最新美国发明专利第2011-02-01期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US07879933B2	Blended nucleating agent compositions and methods Certain thermoplastic additives that induce simultaneous good material properties and high nucleation efficacy are provided. Such additives include combinations of a phosphate salt and a dicarboxylate salt. This combination or blend may be provided in various ratios. A method for applying such a combination in a thermoplastic formulation is also disclosed. A thermoplastic formulation, which may or may not include polypropylene, is also disclosed in connection with the combination.
US07879930B2	Colored oxygen scavenging polymers The present invention relates to a melt blend of a base polymer, an oxidizable organic polymer, a transition metal salt catalyst and a colorant that does not completely deactivate the catalyzed oxidation. A preferred colorant, yields in an article made from the polymer melt blend a Catalyst Deactivation Factor (CDF) of less than about 0.25, preferably less than 0.15, more preferably less than 0.1, and most preferred less than 0.05. The present invention also comprises a colored monolayer article having the described CDF, such as a film, thermoformed tray, or blow molded container, that has active oxygen scavenging properties. The colorant, after melt blending a base polymer, an oxidizable organic polymer, a transition metal catalyst, does not increase the binding energy of the transition metal catalyst ion by more than 1 eV.
US07879929B2	Quinophthalone compound, mixed colorant, laser ray transmitting colored resin composition, and laser-welded product Quinophthalone compound of Formula (1) or (2), mixed colorant, laser ray transmitting colored resin composition containing thereof, and laser-welded product. in each of Formulas (1) and (2), X: —O-L; L: hydrogen atom, alkyl, aryl; Y represents hydrogen atom, hydroxyl, mercapto, alkoxy, aryloxy, heterocyclic oxy, acyloxy, alkylsulfonyloxy, arylsulfonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, alkylthio, arylthio, heterocyclic thio; R1 to R8 and R1 to R4 and R9 to R14: hydrogen atom, nitro, hydroxyl, mercapto, carboxyl, cyano, thiocyano, halogen atom, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, amino, acyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, heterocyclic oxy, acyloxy, alkylsulfonyloxy, arylsulfonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyl, cycloalkyloxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, heterocyclic oxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, sulfamoyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, alkylthio, arylthio, heterocyclic thio, alkoxysulfonyl, cycloalkyloxysulfonyl, aryloxysulfonyl, heterocyclic oxysulfonyl; at least one of R5 to R8 in Formula (1) is carboxyl, at least one of R9 to R14 in Formula (2) is carboxyl.
US07879924B2	Dental composite resin cement, dental primer and dental adhesive kit containing them The present invention provides a dental resin cement which is excellent in a mechanical strength, workability and storage stability, and a dental primer which significantly improves adhesiveness of the dental resin cement both to enamel and dentin of a tooth. According to the present invention, a salt of barbituric acid is used as a polymerization initiator in the dual-cure two-paste type dental resin cement being excellent in workability and storage stability to improve the storage stability, and a primer containing barbituric acid and amine is applied to a surface of a tooth to significantly improve adhesiveness of the dental resin cement both to enamel and dentin of teeth.
US07879919B2	Production of hydrocarbons from natural gas A process for producing hydrocarbons from natural gas includes, in a cryogenic separation stage, cryogenically separating the natural gas to produce at least a methane stream and natural gas liquids, in a reforming stage, reforming the methane stream to produce a synthesis gas which includes at least CO and H2, and in a Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis stage, converting at least some of the CO and H2 into a Fischer-Tropsch product which includes hydrocarbons. A Fischer-Tropsch tail gas which includes at least CO and H2, methane and heavier than methane hydrocarbons, is separated from the Fischer-Tropsch product in a Fischer-Tropsch product separation stage. At least a portion of the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas is recycled to the cryogenic separation stage, where the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas is cryogenically separated into two or more streams.
US07879917B2	Defoamers for pulp and papermaking applications A defoamer made from a composition that has at least one triglyceride oil or triglyceride oil mixture, at least one silicone, at least one silicone-triglyceride stabilizing agent, hydrophobic silica particles, optionally one or more surfactants and/or dispersants, and optionally one or more thickeners, and optionally one or more biocides. The defoamers described herein have utility in controlling foam in industrial applications. Typically, the defoamer can be used to control foam in pulp and paper applications.
US07879907B2	3-phenylpropanoic compound activators of receptors of PPAR type and pharmaceutical/cosmetic compositions comprised thereof Novel 3-phenylpropanoic acid compounds have the general formula (I) below: and are formulated into pharmaceutical compositions for administration in human or veterinary medicine (in dermatology, and also in the field of cardiovascular diseases, immune diseases and/or lipid metabolism-related diseases), or, alternatively, into cosmetic compositions.
US07879905B2	5,6,7-trihydroxyheptanoic acid and analogs for the treatment of ocular diseases and diseases associated with hyperproliferative and angiogenic responses Compositions containing 5,6,7-trihydroxyheptanoic acid and analogs and their use for treating posterior segment ocular diseases and diseases characterized by cellular hyperproliferation or angiogenesis, are disclosed.
US07879903B2	Optically active 3-aminopyrrolidine salt, process for production thereof, and method for optical resolution of 3-aminopyrrolidine An optically active 3-aminopyrrolidine (3AP) salt has a high optical purity which is useful as an intermediate in an industrial production method of an optically active 3AP, an efficient method for producing it, and an efficient industrial method for optical resolution of 3AP. Optical resolution of 3AP is efficiently carried out by reacting racemic 3AP with optically active 2-methoxyphenylacetic acid in the presence of a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid in an aqueous solvent, followed by separation of the resulting diastereomer salt constituted by 1 mole of optically active 3AP and 2 moles of optically active 2-methoxyphenylacetic acid.
US07879900B2	3-aminocarbazole compounds, pharmaceutical composition containing the same and method for the preparation thereof A compound of formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, X and Y have the meanings indicated in the description, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. A pharmaceutical composition containing a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method for preparing the abovementioned compound of formula (I) and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US07879897B2	Pesticidal 5-substituted-oxyalkylamino-1-arylpyrazole derivatives The invention relates to 5-sub-stituted-oxyalkylaminopyrazole derivatives of the formula or salts thereof wherein the various symbols are as defined in the description, to processes for their preparation, to compositions thereof, and to their use for the control of pests including arthropods and helminths.
US07879892B2	Anti-cancer and anti-microbial oxazolidinones Disclosed herein are various novel oxazolidinone, imidazolidinone, and thiazolidinone analogs and methods of treating cancer and/or microbial infection using these analogs. Particular 4-oxazolidinone compounds are shown to have anti-cancer and anti-microbial activity.
US07879891B2	Caspase inhibitor prodrugs This invention relates to prodrugs of caspase inhibitors comprising of a furo[3,2-d]oxazolin-5-one moiety which, under specific conditions, can convert into biologically active compounds, particularly caspase inhibitors.This invention also relates to the processes for preparing these prodrugs of caspase inhibitors.This invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said prodrugs and to the use thereof for the treatment of diseases related to inflammatory or degenerative conditions.
US07879890B2	Compounds for the treatment of inflammatory disorders This invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, ester or isomer thereof, which can be useful for the treatment of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs, ADAMs, TACE, aggrecanase, TNF- or combinations thereof.
US07879889B2	Therapeutic use of acylaminothiazole derivatives The present invention discloses and claims therapeutic uses of a compound corresponding to the general formula (I): Wherein, X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R5′, R6 and n are as described herein.
US07879888B2	Thiazole derivatives and use thereof The present invention is related to thiazole derivatives of Formula (I) in particular for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, bacterial or viral infections, kidney diseases, platelet aggregation, cancer, transplantation, graft rejection or lung injuries.
US07879885B2	Thioalkeneamides as transketolase inhibitors The present invention provides thioalkeneamides of formula (I) which are useful as transketolase inhibitors: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, Ra-Rd, n and ring A are as defined herein. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I). The invention provides methods for inhibiting transketolase activity, reducing cellular ribose-5-phosphate levels, inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis, inhibiting cell proliferation and tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo, stimulating apoptosis in tumor cells and treating cancer by administering a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.
US07879884B2	Aryl pyridyl sulfonamide derivatives, their manufacture and use as pharmaceutical agents Objects of the present invention are the compounds of formula (I) their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, enantiomeric forms, diastereoisomers and racemates, the preparation of the above compounds, medicaments containing them and their manufacture, as well as the use of the above compounds in the control or prevention of illnesses such as cancer.
US07879880B2	Substituted aniline derivatives useful as histamine H3 antagonists Disclosed are compounds of the formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein M1 is M2 is N; X is a bond, optionally substituted alkylene, alkenylene, —O—, —CH2N(R12)—, —N(R12)CH2—, —N(R12)—, —NHC(O)—, —OCH2—, —CH2O—, or —S(O)0-2—; and Y is —(CH2)1-2—, —C(═O)—, —C(═NOR13)— or —SO0-2—; or M1 is N; M2 is N or CH; X is a bond, alkylene, alkenylene, —C(O)—, —NHC(O)—, —OC(O)— or —S(O)1-2—; Y is —(CH2)1-2—, —C(═O)— or —SO0-2—; and when M2 is CH, Y is also Y is —O— or —C(═NOR13)—; Z is a bond or optionally substituted alkylene or alkenylene; U and W are CH, or one is CH and one is N; R1 is optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl; R2 is optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl; and the remaining variables are as defined in the specification; and compositions and methods of treating obesity, metabolic syndrome and a cognition deficit disorder, alone or in combination with other agents.
US07879874B2	Quinuclidine derivatives and medicinal compositions containing the same A compound of formula (I) is provided, wherein B, A, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined herein and X− represents a pharmaceutically acceptable anion of a mono or polyvalent acid. Processes for the preparation of such compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are also provided. group or a —CH2OH group; and X− represents a pharmaceutically acceptable anion of a mono or polyvalent acid.
US07879873B2	Azaindazole compounds as CCR1 receptor antagonists Disclosed are compounds of the formula (I), useful for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are mediated or sustained through the activity of CCR1 including autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Also disclosed are methods of making and methods of using same.
US07879871B2	Crystalline forms of tiotropium bromide The invention relates to a new crystalline forms of tiotropium bromide, processes for preparing them and their use for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of respiratory complaints, particularly for the treatment of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma.
US07879866B2	Inhibition of the activity of the capsaicin receptor in the treatment of obesity or obesity-related diseases and disorders The present invention provides a method of treating diseases or disorders benefiting from inactivating or down regulating the activity of the capsaicin receptor in a mammal by inhibiting the activity of the capsaicin receptor.The present invention also provides a method of treating obesity and obesity-related diseases and disorders in a mammal by inhibiting the activity of the capasaicin receptor.
US07879858B2	Substituted tetrahydropyrrolopyrazine compounds and the use thereof in pharmaceutical compositions Substituted tetrahydropyrrolopyrazine compounds corresponding to formula I a process for producing such compounds; and a method of using such compounds to treat or inhibit various disorders or disease states including pain, depression and anxiety.
US07879852B2	Melanocortin receptor agonists The present invention relates to a compound of the following formula 1, pharmaceutically acceptable salt and isomer thereof effective as agonist of melanocortin receptor, and an agonistic composition of melanocortin receptor comprising the same as active ingredient.
US07879849B2	Pyrazolopyridines and analogs thereof Pyrazolopyridin-4-amines, pyrazoloquinolin-4-amines, pyrazolonaphthyridin-4-amines, and 6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrazoloquinolin-4-amines, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, intermediates, methods of making, and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for inducing or inhibiting cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases, are disclosed.
US07879848B2	Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV inhibiting compounds, method of preparing the same, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same as an active agent Novel compounds exhibiting good inhibitory activity versus Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV(DPP-IV) include those of the following formula (1) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein A is a substituted or unsubstituted 1,4,5,7-tetrahydro-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridine, 5,6 -dihydro-8H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazine, 4,5-dihydro-7H-isooxazolo[3,4-c]pyridine, 3,4 -dihydroisoquinoline, 5,8-dihydropyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidine, or 6,7 -dihydro[1,3]thiazolo[4,5,c]pyridine, and B is a substituted or unsubstituted piperidin-2-one, morpholin-3-one, oxazolidin-2-one, pyrrolidin-2-one, or 1,5-dihydro-pyrrol-2-one. Methods of preparing the novel inhibitory compounds of formula (1) and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same as an active agent are disclosed.
US07879847B2	Imidazo compounds The application relates to novel heterocyclic compounds of the general formula (I) and salts, preferably pharmaceutically acceptable salts, thereof in which R, R1, R2, Q, m and n have the meanings explained in detail in the description, a process for their preparation and the use of these compounds as medicaments, in particular as aldosterone synthase inhibitors.
US07879843B2	Benzothiazin-3-one compound and intermediate therefor A medicine which contains as an active ingredient a benzothiazin-3-one-compound represented by the formula (1): (wherein n is 3 or 4; R represents ethyl or hydrogen; and R1 represents hologeno, alkoxy, haloalkyl, or haloalkoxy) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. It is useful as a therapeutic or preventive agent for arthrosis deformans, chondrodegenerative discases such as chronic articular rheumatism, cancers, gingivitis, etc. Also provided are an intermediate for the compound and a process for producing the compound.
US07879840B2	Agents for preventing and treating disorders involving modulation of the RyR receptors The present invention provides compounds of Formula I and salts, hydrates, solvates, complexes, and prodrugs thereof. The present invention further provides methods for synthesizing compounds of Formula I. The invention additionally provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of Formula I and methods of using the pharmaceutical compositions of Formula I to treat and prevent disorders and diseases associated with the RyR receptors that regulate calcium channel functioning in cells.
US07879838B2	Heteroaryl substituted pyrazinyl-piperazine-piperidines with CXCR3 antagonist activity The present application discloses a compound, or enantiomers, stereoisomers, rotamers, tautomers, racemates or prodrug of said compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates of said compound, or of said prodrug, said compound having the general structure shown in Formula 1: and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or esters thereof. Also disclosed is a method of treating chemokine mediated diseases, such as, palliative therapy, curative therapy, prophylactic therapy of certain diseases and conditions such as inflammatory diseases (non-limiting example(s) include, psoriasis), autoimmune diseases (non-limiting example(s) include, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis), graft rejection (non-limiting example(s) include, allograft rejection, xenograft rejection), infectious diseases (e.g, tuberculoid leprosy), fixed drug eruptions, cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, ophthalmic inflammation, type I diabetes, viral meningitis and tumors using a compound of Formula 1.
US07879837B2	Therapeutic or prophylactic agent for multiple sclerosis A therapeutic or prophylactic agent for multiple sclerosis is disclosed. The therapeutic or prophylactic agent comprises as an effective ingredient a glycine derivative having a specific structure or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for example, the below-described compound [(E)-2-(2,6-dichlorobenzamido)-5-[4-(isopropyl-pyrimidin-2-ylamino)phenyl]pent-4-enoic acid]. The therapeutic or prophylactic agent for multiple sclerosis according to the present invention shows the excellent absorbability and in vivo stability when orally administered, and exhibits high therapeutic or prophylactic effects.
US07879816B2	Methods of treating cancer and other conditions or disease states using LFMAU and LDT The present invention relates to the use of the compound according to formula (I), below for the treatment of tumors, cancer and hyperproliferative diseases, among other conditions or disease states: Where X is H or F; R1 and R2 are independently H, an acyl group, a C1-C20 alkyl or ether group, a phosphate, diphosphate, triphosphate or a phosphodiester group, a (A) or (B) group; Where Nu is a radical of a biologically active compound such as an anticancer, antiviral or antihyperproliferative compound such that an amino group or hydroxyl group from said biologically active agent forms a phosphate, phosphoramidate, carbonate or urethane group with the adjacent moiety; each R8 is independently H, or a C1-C20 alkyl or ether group, preferably a C1-C12 alkyl group; k is 0-12, preferably, 0-2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US07879815B2	Nucleoside aryl phosphoramidates for the treatment of RNA-dependent RNA viral infection The present invention provides nucleoside aryl phosphoramidates of structural formula (I) which are precursors to inhibitors of RNA-dependent RNA viral polymerase. These compounds are precursors to inhibitors of RNA-dependent RNA viral replication and are useful for the treatment of RNA-dependent RNA viral infection. They are particularly useful as precursors to inhibitors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase, as precursors to inhibitors of HCV replication, and/or for the treatment of hepatitis C infection. The invention also describes pharmaceutical compositions containing such nucleoside aryl phosphoramidates alone or in combination with other agents active against RNA-dependent RNA viral infection, in particular HCV infection. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA viral replication, and/or treating RNA-dependent RNA viral infection with the nucleoside aryl phosphoramidates of the present invention.
US07879814B2	Methods and therapeutic compositions in the treatment of advanced cancer Adenine nucleotides such as adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP), adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP) or adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and/or adenosine and inorganic phosphate are administered in the treatment of advanced cancer in an out-patient setting and without serious side effects. Administration of up to 100 micrograms/kilogram/minute of continuous intravenous infusions of ATP for 8-10 hours, can be performed on an out-patient basis to patients who do not otherwise require hospitalization. No serious side effects, defined as grades 3 or 4 toxicity are observed during such an infusion.
US07879812B2	Immunomodulatory oligonucleotides and methods of use therefor The present invention is drawn a new class of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) that inhibit ODN-activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)9. Particular 4-5 base extensions at the 5′ and of the previously described core inhibitory ODN sequence enhances their inhibitory activity against human cells expressing human TLR9. Methods of use also are provided.
US07879803B2	Methods of treatment involving the protease for activating clotting factor VII This application describes methods of treatment involving a protease for activating the blood clotting factor VII, which (a) activates blood clotting factor VII, (b) is inhibited by the presence of aprotinin, (c) is increased in its activity by the presence of at least one of the following: calcium ions, heparin, or heparin related substances, and (d) in SDS-PAGE, on subsequent staining in the non-reduced state, has one or more bands in the molecular weight range from 50 to 75 kDa, and in the reduced state has a band at 40 to 55 kDa and one or more bands in the molecular weight range from 10 to 35 kDa, and a band, which corresponds to a proenzyme, in the molecular weight range from 60 to 65 kDa.
US07879802B2	Agonists of guanylate cyclase useful for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, cancer and other disorders The invention provides novel guanylate cyclase-C agonist peptides and their use in the treatment of human diseases including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation or cancer (e.g., a gastrointestinal cancer). The peptides can be administered either alone or in combination with an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterase. The gastrointestinal disorder may be classified as either irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or excessive acidity etc. The gastrointestinal disease may be classified as either inflammatory bowel disease or other GI condition, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and cancer.
US07879797B2	HCV NS3 protease inhibitors The present invention relates to macrocyclic compounds of formula (I) that are useful as inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease, their synthesis, and their use for treating or preventing HCV infections.
US07879796B2	Amino acid composition for improving glucose tolerance Disclosed are compositions, including low-calorie beverages or liquids, comprising isoleucine, leucine, valine, cysteine, and methionine, in specified amounts, weight ratios, or both. The compositions are especially useful in treating individuals afflicted with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes.
US07879793B2	Treatment of medical condition with A2 domain of von willebrand factor The present invention is directed to methods for the prevention, treatment and/or diagnosis of a medical condition, such as sepsis, systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome, and/or thrombosis, for example. In particular, the method employs part or all of the A2 domain of von Willebrand factor. In certain cases, a recombinant A2 domain is utilized for the treatment of sepsis, systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome, and/or thrombosis, for example.
US07879785B2	Method for foaming a cleaning composition A method for foaming a cleaning composition is provided. The method includes mixing a cleaning composition and air in a mechanical foaming head to generate a foam without the use of a non-air containing propellant. The cleaning composition includes about 0.01 wt. % to about 10 wt. % total amount of surfactant, at least about 80 wt. % water and a glycol ether solvent. The glycol ether solvent includes one or more glycol ethers, each having a HLB value of at least about 6.9 and an OHLB value of between about 12 and about 20. The weight ratio of the glycol ether solvent to the total amount of surfactant is at least about 1:100.
US07879780B2	Stable cleansing compositions containing fatty acyl isethionate surfactant products having more than 10 wt. % of fatty acid/fatty soap content using high level of polyol and methods thereof The invention provides liquid cleanser compositions which contain fatty acyl isethionates surfactant products having at least 10 wt. % free fatty acid and/or fatty acid soap as the primary surfactant at a level at least 40 wt. % of total fatty acyl isethionate and synthetic cosurfactants in the liquid composition. The key is use of 10% to 60% glycerin and/or sorbitol which has been found, quite unpredictably, to stabilize compositions containing products of such high fatty acid and/or fatty acid soap content.
US07879779B2	Oil-cleansing composition The objective of this invention is to provide an oil-based cleansing composition which retains high performance capability for cleansing, is free from the occurrence of cloudiness in the appearance and does not cause the reduction of the performance capability for massaging, even when water is interfused therein, and further is reduced in the irritation to an eye and is of good safety.An oil-based cleansing composition of this invention is characterized in that comprising (A) a nonionic surfactant having a HLB of 6 to 14, and (B) an oil component, and said oil-based cleansing composition satisfies the following conditions (1) and (2): (1) the amount of water in the composition is less than 5% by mass, and (2) a micellar aqueous solution phase or a bicontinuous microemulsion phase is formed when said oil-based cleansing composition and water are mixed in the ratio of 4:6.
