. The second member defines a receptacle for receiving teeth located on the other of the user's upper or lower jaws, and a second plurality of fasteners on an opposite side and extending outwardly therefrom. The first and second plurality of fasteners are each formed by elongate, parallel extending projections that define voids therebetween. Selective engagement of the projections and voids allows the first and second members to be secured together in a plurality of different relative positions.
US07766012B2	Device for the controlled inhalation of therapeutic aerosols A device for the controlled inhalation of therapeutic aerosols comprises means providing individual patient parameters and/or aerosol parameters for the inhalation. The aerosol doses, such as the tidal volume and the respiratory flow, are individually adjusted on the basis of these individual parameters. Thus, the inhalation device may be individually adjusted to the patient to be treated.
US07766011B2	Positive pressure systems and methods for increasing blood pressure and circulation In one embodiment, the invention provides a medical method for treating a person and comprises repeatedly compressing the person's chest. While repeatedly compressing the person's chest, the method further includes repeatedly delivering a positive pressure breath to the person and extracting respiratory gases from the person's airway using a vacuum following the positive pressure breath to create an intrathoracic vacuum to lower pressures in the thorax and to enhance blood flow back to the heart.
US07766010B2	Method of controlling the rate of oxygen produced by an oxygen concentrator A method of providing concentrated oxygen product gas to a patient. The method comprises producing product gas by a vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) process with an oxygen concentrator comprising a plurality of separation columns connected to a vacuum source driven by a motor. Separated product gas is then pumped to a product reservoir. The pressure of the reservoir is monitored and used to adjust the speed of the motor based on the reservoir pressure. The separated gas is then delivered to the patient.
US07766009B2	Portable liquid oxygen unit with multiple operational orientations A portable liquid oxygen (LOX) storage/delivery apparatus is provided, including an insulated (LOX) container having an interior, a bottom portion and a sidewall, the sidewall including a first side portion and a second side portion, both extending between the top portion and the bottom portion, and a port system in communication with the interior of the container for charging the container and for withdrawing LOX and gaseous oxygen from the container. The gaseous oxygen is withdrawn from the container through a first outlet and LOX is withdrawn from the container through a second outlet. Gaseous oxygen can be withdrawn from the container through the first outlet and LOX can be withdrawn from the container through the second outlet when the container is positioned in a first orientation with the sidewall vertically oriented, as well as when the container is positioned in a second orientation with the second side portion oriented downwardly and with the first side portion oriented upwardly and overlying the second side portion, and any position in between.
US07766002B2	Concrete block splitting and pitching apparatus An apparatus for pitching and splitting a masonry block is provided. The apparatus includes a first pitching blade configured to move in a first direction. A second pitching blade is disposed adjacent to the first pitching blade, and the two pitching blades are separated by a distance that is small enough so that the splits initiated by each blade join into a single plane, thereby pitching and splitting the masonry block without the need for a splitting blade.
US07766000B2	Air gun with a blowback mechanism The structure of air guns with a conventional blowback mechanism was complicated because they had a hammer, sear, trigger bar, bullet supply nozzle, bullet supply nozzle link, etc. These members operated every time when a bullet was shot resulting in the members being readily worn, with failure often occurring as well as problems with durability. In order to solve these problems, the valve body has a valve body air chamber sealed to contain the compressed gas supplied from the compressed gas source, and has a discharge valve which can move in a longitudinal direction. The discharge valve has a valve through hole that passes completely from the muzzle to the gun rear end direction, and a gas supply port that can open and close the valve body air chamber and valve through hole by the movement of the discharge valve in the longitudinal direction. Retreat of the inner barrel opens the gas supply port of the discharge valve to shoot a bullet and perform blowback.
US07765991B2	Fuel delivery control for internal combustion engine A method of controlling an internal combustion engine having a fuel vapor purging system and a fuel delivery system including a fuel pump and a fuel pressure sensor for detecting the fuel pressure provided by the fuel pump is disclosed. In one example, the method includes, during a degraded condition of the fuel pressure sensor, adjusting the fuel pump output in response to an operating condition, adjusting at least one of a condition of the fuel vapor purging system and adaptive learning of a characteristic of the fuel delivery system; and further adjusting the fuel pump output in response to an output of an exhaust gas sensor while also adjusting an amount of fuel injected into a cylinder of the engine in response to said output of the exhaust gas sensor.
