最新美国发明专利第2010-08-24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
US07781352B2	Method for forming inorganic silazane-based dielectric film A method of forming an inorganic silazane-based dielectric film includes: introducing a gas constituted by Si and H and a gas constituted by N and optionally H into a reaction chamber where an object is placed; controlling a temperature of the object at −50° C. to 50° C.; and depositing by plasma reaction a film constituted by Si, N, and H containing inorganic silazane bonds.
US07781351B1	Methods for producing low-k carbon doped oxide films with low residual stress Methods of preparing a carbon doped oxide (CDO) layer of low dielectric constant and low residual stress involving, for instance, providing a substrate to a deposition chamber and exposing it to an organosilicon precursor containing unsaturated C—C bonds or to multiple organic precursors including at least one organosilicon and at least one unsaturated C—C bond are provided. The methods may also involve igniting and maintaining a plasma in a deposition chamber using radio frequency power having high and low frequency components with a high percentage of the low frequency component, and depositing the carbon doped dielectric layer under conditions in which the resulting dielectric layer has a residual stress of not greater than, e.g., about 50 MPa, and a dielectric constant not greater than about 3.
US07781350B2	Method and system for controllable deposition of nanoparticles on a substrate In a method and system for controllable electrostatic-directed deposition of nanoparticles from the gas phase on a substrate patterned to have p-n junction(s), a bias electrical field is reversely applied to the p-n junction, so that uni-polarly charged nanoparticles are laterally confined on the substrate by a balance of electrostatic, van der Waals and image forces and are deposited on a respective p-doped or n-doped regions of the p-n junction when the applied electric field reaches a predetermined strength. The novel controllable deposition of nanoparticles employs commonly used substrate architectures for the patterning of an electric field attracting or repelling nanoparticles to the substrates and offers the opportunity to create a variety of sophisticated electric field patterns which may be used to direct particles with greater precision.
US07781345B2	Method of manufacturing imprint substrate and imprinting method In a method of manufacturing an imprint substrate, a concave pattern, which is recessed, is formed on a top surface of the mold substrate. A light blocking layer is formed on the concave pattern and the top surface of the mold substrate. After bonding an adhesive substrate to the mold substrate such that the adhesive substrate faces the mold substrate, the adhesive substrate is separated from the mold substrate, so that the light blocking layer on the top surface is removed from the mold substrate. An imprint substrate having the light blocking layer only on the concave pattern is formed.
US07781341B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided, which includes feeding a coating liquid comprising a silicon-containing compound dissolved in a solvent onto a semiconductor substrate, revolving the semiconductor substrate to form a coated film containing the silicon-containing compound, feeding a rinsing liquid at least partially comprising α-pinene onto the underside of the semiconductor substrate to perform back-rinsing and washing of the underside of the semiconductor substrate, drying the semiconductor substrate that has been back-rinsed to remove the rinsing liquid, and heat-treating the semiconductor substrate to remove the solvent from the coated film to obtain an insulating film containing the silicon-containing compound.
US07781338B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method and semiconductor device The present invention provides a method for forming a semiconductor device, which comprises the steps of preparing a semiconductor wafer including an electrode pad, an insulating film formed with a through hole and a bedding metal layer which are formed in a semiconductor substrate, forming a first resist mask which exposes each area for forming a redistribution wiring, over the bedding metal layer, forming a redistribution wiring connected to the electrode pad and extending in an electrode forming area for a post electrode with the first resist mask as a mask, removing the first resist mask by a dissolving solution to expose each area excluding the electrode forming area for the redistribution wiring and forming a second resist mask disposed with being separated from each side surface of the redistribution wiring, forming a redistribution wiring protective metal film over upper and side surfaces of the exposed redistribution wiring with the second resist mask as a mask, removing the second resist mask by a dissolving solution, attaching a dry film over the semiconductor wafer and exposing the electrode forming area lying over the redistribution wiring, forming a post electrode in the electrode forming area with the dry film as a mask, removing the dry film by a removal solvent, and removing the redistribution wiring protective metal film after the removal of the dry film.
US07781333B2	Semiconductor device with gate structure and method for fabricating the semiconductor device A gate structure of a semiconductor device includes an intermediate structure, wherein the intermediate structure includes a titanium layer and a tungsten silicide layer. A method for forming a gate structure of a semiconductor device includes forming a polysilicon-based electrode. An intermediate structure, which includes a titanium layer and a tungsten silicide layer, is formed over the polysilicon-based electrode. A metal electrode is formed over the intermediate structure.
US07781332B2	Methods to mitigate plasma damage in organosilicate dielectrics using a protective sidewall spacer Plasma damage in ultra low k dielectric materials during formation of a dual damascene metal interconnect structure is reduced by providing a protective spacer on sidewalls of a line trench. A densified trench bottom region may be additionally formed directly beneath an exposed horizontal surface of the line trench. The protective spacer and/or the densified trench bottom region protects an ultra low k intermetal dielectric layer from plasma damage during a plasma strip process that is used to remove a disposable via fill plug employed in the dual damascene metal interconnect structure.
US07781331B2	Method for producing electrically conductive bushings through non-conductive or semiconductive substrates The present invention relates to a method for producing electrical bushings through non-conductive or semiconductive substrates, which are particularly suitable for electrical applications. The method is characterized in that a semiconductor substrate or a non-conductive substrate (13) whose front side has an electrically conductive contact point (6) at at least one location is provided with a recess (7) from its rear side such that the recess (1) on the front side of the substrate ends under that location or one of the locations at which the electrically conductive contact point or one of the electrically conductive contact points is situated and is completely covered by the latter, to which an electrically conductive structure (9) which establishes a conductive connection between the respective contact point and the rear-side surface (10, 11, 12) of the substrate through the recess or at least one of the recesses is applied from the rear side of the substrate. The invention also relates to substrates and components having a design that is predetermined by the method according to the invention.
US07781330B2	Method of fabricating a semiconductor device comprising high and low density patterned contacts Methods of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The methods include forming an interlayer insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate having a first region and a second region. First contact plugs may be formed on a portion of the second region to fill a plurality of first contact holes. A plurality of first contact mask layers and a plurality of first dummy mask layers may be formed on the interlayer insulating layer. The first contact mask layers may be formed in the first region. The first dummy mask layers may be formed in the second region. A plurality of second contact mask layers may be formed between two adjacent first contact mask layers. A plurality of second dummy mask layers may be formed between two adjacent first dummy mask layers. The interlayer insulating layer may be etched using the first contact mask layers and the second contact mask layers as etch stop layers to form a plurality of second contact holes through the interlayer insulating layer formed in the first region.
US07781329B2	Reducing leakage in dielectric materials including metal regions including a metal cap layer in semiconductor devices By introducing an additional heat treatment prior to and/or after contacting a sensitive dielectric material with wet chemical agents, such as an electrolyte solution, enhanced performance with respect to leakage currents or dielectric strength may be accomplished during the fabrication of advanced semiconductor devices. For example, metal cap layers for metal lines may be provided on the basis of electroless deposition techniques, wherein the additional heat treatment(s) may provide the required electrical performance.
US07781323B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof In a semiconductor device manufacturing method which includes a mounting a semiconductor element having a bonding electrode on a substrate, the mounting includes supplying solder paste containing Au—Sn series solder particles onto the substrate, putting the semiconductor element having a film of an Sn alloy or Sn formed on the bonding electrode on the solder paste, and melting the Au—Sn series solder particles and the film of the Sn alloy or Sn to bond the semiconductor element to the substrate.
US07781317B2	Method of non-catalytic formation and growth of nanowires A method for the non-catalytic growth of nanowires is provided. The method includes a reaction chamber with the chamber having an inlet end, an exit end and capable of being heated to an elevated temperature. A carrier gas with a flow rate is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through the inlet end and exit the chamber through the exit end. Upon passing through the chamber the carrier gas comes into contact with a precursor which is heated within the reaction chamber. A collection substrate placed downstream from the precursor allows for the formation and growth of nanowires thereon without the use of a catalyst. A second embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a reaction chamber, a carrier gas, a precursor target, a laser beam and a collection substrate. The carrier gas with a flow rate and a gas pressure is allowed to enter the reaction chamber through an inlet end and exit the reaction chamber through the exit end. The laser beam is focused on the precursor target which affords for the evaporation of the precursor material and subsequent formation and growth of nanowires on the collection substrate.
US07781313B2	Method for manufacturing silicon wafer A method for manufacturing a silicon wafer is characterized by performing one or both of grinding and polishing to a thin discoid silicon wafer to give bowl-shaped warpage that is concave at a central part to a wafer surface. One main surface of the thin discoid silicon wafer is adsorbed and held, and one or both of grinding and polishing are performed to the other main surface to fabricate a convex wafer whose thickness is increased from a wafer outer periphery toward a wafer center or fabricate a concave wafer whose thickness is reduced from the wafer outer periphery toward the wafer center. Then, the other main surface is adsorbed and held to protrude the center or the periphery of the one main surface side based on elastic deformation. One or both of grinding and polishing are carried out with respect to the one main surface to flatten the main surface, and adsorption and holding are released to give bowl-shaped warpage that is concave at the central part to the other main surface or the one main surface. By the method, an SOI wafer or an epitaxial silicon wafer having a high degree of flatness is obtained.
US07781311B2	System and method for filling vias System and method for filling vias in integrated circuits A preferred embodiment comprises forming a spacer layer on a substrate, forming a via with walls and a bottom in the spacer layer, depositing a conformal conductive layer on the spacer layer and on the walls and bottom of the via, spinning-on a photo-definable material on the conductive layer, forming a fill layer on the conductive layer and filling the via, exposing portions of the fill layer to an exposing light using a photomask, developing the fill layer to remove select portions of the fill layer and leave a portion of the fill layer filling the via, and removing the spacer layer. The use of a spin-on photo-definable material increases the material's filling and planarizing capabilities, while enabling a reduction in the number of process steps, which may reduce the likelihood of manufacturing defects, thereby increasing manufacturing yield.
US07781307B2	Method for low temperature bonding and bonded structure A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces.
US07781305B2	Controlled cleaving process A technique for forming a film of material (12) from a donor substrate (10). The technique has a step of introducing energetic particles (22) through a surface of a donor substrate (10) to a selected depth (20) underneath the surface, where the particles have a relatively high concentration to define a donor substrate material (12) above the selected depth. An energy source is directed to a selected region of the donor substrate to initiate a controlled cleaving action of the substrate (10) at the selected depth (20), whereupon the cleaving action provides an expanding cleave front to free the donor material from a remaining portion of the donor substrate.
US07781301B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor device A method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes: forming an interlayer sacrificial film and an insulating film located thereon above a semiconductor substrate having a semiconductor element, the interlayer sacrificial film having a wiring provided therein; etching the insulating film, or, etching the insulating film and the interlayer sacrificial film to form a trench reaching the interlayer sacrificial film; forming a gas permeable film in the trench; gasifying and removing the interlayer sacrificial film through the trench and the gas permeable film; and forming a sealing film on the gas permeable film for sealing the vicinity of an opening of the trench after removing the interlayer sacrificial film.
US07781294B2	Method for producing an integrated circuit including a semiconductor A method for producing an integrated circuit including a semiconductor is disclosed. In one embodiment, crystal defects are produced by irradiation in the material of the underlying semiconductor substrate which crystal defects form an inhomogeneous crystal defect density distribution in the vertical direction of the semiconductor component and lead to a corresponding inhomogeneous distribution of the carrier lifetime.
US07781293B2	Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same including trenches of different aspect ratios A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes etching a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a polycrystalline silicone film, and a gate insulating film in a predetermined pattern including a first opening width corresponding to a first trench and a second opening width corresponding to a second trench, the second opening width being larger than the first opening width, and etching the semiconductor substrate to simultaneously form the first and second trenches so that a first depth of the first trench is equal to a second depth of the second trench, and a first angle between a first side surface and a first bottom surface of the first trench is smaller than a second angle between a second side surface and a second bottom surface of the second trench, and the first trench includes a curved portion at an upper portion of the first side surface.
US07781291B2	Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same A semiconductor device includes a memory section formed at a semiconductor substrate and including a first transistor having an ONO film that can store charges between the semiconductor substrate and a memory electrode and a first STI region for isolating the first transistor, and a CMOS section formed at the semiconductor substrate and including a second transistor having a CMOS electrode and a gate dielectric and a second STI region for isolating the second transistor. The height of the top surface of the first STI region is set equal to or smaller than the height of the top surface of the second STI region.
US07781290B2	Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices including a thin-body channel and dual gate dielectric layers and methods of manufacturing the same A complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device includes an NMOS thin body channel including a silicon epitaxial layer. An NMOS insulating layer is formed on a surface of the NMOS thin body channel and surrounds the NMOS thin body channel. An NMOS metal gate is formed on the NMOS insulating layer. The CMOS device further includes a p-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor including a PMOS thin body channel including a silicon epitaxial layer. A PMOS insulating layer is formed on a surface of and surrounds the PMOS thin body channel. A PMOS metal gate is formed on the PMOS insulating layer. The NMOS insulating layer includes a silicon oxide layer and the PMOS insulating layer includes an electron-trapping layer, the NMOS insulating layer includes a hole trapping dielectric layer and the PMOS insulating layer includes a silicon oxide layer, or the NMOS insulating layer includes a hole-trapping dielectric layer and the PMOS insulating layer includes an electron-trapping dielectric layer.
US07781287B2	Methods of manufacturing vertical channel semiconductor devices Vertical channel semiconductor devices include a semiconductor substrate with a pillar having an upper surface. An insulated gate electrode is around a periphery of the pillar. The insulated gate electrode has an upper surface at a vertical level lower than the upper surface of the pillar to vertically space apart the insulated gate electrode from the upper surface of the pillar. A first source/drain region is in the substrate adjacent the pillar. A second source/drain region is disposed in an upper region of the pillar including the upper surface of the pillar. A contact pad contacts the entire upper surface of the pillar to electrically connect to the second source/drain region.
US07781286B2	Method for fabricating non-volatile storage with individually controllable shield plates between storage elements A method for fabricating non-volatile storage having individually controllable shield plates between storage elements. The shield plates are formed by depositing a conductive material such as doped polysilicon between storage elements and their associated word lines, and providing contacts for the shield plates. The shield plates reduce electromagnetic coupling between floating gates of the storage elements, and can be used to optimize programming, read and erase operations. In one approach, the shield plates provide a field induced conductivity between storage elements in a NAND string during a sense operation so that source/drain implants are not needed in the substrate. In some control schemes, alternating high and low voltages are applied to the shield plates. In other control schemes, a common voltage is applied to the shield plates.
US07781282B2	Shared contact structure, semiconductor device and method of fabricating the semiconductor device A shared contact structure, semiconductor device and method of fabricating the semiconductor device, in which the shared contact structure may include a gate electrode disposed on an active region of a substrate and including facing first and second sidewalls. The first sidewall may be covered with an insulating spacer. The source/drain regions may be formed within the active region adjacent the first sidewall, and provided on the opposite side of the second sidewall. A corner protection pattern may be formed adjacent the source/drain regions and the insulating spacer, and covered by an inter-layer dielectric. A shared contact plug may be formed through the inter-layer dielectric, to be in contact with the gate electrode, corner protection pattern and source/drain regions.
US07781280B2	Semiconductor device with capacitor and fuse and its manufacture method An upper electrode of a capacitor has a two-layer structure of first and second upper electrodes. A gate electrode of a MOS field effect transistor and a fuse are formed by patterning conductive layers used to form the lower electrode, first upper electrode and second upper electrode of the capacitor. In forming a capacitor and a fuse on a semiconductor substrate by a conventional method, at least three etching masks are selectively used to pattern respective layers to form the capacitor and fuse before wiring connection. The number of etching masks can be reduced in manufacturing a semiconductor device having capacitors, fuses and MOS field effect transistors so that the number of processes can be reduced and it becomes easy to improve the productivity and reduce the manufacture cost.
US07781275B2	Method of manufacturing a flash memory device A method of manufacturing a flash memory device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate in which a cell region and a select transistor region are defined, etching the semiconductor substrate in the select transistor region so that there is a first step between the cell region and the select transistor region, forming a cell gate in the cell region, and forming a transistor in the select transistor region.
US07781274B2	Multi-gate field effect transistor and method for manufacturing the same A multi-gate field effect transistor includes: a plurality of semiconductor layers arranged in parallel on a substrate; source and drain regions formed in each of the semiconductor layers; channel regions each provided between the source region and the drain region in each of the semiconductor layers; protection films each provided on an upper face of each of the channel regions; gate insulating films each provided on both side faces of each of the channel regions; a plurality of gate electrodes provided on both side faces of each of the channel regions so as to interpose the gate insulating film, provided above the upper face of each of the channel region so as to interpose the protection film, and containing a metal element; a connecting portion connecting upper faces of the gate electrodes; and a gate wire connected to the connecting portion.
US07781269B2	Triangle two dimensional complementary patterning of pillars A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming at least one device layer over a substrate, forming a plurality of spaced apart first features over the device layer, where each three adjacent first features form an equilateral triangle, forming sidewall spacers on the first features, filling a space between the sidewall spacers with a plurality of filler features, selectively removing the sidewall spacers, and etching the at least one device layer using at least the plurality of filler features as a mask. A device contains a plurality of bottom electrodes located over a substrate, a plurality of spaced apart pillars over the plurality of bottom electrodes, and a plurality of upper electrodes contacting the plurality of pillars. Each three adjacent pillars form an equilateral triangle, and each pillar comprises a semiconductor device. The plurality of pillars include a plurality of first pillars having a first shape and a plurality of second pillars having a second shape different from the first shape.
US07781267B2	Enclosed nanotube structure and method for forming A semiconductor device and associated method for forming. The semiconductor device comprises an electrically conductive nanotube formed over a first electrically conductive member such that a first gap exists between a bottom side the electrically conductive nanotube and a top side of the first electrically conductive member. A second insulating layer is formed over the electrically conductive nanotube. A second gap exists between a top side of the electrically conductive nanotube and a first portion of the second insulating layer. A first via opening and a second via opening each extend through the second insulating layer and into the second gap.
US07781247B2	Method for producing Group III-Group V vertical light-emitting diodes A method of producing one or more vertical light-emitting diode (VLED) dies having a light-emitting diode (LED) stack comprising Group III-Group V combinations of elements (e.g., GaN, AlN, InN, AlGaN, InGaN, and InAlGaN) and a metal substrate is provided. The techniques include forming an InGaN or InAlGaN interface layer above a suitable growth-supporting substrate, such as sapphire or silicon carbide (SiC), and forming the LED stack above the interface layer. Such an interface layer may absorb a majority of the energy from a laser pulse used during laser lift-off of the growth-supporting substrate in an effort to prevent damage to the light emitting layers of the LED stack, which may result in improved brightness performance over VLED dies produced with conventional buffer layers.
US07781246B2	Method of manufacturing vertical light emitting device Provided is a method of manufacturing a vertical light emitting device. The method of manufacturing the vertical light emitting device may include forming an emissive layer including a n-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer on a substrate, forming a first trench dividing the emissive layer into light emitting device units in which the emissive layer remains on the lower part of the first trench to a desired, or alternatively, a predetermined thickness, forming a passivation layer on the emissive layer, forming a p-type electrode on the p-type semiconductor layer of the emissive layer, forming a metal supporting layer on the passivation layer and the p-type electrode, removing the substrate, removing a remaining portion of the emissive layer when the surface of the emissive layer is exposed by removing the substrate, forming a n-type electrode on the n-type semiconductor layer of the emissive layer, and cutting the metal supporting layer to divide the emissive layer into the light emitting device units.
US07781241B2	Group III-V semiconductor device and method for producing the same The method of the invention for producing a group III-V semiconductor device includes forming, on a base, a plurality of semiconductor devices isolated from one another, each semiconductor device having at least an n-layer proximal to the base, and a p-layer distal to the base, and having a p-electrode formed on the top surface of the p-layer, and a first low-melting-point metal diffusion preventing layer, the low-melting-point metal diffusion preventing layer being formed on the top surface of the p-electrode; forming, from a dielectric material, a side-surface protective film so as to cover a side surface of each semiconductor device; bonding the semiconductor device to a conductive support substrate via a low-melting-point metal layer; and removing the base through the laser lift-off process.
US07781240B2	Integrated circuit device An integrally packaged optronic integrated circuit device (310) including an integrated circuit die (322) containing at least one of a radiation emitter and radiation receiver and having top and bottom surfaces formed of electrically insulative and mechanically protective material, at least one of the surfaces (317) being transparent to radiation, and electrically insulative edge surfaces (314) having pads.
US07781235B2	Chip-probing and bumping solutions for stacked dies having through-silicon vias A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes providing a stack structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The stack structure includes a bottom wafer comprising a substrate; a plurality of through-silicon vias in the substrate; and a plurality of under bump metallurgies (UBMs) connected to the plurality of through-silicon vias, wherein the UBMs are on the first side of the stack structure. The method further includes attaching a handling wafer on the second side of the stack structure; performing a chip probing process; and removing the handling wafer from the stack structure.
US07781231B2	Method of forming a magnetic tunnel junction device A method of manufacturing a magnetic tunnel junction device is disclosed that includes forming a trench in a substrate, depositing a conductive terminal within the trench, and depositing a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure within the trench. The MTJ structure includes a fixed magnetic layer having a fixed magnetic orientation, a tunnel junction layer, and a free magnetic layer having a configurable magnetic orientation. The fixed magnetic layer is coupled to the conductive terminal along an interface that extends substantially normal to a surface of the substrate. The free magnetic layer that is adjacent to the conductive terminal carries a magnetic domain adapted to store a digital value.
US07781229B2	Ultra-sensitive chemiluminescent substrates for enzymes and their conjugates New chemiluminescent compounds, stable in aqueous buffers, for use in biological assaying include acridanebased compounds and (1,2)-dioxetanes. Among the new acridanebased compounds are water-soluble acridanes, enhancer coupled acridanes, bis and trisacridanes as well as acridane-(1,2)-dioxetanes. Among the new (1,2)-dioxetanes are electron deficient group-containing dioxetanes and tethered bis-1,2-dioxetanes. The (1,2)-dioxetanes are useful as substrates for various enzymes. The acridanes can be admixed with an oxidizing agent. An aqueous buffer and, optionally, a stabilizer to form a substrate or reagent formulation useful for assaying, inter alia, HRP.
US07781228B2	Magnetic resonance system and method to detect and confirm analytes A system and method are provided to detect target analytes based on magnetic resonance measurements. Magnetic structures produce distinct magnetic field regions having a size comparable to the analyte. When the analyte is bound in those regions, magnetic resonance signals from the sample are changed, leading to detection of the analyte.
US07781226B2	Particle on membrane assay system Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.
US07781223B2	Molecular-wire type fluorescent chiral sensor A fluorescent molecular wire is provided, having a fluorescent polymer main chain to which an optically active substituent is linked so as to be conjugatable form, the optically active substituent being represented by formula (I) below: where R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 represent independently a hydrogen atom, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms that may have a substituent, a branched alkyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms that may have a substituent, a cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms that may have a substituent, an aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms that may have a substituent, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 30 carbon atoms that may have a substituent, and R3 and R7 may be bonded respectively to R4 and R8 to form an alkylene group having 2 to 60 carbon atoms that may have a substituent; and R10 and R11 represent independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms that may have a heteroatom, and R10 and R11 may be bonded to form an alkylene group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms that may have a heteroatom.
US07781219B2	Risk markers for cardiovascular disease Provided herein methods for determining whether a subject, particularly a human subject, is at risk of developing, having, or experiencing a complication of cardiovascular disease, and methods of treating subjects who are identified by the current methods of being at risk for cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining levels of one or more oxidized apolipoprotien A-I related biomolecules in a bodily sample from the subject. Also, provided are kits and reagents for use in the present methods. Also provided are methods for monitoring the status of cardiovascular disease in a subject or the effects of therapeutic agents on subjects with cardiovascular disease. Such method comprising determining levels of one or more oxidized apolipoprotein A-I related molecules in bodily samples taken from the subject over time or before and after therapy.
US07781218B2	Identification of humans through characteristic compounds detected in human scent The present invention is directed to methods of identifying and/or comparing humans. More particularly, the present invention is directed to methods of collecting human scent compounds from a subject, extracting the compounds, analyzing the compounds, and correlating the compounds to a unique compound profile for the subject. These unique compound profiles can be used to distinguish one subject from another, or to identify a specific subject based upon a sample.
US07781217B2	Biological and chemical microcavity resonant sensors and methods of detecting molecules Resonant sensors and methods of detecting specific molecules with enhanced sensitivity. Optical energy is introduced into a microcavity, such as a silica toroid-shaped microcavity. The microcavity sensor has a functionalized outer surface and a sufficiently high Q value to generate an evanescent optical field with increased intensity. A molecule bound to the functionalized outer surface interacts with the external optical field, thereby heating the microcavity and generating a detectable resonant wavelength shift, which indicates a small number of molecules, even a single molecule, without the use of fluorescent or metal labels. Resonant sensors and methods can also be used to detect specific molecules, even a single molecule, within an environment. One application is detecting very small quantities or a single molecule of heavy water in ordinary water.
US07781216B2	Spontaneous differentiation of human embryonic stem cells in culture A purified preparation of primate embryonic stem cells is disclosed. This preparation is characterized by the following cell surface markers: SSEA-1 (−); SSEA-4 (+); TRA-1-60 (+); TRA-1-81 (+); and alkaline phosphatase (+). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the cells of the preparation are human embryonic stem cells, have normal karyotypes, and continue to proliferate in an undifferentiated state after continuous culture for eleven months. The embryonic stem cell lines also retain the ability, throughout the culture, to form trophoblast and to differentiate into all tissues derived from all three embryonic germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm). A method for isolating a primate embryonic stem cell line is also disclosed.
US07781214B2	Lineage specific cells and progenitor cells A method for generating a culture that is purified or enriched in respect of cells of a selected lineage is described in which a selectable marker, which is differentially expressed in cells of the selected lineage compared with its expression in other cells, is introduced into a multipotential cell and the multipotential cell is cultured to induce differentiation of the multipotential cell into a cell of the selected lineage or into a mixture of cells including cells of the selected lineage, or is cultured to induce preferential survival of cells of the selected lineage. Those cells that express the selectable marker are then selected for. Progenitors of selected lineage are also described as is the use of the method in assay techniques.
US07781212B2	Antitumor antibodies, proteins, and uses thereof Antibodies that bind to a 40 kDa protein which is expressed on tumors, but is not expressed on normal adult hemopoietic cells are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for production and the use of such antibodies.
US07781211B2	Isolation of multi-lineage stem cells The present application discloses a method of manipulating a biological sample of cells, which includes multi-lineage stem cells, progenitor cells, other marrow stromal cells: allowing the sample of cells to settle in a container; transferring supernatant from the container to another container; and isolating cells from the supernatant, which has comparatively lower density in the sample.
US07781209B2	GPCR-expressing cell lines The present invention provides expression vectors that facilitate high levels of expression of GPCR proteins. Encompassed by the invention are methods and compositions for recombinant cell lines expressing GPCR proteins with the aid of the expression vectors of the instant invention. The recombinant cell lines of the instant invention express GPCR proteins at levels of at least about 150,000 copies of the protein per cell. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for raising antibodies against GPCR proteins using the high expressing recombinant cells of the instant invention.
US07781208B2	Methods and means for targeted gene delivery A method for producing viral gene delivery vehicles which can be transferred to pre-selected cell types by using targeting conjugates. The gene delivery vehicles comprise: 1) the gene of interest; and 2) a viral capsid or envelope carrying a member of a specific binding pair, the counterpart of which is not directly associated with the surface of the target cell. These vehicles can be rendered unable to bind to their natural cell receptor. The targeting conjugates include the counterpart member of the specific binding pair, linked to a targeting moiety which is a cell-type specific ligand (or fragments thereof). The number of the specific binding pair present on the viral vehicles can be, for example, an immunoglobulin binding moiety (e.g., capable of binding to a Fc fragment, protein A, protein G, FcR or an anti-Ig antibody), or biotin, avidin or streptavidin. The virus' outer membrane or capsid may contain a substance which mediates entrance of the gene delivery vehicle into the target cell. Due to the specificity of the ligand, the binding pair's high affinity, and the gene delivery vehicle's inability to be targeted when used alone, the universality of the method for gene delivery, together with its high cell type selectively can be achieved by using various targeting conjugates.
US07781203B2	Supports for assaying analytes and methods of making and using thereof A support for performing an assay, including: a substrate having a pre-blocked binding polymer directly or indirectly attached to the substrate, the pre-blocked binding polymer having a plurality of maleic anhydride reactive groups capable of attaching to a biomolecule and a plurality of ionizable groups, the ratio of maleic anhydride reactive groups to ionizable groups is from 0.5 to 10, and the pre-blocked binding polymer does not contain a photoreactive group.
US07781197B2	Transformed bryophyte cell having disrupted endogenous alpha 1,3-fucosyl and beta 1,2-xylosyl transferase encoding nucleotide sequences for the production of heterologous glycosylated proteins Bryophyte plants and bryophyte plant cells comprising dysfunctional fucT and xylT genes and an introduced glycosyltransferase gene, methods for the production of glycosylated proteins therewith, vectors and uses thereof.
US07781195B1	Electroporation device A device for manipulating a molecule in vivo relative to a target tissue includes at least one elongated member having at least two discrete and separately activatable electrodes separated by an insulating material interposed therebetween. The electrodes are configures to establish at least one of a first electromagnetic field between selected electrodes sufficient to manipulate a molecule relative to a target tissue and a second, typically higher-level, electromagnetic field sufficient to cause transient permeability of a cell membrane within the target tissue. A third electromagnetic field may also be applied to cause further translation of the molecule into an electropermeabilized cell and/or manipulated with respect to the tissue. Thus three-dimensional manipulation of the molecule relative to the target tissue may be effected to optimize a desired positioning thereof, such as entry into a cell.
US07781193B2	Solventless extraction process The present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms without using organic solvent as an extraction solvent. In particular, the present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms by lysing cells and removing water soluble compound and/or materials by washing the lysed cell mixtures with aqueous washing solutions until a substantially non-emulsified lipid is obtained.
US07781190B2	Method for constructing and modifying large DNA molecules This invention provides a method for combining overlapping DNA molecules comprising: (a) providing first and second DNA fragments, the first having a region homologous to a region in the second; (b) tagging the first DNA fragment with a selectable marker; (c) cloning the first DNA sequence into a retrieval vector to form a DNA-vector complex; (d) linearizing the DNA-vector complex; and (e) inserting the first DNA fragment from the DNA-vector complex into the second DNA fragment using homologous recombination to form a combined DNA molecule; and (f) removing the selectable marker, thereby generating a combined DNA molecule. The invention further provides a vector for retrieving and inserting a selected DNA molecule into a target DNA molecule.
US07781187B2	Fluorescent dyes Fluorescent dyes useful for detecting a target material in biological assays an electron donating moiety which is linked by a conjugated π-electron bridge to an electron accepting moiety. The π-electron bridge includes at least one carbocyclic ring structure or heterocyclic ring structure. The electron accepting moiety is a carboxylic acid, a salt of a carboxylic acid, or has the formula: wherein:X8 is selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, and (CH2)n6-Z2−, where Z2− is a monovalent anion; and n6 is an integer from 1 through 10; andQ3 is O or S.
US07781186B2	Screening methods using normal human liver cell line In this application is described the establishment and maintenance of a normal human hepatocyte cell line able to support complete development of malaria parasite development in vitro. The cell line can be used in methods for screening compounds affecting normal human liver cells or normal human cells infected with malaria parasites, measuring uptake of drugs or chemicals into normal human liver cells, and measuring metabolism of a drug in a normal human liver cell. Other advantages and uses of the cell line are also described.
US07781184B2	Method of assaying substance capable of changing mitochondrial membrane potential The present invention aims to provide a convenient and high precision evaluation method of a pharmaceutical agent that changes the mitochondrial membrane potential, using a mitochondrial membrane potential of a cultured cell as an index.The present invention provides a method for evaluating the ability of a test substance to change the mitochondrial membrane potential by using, as an index, the change in the mitochondrial membrane potential, which is produced by the addition of an ion permeability regulator on a cellular membrane to a cell culture medium, wherein the change is measured as variation in the fluorescent intensity of a fluorescent dye.
US07781182B2	Ubiquitin ligase assay The invention relates to assays for measuring ubiquitin ligase activity and for identifying modulators of ubiquitin ligase enzymes.
US07781178B2	Biomarker for diagnosing heart disease and the use thereof The invention relates to the following methods [1] to [3] and to a kit for carrying out the methods: [1] a method for detecting heart disease, characterized in that the method comprises determining a free immunoglobulin kappa light chain level and/or a free immunoglobulin lambda light chain level of a specimen and comparing at least one value of the kappa chain level, the lambda chain level, and a kappa/lambda ratio with that of a healthy subject; [2] a method for detecting a complication of viral infection in a patient with heart disease, characterized in that the method comprises determining a free immunoglobulin kappa light chain level and/or a free immunoglobulin lambda light chain level of a specimen and comparing at least one value of the kappa chain level, the lambda chain level, and a kappa/lambda ratio with that of a healthy subject; [3] A method for detecting severity of heart disease, characterized in that the method comprises determining a free immunoglobulin kappa light chain level and/or a free immunoglobulin lambda light chain level of a specimen and comparing at least one value of the kappa chain level, the lambda chain level, and a kappa/lambda ratio with that of a healthy subject or a patient suffering slight heart disease.