US07879778B2	Synthetic phenolic ether lubricant base stocks and lubricating oils comprising such base stocks mixed with co-base stocks and/or additives High performance base stock, base stock blending component and performance additive comprising bis(hydroxyphenyl)alkyl ethers. Such ethers exhibit superior thermal and oxidation stability, low volatility and superior low temperature properties.
US07879776B2	High performance lubricant additives A lubricant additive produced by the process comprising mixing an organophosphate and an organofluorine compound and reacting the organophosphate and the organofluorine compound to produce a reaction mixture comprising the lubricant additive. Also, a lubricant produced by the process comprising forming a reaction mixture by reacting an organophosphate and an organofluorine and adding at least a portion of the reaction mixture to a lubricant base.
US07879775B2	Lubricant compositions A lubricant composition comprising a phosphorus-containing compound and a base oil comprising less than about 3% by weight of tetracycloparaffins is disclosed. Methods of making and using the lubricant composition are also disclosed.
US07879773B2	Lubricating composition having improved storage stability A lubricating oil composition having superior storage stability and load-carrying effect is disclosed. The composition comprises four components: (1) an alkali metal borate; (2) an oil-soluble sulfur compound; (3) a trialkyl hydrogen phosphite; and (4) a mixture of greater than 50% neutralized acidic phosphates that are essentially free of monothiophosphates.
US07879771B2	Non-flammable, non-aqueous group IVB metal alkoxide crosslinkers and fracturing fluid compositions incorporating same A non-aqueous, non-flammable Group IVB metal alkoxide crosslinker composition includes a non-aqueous, non-flammable Group IVB metal alkoxide, wherein the metal is chemically bonded to a glycol containing 4 or more carbons, to an alkoxy group containing 6 or more carbons, or a mixture of both. A fracturing fluid employed in the hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations is formulated through mixture of the non-aqueous, non-flammable Group IVB metal alkoxide crosslinker composition with a polymer solution.
US07879769B2	Polycationic viscoelastic compositions Viscoelastic compositions are disclosed herein containing an effective amount of one or more random or structurally defined polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds for controlling the viscoelasticity of the composition. In one aspect, the present technology provides polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds that comprise bis-quaternary compound. The bis-quaternary compounds of the present technology can be symmetric or dissymmetric. In another aspect, the present technology provides viscoelastic well bore treatment fluids comprising water, and at least one polycationic quaternary ammonium compound that comprises a bis-quaternary compound. In another aspect, the present technology provides polycationic carboxylates. Preferred viscoelastic compositions of the present technology maintain viscoelasticity at a temperature greater than about 80° C., preferably greater than about 100° C. or 110° C. when the amount of the one or polycationic quaternary compounds is less than about 10% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
US07879768B2	Drilling fluid composition comprising hydrophobically associating polymers and methods of use thereof The present disclosure relates to drilling fluids for use in bitumen recovery from oil sands. In particular, the disclosure relates to a drilling fluid composition containing hydrophobically associating polymers which encapsulate the bitumen, and a method and use of the composition.
US07879766B2	Method of preparing a sugar chain library and use thereof The present invention provides methods which enables synthesis of various sugar chains and products obtained by the same. More specifically, the present invention provides protected sugar chain compounds represented by the formula (I) below: [wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and each is a linear or branched sugar chain, S1 is any sugar residue, SA and SB are the same or different sugar residues, L is a bond or a linear sugar chain, X is absent, or, if present, represents certain group, the sugar residues SA and SB are cleaved by different exoglycosidases, respectively] and libraries thereof, and methods of producing the same; methods of producing a sugar chain compound, which comprises treating the sugar chain compound or library with glycosidase, and glycosidase decomposition products obtained by the same; intermediates for the synthesis of protected sugar chain compounds; reagents and kits; and the like.
US07879764B2	Electrically active combinatorial chemical (EACC) chip for biochemical analyte detection Apparatus and methods are disclosed for electrically active combinatorial-chemical (EACC) chips for biochemical analyte detection. An apparatus includes a substrate that has an array of regions defining multiple cells, wherein each of the cells includes a reaction cavity that contains multiple functional binding groups. A method of detecting an analyte providing the reaction cavity between a source and a drain or a pair of electrodes, applying a voltage and monitoring a parameter indicative of an analyte characteristic. A process of fabricating an EACC include bonding an analyte to the multiple functional binding groups of each reaction cavity, and forming an analyte sensing structure including the substrate.
US07879762B2	Resistive current-limiter device with high-Tc superconductor track formed in a strip A superconductor has a conductive path with a metallic substrate strip, a super-conductive layer made of a AB2CU3Ox type high-Tc-super conductive material, at least one insulating buffer layer which is arranged therebetween, and a metallic cover layer which is arranged thereon. At least one contacting element made of a normal conductive contacting material and arranged at least on one longitudinal side of the structure between the cover layer and the substrate strip enables a predetermined normally conductive limitation of the current-limiting device to be obtained.
US07879761B2	Heteroaroyl-substituted serineamides The present invention relates to heteroaroyl-substituted serineamides of the formula I in which the variables A and R1 to R6 are as defined in the description, and to their agriculturally useful salts, to processes and intermediates for their preparation, and to the use of these compounds or of the compositions comprising these compounds for controlling unwanted plants.
US07879757B2	Photocatalytic titanium oxide sol, and coating composition and member using the same A photocatalytic titanium oxide sol presents antibacterial properties in a dark place, and, in particular, relates to a photocatalytic titanium oxide sol which is stable and causes no discoloration by light even though containing silver, and relates to a coating composition and a member using the same. The photocatalytic titanium oxide sol includes silver, copper and a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, may be dispersed in a binder, and may be coated on the surface of a substrate.
US07879753B2	Catalyst for oxygen reduction Ruthenium sulfide catalyst and gas diffusion electrodes incorporating the same for reduction of oxygen in industrial electrolyzers which catalyst is highly resistant to corrosion making it useful for oxygen-depolarized aqueous hydrochloric acid electrolysis.
US07879749B2	Methods of using structures including catalytic materials disposed within porous zeolite materials to synthesize hydrocarbons Catalytic structures include a catalytic material disposed within a zeolite material. The catalytic material may be capable of catalyzing a formation of methanol from carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide, and the zeolite material may be capable of catalyzing a formation of hydrocarbon molecules from methanol. The catalytic material may include copper and zinc oxide. The zeolite material may include a first plurality of pores substantially defined by a crystal structure of the zeolite material and a second plurality of pores dispersed throughout the zeolite material. Systems for synthesizing hydrocarbon molecules also include catalytic structures. Methods for synthesizing hydrocarbon molecules include contacting hydrogen and at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide with such catalytic structures. Catalytic structures are fabricated by forming a zeolite material at least partially around a template structure, removing the template structure, and introducing a catalytic material into the zeolite material.
US07879742B2	Laser annealing method wherein reflected beams are minimized It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser irradiation technique which can keep the stability of the laser oscillator high and which can perform laser process homogeneously by avoiding the adverse effect due to the return light reflected on an irradiation when, for example, crystallizing with a lens array, and to provide a crystallization method and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which use the technique. In the present invention, a laser beam emitted from a laser oscillator is divided into a plurality of beams through a lens array such as a cylindrical lens array, the divided beams pass through opening portions of a slit while being focused at the opening portions and condensed beam is irradiated to an irradiation surface. Thus, the light reflected on the irradiation object can be blocked by using the slit.
US07879740B2	Ferrocene-containing conductive polymer, organic memory device using the same and fabrication method of the organic memory device Disclosed are a ferrocene-containing conductive polymer, an organic memory device using the conductive polymer and a method for fabricating the organic memory device. The conductive polymer may include a fluorenyl repeating unit, a thienyl repeating unit and a diarylferrocenyl repeating unit. The organic memory device may possess the advantages of rapid switching time, decreased operating voltage, decreased fabrication costs and increased reliability. Based on these advantages, the organic memory device may be used as a highly integrated, large-capacity memory device.
US07879736B2	Composition for etching silicon oxide and method of forming a contact hole using the same In a composition for etching silicon oxide, and a method of forming a contact hole using the composition, the composition which includes from about 0.01 to about 2 percent by weight of ammonium bifluoride, from about 2 to about 35 percent by weight of an organic acid, from about 0.05 to about 1 percent by weight of an inorganic acid, and a remainder of a low polar organic solvent. The composition may reduce damages to a metal silicide pattern that may be exposed in an etching process performed for forming the contact hole.
US07879732B2	Thin film etching method and semiconductor device fabrication using same A method for etching a thin film and fabricating a semiconductor device includes etching the thin film on a substrate, while monitoring the removal of an endpoint detection layer remotely located from the substrate, such that precise control of the thin film etching is provided by monitoring the removal of the endpoint detection layer. The endpoint detection layer is formed on a surface of an etching apparatus that is exposed to the same etching conditions as the thin film to be etched. The etching of the thin film is stopped when a predetermined amount of the endpoint detection layer has removed from the surface of the etching apparatus.
US07879727B2	Method of fabricating a semiconductor device including a pattern of line segments A method of fabricating a semiconductor device including depositing a hardmask layer on a layer of the semiconductor device, selectively etching a pattern of continuous lines in the hardmask layer, depositing an antireflective coating over remaining portions of the hardmask layer, depositing a photoresist layer on the antireflective coating, patterning the photoresist layer with a plurality of isolation trenches via a lithography process, each of the isolation trenches extending perpendicular to and crossing portions of at least one of the continuous lines of the underlying hardmask layer, and with each isolation trench having an initial width. The method further includes reducing the width of each of the isolation trenches from the initial width to desired width via a shrinking process, etching the antireflective coating underlying the isolation trenches to expose intersecting portions of the underlying continuous lines, and etching the exposed intersecting portions of the underlying continuous lines of the hardmask layer to form a pattern of line segments having line ends separated by the desired width.
US07879724B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and a semiconductor manufacturing equipment A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device has polishing a film, and cleaning a polished surface by carrying out a first exposing the polished surface to an acidic first cleaning fluid having an effect of etching at least a partial region of the polished surface, and a second exposing the polished surface to an alkaline second cleaning fluid after the first exposing.
US07879720B2	Methods of forming electrical interconnects using electroless plating techniques that inhibit void formation Methods of forming electrical interconnects include forming a copper pattern on a semiconductor substrate and then forming an electrically insulating capping layer on the copper pattern and an interlayer insulating layer on the electrically insulating capping layer. A contact hole is then formed, which extends through the interlayer insulating layer and the electrically insulating capping layer and exposes an upper surface of the copper pattern. An electroless plating step is then performed to form a copper pattern extension onto the exposed upper surface of the copper pattern. The copper pattern extension may have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the electrically insulating capping layer, which may be formed as a SiCN layer.
US07879719B2	Interconnect structure and method of manufacturing the same A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the device that minimizes a line width while maximizing integration density of the semiconductor device. The method includes forming an interlayer insulating film on a semiconductor substrate, and then forming a first via hole in the interlayer insulating film, and then forming a resin material in the first via hole, and then forming a plurality of second via holes in the interlayer insulating film laterally, and then forming a resin material in the second via holes, and then simultaneously forming a plurality of third via holes in the interlayer insulating film and a trench spatially above and corresponding to the first via hole, and then removing the resin formed in the first via hole and the second via holes, and then simultaneously forming metal layers in the first via hole and the second and third via holes and the trench.
US07879718B2	Local interconnect having increased misalignment tolerance A method is provided for forming an interconnect in a semiconductor memory device. The method includes forming a pair of source select transistors on a substrate. A source region is formed in the substrate between the pair of source select transistors. A first inter-layer dielectric is formed between the pair of source select transistors. A mask layer is deposited over the pair of source select transistors and the inter-layer dielectric, where the mask layer defines a local interconnect area between the pair of source select transistors having a width less than a distance between the pair of source select transistors. The semiconductor memory device is etched to remove a portion of the first inter-layer dielectric in the local interconnect area, thereby exposing the source region. A metal contact is formed in the local interconnect area.
US07879717B2	Polycarbosilane buried etch stops in interconnect structures Interconnect structures having buried etch stop layers with low dielectric constants and methods relating to the generation of such buried etch stop layers are described herein. The inventive interconnect structure comprises a buried etch stop layer comprised of a polymeric material having a composition SivNwCxOyHz, where 0.05≦v≦0.8, 0≦w≦0.9, 0.05≦x≦0.8, 0≦y≦0.3, 0.05≦z≦0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1; a via level interlayer dielectric that is directly below said buried etch stop layer; a line level interlayer dielectric that is directly above said buried etch stop layer; and conducting metal features that traverse through said via level dielectric, said line level dielectric, and said buried etch stop layer.
US07879716B2	Metal seed layer deposition A method and structure for reducing the corrosion of the copper seed layer during the fabrication process of a semiconductor structure. Before the structure (or the wafer containing the structure) exits the vacuum environment of the sputter tool, the structure is warmed up to a temperature above the water condensation temperature of the environment outside the sputter tool. As a result, water vapor would not condense on the structure when the structure exits the sputter tool, and therefore, corrosion of the seed layer by the water vapor is prevented. Alternatively, a protective layer resistant to water vapor can be formed on top of the seed layer before the structure exits the sputter tool environment. In yet another alternative embodiment, the seed layer can comprises a copper alloy (such as with aluminum) which grows a protective layer resistant to water vapor upon exposure to water vapor.
US07879714B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method There is provide a semiconductor device manufacturing method, including: preparing a substrate; laminating an insulation layer on the substrate; laminating a first underlying metal layer on the insulation layer; forming rewiring on the first underlying metal layer; removing exposed portions of the first underlying metal layer; laminating a second underlying metal layer on the rewiring and the insulation layer; forming a column electrode on the rewiring via the second underlying metal layer; and removing exposed portions of the second underlying metal layer.
US07879713B2	Mounting method of semiconductor element using outside connection projection electyrode and manufacturing method of semiconductor device using outside connection projection electrode A mounting method of a semiconductor element whereby the semiconductor element is mounted on a wiring board via an outside connection projection electrode not containing lead (Pb), the mounting method includes a step of applying a reflow heating process for connecting the outside connection projection electrode of the semiconductor element and the wiring board and then cooling the connected semiconductor element and wiring board at a cooling rate equal to and lower than 0.5° C./s.
US07879711B2	Stacked structures and methods of fabricating stacked structures A method includes: forming a transistor gate over a first substrate and at least one first dummy structure within the first substrate; forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer over the gate transistor, the ILD layer including at least one contact structure formed therein and making electrical contact with the transistor gate and at least one first conductive structure formed therethrough at least partially over a surface of the dummy structure; forming a passivation layer over the ILD layer, the passivation layer comprising at least one first pad structure formed therein and making electrical contact with the conductive structure; bonding the first substrate with a second substrate; removing at least a portion of the first dummy structure, thereby forming a first opening; and forming a conductive material within the first opening for formation of a second conductive structure, the second conductive structure being electrically coupled to the first conductive structure.
US07879708B2	Apparatus and associated method for making a floating gate cell with increased overlay between the control gate and floating gate A method for fabricating a floating gate memory device comprises using a buried diffusion oxide that is below the floating gate thereby producing an increased step height between the floating gate and the buried diffusion oxide. The increased step height can produce a higher GCR, while still allowing decreased cell size using a virtual ground array design.
US07879701B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device Doping with suppressed filament deterioration can be performed even in the case of doping in various conditions with an ion doping apparatus having a filament. After ion doping is completed, supply of a material gas is stopped and hydrogen or a rare gas is kept to be supplied. After that, current of the filament is decreased and correspondingly, filament temperature is decreased. Accordingly, in decreasing the filament temperature, the material gas around the filament has been replaced with hydrogen or a rare gas.
US07879700B2	Crystallization apparatus and method of amorphous silicon A silicon crystallization system includes a beam generator generating a laser beam, first and second optical units for controlling the laser beam from the beam generator; and a stage for mounting a panel including an amorphous silicon layer to be polycrystallized by the laser beam from the optical units. The first optical unit makes the laser beam have a transverse edge and a longitudinal edge longer than the transverse edge, and the second optical unit makes the laser beam have a transverse edge and a longitudinal edge shorter than the transverse edge.
US07879699B2	Wafer and a method for manufacturing a wafer A wafer includes a wafer frontside and a region adjacent to the device surface, wherein the region includes vacancy-oxygen complexes and the wafer frontside includes a predetermined surface structure to form thereon a device with a desired property.
US07879698B2	Integrated process system and process sequence for production of thin film transistor arrays using doped or compounded metal oxide semiconductor The present invention generally relates to an integrated processing system and process sequence that may be used for thin film transistor (TFT) fabrication. In fabricating TFTs, numerous processes may be performed on a substrate to ultimately produce the desired TFT. These processes may be performed in numerous processing chambers that may be coupled to a common transfer chamber. The arrangement of the processing chambers and the sequence in which the substrate may pass through the processing chambers may affect the device performance. By placing specific processing chambers around a common transfer chamber, multiple processes may be performed without undue exposure of the TFT to atmosphere. Alternatively, by passing the substrate sequentially through specific processing chambers, multiple processes may be performed without undue exposure of the TFT to atmosphere.
US07879695B2	Thin silicon wafer and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a thin silicon wafer by slicing a silicon single crystal includes: a thinning step S3 of polishing a rear surface of the silicon wafer to reduce the thickness of the silicon wafer after a device structure is formed on a front surface of the silicon wafer; a mirror surface forming step S4 of processing the rear surface of the silicon wafer into a mirror surface using a chemical mechanical polishing method; and a modifying step S5 of dispersing abrasive grains that are harder than those used to form the mirror surface in the mirror surface forming process and forming a damaged layer, serving as a gettering sink for heavy metal, on the rear surface of the silicon wafer using the chemical mechanical polishing method. The thickness T5b of the damaged layer W5b in a wafer depth direction is set by the chemical mechanical polishing method in the modifying step S5 to control the gettering capability of the damaged layer.
US07879690B2	Method of fabricating a microelectronic structure of a semiconductor on insulator type with different patterns A microstructure of the semiconductor on insulator type with different patterns is produced by forming a stacked uniform structure including a plate forming a substrate, a continuous insulative layer and a semiconductor layer. The continuous insulative layer is a stack of at least three elementary layers, including a bottom elementary layer, at least one intermediate elementary layer, and a top elementary layer overlying the semiconductor layer, where at least one of the bottom elementary layer and the top elementary layer being of an insulative material. In the stacked uniform structure, at least two patterns are differentiated by modifying at least one of the elementary layers in one of the patterns so that the elementary layer has a significantly different physical or chemical property between the two patterns, where at least one of the bottom and top elementary layer is an insulative material that remains unchanged.
US07879685B2	System and method for creating electric isolation between layers comprising solar cells Methods for forming a patterned layer from common layer in a photovoltaic application are provided. The patterned layer is configured to form one or more portions of one or more solar cells on a rigid substrate. A first pass is made with a first laser beam over an area on the common layer. A second pass is made with a second laser beam over approximately the same area on the common layer. The first pass provides a first level of electrical isolation between a first portion and a second portion of the common layer. The second pass provides a second level of electrical isolation between the first portion and the second portion of the common layer. The second level of electrical isolation is greater than the first level of electrical isolation.
US07879684B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor light-emitting element A semiconductor light-emitting device comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a semiconductor layer structure on the semiconductor substrate, including an active layer and a waveguide ridge; an electrode in contact with all of a top surface of the waveguide ridge; and an insulating film coating side faces of the waveguide ridge, side faces of the electrode, and ends, but not a center portion, of an upper face of the electrode.
US07879682B2	Marker structure and method for controlling alignment of layers of a multi-layered substrate The invention includes a lithographic system having a first source for generating radiation with a first wavelength and an alignment system with a second source for generating radiation with a second wavelength. The second wavelength is larger than the first wavelength. A marker structure is provided having a first layer and a second layer. The second layer is present either directly or indirectly on top of said first layer. The first layer has a first periodic structure and the second layer has a second periodic structure. At least one of the periodic structures has a plurality of features in at least one direction with a dimension smaller than 400 nm. Additionally, a combination of the first and second periodic structure forms a diffractive structure arranged to be illuminated by radiation with the second wavelength.
US07879681B2	Methods of fabricating three-dimensional capacitor structures having planar metal-insulator-metal and vertical capacitors therein Methods of forming a three-dimensional capacitor network may include forming a first horizontal MIM capacitor on a semiconductor substrate and forming a first interlayer insulating layer on the first horizontal MIM capacitor. A first vertical capacitor electrode is then formed in the first interlayer insulating layer and a second horizontal MIM capacitor is formed on the first interlayer insulating layer. This second horizontal MIM capacitor may be formed by forming an upper capacitor electrode and a lower capacitor electrode. The upper capacitor electrode may be electrically connected by the first vertical capacitor electrode to an upper capacitor electrode of the underlying first MIM capacitor. The lower capacitor electrode, which may be formed in the first interlayer insulating layer, may extend opposite the upper electrodes of the first and second MIM capacitors.