US07765990B2	Device for delivering fuel from a tank to an internal combustion engine A device for delivering fuel having a delivery unit, a main filter with a filter housing situated downstream of the delivery unit, and a drive line for driving a suction jet pump embodied in the filter housing of the main filter. As a result, the assembly and manufacture costs of the device are reduced.
US07765985B2	Intermediate element for a fuel injector An intermediate element for a fuel injector situated in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine is disposed between a valve housing of the fuel injector and a wall of a receiving bore of the cylinder head, and/or between the valve housing and a clamping shoe holding the fuel injector down in the cylinder head. The intermediate element is made up of a plurality of layers having different patterning and/or being made of different materials.
US07765984B2	Fuel injection valve The fuel injection device according to the present invention is distinguished by a particularly effective sound-decoupling construction. The fuel injection device has at least one fuel injection valve, a receptacle bore for the fuel injection valve in a cylinder head, and a fuel distributor line having a fitting in which the fuel injection valve is placed in partially overlapping fashion. A connecting element is situated in the receptacle bore in such a way that the fuel injection valve is held in the connecting element in such a way that the fuel injection valve and the connecting element are held so that they do not contact any surfaces or walls of the receptacle bore of the cylinder head that do not run axially parallel to the fuel injection valve. The connecting element is attached immediately on the fitting of the fuel distributor line. The fuel injection valve is particularly well-suited for use in fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing externally ignited internal combustion engines.
US07765983B2	Method and device for controlling an internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine is provided with at least one modulator for adjusting an air mass in a cylinder. It is also provided with an injection valve for metering fuel to which fuel is supplied via a fuel supply device. A maximum fuel quantity which can be metered to the cylinder per working stroke is determined. Depending on the maximum meterable fuel quantity, a maximum producible torque is determined. An air mass flow is determined depending on an air/fuel ratio to be adjusted and the maximum meterable fuel quantity is adjusted by controlling the at least one modulator for adjusting the air mass. The injection valve is controlled in accordance with the maximum meterable fuel quantity when the required torque is greater or equal the maximum producible torque.
US07765982B2	System and method for compensation of fuel injector limits A method for an engine with first and second injectors in a cylinder provides different fuel injection compensation upon reaching minimum pulsewidths of the first and second injectors. When the first injector reaches its minimum pulsewidth, the first injector is disabled. However, when the second injector reaches its minimum pulsewidth, the second injector is maintained active and injection from the first injector is decreased. In this way, sufficient injection from the second injector is maintained in either situation.
US07765981B2	Apparatus and method for pressure relief in an exhaust brake An exhaust brake has a body with a passageway for exhaust gases therein. A valve member is movably located within the passageway for selective movement between an open position where the valve member opens the passageway and exhaust gases are free to move through the passageway and a closed position where the valve member blocks the passageway and the passage of exhaust gases through the passageway. The valve member has an aperture therethrough to permit a limited flow of exhaust gases through the aperture when the aperture is open. An exhaust valve actuator mechanism is coupled to the valve member for moving the valve member between the open position and the closed position. A closure member is positioned adjacent to the aperture. The closure member has an open position where the closure member is spaced apart from the valve member and permits a flow of exhaust gases through the aperture and the closure member having a closed position where the closure member contacts the valve member about the aperture and inhibits a flow of exhaust gases through the aperture, An actuator member operatively engages the closure member. There is a relief actuator mechanism, the relief actuator mechanism including an actuator member that operatively engages the closure member. The relief mechanism brings the closure member into operative engagement with the valve member with sufficient force, when the valve member is closed, to maintain the closure member in the closed position when the exhaust gases are below a predetermined pressure.
US07765978B2	Differential pressure sensor for fuel delivery systems A differential pressure sensor apparatus for use in a fuel delivery system measures the differential pressure of the fuel between a point immediately upstream and a point immediately downstream of a fuel monitor element. The differential pressure sensor apparatus uses an electronic transducer to monitor differential pressure and may be used with interlocks to shutdown fuel delivery if the measured value of the differential pressure is above a predetermined threshold value and to notify an operator of the fuel delivery system of such an increase in the differential pressure.