US07781176B2	Antibodies to HTEEB42 protein The present invention relates to novel human secreted proteins and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating diseases, disorders, and/or conditions related to these novel human secreted proteins.
US07781175B2	Method of screening compounds which alter the binding properties of GPR39, and homologs thereof, to bile acid The present invention relates to screening of an agonist/antagonist, etc. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of screening an agonist or antagonist of a G protein-coupled receptor protein comprising the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or a salt thereof, which comprises using the receptor protein or a salt thereof and a cholesterol metabolism-related substance, and so on.
US07781170B2	Detection of analytes in fecal samples A method for detecting a parasitic worm infection of the digestive tract of a mammal. The method includes detecting the binding of a worm antibody to a worm antigen present in the soluble portion of a fecal sample of infected mammals.
US07781169B1	Diagnosis of gluten sensitive enteropathy and other autoimmunopathies Method for diagnosis of autoimmune diseases of the GSE-type or associated with gluten sensitive enteropathy comprising taking a sample and testing the sample for antibodies against human tissue transglutaminase, tissue-specific transglutaminases, or other transglutaminases. It was found that autoimmune diseases other than celiac disease can be diagnosed and distinguished in this way, notably, dermatitis herpetiformis Duhring, Crohn's disease, Addison's disease, AI hemolytic anemia, AI thrombocytopenic purpura, AI thyroid diseases, atrophic gastritis—pernicious anemia, IgA nephropathy or IgA glomerulonephritis, myasthenia gravis, partial lipodystrophy, polymyositis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, recurrent pericarditis, relapsing polychondritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, sarcoidosis, Sjögren's syndrome, SLE, splenic atrophy, type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus, diabetes mellitus of other types, ulcerative colitis, vasculitis (both systemic and cutaneous), vitiligo as well as autoimmune diseases associated with infertility, increased risk of abortion, or reduced fetal growth.
US07781161B2	Genomic screen for epigenetically silenced tumor suppressor genes Methods of genomic screening to identify epigenetically silenced genes, including epigenetically silenced tumor suppressor genes are provided. Also provided are methods of detecting a cancer, for example, an esophageal squamous cell carcinoma or a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, as are methods of treating a subject having such a cancer.
US07781157B2	Method for using compositions containing fluorocarbinols in lithographic processes The present invention involves a method for generating a photoresist image on a substrate. The method comprises coating a substrate with a film comprising a polymer comprising fluorocarbinol monomers; imagewise exposing the film to radiation; heating the film to a temperature of, at, or below about 90° C. and developing the image. The present invention also relates to a method for generating a photoresist image on a substrate where a polymer comprising fluorocarbinol monomers is used as a protective top coat.
US07781150B2	Method of photolithographic exposure A method of photolithographic exposure is disclosed. The photolithographic exposure method comprises providing a substrate, forming a first resist layer thereon, forming a second resist layer on the first resist layer, the second resist layer providing a transmission which first increases then decreases as exposure dose increases, and exposing the second resist layer.
US07781145B2	Method for forming a photoresist pattern Disclosed herein are photoresist cleaning solutions useful for cleaning a semiconductor substrate in the last step of a developing step when photoresist patterns are formed. Also disclosed herein are methods for forming photoresist patterns using the solutions. The cleaning solutions of the present invention include H2O as a primary component, a surfactant as an additive, and optionally an alcohol compound. The cleaning solution of the present invention has lower surface tension than that of distilled water which has been used for conventional cleaning solutions, thereby improving resistance to pattern collapse and stabilizing the photoresist pattern formation.
US07781140B2	Method of fine pitch bump stripping A method for removing dry film resist (DFR) from a fine pitch solder bump array on a semiconductor wafer provides for pre-soaking the wafer in a chemical bath then turbulently exposing the wafer to a chemical solution, both steps taking place in batch processing with the wafers processed in a vertical position. The wafers are then individually processed through a chemical spinning operation in which a chemical solution is dispensed from a spray nozzle while motion such as spinning is imparted the horizontally disposed wafer. The spin speed of the chemical spraying process may then be increased to accelerate physical removal of residue. Deionized water rinsing and spin-drying provide a solder bump array void of any DFR or other residuals.
US07781133B2	Backing layer containing photoconductor A photoconductor that includes, for example, a backing layer, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and a charge transport layer, and wherein the outermost layer of said backing layer is comprised of a self crosslinked acrylic resin and a crosslinkable siloxane component.
US07781131B2	Positive photosensitive resin composition, cured layer , protecting layer, insulating layer and semiconductor device and display therewith A positive-type photosensitive resin composition comprises (A) an alkali-soluble resin having at least a polybenzoxazole precursor structure, (B) a sensitizer, and (C) a cyclic compound having an alcoholic hydroxyl group. A protecting layer and an insulating layer include a cured layer which is a cured product of the positive-type photosensitive resin composition. A semiconductor device and a display device include the cured layer. According to the present invention, a highly reliable positive-type photosensitive resin composition can be obtained even when cured at a low temperature.
US07781127B2	Manufacturing method of pattern formed body, and photomask for vacuum-ultraviolet light A main object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method of a pattern formed body which makes it possible to form property varied patterns having a desired line width, even when plural pattern formed bodies are manufactured. To achieve the object, the invention provides a manufacturing method of pattern formed bodies, comprising: a pattern-forming step of radiating vacuum-ultraviolet light onto a patterning substrate, a surface property of which is varied by the vacuum-ultraviolet light, through a photomask having at least a transparent substrate and a light shielding part to form a pattern formed body having a property varied pattern, in which the surface property of the patterning substrate is varied; and a step of repeating the pattern-forming step to manufacture a plurality of the pattern formed bodies, wherein an interval between the transparent substrate and the patterning substrate upon the pattern-forming step is set into the range of 0.1 μm to 200 μm.
US07781123B2	Method and apparatus for forming electrode interconnect contacts for a solid-oxide fuel cell stack An electrical interconnect for a solid-oxide fuel cell stack assembly, including a novel sintering paste and an improved manufacturing process for an anode and cathode electrical contacts is disclosed. On the anode side, the paste contains a metallic oxide such as NiO, and an amount of sacrificial pore-forming particles, such as carbon particles or polymer spheres, which are vaporized during sintering of the paste, resulting in a very porous connection having good electrical conductivity and good adhesion. A preferred level of pore-former in the paste is about 40 volume percent. On the cathode side, the paste contains a noble metal such as for example, gold, platinum, palladium or rhodium, and an amount of the sacrificial pore-forming particles. The paste may be applied to the surfaces in a grid pattern or, because the resulting contact is porous after sintering, it may be applied as a continuous layer.
US07781116B2	Apparatus for thermal simulation of fuel cell The present invention is a simulator used in initial system integration tests of a SOFC to test peripheral components with saved costs by replacing the costly SOFC with the simulator.
US07781114B2	High electrical performance direct oxidation fuel cells & systems A direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) system, comprises at least one fuel cell assembly including a cathode and an anode with an electrolyte positioned therebetween, adapted for performing selected electrochemical reactions; a source of concentrated liquid fuel in fluid communication with an inlet of the anode; an oxidant supply in fluid communication with an inlet of the cathode; a liquid/gas (L/G) separator in fluid communication with outputs of the anode and cathode for receiving unreacted fuel and liquid and gaseous products of the electrochemical reactions; and a converter for catalytically converting a portion of the unreacted fuel to the liquid and gaseous products.
US07781108B2	Active metal fuel cells Active metal fuel cells are provided. An active metal fuel cell has a renewable active metal (e.g., lithium) anode and a cathode structure that includes an electronically conductive component (e.g., a porous metal or alloy), an ionically conductive component (e.g., an electrolyte), and a fluid oxidant (e.g., air, water or a peroxide or other aqueous solution). The pairing of an active metal anode with a cathode oxidant in a fuel cell is enabled by an ionically conductive protective membrane on the surface of the anode facing the cathode.
US07781103B2	Negative active material for lithium secondary battery and negative electrode and lithium secondary battery comprising same A negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery of the present invention includes a negative active material including a plate-shaped carbon powder particle agglomerated in a primary structure in which the plate-shaped particle is oriented in a plane direction and laminated. Fine carbon powder particles are then agglomerated to form a secondary structure on the surface of the primary structure such that the resulting particles include fine pores formed on the surface.
US07781102B2	High-capacity nanostructured germanium-containing materials and lithium alloys thereof Electrodes comprising an alkali metal, for example, lithium, alloyed with nanostructured materials of formula SizGe(z-1), where 0
US07781100B2	Cathode material for manufacturing rechargeable battery A cathode material including a first compound and a second compound is disclosed. The first compound has a formula of A3xM12y(PO4)3 and includes plural micrometer-sized secondary particles, each of which has a particle size larger than 1 μm and is composed of crystalline nanometer-sized primary particles, each of which has a particle size ranging from 10 to 500 nm. The second compound is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of SiC, BN and metal oxide having a formula of M2aOb and is coated on the first compound. A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Groups IA, IIA and IIIA; each of M1 and M2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Groups IIA, IIIA, IVA and VA and transition metal elements, respectively; and 0
US07781098B2	Reticulated and controlled porosity battery structures The effective ionic conductivity in a composite structure is believed to decrease rapidly with volume fraction. A system, such as a bipolar device or energy storage device, has structures or components in which the diffusion length or path that electrodes or ions must traverse is minimized and the interfacial area exposed to the ions or electrons is maximized. The device includes components that can be reticulated or has a reticulated interface so that an interface area can be increased. The increased interfacial perimeter increases the available sites for reaction of ionic species. Many different reticulation patterns can be used. The aspect ratio of the reticulated features can be varied. Such bipolar devices can be fabricated by a variety of methods or procedures. A bipolar device having structures of reticulated interface can be tailored for the purposes of controlling and optimizing charge and discharge kinetics. A bipolar device having graded porosity structures can have improved transport properties because the diffusion controlling reaction kinetics can be modified. Graded porosity electrodes can be linearly or nonlinearly graded. A bipolar device having perforated structures also provides improved transport properties by removing tortuosity and reducing diffusion distance.
US07781094B2	Microporous composite membrane and its production method and use A microporous composite membrane obtained by coating at least one surface of a microporous polyolefin membrane with a solution of a gelable fluororesin in a mixed solvent of a good solvent for the fluororesin, and a poor solvent having a dipole moment of 1.8 Debye or less and drying to form a porous coating layer of the above fluororesin has cylindrical penetrating pores formed in the above coating layer, with well-balanced permeability, adhesion to electrodes, mechanical strength, heat shrinkage resistance, shutdown properties and meltdown properties.
US07781093B2	Battery assembly employed with separator of sealed top portion and secondary battery comprising the same Disclosed herein are an electrode assembly having separators the upper ends of which are sealed and a secondary battery including the same. The electrode assembly has a cathode/separator/anode structure that can be charged and discharged. The separators, which protrude beyond the upper ends of the electrodes, are bent in one direction, the separators are heat-treated such that the bent state of the separators is fixed, and an insulative coating layer is formed at the bent surfaces of the separators. Consequently, foreign matter is prevented from being introduced into the electrode assembly, and therefore, the safety of electrode assembly is improved.
US07781092B2	Secondary battery and method of manufacturing same A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, an electrically conducting metallic can, adapted to accommodate the electrode assembly, and having a side opening, a cap assembly including a cap plate and an electrode port, the cap plate being coupled to the side opening of the can and having at least one aperture in a side portion thereof, the electrode port being coupled to the cap plate and being connected to one of at least two electrode tabs that extend from the electrode assembly, and a lead plate, pressed into the at least one aperture of the cap plate, and connected to a safety device.
US07781091B2	Battery pack having elastic body inserted between members for holding cell modules and frame of battery pack A battery pack includes a plurality of cylindrical cell modules, each formed by serially connecting a plurality of unit cells; a cell box in which the cell modules are contained in a manner such that the cell modules are arranged parallel to each other; a plurality of holding members fit to outer peripheries of the cell modules so as to arrange the cell modules in a zigzag manner along axes of the cell modules, in a manner such that the holding members make contact with each other and a gap is secured between every adjacent cell module; and an elastic body inserted between the holding members and a frame of the cell box. Preferably, a pushing member provided between the elastic body and the holding members is provided.
US07781082B2	Magnetic material A magnetic material is provided that has an iron oxide phase whose principal phase is a crystal of a structure which has the same space group as ε-Fe2O3 crystal and in which Al is substituted for a portion of the Fe sites of the ε-Fe2O3 crystal. The molar ratio of Al to Fe in the iron oxide phase, when expressed as Al:Fe=x:(2−x), satisfies 0≦x≦1. The value of x is preferably in the range of 0.3 to 0.7. The average particle diameter of the powder determined from a TEM image is preferably 5 to 200 nm, more preferably 10 to 100 nm. The magnetic material has very high practical value because it enables the extremely high coercive force Hc of the ε-Fe2O3 crystal to be regulated to a level enabling utilization in magnetic recording medium and various other applications. The magnetic powder can be produced by a method combining the reverse micelle method and the sol-gel method.
US07781081B2	Magnetic recording medium, manufacturing method for the magnetic recording medium, and magnetic read/write apparatus A magnetic recording medium 62 wherein a substrate 11, undercoating layers 13 and 14 formed on the substrate 11, and a magnetic recording layer 15, which include the magnetic crystal grain and the grain boundary field which encloses magnetic crystal grains, are included. The grain boundary field includes Ti oxide, and the ratio of the substance amount of the Ti oxide in the magnetic recording layer 15 is 5 mol % or more and 15 mol % or less, and the Ti oxide includes at least TiO and/or Ti2O3s.
US07781070B2	Antireflection film, manufacturing method of antireflection film, hard coat film, polarizing plate and display An antireflection film comprising a hard coat layer and an antireflection layer on at least one side of a transparent resin film, wherein the hard coat layer contains a polyoxyethylene oleyl ether compound and an actinic ray curable resin.
US07781068B2	Polarizing-plate-protecting film and polarizing plate A polarizing-plate-protecting film is provided, including a polyester film, such as a polyethylene terephthalate film, and an adhesion-facilitating layer formed on one surface of the polyester film, made of a hydrophilic cellulosic resin such as acetyl cellulose. On the other surface of the polyester film, a variety of functional layers, such as a hard coat layer, an anti-glaring layer, and an antireflection layer, are layered. The hard coat layer is a layer formed by curing, with an electron beam, an ionizing-radiation-curable resin into which an ultraviolet light absorber has been incorporated. A polyvinyl alcoholic polarizing film is laminated to the adhesion-facilitating layer of the polarizing-plate-protecting film with a water-based adhesive layer to form a polarizing plate.
US07781066B2	Multilayer ceramic substrate, method for producing same, and composite green sheet for forming multilayer ceramic substrate A multilayer ceramic substrate includes a base layer made of an aggregate of a first powder including a glass material and a first ceramic material, a constraining layer made of an aggregate of a second powder including a second ceramic material that is not sintered at a temperature at which the glass material melts, an intermediate layer made of an aggregate of a third powder including a viscosity-reducing material that reduces the viscosity of the melt of the glass material, and a conductive film disposed along at least one main surface of the base layer, the constraining layer, and the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is arranged such that one main surface thereof is in contact with the base layer and the other main surface thereof is in contact with the constraining layer. At least a portion of the first powder is in a sintered state. The second powder is in an unsintered state, and particles of the second powder are bonded to each other by diffusion or flow of a portion of the first powder including the glass material and a portion of the third powder into the constraining layer.
US07781064B2	Substrate coated with a coating A low stain and low mist adhesion coating. Micro- or nano-particles are treated with a hydrophobic agent and an additive to form larger microstructure with the hydrophobic agent and the additive bonded thereto forming a low stain and low mist adhesion coating material. A low stain and low mist adhesion coating formed from the material has a contact angle of at least 130°. In addition, the low stain and low mist adhesion coating has less than 60% mist adhesion area.
US07781060B2	Hollow silica nanoparticles as well as synthesis processes and applications thereof Hollow silica nanoparticles can have well defined non-porous shells with low shell fragmentation and good dispersability. These well defined hollow particles can be formed through the controlled oxidation of silicon nanoparticles in an organic solvent. The hollow nanoparticles can have a submicron secondary particle sizes. The hollow silica nanoparticles can be incorporated into polymer composites, such as low index-of-refraction composites, for appropriate applications.
US07781054B2	Coating that contains a colloidally dispersed metallic bismuth The invention relates to a coating that is produced from a thermally curable, aqueous coating material on an organic basis, and that contains colloidally dispersed metallic bismuth. The invention further relates to the use thereof as anti-corrosive coating on metal substrates.
US07781053B2	Porous object based on silicon carbide and process for producing the same Provided are a silicon carbide-based porous article comprising silicon carbide particles as an aggregate, metallic silicon and an aggregate derived from organometallic compound particles to form pores through volume shrinkage due to decomposition/conversion by heat treatment; and a method for producing the silicon carbide-based porous article, comprising, adding organometallic compound particles to form pores through volume shrinkage due to decomposition/conversion by heat treatment to a raw-material mixture containing silicon carbide particles and metallic silicon, then forming into an intended shape, calcinating and/or firing the resultant green body, forming pores through volume shrinkage due to decomposition/conversion of the organometallic compound particles, and the decomposed/converted substance of the organometallic compound particles being present as an aggregate in the porous article.
US07781051B2	Perforated functional textile structures The invention provides a functional stretch laminate composite puckered fabric which is robust, laundry-durable and adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body, and a method for forming such puckered fabric. The functional stretch laminate fabric is provided with at least one functional element which can conduct electricity, conduct light, provide electromagnetic fields or provide shielding from electromagnetic fields. In addition, at least one via is provided in the functional stretch laminate allowing the functional element to extend or loop outwardly from the at least one via when the laminate is in a relaxed or unstretched state. Generally, the functional stretch laminate fabric is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments and for applications in so-called wearable electronics.
US07781047B2	Polymeric conductor donor and transfer method The present invention relates to a donor laminate for transfer of a conductive layer comprising at least one electronically conductive polymer on to a receiver, wherein the receiver is a component of a device. The present invention also relates to methods pertinent to such transfers.
US07781046B2	Shingle with reinforcement layer A shingle and a method of making it is provided in which the rear surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.
US07781045B2	Electrolyte sheets for solid oxide fuel cell and method for manufacturing same The present invention provides electrolyte sheets for solid oxide fuel cells, the electrolyte sheets being able to improve their adhesion to electrode films formed on both surfaces thereof and being also able to improve electric power generation characteristics of fuel cells by an increase in their electrode reaction areas. There is disclosed an electrolyte sheet for solid oxide fuel cells including a sintered sheet, wherein surface roughness of the sheet as measured by an optical and laser-based non-contact three-dimensional profile measuring system is 2.0 to 20 μm in Rz and 0.20 to 3.0 μm in Ra, and wherein a ratio of Rz of one surface (having a greater Rz and a greater Ra) to Rz of the other surface having a smaller Rz and a smaller Ra is in a range of 1.0 to 3.0, and a ratio of Ra of one surface (having a greater Rz and a greater Ra) to Ra of the other surface having a smaller Rz and a smaller Ra is in a range of 1.0 to 3.0, and a ratio of Rmax to Rz (Rmax/Rz ratio) of at least one surface is in a range of 1.0 to 2.0.
US07781043B2	Disk roll and base material for disk roll The present invention provides a base material for disk rolls which is a platy molded article for obtaining ring-shaped disks for use in a disk roll comprising a rotating shaft and ring-shaped disks fitted thereon by insertion, whereby the peripheral surface of the disks serves as a conveying surface, the base material comprising inorganic fibers having a crystallization temperature of 800-900° C., a filler, and a clay. Also disclosed is a disk roll which comprises disks cut out of the base material.
US07781041B2	Tattoo cover and related method There is provided an adhesive composite cover and method of use in which the cover is well suited to effectively cover a temporary tattoo utilized in radiation therapy treatments. The cover includes a transparent, flexible layer with a rigid layer releasably adhered thereto. The first, flexible layer has a lower adhesive surface, an upper low-adhesion surface and a predefined peripheral edge. The second, rigid layer has a lower surface releasably adhered to the upper low-adhesion surface of the first layer, an opposing upper exposed surface, and a peripheral edge cooperative with the predefined peripheral edge of the first layer to preserve the integrity of the first layer during handling and application. The second layer is removed from the first layer only after the first layer is adhered to a patient's skin.
US07781032B2	Method for depositing a thin film A method of depositing a thin film may include providing a wafer into a thin film apparatus, rotating the wafer, flowing a plasma across the wafer from edge to edge, depositing a first thin film on the wafer, creating a temperature gradient within the thin apparatus, and depositing a second thin film on the wafer. The temperature gradient may include having the temperature at the center of the wafer being higher than the temperature at the edges of the wafer.
US07781031B2	Barrier layer, composite article comprising the same, electroactive device, and method A composite article comprising a substrate and method for making the composite article are provided. A barrier layer is disposed on at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the barrier layer comprises a barrier coating and at least one repair coating disposed on the barrier coating. The repair coating is a conformal coating and comprises a metal or a metal based compound. An electroactive device and in one particular embodiment a light emitting device comprising the composite article are also provided. In another embodiment the invention comprises a barrier layer disposed on at least one surface of a substrate; wherein the barrier layer comprises a barrier coating and at least one repair coating.
US07781025B2	Method for opening an automotive fuel door A tool having a grip head and a stem is placed behind the body panel to which the fuel door is hinged. The grip head interfaces with the goose neck of the fuel door at a location not visible to an onlooker when the fuel door is at its open position. The grip head has a predetermined shape which allows it to grasp the goose neck, whereby rotation of the stem (manually or robotically) results in opening and closing of the fuel door selectively as needed for a painting process to ensue.
US07781022B2	Method for producing a patterned sheet or film having a predetermined surface characteristic A method for producing a lenticular material having a predetermined surface characteristic of high quality and definition formed on one side thereof is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a rotating, engraved cylindrical roll, advancing a material along a predetermined path of travel while directing one surface of the material into contact with a peripheral surface of the rotating, engraved cylindrical roll, applying to the peripheral surface of the roll a coating of a uncured resin, such that the coating is located about the roll and beneath the material, controlling the thickness of the coating, curing the resin coated about the material, and directing the material with the cured resin thereon away from the rotating cylindrical roll.
US07781020B2	Structured material and producing method thereof A structured material characterized in having, on a substrate, a layer having tubular pores positioned uniaxially parallel to the interface of the substrate and the layer and supporting a conductive polymer material having a function of a surfactant therein. A method for producing the above structure material characterized by the steps of providing a substrate having the anisotropy on a surface, applying a solution containing a surfactant having a functional group for polymerization in the molecular structure, a solvent therefor, and a solute different from the surfactant to the substrate, and a step of standing for a predetermined time for causing the surfactant to assemble in a predetermined direction based on the anisotropy of the substrate.
US07781010B2	Method for coating medical devices An apparatus for coating medical devices at the point of care with a polymer and/or therapeutic agent comprising an environmentally controlled device coating chamber in which the device may be delivered by the manufacturer as the device packaging, or the device may be placed into the chamber at the point of care. The environmentally controlled chamber can provide a sterile enclosure in which the polymer and/or a therapeutic agent can be applied to an uncoated or previously coated device and converted to another form (such as a liquid to a film or gel) if desired, under controlled and reproducible conditions. The environmentally controlled chamber can accommodate and provide for coating the device by immersion, spray and other methods of covering the device surface with a liquid or powder. The chamber can provide for energy sources, both internally, such as heat produced by film heaters, and externally, such as UV light or microwave passing through the enclosure. The chamber may allow for changes in atmosphere to affect the coating, such as the introduction of certain gases and introducing pressure or vacuum.
US07781005B2	Sweetener composition Storing monatin or a salt thereof in the presence of a radical scavenger and/or in a UV light-shielding container is effective for preventing the decomposition of monatin or a salt thereof by exposure to ultraviolet light, particularly under acidic conditions. Sweetener compositions which contain monatin or a salt thereof and a radical scavenger, a colorant, caffeine and the like are resistant to decomposition by UV light.
US07781002B2	Mineral complexes of lactobionic acid and method of using for mineral fortification of food products Mineral complexes, especially calcium complexes, of lactobionic acid which are especially useful for mineral fortification of food and beverage products are provided. The preferred calcium complex of lactobionic acid provided in the present invention delivers a soluble, stable, clean tasting calcium source suitable for calcium fortification of a wide variety of food and beverage products. The mineral complexes are prepared by mixing lactobionic acid, a mineral source, (e.g., mineral hydroxide), and an edible acid (e.g., citric acid) in an aqueous solution.
US07780999B2	Reduced pressure distillation of an alcoholic mixture The present invention relates to a method for distilling an alcoholic mixture under reduced pressure, wherein a portion of the fluid alcoholic mixture is distilled at a temperature below about 0° C. such that the fluid alcoholic mixture remains fluid while distilling. The present invention further relates to condensing the alcoholic distillate with a first condenser at a first condenser temperature of from about −269° C. to about −15° C. to provide a first alcoholic condensate. The alcoholic mixtures contemplated for use according to the method of the present invention include, but are not limited to, gin, vodka, rum, or neutral spirits. The present invention also relates to an alcoholic beverage prepared by the reduced pressure distillation method of the invention.
US07780998B2	Process for producing a therapeutically effective amount of an extract from pomegranate and compositions relating to same Methods of using pomegranate extracts of the present invention for treating patients with atherosclerosis, or increased intima-media thickness of an artery, are provided. The methods comprise the step of administering to the patient a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an extract from pomegranate. The methods of the present invention may also be used to decrease the incidence of stroke or heart attack in a patient.
US07780997B2	Pharmaceutically active extracts of vitex leucoxylon, a process of extracting the same and a method of treating diabetes and inflammatory diseases therewith The present invention relates to pharmaceutically active extracts of Vitex leucoxylon exhibiting hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties. This extract is suitable for administrating to animals and humans in treating diabetes, liver disorders and related inflammatory diseases. The extract is found suitable for treating insulin and non-insulin diabetes mellitus.
US07780995B1	Composition based on natural extracts useful in the prevention and treatment of cutaneous wrinkles A composition based on natural extracts useful in the prevention and treatment of cutaneous ageing and particularly wrinkles, which comprises in combination: leucocyanadines in the form of extract of Vitis vinifera; triterpenes in the form of an extract of Centella asiatica; fish cartilage extract.
US07780992B2	Antiviral medicament There is disclosed a prophylactic and therapeutic antiviral composition and in particular compositions which comprise containing vertebrates kidney as a main component. Use of the composition through parenteral administration for the prevention and treatment of viral-induced tumors, lesions and diseases in mammals such as humans or to prepare a medicament is also disclosed. The composition is very effective in preventing and treating viral infections and manifestations as hyperplasia, keratosis, and dermatosis and in particular those caused by Papillomavirus and more particularly Human Papillomavirus. Among the many benefits, the present compounds provide high remedial effect and complete resolution in a relatively short course of treatment with no risk of side effects what so ever. The composition is abundant, inexpensive, easily prepared, and may be self administered to the afflicted area by the patients themselves.
US07780988B2	Method for making homogeneous spray-dried solid amorphous drug dispersions using pressure nozzles Homogeneous solid amorphous dispersions of drugs in concentration-enhancing polymers are formed in desirable larger particle sizes with minimal fines by using an atomizer and process conditions capable of producing droplets having an average diameter of at least 50 microns and a D10 of at least 10 microns.
US07780987B2	Controlled release dosage forms The invention provides stable controlled release monolithic coating compositions for use in coating pharmaceutical oral dosage forms comprising a polyglycol having a melting point greater than 55° C. and an aqueous dispersion of a neutral ester copolymer lacking functional groups.
US07780986B2	Method of preparing sustained-release preparations of quinolone antibiotics The present invention relates to an orally administrable preparation comprising a quinolone antibiotic which releases the active compound with a delay.
US07780985B2	Tablets having a printed separation mark to guide breaking The invention provides a novel “separation marking” on a tablet as a means for assisting in the identification of a region on the tablet that is desired to be able to be broken from time to time. Said breaking allows production of smaller dosage forms known herein as tablettes. In a preferred embodiment, the separation mark will be a printed mark that is made on the tablet surface.
US07780980B2	Methods of using in situ hydration of hydrogel articles for sealing or augmentation of tissue or vessels Pharmaceutically acceptable hydrogel polymers of natural, recombinant or synthetic origin, or hybrids thereof, are introduced in a dry, less hydrated, or substantially deswollen state and rehydrate in a physiological environment to undergo a volumetric expansion and to affect sealing, plugging, or augmentation of tissue, defects in tissue, or of organs. The hydrogel polymers may deliver therapeutic entities by controlled release at the site. Methods to form useful devices from such polymers, and to implant the devices are provided.
US07780979B2	Fabric-supported chitosan modified temperature responsive PNIPAAm/PU hydrogel and the use thereof in preparation of facial mask This invention involves fabric-supported chitosan modified temperature responsive PNIPAAm/PU hydrogel and the use thereof in preparation of facial mask. The merit of this invention is the hydrogel formed can reversibly swell and deswell near body temperature; the incorporation of PU can suppress the syneresis of PNIPAAm at an elevated temperature; Grafting of PNIPAAm and PU onto the surface of cellulose fabrics can enhance the mechanical strength of hydrogel; Coupling of chitosan to the surface of hydrogel can not only improve the handle and skin affinity, but also render the facial mask antibacterial; The hydrogel is capable of loading a variety of nutrients (or other functional components), which can release at body temperature; the hydrogel facial mask can be reusable with repeated rinsing.
US07780975B2	Biomaterial having apatite forming ability A coating liquid comprising a polysilazane and a calcium compound is applied to a base material formed from a metal or a ceramic, and the coating liquid is then heated to form a film with apatite forming ability and complete the preparation of a biomaterial. Furthermore, by immersing this biomaterial comprising the film with apatite forming ability in a simulated body fluid, an apatite layer can be formed on top of the film.
US07780974B2	Avicin coated stents The invention provides novel compositions and methods related to stents, such as coronary stents, comprising avicins, which are triterpene saponin compositions. In particular aspects of the invention, the avicins have growth-inhibiting properties and/or anti-inflammatory properties. In specific embodiments of the invention, the stent comprising the avicin reduces at least in part restenosis, such as that associated with stent procedures.
US07780971B2	Composition containing fibers, spherical particles and platelets, and its uses The invention relates to a composition containing an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase, fibers, spherical particles and platelets. The composition has very good stability and applies very uniformly to the skin, with no phenomenon of pilling or of aggregation. It may especially constitute and oil-in-water emulsion that may be used as a cosmetic composition. The invention also relates to the use of the said composition especially to care for, treat, make up or cleanse the skin, the lips, the eyelashes and/or the hair.
US07780967B2	Reduced toxicity Clostridial toxin pharmaceutical compositions A Clostridial toxin pharmaceutical composition comprising a Clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum toxin and a polysaccharide, such as a hydroxyethyl starch, wherein the pharmaceutical composition has a reduced toxicity. The Clostridial toxin pharmaceutical composition can be essentially free of any blood or serum derived proteins, filtrates or fractions.
US07780965B2	Eta-1 gene and methods for use The present application relates to osteopontin (Eta-1) polypeptides, nucleic acids that encode Eta-1, antibodies that specifically bind to Eta-1, and methods for enhancing an immune response in an animal.
US07780962B2	Treatment of neoplasms with RNA viruses The subject invention relates to viruses that are able to replicate and thereby kill neoplastic cells with a deficiency in the IFN-mediated antiviral response, and their use in treating neoplastic disease including cancer and large tumors. RNA and DNA viruses are useful in this regard. The invention also relates to methods for the selection, design, purification and use of such viruses for cancer therapy.
US07780954B2	Glow and sunless tanning color enhancement by cationic copolymers A cosmetic composition for sunless tanning or imparting glow to skin is herein described. The composition includes from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight of a tanning agent and from 0.1 to 20% by weight of a crosslinked cationic copolymer having a monomer unit which is a methacryloylethyl or acryloylethyl tri(C1-C3 alkyl)ammonium salt. The crosslinked cationic copolymer is a color enhancing agent which improves color intensity and avoids streaking of the developing tan/glow.
US07780953B2	Compositions magnetic particles covered with gem-bisphosphonate derivatives The invention relates to a composition comprising acid magnetic particles (p) based on an iron compound, the acid magnetic particles (p) being complexed by one or more gem-bisphosphonate compounds, of formula I: X-L-CH(PO3H2)2 (I) in which: L represents an organic group connecting the X group to the gem-bisphosphonate group —CH(PO3H2)2; X represents a chemical group capable of reacting with a biovector; all or some of the X groups of the particles optionally being coupled to a biovector. The invention relates, also to a process for the preparation of the compositions and their use, in particular as contrast products for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
US07780952B2	Agents for magnetic imaging method The invention provides MRI detectable species of formula (I): Dp-Sn-Nm, wherein D is a MRI detectable moiety; S is a spacer; N is a molecule of a nutrient or pseudo-nutrient; n is 0 or an integer, m is an integer and p is an integer. These compounds are useful for internalizing into tumor cells an amount of the MRI detectable moiety that is distinguishably higher than the amount internalized in normal healthy cells thus allowing the diagnosis of tumors. The internalization of the MRI detectable moiety involves the nutrients or pseudo-nutrients transporting system. Preferred compounds of formula (I) are those wherein D is the chelated complex of a paramagnetic metal ion.