US07879680B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor device Photoresist on a metal is removed with less oxidation of the metal surface by the invented ashing. During process, the matching of oxygen gas ratio and wafer temperature under downstream plasma which means no RF bias plasma is controlled for oxidation amount not to depend on ashing time with required photo resist rate in manufacturing.
US07879679B2	Electronic component manufacturing method A method for manufacturing an electronic component on a semiconductor substrate, including forming at least one opening in the substrate; forming in the bottom and on the walls of the opening and on the substrate an alternated succession of layers of a first material and of a second material, the second material being selectively etchable with respect to the first material and the substrate; trimming the layer portions of the first material and of the second material which are not located in the opening; selectively etching a portion of the first material to obtain trenches; and filling the trenches with at least one third material.
US07879674B2	Germanium-silicon-carbide floating gates in memories The use of a germanium carbide (GeC), or a germanium silicon carbide (GeSiC) layer as a floating gate material to replace heavily doped polysilicon (poly) in fabricating floating gates in EEPROM and flash memory results in increased tunneling currents and faster erase operations. Forming the floating gate includes depositing germanium-silicon-carbide in various combinations to obtain the desired tunneling current values at the operating voltage of the memory device.
US07879672B2	eDRAM memory cell structure and method of fabricating A deep trench structure process for forming a deep trench in a silicon on insulator (SOI) substrate. The SOI substrate has a bulk silicon layer, a buried oxide (BOX) layer and an SOI layer. In the process, the trench fill is recessed only to a level within the SOI layer so as to avoid lateral etching of the BOX layer. The buried strap is then formed followed by the STI oxide.
US07879669B1	Fabrication of field-effect transistor with reduced junction capacitance and threshold voltage of magnitude that decreases with increasing channel length At least one source/drain zone (140, 142, 160, or 162) of an enhancement-mode insulated-gate field-effect transistor (120 or 122) is provided with graded junction characteristics to reduce junction capacitance, thereby increasing switching speed. Each graded junction source/drain zone contains a main portion (140M, 142M, 160M, or 162M) and a more lightly doped lower portion (140L, 142L, 160L, or 162L) underlying, and vertically continuous with, the main portion. The magnitudes of the threshold voltages of a group of such transistors fabricated under the same post-layout fabrication process conditions so as to be of different channel lengths reach a maximum absolute value VTAM when the channel length is at a value LC, are at least 0.03 volt less than VTAM when the channel length is approximately 0.3 μm greater than LC, and materially decrease with increasing channel length when the channel length is approximately 1.0 μm greater than LC.
US07879667B2	Blocking pre-amorphization of a gate electrode of a transistor A technique is presented which provides for a selective pre-amorphization of source/drain regions of a transistor while preventing pre-amorphization of a gate electrode of the transistor. Illustrative embodiments include the formation of a pre-amorphization implant blocking material over the gate electrode. Further illustrative embodiments include inducing a strain in a channel region by use of various stressors.
US07879661B2	Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same A semiconductor device of a dual-gate structure including a P-channel type field-effect transistor formed at a first region of a substrate and an N-channel type field-effect transistor formed at a second region of the substrate, includes a gate electrode including a polycrystalline silicon film continuously formed on the substrate to cover the first and second regions and a metal silicide film formed on the polycrystalline silicon film. The polycrystalline silicon film has a P-type part located on the first region and an N-type part coming into contact with the P-type part and located on the second region, and the P-type part is further doped with a heavier element than a P-type impurity that determines a conductivity type of the P-type part.
US07879658B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same A semiconductor device includes a silicon crystal layer on an insulating layer, the silicon crystal layer containing a crystal lattice mismatch plane, a memory cell array portion on the silicon crystal layer, the memory cell array portion including memory strings, each of the memory strings including nonvolatile memory cell transistors connected in series in a first direction, the memory strings being arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the crystal lattice mismatch plane crossing the silicon crystal along the second direction without passing under gates of the nonvolatile memory cell transistors as viewed from a top of the silicon crystal layer, or crossing the silicon crystal along the first direction with passing under gates of the nonvolatile memory cell transistors as viewed from the top of the silicon crystal layer.
US07879657B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof An insulating film layer is formed between a channel region of an MOS element formed in a monocrystal silicon layer of an SOS substrate in which the monocrystal silicon layer is laminated on a sapphire substrate, and the sapphire substrate, thereby to bring a stress state of the monocrystal silicon layer on the insulating film layer into a tensile stress state.
US07879655B2	Semiconductor device and a manufacturing method of the same A semiconductor device is disclosed wherein first wiring lines in a first row extend respectively from first connecting portions toward one side of a semiconductor chip, while second wiring lines extend respectively from second connecting portions toward the side opposite to the one side of the semiconductor chip. The reduction in size of the semiconductor device can be attained.
US07879653B2	Leadless semiconductor package with electroplated layer embedded in encapsulant and the method for manufacturing the same A leadless semiconductor package with an electroplated layer embedded in an encapsulant and its manufacturing processes are disclosed. The package primarily includes a half-etched leadframe, a chip, an encapsulant, and an electroplated layer. The half-etched leadframe has a plurality of leads and a plurality of outer pads integrally connected to the leads. The encapsulant encapsulates the chip and the leads and has a plurality of cavities reaching to the outer pads to form an electroplated layer on the outer pads and embedded in the cavities. Accordingly, under the advantages of lower cost and higher thermal dissipation, the conventional substrates and their solder masks for BGA (Ball Grid Array) or LGA (Land Grid Array) packages can be replaced. The leads encapsulated in the encapsulant have a better bonding strength and the electroplated layer embedded in the encapsulant will not be damaged during shipping, handling, or storing the semiconductor packages. Furthermore, the manufacturing processes include two half-etching steps to form the half-etched leadframe where a second half-etching step is performed after forming the encapsulant and before forming the electroplated layer.
US07879646B2	Assemblies displaying differential negative resistance, semiconductor constructions, and methods of forming assemblies displaying differential negative resistance The invention includes a device displaying differential negative resistance characterized by a current-versus-voltage profile having a peak-to-valley ratio of at least about 9. The invention also includes a semiconductor construction comprising a substrate, and a first layer over the substrate. The first layer comprises Ge and one or more of S, Te and Se. A second layer is over the first layer. The second layer comprises M and A, where M is a transition metal and A is one or more of O, S, Te and Se. A third layer is over the second layer, and comprises Ge and one or more of S, Te and Se. The first, second and third layers are together incorporated into an assembly displaying differential negative resistance. Additionally, the invention includes methodology for forming assemblies displaying differential negative resistance, such as tunnel diode assemblies.
US07879642B2	Solid-state sensor and manufacturing method thereof A sensor having photodiodes whose sensitivity and storage capacity can be increased is provided. The sensor is formed by arranging the photodiodes in an array with first region of second conductivity type is formed on the principal surface of a substrate of a first conductivity type. A pixel separating region of the first conductivity type is formed to penetrate through the first semiconductor region to separate the regions of the adjacent photodiodes. A second region of the second conductivity type used to drain excess charge is formed in substrate at a position away from the junction surface between substrate and the first region and below the junction surface.
US07879635B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor optical device A method for manufacturing a laser diode includes: providing a semiconductor structure in which semiconductor layers are laminated; forming a waveguide ridge in the layers; forming an SiO2 film over the entire surface; forming a second resist pattern covering the SiO2 film in channels adjacent the waveguide ridge such that top surfaces of the second resist pattern in the channels are higher than the top surface of a p-GaN layer in the waveguide ridge and lower than the top surface of the SiO2 film on the top of the waveguide ridge, the second resist pattern exposing the top surface of the SiO2 film on the top of the waveguide ridge; removing the SiO2 film, using the second resist pattern as a mask, to expose the top surface of the p-GaN layer in the waveguide ridge; and forming an electrode layer on the top surface of the p-GaN layer.
US07879630B2	Method for manufacturing a microlens substrate and method for manufacturing a liquid crystal panel Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a microlens substrate which is excellent in chemical resistance and light fastness to intense light irradiation, and is capable of forming a microlens substrate of a high accuracy of form. The method includes the steps of: forming a lens-shaped curve at a surface side of a transparent substrate; forming an inorganic material film on the transparent substrate so as to bury the curve therewith; and planarizing the surface of the inorganic material film to provide a microlens where the curve is buried with the inorganic material film.
US07879625B1	Preparation of SERS substrates on silica-coated magnetic microspheres Improved surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates comprising chemically-derivatized magnetic microparticles complexed with metal colloidal particles or substrates. The SERS substrates permit collection, detection, measurement, and/or analysis of analytes present at concentrations ranging parts per trillion to parts per billion. Further, compositions, methods, and devices that provide for rapid and/or sensitive detection of chemical compounds of interest present in small concentrations. The subject matter has use in the areas of homeland security and force protection, for example, in the detection of trace samples including, for example, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes), chlorinated solvents, TNT, nerve agents, blister agents, metal ions, anions, antigens, peptides, nucleic acids, spores, fungi, viruses, and bacteria.
US07879624B2	Assay device with shared zones Disclosed is an assay device for determining the presence and/or extent of one or more analytes in liquid sample containing a) first and second assays each comprising a flow-path having a detection zone for immobilising a labelled binding reagent, wherein detection of a labelled binding reagent at one or both detection zones is indicative of the presence and/or extent of one or more analytes; b) a shared reference zone; c) one or more light sources to illuminate the detection zones and the reference zone; d) one or more photodetectors to detect light from the detection zones and the reference zone, which photodetector/s generate a signal, the magnitude of which signal is related to the amount of light detected; and e) signal processing means for processing signals from the photodetector/s.
US07879618B2	Method and reagent for producing narrow, homogenous reagent strips The present invention concerns a reagent coating mass which can be used in slot-die-coating of flat support materials in the manufacturing processes of test strips. Advantageously, the reagent mass of the invention exhibits certain superior rheological properties such as viscosity, surface tension and thixotropy. The reagent mass is preferably used to coat thin, narrow and homogeneous stripes of reagent material onto flat web material.
US07879616B2	Method for analyzing C-terminal amino acid sequence of peptide using mass spectrometry The present invention provides a method for analyzing the C-terminal amino acid sequence of a peptide by using a reaction for successively releasing the C-terminal amino acids of the peptide, which method can suppress, when successively releasing the C-terminal amino acids of a peptide of long amino acid length, such a undesirable side reaction as cleavage of peptide bond in the intermediate position of the peptide and can carry out the chemical treatment thereof under widely applicable conditions; In the method, a dry sample of a peptide with long amino acid length is beforehand subjected to an N-acylation treatment; by using a reaction reagent where an alkanoic acid anhydride is combined with a small amount of a perfluoroalkanoic acid, successive release of C-terminal amino acids is conducted under mild conditions; a hydrolysis treatment is applied; then, selective fragmentization at site of arginine residue is performed by digestion by trypsin; thereafter, decreases in molecular weight are measured for the C-terminal side fragments derived from a series of reaction products with use of a MALDI-TOF-MS apparatus; thereby, the C-terminal amino acid sequence of the peptide sample is identified.
US07879615B2	Hemostasis analyzer and method A method and device for blood hemostasis analysis is disclosed. A blood sample is displaced to reach a resonant state. The resonant frequency of the blood sample is determined before, during and after a hemostasis process. The changes in the resonant frequency of the blood sample are indicative of the hemostasis characteristics of the blood sample.
US07879614B2	Methods for detection of breast cancer The invention relates to a simple screening test for neoplasia, a precancerous condition, or cancer of the breast. A method is described whereby a breast cancer marker is detected in breast fluid. In a particular embodiment, the method involves treating samples of breast fluids with an aldehyde detecting reagent without any prewashing. The appearance in breast fluids of a marker that is detected by an aldehyde detecting reagent, such as a Schiff's reagent, correlates very well with the disease status of the breast cancer subjects from which the fluids were obtained. Screening test kits are also provided.
US07879600B2	Waste converter A waste converter (10) for domestic use includes two waste conversion regions. Household waste is placed in a primary waste conversion region (40) which includes flies and maggots. When waste has sufficiently decomposed it falls through to a secondary waste conversion region which includes composting worms and woodlice.
US07879597B2	Dual path immunoassay device The systems of the invention include test cells with a first sorbent material defining a first flow path for a solution, a second sorbent material defining a second flow path distinct from the first flow path for a sample, and a test site with immobilized antigens or antibodies or other ligand binding molecules such as aptamers, nucleic acids, etc. located at the junction of the first and second sorbent materials for identifying one or more ligands. The first and second sorbent strips touch each other at the test site location. The test cell may be used to test for pregnancy, HIV (including different HIV antigens or peptides), tuberculosis, prion, urin-analysis/drug, cardiac markers, cancer markers, Chagas, Chlamydia, dental bacteria (SM/LC), influenza A, influenza B, adenovirus, rotavirus, strep A, other bacteria or viruses, etc., and veterinary applications such as CPV, FIV, FeLV, heartworm, etc., although it is not limited to those applications.
US07879591B2	High eicosapentaenoic acid producing strains of Yarrowia lipolytica Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase [“LPAAT”] participates in the second step of oil biosynthesis and is expected to play a key role in altering the quantity of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids [“LC-PUFAs”] produced in oils of oleaginous organisms. An LPAAT isolated from Mortierella alpina [“MaLPAAT1”] that is suitable for use in the manufacture of oils enriched in LC-PUFAs in oleaginous organisms is disclosed. Most desirably, the substrate specificity of the instant MaLPAAT1 will be particularly useful to enable increased C18 to C20 elongation conversion efficiency and increased Δ4 desaturation conversion efficiency in recombinant host cells producing LC-PUFAs.
US07879584B2	Process for increased patchulol content in essential oil of Pogostemon cablin A process is provided for improving sensory properties of essential oils by treatment and incubation with a microbial culture during the extraction process. A method for increasing the patchulol content in essential oil extracted from leaves of Pogostemon cablin is provided, comprising contacting a dried patchouli biomass with microbial cultures, incubating the patchouli biomass under conditions suitable for allowing the increase in the patchulol content and extracting the oil. This process results in increased patchulol content without decreasing the overall oil yields. The patchouli oil also has enriched aroma.
US07879580B2	Methods for high fidelity production of long nucleic acid molecules This invention generally relates to nucleic acid synthesis, in particular DNA synthesis. More particularly, the invention relates to the production of long nucleic acid molecules with precise user control over sequence content. This invention also relates to the prevention and/or removal of errors within nucleic acid molecules.
US07879575B2	Nanostructures that provide a modified nanoenvironment for the enhancement of luminescence The present invention relates to nanostructures for use in luminescent assays as well as methods for the production of nano-sized tube and rods, including arrays of nanotubes and nanorods from a nylon.
US07879574B2	Compositions for the detection of enzyme activity in biological samples and methods of use thereof The present invention provides for novel reagents whose fluorescence increases in the presence of particular proteases. The reagents comprise a characteristically folded peptide backbone conjugated to two fluorophores such that the fluorophores are located opposite sides of a cleavage site. When the folded peptide is cleaved, as by digestion with a protease, the fluorophores provide a high intensity fluorescent signal at a visible wavelength. Because of their high specificity and their high fluorescence signal in the visible wavelengths, these protease indicators are particularly well suited for detection of protease activity in biological samples, in particular in frozen tissue sections. Thus this invention also provides for methods of detecting protease activity in situ in frozen sections.
US07879566B2	Methods for the identification of modulators of OSGPR114 or OSGPR78 activity, and their use in the treatment of disease This invention relates to the identification of LPA as a ligand for the G-protein coupled receptors OSGPR114 and OSGPR78. The invention is directed to new methods for screening candidate drugs for their ability to modulate the activity of OSGPR114 or OSGPR78, and new pharmaceutical agents identified by these methods. It is also directed to the use of such agents in the manufacture of medicaments for the treatment of OSGPR114 or OSGPR78 mediated diseases, and methods of treating diseases such as cancers by administering to an individual a therapeutic amount of a modulator of OSGPR114 or OSGPR78 identified by these methods.
US07879563B2	Method of screening for a carnitine transporter agonist or antagonist and its uses The present invention is directed to a method of screening for a carnitine transporter agonist or for a carnitine transporter antagonist, to a kit for carrying out the method of screening for a carnitine transporter agonist or for a carnitine transporter antagonist, to a method for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a carnitine transporter deficiency, to methods of diagnosis of a carnitine transporter deficiency, to the use of a protein for the manufacture of an antibody reacting with a carnitine transporter, to an oligonucleotide and to methods of treatment of a carnitine transporter deficiency.
US07879562B2	Methods of diagnosing endometriosis in human subjects using the ME-5 polypeptide A method for diagnosing endometriosis in a human subject comprising the steps of detecting a test amount of an antibody that specifically binds to ME-5 (SEQ ID NO:3) polypeptide or a peptide comprising an epitope of ME-5 in a sample from the subject; and comparing the test amount with a normal range of the antibody in a control sample from a subject who does not suffer from endometriosis, whereby a test amount above the normal range provides a positive indication in the diagnosis of endometriosis.
US07879561B2	Detection of chronic kidney disease patients or coronary artery disease using bone morphogenic protein-4 The invention is a method of detecting CAD in a CKD diagnosed human patient or CKD in a diagnosed CAD patient, or detection the presence of both CDK and CAD by assaying a plasma or serum sample of a human patient for elevated levels of BMP-4.
US07879556B2	Methods and compositions for diagnosing and monitoring transplant rejection Methods of diagnosing or monitoring transplant rejection, particularly cardiac transplant rejection, in a patient by detecting the expression level of one or more genes in a patient, are described. Diagnostic oligonucleotides for diagnosing or monitoring transplant rejection, particularly cardiac transplant rejection and kits or systems containing the same are also described.
US07879555B2	Gene expression profiling from FFPE samples Method and compositions related to the generation and use of gene expression data from tissue samples that have been fixed and embedded are provided. The data can be electronically stored and implemented as well as used to augment diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
US07879552B2	Association of UQCRC1 SNPs with fat deposition and fatty acid composition The present invention relates to the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase core protein I (UQCRC1) gene and its associations association with fat deposition and fatty acid composition. The invention further encompasses methods and systems, including network-based processes, to manage the SNP data, haplotype data and other data relating to specific animals and herds of animals, veterinarian care, diagnostic and quality control data and management of livestock which, based on genotyping, have predictable meat quality traits, husbandry conditions, animal welfare, food safety information, audit of existing processes and data from field locations.
US07879541B2	Apparatus and methods of detecting features on a microarray A method of making a microarray apparatus with enhanced feature detectability provides for accurate detection of each feature location, regardless of the quality or quantity of signals from hybridized oligomer test probes. The method comprises separately providing a control probe or stilt and an oligomer test probe at each feature location on the microarray, such that each feature comprises a control probe and a test probe. The control probe comprises a sequence of nucleic acids unique to the control probe. The control probe is labeled with a label that emits a control signal. The oligomer test probe is labeled with a test label that emits a test signal distinguishable from the control signal. When the microarray is hybridized and interrogated, the control signal indicates the location of each and every feature on the array and the test signal indicates the location of hybridized oligomer test probes.
US07879540B1	Synthetic nucleic acid molecule compositions and methods of preparation A method to prepare synthetic nucleic acid molecules having reduced inappropriate or unintended transcriptional characteristics when expressed in a particular host cell.
US07879534B2	Fabrication of a high resolution biological molecule detection device The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a detection device which involves providing a substrate having a layer of electrically conductive material and a first layer of photosensitive material. Next, the substrate is subjected to a first level photolithography treatment to produce an electrical conductor containing conductive fingers with spaces between them. Finally, biological probes are attached to the conductive fingers under conditions effective to form a gap between the biological probes on the spaced apart conductive fingers, whereby a target molecule, if present in a sample, can bind to a pair of the biological probes on the spaced apart conductive fingers to bridge the gap between the biological probes, allowing detection of the target molecule.
US07879532B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: (A) providing a wafer to which a photo-resist is applied; (B) forming a reacted portion in the photo-resist by exposing the wafer to a light through a mask having a translucent section, the reacted portion being a portion reacted with the light; and (C) forming a resist mask having an opening portion corresponding to the translucent section by dissolving the reacted portion. The opening portion does not penetrate the photo-resist in a case where an exposure amount in the (B) process is a first exposure amount. On the other hand, the opening portion penetrates the photo-resist in a case where the exposure amount is a second exposure amount larger than the first exposure amount.
US07879530B2	Antireflective coating composition, antireflective coating, and patterning process A composition comprising (A) a polymer having an alcohol structure with plural fluorine atoms substituted at α- and α′-positions and having k=0.01-0.4 and (B) an aromatic ring-containing polymer having k=0.3-1.2 is used to form an antireflective coating. The ARC-forming composition can be deposited by the same process as prior art ARCs. The resulting ARC is effective in preventing reflection of exposure light in photolithography and has an acceptable dry etching rate.