US07765975B2	Engine cylinder block An engine cylinder block formed with an integral pump housing that reinforces the cylinder block and which has a communicating passage with the interior of the cylinder block that has an outer surface that is inclined upwardly of the cylinder block to permit gasses to escape during a casting process to avoid metallic voids from forming. In addition the block is further reinforced by longitudinal and vertical external ribs.
US07765974B2	Body of a glow plug provided with a pressure sensor This body (8) has on its outer surface both a screw thread (16) adapted for fixing the body (8) into a corresponding tapping in an engine (4), as well as a gripping zone (28), generally of cylindrical form with a hexagonal section, enabling gripping of the body (8) for screwing the glow plug (2) into the corresponding tapping. The outer diameter of the portion of the body between the thread (16) and the gripping zone (28) is throughout its entire height of a diameter at least equal to the outer diameter of the threaded portion (16). Application to internal combustion engines, in particular Diesel type engines.
US07765968B2	Variable valve timing system and method for controlling the same An actuator operation amount setting unit prepares the rotational speed command value for an electric motor such that the phase of an intake valve changes in accordance with the target phase. An electric-motor EDU controls the motor supply electric power such that the electric motor operates in accordance with the rotational speed command value. An overheating determination unit determines whether at least one of the electric motor and the electric-motor EDU needs to be restricted from heating up based on a result of comparison between the information indicating the motor supply electric power and the reference value. A rotational speed command value restriction unit restricts the rotational speed command value provided to the electric-motor EDU to a value within a predetermined range, when it is determined that the at least one of the electric motor and the electric-motor EDU needs to be restricted from heating up. A reference value setting unit variably sets the reference value based on the rotational speed of the electric motor.
US07765964B2	Variable valve operating device, control method of variable valve operating device, and vehicle equipped with variable valve operating device In a hybrid vehicle, on a start of an engine, when an engine water temperature is low and there is a need of advancing open and close timings of an intake valve from their most delayed positions, electric power is supplied to a WT motor either via a first route or via a second route. Even when the state of charge of a low voltage battery is very low and insufficient, the required electric power is supplied from a DC-DC converter to the VVT motor without passing through the low voltage battery. On the start of the engine, such start control ensures an adequate change of the open and close timings of the intake valve set in the stop state of the engine.
US07765963B2	Internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine usable for producing a rotational output, the internal combustion engine comprising: a casing; a cylinder defining a cylinder head and a combustion chamber extending from the cylinder head, the combustion chamber being substantially arc segment shaped and defining a chamber radius of curvature, the cylinder being mounted to the casing so as to be movable relatively thereto along a substantially annular path extending in a substantially concentric relationship relatively to the combustion chamber, the substantially annular path having a path radius of curvature substantially similar to the chamber radius of curvature; a piston, the piston being operatively coupled to the cylinder so as to be reciprocatingly movable within the combustion chamber, the piston being mounted to the casing so as to be movable relatively thereto along the substantially annular path; an output element operatively coupled to the cylinder and to the piston for producing the rotational output; and a unidirectional coupler operatively coupling at least one of the cylinder and the piston to the casing such that the at least one of the cylinder and the piston is unidirectionally movable relatively to the casing.
US07765962B2	Reciprocating and rotary piston engine A reciprocating/rotary piston engine includes a housing containing a pivotable rotor as well as a series of openings in which pistons move up and down. The rotor is made up of a rotary piston presenting a series of active surfaces between its vertices (two, four, six . . . n active surfaces) corresponding to the number of rotary pistons and with corresponding active surfaces of the reciprocating pistons with alternately linkable chambers with a fuel supply, a carburation and an exhaust gas outlet.
US07765961B2	Energy conversion system for hydrogen generation and uses thereof Systems capable of using kinetic/inertial and renewable energy to generate hydrogen for use as a fuel in vehicles and other applications are provided, including systems in which hydrogen is generated during vehicle braking and which is operable with an internal combustion engine, and which can be retrofitted to vehicles with such an engine as well as to stationary combustion devices. Methods for generating hydrogen to power vehicles and vehicles utilizing the inventive technology, stationary devices, such as space heaters and water heaters, capable of generating hydrogen for use as a fuel additive therewith, and methods of generating hydrogen using such devices are also provided.
US07765956B2	Cat scratching system A cat scratching system for providing at least one surface suitable for cat scratching. This system includes a shell being capable of accepting at least one cat scratching surface having sides, an opening for inserting and removing the first cat scratching surface and a top and bottom. At least one of the surfaces, such as the top, is further characterized as having an open region for displaying the at least first cat scratching surface to the exterior of the shell, the first cat scratching surface being insertable within the opening of the shell.