US07780947B2	Tame based chelators and uses thereof New bifunctional chelation complexes are described. These are based on the structure of the so-called “TAME-HexA” molecule. The compounds are especially useful for forming chelation complexes with metal ions, including radioisotopes.
US07780945B2	Method of and apparatus for producing hydrogen from methanol A method that allows producing hydrogen from methanol in a simple manner and an apparatus that is small in size and light in weight, which can produce hydrogen from methanol, are provided. The apparatus comprises a container (4) that retains liquid methanol (2) as a source material and gases (3) generated therein, a substrate (5) that is immersed in liquid methanol (2) in the container (4) loaded with a catalyst, and a power supply (6) for passing a direct or an alternating current through the substrate (5). The substrate may be made of an oxide or oxidized material, especially oxidized diamond, and loaded with a transition metal catalyst, especially Ni catalyst. With the substrate (5) heated, a novel catalytic methanol decomposition reaction occurs by a combination of abrupt temperature gradient directing towards methanol from the surface of the substrate, a catalysis of the oxide or oxidized material of the substrate and a catalysis of the catalyst loaded on the substrate, and a large amount of hydrogen gas is produced.
US07780944B2	Multi-stream microchannel device The invention is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The invention enables the combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger of the present invention enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.
US07780943B2	Production method and apparatus for compound oxide powder A compound oxide powder producing method for producing compound oxide powder made of at least two kinds of metals. A solution, in which a first metal compound for producing, when hydrolyzed, a hydroxide or oxide is dissolved in an organic solvent, and an emulsion, which contains another metal in the form of ions in an aqueous phase inside of inverse micelles formed by a surfactant in an organic solvent, are individually mixed in flowing states. The mixed liquid is stirred while being continuously caused to flow to the downstream side of a mixing portion of the first solution and the emulsion. Primary particles are formed by the hydrolysis of the first metal compound inside or in the interface of the inverse micelles whereas secondary particles are formed by the agglomeration of the primary particles.
US07780941B1	Potassium magnesium fertilizer A process for producing potassium magnesium sulfate, comprising reacting sulfuric acid with potassium chloride and magnesium chloride at a temperature in a range comprised between about 100 and about 160° C., thereby producing potassium magnesium sulfate and hydrochloric acid, the sulfuric acid being reacted with potassium chloride and magnesium chloride simultaneously or sequentially.
US07780937B2	Granules based on pyrogenically prepared silicon dioxide, method for their preparation and use thereof Granules based on silicon dioxide and having the properties: Average grain size:10 to 120 μm BET surface area:40 to 400 m2/g Pore volume:0.5 to 2.5 ml/g Pore size distribution:less than 5% of the total pore volume exists of pores with a diameter < 5 nm, rest meso- and macropores pH value:3.6 to 8.5 Tapped density:220 to 700 g/l They are prepared by dispersing silicon dioxide in water, spray drying, optionally heating and/or silanizing.Whereas a pyrogenic silicon dioxide powder with a BET surface area of 30 to 90 m2/g, a DBP index of 80 or less, a mean aggregate area of less than 25000 nm2 and a mean aggregate circumference of less than 1000 nm, wherein at least 70% of the aggregates have a circumference of less than 1300 nm or a high-purity pyrogenically prepared silicon dioxide having metal contents of less than 0.2 μg/g is prepared by reacting a silicon tetrachloride having a metal content of less than 30 ppb by means of flame hydrolysis is used.
US07780936B2	Process for manufacturing an electrochemical device Process for manufacturing an electrochemical device including a cathode, an anode and at least one electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein at least one of the cathode, the anode and the electrolyte membrane, contains at least a ceramic material.
US07780934B2	Method and system for reducing ammonia slip after selective reduction of NOx A process is described that removes by chemical oxidation the excess ammonia (NH3) gas from flue gases that have been subjected to selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by ammonia injection. Methods for the removal of residual ammonia from flue gases prior to fouling air pre-heaters or deposition on fly ash are discussed.
US07780929B2	Fluid mixing apparatus and fluid mixing method The present invention provides a fluid mixing apparatus having a numbering-up mechanism that distributes plural kinds of fluids and concurrently performs multiple mixing or reactions, comprising: a rectifying section having a plurality of annular channels that rectify the plural kinds of fluids into respective concentric annular flows; a distribution section having a plurality of distribution channels that distribute the plural kinds of fluids rectified by the rectifying section into a plurality of flows; a converging section having a plurality of converging channels that converge different kinds of fluids among the plural kinds of fluids distributed by the distribution section; and a mixing/reaction section having a plurality of mixing/reaction channels that cause mixing or reaction of the plural kinds of fluids converged by the converging section, wherein a plurality of pressure loss increasing devices are provided in the distribution channels.
US07780928B2	Method and apparatus for improving radial flow moving bed regeneration/reaction system performance An improved radial or cross flow moving bed regenerator or reactor, in which the solid particle residence time in the vessels can be changed in different section of the regenerator or reactor. The improvement results from the placement of one or multiple screen inserts which divides the radial or cross flow bed into separate solid flow channels. The residence time of the solid in each solid flow channels are optimized based on the regeneration or reaction requirement by changing the location, orientation and geometry of the screen inserts. As a result of the optimization of solid residence time in different section in the radial flow bed, the efficiency of a regenerator or a reactor is improved.
US07780927B2	Spinning tube in tube reactors and their methods of operation A spinning tube in tube reactor has the usual elongated transverse annular cross section reaction passage through which reactants pass to force reaction between them; the passage being between the rotor tube exterior surface and the stator tube interior surface. The radial dimension of the annual passage should be keep as uniform as possible so as not to cause unwanted variations in the reaction. This has proven difficult in prior constructions owing to the small radial dimension (e.g. 50-300 micrometers) and inevitable manufacturing tolerances in the bearings supporting the rotor. In apparatus of the invention the rotor is suspended within the stator passage by a flexible connection between the drive motor shaft and the rotor and uniformity is maintained by the so-called hydrodynamic effect which will become operative in such a narrow passage. Thus, if any part of the rotor surface moves radially from the central position closer to the stator surface the liquid viscosity produces a force that moves the rotor back to the central position. Preferably the flexible connection consists of two serially connected flexible connectors.
US07780926B2	Heat exchange process and reactor Process for carrying out heat exchange reactions comprising introducing a reactant stream into a bed of catalytic material placed outside at least one double walled heat transfer tube in a heat exchange reactor contacting the reactant stream with the catalytic material in indirect heat exchange with a heat transfer medium present in the annular volume of the at least one double walled heat transfer tube, the annular volume comprising one or more spacer elements creating a helical flow path of the heat transfer medium around the inner heat transfer tube of the at least one double walled heat transfer tube. The invention also includes a heat exchange reactor for carrying out the above reaction.
US07780920B2	Sterilizer monitoring and controlling system A system and method are provided for monitoring and controlling a sterilization system. Briefly described, the system can be implemented as follows. A current transformer is operatively associated with a source of power for a radiation source. A power meter is operatively associated with the source of power. The power meter is also operatively associated with the current transformer. The power meter is designed to monitor the source of power to confirm the radiation source provides a desired dosage.
US07780915B2	Fecal sample test device and methods of use The present invention includes devices and methods for the detection of an analyte in a fecal sample. The fecal sample test device includes a sample collection structure and sample collection housing, a detection housing, a fecal suspension solution or fecal dilution solution, a detection housing capable of attachment to the collection housing and an analyte detecting means. When attached, the collection housing permits a portion of liquid extracted sample to fluidly flow into the detection housing where the analyte detection means detects the presence or quantity of an analyte suspected of being present in the fecal sample.
US07780914B2	Sample collection and testing system A testing device for the identification of an analyte of interest in a sample, comprises a housing having an internal recess (14); a sample collection device (19) and at least one insertable testing element (20); the housing being adapted to receive the sample collection device in the internal recess therein and to shield a sample collected on the sample collection device, the housing also being adapted to receive the or each insertable testing element such that, on insertion of the testing element into the housing, the testing element is in liquid conductive communication with a sample collected on the sample collection device.
US07780911B2	Biocidal compositions for producing peracids A biocidal composition is provided, said biocidal composition comprising components suitable for producing peracid in situ, wherein said components comprise one or more prion-degrading enzymes, a suitable substrate, at least one enzyme having perhydrolase activity, and a source of peroxygen.
US07780908B2	Low nickel containing chromium-nickel-manganese- copper austenitic stainless steel An austenitic stainless steel includes (a) 0.03 wt % to 0.12 wt % of C, (b) 0.2 wt % to 1.0 wt % of Si, (c) 8.55 wt % to 10.12 wt % of Mn, (d) 14.0 wt % to 16.0 wt % of Cr, (e) 4.05 wt % to 4.31 wt % of Ni, (f) 0.04 wt % to 0.07 wt % of N, (g) 1.0 wt % to 3.5 wt % of Cu, (h) trace amount of Mo, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities. The austenitic stainless steel has a δ-ferrite content less than 8.5 and equal to 6.77[(d)+(h)+1.5(b)]−4.85[(e)+30(a)+30(f)+0.5(c)+0.3(g)]−52.75.
US07780906B2	Method for controlling a molten metal bath bubbling in a metallurgical vessel and a device for carrying out said method A device for control of bubbling of a metal bath in a ladle or in another similar metallurgical vessel including a bottom injector linked to a source of supply of pressurized stirring gas to be injected with aid of a pipe provided with a facility for adjusting flow rate, at least one vibration sensor mounted on the vessel itself or on a support frame, a signal processing unit processing a vibratory signal gathered by the sensor, and wherein the signal processing unit includes at least, and in successive order of processing of the vibratory signal, a high-pass analog filter, a digitizer, a digital filter calibrated on vibratory responses of the ladle, and a computer for computing a sliding temporal quadratic mean of RMS type.
US07780902B2	Method of molding a shopping cart A method of molding a shopping cart component includes providing a first subcomponent and then overmolding the shopping cart component as a second subcomponent about the first subcomponent. The first subcomponent acts as an obstacle to a plastic injection stream and to a gas injection stream during the overmolding of the second component to assist in defining a first hollow section of the shopping cart component adjacent the first subcomponent.
US07780899B2	Process and tooling for reducing thermally induced residual stresses and shape distortions in monolithic composite structures Process for manufacturing monolithic composite structures comprising providing first and second subcomponents (1, 2) of composite material, attaching an expansion compensating tooling to the second subcomponent, placing the second subcomponent along with said tooling on the first subcomponent and bonding it to the latter by means of an uncured structural adhesive, covering the assembly comprising the first and second subcomponents and the tooling with a vacuum bag, performing an autoclave cycle for curing the curable material contained in said assembly under high temperature and pressure conditions, withdrawing said assembly from the curing autoclave and removing the expansion compensating tooling to obtain the desired monolithic composite structure. The tooling for carrying out the process comprises metal L- or I-shaped beams having a rough surface adapted to be applied to the second subcomponent. The invention is useful for manufacturing aircraft parts.
US07780898B2	Apparatus and method for manufacturing and inspecting blow-molded plastic containers A method and apparatus for manufacturing and inspecting plastic containers. The apparatus may comprise a blow-molder comprising a plurality of molds and spindles for forming a plastic container from a preform. The apparatus may also comprise an inspection device, located in the blow-molder, for inspecting the plastic container after formation by the blow-molder. The inspection device may comprise (i) two or more light energy sources for directing light energy from an exterior of the plastic container toward the plastic container after formation of the plastic container by the blow-molder, and (ii) two or more light energy sensors, each light energy sensor operatively associated with one of the light energy sources, wherein each light energy sensor is for sensing a portion of the light energy that passes through of the plastic container and generating a signal from the sensed portion of the light energy that passes through the plastic container that is related to the light energy absorbed by the plastic container. The apparatus may also comprise a transfer arm in the blow molder for transporting the plastic container along the transport path through the inspection device. The apparatus may also comprise a microprocessor in communication with the inspection device for (i) determining a container attribute of the plastic container based on the signals related to the light energy absorbed by the plastic container; and (ii) determining the mold involved in formation of the plastic container based on at least one signal received by the microprocessor.
US07780896B2	Crosslinked polymeric material with enhanced strength and process for manufacturing A radiation crosslinked (50 kGy), pressure-treated UHMWPE material has been developed by applying compressive force on a crosslinked polymer in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction. The deformed material is then cooled while held in a deformed state. The resulting material is anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The directionally engineered material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted highly crosslinked UHMWPEs.
US07780895B2	Adjustable melt rotation positioning and method Methods and apparatus adjustably control the repositioning of non-homogeneous fluid conditions across the stream of a laminar flowing fluid to a desirable circumferential position. The invention is particularly applicable to controlling non-homogeneous melt conditions in hot or cold runner systems. Various mechanisms are provided that enable simple adjustments of a flow diverter within a fluid rotation device, making either static or dynamic adjustments, so that the degree of fluid flow repositioning in a runner system can be changed without the need for mold disassembly or retooling. Various forms of actuators effect adjustment and may be manually manipulated or manipulated through various powered devices.
US07780888B2	Process for making a carbon nanotubes/ultra-high molar mass polyethylene composite fibre The invention relates to a process for making a carbon nanotubes/ultra-high molar mass polyethylene (CNTs/UHPE) composite fiber comprising the steps of a) pre-treating CNTs with an acidic aqueous solution; b) making a composition containing pre-treated CNTs dispersed in a solution of UHPE in a spin solvent; and c) spinning the composition obtained into fibers; wherein step b) comprises making a dispersion of pre-treated CNTs in an alcohol, and mixing this dispersion with a mixture of UHPE and spin solvent. With this process CNTs/UHPE composite fibers showing improved tensile properties are obtained at relatively low CNTs content. A further advantage is that no or hardly any additional components, like dispersion aids, need to be added to make a stable dispersion of CNTs in the spin composition. The invention also relates to a CNTs/UHPE composite fiber obtainable by the process according to the invention, and to semi-finished or end-use articles containing said composite fiber.
US07780880B2	Method of manufacturing a lens A plastic lens, which does not require a modification to an inner diameter of a mirror frame but is uniform in outer diameter, is provided and include: protrusions on the circumference in at least three points divided thereof into three equal parts except for an injection gate point, in positions equally distant to a center O of the plastic lens. The protrusions have respective outer surfaces provided as fit portions to a mirror frame. The plastic lens preferably has a diameter of 50 mm or more and a thickness smallest at the center thereof.
US07780873B2	Bioactive complexes compositions and methods of use thereof A bioactive complex composition having enhanced oxidative stability, emulsion stability, mineral rich transparent beverages and a wide range of functional health benefits. The composition may include as a base composition individual ingredients or a synergistic blend of mineral salts, Omega-3 rich oils, phospholipids, chitosan, and alpha-casein, beta-casein, kappa-casein or protein fragments, glycopeptides, phosphopeptides. The composition may optionally be further utilized for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia, bone (and teeth) mineral loss, treatment of mental health diseases, heart health, additional nutritional supplementation, and treatment of additional medical conditions.
US07780868B2	Alkaline etching solution for semiconductor wafers and alkaline etching method Alkaline etching solutions capable of improving a surface roughness even with a relatively low alkaline concentration, contain bromate or both bromate and nitrate. An alkaline etching method using the solution produces silicon wafers with improved surface roughness.
US07780865B2	Method to improve the step coverage and pattern loading for dielectric films Methods of controlling the step coverage and pattern loading of a layer on a substrate are provided. The dielectric layer may be a silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or silicon oxynitride layer. The method comprises depositing a dielectric layer on a substrate having at least one formed feature across a surface of the substrate and etching the dielectric layer with a plasma from oxygen or a halogen-containing gas to provide a desired profile of the dielectric layer on the at least one formed feature. The deposition of the dielectric layer and the etching of the dielectric layer may be repeated for multiple cycles to provide the desired profile of the dielectric layer.
US07780864B2	Process using combined capacitively and inductively coupled plasma sources for controlling plasma ion radial distribution A method of processing a workpiece in the chamber of a plasma reactor in which the plasma ion density radial distribution in the process region is controlled by adjusting the ratio between the amounts of the (VHF) capacitively coupled power and the inductively coupled power while continuing to maintain the level of total plasma source power. The method can also include applying independently adjustable LF bias power and HF bias power to the workpiece and adjusting the average value and population distribution of ion energy at the surface of the workpiece by adjusting the proportion between the LF and HF bias powers.
US07780863B2	Method of fabricating hollow waveguide having cyclic geometric structure A waveguide has a hollow center. The waveguide has dielectric tubes which have a geometric arrangement, like a triangle-lattice arrangement. A laser transmitted in the waveguide is confined and is emitted out with a narrow expending angle. Hence, the laser is emitted straightly forwarded and has a low power loss. The present invention is suitable for using in a high-power laser and obtaining a directive microwave.
US07780845B2	Process to manufacture low sulfur distillates The instant invention relates to a process to produce low sulfur distillate products through the hydrotreating of distillate boiling range feedstreams in the presence of a bulk metal hydrotreating catalyst.
US07780841B2	E-field induced ion selective molecular deposition onto sensor arrays A sensor array for sensing at least one of chemical moieties and biological moieties is provided. The sensor array comprises a plurality of working electrodes electrically associated with a reference electrode, each working electrode in combination with the reference electrode forming a transducer. Each working electrode is provided with a coating of a sensing element comprised of an ionizable moiety and a functional group sensitive to one of the chemical and/or biological moieties.
US07780839B2	Electroplating bronze Electrolytes for white bronzes are disclosed as well as methods of depositing the white bronzes. The electrolytes for depositing the white bronzes are cyanide free and provide a uniform white color.
US07780838B2	Method of anodizing metallic surfaces A method of treating metallic workpieces with an anodizing solution, compositions of the anodizing solution and the coatings prepared with this anodizing solution for anodizing metallic surfaces, especially surfaces of magnesium, magnesium alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, are disclosed. The compositions are basic aqueous solutions comprising a water-soluble inorganic hydroxide, phosphorus and oxygen containing anions, at least one surfactant and an alkaline buffer based on at least one alkaline hydrolyzed silane, on at least one alcohol showing at least one alkaline radical group or on a mixture of them.
US07780831B2	Assays for detection of von willebrand factor (vWF) multimers and for degradation of vWF by agents such as ADAMTS13 and related methods Methods of analyzing the electrophoretic mobility distribution of von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers include providing a sample medium comprising a plurality vWF multimers. The vWF multimers are electrophoretically separated by electrohoretic mobility in the sample medium by subjecting said sample medium to an electric field to provide separated vWF multimers. The separated vWF multimers in the sample medium are exposed to a light source to produce scattered light. The scattered light is detected, and the electrophoretic mobility distribution of the separated vWF multimers is determined from the detected scattered light.
US07780830B2	Electro-wetting on dielectric for pin-style fluid delivery A method of delivering fluid can include using electro-wetting effects to pick-up, transport, and/or deliver discrete volumes of fluid. Voltage can be applied across a fluid contact area having a conductive substrate and a dielectric material with an outer surface. The outer surface can have a native interfacial surface tension state and a voltage induced second state having a reduction in interfacial surface tension. A fluid can be contacted such that a volume of fluid adheres to the outer surface of the fluid contact area when the voltage is applied. Subsequently, the voltage can be adjusted such that at least a portion of the volume of fluid is delivered to a receiving location.
US07780823B2	Compact service module for use in electrolytic aluminum production plants A tending module (7) for a series of electrolytic cells (2) to be used for the production of aluminum by fused bath electrolysis including a frame (8) that can be fixed to a trolley (6) and a turret (9) fitted on the frame (8) so as to pivot about a vertical axis A, and equipped with a set of tools including a crust breaker (11), a bucket shovel (12), at least one first anode clamp (13) and a hopper (15) fitted with a retractable duct (16), and a balcony or a cab (18) having controls that will be used to maneuver the module and the tools, and a control station (19) from which an operator can actuate the controls. The module according to the invention is characterized in that, taking a first plane P1 and a second plane P2 perpendicular to each other and to the turret (9) plane Pt and intersecting on the A axis, the center C of the control station (19) is located at a determined distance C1 from plane P1 and a determined distance C2 from plane P2, the center of the bucket shovel (12) and the center of the first anode clamp (13) are located on the opposite side of the plane P1 from the control station (19), and the crust breaker (11) and the retractable duct (16) are located between the control station (19) and the row formed by the bucket shovel (12) and the first anode clamp (13).
US07780822B2	Electrolytic cell with segmented and monolithic electrode design An electrolytic cell consisting of two semi-shells and encompassing mainly the inlet and outlet devices, components for the flow control, a membrane as well as anode and cathode.
US07780816B2	Fibrous insulation with fungicide A fibrous insulation has insulation fibers (104) with a fungicide in a dispersed additive affixed to the fibers (104), and a method of making a fibrous insulation by dispersing a fungicide and a dispersed additive on the fibers (104) followed by affixing the dispersed additive on the fibers (104). The method produces thermal, acoustic, duct liner or board insulation either as loose fill insulation or as an insulation mat.
US07780812B2	Extrusion head with planarized edge surface A co-extrusion head for forming high-aspect ratio gridline structures in a micro extrusion apparatus includes multiple sheets (e.g., metal plates) that are machined and assembled to define three-part fluidic channels having associated outlet orifice disposed along an edge surface of the head. Reference surfaces are also etched in the sheets and are aligned in a straight line that intersects output junctions of the three-channel cavities. After assembly (e.g., using high pressure bonding techniques), each reference surface is located inside a notch defined in the edge surface. The edge surface of the co-extrusion head is then trimmed (e.g., machined by wire EDM) using the reference surfaces as a precise guide, thereby producing uniform length outlet orifices with uniform flow impedance.
US07780811B2	Dicing die-bonding film, method of fixing chipped work and semiconductor device The dicing die-bonding film of this invention comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2) on a supporting base material (1) and a die-bonding adhesive layer (3) on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2), wherein a releasability in an interface between the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2) and the die-bonding adhesive layer (3) is different between an interface (A) corresponding to a work-attaching region (3a) in the die-bonding adhesive layer (3) and an interface (B) corresponding to a part or the whole of the other region (3b), and the releasability of the interface (A) is higher than the releasability of the interface (B). According to this invention, there can be provided a dicing die-bonding film excellent in balance between retention in dicing a work and releasability in releasing its diced chipped work together with the die-bonding adhesive layer.
US07780810B2	Adhesion device for applying and releasing biomimetic microstructure adhesive from a contact surface An adhesion device is made up of three parts: an anchor portion; a peeler layer; and a “biomimetic microstructure adhesive” (BMA) portion. The anchor portion has one side affixed to a part of an object to be releasably adhered to a surface. The peeler layer has an inwardly facing side thereof affixed to the other side of the anchor portion. The BMA portion is affixed to an outward side of the peeler layer with its setae facing outwardly towards the surface to be adhered to. The anchor portion is affixed to the peeler layer at a position offset from the position at which the BMA portion is affixed, so that the object may be releasably detached from adhesion with the surface.
US07780808B2	Method of reinforcing a laminated member such as a skin for an aircraft A method of reinforcing a laminated wing skin (10) for an aircraft. The method comprises laying-up a plurality of fibers to form the laminated wing skin (10). A composite reinforcement member (14) is positioned on a surface (16) of the laminated skin (10) and one or more further layers are laid up so as to enclose the composite reinforcing member (14) at a position adjacent one surface of the laminated skin (10).
US07780804B2	Support with a material layer and method for the producing of a support An information support (12) has at least one piece of information which is provided on the information support (12). The information is covered by material layer which is released by means of ultrasonic sonotrode (18) from a hot-stamping strip (24) wherein the material layer is transferred to the information support (12) at the position at which the information on the information support (12) is to be covered. The transfer of material layers onto an information support can be effected rapidly and in an economical fashion at low temperatures using the ultrasonic sonotrode. The ultrasonic sonotrode preferably operates in an oscillatory region between 15,000 and 35,000 Hz. The information support (12) can be configured as a support which accepts a material layer without covering information on the support.
US07780791B2	Apparatus for an optimized plasma chamber top piece A plasma processing system for processing a substrate is described. The plasma processing system includes a bottom piece including a chuck configured for holding the substrate. The plasma processing system also includes an induction coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field in order to create a plasma for processing the substrate; and an optimized top piece coupled to the bottom piece, the top piece further configured for a heating and cooling system. Wherein, the heating and cooling system is substantially shielded from the electromagnetic field by the optimized top piece, and the optimized top piece can substantially be handled by a single person.
US07780790B2	Vacuum processing apparatus Disclosed is a vacuum processing apparatus in which a conducive partition having a plurality of through holes is formed inside a vacuum processing vessel, and an internal space of the vacuum processing vessel is partitioned into a plasma generating space in which a high-frequency electrode is installed to function as a counter electrode with respect to the partition, and a substrate processing space in which a substrate is set. This vacuum processing apparatus includes a gas reservoir formed on a sidewall of the vacuum processing vessel and communicating with the plasma generating space, and a gas supply system connected to the gas reservoir to supply a gas to the gas reservoir.
US07780786B2	Internal member of a plasma processing vessel An internal member of a plasma processing vessel includes a base material and a film formed by thermal spraying of ceramic on a surface of the base material. The film is formed of ceramic which includes at least one kind of element selected from the group consisting of B, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Cr, Y, Zr, Ta, Ce and Nd. In addition, at least a portion of the film is sealed by a resin.
US07780785B2	Gas delivery apparatus for atomic layer deposition An apparatus and method for performing a cyclical layer deposition process, such as atomic layer deposition is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a substrate support having a substrate receiving surface, and a chamber lid comprising a tapered passageway extending from a central portion of the chamber lid and a bottom surface extending from the passageway to a peripheral portion of the chamber lid, the bottom surface shaped and sized to substantially cover the substrate receiving surface. The apparatus also includes one or more valves coupled to the gradually expanding channel, and one or more gas sources coupled to each valve.
US07780783B2	Apparatus and method for producing single crystal, and silicon single crystal The invention provides an apparatus for producing a single crystal, and a method for producing a silicon single crystal using the same. An apparatus for producing a single crystal includes a heating device which heats polycrystalline silicon raw material held in a crucible to form silicon melt, and a pulling up device which grows a silicon single crystal while pulling it up from the silicon melt accompanied with rotation. By providing the apparatus with a magnetic field generation unit which applies to the silicon melt a cusp magnetic field a shape of neutral plane of which is symmetric around the rotation axis of the silicon single crystal and is curved in the upward direction, various conditions for producing a silicon single crystal having a defect free region is relaxed, and a silicon single crystal having a defect free region is produced at high efficiency.
US07780782B2	Method and apparatus for growing a ribbon crystal with localized cooling A method of growing ribbon crystal provides a crucible containing molten material, and passes at least two strings through the molten material to produce a partially formed ribbon crystal. The method then directs a fluid to a given portion of the partially formed ribbon crystal to convectively cool the given portion.
US07780772B2	Electroless deposition chemical system limiting strongly adsorbed species An electroless deposition chemical system includes an electroless solution including a metal component, and a strongly adsorbed species component having a concentration less than a concentration of the metal component.
US07780771B2	Metallization of dielectrics A composition and method are disclosed. The composition both conditions and activates a dielectric material for metal deposition. The metal may be deposited on the dielectric by electroless methods. The metallized dielectric may be used in electronic devices.
US07780764B2	Methods and systems for helium recovery The present invention relates generally to processes and systems for recovering helium from low helium-containing feed gases (i.e., containing less than about 10 volume % helium and more typically, less than about 5% helium by volume). The present invention more particularly relates to processes and systems for recovering helium from low helium-containing feed gases using temperature swing adsorption (TSA) systems and multiple (e.g. two) stage vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) systems. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the first stage VPSA system is configured to provide regeneration gas for the TSA system, and/or the VPSA second stage tail gas is recycled to the first stage VPSA system.
US07780763B2	Method of desorbing a volatile component from a spent adsorbent with rotating packed bed and method of recovering 2,2,3,3-tetrafluro-1-propanol from a gas stream by adsorption A method of desorbing a volatile component from a spent adsorbent is disclosed, which includes flowing a stream of supercritical carbon dioxide through a rotating packed bed of the spent adsorbent; and collecting an effluent from the rotating packed bed, which contains supercritical carbon dioxide and the volatile component entrained therein. In one embodiment of the present invention a spent activated carbon from a process for recovering 2,2,3,3-tetrafluro-1-propanol from a gas stream containing 2,2,3,3-tetrafluro-1-propanol is regenerated by flowing a stream of supercritical carbon dioxide through a rotating packed bed of the spent activated carbon.
US07780760B2	Unit and method for the treatment of shredder residues and use of granulate fraction thus produced In a method and a system for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular from vehicle body shells, shredder residues are separated into a shredder light fraction and a non-ferromagnetic fraction. The method and system provide for a raw-granulate fraction being produced during the sorting of the shredder light fraction and the shredder heavy fraction in preliminary processes and a main process, by separating out at least one ferromagnetic fraction, a nonferrous-metal fraction, a fiber fraction, and a sand fraction, and the raw-granulate fraction being split up in a refining process.
US07780755B2	Crack-resistant ceramic honeycomb articles and methods of manufacturing same The present invention provides honeycomb ceramic articles and methods of manufacturing such articles having few or no defects in the outer skin. Methods for minimizing and/or eliminating cracks in thin-wall and ultra-thin-wall cordierite honeycomb articles are disclosed. Advantageously, the present invention prevents skin cracks from forming during the production of thin-wall and ultra-thin-wall cordierite honeycomb articles by optimizing skin properties such as porosity, thickness and pore size distribution.
US07780753B2	Dust collector cup of fall centrifugal separation type A dust collector cup working in the principle of fall centrifugal separation, consists of cup body (13), outlet (3) on the cup body (13), inlet (1) tangential to the circumferential wall of the cup body (13), and a separator settled in the cup body (13). The separator is composed of outlet tube (9), inlet (6) on the wall of the outlet tube (9), and the isolating shield (7) under the inlet (6) of the outlet tube (9), with the outlet tube (9) linked to the outlet (3) of the cup body (13). The fall between the horizontal positions of the lower end of inlet of the cup body (13) and the upper end of the inlet (6) of the outlet tube (9) is 0-140 mm.
US07780751B2	Polishing composition for hard disk substrate The present invention preferably provides a polishing composition for a hard disk substrate, containing aluminum oxide particles and water, wherein secondary particles of the aluminum oxide particles have a volume-median particle size of from 0.1 to 0.7 μm, and particles having particle sizes of 1 μm or more of the aluminum oxide particles are contained in an amount of 0.2% by weight or less of the polishing composition; and a method for manufacturing a hard disk substrate using the polishing composition. By using the polishing composition and the method for manufacturing a substrate of the present invention, for example, a hard disk substrate suitable for high recording density can be provided in high productivity.
US07780748B2	Thin type micro reforming apparatus A thin type reforming apparatus used for a fuel cell is provided. In the thin type reforming apparatus, a substrate has a passage formed therein, and a fuel inlet introduces fuel to the passage. An evaporator is disposed within the substrate downstream of the fuel inlet, and includes a bubble remover for imparting a flow resistance to the fuel in a liquid state, removing bubbles and vaporizing the fuel. A reformer has a passage formed downstream of the evaporator, and reforms the fuel to hydrogen gas through a heat absorbing reaction. A CO remover has a passage formed downstream of the reformer and removes CO gas included in the hydrogen gas through a heat radiating reaction. A cover covers an upper portion of the substrate and sealing the passages from an outside.
US07780746B2	Additives and lubricant formulations for improved used oil combustion properties The disclosure is directed to a method of enhancing a fuel value for a used or waste lubricating oil, lubricating oils having improved combustion and emission characteristics, and a business method for distributing and using waste oils as components of primary combustion fuels. In one embodiment, there is provided a lubricating oil composition having improved combustion and emission properties when burned as a used lubricating oil composition. The lubricating oil composition includes a major amount of oil of lubricating viscosity and a minor combustion improving amount of a combustion improving additive.
US07780743B2	Fluorescent entity, dyeing composition containing at least one fluorescent entity, and method for lightening keratin materials using said at least one fluorescent entity The invention relates to the dyeing of keratin materials using naphthylimide thiol/disulphide thiol fluorescent dyes, and to a dyeing process which has a lightening effect on keratin materials, in particular keratin fibres, especially human keratin fibres such as the hair, using said composition. It similarly relates to novel thiol/disulphide fluorescent dyes and to uses thereof in lightening keratin materials.This composition makes it possible to obtain a particularly resistant and visible lightening effect on dark keratin fibres.
US07780737B2	Ball-type triple-joint implant system for upper or lower limbs The invention relates to a system which is used to replace ball bone joints. The inventive system consists of: a bone anchoring shell (1) comprising a smooth articular surface (7) on the inner concave face thereof; a prosthesis (5) comprising a polished ball (4) and a neck (6) which is characterised in that it is smooth and slightly flared, in order to enable a wear-free low friction movement; and a mobile articular cup (3) which slides (i) on the ball (4) and the neck (6) of a prosthesis (5) and (ii) in the smooth cavity (7) of the bone anchoring shell (1) and which is characterised in that the opening (8) in said cup (3) tapers towards the center thereof, with an inside diameter (9) of equal to or less than that of the ball (4), such that the flared part adapts perfectly to the flared neck (6) in all of the respective positions of the mobile parts.