US07879529B2	Material for formation of resist protection film and method of forming resist pattern therewith In the liquid immersion lithography process, by simultaneously preventing deterioration of a resist film and deterioration of an immersion liquid employed during liquid immersion lithography which uses various immersion liquids, including water, resistance to post exposure delay of the resist film can be improved without increasing the number of processes, thereby making it possible to form a high resolution resist pattern using liquid immersion lithography. Furthermore, it is possible to apply a high refractive index liquid immersion medium, used in combination with the high refractive index liquid immersion medium, thus making it possible to further improve pattern accuracy. Using a composition comprising an acrylic resin component having characteristics which have substantially no compatibility with a liquid in which a resist film is immersed, particularly water, and are also soluble in alkaline, a protective film is formed on the surface of a resist film used.
US07879524B2	Image-forming method using heat-sensitive transfer system An image-forming method applying a heat-sensitive transfer system which uses a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet and a heat-sensitive transfer sheet, in which the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet has a support, at least one dye receptor layer on the support, and at least one heat insulation layer containing both hollow polymer particles and a hydrophilic polymer that is disposed between the dye receptor layer and the support; and the heat-sensitive transfer sheet has at least one yellow heat transfer layer, at least one magenta heat transfer layer, and/or at least one cyan heat transfer layer on a support: comprising controlling each glass transition point (Tg-A) of three heat transfer layers so that they decrease in area order; and comprising transferring at least three kinds of heat transfer dyes contained in the heat transfer layers to the dye receptor layer in order.
US07879523B2	Toner composition and method for manufacturing the toner composition A toner composition including toner particles, wherein the toner particles are prepared by a method in which toner constituents including at least a binder resin and a colorant are kneaded upon application of heat to prepare a toner constituent mixture; the toner constituent mixture is dissolved or swelled in an organic solvent capable of dissolving or swelling at least the binder resin to prepare an oil phase liquid; the oil phase liquid is emulsified in an aqueous liquid to prepare an emulsion; the emulsion is coagulated; and then the coagulated emulsion is dried to prepare the toner particles.
US07879518B2	Photoreceptor Disclosed is a photoreceptor including a substrate, a charge generating layer, and a charge transport layer having a tertiary aryl amine charge transport molecule represented by the following general formula in which Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4 and Ar5 each independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or Ar5 independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group, and k represents 0 or 1, and in which at least two of Ar1, Ar2, Ar3 and Ar4 includes a hydroxymethyl group or an alkoxymethyl group having from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, having an oxidation potential of from about 0.75 V to about 1.0 V as measured vs. Ag/AgCl in 0.1 M tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate in dichloromethane, and an antioxidant capable of reacting with the charge transport molecule. Disclose is also a process for forming the photoreceptors described herein and a method of forming an image with the photoreceptors described herein.
US07879516B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor integrated circuit device In the semiconductor integrated circuit device lithography process it is becoming more and more essential to control both exposure dose and focus value independently with a high accuracy. Using a wafer treated precedingly, a section profile of a photoresist is acquired by the technique of scatterometry, then both exposure dose and focus value are estimated independently with a high accuracy on the basis of the section profile thus acquired and using a conjectural expression obtained by the technique of multivariate analysis, and a focus setting in the exposure of a succeedingly treated wafer is corrected on the basis of the estimated exposure dose and focus value.
US07879510B2	Method for quartz photomask plasma etching A method for etching quartz is provided herein. In one embodiment, a method of etching quartz includes providing a filmstack in an etching chamber, the filmstack having a quartz layer partially exposed through a patterned layer, providing at least one fluorocarbon process gas to a processing chamber, biasing a quartz layer disposed on a substrate support in the processing chamber with a plurality of power pulses less than 600 Watts and etching the quartz layer through a patterned mask. The method for etching quartz described herein is particularly suitable for fabricating photomasks having etched quartz portions.
US07879509B2	Radiation-crosslinking and thermally crosslinking PU systems based on isocyanate-reactive block copolymers The present invention provides polyurethane systems which cure by radiation and thermal action with crosslinking, and use thereof for the production of holographic media. The polyurethane compositions of the invention comprise A) polyisocyanates, B) isocyanate-reactive block copolymers, C) compounds having groups which react on exposure to actinic radiation with ethylenically unsaturated compounds with polymerization, D) optionally free radical stabilizers and E) photoinitiators.
US07879508B2	Separator for low-temperature type fuel cell and production method therefor A stainless steel sheet useful as a separator for a low-temperature fuel cell has the surface state that a lot of fine projections (p) stand close together around many fine pits (d) formed over a whole surface. The surface state is realized by alternating electrolytic etching in a ferric chloride solution. When the stainless steel separator is built in a fuel cell, contact resistance between the separator and a graphite electrode is kept at a lower level even in a corrosive atmosphere. Consequently, the fuel cell can be driven with high power-generating efficiency over a long term even under severely corrosive conditions without generation of massive Joule heat.
US07879507B2	Insert-molded, externally manifolded, one-shot sealed membrane based electrochemical cell stacks The present invention provides membrane cassettes and stacks thereof which are suitable for a use in a variety of electrochemical applications. The invention further provides membrane cassettes which comprise one or more external manifolds which deliver reagents and/or coolant to one or more reactant or coolant flow fields of the membrane cassettes. In particular, the present invention describes the insert molding method, whereby the plenums of the external manifolds are created during the stack encapsulation step. The invention describes several methods for creating the manifold runner geometry via insert-molding, machining, or with separate components.
US07879506B2	Solid polymer electrolyte membrane, method for manufacturing the same, and fuel cell using the solid polymer electrolyte membrane A solid polymer electrolyte membrane that exhibits stable energy generation performance for a long period of time at an operation temperature of about 100° C. to about 300° C. in an unhumidified condition or a relative humidity of about 50%. A method for manufacturing the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and a fuel cell that uses the solid polymer electrolyte membrane are provided. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane comprises a polymer compound that has a side chain that includes a unit represented by Formula (a) that is formed at a heterocyclic nitrogen atom of a polybenzimidazole.
US07879504B2	Fuel cell stack having improved cooling structure A fuel cell stack that includes at least one electricity generator generating electric energy through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and a cooling system are provided. The electricity generator includes a membrane-electrode assembly, separators on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly, and cooling channels placed approximately parallel to a first direction of the membrane-electrode assembly, where a coolant flows through the cooling channels, and where the cooling channels have different distribution densities in a direction perpendicular to the first direction of the membrane-electrode assembly.
US07879498B2	Center pin and lithium ion secondary battery using the same A center pin and a lithium ion secondary battery are provided. The center pin has a hollow body and a solid extinguishant is disposed inside the hollow body. The solid extinguishant has a certain shape that can fit into the hollow body, and can be made by compressing a powder extinguishing substance. Top and bottom of the center pin are initially closed by blocking members to reduce a dead volume in a battery. The top and bottom of the center pin open at high temperature so that the solid extinguishant is liquefied and flows out of the center pin. The liquefied extinguishant at the high temperature prevent the battery from igniting.
US07879497B2	Battery A battery is adapted such that a nickel hydroxide particle group constituted of a number of nickel hydroxide particles filled in a void part of a positive electrode substrate contains, at a ratio of 15 wt % or less, small-diameter nickel hydroxide particles each having a particle diameter of 5 μm or less. The positive electrode substrate is configured such that a front-surface-side nickel layer and a back-surface-side nickel layer are made larger in thickness than a middle nickel layer, and an average thickness B of either the front-surface-side nickel layer or the back-surface-side nickel layer, which is thicker one, and an average thickness C of the middle nickel layer satisfy a relation of C/B≧0.6.
US07879496B2	Battery electrode substrate, battery electrode, and alkaline secondary battery including the same A battery electrode substrate having excellent mechanical strength and flexibility and being capable of increasing the filling density of a positive electrode active substance and, thereby, achieving a higher capacity battery, a battery electrode formed from the battery electrode substrate, and an alkaline secondary battery including the battery electrode are provided. The battery electrode substrate includes a woven or unwoven fabric and nickel for coating fibers constituting the woven or unwoven fabric, wherein the weight per area of the above-described woven or unwoven fabric is 15 g/m2 or more, and 60 g/m2 or less and the thickness of the above-described woven or unwoven fabric is 1.3 mm or more, and 3.0 mm or less. The battery electrode is formed from the battery electrode substrate, and the alkaline secondary battery includes the battery electrode.
US07879494B2	Lithium ion secondary battery and manufacturing method therefor Active material particles of a lithium ion secondary battery includes at least a first lithium-nickel composite oxide: LixNi1-y-zCoyMezO2 (where 0.85≦x≦1.25, 0
US07879492B2	Electrode materials derived from polyquinonic ionic compounds and their use in electrochemical generators The present invention is concerned with novel compounds derived from polyquinonic ionic compounds and their use in electrochemical generators.
US07879491B2	Electrode assembly having member for holding electrodes and secondary battery comprising the same Disclosed herein are a stacking type electrode assembly constructed in a cathode/separator/anode structure, wherein the electrode assembly is provided at a predetermined region thereof with at least one through-hole, and a pair of holding members (a male coupling member and a female coupling member) constructed in a male-female coupling type structure is inserted through the through-hole inside a battery case, an outer surface of the female coupling member being brought into tight contact with the through-hole when the male coupling member is inserted into the female coupling member while the female coupling member having an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the through-hole is inserted through the through-hole, and a secondary battery including the same. The electrode assembly according to the present invention has the effect of restraining the cathodes and the anodes from being moved separately from the separators, when an external force is applied to the electrode assembly, thereby preventing the occurrence of internal short circuits, and eventually, improving the safety of a secondary battery including the electrode assembly. Furthermore, the electrode assembly according to the present invention has the effect of restraining the movement of the electrodes due to repetitive contraction and expansion of the electrode assembly during the charge and discharge of the secondary battery.
US07879487B2	Battery having sealed contact terminal bushing A rechargeable battery includes a housing having a housing wall, at least one cell in the housing, and a contact element electrically connected to the at least one cell. The rechargeable battery also includes a plastic sealing element extrusion-coated on the contact element. The sealing element includes a supporting surface which lies flat against the housing wall at an interface. The supporting surface is transmission laser-welded to the housing wall at the interface. One of the supporting surface and the housing wall is at least partially transparent for the laser beam and the other of the supporting surface and the housing wall is absorbent for the laser beam.
US07879486B2	Electric storage battery construction and method of manufacture An electric storage battery and method of manufacture thereof characterized by a feedthrough pin which is internally directly physically and electrically connected to an inner end of a positive electrode substrate. A C-shaped mandrel extends around the pin and substrate end enabling the pin/mandrel to be used during the manufacturing process as an arbor to facilitate winding layers of a spiral jellyroll electrode assembly. The pin additionally extends from the battery case and in the final product constitutes one of the battery terminals with the battery case comprising the other terminal. Active material is removed from both sides of the outer end of the negative electrode in the jellyroll to allow room for adhesive tape to secure the jellyroll. The electrolyte is injected through the open end of the case after the endcap is welded to the negative electrode but before sealing the endcap to the case. The electrolyte is preferably injected through the C-shaped mandrel to facilitate and speed filling.
US07879481B2	Method for preventing erroneous loading of component-to-be-loaded on main body side apparatus, component-to-be-loaded and battery pack A battery pack for being slidably loaded on an electronic apparatus. The battery pack has an approximately square-pole shaped battery case with first and second end surfaces and side surfaces disposed between the end surfaces. The battery case has, an erroneous loading prevention groove on one part of a side surface, commencing at a corner of one end surface and extending in the sliding direction.
US07879479B2	Battery pack utilizing integrally joined locking and holding means A battery pack for an electric appliance has a base body, a locking element that is movable relative to the base body, is provided for locking the base body to the electric appliance, and has a locked position, and a holding element, which is provided to maintain the locked position when the base body is in the locked state. The holding element is integrally joined to the locking element.
US07879476B2	Proton conducting electrolyte A cationic conductive polymer is described herein which generally comprises a proton donating polymer and an oxocarbonic acid. The cationic conductive polymer exhibits a high conductivity in low humidity environments.
US07879474B2	Solid oxide electrolytic device An interconnect structure is disclosed for use in solid oxide electrolytic devices that use chrome-containing components, such as solid oxide fuel cells and solid oxide oxygen-generators. The invention provides a reliable and durable interconnect for both structural and electrical components of such devices. In general, the interconnect structure relies on a dual-layer, high-temperature seal which provides an effective diffusion barrier for both chrome and oxygen. As a result of the described interconnect, corrosion or loss in electrical conductivity in such solid oxide electrolytic devices is avoided. Also, a novel structure for such solid oxide electrolytic devices is disclosed, which provides an economical and high-integrity structure that utilizes the disclosed interconnect structure. A result of the present invention is that thin film solid oxide fuel cells and solid oxide oxygen generators may be fabricated using only metal alloys as bulk components.
US07879472B2	Micro fuel cell A fuel cell, fuel cell array and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The fuel cell can be made by forming a first aperture defined by a first aperture surface through a first electrode layer and forming a second aperture defined by a second aperture surface through a second electrode layer. A proton exchange membrane is laminated between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. At least a portion of the first aperture is at least partially aligned with the second aperture.
US07879471B2	Support for magnetic recording medium, and magnetic recording medium A magnetic recording medium substrate has a polyester film having metallic oxide-containing layers (layers M) formed on both the surfaces, one layer on each surface, the layers M having a thickness of 50 to 200 nm each, characterized in that the magnetic recording medium substrate has a total light transmittance of 0 to 75% and a surface resistivity of 1×102 to 1×1013Ω on each surface.
US07879468B2	Magnetic recording media and method of manufacture of the same A magnetic recording medium is disclosed in which there is no degradation of magnetic characteristics at the time of manufacture, such as is seen in proposed discrete-track media or patterned media. The medium can be manufactured by a simple method and results in excellent productivity. Magnetic recording media have a substrate, and, provided thereon in order from the substrate side, are a soft magnetic layer, a crystal orientation control layer, and a magnetic recording layer. The area of at least a portion of the crystal orientation control layer is provided with a depressed portion. Portions of the magnetic layer formed on this depressed portion have a non-granular structure, whereas portions of the magnetic formed on the crystal orientation control layer outside the depressed portion have a granular structure. A method for manufacturing the magnetic recording media is disclosed having a soft magnetic layer formation process of forming a soft magnetic layer on a substrate; a crystal orientation layer formation process of providing a crystal orientation control layer on the soft magnetic layer; a depressed portion formation process of providing a depressed portion in the area of at least a portion of the crystal orientation control layer; and a process of forming a magnetic recording layer on the crystal orientation control layer on which the depressed portion is formed.
US07879464B2	Anthracene derivative, material for light emitting element, light emitting element, light emitting device, and electronic appliance The present invention provides an anthracene derivative represented by the following general formula (1). In the general formula (1), R1 and R2 individually represent hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and at least one of R1 and R2 is hydrogen. Further, R3 represents an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms. R4 represents hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms. R5 represents hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms. R6 represents an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms. X1 represents an arylene group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms. General formula (1) is inserted.
US07879462B2	Aminostyryl compound, method of preparing the same, and organic light emitting device using the aminostyryl compound An aminostyryl compound represented by Formula 1: The organic light emitting device using the aminostyryl compound exhibits low driving voltage and improved brightness, efficiency, and color purity.
US07879459B2	Metallic alloy composition and protective coating A protective coating system includes a coating having a composition that includes about 5-40 wt % of chromium, of about 5-35 wt % of aluminum, about 0.1-9 wt % of at least one of silicon, hafnium, or magnesium, about 0.05-2 wt % of a Group IIIB Periodic Table element, a non-zero amount less than 13 wt % of at least one noble metal selected from platinum, palladium, and gold, and a balance including nickel, cobalt or iron.
US07879457B2	Thermal spray coatings and applications therefor This invention relates to coatings for a metal or non-metal substrate comprising (i) a thermal sprayed bondcoat layer applied to the substrate, and (ii) a thermal sprayed ceramic layer applied to the bondcoat layer; wherein said coating has a helium leak rate of less than 6×10−6 standard cubic centimeters per second. The thermal sprayed bondcoat layer comprises an alloy of MCrAlM′ wherein M is an element selected from nickel, cobalt, iron and mixtures thereof, and M′ is an element selected from yttrium, zirconium, hafnium, ytterbium and mixtures thereof. The alloy is thermally sprayed from a powder having a mean particle size of 50 percentile point in distribution of from about 5 microns to about 100 microns. The coatings are useful for extending the service life under severe conditions, such as those associated with metallurgical vessels' lances, nozzles and tuyeres.
US07879456B2	Carrier applied coating layers Methods for bonding adherent phosphorous-containing coating layers to oxide surfaces on substrates wherein the substrates with oxide surfaces are selected from: (a) oxidized iron, titanium, silicon, tin and vanadium; (b) indium tin oxide; and (c) substrates with oxide layers deposited thereon, wherein the substrates on which oxide layers are deposited are selected from ceramics, semiconductors, metals, plastics and glass, and the method contacts the oxide surface with a carrier conveying an organo-phosphonic acid coating composition and heats the oxide surface and carrier at a sufficient temperature while maintaining contact for a sufficient time to bond a layer of the organophosphonic acid to the oxide surface. Coated articles prepared by the inventive method are also disclosed.
US07879455B2	High-temperature solder, high-temperature solder paste and power semiconductor using same The present invention intends to provide a power semiconductor device using a high-temperature lead-free solder material, the high-temperature lead-free solder material having the heat resistant property at 280° C. or more, and the bondability at 400° C. or less, and excellent in the suppliabilty and wettability of solder, and in the high-temperature storage reliability and the temperature cycle reliability. In the power semiconductor device according to the present invention, a semiconductor element and a metal electrode member were bonded each other by a high-temperature solder material comprising Sn, Sb, Ag, and Cu as the main constitutive elements and the rest of other unavoidable impurity elements wherein the high-temperature solder material comprises 42 wt %≦Sb/(Sn+Sb)≦48 wt %, 5 wt %≦Ag<20 wt %, 3 wt %≦Cu<10 wt %, and Ag+Cu≦25 wt %.
US07879454B2	Friction stir welding of metal matrix composites A fiber-reinforced component is formed of a first composite member including a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers having a diameter and a length distributed therein in a selected orientation and a second composite member including a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers having a diameter and a length distributed therein in a selected orientation. The first composite member is bonded to the second composite member by a solid state bond along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers of the first composite member and the second composite member within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers of the first composite member and the second composite member within the remainder of the fiber-reinforced component.
US07879452B2	Elastomeric films with brittle nonblocking skins A nonblocking multilayer elastomeric-film comprises a first brittle polymer film layer bonded to a second elastomeric polymer film layer. The multilayer film is activatable to fracture the first brittle polymer layer and to render the multilayer film elastomeric.
US07879451B2	Silicone rubber coating composition and airbag A silicone rubber coating composition comprising (A) a diorganopolysiloxane containing an average of at least two alkenyl groups, (B) silica powder having a specific surface area of at least 50 m2/g, (C) an organosilicon compound containing a ureido group, an isocyanuric acid ester modified with an organosilicon compound or a (partial) hydrolytic condensate thereof, and (D) a curing agent is applied and vulcanized to base fabric to form a coated fabric, from which airbags are prepared. The composition has a sufficient adhesion to withstand high temperature and abrupt elongation upon inflation of the airbag even after long-term storage under hot humid conditions.
US07879446B2	Fluorinated cyclic olefin electret film The present invention provides a fluorinated cyclic olefin electret film including a fluorinated cyclic olefin polymer film characterized by having a cyclic olefin polymer grafted with a fluorocarbon alkyl group, and a parylene film over the fluorinated cyclic olefin polymer film.
US07879445B2	Adhesive for bonding circuit members, circuit board and process for its production An adhesive for bonding and securing a semiconductor chip to a circuit board and electrically connecting the electrodes of the two, and containing an adhesive resin composition and an inorganic filler being contained in an amount of 10 to 200 parts by weight of 100 parts by weight of the adhesive resin composition.
US07879443B2	High wear resistant triplex coating for cutting tools A hard coating layer system comprises at least a main layer (3) on a surface of a substrate (1), a buried layer (4) and an outer surface layer (5), wherein the surface layer (5) comprises AlCrZ, where Z stands for N, C, B, CN, BN, CBN, NO, CO, BO, CNO, BNO, or CBNO In such innovative coating triplex system and corresponding coated tools and components the buried comprises any one of the following materials or their combinations: a metal nitride, carbide or carbonitride a metal silicon nitride, carbide, or carbonitride, wherein the metal is at least one transition metal of the IVB, VB or VIB group or a multilayer of the materials or a material or a combination or a multilayer of the materials comprising at least one metal or carbon, preferably a diamond like carbon layer. The main layer comprises a nitride, carbide or carbonitride or a multilayer of nitride, carbide or carbonitride material. The main layer can be deposited on the workpiece either directly or via an interjecting adhesion layer, which can be an aforementioned transition metal or metal nitride, preferably AlCr, AlTi, Cr, Ti, AlCrN, AlTiN, TiN or CrN.