US07765954B2	Small animal habitat A small animal habitat having a base and removable hood composed of a plurality of lune-shaped hood sections that are movable with respect to one another enabling them to be nested one above another so that the front and/or back of the hood may be opened. Hubs that connect the hood sections together and mount the hood to the base also define passages for the animal in and out of habitat and provide access to other habitat components.
US07765953B2	Caring shell for hermit crab A caring shell for hermit crab is provided. The caring shell comprises a main shell and a movable cover. The main shell has an opening, a through hole, and a receiving chamber. The receiving chamber is formed within the main shell for receiving the body of the hermit crab. The opening is formed on the front of the main shell for hermit crab moving into the receiving chamber. The through hole is formed on the main shell and communicates the receiving chamber and the outer space out of the main shell. Therefore, the body of the hermit crab within the movable cover can be obversed or touched via the through hole. The movable cover can assembled to the main shell for optionally opening and closing the through hole.
US07765951B2	Milking device provided with cleansing means Device for pneumatically milking a cow, comprising a number of milk extractors, each comprising a teat cup as well as milk line connected to the lower end of the teat cup, which line leads from the teat cup to a collection chamber for the milk from the teat cup, each milk extractor being provided with a supply for a cleansing medium, such as a disinfectant, to the teat cup, in particular to a teat present in the teat cup, the supply comprising a line having an end portion with discharge end, and each milk extractor being provided with means for closing off the passage of the milk extraction at or downstream of the discharge end of the line for cleansing medium, preferably at that level, when discharging the cleansing medium, the closing means comprising a reciprocating closing body that can be moved between a position leaving the passage of the milk extractor free and a position closing it off, the closing body being provided with a squirt line forming the end portion with discharge end of the line for supply of cleansing medium, and being positioned to debouch into the milk extractor, particularly the milk line, when in the closing-off position.
US07765950B2	Spin chuck sensing apparatus for spin coating unit An apparatus for sensing a spin chuck for a spin coating unit includes a spin chuck which sucks a wafer with vacuum pressure to allow the wafer to be placed thereon, a rotary shaft which is rotated by driving of a motor below the spin chuck correspondingly thereto, and whose upper end is engaged with the spin chuck so as to interlock with the rotation of the spin chuck and a shaft guide shaped so as to surround a tubular stationary shaft of the spin chuck engaged with the rotary shaft. The apparatus further includes a sensing unit which senses whether or not the stationary shaft of the spin chuck is inserted into the shaft guide to a predetermined height a control unit which determines whether or not the spin chuck has been assembled normally from a signal sensed by the sensing unit and a notifying means which is controlled by the control unit to allow a user to recognize an assembled state of the spin chuck.
US07765947B2	Deck configuration for ocean bottom seismometer launch platforms A configuration for the deck of a marine vessel, wherein parallel and perpendicular travel paths, for movement of individual OBS unit storage baskets, are formed along a deck utilizing, in part, the storage baskets themselves. A portion of the deck is divided into a grid defined by a series of low-to-the-deck perpendicular and parallel rails and each square in the grid is configured to hold an OBS unit storage basket. Around the perimeter of the grid is an external containment wall which has a greater height than the rails. Storage baskets seated within the grid are configured to selectively form internal containment walls. Opposing internal and external containment walls define travel paths along which a storage basket can be moved utilizing a low, overhead gantry. A basket need only be lifted a minimal height above the deck in order to be moved along a path. The containment walls and the deck itself constraining uncontrolled swinging of baskets, even in onerous weather or sea conditions. The system is flexible to meet the needs of a desired operation since the internal walls of the grid can be reconfigured as desired in order to free up a particular storage basket or define a particular travel path.
US07765945B2	Watercraft lift stabilizing system and accessories therefor This document is directed toward a stabilizing system that is engageable with a watercraft lift assembly. The system includes a piling bracket, at least one piling bracket keyhole in the piling bracket, a lift-block having at least one keyhole pin extending from a first side of said lift-block toward said at least one piling bracket keyhole, and a stabilizing beam, for supporting a watercraft lift assembly cradle. The stabilizing beam is attached to a second side of said lift-block.

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