US07780735B2	Method of protecting a knee prosthesis during intra-operative implantation A total knee arthorplasty in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is accomplished by surgically removing the meniscus and adjacent joint end portions of the femur and tibia and then replacing the first one of the removed joint end portions with a first prosthetic component. Thereafter a flexible protector shim is temporally inserted between the first prosthetic component and the other of the joint end portions. Then the other of the removed joint end portions is replaced with a second prosthetic component while the protector shim is maintained in position between the prosthetic components for thereby preventing scarring, scratching and minimizing movement during the cement curing phase of the insertion process. The protector shim is thereafter removed and a prosthetic meniscus is inserted between the two prosthetic components. If retractors are utilized for inserting the prosthetic meniscus, then the protector shim is maintained in position between the components to assist in the insertion of retractors without snagging or scarring the prosthetic components. Thereafter the protector shim is removed.
US07780731B2	Intervertebral implant An intervertebral implant device includes an upper part, a lower part and a core element. The upper part includes an upper surface for engaging a vertebrae and a lower surface which includes a convex portion. The lower part includes a lower surface for engaging a vertebrae and an upper surface having a convex portion. The core element has an upper concave portion to operatively engage with the convex portion on the upper part and a lower concave portion to operatively engage with the convex portion of the lower part. Limited universal movement and translational movement is provided between the upper part and lower part.
US07780730B2	Nasal implant introduced through a non-surgical injection technique A method for non-surgically treating an internal nasal valve of a patient comprising, injecting a working device into the internal nasal valve of the patient, wherein the injected working device in the nasal tissue causes an alteration of an internal or external nasal valve. A device introduced by injection into the nose, allowing for structural support or filling of defects in the nose, and causing a change in external shape of the nose. The device and inserts and implants described also have use in cosmetic applications relating to the facial tissue.
US07780728B2	Correction of higher order aberrations in intraocular lenses In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of designing an intraocular lens (IOL) to address variations of at least one ocular parameter in a population of patient eyes. The method can include establishing at least one eye model in which the ocular parameter can be varied over a range exhibited by the population. The eye model can be employed to evaluate a plurality of IOL designs in correcting visual acuity for eyes in the patient population. An IOL design that provides a best fit for visual performance over at least a portion of the parameter range can then be selected.
US07780726B2	Assembly for placing a prosthetic valve in a duct in the body The present invention is an assembly comprising a prosthetic valve to be implanted; a radially expandable stent comprising at least one zone intended to be expanded to allow the stent, in the expanded state, to bear against the wall of the body duct to be fitted with the valve, this bearing making it possible to immobilize this stent with respect to this wall; and means for mounting the valve with respect to the stent, making it possible to connect the valve to the stent in such a way that the placement of the stent allows the valve to be mounted in the body duct, and expansion means such as a balloon catheter being provided to trigger expansion of the stent at the implantation site. According to the invention, the valve and the stent are designed in such a way that, at the moment when the stent is expanded, the valve is situated outside the zone or zones of the stent that are subjected to said expansion means. The invention thus consists in separating the valve and said zone or zones to be expanded, so that the expansion of the stent can be effected with an expansion force suitable for perfect anchoring of this stent in the wall of the body duct to be fitted with the valve, and without any risk of destruction or damage of the valve.
US07780725B2	Everting heart valve The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve, wrapping at least a portion of the replacement valve about the anchor, and expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration.
US07780722B2	Venous valve apparatus, system, and method A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.
US07780721B2	Stent and method for manufacturing the stent A stent includes a stent body having a circumference and struts disposed helically about the circumference. Each of the struts has a strut length and a ratio of a number of the struts around the circumference to the strut length is greater than 800 per inch, in particular, over 1000 per inch. A method for manufacturing a helical stent includes the steps of providing a stent body with struts disposed about the circumference thereof in turns and with bridges connecting the struts in adjacent turns. The stent body is expanded and, thereafter, some of the bridges, in particular, sacrificial bridges, are removed.
US07780694B2	Intravascular device and system A device for use in capturing or collecting debris found in blood vessels or other body lumens. The devices can be fabricated from a tube and include longitudinally and circumferentially extending members. The device can further embody structure that provides enhanced radial opening and angular resistance to collapse and structure for absorbing or modifying forces applied thereto by an operator.
US07780691B2	Endoscopic tissue resection device Devices and methods useful for manipulating tools at a surgical site are disclosed. The disclosed devices and methods can be useful, for example, for orbiting the distal end of one tool around the distal end of another tool, such as in an endoscopic resection procedure, and/or for rotating a tool or an end effector. In one exemplary embodiment, an endoscopic device is provided and can include an elongate shaft having a first lumen and a second lumen formed therein, each of the first and the second lumens adapted to receive a tool therethrough. A rotatable element can be disposed at a distal end of the elongate shaft, the rotatable element having a lumen formed therein that is associated with the first lumen of the elongate shaft and also having a tool guide that is adapted to receive a tool and that is associated with the second lumen of the elongate shaft. The rotatable element can be configured to rotate on a longitudinal axis thereof such that the tool guide orbits the longitudinal axis of the rotatable element.
US07780679B2	System and method for intracranial access and monitoring A system and method for intracranial access is disclosed. In particular, a drill stop is shown providing a way to control the penetration of a drill bit as an access hole into the brain is being formed. Access to a desired location is achieved using a catheter guide device. Also disclosed is a mechanism by which multiple diagnostic and treatment devices can be placed at a desired location in brain tissue without the need for more than one access hole. A drainage catheter is disclosed with a mechanism to allow both drainage and to allow intracranial pressure measurement.
US07780675B2	Surgical instrument In order to improve a surgical instrument for removing an intervertebral implant from an intervertebral space of a human or animal spinal column, comprising a coupling part arranged at the distal end of the instrument for placement on the intervertebral implant in a placement position, the coupling part being able to be brought from the placement position into a coupling position in which the intervertebral implant is held with force locking and/or positive locking on the coupling part, the coupling part comprising at least one first coupling element and at least one second coupling element, which are engageable with the intervertebral implant in the coupling position, so that it may also be used for removing different intervertebral implants of different sizes and shapes, it is proposed that the at least one first coupling element and the at least one second coupling element be arranged so as to be movable relative to each other in such a way that a spacing between the at least one first coupling element and the at least one second coupling element in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the instrument is alterable for transferring the instrument from the placement position to the coupling position and/or vice versa.
US07780674B2	ASR pressuriser An instrument for controlling the distribution of bone cement on the surface of the head of a bone to prepare the bone to receive a re-surfacing prosthesis comprises a hollow shell which can be fitted on to the head of the bone to define a space around the head. The shell is rotationally symmetrical and has a spike like projection extending axially from the internal surface of the shell. At least one rib is located on the internal surface of the shell, extending from the spike like projection or from close to it, towards the open face of the shell, which contacts cement on the head of the bone in a sweeping action when the shell is rotated around its axis on the head of the bone.
US07780669B2	Reamer spindle for minimally invasive joint surgery An adjustable reamer spindle is provided to aid the surgeon in controlling the instrument. The reamer spindle is easily disassembled for cleaning. The spindle has a repositionable handle, a locking ring, and an elastic device. The elastic device biases against a handle locking mechanism that locks the repositionable handle at angular positions about an axis of the spindle. The elastic device further biases a locking ring into a locked position. The locking ring aids in holding the reamer spindle together. Removal of the locking ring against an elastic bias of the elastic means unfastens an end of the assembly in order to facilitate disassembly and/or cleaning. Adjustment of the position of the handle about the spindle enables the palm/grip of each hand to be changed in order to provide maximum control in different orientations. The adjustment is desirable in order to accommodate operating on the left or right side of the patient, standing behind or in-front of the patient, or the use of a different surgical approach. Further, adjustment is important to accommodate the differing needs of surgeons who are naturally left or right handed.
US07780661B2	Vacuum coagulation probes An embodiment of the invention includes a surgical device for coagulating soft tissue such as atrial tissue in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia; tendon or ligament shrinkage; or articular cartilage removal. The surgical device integrates a suction mechanism with the coagulation mechanism improving the lesion creation capabilities of the device. The surgical device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about conductive elements capable of coagulating soft tissue when radiofrequency or direct current energy is transmitted to the conductive elements. Openings through the insulative covering expose regions of the conductive elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source. Suction causes the soft tissue to actively engage the opening thus the integrated, exposed conductive elements to facilitate the coagulation process and ensure the lesions created are consistent, continuous, and transmural. The embodiments of the invention can also incorporate cooling mechanisms associated with the conductive elements and coupled to a fluid source to passively transport fluid along the contacted soft tissue surface to cool thus pushing the maximum temperature deeper into tissue.
US07780659B2	Ultrasound treatment system An ultrasound treatment system in accordance with the present invention comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a handpiece, a probe, a sheath, a clamping member, an operation unit, an operating member, a suction base, and a perfusion base. The ultrasonic transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. The handpiece has the ultrasonic transducer incorporated therein and serves as an operation unit. The probe is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and serves as a vibration transmitting member for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to a distal member realizing a stationary portion that is a treatment portion for treating a living tissue. The sheath serves as a protecting member for shielding the probe. The clamping member is opposed to the distal member at the distal end of the sheath, and realizes a movable portion that is another treatment portion for clamping a living tissue in cooperation with the distal member. The operation unit is manipulated for clamping a living tissue with the clamping member and distal member or freeing the living tissue therefrom.
US07780656B2	Patterned thermal treatment using patterned cryogen spray and irradiation by light A spray of cryogen is patterned to create a pattern of cooled regions on a target tissue for cosmetic dermatological treatment. In one embodiment, the cryogen is patterned using a heated mask. An optical source is configured to irradiate the target tissue in a region at least partially overlapping the cooled regions to create a pattern of treatment zones. A control unit adjusts the timing of between the cryogen and optical pulses.
US07780652B2	System and method for flexible architecture for dermatologic treatments utilizing multiple light sources A system and method for providing light treatments to a patients skin, which could include both dermal and epidermal regions. The system and method utilize multiple hand pieces where each hand piece can deliver light from a different light source. The system and method provide for control over the different light source corresponding to the different hand pieces based on whether the hand pieces are held in storage positions in a hand piece management unit. A control unit of the system provides operates to cause a user interface display to communicate information to a user based on the positions of the different hand pieces. Further, the system and method can provide a user with access to different aspects of the systems operation based on the positions of the hand pieces.
US07780650B2	Rotate-to-advance catheterization system A camera assembly for positioning within a bodily passageway, including a camera, a catheter adapted to retain the camera, and a rotary coupling interconnecting the catheter and the camera. The catheter is provided with helically-wound threads thereon. The rotary coupling permits the catheter to rotate and thereby move axially while the camera remains rotationally stationary.
US07780649B2	Tissue transplantation method and apparatus A system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a cannula interconnected to a collection vessel by a flexible conduit. The collection vessel can comprise one or more syringe bodies. The syringe bodies are provided with tissue removed from a body using the cannula by a tissue transfer channel. As a result, multiple syringe bodies can be loaded with tissue, without requiring manual handling of that tissue. Alternatively or in addition, a collection bag can be provided for receiving tissue removed from a body using a cannula. The tissue collection bag can include a filter. A collection vessel comprising a collection bag can be used in combination with a collection vessel comprising one or more syringe bodies.
US07780648B2	Controlling movement of distal portion of medical device A medical device allows movement control of a distal end portion of the medical device and is adapted for one-handed operation. The medical device is capable of omni-directional control of the distal end portion of the device. The device has an elongated member including a deflectable portion at a distal end portion of the elongated member. The device also has a control portion disposed on the elongated member. This control portion can be a handle for one-handed use by an operator of the medical device. The control portion comprises an elastic element and a flexible element. Angular movement of a first portion of the control portion with respect to a second portion of the control portion results in amplification of that angular movement in the deflectable portion of the device.
US07780645B2	Method of delivering embolic particles to an aneurysm A method of delivering embolic particles to an aneurysm includes inserting a delivery catheter into the vasculature of a patient and directing the distal end of the delivery catheter to a pre-selected deployment site. Embolic particles are loaded into the delivery catheter, and hydraulic pressure is applied to move the embolic particles through the delivery catheter. The hydraulic pressure is adjusted to control the velocity of the embolic particles and to reduce jetting.
US07780642B2	Sheath adhesive in bands The present invention relates to an external urinary catheter. The present application realizes, that by replacing the traditional broad band of adhesive material with at least two bands, several advantages are obtained. As will be understood in the following, the tendency to leak is decreased, the degree of skin irritation on the penis is decreased and the adhesive characteristic can be improved.
US07780640B1	Spill proof catheter collector bag A collector bag for a catheter comprising a first receptacle and second receptacle selectively fastenable to each other. The first receptacle, serving as a temporary reservoir for fluids while the second receptacle is detached for disposal of its contents. The first has a top end with a throughbore forming a catheter attachment port while the bottom end incorporates a valve movable between an open and closed position thereby controlling the flow of fluids therebetween. The second receptacle serves as the primary receptacle for collecting fluids with a collar serving as receiver for the first receptacle bottom end that once inserted rotation of one member relative to the other in a predetermined direction locks the two receptacle together. Once fastened thereto, the valve can be opened to provide for fluid passage between the first and second receptacle. As needed, the valve can be closed and the second receptacle rotated to a point of detachment from the first whereby the first, with the valve closed serves as a temporary receptacle for fluids while the contents of the second are discarded.
US07780638B1	Catheter for uniform delivery of medication The present invention provides a catheter for the delivery of fluid medication across an anatomical region. In accordance with one embodiment, the catheter comprises an elongated tube with a plurality of exit holes along an infusion section of the catheter, and an elongated flexible porous member residing within the tube and forming an annular space between the tube and the member. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes a tube having a plurality of exit holes in a side wall of the tube. The exit holes may combine to form a flow-restricting orifice of the catheter. Advantageously, fluid within the catheter flows through all of the exit holes, resulting in uniform distribution of fluid within an anatomical region. In one particular embodiment, the catheter comprises a tube having elongated exit slots therein. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated tubular member made of a porous membrane. The porous membrane is configured so that a fluid introduced into an open end of the tubular member will flow through side walls of the tubular member at a substantially uniform rate along a length of the tubular member. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated “weeping” tubular coil spring attached to an end of, or enclosed within, a tube. Fluid within the spring and greater than or equal to a threshold pressure advantageously flows radially outward between the spring coils. Advantageously, the fluid is dispensed substantially uniformly throughout a length of the spring.
US07780637B2	Medical device container A storage system for a needleless pen delivery device syringe and a hypodermic needle adapted for attachment to and use with the pen delivery device syringe. A tubular sleeve has a first hollow chamber for receiving therein the needleless pen delivery device syringe, and a hollow cap has a second hollow chamber for receiving therein the hypodermic needle. The cap is adapted to affix to the sleeve to form a continuous tubular housing, and the sleeve is adapted to receive the pen delivery device syringe only when the needle is not attached to the syringe. Alternative exemplary embodiments provide for storing other related accessories or additional spare needles.
US07780633B2	Surgical cassette with bubble breaking structure A surgical cassette having a chamber for fluidly coupling to a source of vacuum in a surgical console and a bubble breaking structure disposed within the chamber. The cassette protects the source of vacuum from liquid.
US07780630B2	Perfusion device A perfusion guidewire is disclosed. The perfusion guidewire includes an elongate core member and a collapsible sheath tightly wrapped around at least the distal portion of the elongate core member such that the wrapped sheath is folded upon itself, forming a plurality of layers of material in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis of the elongate core member. The wrapped sheath is tightly wrapped about the elongate core member such that the wrapped sheath and elongate core member travel as a unit during navigation within the blood vessel of the body of a patient. The wrapped sheath is expandable to a larger diameter in order to allow a perfusate to pass through the lumen of the sheath.
US07780626B2	Catheter shaft for regulation of inflation and deflation An angioplasty balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft and a balloon coupled to the shaft. The balloon may include one or more cutting edges coupled thereto. The shaft may include one or more inflation lumens and a plurality of openings defined therein that are in fluid communication with the inflation lumen or lumens.
US07780624B2	Apparatus for treating tumors Disclosed herein is an apparatus for removing fine tumor cells, which remain around a treatment area of patient body, from which a tumor is eliminated, after surgery for removing the tumor has been conducted. The apparatus of the present invention includes a main body, which has a supply tube and a discharge tube that circulate liquid supplied from a storage tank, which is provided outside, and a therapeutic member, which is integrally coupled to an extension pipe that is coupled to the main body and surrounds the supply tube and the discharge tube. A cavity, which communicates with the supply tube and the discharge tube and is supplied with the liquid, is defined in the therapeutic member. The apparatus further includes a temperature sensing unit, which measures a temperature of a treatment area of a patient.
US07780623B2	Implantable pump apparatuses An implantable, miniature pump assembly having a flexible elastic bladder actuating assembly. The bladder, in the non-flexed state, has an elongated, substantially rectangular profile, with a predetermined internal volume or capacity. Influent and effluent conduits extend in opposite directions from respective end portions of the bladder. Each of the conduits include one way valves disposed therein to limit fluid flow to a single direction into and through the bladder. Contraction and expansion of the bladder by means of energy harvested from the dynamic environment in which it is implanted in response to ambient random dynamic motion creates alternating pressure and vacuum within the bladder, alternately drawing fluid into the bladder through the influent conduit, and forcing fluid from the bladder via the effluent conduit. The bladder pump assembly harvests its operational energy from the random dynamic motion of the surrounding organs and tissues and therefore does not require an internal or external power source.
US07780614B2	Orthopedic supports and method of using same An orthopedic support for supporting a joint of a wearer is provided and includes a sheet of flexible laminate material configured to at least partially enclose the joint. The orthopedic support also includes a spacer material attached to the sheet of material about at least a portion of its outer periphery, and at least one strap integrally defined in the sheet of material and configured to tension and secure the sheet of material about the wearer's joint.
US07780613B2	Apparatus, system, and method for transcutaneously transferring energy An apparatus for transcutaneously transferring an amount of energy to an implantable orthopaedic device includes a primary coil. The primary coil has a resonant frequency matched to a resonant frequency of a secondary coil, which may form part of the implantable orthopaedic device. The primary coil may have an aperture configured to receive a portion of a patient's body or may include a substantially “C”-shaped core. A power circuit may be coupled with the primary coil to provide power to the coil. The apparatus may also include a wireless receiver, a measuring device, and/or a display.
US07780612B2	Adjustable tissue compression device A medical device is arranged to provide adjustable, user-controlled, perpendicular compression to soft tissues. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure is adjusted by a threaded bolt or threaded bolt assembly incorporated into the design of a threaded mounting plate.
US07780608B2	Cryotherapy method for detecting and treating vulnerable plaque Methods, apparatus, and kits detect and/or treat vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel. A temperature differential can be sensed along a lumen surface with temperature sensors on a balloon filled with warm gas. Treatment methods include controlled and safe cryogenic cooling of vulnerable plaque to inhibit release of retained fluid within the vulnerable plaque so as to inhibit acute coronary syndrome and to help maintain patency of a body lumen.
US07780607B2	Cardiac therapy system including a triboelectric sensor Mechanical activity of a heart is sensed by a cardiac lead that carries a triboelectric sensor. The triboelectric sensor produces a triboelectric signal in response to cardiac contractions. A lead fabricated according to the invention can be used for a variety of purposes, including without limitation, pacing capture verification, electromechanical conductivity status of the myocardium (including detecting relatively reduced myocardial activity indicative of ischemia, myocyte necrosis, arterial stenosis and the like). The sensor allows detection of mechanical activity without signal blanking traditionally utilized to stimulate and sense cardiac activity. Traditional circuitry can be employed to stimulate/sense while a triboelectric sensor unit(s) detect evoked and/or intrinsic mechanical cardiac activity. A reduction from a prior amplitude signal can be used to set patient (or clinician) alert signals, set a logical flag regarding possible lead dislodgement, compare prior and current signals, store same in memory, and/or provide via telemetry for display.
US07780606B2	Hemodynamic stability assessment based on heart sounds A system comprising an implantable medical device (IMD). The IMD includes an implantable sensor operable to produce an electrical signal representative of mechanical activity of a heart of a subject and a controller circuit coupled to the sensor. The IMD also includes a heart sound sensor interface circuit to produce a heart sound signal, a tachyarrhythmia detector, and a controller circuit. The controller circuit includes a hemodynamic stability assessment module configured to determine that at least one episode of ventricular tachyarrhythmia is detected in a subject and obtain a measurement of hemodynamic stability of the ventricular tachyarrhythmia from the heart sound signal.
US07780604B2	Method and device for the intermittent occlusion of the coronary sinus In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which the coronary sinus is occluded using an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded coronary sinus is continuously measured and stored, the fluid pressure curve is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the coronary sinus is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the measured pressure values. The pressure increase and/or pressure decrease per time unit each occurring at a heart beat are used as characteristic values.
US07780603B2	Blood pressure measuring apparatus Adaptive attachments used in combination with a blood pressure cuff enable various blood pressure measurements to be taken in a hospital or other setting having various single and/or dual lumen manual or electronic blood pressure measuring equipment with a single patient-worn cuff.
US07780600B2	System and method for utilizing shape analysis to assess fetal abnormality A method and system for utilizing shape analysis to assess fetal abnormality. According to one embodiment, coordinates of points identifying a shape in a fetal image are received, coefficients of one or more mathematical functions that describe the identified shape are determined, and the determined coefficients are utilized as markers to assess fetal abnormality.
US07780599B2	Transmission device for ultrasonic imaging system The invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging system having an ultrasound intra-esophageal endoscope device for scanning a patient's organs, for use in particular with transesophageal echocardiography, and an intratracheal transmission device defining a transmission path for sound waves originating from the endoscope device. A transmission device is specially adapted for use with an endoscope device in an ultrasonic imaging system having a flexible balloon member connected to a supply line for a sound wave transmission fluid medium.
US07780596B2	Non-invasive health monitor The time between heartbeats is measured over a series of such heartbeats. The time interval between two successive events is calculated and stored as a first array. The time difference between adjacent heartbeat intervals is also calculated from the first array and recorded as a differential array. The differential array is subjected to frequency analysis. First the differential array data is linearly interpolated to increase the number of data samples. The interpolated data is then subjected to a fast fourier transform (FFT) yielding a power spectrum. Characteristic frequency ranges are then integrated and the resulting frequency domain spectrum(s) are analyzed for dominant frequency characteristics.
US07780591B2	Surgical method and auxiliary device to correct penis curvature The invention refers to a surgical method to correct penis curvature, as well as a method to determine the location of the main incision line, method to determine the geometrical distribution and size of forked ends of the main incision line and a method to determine dimensions of a defect, being all methods geometrical and auxiliary to a surgical intervention to correct penis curvature. Furthermore, the invention also refers to an auxiliary device for the surgery to correct penis curvature.
US07780589B2	Device for altering the storage capacity of a tubular mesh bag It is disclosed a device (1) for altering the storage capacity of a tubular mesh bag of heat sealable material during the manufacture thereof and the bag (15) obtained from its using. The device comprises an expansion core (2) to which the tubular mesh is peripheral, which is essentially oblong and will be inserted vertically inside the tubular mesh, thus determining two from faces (21) and two side faces of said mesh as it passes over the expansion core. The device has a mechanism for inserting, in a variable way as the mesh passes over the expansion core, sections of the peripheral tubular mesh into it, thus accumulating a greater or smaller quantity of mesh in each longitudinal section of mesh corresponding with one bag unit.
US07780588B2	Folding magazine insert method A sound-producing folding insert for a magazine is disclosed. A foldable support structure comprises a primary page and a secondary page. The secondary page is folded upon itself to form a pocket that retains a sound emitting means. The sound emitting means includes an electronic microchip sound generating device that includes a switch means connected at one end to a slidable tongue mechanism that is attached at the other end to the primary page, such that upon opening of the folding insert by separating the primary and secondary pages the slidable tongue mechanism allows the switch means to close, thereby activating the sound emitting means. Conversely, closing the folding insert brings the primary and secondary pages together forces the slidable tongue mechanism to open the switch means, and thereby deactivating the sounds emitting means. The sound emitting means is relatively flat and includes a generally flat speaker mounted to the secondary page. Generally flat button batteries are included to power the device when the sound emitting means is activated.
US07780584B2	Leg exerciser An exercise device comprising a chair attachment assembly adapted for attachment to a chair at a location under a seat of the chair and configured to extend outwardly therefrom. A pair of leg supports are pivotally coupled at first ends thereof to a pivot point on the chair attachment assembly. Each leg support is independently moveable between a contracted position and an extended position. A leg holder is coupled to each leg support near a second end thereof. A resistance element is pivotally coupled between each leg support and the chair attachment assembly. Each resistance element is configured to provide resistance against both outward movement of the associated leg support from the contracted position to the extended position and inward movement of the associated leg support from the extended position to the contracted position.
US07780580B2	Arm exercise apparatus for run simulation An arm exercise apparatus simulates the arm movements of running and jogging. The arm exercise apparatus is coordinated with the foot motion of several typical elliptical cross trainers. Each handle is guided by a pair of links to move from along side an operator, engaged on the apparatus, forward and toward the sagittal plane of the operator to simulate the arm movement of running and jogging. An adjustment is provided to vary the handle movement.
US07780578B2	Mid-deck hinged foldable treadmill deck An exercise apparatus that is stowable in a containment space formed by an article of furniture. The exercise apparatus may be deployed from a storage position within the containment space to a ready-to-use position. An electronic console for the exercise apparatus may be deployed to a ready-to-use position for use in conjunction with the exercise apparatus. The electronic console may be placed into a storage position when the exercise apparatus is stowed in the containment space so as not to interfere with the normal use of the article of furniture. The article of furniture may further comprise a component that is moveable to reveal a grasping member for use in conjunction with the exercise device.
US07780574B2	Systems and methods for administering an exercise program Systems and methods for facilitating an isometric contraction exercise regimen for many subjects across a network are provided. One or more exercise constraints are developed for a subject as a function of the medical health information of the subject. The subject performs a plurality of isometric contraction exercises using exercise equipment always in the presence of a personal fitness trainer thereby producing an exercise result. The exercise equipment has a strain gauge in order to impose exercise constraints in the one or more exercise constraints. A mandatory recovery period for the subject is then imposed. During this mandatory recovery period, the subject does not perform isometric contraction exercises. These steps are repeated using a new set of one or more exercise constraints that were refined based upon the exercise result of a previous isometric contraction exercise work out session.
US07780573B1	Omni-directional treadmill with applications A treadmill having a track assembly that allows a user to navigate in any arbitrary direction. A movable user support has a plurality of rotatable members that rotate about axes normal to the direction of movement of the user support. Separate power drive mechanism concurrently move the user support and rotate the members to omni-directional user movement. A control for the power driven mechanism is responsive to the directional orientation of the user on the user support to cause the user support to operate in the direction of the orientation of the user.
US07780572B2	Control valve arrangement for controlling a starting clutch of an automatic transmission A control valve arrangement having a clutch regulation valve (3), which pressurizes a device to actuate the clutch, and a valve that produces a controlled pilot pressure (P_VST3). An electronic control unit (ECU) controls a valve to supply a control valve with the pressure (P_VST3). The arrangement further having a hydraulic system which, if the ECU fails and the pressure (P_VST3) ceases, the last shift condition of the clutch actuation device, prior to the ECU failure, can be maintained in an emergency. The arrangement includes a valve, which delivers an activation pressure (P_A), depending on an engine-speed-dependent control pressure (P_D), to an actuation valve (2), which then delivers the pressure (P_A) to the valve (3) to prevent the emergency function initiation despite a lack of pressure (P_VST3) and existence of the pressure (P_D) sufficiently high to initiate the emergency function.
US07780567B2	Input brake assembly An input brake assembly is provided for selectively grounding a transmission input member. The packaging location of the input brake assembly does not interfere with, and thus still allows the option of providing a bypass clutch for a flex plate-type flywheel connecting the engine with the transmission input member. The input brake assembly includes a flywheel, preferably a flex plate, for transferring rotary torque between the engine and the transmission input member and a ring gear secured to the outer periphery of the flex plate. A pinion gear is axially movable into and out of meshing engagement with the ring gear. A grounding device is operatively connected to the pinion gear and is operable to prevent rotation of the pinion gear, thereby braking the flex plate as well as the transmission input member operatively connected thereto when the pinion gear is in meshing engagement with the ring gear.
US07780566B2	8-speed automatic transmission for a vehicle An eight-speed automatic transmission for a vehicle includes a single pinion planetary gear set, a double pinion planetary gear set, a compound planetary gear set, a first clutch, a second clutch, a third clutch, a fourth clutch, a first brake, a second brake, and a one-way clutch. The second clutch and the fourth clutch are disposed between the double pinion planetary gear set and the compound planetary gear set, and a center supporter is formed between the second clutch and the fourth clutch for smoothly supplying hydraulic pressure to the second clutch and the fourth clutch. Therefore, an input shaft may have a small diameter.
US07780565B2	Differential device A differential device for differentially distributing a driving force to axles along an axis is disclosed. The differential device has a case being capable of rotation about the axis, which includes a flange configured to receive the driving force and a shaft crossing the case perpendicularly to the axis; an opening defined by a peripheral border on an outer periphery of the case so as to allow access into the case, lateral extremities of which is deviated from a center of the shaft toward a direction opposite to the flange along the axis; and a differential gear set housed in and drivingly coupled to the case, the differential gear set including an input gear rotatable around the shaft and output gears so combined with the input gear as to differentially distribute the driving force to the output gears, the output gears being drivingly coupled to the axles.
US07780564B2	Automatic transmission hydraulic line pressure regulator An automatic transmission line pressure regulator includes a first body for installation in a valve bore distant from a line pressure valve and having a threaded bore passing therethrough, a threaded adjuster axially engaged in the threaded bore and rotationally adjustable with respect to the first body, a second body for installation in the valve bore and engagement with the threaded adjuster and a spring for installation between and engagement with the second body and the line pressure valve. Rotation of the threaded adjuster with respect to the first body alters an axial position of the adjuster, the second body and a first end of the spring, thereby altering a pre-load on the spring to alter a resistive force against movement of the line pressure valve caused by line pressure, and thusly, regulates line pressure.
US07780547B2	Golf club head A golf club head of a hollow wood type, that includes: a face portion; a body portion including a crown portion; and a film provided on the face portion and at least a front part of the crown portion. A film thickness T1 of the face portion is greater than or equal to a film thickness T2 of the body portion.
US07780539B2	Ball trap A ball trap comprises a carrier about which is spaced a number of suspended flaps so as to be positioned, in use, about the surface on which the ball travels and which are configured, so that when a—or the—flap is impacted by a ball, the flap is pushed aside to a position where, provided the impact force is sufficient, the ball passes underneath the flap and the flap falls back to its position of rest to prevent the ball from escaping; characterised by the feature that the flap region which the ball pushes aside on impact is spaced sufficiently, radially outward from the carrier that the same region can subsequently come down behind the ball and act as the escape-preventing means.
US07780534B2	Methods and gaming devices having a movable top box Various methods for presenting a game on a gaming machine having a movable top box are disclosed herein. According to one method, the gaming machine receives player input initiating a game. A game outcome is presented on a primary display of the gaming machine. The top box of the gaming machine is moved in response to a triggering event.
US07780533B2	Client terminal for executing multiplayer application, group forming method, and group forming program A given terminal of a plurality of terminals in a network system that also includes a server apparatus, the terminals respectively corresponding to characters that exist in a virtual space. The given terminal including a display unit performing, in accordance with data stored in the sever apparatus and data stored in the given terminal, a display of a scene in the virtual space in which exits a first character whose actions are determined by the given terminal and a second character whose actions are determined by another terminal Further, the given terminal including an updating unit uploading, when a user performs an operation to form a group of characters, the displayed scene, such that performance information pertaining to the other terminal is displayed in correspondence with the second character.
US07780526B2	Universal system mediation within gaming environments Gaming machines and networks capable of providing universal mediation between multiple disparate gaming systems are disclosed. In particular, multiple disparate gaming systems providing different services and features can be accessed by a player throughout a gaming session at a gaming device as a result of a single player transaction using a universal indicia of identification by the player. Such an indicia can include a card, token, PIN, biometric identifier and/or other identification source. A player identification device at the gaming device can accept such indicia, and can also facilitate protocol mediation and hardware mediation between the gaming device and each of the multiple disparate gaming systems. Enhanced DCUs may also be used to facilitate such mediations, and also to provide redundant communication paths between a LAN containing the gaming device and a WAN including the multiple disparate gaming systems.
US07780520B2	Gaming device having multiple different types of progressive awards A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a plurality of different types of progressive awards adapted to be provided to one or more players of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a progressive hit value, wherein when each progressive award increments to its respective progressive hit value, a triggering event occurs and such progressive award is provided to a player. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a secondary game, wherein if the secondary game is triggered, a player is provided either a fixed award or one of the progressive awards associated with the secondary game based on a play of the secondary game. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with an outcome of a primary game, such as a designated symbol combination, wherein if the associated primary game outcome is generated, such progressive award is provided to a player.
US07780517B2	Gaming device having a cash out menu screen and a system and method for enabling a player to retrieve money from a gaming device An operator configurable cash out menu that is displayed when a player presses the cash out button of a gaming device. The present invention provides for more flexible cash outs than in known gaming systems, wherein the player can select one or more methods of payment. The player can select an amount of money to be transferred to a casino account. The player can also select an amount of money to issue on a ticket that the gaming device prints and provides to the player, whereby the player can redeem the ticket for cash. The present invention also enables the player to select different amounts of money to cash out. The player can choose: (i) to have some or all of the amount transferred to the casino account; (ii) to have some or all of the amount issue as cash printed on a ticket; or (iii) to have some be transferred to the account and some issue on a ticket.