US07879441B2	Articles that include a polymer foam and method for preparing same Polymer foam articles prepared by melt-mixing a polymer composition and a plurality of microspheres, at least one of which is an expandable polymeric microsphere, under process conditions, including temperature and shear rate, selected to form an expandable extrudable composition; and extruding the composition through a die.
US07879436B2	Packaging product A synthetic board is made from a plastic film ply 4, 6 adhered or welded to a parallel array of thin-walled plastic tubes 2. In some versions, the tubes are spaced from each other. In others the tubes are contiguous. This allows the board to curl up more or less depending on the tube packing about the tubes axes but to resist bowing between the ends of the tubes. The board is useful for packaging, display, cladding and insulation. In some versions, a second parallel array 7 lies at 90° to the first and the board is free to fold about the boundary between the two arrays. In this way, runs of cruciform carton blanks can be manufactured. The tubes can contain particulate or gel filling.
US07879434B2	Foam element having molded gas passageways In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a foam element comprising an isocyanate-based foam matrix having surface, at least a portion of the surface comprising at least one channel having a channel surface, the channel surface being coated with a substantially fluid impermeable material. The foam element is particularly useful in a climate-control vehicular (e.g., automobile) seat.
US07879430B2	Honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure is disclosed that includes plural honeycomb units bonded together by using a sealing material layer, each of the honeycomb units including plural through-holes separated by plural partition walls and provided in parallel along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb units, wherein each of the honeycomb units includes at least ceramic particles, and inorganic fibers and/or whisker, an area of a cross section of one of the honeycomb units perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the one of the honeycomb units is greater than or equal to about 5 cm2 and less than or equal to about 50 cm2, and a circularity of the cross section of the honeycomb structure perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the honeycomb structure is greater than or equal to about 1.0 mm and less than or equal to about 2.5 mm.
US07879428B2	Honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure having multiple honeycomb units united through a seal material layer, wherein each honeycomb unit has multiple through holes arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction and separated from each other by the wall surfaces of the through holes, is disclosed. The honeycomb units include at least: ceramic particles; and at least one of inorganic fibers and whiskers. At least one of the honeycomb units has a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof, the cross section having an area greater than or equal to about 5 cm2 and less than or equal to about 50 cm2. The flatness of the exterior wall of each of the honeycomb units is about 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm.
US07879427B2	Honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure having multiple honeycomb units united through a seal material layer, wherein each honeycomb unit has multiple through holes arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction and separated from each other by the wall surfaces of the through holes, is disclosed. The honeycomb units include at least: ceramic particles; and at least one of inorganic fibers and whiskers. At least one of the honeycomb units has a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof, the cross section having an area greater than or equal to about 5 cm2 and less than or equal to about 50 cm2. Each corner of each honeycomb unit has a shape of one of a substantially rounded surface and a substantially chamfered surface.
US07879425B2	Trim part with decor surface A trim panel includes a decorative surface, one sub-section of which consists of leather. The trim panel consists of a flat support that also covers the sub-section and at least one additional layer on a visible face of the support. In addition, the layer is recessed in the sub-section or doubles back on itself towards the sub-section along one edge of the latter. A leather trim is located on the visible face of the support in the sub-section, the trim covering the latter.
US07879424B2	Method for making a vehicle panel A method of forming a panel is disclosed. The method includes forming a flexible skin (22); coupling a compressible material (24) to the skin (22); positioning the skin (22) and compressible material (24) in a mold; and forming a rigid substrate (20) around the skin (22) and compressible material (24) providing a first soft region (12) wherein the compressible material (24) is disposed between the skin (22) and the substrate (20) so that a first soft region (12) is defined by the compressible material (24).
US07879423B2	Laminated panel and process A laminated panel (23) comprises a fusible layer (23A) having an upper surface. A mesh layer (23A, A1) has an encapsulated portion enclosed in the fusible layer so as to be below the upper surface of the fusible layer (23A). An embossed portion (A1) protrudes from the upper surface of the fusible layer (23A). A method (10) of forming a laminated panel with the fusible layer and the mesh layer comprises the steps of: i) heating the fusible layer (23A) to fuse a portion of the fusible layer; and ii) pressing only selected portion of the mesh layer against the fusible layer to provide for the formation of an embossed pattern (A1) on the resulting laminated panel (10).
US07879420B2	Multi-layered liner, a multi-layered product which includes the release liner and a method for making the release liner The invention relates to a manufacturing substrate of sheet-like products. The substrate comprises a paper layer (9) having a first surface and a second surface, a barrier layer (10) formed on the first surface of the paper layer (9), and a release layer (11) formed on the barrier layer (10). On the second surface of the paper layer (9) there is a non-stick layer (12). The invention relates also to a manufacturing method of the above-mentioned substrate, and a rebuilding method of a production line.
US07879414B2	Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase that includes two components, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (1-1) to (1-3), and the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2): wherein R1 is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring A, ring B and ring C are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z1 and Z2 are each independently a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy or difluoromethyleneoxy, provided that at least one of Z1 and Z2 is difluoromethyleneoxy; Z3 and Z4 are each independently a single bond, ethylene or carbonyloxy; X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and X8 are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y1 is fluorine, chlorine or trifluoromethoxy; and m is 0, 1 or 2.
US07879411B2	Method and apparatus for efficient application of substrate coating A direct vapor deposition (DVD) method and apparatus for applying coating(s) on substrate(s), including: presenting at least one of the substrates to a chamber, presenting at least one evaporant source (125) in crucible (110) to the chamber; presenting at least one carrier gas stream (105) to the chamber using a ring-shaped (133) converging/diverging nozzle (130); impinging at least one evaporant source with at least one electron beam in the chamber to generate an evaporated vapor flux in a main direction respective for any of the evaporant sources impinged by the electron beam; and guiding at least one of the generated evaporated vapor flux by at least one carrier gas stream from the ring shaped gap (132), which is essentially parallel to the main direction and substantially surrounds the evaporated flux. The evaporated vapor flux at least partially coats at least one of the substrates.
US07879410B2	Method of fabricating an electrochemical device using ultrafast pulsed laser deposition A method of fabricating a multi-layered thin film electrochemical device is provided. The method comprises: providing a first target material in a chamber; providing a substrate in the chamber; emitting a first intermittent laser beam directed at the first target material to generate a first plasma, wherein each pulse of the first intermittent laser beam has a pulse duration of about 20 fs to about 500 ps; depositing the first plasma on the substrate to form a first thin film; providing a second target material in the chamber; emitting a second intermittent laser beam directed at the second target material to generate a second plasma, wherein each pulse of the second intermittent laser beam has a pulse duration of about 20 fs to about 500 ps; and depositing the second plasma on or above the first thin film to form a second thin film.
US07879401B2	Organic vapor jet deposition using an exhaust Methods and systems for organic vapor jet deposition are provided, where an exhaust is disposed between adjacent nozzles. One or more carrier gases may be provided and ejected from a plurality of nozzles. An exhaust may be provided to create a localized vacuum between nozzles. The exhaust may reduce pressure buildup in the nozzles and between the nozzles and the substrate, leading to improved deposition profiles, resolution, and improved nozzle-to-nozzle uniformity. The exhaust may be in fluid communication with an ambient vacuum, or may be directly connected to a vacuum source.
US07879397B2	Method for processing polysilazane film A method for processing a polysilazane film includes performing temperature increase of changing a process field of a reaction container, which accommodates a target substrate with a polysilazane coating film formed thereon, from a pre-heating temperature to a predetermined temperature, while setting the process field to be a first atmosphere containing oxygen and having a first pressure of 6.7 to 26.7 kPa. Then, the method includes performing a first heat process for obtaining an insulating film containing silicon and oxygen by baking the coating film at a first process temperature not lower than the predetermined temperature, while setting the process field to be a second atmosphere containing an oxidizing gas and having a second pressure higher than the first pressure.
US07879395B2	Method of preparing a coating solution and a corresponding use of the coating solution for coating a substrate A method of preparing a coating solution, comprising the steps of providing a first solution comprising a lower alcohol; a polyethylene glycol; a complexing agent; and water; providing a second solution comprising a higher alcohol; and at least one metal alkoxide, wherein the metal in said at least one metal alkoxide is selected from the group consisting of zirconium, aluminium, titanium, tantalum and yttrium; forming a sol-gel solution by mixing said first and second solutions and thereby hydrolyzing said at least one metal alkoxide to a metal oxide and an alcohol; forming a concentrated solution by removing said lower alcohol and the alcohol resulting from the hydrolysis of said at least one metal alkoxide; and forming a coating solution by adding a medium alcohol to said concentrated solution.
US07879394B1	Deep deposition head Method and apparatus for depositing material in hard to reach locations of a workpiece. An elongated member is inserted in an opening. The member transports a laser beam from a fiber laser and material, preferably in powder form, to the desired location. The material is deposited on the workpiece and the laser beam contacts the material. The method and apparatus may be used to manufacture a part or to repair an existing part.
US07879392B2	Compositions with elongated particles having varying charges and aspect ratios The present disclosure is generally directed to a composition comprising one or more elongated particles having a diameter of from about 5 nm to about 500 nm, a length that is greater than the diameter and an aspect ratio of greater than about 1. The aspect ratio affects the orientation of such elongated particles in relation to a surface on which the composition is applied.
US07879391B2	Apparatus and process for making tape useful as a tire cap ply An apparatus and process are used to make tape which can be used as cap plies, breakers and reinforcement in the carcass of tires. The tape is made by dipping a plurality of single end cords in a solvent-based cement. The cords are converged before entering the dip pan so that they are fixed in a single plane when they are dipped. The cement, which contains solvent and an elastomeric composition, is dried so that the majority of the solvent evaporates. The elastomeric composition remains, encapsulating the cords, thereby forming the tape.
US07879384B2	Structured glycerol esters useful as edible moisture barriers Lipid compositions are provided that are effective as edible moisture barriers for reducing moisture migration between food components. The lipid compositions include a mixture of structured glycerol ester (SGE) compositions bearing short chain (two to four carbons), medium chain (six to twelve carbons), and saturated long chain (fourteen to twenty-two carbons) fatty acid residues. The SGE compositions of the invention are reduced calorie and fully saturated, contain essentially zero trans-unsaturated fatty acids, and contain components present in stable alpha crystal forms.
US07879382B2	Stabilizers and compositions and products comprising same Compositions containing microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose ether, and salt are provided together with methods for making them. Additionally, there are also described edible food products and industrial suspensions formed from these compositions.
US07879378B2	Process for the separation and sensory evaluation of flavours using HTLC The present invention concerns a process for the separation of olfactorily and/or gustatorily active components by means of high-temperature liquid chromatography (HTLC) and a process for the direct tasting of the components separated by this process.
US07879376B2	Taste potentiator compositions and edible confectionery and chewing gum products containing same The present invention relates to compositions and edible orally delivered products, such as confectioneries and chewing gum, which include taste potentiators to enhance the perception of active substances contained therein. More specifically, some embodiments provide potentiator compositions, which include at least one active substance and at least one taste potentiator. The active substance and/or taste potentiator may be encapsulated in some embodiments to modify the release rate of the composition upon consumption.
US07879374B2	Composition including superoxide dismutase and prickly-pear cactus for minimizing and preventing hangovers A composition including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and prickly pear cactus (OFI) protects against, minimizes the effects of, and hastens recovery from the typical symptoms associated with an alcohol induced hangover. In addition, sesamin and alpha-lipoic acid work with the SOD and OFI for enhanced antioxidant and therapeutic effects. Thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, milk thistle seed extract, flower pollen extract, eleuthero root extract, guggulsterones EZ, white willow bark extract, sclareolide, ginkgo biloba extract, caffeine, and boswellia serrata extract can be added to the composition for additional treatment of symptoms.
US07879373B2	Composition to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin A composition having a curcuminoid and an essential oil of turmeric. A composition having a curcuminoid and an essential oil of turmeric, wherein the essential oil is present in an amount sufficient to cause an enhancement of bioavailability of curcumin when the composition is administered to a human as compared to bioavailability of curcumin obtained upon administration of a composition prepared without adding essential oil to the curcuminoid. A method to prepare a composition having a curcuminoid and an essential oil of turmeric.
US07879371B2	Caffeine fraction obtained from tea leaves and a method for inducing Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation in plants using said caffeine fraction The present invention relates to a thermolabile caffeine fraction useful for an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation in plant systems to develop desired traits in plant, and a method of preparing said fraction from tea leaves and also, an efficient and cost-effective method of introducing said Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation into plant systems using said caffeine fraction of tea leaves.
US07879368B2	Process for preparation of Labisia pumila extract A process for the preparation of Labisia pumila extract from Labisia pumila plant material and to obtain an optimized and reproducible chemical profile by high performance liquid chromatography.
US07879365B2	Zinc salt compositions for the prevention of dermal and mucosal irritation The present invention provides for compositions and methods that may offer protection from irritants as well as antimicrobial protection. Preferred embodiments of the invention include topical antimicrobial compositions that lack conventional antibiotics or preservatives, wherein the antimicrobial benefit is created by essential oils (or their active ingredients), emollient solvents and, in some instances, anti-inflammatory agents.
US07879362B2	Oral pharmaceutical compositions with controlled release and prolonged absorption The invention concerns a galenic system with prolonged/controlled release of the medicinal and/or nutritional active principle, for oral administration. The aim is to provide a system enabling to obtain with one single tolerable and acceptable dose of active principle, efficient therapeutic protection over 24 hours (increasing the bioabsorption time without affecting bioavailability). To achieve this, the invention provides a composition comprising two controlled release systems associated in series, namely: individualised coated particles (microcapsules) of active principle forming an internal phase, the coating comprising a film-forming polymer P1 (ethylcellulose), a nitrogenous polymer (polyvinylpyrrolidone), a softener (castor oil) and a lubricant (magnesium stearate), and an external phase of functional carriers: polyelectrolytic hydrophilic polymer: (alginate), neutral hydrophilic polymer (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose) and a gelling additive (calcium acetate), said composition spontaneously forming in the presence of water, a cohesive and stable composite macroscopic solid, wherein the external continuous phase is a gelled matrix including the active principle microcapsules. The invention is useful for delayed oral galenic formulation of metformin.
US07879361B2	Nanoparticles for drug delivery The invention discloses the nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one bioactive agent of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or erythropoietin. The nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and their enhanced permeability for paracellular drug delivery.
US07879358B2	Pulmonary delivery for levodopa In one aspect, the invention is related to a method of treating a patient with Parkinson's disease, the method including administering to the respiratory tract of the patient particles that include more than about 90 weight percent (wt %) of levodopa. The particles are delivered to the patient's pulmonary system, preferably to the alveoli or the deep lung.
US07879353B2	Controlled or sustained-release formulation A formulation comprising: a co-polyester comprising (a) the reaction product of a polycondensation polyester and (b) glycolide; wherein the polycondensation polyester comprises the reaction product of diglycolic acid and/or a derivative thereof and ethylene glycol, and the co-polyester comprises about 40% by weight of the polycondensation polyester based on the total weight of the co-polyester; and a drug selected from the group consisting of indomethacin, diclofenac sodium, and ketoprofen.
US07879352B2	Scored pharmaceutical tablets comprising a plurality of segments Deeply scored pharmaceutical tablets are disclosed, along with pharmaceutical tablets with a score in a segment that adjoins a segment lacking a pharmacologically effective dose of any drug.
US07879351B2	High delivery rates for lipid based drug formulations, and methods of treatment thereof Provided is a method of preparing lipid based drug formulations with low lipid/drug ratios using coacervation techniques. Also provided are methods of delivering such lipid based drug formulations at high delivery rates, and methods of treating patients with pulmonary diseases comprising administering such lipid based drug formulations.
US07879349B2	Cyanocobalamin low viscosity aqueous formulations for intranasal delivery A stable pharmaceutical mercury-free aqueous solution of cyanocobalamin comprised of cyanocobalamin and water wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin is suitable for intranasal administration, has a viscosity less than about 1000 cPs, and wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of cyanocobalamin when administered intranasally of at least about 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of cyanocobalamin with the proviso that the solution is essentially free of mercury and mercury-containing compounds. The present invention is also directed towards a method for elevating the vitamin B12 levels in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) comprising administering intranasally a sufficient amount of a mercury-free cyanocobalamin solution so as to increase the average ratio of vitamin B12 in the CSF to that in the blood serum (B12 CSF/B12 Serum×100) to at least about 1.1 comprising intranasally administering an aqueous solution of a cyanocobalamin, wherein said solution of cyanocobalamin has a bioavailability of at least 7% relative to an intramuscular injection of a cyanocobalamin.
US07879348B2	Pesticide strips for control of mites in honeybees Pesticide strips used to control parasitic mites in honeybees. The pesticide strips are designed to have a lifetime or period of existence, after which the strip no longer exists in its original form. The strip breaks down, such as by disintegration, dissolving, decomposition, being eaten or carrier away, or otherwise degrading over time, so that at the end of the recommended lifetime, the strip is no longer in its original form. In most embodiments, at least 50% of the strip is no longer present, and in other embodiments at least 75% of the strip is no longer present. Preferably, at the end of the recommended lifetime, the strip no longer exists, at least the body of the strip that included the active ingredient. With this design, the strip does not provide extended low-dose pesticide that can be detrimental in treating the mites.
US07879345B2	Composition containing an amphiphilic polymer, uses thereof The invention relates to a composition preferably useful for topical application in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase, containing at least one lipophilic emulsifier and at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible amphiphilic polymer, which may be obtained from 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid units and from hydrophobic monomers comprising an oxyalkylene chain.
US07879344B2	Transdermal delivery of oleocanthal for relief of inflammation The present disclosure generally relates to compositions for reducing inflammation, and more particularly, to compositions comprising oleocanthal. The oleocanthal-containing compositions are particularly suitable for transdermal delivery. The compositions may also be used in combination with personal care products, such as wipes and absorbent articles, and may be incorporated into transdermal patches.
US07879339B2	Compositions and methods for vaccinating against HSV-2 This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method.
US07879338B2	Vectors and methods for immunization against norovirus using transgenic plants The present invention relates to a synthetic plant-optimized nucleic acid molecule having a Norwalk virus capsid protein coding nucleotide sequence, and nucleic acid constructs, host cells, expression systems, and plants having the plant-optimized Norwalk virus nucleic acid molecule. The present invention also relates to a method of producing Norwalk virus capsid protein virus-like particles in a transgenic plant or transgenic plant seed transformed with a plant-optimized nucleic acid molecule encoding Norwalk virus capsid protein. The plant or a component thereof can be administered to a subject under conditions effective to immunize the subject against disease resulting from infection by a Norovirus, including Norwalk virus. An oral vaccine for immunization of a subject against Norwalk virus infection is also disclosed.
US07879332B2	Ultra-high yield intravenous immune globulin preparation An efficacious large-scale alcohol-free plasma fractionation production process which produces a high-yielding, non-denatured, double viral-inactivated intravenous human immune gamma globulin (IgG) product. The process employs one or more salts from a group of salts comprising sodium citrate, sodium acetate, sodium gluconate, ammonium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate and ammonium chloride in two initial fractionation steps, followed by diafiltration to remove those salts employed. A process which employs alcohol via the process of the disclosed inventive method is also disclosed.
US07879327B2	Medicament for treating cancer A medicament for treating cancer for use in combination therapy with an anti-HER2 antibody, which comprises amrubicin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
US07879324B2	Fusion molecules and methods for treatment of immune diseases The invention concerns bifunctional fusion molecules, and novel, safer and more efficacious methods for the treatment of immune disorders resulting from excessive or unwanted immune responses. The invention provides methods for the suppression of type I hypersensitive (i.e., IgE-mediated) allergic conditions, methods for the prevention of anaphylactic responses that occur as a result of traditional peptide immunotherapies for allergic and autoimmune disorders, and provides novel methods for the treatment of autoimmune conditions, where the methods have reduced risk of triggering an anaphylactic response. The invention provides novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of allergic responses, including the prevention of anaphylactic response that can occur from environmental allergen exposure. The invention also provides methods for the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, autoimmune type I diabetes mellitus, and rheumatoid arthritis. The invention also provides methods for preventing anaphylactic response during traditional antigen therapies.
US07879323B2	Antibodies to fibroblast growth factor-like polypeptides The present invention provides novel Fibroblast Growth Factor-like (FGF-like) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides vectors, host cells, antibodies and methods for producing FGF-like polypeptides. Also provided for are methods for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with FGF-like polypeptides.
US07879321B2	Use of RNA trans-splicing for antibody gene transfer and antibody polypeptide production The present invention provides methods and compositions for generating novel nucleic acid molecules through RNA trans-splicing that target a highly expressed pre-mRNA and contain the coding sequence for antibody polypeptide(s). The compositions of the invention include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with the target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) that is abundantly expressed or tumor specific and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of novel chimeric RNA molecule (chimeric RNA) capable of encoding an antibody polypeptide. The invention provides for the in vivo production of chimeric RNA molecules that encode and result in the production of an antibody polypeptide that is therapeutically effective against, for example, infectious agents, cancer cells, transplantation antigens, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
US07879316B2	Cosmetic composition containing a polyorganosiloxane polymer The invention relates to a physiologically acceptable composition, especially a cosmetic composition, comprising at least one polyorganosiloxane containing polymer comprising at least one moiety which comprises: at least one polyorganosiloxane group consisting of 1 to about 1000 organosiloxane units in the chain of the moiety or in the form of graft, and at least two groups capable of establishing hydrogen interactions.
US07879311B2	Zeolites with uniform intracrystal textural pores Zeolites with uniform intracrystal textural pores between 1 and 10 nm are described. Intracrystal pores, an alumina source and a silica source are reacted in the presence of a silane modified polymer as a porogen and the reaction product is calcined to form the zeolite. The zeolites are useful in catalytic reactions and adsorption processes.
US07879310B2	Silanes as a source of hydrogen Disclosed are compositions, methods, and devices that generally relate to silanes and silicides and to uses thereof for hydrogen generation. Methods and devices for generating hydrogen for fuel cells and for other applications such as fuel or a supplementary fuel for internal combustion engines and reducing agents to improve catalyst efficiency are also disclosed.
US07879308B1	Multiwall carbon nanotube field emitter fabricated by focused ion beam technique A multi-wall carbon nanotube field emitter and method of producing the same is disclosed. The multi-wall carbon nanotube field emitter comprises a nanotube having a diameter between approximately 1 nanometer and approximately 100 nanometers with an integrally attached outer layer of graphitic material that is approximately 1 micrometer to approximately 10 micrometers in diameter attached to an etched tip of a wire. The tip of the wire is etched to form a tip and a slot is fabricated in the tip for alignment and attachment of the carbon nanotube. A focus ion beam is used to weld the nanotube to the tungsten tip for electron field emission applications.
US07879305B2	Apparatus and method for sequestering flue gas CO2 A fluidized bed reactor device for sequestering flue gas CO2 from a flue gas source is provided. The fluidized bed reactor device comprises an operating portion having a first end and a second end. A flue gas inlet is formed at the first end of the operating portion with the flue gas inlet receiving flue gas from the flue gas source. A flue gas outlet formed at the second end of the operating portion. A distributor plate is mounted within the operating portion adjacent the first end of the operating portion. A volume of fly ash is encased within the operating portion between the second end and the distributor plate with the flue gas traveling through the distributor plate and the fly ash creating reacted flue gas wherein the reacted flue gas exits the operating portion through the flue gas outlet.
US07879304B1	Monodisperse mesoporous silica microspheres formed by evaporation-induced self-assembly of surfactant templates in aerosoles The present invention provides for evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) within microdroplets produced by a vibrating orifice aerosol generator (VOAG) for the production of monodisperse mesoporous silica particles. The process of the present invention exploits the concentration of evaporating droplets to induce the organization of various amphiphilic molecules, effectively partitioning a silica precursor to the hydrophilic regions of the structure. Promotion of silica condensation, followed by removal of the surfactant, provides ordered spherical mesoporous particles.
US07879299B2	Paddle fan medallion for enhancement of room air quality Accessories and methods for ceiling paddle fan fixtures for enhancing room air quality and killing common air borne viruses by air sterilization immediately within the room where the germs originate in a relatively large and diffuse sterilization zone at a relatively low UV radiation level through which a relatively high volume of air is circulated by a paddle fan.
US07879294B2	Method and apparatus for fine solids recycle A fine solids recycle apparatus for a fluidized bed reactor comprises an eductor connected to a dipleg extending from a cyclone connected to the reactor, wherein the fine solids particles are removed from the dipleg, mixed with an eductor gas to form an eductor gas-fine solids particles mixture, which allows the return of the fine solids particles to the fluidized bed region, whereby the fine solids is further reacted in the fluidized region to improve reaction efficiency.
US07879289B2	Automated endoscope reprocessor self-disinfection connection An endoscope reprocessor having a water supply disinfection filter and a method for self-disinfection of the filter employ a pair of connectors to switch from a normal operating mode into a self-disinfection mode in which circulating germicidal fluid within the reprocessor flows through the filter, while the water supply remains connected to the system and isolated from the circulating fluid.
US07879284B2	Method for making sintered cubic halide scintillator material A method of making a cubic halide scintillator material includes pressing a powder mixture of cubic halide and at least one activator under conditions of pressure, temperature, residence time and particle size effective to provide a polycrystalline sintered cubic halide scintillator having a pulse height resolution of from about 7% to about 20%. The conditions include a temperature ranging from about ambient temperature up to about 90% of the melting point of the cubic halide, a pressure of from about 30,000 psi to about 200,000 psi, a pressing residence time of from about 5 minutes to about 120 minutes and an average cubic halide particle size of from about 60 micrometers to about 275 micrometers.
US07879283B2	Sizer for forming shaped polymeric articles and method of sizing polymeric articles A sizer assembly for providing a shaped polymeric article in an extrusion process includes a sizer body having a product profile channel corresponding to the shaped polymeric article formed therethrough. The sizer body includes a plurality of cooling liquid inlet slots forming an opening substantially around the product profile channel and a plurality of vacuum slots forming an opening substantially around the product profile channel for removing cooling liquid expelled from said cooling liquid inlet slots.
US07879282B2	Method and apparatus for combining particulate material A method of selectively combining particulate material, for example plastics material by sintering, comprises providing a layer of particulate material, providing radiation, for example using a radiation source over the layer, and varying the absorption of the provided radiation across a selected surface portion of the layer to combine a portion of the material of the layer. The method may comprise varying radiation absorption by varying the intensity of the radiation incident on the surface portion of the layer, or alternatively may comprise varying the radiation absorptive properties of the particulate material over the selected surface portion of the layer, for example by printing a radiation absorbent material onto the surface portion.
US07879281B2	Injection device and process for plastic objects A plastic preforms (5) molding device and process comprising an injection mold, containing a plurality of injection cavities, an arm (3) for extracting the preforms (5) from the mold, equipped with guillotine-like gripping elements, which moves between the existing space between the half molds when in the open position in order to grasp the preforms and the external position, a cooling turret (6), with the faces housing a group of cups (7) for the conditioning of the preforms (5), which effects a rotational movement around a horizontal axis and a vertical translation movement between the high position under the extraction arm to receive the preforms and the low position corresponding to the extraction table of the preforms (5), on which are indented longitudinal slots with teeth shaped constrictions in order to grasp the preforms under the ring (9) and to extract them from the cups (7).
US07879280B2	Grove imprinting device for injection molded parts The invention provides a mold insert system that includes an insert for insertion into an injection mold apparatus and an actuator. The insert includes a movable imprint plate with a predetermined pattern of protrusions configured to form grooves in an article molded by the mold apparatus. The insert also includes a stationary piece with a pattern of slots configured to correspond to the predetermined pattern of protrusions in the imprint plate. The actuator moves the imprint plate from a first position in which the protrusions on the imprint plate do not extend beyond the slots in the stationary piece to a second position in which the protrusions on the imprint plate extend temporarily beyond the slots in the stationary piece. An injection mold apparatus including the mold insert system, as well as a method of making a molded article including the mold insert system are also provided.
US07879278B2	Method for forming panel units having in situ formed moldings Methods for manufacturing panel units may include applying a cover tape to a surface of a panel in such a way as to substantially extend along a periphery of the panel. An extrusion molding die may be moved relative to the panel in such a way that the extrusion molding die moves along the periphery of the panel while at least partially contacting the cover tape applied to the panel. At the same time, a molten molding material may be extruded from the extrusion molding die, thereby integrally forming a molded article on the periphery of the panel. The cover tape may be then removed from the surface of the panel in order to produce a panel unit having the molded article disposed along the periphery of the panel.
US07879275B2	Orthopaedic bearing and method for making the same An orthopaedic bearing includes a ceramic component having a polymer composite secured thereto. A method of making an orthopaedic bearing is also disclosed.
US07879271B2	Obtaining fiber textures of carbon by carbonizing a cellulose precursor A method of obtaining fiber textures of carbon from a cellulose precursor includes the steps of: spinning cellulose filaments (12) from a viscose solution or a cellulose solution; subjecting the cellulose filaments to washing in water (21); impregnating the washed and non-dried cellulose filaments with an aqueous emulsion (41) of at least one organosilicon additive; drying the impregnated cellulose filaments; and obtaining a fiber texture made up of impregnated and dried cellulose filaments prior to carbonization.
US07879269B1	Ferrite powder optimized for fabrication of ferrite features and related methods The present invention pertains to a method for manufacturing a ferrite powder for use in making PCB ferrite features. The ferrite powder is easily applied and provides a high ferrite-packing factor. The ferrite powder is a mixture of varying sizes of ferrite particles, an epoxy powder, and curing agent powder.
US07879266B2	Composite carbonate and method for producing the same The present invention provides a nickel atom-, manganese atom- and cobalt atom-containing composite carbonate that is high in specific surface area and large in tap density, and useful as a raw material for producing a lithium nickel manganese cobalt composite oxide to be used in a positive electrode active material for use in a lithium secondary battery, and provides a method for industrially advantageously producing the composite carbonate. The composite carbonate includes nickel atoms, manganese atoms and cobalt atoms, and has an average particle size of 20 μm or more and 40 μm or less, a BET specific surface area of 50 to 130 m2/g and a tap density of 1.7 g/ml or more.
US07879265B2	Active material for lithium ion battery having Al-containing lithium titanate and lithium ion battery It is an object of the present invention to provide an active material for lithium ion battery capable of producing a lithium ion battery having an excellent high rate charge and discharge performance and a lithium ion battery having an excellent high rate charge and discharge performance. The present invention provides an active material for lithium ion battery represented by a composition formula: Li[Li(1-x)/3AlxTi(5-2x)/3]O4 (⅛≦x<1) lithium titanate is substituted with Al, and a lithium ion battery using this active material as a negative electrode active material.
US07879264B2	Compound based on titanium diphosphate and carbon, preparation process, and use as an active material of an electrode for a lithium storage battery A compound containing titanium diphosphate TiP2O7 and carbon covering at least part of the surface of the TiP2O7 particles presents properties which make it suitable for use as active material of an electrode for a lithium storage battery. A compound of this kind is prepared more particularly by mixing at least one first precursor containing the titanium element with a +4 oxidation state, a phosphorus-based second precursor and an organic precursor containing the carbon element. The mixture then undergoes heat treatment at a temperature of between 500° C. and 800° C. in an inert atmosphere.
US07879259B2	Anisotropic conductive film composition An anisotropic conductive film (ACF) composition includes a binder having a thermoplastic resin and a styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymer resin, a curing composition, and conductive particles.
US07879258B2	Phosphor in polycrystalline ceramic structure and a light-emitting element comprising same The invention relates to a phosphor in a polycrystalline ceramic structure and a light-emitting element provided with the same comprising a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) in which a composite structure of phosphor particles is embedded in a matrix, characterized in that the matrix is a ceramic composite structure comprising a polycrystalline ceramic alumina material, hereafter called luminescent ceramic matrix composite. This luminescent ceramic matrix composite can be made by the steps of converting a powder mixture of ceramic phosphor particles and alumina particles into a slurry, shaping the slurry into a compact, and applying a thermal treatment, optionally in combination with hot isostatic pressing into a polycrystalline phosphor-containing ceramic alumina composite structure. The luminescent ceramic matrix composite further allows a method of tuning the light-diffusing properties by changing at least one of the fractions of phosphor particles and second ceramic particles, the grain size of the particles of the ceramic composite structure, the difference in the refractive index of the particles of the ceramic composite structure, and the porosity in the polycrystalline phosphor-containing ceramic composite structure.
US07879257B2	Organic-inorganic hybrid material, composition for synthesizing the same, and manufacturing method of the same An organic-inorganic hybrid material comprising a metal oxide and a chelating ligand is synthesized. The function of a coloring property, a light-emitting property, or semiconductivity of the organic-inorganic hybrid material can be controlled by chelating ligand. The organic-inorganic hybrid material is prepared by sol-gel method using sol which includes a metal alkoxide and/or a metal salt and a functional chelating agent.
US07879253B2	Compositions comprising a fluoroolefin The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises a fluoroolefin and at least one other component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.
US07879252B1	Functional cotton spray composition, method for producing the same, and building material using the same A functional cotton spray composition includes: 100 parts by weight of cotton fibers having a length of 3 mm or less; 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of a phase change material; 0.5 to 1 parts by weight of a titanium dioxide photoactive catalyst; 0.5 to 2 parts by weight of at least one natural pigment selected from the group consisting of a pine needle powder, a green tea powder, a mugwort powder, an indigo plant powder, a gardenia powder, a charcoal powder and a yellow soil powder; 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of a dispersant; 5 to 20 parts by weight of a viscosity improver; 10 to 20 parts by weight of an organic flame retardant; 5 to 15 parts by weight of an inorganic flame retardant; 0.5 to 3 parts by weight of an antimicrobial and antifungal agent; and 300 to 600 parts by weight of viscosity-controlling water.
US07879247B2	Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant container filling machine, and a filter apparatus for filtering a liquid beverage A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant container filling machine, and a filter apparatus for filtering a liquid beverage. The filter apparatus has a plurality of filter chambers and associated valves for controlling flow of filtered liquid out of the filter chambers to optimize filtration.
US07879245B2	Process for treating industrial effluent water with activtated media In a process for treating effluent water, a stream of effluent water is fed to a porous ceramic media filled reactor. Organic and inorganic impurities are absorbed and/or oxidized from the effluent water into the media and/or off-gases. The remainder of the effluent water stream is dispensed from the reactor in an outlet stream suitable for direct discharge to the sea or for recycling without incurring the disadvantages of generating a solid sludge. The reactor includes a chamber containing activated media, such as pellets of porous ceramic material. The pellets are stored in a vertical stacks of sub chambers defined by horizontal perforated trays and/or in a horizontal chains of sub chambers defined by vertical perforated baffles.
US07879243B2	Solvent removal process A process for removing a solvent from a first solution, said process comprising positioning a selective membrane between the first solution and a second solution having a higher osmotic potential than the first solution, such that solvent from the first solution passes across the membrane to dilute the second solution, and extracting solvent from the second solution, wherein the membrane has an average pore size of at least 10 Angstroms, and wherein the second solution contains solute species that are too large to pass through the pores of the membrane.
US07879241B2	Method of treating a bodily fluid A method of treating a bodily fluid withdrawn and then returned to a living body. The method involves withdrawing the bodily fluid from the living body and causing the bodily fluid to flow through a treatment system, altering at least the density of the bodily fluid through the action of a second fluid as the bodily fluid flows through the treatment system, sensing at least the density and flow rate of the bodily fluid before the density thereof is altered by the second fluid, sensing at least the density and flow rate of the bodily fluid after the density thereof is altered by the second fluid, sensing at least the density and flow rate of the second fluid, controlling the density and/or flow rate of the second fluid based on the sensed densities and flow rates, and returning the bodily fluid to the living body.
US07879238B2	Process and apparatus for treating nitrogeneous liquor A process and apparatus for treating an aqueous nitrogeneous liquor by performing ammonia oxidation and denitrification using a biosludge containing anammox bacteria and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. The process and apparatus can obtain treated liquor of a high water quality at a high treating efficiency and a high yield of ammonium nitrogen removal with easy control of supply rate of oxygen-containing gas.
US07879234B2	Device for dissolving solid substances in water A device for dissolving solid chemical substances in water is provided with: a container, which has a bottom portion designed to contain an aqueous solution; a perforated loading chamber, which is set at the top of the bottom portion and is designed to contain a solid chemical substance; and a spraying device set within the loading chamber for directing at least one jet of water onto the solid chemical substance. In use, the solid chemical substance is set around the spraying device, and the jet of water is directed downwards and/or laterally so as not to wet the solid chemical substance set above the spraying device. In this way, there is obtained a relatively gradual dissolution of the solid chemical substance and a lower development of gaseous substances having an unpleasant smell.
US07879232B2	Double-sided self-cleansing media Double-sided, self-cleansing media, and systems incorporating the same for a rotating biological contactor, are described. The media include a disk having cone-shaped members extending perpendicularly from both major faces thereof. Two or more disks lock together, axially about a rotating central shaft, by connecting cone-shaped members spaced throughout the disk surface having a socket at their base to receive the top of the corresponding connecting cone-shaped member on the adjacent disk. The cone-shaped members, by virtue of their length, space the disks a desired distance. Disk segments can link to one another along either straight and/or curved connection portions thereof. The geometry of the media provides free passage of the air and water during each revolution, and while the base disk slices through the air and water, the projecting cone-shaped members enter the air and water perpendicular to the direction of rotation and are washed clear of excess biomass during each rotation.
US07879229B2	Water treatment plant with immersed membranes A liquid treatment plant has sets of membrane trains and processing trains with flow between them through channels. Flow configurations for withdrawing permeate and sludge from the trains are described. Cyclic aeration is provided to the membrane trains. Methods of foam control, backwashing and chemical cleaning are described. Single membrane trains or process trains may be isolated for various functions. An isolated membrane train may be used to thicken sludge.
US07879223B2	Systems and methods of producing a crude product Contact of a crude feed with a hydrogen source in the presence of an inorganic salt catalyst produces a total product that includes a crude product. The crude feed has a residue content of at least 0.2 grams of residue per gram of crude feed. The inorganic salt catalyst may includes one or more alkali metal salts and/or one or more alkaline-earth metal salts. The crude product is a liquid mixture at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa. One or more properties of the crude product may be changed by at least 10% relative to the respective properties of the crude feed.
US07879215B2	Electrophoresis chip An electrophoresis chip is provided with a channel that is filled with a solution in which a sample is dissolved, the electrophoresis chip being configured to carry out electrophoresis by applying voltage along the channel in a state in which the channel is hermetically sealed to separate the sample in the channel, and after this electrophoresis is performed, to carry out mass spectrometry by scanning a laser along the channel in a state in which the channel is open to an environment in which gas is present. A pattern is formed on the bottom surface of the channel to hold the solution as droplets. This pattern is made into a pattern in which hydrophilic areas are surrounded by hydrophobic areas and side-walls of the channel.
US07879211B2	Analyzing instrument, lancet-integrated attachment for concentration measuring device provided with analyzing instrument, and body fluid sampling tool The present invention relates to an analyzing instrument (1A) which includes a capillary (31), a fluid feed port (20) for introducing a sample liquid to the capillary (31), and a fluid feed promoter (6) for promoting the introduction of the sample liquid into the feed port (20). The capillary (31) of the analyzer (1A) may be formed on a substrate (2) for example. The fluid feed promoter (6) may include at lease one of a water-absorbing layer having a higher water-absorbing capacity than the substrate (2) and an adhesive layer having a greater adhesion to the skin than the substrate (2).
US07879210B2	Partially suspended rolling magnetron A magnetron scanning and support mechanism in which the magnetron is partially supported from an overhead scanning mechanism through multiple springs coupled to different horizontal locations on the magnetron and partially supported from below at multiple locations on the target, on which it slides or rolls. In one embodiment, the yoke plate is continuous and uniform. In another embodiment, the magnetron's magnetic yoke is divided into two flexible yokes, for example, of complementary serpentine shape and each supporting magnets of respective polarity. The yokes separated by a gap sufficiently small that the two yokes are magnetically coupled. Each yoke has its own set of spring supports from above and rolling/sliding supports from below to allow the magnetron shape to conform to that of the target. Alternatively, narrow slots are formed in a unitary yoke.
US07879203B2	Method and apparatus for cathodic arc ion plasma deposition A method and apparatus for depositing a coating material on a surface of a substrate by an ion plasma deposition process using a hollow cathode is disclosed. The cathode may be a substantially cylindrical hollow cathode. A plasma arc is formed on the outer circumference of the cathode to remove coating material from the cathode, which is then deposited on a surface of a substrate. An internal arc drive magnet is contained within the hollow bore of the cathode and cooling is provided to the magnet during operation.
US07879198B2	Processes for the purification of trichlorosilane and silicon tetrachloride The present disclosure relates to processes and systems for purifying technical grade trichlorosilane and/or technical grade silicon tetrachloride into electronic grade trichlorosilane and/or electronic grade silicon tetrachloride.
US07879197B2	Purification of aqueous solutions of organic acids The invention relates to a method and a device for the purification of an aqueous solution of an organic acid having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 450° C., which further has approximately 275 g carboxylate ions/l or less, preferably 250 g carboxylate ions/l or less, and preferably less than 1% by weight ionic impurities, calculated on the basis of the total solution. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a device for the continuous purification and concentration, on an industrial scale, of an aqueous solution of an organic acid having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 450° C. According to the method, this solution is subjected to two or more distillation steps, the first distillation step being carried out at a temperature of from 80° to 150° C. and a pressure of from 50 to 250 mbar, and the second distillation step being carried out at a temperature of from 80° to 200° C. and a pressure of from 0.01 to 50 mbar.