US07780514B2	Method and apparatus for operating lotteries and for generating and processing lottery entries In accordance with some embodiments, methods, media, and apparatus are described for processing lottery entries. One embodiment provides for receiving a request to purchase a lottery entry, receiving with the request an indicator that the lottery entry is to be entered into at least one lottery drawing until a lottery drawing identifies the lottery entry as a winner, and storing the lottery entry.
US07780513B2	Board game system utilizing a robot arm A board game system comprises a touch screen, a computing device and a robot arm. The computing device comprises a processor and a memory. At least one type of board game program is stored in the memory so that the processor can execute the board game program present a corresponding board game interface on the touch screen. The robot arm controlled by the computing device can touch the touch screen and play the board game with a user.
US07780510B2	Attic vent A passive venting device for venting enclosures comprising a base member, an intermediate splash member including a diverter, and a top, dome-shaped member. In a preferred embodiment, the diverter may be molded as a single unit of manufacture with the base member. The venting device allows air and other gases to escape from within an enclosure to be vented while preventing the intrusion of moisture, such as rain or snow, into the enclosure.
US07780508B2	Air outlet device for vehicle cabin A register includes an operation knob which is slidably assembled to a selected one of front horizontal blades and which is connected to a selected one of rear vertical blades via a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism includes a connection pillar portion formed integrally with an intermediate portion of the selected vertical blade, the connection pillar portion having a generally circular cross section and being located at a position deviating from a rotation axis of the selected rear vertical blade, and a pair of connection arm portions extending rearward from the rear end of the operation knob with a predetermined space formed therebetween. The operation knob is connected to the selected vertical blade in a state where the connection pillar portion is rotatably inserted into an engagement groove between the connection arm portions.
US07780507B2	Method of cutting beef short ribs and beef products produced by the method A method of cutting beef short ribs having a first, concavely shaped inside surface and a second convexly shaped outside surface comprises the steps of: separating the short ribs into a plurality of generally equally sized individual rib meat portions, each having a rib bone, by cutting completely through the short ribs from the first surface to the second surface along cut lines extending generally midway between and generally parallel to the rib bones; and making a series of generally parallel cuts into the meat on at least one of the first and second surfaces of each of the rib portions, the cuts made into each rib portion extending generally perpendicular to the rib bone along the entire length of the meat from one end of the rib bone to the other end of the rib bone and being spaced apart from each other by a first predetermined distance.
US07780506B2	Sanding block A sanding block for sanding high and extended surfaces configured for use in combination with an attached pole. The sanding block is round in shape and is rotationally mounted on a pole mount that interfaces between the sanding block and the pole, which attaches to a rotatable hub of the pole mount. This allows the sanding block to rotate during use and the pole to be rotated to different angles in relation to the flat working surface of the sanding block. Adjacent surface marring is prevented by the rotation of the sanding block upon contact of a side edge with such an adjacent surface. Optionally the pole mount can be locked to prevent rotation if desired and a barrel can provide an interface between the pole and the pole mount. This barrel can be straight, angled, or adjustable for angle, in the different preferred embodiments.
US07780502B2	Partial undergarment and method for covering a woman's exposed cleavage A partial undergarment for covering a female's exposed cleavage area when an outer garment is worn over a bra, the partial undergarment includes a piece of material configured to extend from a first strap of the bra to a second strap of the bra, and between cups of the bra, and a plurality of fasteners respectively connected to the piece of material so that the material is attachable to the bra. The piece of material is attachable to at least two of the first strap of the bra, the second strap of the bra, and between the cups of the bra.
US07780501B2	Hula hoop A hula hoop has a plurality of arched coupling units, which are plastic molded articles and coupled to one another in sequence to complete a circular assembly. Each coupling unit is centrally formed with an expanded acupressure portion, and has one end formed into a bolt-shaped coupling portion and the other end formed into a nut-shaped coupling portion. Thereby, the bolt-shaped coupling portion of one coupling unit is able to be forcibly fitted into and fastened to the nut-shaped coupling portion of another neighboring coupling unit. Each coupling unit is densely wound, throughout an outer peripheral surface of the overall body thereof except for the coupling portions, by a braid that is made by interweaving a plurality of strands. Metal or plastic connecting members are fitted around the respective coupling portions between the neighboring coupling units in the course of assembling of the coupling units.
US07780500B2	Portable ride-on bouncing and spinning toy A ride-on activity device is disclosed, wherein the device includes a seat, a base and a connector for movably connecting the seat relative to the base. The connection between the seat and the base allows multiple degrees of freedom such that the seat is capable of bouncing and rotating relative to the base. The connection between the seat and the connector includes a rotation safety mechanism that allows rotation at the connection when the seat is occupied by a user and prevents rotation at the connection when the seat is unoccupied. Furthermore, the connector includes a resilient member that allows the seat to bounce vertically relative to the base.
US07780499B1	Modular toy and writing instrument A modular combination toy and desktop writing accessory apparatus comprising a plurality of structural elements each having at least one nodal connector portion to which a complementary connector portion of another structural element can be coupled. The structural elements can be assembled into a barrel-like form that is configured with a passageway for carrying a writing component of the invention. The writing component can be a pen, pencil, marker, crayon, eraser or the like. The modular combination toy and writing instrument has multiple functions in playtime as well as in everyday desk-bound activities.
US07780497B2	Bubble machine A bubble machine has a housing, a bubble generator positioned adjacent the front opening of the housing, a fan positioned inside the housing, and a motor positioned inside the housing and operatively coupled to the fan and the bubble generator. Actuation of the motor causes the fan and the bubble generator to be simultaneously actuated.
US07780495B2	Field emission lamp and method for making the same A field emission lamp includes a transparent glass tube, a cathode, and an anode. The anode and cathode are both disposed in the transparent glass tube. The cathode includes an electron emission layer. The anode includes a carbon nanotube transparent conductive film formed on an inner wall of the transparent glass tube and a fluorescent layer formed on the carbon nanotube transparent conductive film. A method for fabricating the above-described field emission lamp, includes the steps of: (a) providing a transparent glass tube including at least one conductive wire, a carbon nanotube transparent conductive film and a fluorescent layer formed on the inner wall thereof; and (b) providing an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, a cathode emitter sealed by feedthroughs in the glass tube to achieve the field emission lamp.
US07780494B2	Method for maintaining vacuum-tight inside a panel module and structure for the same This invention provides a method for maintaining vacuum of a panel module and a structure of the panel module. A sealing material is suspended inside the panel module right above an exhaust opening of the panel module connecting with an exhaust tube. After exhausting the inside of the panel module, the sealing material is heated and molten so as to drop down to seal the exhaust tube. As such, the panel module becomes vacuum-tight. During a subsequent annealing process to heat the exhaust tube to its melting temperature, ambient air is prohibited from flowing into the panel module.
US07780490B2	Watercraft with control system for controlling wake and method for controlling wake A watercraft with a control system includes at least two propulsion units carried by a hull of the watercraft. Each propulsion unit is independently turnable. The watercraft includes a control system arranged to control orientation of the propulsion units. The control system includes a first control mode in which turning of two of the propulsion units is limited to turning through less than an entire range of motion of the two propulsion units, in equal amounts, and in opposite directions relative to a longitudinal centerline of the watercraft.
US07780488B2	Flex connect The present invention relates generally to connectors for terminating and connecting electrical wires and cables. More particularly, the connector of the present invention permits ease of connection at any angle, with regard to the electrical wire or cable equal to that of heavy gauge. Termination of an electrical wire is provided in the present invention using a connector assembly including a barrel connector, a terminal lug connector, and a flexible cable. The terminal lug connector and the barrel connector mechanically and electrically engage the electrical wire. The flexible cable mechanically and electrically connects the barrel connector to the terminal lug connector and permits angular movement between the barrel connector and the terminal lug connector.
US07780486B2	Electrical connectors and mating connector assemblies An electrical connector includes a terminal body defining at least two openings therein. Electrical terminals positioned in each of the at least two openings defined by the terminal body include respective crimp sections that extend beyond an end of the terminal body. A separator fin attached to the end of the terminal body extends beyond the crimp sections of the electrical terminals and is located between the at least two openings in the terminal body so that the separator fin defines a structure that is closed on an inner side to physically separate the crimp sections of the electrical terminals and open on an outer side so that the crimp sections of the electrical terminals are exposed.
US07780485B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes a terminal and a connector body. The terminal has one or more tabs. The connector body has a cavity that is constructed and sized to receive the terminal. The connector body has one or more rails, and has one or more knobs. When the terminal is received in the cavity, the tab bears against the rail and bears against the knob.
US07780476B2	Electrical card connector An electrical card connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) and a plurality of signal contacts (3) retained in the insulative housing. The insulative housing has a pair of side walls (14), a connecting plate (17) extending laterally to connect the side walls, and a pair of supporting rails (172) being adjacent to the side walls and extending upwardly from the connecting plate. A receiving slot (13) is formed between the side walls and the supporting rails to receive an electrical card. The signal contacts (3) extend into the receiving slot.
US07780474B2	High speed transmission connector with surfaces of ground terminal sections and transmission paths in a common plane Each of the ground contact terminals of a contact unit has a pair of bifurcated terminals located on opposite sides of a pair of transmission contact terminals formed adjacent to each other.
US07780473B2	Plug connector and method of manufacturing the same A plug connector comprises a terminal electrically terminated to a cable. An inner molding is circumferentially formed on a connection between the terminal and the cable. A first outer molding is circumferentially formed on an external peripheral surface of the inner molding and a portion of the cable, the first outer molding is defined by a front section and a rear section with an outer diameter being larger than that of the front section. A second outer molding is circumferentially formed on an external peripheral surface of the front section of the first outer molding and interfered with the terminal.
US07780471B2	Connector apparatus A connector apparatus includes a main body. The main body includes a first module, and a second module. The first and second modules are detachably assembled together. At least one connector is fixed in each of the first and second modules.
US07780469B2	Arrangement of at least one power semiconductor module and a printed circuit board An arrangement between a power semiconductor module and a printed circuit board is disclosed, A printed circuit board includes strip conductors, and a power semiconductor module includes a module housing and power terminals. The power terminals extend to the exterior of the module housing and into contact with the strip conductors. A heat sink is disposed on a side of the power semiconductor module opposite the circuit board. A deformable means is disposed between the module housing and the circuit board and is configured to relieve a contact pressure load on the power terminals. A contact-pressure element is disposed on a side of the circuit board opposite the power semiconductor module. The contact-pressure element is integral with a first housing part of an arrangement housing, and the heat sink is integral with a second housing part of the arrangement housing. The two housing parts enclose the circuit board.
US07780466B1	Cable assembly with locking member A cable connector assembly (1) includes an insulative housing (10), a number of contacts (12) disposed in the housing, a cover (15) molded onto the housing and a locking member (16) assembled to the housing and the cover. The locking member defines about a front end thereof a retention portion (160) for securing the locking member on the housing, an actuating portion (162) about a rear end thereof, and a locking portion (161) extending rearwards across the retention portion and connecting to the actuating portion.
US07780465B2	Powered latching mechanism for a module A latching system for use in selectively securing a module within a receptacle of a host device is described. In one or more examples, the latching system includes a powered actuation mechanism and a latching mechanism. In one or more examples, the module latching mechanism includes a latch and the powered actuation mechanism disengages a latch from a catch. In one or more examples, two latches are provided. In one or more examples, the latching mechanism of a module includes a pusher that interacts with a latch located on a receptacle. In one or more examples, a module includes two latches.
US07780460B2	Connecting terminal The invention relates to a connecting terminal with an insulating housing and a clamping contact positioned in the connecting terminal housing for the purpose of connecting an electrical conductor, such that a contact spring, which is electrically connected to the clamping contact in the housing, is guided through an initial hole in the housing of connecting terminal to the outside of the housing, and where the contact spring is so designed that it presses against the contact surface of the circuit board when the connecting terminal is mounted on a circuit board, to thereby produce an electrical contact between the circuit board and the clamping contact.
US07780458B2	Cable plug assembly with internal circuit board A cable assembly includes a cable having a plurality of signal lines; a plug portion connectable to a connection target; a circuit board, a first end portion of the circuit board being provided with a plurality of connection portions that are respectively connectable by soldering to the signal lines of the cable, and a second end portion of the circuit board being connectable to the plug portion; and a holder for holding the circuit board. The holder is provided with a plurality of signal line guide grooves for positioning and fixing the signal lines with respect to the connection portions of the circuit board.
US07780456B2	Electrical connector having reinforced contacts arrangement An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing having a plurality of passageways, and a number of contacts receiving in corresponding passageways, respectively. The contacts comprises a first base portion having a first retaining portion for securing the contact in the passageway, and a second base portion having a second resilient arm extending therefrom. A first resilient arm extends upwardly from the first base portion and having a contacting portion disposed at a free end thereof. The second base portion and the second resilient arm are attached to the first base portion and the first resilient arm, respectively, from a lower position. Accordingly, an electrical connector with a large array pattern of the contacts is achieved under a condition that steady electrical connection is provided.
US07780455B2	System having primary and secondary backplanes A system comprises a primary backplane and a secondary backplane. The primary backplane has a surface region substantially devoid of components and a plurality of connectors to which electronic devices can be mated. The secondary backplane is removably mated to the primary backplane within the region. The secondary backplane has at least two connectors adapted to mate to at least two of the electronic devices. At least two electronic devices communicatively interconnect through the primary and secondary backplanes.
US07780454B2	Retaining socket A retaining socket which allows detachable fixing of built-in parts of various kinds with various directions of movement during the fitting to glass panes comprises a base part, optionally serving to glue or otherwise fix the retaining socket to the glass pane, at least one first accommodation space for accommodating a retaining portion of a built-in part introduceable in the direction of movement perpendicular to the base part, and at least one second accommodation space for accommodating a retaining portion of a built-in part introduceable in the direction of movement parallel to the base part.
US07780453B2	Monitoring cleaning of surfaces A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
US07780450B2	Video instructional system and method for teaching motor skills A real-time camera image of a student is displayed to the student while the student is performing a physical activity. The student can switch between seeing his natural field of view and the live video image by refocusing his eyes. Additionally, instructional information may be overlaid on the real-time video, thus enhancing the learning process.
US07780448B2	Dental implant device and correction device therefor A correction device used for a dental implant device includes a jig formed at the center of the upper portion with a receiving hole having a sleeve on the inner circumferential surface, a solid screw having a head and a coupling screw and being transferred to the receiving hole, the head formed with a second sleeve resting groove corresponding to the sleeve of the receiving hole, the coupling screw integrally formed at the other side of the head, an abutment penetratingly coupled to the coupling screw of the solid screw and formed with a first sleeve resting groove on the outer circumferential surface, the groove corresponding to the sleeve of the receiving hole, a dental analog body formed at the end portion with a coupler coupled to the abutment and at the center with a pass-through hole, and an analog screw formed at the inside with a female screw coupled to the dental analog body and the coupling screw of the solid screw at the same time.
US07780444B1	Orthodontic anchor A screw-type orthodontic anchor having an upper member with a pair of slots formed therein with the slots being of different depths. A head portion disposed below the upper member with a collar or cap enveloping the upper member and having a protrusion formed on the inner surfaces thereof which is positioned in a hole extending through the head portion.
US07780441B2	Mounting device for orthodontic retainer elements and a method of maintaining said elements in place for mounting on corresponding teeth The invention concerns a mounting device for a pair of orthodontic retainer elements intended for attachment to a pair of adjacent teeth in a dental arch during passive orthodontic treatment. The retainer elements include approximal surfaces formed complementary to each other so as to form contact surfaces capable of stabilizing each other when the pair of retainer elements is attached to the pair of adjacent teeth, thereby also stabilizing the pair of teeth. The mounting device comprises a jig to which the pair of retainer elements is releasably connected and is maintained in a specific spatial relationship, which allows the approximal surfaces to form the stabilizing contact surfaces when mounted on the pair of teeth. The invention also concerns a method of maintaining a correct spatial relationship between the pair of retainer elements, especially when attaching them to the pair of teeth.
US07780438B2	Substrate heating apparatus and method and coating and developing system Disclosed is a substrate heating apparatus including a hot plate that heats a substrate, and a cooling plate that supports the substrate and moves between a first position (home position) and the second position above the hot plate to transfer wafers between the two positions. A heat-radiating fin structure is connected to the cooling plate to move together with the cooling plate. The fin structure is thermally connected to the cooling plate via heat pipes. A suction port is arranged so as to locate adjacent to the fin structure when the cooling plate is in the home position. The fin structure is cooled by a gas passing therethrough before flown into the suction port, whereby the cooling plate is cooled through heat transfer from the cooling plate to the fin structure through the heat pipes.
US07780436B2	Flex-flame burner and combustion method A combustion method and apparatus which produce a hybrid flame for heating metals and metal alloys, which hybrid flame has the characteristic of having an oxidant-lean portion proximate the metal or metal alloy and having an oxidant-rich portion disposed above the oxidant lean portion. This hybrid flame is produced by introducing fuel and primary combustion oxidant into the furnace chamber containing the metal or metal alloy in a substoichiometric ratio to produce a fuel-rich flame and by introducing a secondary combustion oxidant into the furnace chamber above the fuel-rich flame in a manner whereby mixing of the secondary combustion oxidant with the fuel-rich flame is delayed for a portion of the length of the flame.
US07780434B2	Nozzle for an injection molding apparatus A nozzle for an injection molding apparatus is provided. The injection molding apparatus has a mold component that defines a mold cavity and a gate into the mold cavity. The nozzle includes a nozzle body, a heater, a tip, a tip retainer, and a nozzle seal piece. The nozzle body defines a nozzle body melt passage therethrough that is adapted to receive melt from a melt source. The heater is thermally connected to the nozzle body for heating melt in the nozzle body. The tip defines a tip melt passage therethrough that is downstream from the nozzle body melt passage, and that is adapted to be upstream from the gate. The tip retainer is removably connected with respect to the nozzle body. The nozzle seal piece is connected with respect to the nozzle body. The material of nozzle seal piece has a thermal conductivity that is less than at least one of the thermal conductivity of the material of the tip and the thermal conductivity of the material of the tip retainer.
US07780433B2	Hot runner nozzle having thermal insert at downstream end In a thermally gated hot runner nozzle or hot runner system, a thermal insert is in contact with and separable from a nozzle tip and is in contact with and separable from a nozzle body. The thermal insert is made of a material having a thermal conductivity different from thermal conductivity of the material of the nozzle tip.
US07780427B2	Two-stage rotary compressor A two-stage rotary compressor includes a sealed cylindrical compressor housing in which first, second, third communication holes are provided apart in an axial direction on an outer peripheral wall; an accumulator held at an outside part of the housing; a low-pressure connecting pipe for connecting a bottom communication hole of the accumulator and the second communication hole; and an intermediate connecting pipe for connecting the first and third communication holes. The first and third communication holes are provided nearly in the same locations in the circumferential direction of the housing. The accumulator is held nearly in the same location in the circumferential direction as that of the second communication hole. The second communication hole is provided in a different location in the circumferential direction from those of the first and third communication holes for preventing interference between the low-pressure and intermediate connecting pipes each formed in arc shape.
US07780426B2	Rotary compressor defining gaps of different sizes A rotary compressor including a housing having first and second compressing chambers separated from each other, first and second flanges coupled to the housing, to close the first and second compressing chambers, respectively, an intermediate plate to separate the first and second compressing chambers from each other, first and second rollers rotatably installed in the first and second compressing chambers, respectively, first and second vanes to reciprocate in a radial direction of the first and second compressing chambers to divide the first and second compressing chambers, respectively, and a vane control device to control the reciprocating movement of the first vane by use of a suction pressure and a discharge pressure, for a variation in compression capacity. A first gap, defined at an end of the first roller, is smaller than a second gap defined at an end of the second roller.
US07780424B2	Self leveling dynamically stable radial bearing A bearing configuration for use in electrical submersible pumps having improved stability. The bearing configuration comprised of a plurality of pads, each able to freely tilt and adjust to the surface of the shaft.
US07780421B2	Refrigerant compressor A refrigerant compressor has a hermetically tight compressor housing inside of which a piston-cylinder unit operates. A suction muffler through which refrigerant flows to the intake valve of the piston-cylinder unit is provided on the cylinder head. The inlet of the suction muffler has a cross section via which refrigerant flows into the suction muffler. A compensating volume is provided inside of which refrigerant oscillates and which is connected to the suction muffler and the interior of the compressor housing. The cross section of the inlet also acts as the connecting port between the compensating volume and the filling volume. The compensating volume is formed by an outer tube directed into the compressor housing, which tightly surrounds the intake port of the inlet while surrounding the section of the refrigerant suction pipe that is connected to the evaporator of the compressor and extends into the interior of the compressor housing.
US07780420B1	Turbine blade with a foam metal leading or trailing edge A thin compressor blade used in a small aircraft gas turbine engine, in which the blade includes a main blade portion formed from a fiber reinforced resinous composite material to provide a lightweight and strong blade, and in which the leading edge or the trailing edge of the blade is formed from a foam metal reinforced composite material that defines a sharp edge for improved performance of the thin blade. The fibers of the main body extend into the edge region in order that the resin used to bind the foam metal will also bind with the fibers of the laminates to secure the edge to the main blade body. The blade tip can also be formed from the porous foam metal and resin material to make a strong and lightweight rotor blade.
US07780416B2	Blinking sail windmill Four wide frames are fixed to a vertical axis. The frames have horizontal bars ten centimeters apart. On each horizontal bar, a sheet of cloth twenty centimeters high and as wide as the frame is hung such that the sheets of cloth are all on the same side of the frames so that when the wind blows from any direction, the windmill rotates in the same direction. For frames facing the wind direction, on one side of the axis, the wind will blow the sheets of cloth away from the frame, and the wind will pass through the frame. On the other side of the axis, the wind will blow the sheets of cloth, but the horizontal bars will stop them from blowing to the other side of the frame such that the sheets of cloth stick to the frame and prevent the wind from passing through. The frame on that other side will act like a big sail.
US07780415B2	Turbine blade having a convergent cavity cooling system for a trailing edge A turbine blade including an airfoil defining an airfoil cavity forming a cooling system in the blade. First, second and third ribs are positioned in the airfoil cavity to form first, second and third generally elongated cooling cavities along at least a portion of the span-wise direction of the airfoil in an area adjacent the trailing edge of the airfoil. Each of the ribs includes a plurality of orifices for conveying a cooling fluid into each of the cavities. Each of the cavities includes a pair of converging walls, angling inwardly relative to an outer surface of the airfoil, to increase the impingement of cooling fluid from the orifices onto the cavity walls, and increase the cooling effectiveness within the trailing edge of the airfoil.
US07780414B1	Turbine blade with multiple metering trailing edge cooling holes A ceramic core used to make a first or second stage turbine blade in an industrial gas turbine engine. The ceramic core includes a serpentine flow forming pierce with a trailing edge cooling supply channel forming piece on the trailing edge end. Three rows of metering holes are formed by a core piece in which a continuous flow channel piece on the tip portion and the root portion of the blade support the core piece that forms the metering holes and impingement cavity pieces such that the ceramic core is rigid and strong to prevent shear force and local bending of the core during casting will not break the core. A first and a second stage turbine blade is formed from the ceramic core and includes a forward flowing serpentine flow circuit for the first stage blade with the first channel of the serpentine flow circuit forming the trailing edge supply channel. A second stage blade includes an aft flowing serpentine flow circuit with the last channel forming the trailing edge supply channel. The three rows of metering holes allow for a gradual pressure drop from the high pressure trailing edge cooling supply channel and out the discharge holes or ducts along the edge of the blade.
US07780411B2	Device and method for adjusting angle-of-attack of wind blades in lift-type vertical axis wind turbine A device for adjusting an angle-of-attack (δ) of blades in a lift-type vertical axis turbine comprising a vertical rotating axis, a rotatable cantilever support wing fixed on the vertical rotating axis, a wind rotor comprising a plurality of blades mounted on the cantilever support wing, at least one cam disposed along an axial direction of the vertical rotating axis, the axial direction of the cam being parallel to the rotating axis, and for any point in a contour line of the cam, the angle of attack δ being set according to the following formula: δ=β−α, wherein δ is the angle of attack; β is an azimuth angle; α is a rotating angle for blades; and δ, β, and α are preset values.
US07780408B2	Flow straightener for axial fans, particularly for conditioning systems A flow straightener for axial fans particularly for conditioning systems, being constituted by a plurality of flat deflection walls, which form a substantially star-shaped profile which is adapted to be arranged coaxially and proximate to the impeller of the axial fan with which it is associated.
US07780401B2	Ice strike sheathing ring for the fan casing of an aircraft gas turbine An ice strike sheathing ring (4) including several fiber compound layers for the fan casing of an aircraft gas turbine features breaking points (7) at a certain regular distance, so that, in case of destruction of the ice strike sheathing ring due to extreme ice strike, fragments of small size will be produced which together with the engine airflow will pass the exit guide vanes downstream of the fan without blocking the engine airflow or reducing engine thrust. With fiber compound layers enclosing a cavity or a core, the breaking points designed as slots (9) and/or assembly holes (8) are located in the inner wall (20) of the ice strike sheathing ring facing the engine airflow, while the outer wall (21) of the ice strike sheathing ring adjoining the fan casing is firmly attached to the latter via an adhesive film and a threaded safety connection.
US07780392B2	Horizontal array stocker The present invention comprises a stocker. The stocker comprises multiple container storage locations arranged in a horizontal array. The horizontal array of storage locations may be suspended from the facility ceiling or supported by the facility floor. The stocker may include one or more stocker robots for transporting a workpiece container within the stocker and/or to a material transport system. The stocker may also include features such as container elevators and conveyor loops.
US07780385B2	Apparatus and method for cargo loading system Disclosed herein is a unique system providing for the quick and efficient movement of cargo such as pallets, containerized loads, and the like while providing enhanced safety measures to reduce or eliminate some of the injuries that are typically associated with cargo transport. By deploying a cargo transport system constructed from a fiberglass cargo loading grid with one or more cargo restraining latches, the movement of cargo within the trailer or bed of the truck can be more efficiently restrained, thereby minimizing inadvertent exposure of personnel to accidents associated with the movement of the cargo and damage to the cargo during transport. The cargo restraining latch is a spring-loaded, multi-fingered mechanism that is selectively and removably inserted into a portion of the cargo transport system, thereby restraining any undesired movement of the cargo. Additionally, certain embodiments of the cargo transport system comprise a plurality of hinged folding panels with handles, providing an apparatus that is portable and reconfigurable, allowing for maximum flexibility.
US07780383B2	Locking system for roll-off containers with a positive unlocking mechanism to prevent binding A locking system for locking a container to a vehicle includes a locking assembly mounted to a hoist frame and a striker assembly mounted to the vehicle chassis. The locking assembly has at least one hook for hooking over a frame member of the container. The hook has a center of mass that biases the hook to an unlocked position. The striker assembly strikes the hook at a location to move the hook against the bias of the hook's center of mass into a locked position in which the hook is hooked over the frame member of the container. As the hoist frame supporting the container is lowered, the striker assembly contacts the hook and rotates the hook against the bias of the hook's center of mass into the locked position. As the hoist frame is raised, the hook rises as well and loses contact with the striker assembly, thereby falling away from the hoist frame and unlocking the container. A positive or mechanical unlocking mechanism prevents the hooks from binding to the container.
US07780382B2	Tool unclamping device A tool unclamping device according to the present invention comprises a motor, a rotary shaft connected to the motor, a cam provided on the rotary shaft, a power transmission member, pressed by the cam to be axially movable, having a recess at the center in the radial direction thereof, a frame so provided as to enclose the power transmission mechanism, a support member inserted into the power transmission mechanism in the radial direction thereof and fixed to the frame, an elastic member set in the recess located between the power transmission member and the support member for urging the power transmission member toward the motor and an output shaft driven by power from the power transmission mechanism for unclamping a tool.
US07780378B2	Device and process for transporting a sleeve A device and a process for transporting a sleeve, in particular for a cup or a can, in which the sleeve is transported during the production process from a first working station to a second working station. The sleeve is transported by a blast of air, whereby the blast of air is generated in the opposite direction to the transport direction of the sleeve. A first working station comprises a mandrel for taking up the sleeve. An air jet is provided for creating the blast of air, the mouthpiece of the air jet being directed towards the mandrel in the opposite direction to the transport direction of the sleeve.
US07780376B2	Interior underpin bracket and system and method for elevating a structure Various embodiments of subsurface support devices, interior underpin brackets, and systems and methods for elevating a settled or settling structure are disclosed. One embodiment comprises an interior underpin bracket. One such bracket comprises: a support shaft having a bore adapted to receive an underpin pipe; and at least two support arms pivotally fixed to the support shaft, the support arms adjustable between a retracted position in which the support arms are disposed parallel to the support shaft and an extended position in which the support arms are disposed perpendicular to the support shaft.
US07780374B2	Methods and systems to maintain accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings Disclosed herein are methods, devices and systems to maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings. The methods, devices and systems and methods of the present invention maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings by providing at least one barrier that prevents burrowing animals from off-loading displaced ground dirt or other debris into the space created by the underground housing.
US07780373B2	Method and apparatus for making compacted snow pavements The invention relates to making compacted snow pavements and can be used in apparatuses for compacting snow mass. The inventive apparatus for making compacted snow pavements comprises a front sliding support 1, a rear sliding support 2, a power generator 7, a heat unit 5 having a working zone and provided with a means for supplying heat to snow mass through the working zone, and a means 11 for dynamic compaction. The heat unit 5 is made in the form of at least one separate heat module. The means for supplying heat is arranged so as to be capable of adjusting intensity of the heat flow and fixing the direction in which it is supplied to the working zone. The method of making a compacted snow pavement consists in using the inventive apparatus. The technical result attainable thereby resides in providing a pavement that possesses high load-bearing capacity, wear resistance as well as improved gripping characteristics.
US07780372B2	Flow restricting member A device for restricting flow through a curb inlet opening defined in a street storm drain by secure positioning a face plate extending thereover. Multiple flow slots are defined extending through the face plate to allow limited flow therethrough. The face plate is securable to the drain by mounting apparatus which includes one or more mounting brackets along with an engagement device attachable to the flow limiting slots and the brackets to hold the face plate in position extending over the curb inlet opening. Mounting brackets can have teeth for engaging storm drain for enhanced securement therewith. The flow restricting slots are preferably radially arranged with respect to one another and can include lateral slots further engageable with the mounting bracket to prevent rotation thereof during tightening thereof. Conical washers can extend over the head of mounting bolts for protection thereof.
US07780369B2	Daily organizer An organizer which includes a plurality of holders for holding recording media such as disposable cards. A first holder has a first upper edge and a second holder has a second upper edge and a second lower edge. The second holder is disposed behind the first holder and attached thereto at the second lower edge so that the second upper edge is above the first upper edge. The first holder and second holder are movable with respect to each other about the second lower edge. A method for organizing information includes recording information on a plurality of items of a disposable recording medium in accordance with categories of information, each item corresponding to one category and one subcategory; and arranging those items in the organizer including removing and/or inserting the items.
US07780368B2	Method and apparatus for reconfigurable key positioning on a keyboard A method and apparatus for a reconfigurable keyboard is provided. One implementation involves a row mounting mechanism for mounting each row of keys on a row frame, the row mounting mechanism allowing one or more keys of each row to be moved and locked in a certain row position, whereby the spacing of one or more keys in each row on the keyboard can change. The apparatus also includes a column mounting mechanism for mounting each column of keys on a column frame, the column mounting mechanism allowing one or more keys of each column to be moved and locked in a certain column position, whereby the spacing of one or more keys in each column on the keyboard can change. As such, one or more keys can be moved in row or column and to lock or unlock key positioning for arranging the keys on a keyboard according to a reconfigurable layout.
US07780366B2	Resist pattern forming method A resist pattern forming method using a coating and developing apparatus and an aligner being connected thereto which are controlled to form a resist film on a surface of a substrate with a base film and a base pattern formed thereon, followed by inspecting at least one of a plurality of measurement items selected from: reflection ratio and film thickness of the base film and the resist film, line width after a development, an accuracy that the base pattern matches with a resist pattern, a defect on the surface after the development, etc. A parameter subject to amendment is selected based on corresponding data of each measurement item, such as the film thickness of the resist and the line width after the development, and amendment of the parameter is performed. This results in a reduced workload of an operator, and the appropriate amendment can be performed.
US07780365B2	Camera module and method of manufacturing the same Camera module embodiments and methods of manufacturing camera modules are provided. A camera module can include a housing and a printed circuit board having an image sensor. The housing can be mounted to the printed circuit board using a surface mount technology. In a method of manufacturing the camera module, the image sensor and the housing can be mounted to the printed circuit board, and a lens and a filter can be coupled to an upper portion of the housing.
US07780363B1	Device for mounting imaging equipment to a bow and method of recording a hunt A device for operably mounting a camera to a bow. The device includes a guideway, a mounting bracket assembly, a biasing system, an attachment mechanism for securing a camera to the mounting bracket assembly and an attachment mechanism for securing the mounting bracket to a bow. A traveler on the mounting bracket assembly operably engages the guideway for movement along the longitudinal length of the guideway. The mounting bracket assembly includes a shelf, suitable for supporting a camera, attached to the traveler by a transversely extending strut. The biasing system is operable for longitudinally biasing the mounting bracket assembly away from both longitudinal ends of the guideway into a rest position intermediate the longitudinal ends of the guideway, thereby damping any recoil effect experienced by the camera caused by release of an arrow from the bow.