US07879194B2	Structured forming fabric and method Forming fabric for making a bulky web. The fabric includes a machine facing side and a web facing side comprising pockets formed by warp and weft yarns. A bottom of the pockets is formed by an exchange of the warp and weft yarns. A contact plane of the web facing side includes elongated warp knuckles. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US07879193B2	Structured forming fabric and method Forming fabric for making a bulky web. The fabric includes a machine facing side and a web facing side having pockets formed by warp and weft yarns. The pockets are defined by more than four sides on an upper plane of the web facing side. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US07879192B2	Multiply former apparatus A multiply former apparatus is disclosed for forming a base, top and intermediate ply. The apparatus includes a fourdrinier wire for receiving thereon the base ply. A first twin wire former is provided for forming the intermediate ply, the first former cooperating with the fourdrinier wire. A second twin wire former forms the top ply, the second former cooperating with the fourdrinier wire. The second former includes a third looped wire which cooperates with a fourth looped wire for defining therebetween a second forming section for forming the top ply. A vacuum box is disposed upstream relative to a further vacuum device such that the fourth wire is disposed between the vacuum box and the third wire. The vacuum box assists in removing water from the second forming section for increasing a capacity of the apparatus.
US07879191B2	Wiping products having enhanced cleaning abilities Wiping products are disclosed containing an additive composition that enhances the cleaning properties of the product. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid.
US07879188B2	Additive compositions for treating various base sheets Sheet-like products, such as tissue products, are disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition, for instance, comprises an aqueous dispersion containing an alpha-olefin polymer, an ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer, or mixtures thereof. The alpha-olefin polymer may comprise an interpolymer of ethylene and octene, while the ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymer may comprise ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. The additive composition may also contain a dispersing agent, such as a fatty acid. The additive composition may be incorporated into the tissue web by being combined with the fibers that are used to form the web. Alternatively, the additive composition may be topically applied to the web after the web has been formed. For instance, in one embodiment, the additive composition may be applied to the web as a creping adhesive during a creping operation. The additive composition may improve the strength of the tissue web and/or improve the perceived softness of the web.
US07879186B2	Method and apparatus for shaping a magnetic field in a magnetic field-enhanced plasma reactor A magnetic field generator which provides greater control over the magnetic field is provided. The magnetic field generator has a plurality of overlapping main magnetic coil sections for forming a magnetic field generally parallel to the top surface of the supporting member. In other embodiments, sub-magnetic coil sections are placed symmetrically around the main magnetic coil sections.
US07879183B2	Apparatus and method for front side protection during backside cleaning Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and method for front side protection while processing side and backside of a substrate. One embodiment of the present invention provides a showerhead configured to provide a purge gas to a front side of a substrate during a backside etch processing. The showerhead comprises a body configured to be disposed over the front side of the substrate. The body has a process surface configured to face the front side of the substrate. The process surface has an outer circular region, a central region, a middle region between the outer central region and the central region. The first plurality of holes are distributed in the outer circular region and configured to direct the purge gas towards an edge area of the front side of the substrate. No gas delivery hole is distributed within a substantial portion of the middle region.
US07879178B2	Method of producing hollow plastic components A method of producing hollow plastic components, such as for air conduction in internal combustion engines, in which two or more molded or hollow body members are manufactured using injection molding technology, are thereupon brought together and are joined together using plastic welding technology.
US07879177B2	Apparatus and method for composite material trim-on-the-fly Disclosed is a method and apparatus for manufacturing multiple layer composite structures and structures containing components made of multiple layer composite structures, comprising dispensing layers of composite material, trimming each layer to its final shape as it is being dispensed, and positioning it properly with respect to prior layers in the part lay-up.
US07879171B2	Common carrier A method for mounting a film, used to fabricate a mask for use in screening an electronic device, to a common carrier frame. The common carrier frame has an outer edge along an outer periphery and an opening in a central portion of the frame. The method includes applying external pressure to the frame outer edge to compress the frame inward and reduce the opening, securing a film to the frame, the film covering the frame opening, and releasing the pressure on the frame to expand the opening and place the film in tension.
US07879170B2	Pneumatic tires A pneumatic tire comprises a carcass comprised of at least one carcass ply containing a steel cord(s) arranged at a cord angle of 70-90° with respect to an equatorial plane of the tire and toroidally extending between a pair of bead cores and turned up around the bead core inward or outward in a radial direction to form a turnup portion, wherein a wrap part wrapping on a peripheral face of the bead core therealong is formed in the turnup portion of the carcass ply.
US07879168B2	Ultrasonic welding of resilient layers to plates This invention relates to methods for manufacturing plates bonded to resilient layers, wherein the plate is made of a polypropylene and the resilient layer is made of a polyethylene. Ultrasonic welding used to bond the resilient layer to the plate. In some embodiments, a thin film is applied to a layer of the resilient layer before ultrasonic welding. While the film layer may be located adjacent the plate when welding, the film layer may also be advantageously located on the opposite of the resilient layer from the plate when welding. The film may also be applied to both sides of the resilient layer.
US07879167B2	Gas generating composition A gas generating composition containing a tetrazole amide as a fuel, 5-formamido-1H-tetrazole for example, and an oxidizer is provided. The gas generant is contained within a gas generator. The gas generator may be contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator or seat belt assembly, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system.
US07879163B2	Method for manufacturing a high carbon hot-rolled steel sheet A method for manufacturing a high carbon hot-rolled steel sheet. The method including the steps of hot-rolling, primary cooling, secondary cooling, coiling, acid-washing and annealing. The primary cooling step is to cool the hot-rolled steel sheet down to a cooling termination temperature of 450° C. to 600° C. at a cooling rate of higher than 120° C./sec. The secondary cooling step is to apply a secondary cooling to hold the primarily cooled hot-rolled steel sheet at a temperature of 450° C. to 650° C. until coiling.
US07879159B2	Martensitic stainless steel strengthened by Ni3Ti η-phase precipitation A precipitation-hardened stainless maraging steel which exhibits a combination of strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance comprises by weight about: 8 to 15% chromium (Cr), 2 to 15% cobalt (Co), 7 to 14% nickel (Ni), and up to about 0.7% aluminum (Al), less than about 0.4% copper (Cu), 0.5 to 2.6% molybdenum (Mo), 0.4 to less than about 0.75% titanium (Ti), up to about 0.5% tungsten (W), and up to about 120 wppm carbon (C), the balance essentially iron (Fe) and incidental elements and impurities, characterized in that the alloy has predominantly lath martensite microstructure essentially without topologically close packed intermetallic phases and strengthened primarily by a dispersion of intermetallic particles primarily of the eta-Ni3Ti phase and wherein the titanium and carbon (Ti) and (C) levels are controlled such that C can be dissolved during a homogenization step and subsequently precipitated during forging to provide a grain-pinnning dispersion.
US07879154B2	Phosphate-free dishwashing detergents comprising builder, bleaching agent, nonionic surfactant, copolymer and a phosphonate Phosphate-free dishwasher detergents which contain a builder, bleaching agents, a nonionic surfactant, and also a) a copolymer comprising i) sulfonic acid group-containing monomers, ii) further ionic and/or nonionic monomer, and b) phosphonate. The detergents have good scale-inhibiting, cleaning and rinsing results which are comparable to those of phosphate-containing dishwasher detergents or even outdo them.
US07879146B2	Controlled release of chemical admixtures A controlled release formulation for a cement-based composition can be produced by intercalating an admixture (e.g. an accelerator, a set retarder, a superplasticizer) for the cement-based composition into a layered inorganic material (e.g. a layered double hydroxide (LDH)). A cement-based composition containing a cement-based material (e.g. cement, mortar or concrete) and such a controlled release formulation has better workability, especially in respect of slump-loss characteristics. With such a formulation release of an admixture in a cement-based composition may be controlled.
US07879145B2	Inorganic composition and products and manufacturing process The problems to be solved by the invention are to provide an inorganic composition for obtaining an inorganic product which is excellent in physical property such as installing property, and which is economical price, as well as a process for manufacturing the product.Namely, the present invention provides, as a means to solve the conventional problems, an inorganic composition comprising the following raw materials: a hydraulic inorganic material, a siliceous material and a woody reinforcement, wherein the hydraulic inorganic material is a cementitious material, the siliceous material is a mixture of a rough particle size of siliceous material and a finely particle size of siliceous material, and the woody reinforcement is a wood powder and a pulp.The effects of the present invention, it is possible to obtain an inorganic product which is excellent in physical property such as installing property, and which is economical price.
US07879143B2	Polyalkylene materials The disclosure provides, in various embodiments, a method for fractionating a polyalkylene, and the fractionated polyalkylene produced thereby. The method includes, for example, separating, from a starting polyalkylene, a first portion of a polyalkylene having a Mw less than the Mw of the starting polyalkylene. Also included are carriers, phase change inks and toners comprising the fractionated polyalkylene, such as the first portion of a polyalkylene.
US07879141B2	Gas flow absorber A gas flow absorber comprises an absorption vessel, having a vessel wall defining a cylinder including an absorption material, the cylinder having a cylinder wall bearing, at the bottom thereof, in a circumferential slot formed on a support plate including a channel therethrough a gas mixture flow is conveyed, the channel having a channel hole passing through an enlarged portion of the support plate, the enlarged portion being coupled to a flat chamber substantially extending through the overall extension of the vessel bottom, the chamber being covered by a disc-like body made of a sintered material.
US07879140B2	Method and apparatus for degassing coating material Coating material is fed into a vacuum container inside which are apparatus for separating gas from the coating material. The degassing apparatus (10) has two separate compartments (11, 12) so that degassing is carried out in two different stages by using a single apparatus.
US07879139B2	Reactivation of lime-based sorbents by CO2 shocking The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for reactivating lime-based sorbents and increasing the carbon dioxide-capture capacity of the sorbent in the combustion of carbon-containing fuels. The method of the present invention seeks to increase the carbon dioxide capture capacity of lime-based sorbents by applying concentrated or 100% carbon dioxide directly to a lime-based sorbent. Optionally, the lime-based sorbent may be pretreated using a hydration process after each process of carbon dioxide separation. The regenerated sorbent is carbonated in a presence of concentrated carbon dioxide and elevated temperatures. The invention is useful in reducing the need to add additional sorbent to maintain the carbonation/calcination cycle. The regenerative potential of the sorbent as manifested by the present invention leads to increased carbon dioxide-capture capacity of the sorbent.
US07879137B2	Lithographic projection apparatus, purge gas supply system and gas purging method A lithographic projection apparatus (1) includes a support configured to support a patterning device (MA), the patterning device configured to pattern the projection beam according to a desired pattern. The apparatus has a substrate (W) table configure to hold a substrate, a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The apparatus also has a purge gas supply system (100) configured to provide a purge gas near a surface of a component of the lithographic projection apparatus. The purge gas supply system (100) includes a purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to generate a purge gas mixture which includes at least one purging gas and moisture. The purge gas mixture generator has a moisturizer (150) configured to add the moisture to the purge gas and a purge gas mixture outlet (130) connected to the purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to supply the purge gas mixture near the surface.
US07879136B2	Magnetic activated carbon and the removal of contaminants from fluid streams Magnetic activated carbon and the removal of contaminants from a fluid stream using the magnetic activated carbon is described. The magnetic activated carbon is preferably magnetic powdered activated carbon and may contain titania. The magnetic activated carbon may be used to remove contaminants such as mercury from fluid streams including flue gases from a combustion plant.
US07879134B2	Conditioning system and method for use in the measurement of mercury in gaseous emissions Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems used to measure mercury in gaseous emissions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to the use of silicon carbide as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, at least one of silicon nitride, silicon boride, and/or boron nitride is used as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to an improved pyrolyzer design, in which a thermal pyrolysis unit comprises a tailpiece that allows water to be injected at the heated exit of the thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a coalescing filter in a scrubbing unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a hydrophobic filter element in a scrubbing unit. One or more of these elements may be used in a conditioning module of a continuous emissions monitoring system, for example.
US07879127B2	Silicon containing a mixture for the activation of the plant natural protection mechanisms against stresses A product for reinforcing the natural plant defense system a mixture of one or several silicon-rich substances (A), one or more activators of plant immune system (B) and substance (C) which supply to (A) and (B) activity. Activators are substances or physical effects and substances, which transport the information about stress and provide the synthesis of non specific and/or specific stress-proteins, stress ferments and other stress-protecting substances to the plant cells. Using various forms of Si-rich substances will help plants to synthesize non-specific, specific substances and ferments which protect plants against stress. The substance (C) could serve for optimization of plant growth or for reinforcing Si or the activator component and they can be added to the new product also. The application of all these ingredients can be conducted via soil application (both broadcasting and incorporation) together with the irrigation water, by foliar applications or as dust application. The application of all the ingredients can occur together or separately at intervals, which can't be longer then 6 months.
US07879120B2	Vacuum cleaner A multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner mounted in a main cleaner body to separate dust from air flowing from a suction port body and collect the dust separated from the air, the apparatus including a dust-separating unit including a primary cyclone unit to separate large dust particles contained in the air flowing from the suction port body, and a secondary cyclone unit that is disposed inside the primary cyclone unit and that tapers downwards; and a dust-collecting unit detachably mounted in a lower portion of the dust-separating unit, the dust-collecting unit including a first dust-collecting chamber to collect the large dust particles discharged from the primary cyclone unit, and a second dust-collecting chamber disposed inside the first dust-collecting chamber to collect fine dust particles discharged from the secondary cyclone unit. The first dust-collecting chamber may be greater in volume than the second dust-collecting chamber.
US07879117B2	Treatment of coal Process for treating coal to enhance its rank, wherein the temperature of the material is gradually increased in a controlled set of atmospheres, to allow for the reduction of surface and inherent moisture and the controlled reduction of volatile matter while maintaining the coal's natural structural integrity. The process reduces the time, capitalization, and production costs required to produce coal of enhanced rank, thus substantially increasing the cost effectiveness and production rate over prior processes.
US07879116B2	Fuel additive This invention relates to a method for improving the efficiency with which fuel is burnt in a fuel burning apparatus, particularly an internal combustion engine, comprising dispersing an amount of at least one particulate lanthanide oxide, particularly cerium oxide, in the fuel. This invention further relates to tablets, capsules, compositions and liquid fuel additives suitable for dispersing a lanthanide oxide in fuel.
US07879114B2	Method and kit for modifying the coloration of keratinous fibres A method for permanently modifying a color of keratinous fibres which comprises the steps of: first providing a mixture of three compositions A, B and C, wherein said composition A comprises at least a reducing agent and optionally a coloring compound, said composition B comprises at least an alkalizing compound and said composition C comprises at least an oxidizing compound; applying said mixture to keratinous fibres for a suitable period of time for modifying the color of said keratinous fibres; and removing said mixture from said keratinous fibres.
US07879112B2	Stain-resist compositions The present invention relates generally to stain-resist compositions, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to fibers and textiles treated with stain-resist compositions.
US07879108B2	Prosthetic repair fabric with erosion resistant edge An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing or augmenting anatomical weaknesses or defects, and is particularly suitable for the repair of soft tissue and muscle wall openings. The prosthesis may include a repair fabric that is constructed and arranged to allow tissue ingrowth and is susceptible to erosion into and the formation of adhesions with tissue and organs. One or more regions of the prosthesis may be configured to inhibit erosion into and/or the formation of adhesions with tissue and organs. The prosthesis may include an erosion resistant edge to buffer an edge of the fabric from the adjacent tissue or organs. The erosion resistant edge may be provided along an opening that is adapted to receive a tube-like structure, such as the esophagus.
US07879106B2	Hip joint prosthesis A femoral implant for fitting to a resected femur comprises a section having a frustoconical external form, a stem part extending away from the section to a distal end of the implant, and a femoral head extending directly away from the section to the proximal end of the implant. The implant could have the femoral head integral with the section, or as a separate component secured thereto, with the stem being a separate one piece component incorporating the section.
US07879104B2	Spinal implant system An interspinous spacer system includes a core configured to fit between adjacent spinous processes, a first fork movable relative to the core from a non-use position to an in-use position, and second fork. When in the in-use position, the first fork extends outwardly from a first side of the core and bounds an opening. The second fork extends outwardly from a second side of the core, opposite the first side, and bounds the opening. Third and fourth forks extend outwardly from the first and second sides of the core respectively and form a second opening. The second, third, and fourth forks are affixed relative to the core and relative to each other. The first fork is inserted between spinous processes in the non-use position to avoid damage to a superspinous ligament adjacent the spinous processes. Other aspects and related methods are also disclosed.
US07879103B2	Vertebral disc repair A sterile implant for treatment of a spinal disc defect comprising an allograft cortical bone demineralized to a Type I collagen having a specific shape which is treated to eliminate osteoinductivity. The implant is lyophilized and compressed into smaller first shape which 20 to 80% from its original shape in at least one dimension and hardened. The implant expanding when hydrated into a second shape having the shape memory of the first shape and expanded in dimensional size from the first compressed shape.
US07879102B2	Method for treatment of defects in the intervertebral disc A minimally invasive spinal disc defect repair method is disclosed. The method relates to insertion of disc defect repair materials that are substantially two-dimensionally shaped and which allow for insertion and preferably self retention within the disc defect with plugging of the annulus fibrosis.
US07879101B2	Intervertebral prosthesis An intervertebral prosthesis includes at least one core which is positioned between an upper plate and a lower plate, the prosthesis also includes an outer casing. The aforementioned plates comprise respective inner faces which enable the core to move inside the prosthesis.
US07879092B2	Dental implant coated with recombinant bone morphogenic protein The present invention relates to a dental implant having recombinant bone morphogenic protein coated on the processed surface thereof, which, when implanted into the jawbone, enables undifferentiated adult cells around the implant site to be rapidly differentiated into osteoblasts so as to induce osteoconductive healing to thereby reduce a healing period, as well as a coating method thereof. According to the invention, recombinant bone morphogenic protein BMP-2 penetrates between ceramic balls formed on the dental implant surface, sheet structures of calcium triphosphate or fine pores formed by anodic oxidation, so as to form a coating film. Thus, the recombinant bone morphogenic protein BMP-2 is not detached from the dental implant surface even during the surgical implantation of the implant. Also, because the recombinant bone morphogenic protein coated on the surface of the dental implant is primarily coated mainly on the deep valley of the implant surface, it can be prevented from being peeled due to mechanical friction during the surgical implantation of the implant. Also, because a minimum amount of the protein coated on the implant surface locally acts on tissue around the implant site, the protein has little or no side effects. In addition, the protein shows pharmacological effects to enable undifferentiated adult cells around the implant to be differentiated into osteoblasts so as to induce enhanced osteoconductive healing to thereby significantly reduce the osseointegration period of the implant.
US07879091B1	Inflatable prosthetic breast assembly and associated method An inflatable prosthetic breast assembly may include a pliant body. The assembly may also include a single and uniform outer layer that contiguously extends along an anterior face of the body as well as a rear wall removably attached to a posterior face of the body and a core permanently intercalated between the outer layer and the rear wall. The body may further include a mechanism for selectively modifying the shape of the body which may include a plurality of hollow pockets formed within the core and extending forwardly from the posterior face. A plurality of inflatable bladders may be removably seated within the pockets respectively. Each bladder preferably has an air-inlet orifice formed at a posterior side thereof. The body shape modifying mechanism may also include a hand-operable air pump to introduce volumes of air into the bladders respectively.
US07879089B2	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.
US07879083B2	Stent for ostial lesions and vascular bifurcations A stent for ostial lesions and vascular bifurcations has a tubular body comprised by a succession of sections of skeletal members. In one or both end rows of the tubular body, there are expansive bending devices comprising sectional weakenings and open extremities. In the case of the end row, by a proper expander balloon, expansive bending of longitudinal branches of the end row may be produced. Bending is produced due to sectional weakenings. Open extremities allow producing the expansion in a way such as the flourishing of a flower bloom. Under such conditions, bending of the end row makes possible the adequate coverage of the ostial or bifurcation lesion affecting wall of the application vascular conduit.
US07879081B2	Hypotube endoluminal device and method A self-expanding endoluminal device comprising a tubular filamentary member having a hollow core for receiving a guidewire, the tubular member having a straightened configuration with the guidewire in the hollow core, a shape memory configuration without the guidewire in the hollow core, and an extension, optionally severable, accessible from outside of the body. The hollow core may be adapted to contain and elute or permanently contain a substance, which may be injected through the extension. A delivery system includes the guidewire, and a deployment method includes deployment with a proximal end of the extension accessible from outside of the body.