US07780353B2	Bag for retaining warmth and crispiness of food items and process therefor A bag for retaining the warmth and crispiness of food items contained therein is disclosed. The bag is made of cellulose-based, oven-durable outer and inner plies that are adhesively affixed together by adhesive layers, a bag interior defined by adjacent faces of the inner ply, and at least one pocket formed between the outer and inner plies defined by adjacent adhesive layers. The outer and inner plies are pierced with a plurality of apertures such that the apertures pierced within the outer ply are offset from the apertures pierced within the inner ply by a predetermined dimension. Due to a temperature differential, vapors emitted by a warmed food item inserted in the bag interior are driven into each one pocket and remain within the corresponding pocket for a useful period of time. A process for producing the bag is also disclosed.
US07780348B2	Temperature sensor for a resistance thermometer, in particular for use in the exhaust gas system of combustion engines The invention describes a temperature sensor for a resistance thermometer comprising an electric measuring resistor (3) the resistance material of which consists either of a ceramic material or of a metallic resistance material in combination with a ceramic or a mineral carrier, a protective tube (2) comprising a closed tip (2b) and a rear end that provides an access to the inner space of the protective tube (2) and that contains the measuring resistor (3) closely adjacent the closed tip (2b) of the protective tube (2), at least one supply line (5) that is brought out through the rear end of the protective tube (2), and an electrically insulating filler (6) based on a ceramic or a mineral material that fills the space between the protective tube (2) on the one side and the measuring resistor (3) and its at least one supply line (4, 5) on the other side. It is provided according to the invention that the packing density of the filler (6) has a gradient in lengthwise direction of the protective tube (2).
US07780346B2	Methods and apparatus for a fully isolated NPN based temperature detector Methods and apparatus for a fully isolated NPN-based temperature detector are disclosed. A disclosed method to determine the temperature of a circuit comprises generating a first current that increases as temperature increases, generating a second current that decreases as temperature increases, and detecting the temperature by receiving a first and second signal based on the first and second currents to determine whether the temperature exceeds at least one temperature threshold.
US07780343B2	Micromachined gas and liquid concentration sensor and method of making the same A device with micromachined (a.k.a. MEMS, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) silicon sensor to measure gas or liquid concentration in a binary mixture formality is disclosed in the present invention. A process for fabricating the said MEMS silicon concentration sensor, which thereby can greatly reduce the sensor fabrication cost by a batch production, is revealed as well. This MEMS process can mass-produce the sensors on silicon substrate in the ways of small size, low power, and high reliability. In addition to the gas or liquid concentration measurement, the present invention further discloses that the said sensor can also readily measure gas or liquid mass flow rate while record the concentration data, which is not viable by other related working principle.
US07780339B2	Vortex motion paint mixing machine A vortex motion paint mixing machine having a paint container holder spinning and orbiting in a paint mixing assembly pivotally connected to a base, one or more viscoelastic polymer dampers and a control arm.A method of damping vibration in a paint mixing machine by: a) providing a receptacle for receiving one of a cylindrical or a non-cylindrical paint container on a mixing assembly; b) pivotally mounting the mixing assembly on a base; c) providing one or more viscoelastic vibration dampers between the mixing assembly and the base; d) connecting the mixing assembly and the base with a control arm; e) rotating a paint container in the receptacle in a spinning motion about an axis of the receptacle and in an orbiting motion about an axis separate from the axis of the receptacle; and f) damping vibration between the mixing assembly and the base using the viscoelastic vibration damper.
US07780337B2	Blend soup maker A blend soup maker (100). Soup maker (100) comprises a jar (102) having an open top and an open bottom for holding food, a lid (104) for closing the open top of jar (102), a bottom cap (106) for closing the open bottom of jar (102), a blending blade (114) installed inside jar (102) for blending food, an electrical heating tube (116) fixedly installed on the bottom of jar (102) for heating food, a base support (112) disposed underneath jar (102) for supporting jar (102), a blending motor (124) installed inside support base (112) and removably coupled with blade (114) for driving blade (114) to blend food, and a support member (110) engaged with the lower portion of jar (102) for adapting jar (102) to stand on base support (112).
US07780334B2	Lamp for a decorative light string A lamp for a decorative light string includes an LED received within a translucent cover and mounted in a fixture including a cover holder and base which are mutually connected. The cover is received in the cover holder and electrical cables are secured to the base. The cover holder is, in turn, received in the base in a manner allowing simple and reliable electrical connection between the post and anvil of the LED and the conductors of the cable. The cover is elongate and has a closed end defining a concave/convex lens portion. Ribs are provided on the cover for connection to the cover holder and an internal shoulder in the cover is provided for abutting the LED.
US07780333B2	Optical plate with optical sheet fixing means and backlight module using the same A backlight module includes a frame, a plurality of lamps in the frame, and an optical plate including a main body having a light input surface, and a light output surface opposite to the light input surface. The light input surface is adjacent to the lamps, and at least one bracket extension is integral with one end of the main body for fixing the optical plate to the frame. The at least one bracket extension includes a top surface for supporting a liquid crystal display panel, a side surface connecting with the top surface and being farthest from the main body, and a protecting protrusion located on the side surface for protecting a drive circuit connected to the liquid crystal display panel.
US07780331B2	Surface illuminant equipment A plurality of convex strip portions are formed on a front surface (or a back surface) of a light guiding plate, extending in a direction from a light incidence plane to an opposite side surface. A concave portion is formed on a side surface of each convex strip portion. An inner wall of the concave portion is formed from at least two flat planes inclined with respect to three axial directions orthogonal to each other (X, Y and Z axial directions), respectively. Thereby, damage to the surface illuminant equipment such as a light guiding plate due to the interference between a back surface and units disposed on the back surface of the light guiding plate is prevented, while preventing a linear part with relatively low luminance from being viewed from the front surface of the light guiding plate.
US07780330B2	Elongated illuminators configuration for LCD displays A solid waveguide comprises opposite TIR surfaces further comprising: a) at least one light input surface for coupling light from a solid state light source; b) at least one mixing section; c) at least one light emitting surface; and d) a desired pattern of light redirecting features located on one TIR surface or between the TIR surfaces.
US07780328B2	Heat distribution in a distributed lighting apparatus Described herein is an apparatus which is, under a range of atmospheric conditions, capable of maintaining the emission of light at a point remote from a light source. Notably, the apparatus is able to heat and distribute a fluid, and by doing so, prevents condensation and ice from forming which could hamper the emission of light. The apparatus comprises a light source and a light emitter, with a light conduit and a fluid conduit running between.A method for using such apparatus is also described.
US07780327B2	Image generating apparatus An image generating apparatus capable of uniformly brightening an emission surface even when a light-emitting device portion is arranged on a position deviating from the center of the emission surface is obtained. This image generating apparatus includes a light-emitting device portion emitting light, a light guide member, so arranged as to enclose the light-emitting device portion, including a peripheric emission surface, a peripheric light guide portion guiding the light emitted from the light-emitting device portion to the emission surface and a dome portion, having a light guide function, provided inside the peripheric light guide portion continuously with the light guide portion for covering the light-emitting device portion and a lid member so provided as to cover the dome portion. The image generating apparatus further includes a wall portion adjusting the light emitted from the light-emitting device portion and guided to the peripheric emission surface.
US07780324B2	Water-cooled vehicle LED heat dissipating device The present invention provides a water-cooled vehicle LED (Light Emitting Device) heat dissipating device, structured from a light emitting device and a heat dissipating device, wherein the light emitting device includes light emitting members and a base plate, and the heat dissipating device includes a water pump device, a water storage device, a water guide member and a heat dissipating body. The heat dissipating body is disposed at one side of the light emitting device, and includes a front plate, a middle plate and a rear plate. Grooves are hollowed out of the front plate, the middle plate and the rear plate, which form a channel, a water inlet and a water outlet when assembled. The water pump device is used to pump water from the water storage device through the water guide member and the channel, thereby achieving objective of effectively dissipating heat.
US07780319B2	Computer panel with light-adjusting mechanism A panel assembly includes a panel (10) having a light-pervious area (142), a light source (60) attached on the panel for lighting the light-pervious area, a variable resistor (30) electrically connected in series with the light source, and a rotating member (40) rotatably attached on the panel, the rotating member is engagingly coupled to the variable resistor and is manually rotatable in a manner that a resistance of the variable resistor is adjusted accordingly.
US07780316B2	Built-in lamp The invention relates to a built-in lamp comprising a holder for fastening in an installation surface, in particular in a room ceiling, a bulb fitting and a reflector, wherein the reflector consists of at least a first reflector region which is followed in the direction of illumination by a second reflector region which is releasable from the first reflector region to permit a bulb change.
US07780306B2	Light guide plate, backlight unit and method of manufacturing the same, and liquid crystal display A light guide plate is provided. The light guide plate includes a light source hole part configured to accommodate a light source, the light source hole part provided at a back surface on the opposite side of a light emitting surface; and a recessed part provided on the side of said light emitting surface opposed to the light source hole part. The recessed part has, at the bottom portion of the recessed part, a slant surface inclined against the light emitting surface.
US07780304B2	Smoked lens for vehicle A vehicle instrument cluster lens assembly for achieving a desired smoked lens effect in a vehicle instrument panel includes a first layer having an associated polarizing orientation for transforming incident light into polarized light having a first orientation that corresponds to the polarizing orientation. A second layer receives the polarized light and shifts the first orientation of the polarized light to a second orientation that is different than the first orientation. A surface receives the polarized light from the second layer and at least partially reflects the polarized light in a direction toward the second layer. The second layer shifts the second orientation of the polarized light to a third orientation that is different from the polarizing orientation of the first layer to prevent the polarized light from being transmitted to a vehicle occupant.
US07780303B2	Light control and shading apparatus and methods An apparatus and methods that includes a gel holder and an optional shade holder that allows a user to add color or eliminate or reduce reflected color and to shape, shade, diffuse, soften, absorb, block, reflect, retract and dim light inside photographic reflectors such as photographic umbrellas or other reflective apparatus. The invention allows a user to mix, blend or shape light at the source and the resulting light can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The invention allows a user to more efficiently add texture, eliminate hotspots and create shadows by changing positions of a gel holder with a gel and one or more shade holders with shades on a reflector focus tube.
US07780297B2	Screen, rear projector and image display apparatus with deformable scattering components A screen that receives projected light beams to display an image includes: a plurality of light-transmissive plates having optical transparency; a fluid that is disposed within a light scattering space formed between the light-transmissive plates and contains at least one of gas and liquid; and scattering components that are disposed within the light scattering space and are deformable according to an atmosphere change of the fluid.
US07780293B2	Automatic lens design and manufacturing system The present invention provides a method for designing and making a customized ophthalmic lens, such as a contact lens or an intraocular lens, capable of correcting high-order aberrations of an eye. The posterior surface of the customized contact lens is designed to accommodate the corneal topography of an eye. The design of the customized ophthalmic lens is evaluated and optimized in an optimizing routine using a computational model eye that reproduces the aberrations and corneal topography of an eye. The present invention also provides a system and method for characterizing the optical metrology of a customized ophthalmic lens that is designed to correct aberrations of an eye. Furthermore, the present invention provides a business model and method for placing an order for a pair of customized ophthalmic lenses.
US07780292B2	Ophthalmologic examination apparatus An ophthalmologic examination apparatus has a main unit housing an illuminating optical system that illuminates a fundus of a subject's eye to be examined and an imaging optical system that images the illuminated eye fundus. First and second attachment units are removably and exchangeably mounted to the main unit for providing different ophthalmologic functions. The first attachment unit houses an imaging device that captures an image of the eye fundus via the imaging optical system housed in the main unit. The second attachment unit houses a light source that emits stimulating light for an electroretinogram and which is projected onto the eye fundus via the imaging optical system housed in the main unit.
US07780289B2	Dual eyewear strap Eye glass strap holder for securing two separate pair of glasses, such as, but not limited to, sunglasses and reading glasses, to neck with a double to single strap design and an adjustment block to aid in fastening around one's neck for easy exchanging from one set of glasses, sunglasses or reading glasses to the other.
US07780283B2	Independent keying and guidance for solid ink sticks An ink loader for a phase change ink imaging device includes at least one guide member for maintaining alignment and orientation of ink sticks as the ink sticks feed to a melt area of an ink loader. The ink loader also includes a keyed opening through which ink sticks are inserted into the ink loader. The keyed opening is positioned with respect to the at least one guide member such that keying elements of ink sticks are spatially separated from the at least one guide member during and after insertion.
US07780279B2	Radiation-curable inks Non-aqueous, radiation-curable inks comprising pigment, dispersant and a liquid carrier, wherein the pigment has an acid value greater than 8 mg of NaOH per gram of pigment. The inks are particularly suitable for use in ink jet printers.
US07780275B2	Image forming apparatus and droplet ejection control method In an image forming apparatus, a liquid ejection head has at least one ejection hole, and a conveyor moves a recording medium relative to the ejection head. A deflector deflects liquid droplets ejected from the ejection hole in a direction including at least a component of a direction substantially parallel to relative conveyance direction of the recording medium. A deflection angle setter sets two or more deflection angles such that when dots mutually adjacent in the direction substantially parallel to the relative conveyance direction of the medium are formed in an overlapping fashion, directions of flight of droplets ejected consecutively are deflected such that their directions of flight become different from each other. Droplet landing time differential between the first droplet and the second droplet becomes equal to or greater than quasi-fixing time period from a landing time of the first liquid droplet until the first liquid droplet becomes quasi-fixed.
US07780272B2	Inkjet printer The lnkjet printer has a pressure chamber, a plezoelectric actuator, and a controller. The plezoelectrlc actuator has a piezoelectric film, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode. The first electrode, positioned in the region facing the pressure chamber, and the third electrode, positioned adjacent to the first electrode, are attached on one surface of the piezoeiectric film. The second electrode is attached on an opposite surface of the piezoelectric film and overlaps the first and third electrodes. To discharge ink, the controller applies an ink discharge signal between the first and second electrodes comprising an advanced voltage change from a predetermined voltage to the lower voltage and a subsequent voltage change from the lower voltage to the predetermined voltage. The controller also applies a peripheral signal between the second and thIrd electrodes to prevent changes in characteristics of the piezoelectrlc actuator that may affect ink discharge.
US07780271B2	Printhead with heaters offset from nozzles A thermal inkjet printhead of the roof shooter type that slightly offsets the nozzle aperture centroid from the heater element centroid to correct drop trajectory misdirection caused by vapor bubble asymmetries.
US07780270B2	Heating structure with a passivation layer and inkjet printhead including the heating structure A heating structure of an inkjet printhead and an inkjet printhead including the heating structure. The heating structure includes a substrate, a heater formed on the substrate, an electrode formed on the heater, a passivation layer formed to cover the heaters and the electrodes, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) formed in the passivation layer.
US07780267B2	Recording head for ink-jet recording apparatus A recording head configured to discharge ink from a nozzle includes a cantilever and a liquid chamber. The cantilever has a free end and a fixed end and bends to generate a pressure for discharging ink. The liquid chamber communicates with the nozzle. The cantilever is disposed in the liquid chamber. The cantilever has a stepped portion on or in a surface facing the nozzle and in the vicinity of the free end.
US07780263B2	Head for liquid discharging apparatus A head for a liquid discharging apparatus includes a cavity unit having a cavity plate in which pressure chambers are formed and a vibration plate and a base plate which are joined to upper and lower surfaces of the pressure chambers respectively. In a joining surface of the cavity plate and the vibration plate and in a joining surface of the cavity plate and the base plate, test grooves are formed corresponding to column portions which partition mutually adjacent pressure chambers among the plurality of pressure chambers, and communication grooves capable of supplying air communicate with the respective test grooves. By supplying air to the respective test grooves through the communication grooves and detecting a change in supply pressure thereof, it is possible to test a joint state of the cavity plate with the vibration plate and with the base plate at the column portions.
US07780261B2	Duplexed inkjet printhead assembly with dual capping mechanism A pagewidth printhead assembly that has a pair of pagewidth printheads, each having an array of nozzle for ejecting ink such that the pair of pagewidth printheads print both sides of a sheet of media simultaneously. The assembly also having a capping mechanism with a pair of capping members for capping each of the pagewidth printheads respectively and an actuating mechanism for moving the capping mechanism between a first position in capping engagement with the respective pagewidth printheads and a second position spaced from the nozzles of the respective printheads.
US07780259B2	Ink cartridge, detection device for cartridge identification and ink level detection, and image formation apparatus comprising thereof The ink cartridge has a first detection target portion for detecting ink level and a second detection target portion for identifying the type of an ink cartridge. The ink level detection device uses an optical sensor to scan the first and second detection target portions of the ink cartridge, and detects ink level and the type of the ink cartridge, that is, whether the ink cartridge is containing standard amount of ink or large amount of ink. Therefore, the number of image formation on recording media can be estimated, and failure in image formation due to a shortage of ink in the middle of image formation can be inhibited.
US07780258B2	Media sensor with polarization filter An apparatus for sensing a media type of a print medium. Embodiments of the apparatus include an emitter, a polarization filter, and a detector. The emitter is configured to emit light toward a surface of the print medium. The polarization filter is configured to filter polarized light reflected from the surface of the medium. The detector is coupled to the polarization filter and configured to detect the filtered light. The detector is also configured to generate an electrical signal representative of the detected light.
US07780256B2	Printhead IC with spaced nozzle firing sequence An inkjet printer comprising: an array of nozzles arranged into rows, each row consisting of a plurality of nozzle groups, the nozzles in each group being interspersed with nozzles from the other groups; and, associated drive circuitry for actuating the nozzles in the row in accordance with a firing sequence, the firing sequence enabling the nozzles in each group to eject printing fluid simultaneously, and enabling each of the groups to eject printing fluid in succession; wherein, the nozzles in each group are spaced from each other by at least a predetermined minimum number of nozzles and, each of the nozzles in a group is spaced from the nozzles in the subsequently enabled group by at least the predetermined minimum number of nozzles.
US07780255B2	Phase controlled, multi-pass inkjet recording apparatus and method An inkjet recording apparatus having a recording head unit having nozzle lines driven with multi-phase drive, a moving unit to move the recording head unit in a scanning direction crossing the nozzle lines, a clock generating unit, and a recording head control section. The recording head control section includes a phase control section to control each drive phase of the nozzle lines on the basis of the clock signals, and controls the recording head unit such that, by driving the nozzle lines with the drive phases controlled by the phase control section during movement of the recording head unit by the moving unit, an image is recorded with a plurality of pixels reduced by a predetermined reduced pattern, and with predetermined times of repetition of this recording, an image recording in the recording area is completed.
US07780253B1	Sliding rail assembly support frame and server frame mounting arrangement A sliding rail assembly support frame and server frame mounting arrangement includes two server frames provided at front and rear sides inside a server, two support frames each having a flat frame base respectively affixed to front and rear ends of the outer rail of a sliding rail assembly and a mounting flange perpendicularly extended from one end of the flat frame base and a plurality of cylindrical mounting members provided at the mounting flange and selectively inserted through mounting holes on the server frames, and two clamping plates respectively clamped on the mounting members to secure the support frames to the server frames.
US07780239B1	Wheelchair leg support A wheelchair leg support includes a pad having an inclined upper portion for supporting an upper leg and a lower portion extending angularly downward from the upper portion for supporting a user's leg and preventing a user's lower legs or feet from passing beneath a moving wheelchair avoiding injury. The lower portion includes a relief or cut-out to cradle the lower leg to resist the leg from slipping off the leg support and for comfort of the user.
US07780237B2	Headrest for child seat A headrest assembly is adapted to be disposed on a child seat. The child seat includes a seat frame. The headrest assembly includes a mounting member connected to the seat frame, and a headrest plate including a mounting seat attached to the mounting member and including a pair of resilient retainers connected respectively to two opposite sides of the mounting member. Each of the retainers has a plurality of positioning portions disposed respectively at different height positions. Each of the sides of the mounting member engages a selected one of the positioning portions of a corresponding one of the retainers.
US07780236B2	Bouncing cradle A bouncing cradle comprising a base frame (10), a backrest (20), a first pivot mounting (12) arranged for the backrest (20) and carried by the base frame (10), an arm (22) fixedly connected to the backrest (20) and situated under the backrest (20) as well as at a distance from the first pivot mounting (12), the arm being, via a second pivot mounting (22, 23), connected to an adjustment fitting (40), the adjustment fitting (40) having at least two recesses (51, 52) that are situated at different distances from the second pivot mounting (22, 23) and that can receive a bar (14) carried by the base frame (10) and situated at a distance from the first pivot mounting, for setting different angles of inclination of the backrest (20) in relation to the base frame (10), the bar (14), the arm (22) and the first and the second mounting (12, 22) being axially parallel and the base frame (10) being intended to stand on a substantially horizontal underlay. The adjustment fitting (40) has a through elongate opening (60) having a side (61), which is turned obliquely downward and facing the first pivot mounting and in which the recesses (51, 52, 53) are situated. Each recess (51-53) has a bottom part (62) that supportingly receives the bar (14), and a mouth portion (63) that, obliquely downward and toward the first pivot mounting, mouths into the opening (60).
US07780235B2	Vehicle seat, in particular motor vehicle seat A vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, is provided including a seat substructure (5), a seat cushion (31, 33) with a seat shell (31) and an inclination adjuster (21) with a drive (43). The inclination adjuster (21) with drive (43) is used to change the inclination of the seat cushion relative to the seat substructure (5). The inclination adjuster (21) is loosely positioned on the seat substructure (5) or on the seat cushion (31, 33) and movably attached to the other respective sub-assembly.
US07780234B2	Inertial latch assembly such as incorporated into a rear row pivoting seat bottom including a slotted inertial lock plate with resistive support in both design and upright positions An inertial latch assembly including a planar shaped sector pivotally mounted between a pair of spaced apart support plates. The sector exhibits a bottom including a central projecting shoulder separating first and second bottom surfaces. An arcuate interior channel in the sector is offset from its pivotal mounting location, a pin extending through a second channel defined in a selected support plate and seating within the arcuate channel so that the pin exerts a bias against the sector during travel along the arcuate interior channel. A pendulum is secured in sandwiching fashion between the support plates and proximate the bottom extending surface of the planar shaped sector, an arcuate edge thereof seating against a selected bottom extending surfaces of the rotatable sector, depending upon a pivoted position established between the sector and the support plates. The pendulum responds to an inertial impact condition by engaging against the underside shoulder of the sector and to prevent rotation of the sector relative to the support plates.
US07780228B2	Automotive vehicle open air system An open air system for an automotive vehicle includes a moveable roof panel and can include a single pair of guide tracks that extends along the vehicle through which the moveable roof member travels. A backlite of the open air system and the roof panel can have a similar transverse contour. A seal member can define a boundary between a dry area and a wet area and the guide tracks can be positioned outside of the seal member in the wet area. A wind deflecting assembly can be included and can have a wind deflector moveable between a retracted position and a raised position and can be automatically actuated by a drive member that drives movement of the roof panel. The open air system can be a modular open air system that can be installed into a vehicle as a modular unit.
US07780225B2	Seating apparatus for arrangement in a driver's cabin A seating apparatus is described for arrangement in a driver's cabin of a construction vehicle, especially a soil compacting machine, comprising a treading surface and an operating desk. The seating apparatus comprises a driver's seat and an adjusting device, and the adjusting device comprises two guide rails and a seat carrier. The seat carrier is held on the guide rails and is adjustable transversally to the traveling direction of the construction vehicle. The guide rails are arranged next to the treading surface used by the driver in such a way that the seat carrier can be displaced relative to the treading surface in a freely floating manner over the same.
US07780223B2	Aerodynamically activated front skirt for a vehicle An active front skirt for a vehicle includes an airfoil positioned in an air stream existing when the vehicle is moving forward. An airfoil positioning mechanism attached to the vehicle and the airfoil allows the airfoil to move between a first position when the vehicle is at rest and a second position when the vehicle has attained an upper limit velocity, the airfoil being moved to the second position through interaction with the air stream. A retracting mechanism returns the airfoil to the first position. A movable front skirt connected to the airfoil correspondingly moves with the airfoil between raised and lowered positions. In the raised position, ground clearance of the skirt is increased. In the lowered position, the skirt deflects an increased portion of the air stream to lower aerodynamic drag on the vehicle.
US07780220B2	Shade providing apparatus for vehicle A sunshade apparatus for use with an automobile having a roof includes a plurality of panels, the panels, in use, having respective retracted positions wherein they are disposed on top of one another in stacked relation on or in the roof, and each being movable from its retracted position to an extended position projecting beyond the roof. The panels are substantially coextensive with one another when viewed in overhead plan in their respective retracted positions. In their extended positions, the panels define a substantially contiguous sunshade extending beyond the roof both lengthwise and sideways with respect to the automobile. The apparatus also comprises a panel guide mechanism for constraining each panel for movement along a respective substantially linear path between its extended and retracted positions. One version of the apparatus can shade both the roof and the windows of a vehicle.
US07780215B2	Trunk lid for vehicle body A guide rod system movably connects a trunk lid to a vehicle such that the lid is movable between a base position in which the lid covers a trunk of the vehicle, a luggage storage position in which the rear of the lid is raised relative to the trunk, and a roof transport position in which the front of the lid is raised relative to the trunk. The guide rod system includes first and second guide rods and a coupler. The first guide rod is respectively connected at opposite ends to the front of the lid and the vehicle. The second guide rod is respectively connected at opposite ends to the rear of the lid and the vehicle. The coupler is connected between the guide rods to actuate the guide rods to move the lid between the base, luggage storage, and roof transport positions.
US07780213B2	Heavy equipment having tool box opening in forward direction of the equipment Heavy equipment having a tool box opening in forward direction of the equipment is provided, in which a tool box door mounted on an upper frame of an excavator can be simply opened and closed through pressing of a button, an auxiliary structure, such as a handrail that is used when an operator ascent toward an engine room, is not required, and the shape of the tool box door can be freely designed to sufficiently secure storage space. The heavy equipment includes a lower driving structure; an upper frame mounted on the lower driving structure to be swiveled; a cap and an engine room mounted in front and in the rear of the upper frame; working devices including a boom fixed to the upper frame, an arm, a bucket, and hydraulic cylinders for driving the boom, the arm, and the bucket, respectively; a counter weight mounted in the rear of the upper frame to keep the balance of the equipment during working; a tool box door mounted on the upper frame to open from the rear to the front side of the equipment, and forming storage space; and a gas spring for opening the tool box door when a button mounted on an external surface of the tool box door is pressed.
US07780207B2	Automotive door latch system A door latch system of a motor vehicle comprises a latch unit mounted to the vehicle body. The latch unit has a latch condition to latch the door at a closed position and an unlatch condition to unlatch the door thereby to release the door. The system further comprises a power latch canceling mechanism mounted to the vehicle body. The power latch canceling mechanism includes an actuator that, when energized, enforcedly causes the latch unit to assume the unlatch condition. The system further comprises a manual latch canceling mechanism mounted to the vehicle body. The manual latch canceling mechanism includes a handle member that is placed at a position other than a vehicle cabin of the vehicle and a power transmitting member that transmits a movement of the handle member to the latch unit. The manual latch canceling mechanism causes the latch unit to assume the unlatch condition when the handle member is manipulated.
US07780206B2	Cushioning device for furniture A device for protecting first and second con fronting furniture components includes a base member having opposite first and second faces. The first face is adapted to contact the first furniture component, and the base member has a cushioning projection that extends outwardly from the second face of the base member and covers a void within the base member. The projection is adapted to contact the second furniture component as it confronts the first furniture component.
US07780201B2	Tube connector with three part construction and latching component A connector for connecting a tube within a receptacle. A latching component fits within the receptacle, and receives a plug member to which the tube is connected. One end of receptacle is adapted, for instance, to be attached to a tube on a motor drive unit of a breast pump assembly, or formed integrally therewith. The opposite end of receptacle receives components of the connector therein. The plug member is inserted into the latching component and has means thereon that engage corresponding means on the latching component such that the plug member is releasably secured within the latching component in a rotatable manner.
US07780197B2	Apparatus and method for changing the track of the wheels of a tractor A tractor includes a motor, transmission, drive shaft and rear differential for driving the rear axles mounted on a main tubular frame of a variable configuration. Forwardly extendable telescoping tubular frame members are actuated by respective rams to selectively vary the spacing between the frame and the front wheels. The front and rear lateral telescoping tubes supporting each of the wheels are selectively extendable and retractable to significantly vary the wheel width or track of the front and rear wheels.
US07780195B2	Protective covers for truck cab guards Protective covers for cab guards or racks which extend vertically from the front rail of a truck bed behind the rear window of the truck cab are disclosed. The protective covers may be molded to fit any shape or size of truck bed rack. In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a generally horizontal top section which extends to two generally vertical side sections. Additional sections are typically provided between the side sections to provide a barrier that protects the rear window of the truck cab. When the protective cover is installed, it covers most of the surfaces of the truck bed rack, except the forward-facing surface of the rack located adjacent to the truck cab. Thus, the protective cover provides protection to essentially all exposed surfaces of the truck bed rack, while allowing easy installation.
US07780191B2	Side airbag apparatus A side airbag apparatus includes an inflator assembly and an airbag. The airbag includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber, which communicate with each other via a communication portion. In the side airbag apparatus, gas is discharged from the inflator assembly in response to an impact from the side of a vehicle. The gas causes the lower chamber to be inflated and deployed beside the occupant with the internal pressure higher than that of the upper chamber. The side airbag apparatus further includes an auxiliary inflation section, which is part of the airbag and is inflated by gas around the communication portion. In the inflation process of the airbag, when the auxiliary inflation section starts inflating, the flow passage area of the communication portion is reduced, thereby suppressing the flow of gas in the communication portion.
US07780189B2	Airbag apparatus and motorcycle having the same A technique is provided that is effective in smoothing the airbag deploying motion of an airbag apparatus to be mounted to a motorcycle. In one form, an airbag apparatus mounted to a motorcycle is constructed to hold the loose portions of elongated webbings that join an airbag to the vehicle body in a predetermined bunched state as a folded portion while the airbag is housed, and to release the hold upon the deployment of the airbag.
US07780182B2	Floating boat trailer A boat trailer for towing behind a vehicle having a frame constructed and arranged in a first portion and a second portion that are pinned together to permit one section to move relative to the other section. The second portion is constructed and arranged to accommodate floatation panels. A hitch is constructed and arranged to receive the first portion of the frame. A stabilizing plate is mounted to the hitch and has a spring biased buckle mounted on at least one of its ends. The spring biased buckle has a strap capable of extending from the buckle, and the strap has a hooked portion on its end. In order to hold the strap in place, a strap mounting member is attached to the second portion of the frame, which is constructed and arranged to receive the hooked portion.
US07780180B2	Knee walker A knee walker includes a frame; a cushion; a front crossmember; two rear wheels; two front spindles and two front wheels each pivotally connected to one of the two front spindles. Positive steering is provided by a handlebar rotatably connected to the front end of the frame; a steering gear responsively engaged with the rotatably connected handlebar shaft; a steering arm actuated by the steering gear responsive to the handlebar; a steering rod connecting the steering arm and one of the two front spindles, so as to pivot one associated front wheel responsive to the steering arm; and a tie rod linking the two front spindles responsively to the steering rod.
US07780178B2	Adjustable suspension leveling apparatus A suspension height modification apparatus includes a first portion that is securable to a vehicular biasing suspension device and a second portion that is securable to a vehicular frame. The apparatus includes an axis along which a suspension height may be determined between the vehicular frame and the vehicular wheel assembly. The apparatus includes a movable portion which may be actuated along such axis to adjust suspension height.
US07780175B2	Collapsible wheel assembly A wheel assembly and a method of using the wheel assembly are provided. The wheel assembly is attachable to various objects and capable of quickly and easily collapsing or folding to become more compact for more efficient and cost-effective transportation or shipping. It is then capable of being quickly and easily expanded.
US07780171B2	Game machine A game machine (1) includes a game board (3) having a housing section opened on a game surface, a target which is provided to the housing section so as to freely appear and disappear, and a target driving mechanism which is provided into the game board and allows the target (9) to appear and disappear from and into the housing section. The game machine is provided with a supporting pedestal (2) which supports the game board, a rotation driving device (20) which rotates the game board supported to the supporting pedestal about a pivot axis line RC extending to a direction where the line crosses the board surface in a reciprocating manner, and a tilt giving mechanism which is provided between the supporting pedestal and the game board and gives a motion to the game board according to the rotating motion of the game board about the pivot axis line RC so that the game board tilts with respect to the pivot axis line.
US07780170B2	East-west casino based upon chinese poker deck An East-West casino offers two or more gambling games in which at least one game involves a Feng Shui element of chance and the other involves either a game based upon a new Chinese Poker Deck of cards or a video slot machine having a carousel in which two or more wheels rotate in opposite directions and a random event associated with the two or more wheels is used in connection with a payout or bonus round of the video slot machine. The game involving a Feng Shui element of chance can be a Yin-Yang roulette game or a video slot machine or a Feng Shui keno machine while a game based upon the Chinese Poker Deck may be a poker game and the casino itself may be a website. The video slot machine can use a carousel in which two or more wheels rotating in opposite directions.
US07780166B1	Game having an electronic instruction unit with a mechanical die agitator A game for multiple players having an instruction unit and a plurality of game cards each having gameplay indicia disposed thereon. The instruction unit includes a mechanical number selection device, such as a Pop-O-Matic type die agitator, configured to randomly select one of a plurality of available numbers for the game, a first input device operatively connected to the mechanical number selection device and responsive to actuation of the mechanical number selection device, and a first output device, such as single or multicolored LEDs and/or a speaker. The instruction unit is actuated by a player actuating the mechanical number selection device and the detection of the actuation of the mechanical number selection device by the first input device. The instruction unit selects one of a plurality of colors associated with the game in response to the actuation of the mechanical number selection device, and causes the first output device to provide a sensory perceptible output corresponding to the color selected by the instruction unit.
US07780165B2	Gaming system The present invention provides a gaming apparatus adapted for substantially continuous play, comprising a first set of elements divisible into two or more distinguishable subsets; a second set of destinations divisible into two or more distinguishable subsets; selection means for selecting at random one element from the first set; association means for associating the randomly selected one element at random with one destination of the second set; and return means for returning the randomly selected one element to the start position.The present invention further provides adapting the above apparatus to an electronic gaming format.
US07780164B2	Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus A sheet processing apparatus comprises that a plurality of sheet processing portions that perform a sheet process on a sheet; and a plurality of conveying paths which transport the sheet to connect to the plurality of sheet processing portions, respectively, wherein while one of the plurality of sheet processing portions executes the sheet process on a preceding sheet or a preceding sheet bundle, a subsequent sheet is conveyed to the conveying path connecting to the other one of the plurality of sheet processing portions and held on standby on the conveying path connecting to the other sheet processing portion.
US07780161B2	Method of picking media in printer A method of picking sheet media in a printer is provided. In the method a pick-up roller is caused to contact with sheet media of a supply of sheet media, the pick-up roller is rotatably driven with a motor via a gear assembly so that the pick-up roller picks up the sheet media and delivers the picked sheet media to a sheet media transport mechanism for transporting sheet media past a printhead, and substantially at the point of delivery of a leading edge of the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism by the pick-up roller, a first gear of the gear assembly is disengaged from a second gear of the gear assembly to cease the driving of the pick-up roller.
US07780158B2	Post-processing apparatus, control method therefor, and post-processing system Provided is a post-processing apparatus which sequentially receives sheets one by one from an image forming apparatus to execute a post-processing on the sheets, including: a first transport device which receives the sheets delivered from the image forming apparatus and transports the sheets; a sheet overlap device which stays the sheets transported by the first transport device and causes another sheet transported sequentially by the first transport device to overlap at least one stayed sheet; a second transport device which transports a plurality of sheets overlapping each other by the sheet overlap device; a plurality of stacking devices capable of stacking a plurality of sheets transported by the second transport device; and a controller which changes control of sheet overlapping caused by the sheet overlap device depending on which stacking device selected from among the plurality of stacking devices the sheets are to be transported to.
US07780153B2	Connecting bearing A connecting bearing for elastic connection between at least two elements. The connecting bearing includes a first fastening device and a second fastening device. The first fastening device and second fastening device are each mechanically coupled by a elastomer means. The elastomer means is constructed and used as a vibration insulator.
US07780144B2	Valve, in particular for a high-pressure pump of a fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine A valve having a valve member, which cooperates with a valve seat formed in a housing part in order to control a connection, and the valve seat has an at least approximately conical seat face, which is located at a transition of the connection from a portion of small diameter to a portion of large diameter. The seat face is adjoined, on its side oriented toward the portion of large diameter, by at least one face which is more markedly inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the connection than the seat face, and on its side oriented toward the portion of small diameter, the seat face is adjoined by at least one face which is less markedly inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the connection than the seat face.
US07780142B2	Oil pan for an internal combustion engine An oil pan (1) provided with a drain mechanism (10) in which an adjustable valve body (11) is disposed in a drain opening (13) in the oil pan wall and is adjustable between a closed position and an open position. A sealing member (12) made of a flexible material is arranged on the valve body (11) of the drain mechanism (10) for closing the drain opening (13) in the oil pan wall when the valve body is in the closed position. The valve body (11) is secured by a closing element on the wall of the oil pan (1) when in the closed position, and the sealing member (12) is held in the closed position by the closing element.
US07780138B1	Seat moving track assembly A seat moving track assembly comprising a stationary rail having at a lower part of one side thereof recesses and having at an upper part of the other side thereof openings, a moving rail having first side holes to correspond to the recesses and second side holes to correspond to the openings, a locking member having first stopping protrusions projecting through the first side holes coupled into the recesses and second stopping protrusions projecting through second side holes coupled into the openings, an elastic connecting member having a shaft supporting part to rotatably support the locking member, an elastic pressing part to rotate the locking member, and unlocking means for rotating the locking member in the other direction to release a coupling between the first stopping protrusions and the recesses and a coupling between the second stopping protrusion and the openings, thereby providing stability and a simplified configuration.
US07780137B2	Device for fastening a rectangular sensor to a support part A device for fastening a rectangular sensor to a support part has a base plate (2) in which a receiving recess (3) is made. Guide walls (6, 7) are integrally formed on mutually opposite edge sides (4, 5) of the receiving recess (3), said guide walls extending between two corner regions (18, 20; 19, 21) of the receiving recess (3), which corner regions end an edge side (4, 5). Furthermore, stop parts (10, 11) which are shorter than the length of the guide walls (6, 7) are integrally formed on the other edge sides (8, 9), in each case in the central region thereof, the stop parts each having at least one stop section (26) oriented at right angles to the base plate (2), wherein the guide sections (22) and the stop sections (26) bear against a wall of the sensor when the sensor is fitted. As a result, even sensors of relatively large dimensions can be fastened to the support part in a stable and accurately fitting manner with relatively little expenditure on material.
US07780135B2	Speaker mounting system A system for mounting a component in an aperture of a supporting surface has a mounting flange surrounding the component to be mounted, and at least two clamp dogs attached to the mounting flange and located adjacent a rear surface of the mounting flange. The component is inserted into a mounting hole cut in a sheet rock surface or ceiling tile, so that the flange abuts the front face of the surface. The clamping assemblies are located on the rear face of the surface. There is a pivoting system for pivoting the clamp dog around an axis. The pivoting system is operable from both the front surface and the rear surface of the mounting flange so that the clamp dogs can be actuated from either side of the sheet rock or ceiling tile.
US07780126B2	Modified tripod and “multi-pod” for cameras and other equipment As one of the examples, one of the main features is that the setup is small enough that it can live with the camera full-time, and carried around by the user. The legs fold into a very compact size that fit within the footprint of the camera, used for any type camera, e.g. compact point-and-shoot camera, camera phone, or SLR camera. The tripod can then live unnoticed on the bottom of the camera, until a shot requiring a tripod is needed. Then, the legs can be deployed to act as a firm stand. Another one of the main features of this tripod is that all the legs do not share a common end-point or pivot-point. This allows the legs to form a very wide stable platform, even when they are short. In general, for N legs, some legs may have common end-points or pivot-points, but not for all N legs. (N is a positive integer, greater or equal to 3.) This invention can be applied to any camera (e.g. compact camera) and any measurement equipment that uses a conventional tripod or similar setup, such as the ones used by civil engineers or surveyors for the survey of the land and construction measurements or calibrations, or the ones used in optical measurements or laser experiments (e.g. for general level measurements and adjustments). Other variations are also discussed.
US07780125B2	Support frame for a variety kinds of display devices A support frame for a variety of display devices includes a base, a frame, a sliding part, and a rotation part. The frame is located on the base and has a receiving portion and at least one friction enhancer located in the receiving portion. The sliding part can slide upwards or downwards is located at the frame. The rotation part, pivoted with the sliding part, rotates between a fixed location and a release location; and furthermore has a leaning portion that extends into the receiving portion of the frame. When the rotation part is located at the fixed location, the leaning portion tightly leans against the friction enhancer so that the display device is positioned at the frame. When the rotation part is located at the release location, there is a distance between the leaning portion and the friction enhancer so that the display device can slide upwards or downwards.
US07780119B2	Modular spacecraft A modular spacecraft incorporating a launch vehicle interface design that also functions as a berthing or docking interface for the spacecraft. The vehicle interface utilizes existing launch vehicle components to minimize cost and time to flight. In addition, the spacecraft is constructed from off-the-shelf launch vehicle components that enable a low cost construction as well as a secondary payload carrying functionality.
US07780117B2	Aircraft engine nacelle ice protection system A nacelle inlet lip (22) for an aircraft engine (16) comprises a structural body (30) and an ice protection system (60). The ice protection system (60) comprises a plurality of ice-protectors (62, 64, 66) independently controllable to allow inner zones (52, 54, 56) to be operated in different modes, different power levels, different time intervals and/or different energy amounts. In this manner, an inner aft zone (52), an inner mid zone (54), and an inner aft zone (56) can be anti-iced and/or de-iced to best preserve desired airflow patterns, to minimize ice particle shed size, and to optimize power consumption.
US07780112B2	Lock mechanism for a dispenser, roll of material and end plug therefor, and method for inserting a roll of material into such lock mechanism A lock mechanism for a dispenser in combination with an exchangeable roll of material is provided, wherein the roll includes at least one end plug with a bearing pin for mounting the roll to the lock mechanism. The lock mechanism comprises a lock housing with a guide slot for insertion of the bearing pin. The guide slot has a first section with a first width and a second section with a second width which is smaller than the first width. First and second sections are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the guide slot and in a longitudinal direction of the bearing pin. A sliding element is mounted to the lock housing and movable between a first position closing or narrowing the width of the guide slot and a second position opening the guide slot. A lock element is mounted to the sliding element and is rotationally movable about an axis of rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock element has an engagement portion which, in a locked position, is engaged with a locking geometry of the lock housing.
US07780108B2	Method for winding an electrical machine, and an auxiliary winding body In a method for winding an electrical machine, a winding auxiliary body is placed on at least one of the end faces of a base body such as to cover at least one of the slot end openings within a circumferential bridging area. Electrical conductors of a winding system are inserted in at least one of the slots whose slot end opening is on one side of the bridging area and passed through an uncovered slot end opening. Subsequently, the electrical conductors are deflected by the winding auxiliary body and guided to a further uncovered one of the slot end openings on another side of the bridging area. After placement of an end plate having an axially projecting separating element and plugging an axial attachment cutout of the winding auxiliary body onto the separating element, the winding auxiliary body is removed, thereby producing a winding element of the winding system.
US07780107B2	Recording tape cartridge A recording tape cartridge includes a case that comprises an upper case and a lower case and houses a reel around which recording tape is wound. A regulating wall that defines an area in which the reel is housed is formed on the upper case and on the lower case. An attachment member is held between the regulating wall of the upper case and the regulating wall of the lower case so as to be disposed on an outer peripheral surface side of the regulating wall. The attachment member holds an RFID. There is provided a recording tape cartridge that can ensure an attachment region for an RFID inside a case.
US07780097B2	Fluid delivery system An impeller system is provided for the delivery of a fluid, such as liquid manure, through a manifold system to a plurality of hoses. The impeller includes multiple blades for driving the fluid toward the manifold outlets. The impeller also includes a plurality of shut-off gates to close off multiple outlets and, therefore, increase the pressure to the remaining outlets. As the impeller rotates, openings to various outlets are opened and closed, thereby increasing the pressure of the fluid delivered to each of the outlets.
US07780095B2	Ultrasound pumping apparatus The present invention relates to an apparatus utilizing ultrasonic vibrations to force movement of protrusions to spray a fluid. The apparatus includes a horn with an internal chamber. Within the internal chamber of the horn are protrusions extending from a wall of the chamber. When the horn is vibrated, a fluid is expelled from the horn by the oscillation of the protrusions. Fluid to be expelled from the horn enters the internal chamber of the horn through at least one channel passing through a wall of the horn and leading into the chamber. After passing through the horn's internal chamber, the fluid exits the horn by passing through a channel originating in the front wall of the chamber and ending at the horn's radiation surface. A transducer may be connected to the horn's proximal end to generate ultrasonic vibrations throughout the length of the horn.
US07780091B2	Registering a biometric for radio frequency transactions An authorized sample receiver configured to verify an RF device in response to proffered biometric sample data is disclosed. The authorized sample receiver may be configured to receive data from the RF device and decrypt an encrypted authentication code using a unique device identification code. The RF device is authenticated in response to verifying proffered biometric sample data and the authentication code.
US07780089B2	Digital picture taking optical reader having hybrid monochrome and color image sensor array A portable hand held optical reader having a specially constructed two-dimensional image sensor array is operational in a bar code decoding mode and in a picture taking mode. The specially constructed image sensor array, in one embodiment, is a hybrid monochrome and color image sensor pixel array, wherein a first subset of the pixels are monochrome pixels devoid of wavelength selective color filter elements and a second subset of the pixels are color sensitive pixels including wavelength selective color filter elements.
US07780088B2	Imaging-based reader having light guided illumination An illumination assembly for emitting light for imaging a target object having an illumination source that emits at least one light beam upon activation toward an illumination guide. The illumination guide has a first and a second side such that the light beam from the illumination source is scattered between the first and second sides. A textured surface is located substantially along the first side of the illumination guide. The scattered light exits the illumination guide from the textured surface to form a prescribed illumination pattern for imaging a target object.
US07780086B2	Imaging reader with plural solid-state imagers for electro-optically reading indicia A plurality of solid-state imagers is mounted in a reader, such as a bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation, for capturing images along different fields of view of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, operator surveillance, and coded indicia. The imagers are commonly mounted on a circuit board for joint installation at, and joint removal from, the reader for ease of serviceability.
US07780084B2	2-D barcode recognition Systems and methods for 2-D barcode recognition are described. In one aspect, the systems and methods use a charge coupled camera capturing device to capture a digital image of a 3-D scene. The systems and methods evaluate the digital image to localize and segment a 2-D barcode from the digital image of the 3-D scene. The 2-D barcode is rectified to remove non-uniform lighting and correct any perspective distortion. The rectified 2-D barcode is divided into multiple uniform cells to generate a 2-D matrix array of symbols. A barcode processing application evaluates the 2-D matrix array of symbols to present data to the user.
US07780081B1	System and method for security protection, inventory tracking and automated shopping cart checkout The three major problems of retail/wholesale industry, i.e. Security, Inventory, Self CheckOut (SISCO) are achieved by “virtual salesperson” and provided by synergism techniques of 5W's (Weight, Who, What, Where and When). A system that includes combination of steps and/or means for uniquely identifying each and every product (UPC/USID indicium), at a vendor retail premises; steps and/or means for protecting the product/property (brain-like recognition); steps and/or means for detecting/registering a product at a vendor retail premises that has been taken from its storage or display location; steps and/or means for registering that the product has been put into a customer's shopping cart; steps and/or means for tracking customer's location with a unique ID tagging wireless device to a shopping cart; steps and/or means for automatically transacting a purchase of the product, steps and/or means for paying for the product at the vicinity of the products location with laptop/net computers at both ends of exit aisle and/or more computers at convenient places with attached scanner and card payment device; steps and/or means for notifying the customer to pay if the product has not been properly or timely paid for; any missed/unwanted items will be accounted for at reduced manned checkout stations, to received itemized purchases receipt and to sign signature, and steps and/or means for customer ID checking in and checking out by “security guard” wirelessly scans customer's receipt for inventory/security tracking.
US07780079B2	Data storage device with built-in data protection for ultra sensitive applications An apparatus comprises a data storage medium; a remote unit; and an authorization unit for encrypting information to be stored on the storage medium and for controlling access to data stored on the data storage medium in response to the access control signals received from the remote unit. A method of controlling access to data stored on the data storage medium is also provided.
US07780075B2	Methods and systems for transferring funds Methods and systems for transferring funds are disclosed that utilize a transfer card issued to a sender that enables the sender to transfer funds at independent host locations. The transfer card may be encoded with information about the sender and the intended receiver so that transfer forms are not required for each transaction. The receiver obtains the finds via a distribution center, wherein the personal identity of the receiver is verified before the funds are distributed.
US07780073B2	Polymer divert cassette for ATM currency A polymer currency cassette for an ATM. The cassette includes a one-piece polymer body attached to a one-piece polymer lid. The lid is arranged with the body to resist entry into the cassette interior. Integral stiffening ribs are provided. The body side walls include integrally formed guide tracks. A one-piece tambour door is securely movable along the guide tracks. The upper edge of each body side wall extends into a gap created between double-walled side walls of the lid when the lid is closed. A tab, which projects outward from an upper edge of a body side wall, extends even further into the closed lid. The tab becomes nested in an aligned slot in the lid when the lid is closed. A nested tab affords further cassette security by providing resistance to lid and body separation.
US07780071B1	Cash dispensing automated banking machine and system An automatic banking machine includes a card reader for reading user cards, and a cash dispenser. A movable camera is positionable within the ATM housing. The automated banking machine carries out transactions related to user accounts based on information read from cards. Service personnel are enabled to direct the camera toward regions of machine components while conducting service activities that are not directly visible by a servicer. A camera assembly includes a microphone to sense sounds associated with machine components during test operations. The generated data may be used by an on-site servicer, or sent to an entity at a remote location. The visual images may be used to enhance diagnostic and servicing capabilities.
US07780068B2	Disposable carry-out food container A disposable carry-out food container shaped like a picnic basket. The subject food container has a bottom wall having two side edges extending in a longitudinal direction between opposing ends, two end walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall at the opposing ends respectively, two side walls extending upwardly from the two side edges of the bottom wall to extend in the longitudinal direction between the opposing ends, two lid panels supported on the walls for pivotal movement about respective lateral axes oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction between a closed position in which the lid panels enclose an open top end of the container and an open position in which the open top end is substantially unobstructed by the lid panels, and at least one handle coupled at opposing ends on the two side walls respectively such that said at least one handle extends generally in a direction of the lateral axes between the two side walls.
US07780066B2	Power capacitor A method for manufacturing a power capacitor including at least one capacitor element and equipment for carrying out the method. The capacitor element includes a roll of alternate dielectric films and electrode films. The roll has first and second end surfaces facing away from each other. The electrode films are connectably exposed. A solder tip is preheated in a pot with a preheated solder. The solder tip is coated with solder, whereupon at least one of the surfaces of the capacitor element is coated with solder by bringing the solder tip into contact with the end surface. The contact is brought to cease. At least one lead is fixed by soldering to the end surface.
US07780061B2	Joining fixtures, methods for joining, and joined structures In one embodiment, a holding fixture is disclosed for locating and stabilizing substantially identical repeated units during joining of the repeated units. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a structure comprising substantially identical repeated units. In still another embodiment, a welded structure is provided comprising a plurality of welded together substantially identical repeated units.
US07780059B2	Method of forming a component on a substrate A method of forming a structure by a material additive process, the method comprising the steps: providing a substrate having a surface, providing an interlayer on the surface which conforms to the surface of the substrate, forming a melt pool in the interlayer, the depth of the melt pool being less than the depth of the interlayer, selectively depositing a material within the melt pool, allowing the material to solidify, and applying heat and pressure to diffusion bond the material to the substrate.
US07780057B2	Soldering apparatus and soldering method A soldering apparatus has a conveyor which conveys an electronic circuit board, a fluxer which applies a flux having water as a solvent to a surface of the electronic circuit board to be soldered, a first heating device which heats the electronic circuit board, a water removal device which removes water attached to the electronic circuit board, a second heating device which heats the electronic circuit board to maintain the electronic circuit board at a temperature at which the flux exerts its activating action, a flow soldering bath in which molten solder is attached to the electronic circuit board, and a cooler. The water removal device includes a gas blowing portion having a first jig which blows a gas to an electronic component disposition surface, and a drawing portion having a second jig which draws water from the surface to be soldered.
US07780055B2	Loading unit having drive assembly locking mechanism A disposable loading unit is provided which includes a tool assembly and a body portion. A drive assembly is movably positioned at least partly within the body portion and is operably associated with the tool assembly to operate the tool assembly. A locking mechanism is provided for maintaining the drive assembly in a prefired position prior to and during attachment of a DLU to a surgical instrument. The locking mechanism includes a locking member and a locking member actuator. The locking member actuator is movable to move the locking member to an unlocked position in response to linear insertion of an insertion tip of the DLU into a surgical instrument.
US07780050B2	Easy loading cargo rack assembly for vehicle The cargo rack assembly a support rack such as the roof rack of a vehicle to assist in the loading and unloading of cargo onto the support rack. The assembly includes load bars connected to base bars via a pivoting lever; the load bars include straps and load arms for securing cargo to the assembly. The base bars are affixed to the support rack and the load bars and pivoting levers transition between a secured position and a loading/unloading position in a smooth motion. The assembly may include a tensioning system for biasing the load bars to the secure position to aid the user in lifting the cargo.
US07780049B1	Body support for a portable computer An easy to use notebook computer support system which will fit virtually any notebook or laptop computer. It has comfortable shoulder pads and allows access to all ports (front, back and side). In particular, it allows access data ports, power ports as well as disk drives. Significantly, the system according to the invention comprises only straps and little strap hardware so that it can fold up and fit into any type of laptop carrying case. Unlike other supports, the present invention does not block the ventilation fan(s) on the bottom of the computer.
US07780047B2	Carrying structure for portable electronic devices A portable electronic device includes a carrying structure and defines a mounting hole and an opposite strap hole. The carrying structure includes a snap module received in the mounting hole, having a pressing element, a snap element, a knuckle element and an elastic element, and a strap. The strap has two strap connecting ends connecting to the knuckle element and the strap hole. The pressing element has two extending portions, each of which has a wedge-shaped surface. The snap element has three wedge-shaped engaging portions. One engaging portion engages the knuckle element, latching the snap element with the knuckle element. The knuckle element and the snap element are unlockable by pressing the pressing element, where the one engaging portion disengages from the knuckle element, and anther two engaging portions slide aslant along the wedge-shaped surfaces. The elastic element has two ends resisting the snap element and the pressing element.
US07780043B2	Fastener device for fastening a pump or a valve onto a receptacle neck and a fluid dispenser including such a fastener device A fastener device for fastening a dispenser member (4), such as a pump or a valve, onto a receptacle neck (31). The device includes a fastener ring (1) including both an abutment (13) and a fastener (12) for fastening onto the receptacle neck; and a covering hoop (2) that is engaged axially from top to bottom around the ring (1). The hoop includes a hook (25) co-operating with the abutment for acting together to axial retain the hoop on the ring. The retention mechanism includes a plurality of mutual engagement elements defining distinct axial engagement positions for engaging the hoop on the ring.
US07780042B2	Fluid dispenser pump A fluid dispenser pump having: a pump body; a pump chamber; at least a first piston that slides in the pump chamber between a rest position and an actuated position so as to dispense the fluid; and a dispenser orifice; the pump chamber including an inlet valve that separates the pump chamber from a channel that extends towards a fluid reservoir, a bypass being provided between the channel and the pump chamber, the bypass being disposed upstream from the inlet valve, the bypass connecting the pump chamber to the reservoir when the piston is in its actuated position.
US07780039B2	Soap dispensing pump head with vacuum applying drip guard member A pump head assembly for a soap container. The pump head including a drip guard member which applies a vacuum to an internal passageway of the pump head assembly following dispensing of soap in order to draw an residual soap out of the internal passageway and thus prevent dripping.
US07780036B2	Handbasket A handbasket includes a container and a handle. The container includes an upper rim, a pair of opposed side panels, and a pair of opposed end panels, with each side panel including a generally concave exterior surface. The handle extends between, and is pivotally mounted relative to, the respective opposed end panels of the container. The handle is movable between a first generally vertically upright position relative to the container and a second position. In the second position, a first portion of the handle rests against the upper rim of the container and a second portion of the handle is spaced from the upper rim adjacent the generally concave exterior surface of one of the respective side panels to define a grasping zone for grasping the handle for movement between the first position and the second position of the handle relative to the container.
US07780033B2	Plural chamber drinking cup The invention provides a drink mixing cup for fluids comprising an outer chamber having an outer rim disposed at its top and a chamber disposed inside the outer chamber having an inner rim disposed below the outer rim by an amount selected to optimize mixing fluids poured from said chambers when drunk by humans while not interfering with their noses. The design allows for nesting of cups to reduce storage space. Anti-nesting ribs prevent full nesting so that separation of cups is not difficult. When thin walls made from plastic are used and the inner chamber is elevated, the fluid in the inner chamber is thermally insulated. When inverted, the chamber below the inner chamber can serve as a drinking glass.
US07780028B2	Cooling tray A cooling tray for keeping food cool is provided. The cooling tray has a body that at least partially defines a cooling chamber for a cooling medium. A lid is included and is located on one end of the body. A first container is releasably attachable to the lid. At least a portion of a side and a bottom of the first container are located in the cooling chamber when the first container is attached to the lid.
US07780026B1	Band-free container packaging A stackable container includes top and bottom surfaces; opposing side surfaces; opposing end surfaces; and interlock mechanisms on at least one of 1) the top and bottom surfaces, 2) the opposing side surfaces and 3) the opposing end surfaces. Because of the interlock mechanisms, a plurality of the containers may be stacked and shipped, such as on a pallet, without the use of support bands.
US07780025B2	Plastic container base structure and method for hot filling a plastic container A base for a plastic container defining a central longitudinal axis. The base includes an annular standing ring portion defining a standing surface. The base includes a substantially cylindrical ring portion extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the standing surface. The base further includes a substantially concave dome portion extending inwardly from the substantially cylindrical ring portion to the longitudinal axis. The concave dome portion of the base includes a first plurality of substantially triangular panels circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis, and a second plurality of substantially triangular panels circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of each of the second plurality of substantially triangular panels is circumferentially and longitudinally offset from the first plurality of substantially triangular panels. A container preform and method of hot filling a plastic container are also disclosed.
US07780023B2	Ready to drink container with nipple and needle penetrable and laser resealable portion, and related method A container is provided for storing a product, such as a fat containing liquid product, and includes a body defining a chamber for receiving the product; and a container closure including a sealing portion for sealing the product within the chamber. The container closure includes a member forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the container closure and the body; a nipple in fluid communication with the chamber that seals the chamber with respect to the ambient atmosphere during storage of the product in the chamber and that can be opened to dispense product from the chamber therethrough; and a needle penetrable and laser resealable portion that is penetrable by the needle for aseptically filling the chamber with the product, and that is thermally resealable by the application of laser radiation thereto to seal the product within the chamber.
US07780021B2	Rail road car draft fittings A rail road car has draft sills, and draft gear mounted in the draft sills, by which loads are passed along the train line of cars. The draft gear is mounted to the drafts sill webs between front and rear draft stops. The front and rear draft stops have portions that protrude beyond the plane of the inner face o the draft sill webs. The rear draft stops have a boss that extends past the plane of the inside face of the draft sill web, such that the peripheral weld about the boss may tend to be placed in stress in the plane of the web.
US07780018B1	Locker shelf assembly A locker shelf assembly which has first and second side walls and a shelf. Each of the side walls includes substantially horizontally extending grooves. The shelf has a first end and a second end. The first end of the shelf is positioned in the groove of the first side wall and the second end of the shelf is positioned in the groove of the second side wall. When the assembly is positioned in a locker, the shelf acts to position the first and second side walls against the walls of the locker.
US07780017B2	Vertical tool rack storage device Disclosed is a vertical tool rack storage device which includes a hollow upright pivot shaft, a plurality of flat tool racks for holding tool bits and parts, and a plurality of connectors for pivotally coupling the flat tool racks to the hollow upright pivot shaft for enabling the tool racks to be arranged in a stack and individually turnable about the hollow upright pivot shaft.
US07780014B2	Porous water filtration membrane of vinylidene fluoride resin hollow fiber and process for production thereof A composition is formed by blending a vinylidene fluoride resin having a relatively high molecular weight and an improved crystallinity represented by a difference Tm2−Tc of at most 32° C. between an inherent melting point Tm2 and a crystallization temperature Tc of the resin with a plasticizer and a good solvent for vinylidene fluoride resin, and the composition is melt-extruded into a hollow fiber-form. The hollow fiber-form extrudate is then cooled to be solidified from an outside thereof by introduction into cooling medium and subjected to extraction of the plasticizer and stretching, thereby forming a hollow fiber porous membrane of vinylidene fluoride resin characterized by co-presence of crystal oriented portion and crystal non-oriented portion recognizable by X-ray diffraction method. The resultant hollow fiber porous membrane of vinylidene fluoride resin has micro-pores of appropriate size and distribution, is excellent in mechanical strength represented by tensile strength and elongation at break and is useful as a water microfiltration membrane.
US07780013B1	Fire department connection with debris filter An improved fire department connection (FDC) having an accessible debris filter box interposed vertically in the line to permit the removal of undesired introduced solids to prevent the solids from clogging the sprinkler system which is in fluid communication with the base of the FDC. The box has a permanent filter, or removable filter media or a combination of the two types of filters, all accessible via a front removable plate thereon. The debris filter box may also be interposed vertically in other fluid flow systems that are subject to the introduction of undesired solids.
US07780009B2	Modular battery package A package for batteries comprising at least two separate modules and a cover placed over the at least two separate modules. Each module includes a base having a first face and a second face, with each module further including at least one pocket extending outwardly from the first face. Each pocket is configured and sized to accept a battery therein. Two of the at least two separate modules have the first faces thereof facing each other, with at least one pocket of a first one of the two of the at least two separate modules being located between a pair of pockets of a second one of the two of the at least two separate modules. The at least two separate modules are easily separated upon removal of the cover from over the at least two separate modules.
US07780008B2	Sealed assembly for storage and distribution with discharge control for solid pharmaceutical products The present invention relates to an assembly for the storage and distribution of solid loosely packed products unit by unit. The assembly generally comprises a storage container, a sealing means and a discharge control device inserted into the neck of the container to permit the passage of the products to be distributed. Inviolability and sealing of the container are achieved by means of a peelable heat seal, sealed thermally onto at least one surface defined by an annular, peripheral surface of the neck of the container and/or all or part of an upper surface of the device and/or a surface of a distribution opening.
US07780004B2	Package for stick electrodes A package for a compacted stack of stick electrodes comprising a thin metal foil encapsulating the stack with at least one axial seam and two end closures. One end closure includes a generally flat end portion extending from the stack and terminating in a sealed section of the metal foil spaced outwardly from the stack. The flat end portion including a structure to open the package for access to the stack of electrodes. This package is used in combination with an elongated shipping carton with a vision opening exposing a package therein.
US07780000B2	Anti-theft display container An anti-theft display case for manufactured products; in particular, display cases that can be opened and re-closed to contain the product to be displayed and provided with means of maintaining the case closed up to completion of sale, so as to prevent the unauthorized removal of the product. The anti-theft display case is provided with at least one first portion and one second portion, one mobile in relation to the other between an open and a closed position, and a means of locking said portions in the said closed position. The second portion is formed from at least two pieces bound one to the other and mobile one in relation to the other telescopically to increase the volume of the display case.
US07779998B2	Heat treated package formed from fibre based packaging material The invention relates to a package intended for thermal treatment comprising a fiber-based packaging material treated with a hydrophobic size and comprising one or more layers for reduced water penetration outside and/or inside the fiber substrate. The package of the invention is characterized by the fiber substrate being treated with a combination of a wet-strength size, a hydrophobic size and an aluminum and/or calcium compound for increased heat resistance of the packaging material, and in that the ratio of hydrophobic size to the aluminium and/or calcium compound is 1:1-1:10.
US07779993B2	Apparatus for transporting freight An apparatus for transporting freight, such as freight containers in freight compartments of aircraft, the apparatus including a power-drive unit including a transport roller and a lifting unit. The lifting unit includes a housing and at least one actuator that acts on at least one actuating element. The actuator is supported in an axially movable manner within the housing, and the lifting unit is configured to provide an equalization of separated forces to the actuating element.
US07779992B2	Shopping cart conveyor system with pivoting lug A shopping cart conveyor system that moves a shopping cart from one location to another along a path. The system includes a frame, a track coupled to the frame, and a conveyor coupled to the frame and having an engagement member (e.g., multiple engagement members) adapted to engage a shopping cart. The engagement member is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the track from a first position, where the engagement member will engage and move the shopping cart along the path, and a second position, where the engagement member is capable of releasing engagement of the shopping cart. Preferably, the engagement member is biased toward the first position (e.g., by a resilient member). In one embodiment, the engagement member includes an engagement surface adapted to engage the shopping cart and defining an engagement angle between the engagement surface and a reference axis parallel to the path. In this embodiment, the engagement angle is acute when the engagement member is in the first position and is obtuse when the engagement member is in the second position.
US07779991B2	Bidirectional bulk material gathering apparatus and methods for gathering bulk materials A material gathering apparatus with a bucket; a motor having a shaft; and a plurality of blades; in which the hydraulic motor is fixed below the bucket; and the plurality of blades are fixed within the bucket and are rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise around the shaft.
US07779987B2	Device for and method of sampling the amount of carryback material transferred by a bulk material belt conveyor system An assembly comprises a bulk material belt conveyor system and a carryback sampling device. The bulk material belt conveyor system comprises a belt and a structural frame. The belt is supported by the structural frame and has a downwardly facing portion. The belt is configured to traverse relative to the structural frame. The carryback sampling device comprises at least a first support member, a carryback receptacle, and a carryback scraper. The first support member is pivotally attached to the structural frame about an axis. The carryback scraper and the carryback receptacle are attached to the structural frame via the first support member in a manner such that pivotal movement of the first support member about the axis relative to the structural frame brings the carryback scraper into engagement with the downwardly facing portion of the belt with the carryback receptacle positioned therebeneath.
US07779983B2	Two door electronic safe A two door electronic safe is described wherein a bill acceptor, as well as other electronic control circuitry, and a banknote canister are partitioned in first and second compartments with access by first and second access doors, respectively, so that a service call can be made to service the bill acceptor or other electronics without having to allow access to the banknote canister thereby facilitating service calls and allowing the separation of the service call function from the cash collection function.
US07779982B2	Currency processing and strapping systems and methods A method and device for evaluating currency bills using a strapping unit that allows a currency evaluating device to automatically strap stacks of currency bills. Currency bills are placed in an input receptacle and an evaluating unit processes each currency bill one at a time. The currency bills are then transported to a plurality of output receptacles within a strapping unit. A stack moving mechanism transports a stack of currency bills, which contains a predetermined number of currency bills, from each of the plurality of output receptacles to the strapping unit or a strapping position. Each stack of currency bills is strapped using strapping material.
US07779981B2	Welded chain wheel In order to make available a clutch drum, which is connected to a toothed wheel, in particular a toothed wheel designed as a chain wheel for a motor saw, wherein a non-detachable connection of the toothed wheel and clutch drum is associated with a positive connection, and wherein the connection of the clutch drum and toothed wheel is a low cost, durable and reliable connection, it is proposed that the clutch drum is provided with a recess, wherein a rigid connection is provided between the toothed wheel and the clutch drum, which is welded from inside the clutch drum.
US07779980B2	Wet multi-plate clutch The present invention provides a wet multi-plate clutch comprising an external toothed plate formed by sticking a friction material to a core plate and an internal toothed plate formed by sticking a friction material to a core plate and designed so that torque is transmitted by engaging the external toothed plate with the internal toothed plate and wherein the friction materials are stuck to opposed surfaces where the external toothed plate is opposed to the internal toothed plate, and surfaces of the core plates to which the friction materials are stuck are provided with a plurality of surfaces offset axially.
US07779976B2	Versatile and reconfigurable luggage An item of luggage is provided that has foldable shelves and collapsible drawers. The drawers and shelves may be folded relatively flat and stored in the main housing of the luggage when not in use. The luggage may have a cover support to hold the cover of the luggage open at various angles and under various loads when the cover is open.
US07779973B2	Transmission mechanism with the function of the shock absorption A transmission mechanism with the function of the shock absorption includes a transmission unit adapted to receive a drive gear set within a housing; a motor mounted on the external side of the housing for providing the drive gear set with necessary driving power; a transmission rod disposed within the drive gear set to allow for a power transmission; a shock-absorbing unit including a fixing sleeve being disposed at the external side of the housing with respect to the internal end of the transmission rod, a shock-absorbing spring being installed within the fixing sleeve, a telescopic lever being adapted to actuate the shock-absorbing spring; and an adjusting unit interposed between the transmission rod and the shock-absorbing unit. In comparison with the prior art having problems of incomplete integrity and inadequate shock absorption, the invention has an integral configuration and ensures an excellent shock absorption.
US07779963B2	Exhaust system for motorcycle A motorcycle having a tail pipe formed from a pair of branch pipes that branch from a main pipe and that ensures a sound absorbing effect. A muffler has a casing that surrounds a rear section of an exhaust pipe, and a sound absorbing material that is filled between the casing and the rear section of the exhaust pipe. The rear section of the exhaust pipe includes a main pipe that is connected to the exhaust pipe and that extends to the rear, and first and second branch pipes that are connected to and branch from the main pipe and extend to the rear. A cross sectional area of the casing, when viewed from an exhaust gas flow direction becomes larger as the casing extends toward the branch pipe side.
US07779959B2	Electric power steering apparatus An electric power steering apparatus comprises a driving gear driven by an electric motor for steering assist and a driven gear meshed with the driving gear. A steering shaft is rotated along with the driven gear. The steering shaft is rotatably supported by a first bearing and a second bearing. An urging member is arranged in a recess provided in a housing. The urging member urges at least one of the first bearing and the second bearing in a direction in which a center-to-center distance between the driving gear and the driven gear increases.
US07779957B2	Framework of vehicle A framework of a vehicle provided with an engine mounted in an engine room and having a crank shaft, includes a subframe extending in the lateral direction of a space at the back of the engine. A steering gear box provided above the subframe extends in the lateral direction and an exhaust pipe that extends in the longitudinal direction crosses the gear box. A longitudinally extending recessed portion is formed on a top surface of the subframe so that the exhaust pipe provided under the steering gear box enters the recessed portion. Arch-shaped reinforcing members spanning over the exhaust pipe are provided on a top surface of the subframe at longitudinally spaced positions. The reinforcing member toward the front of the vehicle breaks when a physical impact is applied to the front of the vehicle before the reinforcing member disposed toward the rear of the vehicle.
US07779955B2	Angularly disposed planar pedal system for motor vehicles The present invention relates generally to systems and methods designed to reduce the dangers presented by certain unintentional and intentional actions by drivers of motor vehicles, and more specifically to eliminating the panic-based, unintentional acceleration of motor vehicles by drivers in emergency situations as well as the intentional abuse of motor vehicle power by drivers.
US07779954B2	Apparatus to immobilize an internal combustion engine motor vehicle A readily transportable and rapidly deployable vehicle immobilization device is provided. The exhaust of an internal combustion engine is obstructed, resulting in choking off and stopping of the engine. In an aspect, a plug is provided having an extension fixed to the plug for human grasping, and facilitating insertion into an end of a vehicle exhaust pipe. In an aspect the plug expands upon being heated and is adhesive to the exhaust pipe for at least partially sealing the exhaust pipe. In another aspect, a length of adhesive material is attached to the front of a pursuing vehicle and engages an end of an exhaust pipe of a fleeing vehicle.
US07779950B2	Integrated frame and air box method and apparatus The present teachings generally include a motorcycle having an engine with at least two cylinders. A first cylinder head has a first top portion and a first side portion. A second cylinder head has a second top portion and a second side portion. The first cylinder head and the second cylinder head are associated with the engine. A frame member defines an integral air box that communicates air into the engine. The frame member couples to the first side portion of the first cylinder head and the second side portion of the second cylinder head.
US07779947B2	Acceleration based automated slip control system A system for controlling slip of a machine is disclosed. The system has a power source configured to produce a power output, at least one driven traction device, and a transmission operably connected to transmit the power output from the power source to the at least one driven traction device. The system further has at least one sensor configured to detect an acceleration of the machine and to generate a corresponding signal, and a controller configured to receive the signal and to reduce a magnitude of power or torque transmitted to the at least one driven traction device when the detected acceleration indicates slip of the at least one driven traction device.
US07779943B2	Hybrid-powered slow-speed vehicle, vehicle travel-range extension method, and method of hybrid-vehicle manufacture A hybrid-powered slow-speed vehicle (400) fundamentally comprising battery-electric slow-speed (BESS) vehicle (107) plus auxiliary-drive ICE-powertrain (200), hub-coaxial wheel positioner (269) and auxiliary-drive operational controller assembly (300); powertrain (200) having [a] high energy-density fuel supply (203), sufficient auxiliary driveline operational space (283) urged by wheel-positioner (269), [c] auxiliary-power driveline (235), component couplings of the driveline (235) ending with operable attachment of distal powerwheel (256) to auxiliary-driveline rear traction-wheel (262); operational controller assembly (300) within vehicle-driver zone (110); hybridized BESS-vehicle (400) extending travel range (145) of original BESS-vehicle (107), utilizing primary electric powertrain (151) and auxiliary ICE-powertrain (200) in various cooperative sequences and combinations of operations, retaining many advantages of original vehicle (107), while adding others, especially notably the opportunities to extend battery life, to augment vehicle power, and to increase the attainable primary travel-range (145) between plug-in rechargings of primary battery (154).
US07779942B2	Motor Vehicle A motor vehicle (KFZ) including an electric power source (EQ) for providing DC current, a converter (U) for converting the DC current into three-phase AC current of identical phase angle or polyphase current as a function of the vehicle operating state, and an electric machine (EM), to which the current provided by the converter is fed, is provided.
US07779940B2	Vehicles and methods for handling materials Disclosed are vehicles and methods for transporting materials.
US07779939B2	Guided control of a transporter A method for conducting the motion of a transporter under riderless conditions. The transporter has two laterally disposed primary wheels. In accordance with the method, an input is received via a user input disposed on the transporter and a control signal corresponding to the input received is generated. Then a torque is applied to the laterally disposed wheels so as propel the transporter on the basis of at least the control signal.The control signal may correspond to either a commanded torque or to a commanded transporter velocity. The torque may include coadded terms where the terms are, respectively, proportional to the control signal, to a counteracting artificial friction proportional to the common velocity of the wheels, and a term proportional to the differential rotation of the wheels to facilitate turning of the transporter.
US07779938B2	Swivel for use in installing large diameter casing The invention includes a pair of swivels for use with an auger boring machine. One of the swivels allows for rotation of a first auger of a first auger assembly connected to the trailing end of a pilot tube without rotating the pilot tube. The other swivel allows for rotation of a larger diameter second auger connected to the trailing end of the first auger assembly without rotating the first auger. Each of the swivels includes a thrust bearing.
US07779935B2	Mechanically engaged and releasable connection system An apparatus for mechanically engaging and releasably coupling two tubular members may include a first housing member, a second housing member and a piston member, wherein, in a first position, the first and second housing members are fixed relative to each other by the piston, and wherein, in a second position, the second housing member is rotatable relative to the first housing member. Certain embodiments include matingly engaged axially disposed and axially offset splines. Other embodiments include first and second interlocking mechanisms that are in an opposed relationship to couple first and second tubular members in a fixed position. Some embodiments include a method of reacting a first rotational coupling against a second axial coupling to resist both axial and rotational movement between first and second tubulars. Other embodiments include displacing a moveable member to both axially and rotationally release first and second tubulars.
US07779932B2	Drill-string shock absorbers Implementations of the present invention relate generally to methods, systems, and apparatus for absorbing vibration and shock impulses created during drilling operations. In particular, implementations of the present invention include drill-string shock absorbers adapted to absorb longitudinal forces produced during a drilling operation. For example, drill-string shock absorbers in accordance with at least one implementation of the present invention include a generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end coupled together by a radially interlocking joint. Such a configuration can reduce mechanical failure and increase the operating life of the shock absorber by transmitting torsional forces directly between the ends of the housing and reducing stresses from being transferred to fastening means securing the first and second ends of the cylindrical housing together.
US07779925B2	Seal assembly energized with floating pistons Methods and apparatus for sealing a plug within tubing that the plug is designed to be landed and set in are disclosed. The plug includes a seal assembly having a seal on the plug that is acted on by a piston. Wellbore fluid pressure acts on the piston when the valve is closed, thereby moving the piston to force the seal into sealing contact with an inside surface of the tubing.
US07779924B2	Method and apparatus for use in a wellbore A hanger assembly and method for its use is included, along with various examples of alternative constructions for the hanger assembly. Also included are examples of new tool strings having capabilities facilitated as a result of use of the hanger assemblies. The hanger includes a deformable section that facilitates engaging contact with a surrounding structure. In preferred examples this engagement is achieved by use of a first deformable section of the hanger that extends radially outwardly from the remainder of the hangar body when the hanger is set; and a contact member that is further urged radially outwardly relative to that deformable section when the hanger is set.
US07779923B2	Methods and apparatus for anchoring and expanding tubular members A method for expanding a tubular member in a wellbore includes applying a downward force to an expansion cone through a work string to anchor the tubular member in the wellbore and pulling upwards on the expansion cone with the work string to expand the tubular member. The expansion cone is disposed in a launcher portion connected to the tubular member being expanded.
US07779922B1	Breakout device with support structure A method and apparatus for supporting a tubular breakout device in a position. An embodiment of the device comprises a first channel in the inside face of the device for receiving a corresponding key of a quill, a socket adjacent to the first channel, and a second channel adjacent to the socket. An embodiment of the device is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged and supported position by the method of moving the device from an engaged position to a disengaged position, rotating the device so that the key of the quill slides into the socket of the device, then moving the device to a secured position by lowering the device so that the key of the quill slides into the second channel of the device.
US07779919B2	Flapper valve retention method and system A system and method for use in a wellbore that includes a string comprising a housing. The housing comprises a valve including a valve seat having an inner channel and a flapper configured to pivot relative to the valve seat between a first position and a second position in which the inner channel is obstructed. A valve actuating device may be provided for selectively opening the valve and comprising a first hydraulic device. In addition, a retention device including a second hydraulic device may be provided and configured to selectively retain the flapper in the first position. In some cases, the first hydraulic device and the second hydraulic device may be driven by the same fluid source.
US07779915B2	Methods of limiting leak off and damage in hydraulic fractures Methods for treating a formation penetrated by a wellbore which improves fluid loss control during treatment. In some aspects, the treatments include preparing an aqueous fluid including one or more water inert degradable polymers and an optional viscosifier, injecting the aqueous fluid into the wellbore at a pressure equal to or greater than the formation's fracture initiation pressure, and thereafter injecting into the wellbore a proppant laden fluid at a pressure equal to or greater than the formation's fracture initiation pressure. The water inert degradable polymer may be a polymer such as an emulsion polymer or a latex polymer. Some methods of the invention use a fluid which may have a normalized leak off coefficient (Cw/sqrt(K)) equal to or less than about 0.0022, 0.0014, or 0.0010. A conventional fluid loss additive may or may not be used in conjunction with the treatment fluid and/or the proppant laden fluid. The water inert degradable polymer may or may not substantially enter formation pores. In another aspect, methods for reducing matrix damage to a formation during a treatment operation include preparing an aqueous treatment fluid formed of at least one water inert degradable polymer, and injecting the fluid at a pressure equal or greater than the formation's fracture initiation pressure.
US07779914B2	Process for producing heavy oil A process for emulsifying and burning a portion of heavy oil extracted from an underground reservoir, wherein the emulsified heavy oil is burned to generate steam and a caustic is used to aid in emulsifying the heavy oil.
US07779913B2	Methods for recovering oil from an oil reservoir There is a method for enhancing the recovery of oil from a reservoir. The method has the step of a) introducing a flooding fluid into the reservoir and b) extracting the oil through a wellbore at a location different than the point of introduction of the flooding fluid into the reservoir. The flooding fluid has water and an amount of one or more non-polymeric viscoelastic surfactants sufficient to provide an interfacial surface tension of about 1 mNm or less and a viscosity of about 10 cps or more. The one or more surfactants is selected from the group of one or more cationic surfactants, one or more zwitterionic surfactants, one or more amphoteric surfactants, one or more anionic surfactants, and combinations thereof.
US07779912B2	Well tool having magnetically coupled position sensor A well tool having a magnetically coupled position sensor. In operation of a well tool, relative displacement is produced between members of the well tool. A magnetically coupled position sensor includes one magnet assembly attached to a member for displacement therewith and another magnet assembly movably attached to the other member and magnetically coupled to the first magnet assembly for displacement therewith. The position sensor further includes a magnetically permeable material which increases a magnetic flux density between the magnet assemblies. The magnetically permeable material may be positioned between magnets of the magnet assemblies and/or spaced apart therefrom.
US07779911B2	Method and means for providing time delay in downhole well operations The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing hydraulic load compensated time delay in downhole well operations. The apparatus includes a piston stem enclosed by a piston housing. An axial force, acting either in the direction of stretch or in the direction of compression, causes a pressure buildup in one of two hydraulic chambers which are each filled with an incompressible liquid and which are mutually connected through one or more throttle orifices. A sideways floating, supported piston sleeve is arranged between the piston stem and the piston housing. The piston sleeve is adapted to control the differential pressure across the throttle orifice(s) in such a manner that an increasing axial force will, in a predetermined manner, increase the differential pressure across the throttle orifice(s) and hence delay the flow-through of the incompressible liquid from one of the hydraulic chambers to the other chamber, which also causes a predetermined delay of the relative movement between the piston stem and the piston housing.
US07779909B2	Liner hanger Methods and apparatus for radially expanding a tubular member.
US07779906B2	Downhole tool with multiple material retaining ring A downhole tool has a mandrel and an expandable packer element for sealingly engaging the well. A slip assembly is positioned on the mandrel and will anchor the downhole tool in the well. The slip assembly may include a slip ring that moves from an unset to a set position. A retaining ring is disposed about the slip ring and will hold the slip ring in the unset position until sufficient force is applied to break the retaining ring. The retaining ring may comprise a retaining band with a dampener to suppress the spring effect experienced by the retaining band when it breaks upon the application of force.
US07779905B2	Subterranean well tool including a locking seal healing system A well tool with multi-stage remedial system improves the durability of a subterranean well tool having an expanded elastomeric member, such as a packer, for use inside a tubular member. The well tool with multi-stage remedial system has a plurality of mandrel members shiftable within the tubular member for anchoring and for setting the seal system. A floating tandem mounted annularly around the lower mandrel members has one end (upon shifting) proximate an end of the seal system, and the floating tandem has an opening to ambient bottom-hole-pressure of the subterranean well. A locking tandem is interposed with the floating tandem and at least one of the lower mandrel members. The floating tandem and the locking tandem together assist in abating elastomeric member extrusion under high temperature, high pressure environments as well as other conditions lending to failure within the well.
US07779902B2	Arm for moving flexible lines at a wellsite A movable arm 10 engages a flexible line 50 at a well site for positioning the flexible line between run-in position for passing the flexible line with a tubular through a well hole in the rig floor and a clamping position wherein the flexible line is adjacent the tubular above the rig floor for clamping the line to the tubular. The arm 10 extends upward from the rig floor 70, and includes a line guide, such as roller 12, for engaging the flexible line when in the run-in position. A powered drive 14 moves the arm between the run-in position and the clamping position. A spacer 82 may be used for positioning two or more flexible lines at a desired spacing relative to one another prior to positioning the lines within a clamp secured to the tubular. A slip bowl assembly 60 may be laterally movable so that slips do not engage the flexible line as it is run in the well.
US07779899B2	Plate-fin heat exchanger having application to air separation A plate-fin heat exchanger having alternating layers for exchanging heat between fluids to be warmed against fluids to be cooled. One or both of the layers is subdivided into flow passages to allow for the flow of two or more fluids flowing through one of the layers to engage in indirect heat transfer with one or more fluids flowing through another adjacent layer. The flow through the heat exchanger is parallel to the width of the heat exchanger. The first and second layers provide a greater cross-sectional flow area for each of the fluids than otherwise would have been provided had the fluids flow been parallel to the length of the heat exchanger with layers thereof dedicated to the flow of each of the fluids.
US07779896B2	Passive fluid recovery system A fluid recovery system is adapted for use with a cooling system, such as for use in electronic applications. In one example, an enclosure is configured to contain fluid in both gas and liquid states, wherein the fluid is adapted for use in spray cooling electronic components. A plurality of pick-up ports is defined within the enclosure. In one implementation of the cooling system, an orifice size used in each of the pick-up ports results in withdrawal of fluid from submerged and non-submerged pick-up ports.
US07779893B2	Combination heat exchanger having an improved end tank assembly A combination heat exchanger comprising of a heat exchange core having a plurality tubes, wherein the core having at least one core end; an end tank having two side walls and two end walls, two bulkheads the cavity defining a least a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber, a perimeter edge defined by exterior edges of said side walls, exterior edges of said two end walls, and exterior edges of said two bulkheads; a header plate engaged between said end tank and said core end; and a gasket between said perimeter edge and contact surface of said header plate, wherein the compression ratio of the gasket is varied along the contact surfaces of the perimeter edge and contact surface of the end plate.
US07779892B2	Investment casting cores and methods An investment casting core combination includes a metallic casting core and a ceramic feedcore. A first region of the metallic casting core is embedded in the ceramic feedcore. The metallic casting core includes a plurality of body sections. The first region is along at least some of the body sections. The metallic casting core includes a plurality of springs spanning gaps between adjacent body sections and unitarily formed therewith.
US07779891B2	Method of manufacturing magnesium alloy material In manufacturing a magnesium alloy, continuous casting is performed using a movable mold. A magnesium alloy to be processed by presswork, forging, and the like can be efficiently provided.
US07779885B2	Label peeling mechanism and label printer A label peeling mechanism for a label printer comprising a web-bending guide having a convex curved surface for bending a continuous web having labels affixed to the web; an upstream web pressure guide disposed downstream of a said print head in the label printer and having a plurality of ribs disposed upstream in the web transportation direction from the convex curved surface of the web-bending guide opposite an upstream guide surface of the web-bending guide for contacting the web before peeling the labels from the web and a downstream web pressure guide disposed downstream in the web transportation direction.
US07779881B2	Machine for making collapsible cellular structure A machine for making collapsible cellular structures folds two fabric webs into a V-shape or C-shape, connects the webs together with strands of adhesive, applies glue lines and collects the webs on a wheel. A variable speed motor, a fabric drive system which enables glue to be applied when the fabric is not stretched and a lay-on wheel assembly with movable arm that directs the fabric onto the collector can be provided in the machine.
US07779879B2	Machine for making expandable two-color slats A machine for making two-color expandable salts includes a feeding unit to feed two strips of different colors to a combining unit which includes a cutting blade and a ultra-wave generator, the cutting blade cuts surplus from two sides of each of the two strips and the two strips are securely connected to each other along two respective sides thereof so as to form the expandable slat. A scrolling unit includes a scrolling wheel which to scroll the expandable slat from the combining unit. A control unit includes a programmable controller and multiple tension detection members which detect tension of the strips and the expandable slat, the tension is sent to the programmable controller which adjusts speed of the feeding wheels and scrolling wheel.
US07779878B2	Pneumatic tire In a pneumatic tire, a belt layer includes six superposed belt members. The edge of the fourth belt member on the tire-width direction outer side and the edge of the sixth belt member on the tire-width direction outer side are at approximately the same position in a tire width direction.
US07779874B2	Method of filling kegs with a liquid beverage in a keg filling plant A method of filling kegs with a liquid beverage in a keg filling plant in which kegs are moved from a conveyor belt into a keg-filling machine by a star wheel structure, the star pockets of which or the arms of which can be individually adjusted to accommodate different-sized containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US07779868B2	Duct structure A duct structure, includes: a vessel forming therein a chamber, the vessel including: an inlet port, an outlet port, wherein the vessel is configured such that a fluid flows into the chamber through the inlet port and flows out of the chamber through the outlet port, and a swirling flow suppressing member disposed in a position inside the chamber adjacent to the outlet port, wherein the swirling flow suppressing member is configured to suppress a swirling flow from occurring to or adjacent to the outlet port.
US07779867B2	Miniature valve The present invention relates to a miniature valve, which includes a valve body comprising an inflow channel, an outflow channel and a liquid chamber, and a close assembly comprising a driver, a rocker and a valve film. The close assembly connects to the valve body and is configured to selectively close the inflow channel and the outflow channel. The rocker can be driven by the driver to move, so that the movement thereof acts on the valve film and makes the valve film selectively close the channel. The rocker and the valve film are separate components. The valve film, an elastic film locating in the liquid chamber, has a size configured to cover the inflow channel and the outflow channel. The miniature valve according to the present invention doesn't have interior dead area and has a slight effect on liquid fluctuation when switching channels.
US07779864B2	Infusion/mass transfer of treatment substances into substantial liquid flows Process and equipment for rapid and reliable infusion of treatment substances into a liquid mainstream. The equipment includes diversion of some of the liquid, boosting its pressure into an aspirating injector, which adds treatment substance and in turn discharges to a pair of opposed nozzles that inject the diversion stream with treatment substances back into the mainstream flow.
US07779862B2	Reservoir assembly A reservoir assembly for retaining a fluid includes a body having a base and external side walls defining a cavity. A baffle has a top surface spanning the cavity and includes a peripheral wall substantially conforming to the external side walls and extending to the base. A lid is connected to the body. The cavity is divided into a first, second and third compartment by a cooperation between the top surface of the baffle, a plurality of walls of the baffle, the base of the body and the external side walls of the body. The first and second compartments are in fluid communication with each other through the third compartment. An inlet port and an outlet port for allowing fluid to enter and exit the cavity are fluidly connected to the body and are fluidly connected to each other by the first compartment to direct a flow of the fluid.
US07779859B2	Flapper with insert stops for check valve A check valve is provided that includes a valve body, a stop bar, a flapper, and a protrusion. The valve body has a flow channel extending therethrough, a first stop support, and a second stop support. The first and second stop supports extend axially from the valve body. The stop bar is coupled to and extends between the first and the second stop supports. The flapper is rotationally mounted to the valve body and comprises a first material. The protrusion is integrally molded with the flapper and extends axially therefrom. The protrusion comprises a second material that is non-metallic and different than the first material. The flapper is moveable between a closed position, in which the flapper at least substantially seals the flow channel, and a fully-open position, in which the protrusion contacts the stop bar and the flapper unseals the flow channel.
US07779855B2	Systems and methods for rainwater collection, irrigation, and conservation The technology described herein provides systems and methods for rainwater collection, irrigation, and water conservation. This technology is ideal for use when municipal water reservoirs are low and outdoor watering is restricted or altogether banned. The system includes a water holding reservoir mounted vertically and inconspicuously adjacent to a dwelling, a reservoir connector fluidly connecting the water holding reservoir to a gutter to receive rainwater, a water level indicator and volumetric scale, a water spigot for a garden hose, and a cleanout drain. In an alternative embodiment, the system includes a plurality of adjacent water holding reservoirs each being filled by a single reservoir connector fluidly connected to and located between each of the plurality of water holding reservoirs and the gutter, to provide rainwater to each of the plurality of water holding reservoirs from a single point in the gutter.
US07779851B2	Structural support member An elongated structural support member for truss sections of collapsible shelters having a cellular core structure including internal dovetailed wall portions and an internal medial wall portion joined at opposite ends to the dovetailed wall portions.
US07779847B2	Apparatus and methods for manipulating hair processing materials Disclosed are apparatus and methods for efficiently and effectively manipulating spreadable materials. Such apparatus and methods may be incorporated for uses such as applying spreadable materials such as hair color, relaxers, and the like to a surface such as the surface of strands of hair for the purpose of highlighting or otherwise processing hair. A variety of applicators including varying edges, surfaces, tapers, and dimensions are disclosed, wherein each applicator configuration creates a different effect when used for hair processing. Furthermore, a hair stylist may select one or more of the disclosed applicators based upon ease of use for the particular hair stylist, personal preference, and/or the type of hair to be processed. The applicators disclosed herein retain their rigidity during use, are fast-drying, create less waste, and are easy to clean. In one embodiment, a user may tailor the applicator's head design to meet his or her personal needs.
US07779846B2	Device for transferring and inspecting groups of cigarettes Groups of cigarettes approaching a packer are transferred and inspected by a conveyor equipped with receptacles advancing along a set path, and an inspection device such as will verify the presence and the integrity of each cigarette in each receptacle and generate signals to indicate the outcome of the inspection. The conveyor also incorporates emitters in the form of permanent magnets, each associated with a relative receptacle and interacting with a receiver consisting in an array of magnetoresistors ordered along the conveying path; the receiver is capable of emitting signals synchronized with the steps of the inspection procedure and indicating the position of each receptacle relative to a fixed inspection position.
US07779843B2	Adjustable vaginal splint for pelvic floor support Vaginal splints and methods for their use for treating various pelvic floor conditions are provided. One embodiment of the vaginal splint includes a base portion having a configuration defined by first and second sides, a first connecting portion at a proximal side of the base portion and extending between a first end of each of the first and second sides, and a second connecting portion at a distal side of the base portion and extending between a second end of each of the first and second sides. The splint further includes an adjustable portion coupled to the base portion and positioned substantially adjacent to and distal of the second connecting portion of the base portion. The adjustable portion is removable by a user to thereby change the size of the splint.
US07779841B2	Respiratory therapy device and method A respiratory therapy device including a housing and an interrupter valve assembly. The housing includes a patient inlet, an exhaust outlet, a chamber, and a supply inlet. The interrupter valve assembly is associated with the housing and includes a control port fluidly connecting the patient inlet and the first chamber, and a valve body adapted to selectively obstruct fluid flow through the control port. In a passive mode, positive fluid flow to the supply inlet does not occur, and the interrupter valve assembly interacts with exhaled air create an oscillatory PEP effect. In an active mode, fluid flow to the supply inlet occurs and the interrupter valve assembly operates to create a CHFO effect. The respiratory device can serve as a passive oscillatory PEP device, and when connected to a positive pressure source, as an active device.
US07779839B2	Fluid product dispensing device A fluid dispenser device including at least one individual reservoir (21) containing a single dose of fluid, opening means (40) being provided for opening an individual reservoir (21) each time the device is actuated, said opening means (40) comprising perforator and/or cutter means (41) and movable support means (50), said movable support means (50) being adapted to displace an individual reservoir (21) against said perforator and/or cutter means (41) on each actuation.
US07779838B2	Inhalation therapy device An inhalation therapy device includes a supply element for a gaseous medium, for example ventilation air of a ventilation device, and a flow influencing element, by means of which a sheath flow is formed around an expansion area for an aerosol generated by an aerosol generator for therapeutic administration. Deposition of aerosol droplets or particles on the inner way of the housing of the inhalation therapy device is effectively prevented in this manner.
US07779834B2	Method and apparatus for substance delivery in system for supplying breathable gas A substance delivery apparatus for use with a system for supplying breathable gas to a human or animal includes a sensor to measure the pressure of the supplied breathable gas and to detect inhalation by the human or animal; and a reservoir, a conduit, a pump, and a diaphragm to deliver the substance to the human or animal during inhalation at a pressure higher than the supplied pressure of the breathable gas.
US07779833B2	Diving helmet A diving helmet (10) of the type having an air supply pumped to it during use. The helmet (10) including a head portion (12) substantially formed from a transparent material such that a user can see both forwardly and rearwardly. The helmet (10) further including a body contacting collar portion (18) extending from the head portion (12). The collar portion having a shoulder engaging portion (24) adapted to prevent said helmet (10) from tipping during use.
US07779832B1	Headgear for use with a patient interface device A universal headgear is easy to use and creates an effective seal between a patient interface device, such as gas delivery mask, and a patient. The headgear of the present invention includes a halo-like headband formed from an elastomeric material. The headband includes contoured panels that allow the device to fit most people without circumference length adjustment. The halo headband is designed to maintain a substantially frusto-conical shape when worn. The present invention preferably includes an adjustable crossover strap on the top connecting the contoured panels that is adapted to hold the halo headband in position. The headpiece further includes connecting straps to adjustably connect the headgear to a patient interface device. The present headgear fits a wide range of head sizes and shapes, is easy to use, and provides increased stability.
US07779826B2	Paintball gun A paintball gun which is simplified in structure and improved in gas efficiency comprises a two-stage pneumatic propulsion, a rear end of the paintball feeder is engaged in an inner groove of the pushing rod, such arrangements facilitates smooth flow of the gas in the barrel of the paintball gun and simplification of the structure.
US07779825B2	High capacity paintball hoppers and loaders and paintball feeder combinations with quick disconnect, permanent and integral connection configurations A range of High capacity paintball pod hopper or loader housings for use with conventional paintball gun with attached paintball feeder core egg housing. The pod hopper housing has an enclosed end and an open end in contact with the paintball feeder core egg housing and is arranged for gravity feed transfer of paintballs to the paintball gun firing chamber. The pod loader housing has an enclosed end and an open end in contact with the paintball feeder core egg housing and is arranged for power feed transfer of paintballs to the paintball gun firing chamber The pod hopper and pod loader housings are arranged for connections to the feeder core egg housings using (a) quick connector bayonets, and spring-loaded pin, and (b) permanently connected using glued or mechanical fasteners.
US07779822B2	Intake assembly with integral resonators An intake assembly, such as a supercharger assembly, is provided for an internal combustion engine. The intake assembly includes a housing having a wall defining an inlet passage through which intake air enters the intake assembly. A plurality of stiffening ribs is provided on the wall opposite the inlet passage and at least partially defines at least one cavity. A plate is mounted to the wall of the housing and further defines the at least one cavity. The wall defines at least one orifice configured to provide communication between the inlet passage and the at least one cavity. The at least one cavity and the at least one orifice cooperate to form at least one resonator. A method of forming the intake assembly having integral resonators is also provided.
US07779819B2	Control method for an overpressure valve in a common-rail fuel supply system Control method for an overpressure valve in a common-rail fuel supply system, the method including the phases of: delivering fuel under pressure, via a high-pressure pump, to a common rail equipped with the overpressure valve that is set to discharge the fuel present in the common rail into a discharge line when the fuel pressure inside the common rail exceeds a safety value; piloting, during a diagnostic test, the high-pressure pump to increase the fuel pressure inside the common rail beyond the safety value in order to trigger operation of the overpressure valve; determining, during the diagnostic test, the flow of the high-pressure pump and/or the fuel pressure inside the common rail; and comparing the flow of the high-pressure pump and/or the fuel pressure inside the common rail during the diagnostic test with respective threshold values.
US07779810B2	Idle stability improvement for direct injected engines A fuel injection method for internal combustion engines with gasoline direct fuel injection systems comprises receiving a crankshaft position signal from a crankshaft position sensor. A position of a crankshaft is determined from the crankshaft position signal. Fuel is commanded at a first rate when the position of the crankshaft is within a first selectable range during a combustion cycle of an engine cylinder and fuel is commanded at a second rate when the position of the crankshaft is within a second selectable range during the combustion cycle of the engine cylinder.

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