US07879079B2	Implant delivery system and methods thereof for treating ocular disorders Surgical methods and related medical devices for treating glaucoma are disclosed. The method comprises trabecular bypass surgery, which involves bypassing diseased trabecular meshwork with the use of a stent implant. The stent implant is inserted into an opening created in the trabecular meshwork by a piercing member that is slidably advanceable through the lumen of the stent implant for supporting the implant insertion. The stent implant is positioned through the trabecular meshwork so that an inlet end of the stent implant is exposed to the anterior chamber of the eye and an outlet end is positioned into fluid collection channels at about an exterior surface of the trabecular meshwork or up to the level of aqueous veins.
US07879077B2	Method and system for control of a patient's body temperature by way of a transluminally insertable heat exchange catheter Methods and apparatuses for temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including an induced state of hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette of any one of several disclosed variations is attached to the circulatory conduits of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within one of various described re-usable control units. The control units include a heater/cooler device, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. The heater/cooler device may be thermoelectric to enable both heating and 15″ cooling based on polarity. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided. The disposable heat exchange cassettes may include an integral pump head that engages with a pump drive mechanism within the re-usable control unit. More than one control unit may be provided to receive the same heat exchange cassette so that, for example, a large capacity control unit can be used initially, and a smaller, battery-powered unit can be substituted once the patient reaches the desired target temperature.
US07879070B2	Electroactive polymer-based actuation mechanism for grasper Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a grasping device. In one exemplary embodiment, a grasping device is provided having a shaft with an end effector having opposed jaws coupled to the shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to actuate the end effector to open and close the opposed jaws to grasp tissue or other objects. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the end effector relative to the shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator.
US07879067B2	Fiber based embolism protection device Improved embolism protection devices comprises fibers that can have one configuration for delivery of the device and a second configuration in which the device is deployed for filtering of flow within a vessel. In some embodiments, the fibers can be connected to a fiber support, which is connected to an actuating element. The actuating element controls the transition from the delivery configuration to the deployed configuration. The embolism protection device can comprise a guidewire. The fibers can be attached at one end to a fiber support structure and at another end to the guidewire. A hypotube can be attached to the proximal end of the fibers while the guidewire is attached at the distal end of the fibers with the guidewire extending within a central channel of the hypotube. The hypotube can be used to guide the delivery of treatment structures, such as a balloon and/or a stent.
US07879063B2	Deployable recoverable vascular filter and methods of use A vascular filter is provided that includes a tubular member having proximal and distal ends, and a guidewire lumen. An expandable frame is attached to the tubular member capable of assuming collapsed and enlarged conditions, and filter material is attached to the frame, the filter material having an open proximal end when the frame assumes its enlarged condition. An apparatus for recovering a vascular filter from a blood vessel is also provided that includes a sheath and a retrieval member deployable from the sheath. The retrieval member includes a connector on its distal end for securing the tubular member, such as an expandable member within a recess for receiving the tubular member. The vascular filter may be constrained in its collapsed condition in a sheath, and the tubular member advanced over a guidewire to a location downstream of a treatment site. The vascular filter is deployed and expanded to its enlarged condition across the blood vessel, the guidewire remaining in place. A procedure is performed at the treatment site, the vascular filter capturing released emboli. The retrieval device is advanced over the guidewire, the vascular filter is secured to the retrieval member, and the vascular filter and retrieval device are withdrawn from the blood vessel.
US07879061B2	Device and method for treating constricted sinus passageway A balloon catheter for treating a constricted sinus passageway of a patient includes an elongate flexible shaft defining a lumen therein, the elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and distal region. The elongate flexible shaft may include a kink-resistant coil in the distal region. A hub is affixed to the proximal end of the elongate flexible shaft, the hub including a port in communication with the lumen. An expandable member is disposed on the distal region of the elongate flexible shaft, wherein an interior portion of the expandable member is in communication with the lumen.
US07879054B2	System and method for tissue sampling and therapeutic treatment A biopsy system comprises a first placeholder element insertable through tissue to a first selected location in a patient's body, the first placeholder element including a first element guide and a tissue sampling element insertable to the first selected location via the first element guide for obtaining a sample of tissue from the first selected location, the tissue sampling element being removable from the first element guide while leaving the first placeholder element at the first selected location in combination with a tissue treatment element insertable to the first selected location via the first element guide.
US07879053B2	Balloon with stepped sections and implements A catheter balloon may include a proximal waist portion, a proximal cone portion, a first body portion, a second body portion, a third body portion, a distal cone portion and a distal waist portion. The second body portion may comprise a stepped-down section. An inflated diameter of the second body portion may be less than an inflated diameter of the first body portion or the third body portion. An outer surface of the second body portion may be provided with at least one implement, such as a blade or stiffening member.
US07879052B2	Device and method for through the scope endoscopic hemostatic clipping Medical device used to cause hemostasis of blood vessels using a clip arrangement delivered to a target region through an endoscope. Method for using the device to cause hemostasis of a blood vessel through an endoscope. Medical device including a reversibly closeable clip, a locking arrangement, a control wire, a sheath, and a handle with an actuating trigger. Through the endoscope, hemostatic clipping device that is fully reversible and lockable. Hemostatic clip that reversibly targets and clips bleeding ulcers.
US07879051B2	Flexible device for transfixing and joining tissue A surgical device is provided for use in joining a first tissue layer forming a first hollow region and a second tissue layer forming a wall of a second hollow region, to produce an anastomosis. The device comprises a needle capable of passing from the first region to the second region by penetrating the tissue layers, a tag removably carried by the needle, the tag having a trailing portion, and means for separating the tag from the needle after the needle has penetrated both layers, to leave the tag in the second hollow region, but with the trailing portion extending into the first hollow region. Anastomosis forming articles are described which comprise a pair of components for compressing the tissue layers between them.
US07879049B2	Device to open and close a bodily wall A medical device and method for performing transluminal procedures that reduces procedure time as well as the number of instruments used is disclosed. An elongate medical device has both a cutting tool and a suturing tool disposed at a distal end of the elongate medical device. The suturing tool includes a plurality of needles connected to one or more sutures. The elongate medical device is advanced through a bodily lumen to a position proximate the visceral wall. A perforation is formed in the visceral wall using the cutting tool. The elongate medical device and its suturing tool are advanced through the perforation and a plurality of needles are passed through the visceral wall around the periphery of the perforation. The plurality of needles are withdrawn through the bodily lumen and the perforation is closed using the suture.
US07879048B2	Suture capture device A suturing instrument for placing mattress stitches in soft tissue, such as a rotator cuff, includes an elongate shaft with both a stationary jaw and a movable jaw disposed at the distal end thereof. The shaft is coupled to a handle grip at the proximal end, which is configured to manipulate the jaws into open and closed positions. The jaws are configured to allow for a traumatic grasping of soft tissues. The stationary jaw may include a molded tip that holds and positions opposite ends of a single strand of suture material. The serrated upper jaw is configured to grasp and immobilize the tissue to be sutured. Hooked needles are movably positioned to pierce the grasped and immobilized tissues, and to engage and retrieve the opposite ends of the single strand of suture material. The handle is released to open the moveable jaw, whereupon the instrument may be withdrawn, trailing the suture, and leaving a mattress stitch in the grasped tissue.
US07879047B2	Surgical connection apparatus and methods Surgical connection apparatus comprises a support having a proximal portion with a distal end and a proximal portion. The support forms a pathway between the proximal and distal portions. A plurality of self-closing clips are slidably disposed in the pathway and a pusher is arranged to slidably move in the pathway and push the clips in a distal direction. The apparatus facilitates partial ejection of a clip after which the remainder of the clip is withdrawn therefrom. In one embodiment, the support comprises a tubular needle with the distal end being pointed. The needle can be used to penetrate the tissue or material to be joined and to manipulate or approximate tissue or material to be joined before the clip is partially ejected.
US07879042B2	Surface replacement extractor device and associated method An instrument for use in removal of a prosthetic implant for use performing arthroplasty is provided. The instrument includes a body and a first member. The first member is operably associated with the body. The first member has a contact portion for engagement with the implant at a first position. The instrument also includes a second member operably associated with the body. The second member is moveable with respect to the first member and the second member has a contact portion for engagement with the implant at a second position, spaced from the first position.
US07879038B2	Apparatus, kits, and methods for creating cavities in cancellous bone using an elongated loop structure or bristles Systems and method create a cavity in cancellous bone by use of a system or kit that includes a cannula having an axis that establishes a percutaneous path leading into bone and a shaft having a distal end portion carrying an elongated loop structure or bristles capable of extension from the shaft to create a cavity forming structure. The shaft is movable relative to the axis of the cannula to move the cavity forming structure when extended within cancellous bone to form a cavity in the cancellous bone. A tool is sized for passage through the cannula. The tool is capable of dispensing a filling material into the cavity.
US07879036B2	Bone anchoring element A bone anchoring element is provided which has a shaft for anchoring in a bone. The shaft includes a tubular body having two open ends. At least one barb element is connected to the shaft. The barb element is cut into the tubular body. The barb element includes a free end and a base connecting the barb element to the shaft. The barb element has a first portion adjacent to the base and a second portion adjacent to the free end. The second portion is inclined relative to the first portion in a direction off said shaft.
US07879035B2	Insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A knife assembly may be included that allows a user to selectively divide tissue upon actuation thereof. The insulating boot may be made from a viscoelastic, elastomeric or flexible material suitable for use with a sterilization process including ethylene oxide. An interior portion of the insulating boot may have at least one mechanically interfacing surface that interfaces with a mechanically interfacing surface formed between the shaft and a jaw member or with a mechanically interfacing surface disposed or formed on the shaft or a jaw member.
US07879031B2	Cooled RF ablation needle An ablation system includes an ablation electrode assembly operatively connectable to sources of electrosurgical energy and cooling fluid. The electrode assembly includes a hub defining a chamber therein; at least one electrically conductive ablation needle extending from the hub, the ablation needle including a distal end portion configured to penetrate tissue, said distal end portion being electrically and thermally conductive for establishing electric and thermal communication with the tissue; a heat sink operatively connected to the ablation needle, the heat sink being connected to the ablation needle to draw energy away from at least the distal end portion thereof, the heat sink including a proximal end extending into the chamber of the hub; and a conduit fluidly connected to the hub for delivering fluid into the chamber thereof from the source of fluid, wherein the fluid withdraws energy from the proximal end of the heat sink.
US07879029B2	System and method for selectively energizing catheter electrodes The present invention is directed to a system, a method and a catheter that provide improved ablation capabilities and improved energy efficiency by selectively energizing catheter electrodes on the basis of impedance measurements. In particular, the invention is directed to the selective energization of catheter radial electrodes that together with a tip electrode form a generally continuous tissue contact surface, wherein the selection is made on the basis of impedance measurement as an indication of the amount of tissue contact of each radial electrode.
US07879023B2	System for perfusion management A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.
US07879020B1	Decision-assist method for resuscitation of patients A method for providing decision-assist to medical staff resuscitating a burn patient includes receiving patient information, calculating an infusion rate, outputting the infusion rate, obtaining a urinary output, calculating a new infusion rate using infusion rate model based constants, and outputting the new infusion rate. In some embodiments, the method includes notifying medical staff when problems arise, displaying information regarding the resuscitation, and setting limits regarding the infusion rates.
US07879004B2	Catheter tip displacement mechanism A distal end of a flexible catheter can be selectively deflected in a desired direction by actuating one or more actuators that extend outwardly of an exterior surface of the catheter. Each actuator can be a balloon disposed within a non-extendible balloon or sheath. Inflation of one (or both) of the balloon and the non-extendible balloon with a pressurized fluid can deflect the distal tip of the catheter. Another actuator embodiment comprises a strip of a bimorph material that bends outwardly when actuated, e.g., by heat, applying a force against adjacent tissue to deflect the distal tip. Yet another embodiment includes a strip of material that shortens when heated and can be coupled to a balloon that is inflated outwardly to increase a radial moment arm of the force applied thereby, relative to a neutral axis of the catheter, to more readily deflect the distal tip.
US07879003B2	Multichannel catheter with obturator A multichannel catheter for extracorporeal circulation of blood to a patient undergoing cardiovascular treatments or surgery has three independent channels, an obturator and an expandable balloon. The first channel is the largest and is of a size that allows for delivery of blood through outlet parts in the wall of the first channel to a patient in an amount sufficient to maintain the patient's metabolism and perfusion throughout the treatment or surgery. The obturator is longitudinally insertable into the first channel. The second and third channels are integrated into the wall of the first channel. The second channel is suitable for delivering a biologically active fluid to the heart and/or venting the left heart. The third channel is suitable for delivering a fluid to the balloon for its expansion. The catheter provides an improved means of preparing for or performing cardiovascular surgery on a patient using a cardiopulmonary machine for extracorporeal circulation of blood.
US07878999B2	Brace for the proximal tibiofibular joint Various embodiments of an orthopedic appliance for bracing and supporting a joint are described herein. The orthopedic appliance includes a first support portion and a second support portion with surfaces partially facing one another, and a force application element. In use, the first and second support portions are located on opposing sides of an outer portion of the joint and, in conjunction with the force application element, apply partially opposing forces to the joint.
US07878997B2	Mallet finger splint The invention relates to a mallet finger splint for splinting the distal and middle phalanx of a mallet finger in a position in which the first finger joint is held in an extended position between the distal phalanx and the middle phalanx. The aim of the invention is to simplify production and use of such a finger splint. For this purpose, the mallet finger splint has a shape of a spoon with a handle and a bowl. The mallet finger splint is configured in such a manner than the handle comes to rest below the middle phalanx without impairing the mobility of the middle finger joint while the distal phalanx comes to rent in the bowl.
US07878995B2	Integral head, neck, and upper torso immobilizer A device to simultaneously immobilize the head, neck and upper torso of a patient, the device comprising a first substrate for supporting the back of the patient's head, a second substrate in communication with the first substrate, whereby the second substrate is adapted to encircle the patient's neck; and a third substrate in communication with the second substrate, whereby the third substrate contacts the patient's chest.
US07878993B2	Ankle-foot orthosis device An ankle-foot orthosis comprising a leg member 12; a foot member 14; a frame 16 connecting the leg member to the foot member, wherein the frame comprises a first revolute joint 18 that rotates about a first axis 20 and a second revolute joint 22 that rotates about a second axis 24, wherein the first and second axes are non-parallel. The frame can further comprise a foot member segment 30 secured to the foot member 14 and extending to the second revolute joint 22. The orthosis can comprise a first force-torque sensor 36 located on the leg member, a second force-torque sensor 38 located on the foot member, and an encoder positioned on one of the revolute joints. The invention includes a method of measuring ankle-foot-related forces comprising positioning a subject's leg and foot in an ankle-foot orthosis; collecting data from the first and second force-torque sensors; and analyzing the collected data to determine the motion of the subject's ankle.
US07878992B2	Power assistance controlling apparatus, power assistance controlling method, and physiotherapy apparatus Tow forces can be measured only by providing one force sensor in a device structure, and a drive system is driven so as to assist an external force by detecting it. A value at a force sensor (114) at the moment when a foot switch (121) is set as the original point (detection reference) of a force to be assisted. Variations of the force after the original point setting is measured by the force sensor (114) the difference between the measured value and the assist original point is obtained, and a force to be assisted is detected. Depending on the magnitude of the force to be assisted, assist operation is performed by causing a drive force to act on a foot such that the force to be assisted is reduced. When the force is assisted reaches zero, the assist operation is completed. Then, two forces, or “a force acting on a patient's foot” and “a force applied to the foot” from the outside, are detected by the one force sensor (114).
US07878986B2	Catheter deployment device An apparatus for deploying a needle within a lumen is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having a threaded bushing radially disposed therein. The bushing rigidly couples with a nose cone having a guide tip disposed at an end opposite the bushing for penetrating an arterial wall of a lumen. During operation, a user incrementally advances the bushing within the housing, thereby incrementally advancing the guide tip into the lumen. The nose cone also includes a flex guide having a slot configuration which couples with the guide tip which deploys into the lumen along with the guide tip.
US07878984B2	Medical device for navigation through anatomy and method of making same Medical devices for navigation through anatomy, including guidewires, which may have a core wire, a slotted tubular member, or both. Embodiments may have coils, including non-circular cross-section edge-wound marker coils, extended coil tips, and soldered or glued mesial joint coils. Core wires may have a step, ridge, or taper at the joints to the tubular member, and may be flattened at the distal tip. Radiopaque material may be located inside the tubular member, and the distal tip may be heat treated to make it shapeable. Additional tubular members or coils may be used concentrically or in line and may end in depth radunequal in depth opacity, reduce friction, or reduce material or manufacturing cod in groups, such as groups of three, and may be equally spaced around the axis or offset to provide a steerable or compressible tip.
US07878983B2	Biopsy collection device A method and device for removing tissue from a patient during a biopsy procedure utilizing a biopsy collection device are provided. The biopsy collection device includes a body portion configured for attachment to an endoscope and a receptacle portion configured to retain a portion of tissue removed from a target site during the biopsy procedure. The biopsy collection device further includes a passageway configured to receive a biopsy sampling device, such as a pair of forceps, passing through the endoscope to the target site.
US07878981B2	Systems and methods for intra-operative stimulation Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes an operative element adjustment portion and a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user.
US07878980B2	Gas flow diverter for respiratory monitoring device A gas flow diverter for increasing the turbulence of an incoming respiratory gas flow through a respiratory gas sensor is provided. The diverter is positioned at a patient or inlet end of a tube section of the sensor in order to divert the respiratory gas flow from the patient generally equally across the cross-sectional area of the tube section. The diverter can be formed integrally as a part of the sensor, or can be releasably attached to the sensor or to an adapter that is releasably connected to the inlet end of the sensor for use in situations in which the volume of the incoming respiratory gas flow from the patient is greatly reduced due to the size of the patient, i.e., when the patient is an infant.
US07878977B2	Flexible ultrasound transducer array A transducer array includes two or more sub-arrays that move relative to each other. Position sensors on each of the sub-arrays provide spatial coordination for beamforming and/or image forming to yield extended field of view and high image resolution. The adaptable transducer array, such as mounted on a flexible transducer housing, allows the array to better conform to the patient during internal or external use.
US07878976B2	Method and system of thermoacoustic imaging with exact inversion The present invention is directed to a method and system of TCT imaging whereupon an exact inversion formula is used for reconstruction of TCT data. The present invention utilizes inversion formulae that are of the filtered backprojection and ρ-filter types.
US07878975B2	Metabolic monitoring, a method and apparatus for indicating a health-related condition of a subject An apparatus for indicating a health-related condition of a subject has an input interface for receiving a sequence of samples of a first biological quantity derived by a first measurement method, the first measurement method being an invasive measurement and having a first impact on the subject, and for receiving a sequence of samples of a second biological quantity derived by a second measurement method, the second measurement method being a non-invasive measurement and having a second impact on the subject, wherein the first biological quantity gives a more accurate indication of the health-related condition of the subject than the second biological quantity, wherein the first biological quantity and the second biological quantity have a correlation to the health-related condition of the subject, and wherein the second impact is smaller than the first impact; a predictor for providing, for a certain time, for which no sample for the first biological quantity exists, an estimated value of the first biological quantity using samples for the first biological quantity and, as far as available, samples for the second quantity; and an output interface for outputting the estimated value or data derived from the estimated value so that an indication for the health-related condition of the subject is obtained.
US07878974B2	Hand access laparoscopic device The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring. The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device. With the gel thickness reduced and able to be substantially flush, the “doming” phenomenon produced by insufflation of a patient's abdomen is reduced.
US07878968B2	Sensory developmental cap A cap having ear pieces and an eyepiece. The ear pieces are preferably connected to an audio device that can play stored audio and/or rebroadcast ambient sounds at a reduced audio level. The ear pieces preferable provide sound attenuation of at least 20 dB. The stored audio may include sounds that simulate sounds heard by a fetus while in the womb. The eye piece is preferably removable.
US07878963B2	Smoking article with a restrictor A smoking article filter includes a flow restrictor and a cavity downstream of the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes an orifice or flow channel for directing smoke into the cavity. The filter is attached to the tobacco rod with tipping paper and includes an air-admissible ventilating zone at a location downstream of the restrictor.
US07878962B2	Cigarettes and filter subassemblies with squeezable flavor capsule and methods of manufacture Improved delivery of additive materials to cigarettes is provided through the use of one or more capsules containing additive materials, such as flavor components, in the filter section of a cigarette. The capsule or capsules are provided between first and second absorbent members and the capsules are subjected to an external force, such as squeezing, by a smoker prior to or during smoking of the cigarette in order to release at least a portion of the additive material and expose the additive material to mainstream smoke passing through the filter. The capsules provide a barrier between the additive materials and other cigarettes components, such as sorbents or filter materials, in order to reduce additive material migration into the other cigarette components prior to desired use. An outer cover which is impermeable to the fluid within the capsules is provided about the capsule or capsules and the first and second absorbent members.
US07878958B2	Weightlifting system with spotter platform A weightlifting system includes a spotter platform which flanks a weight bench. The spotter platforms provide a surface raised above the base upon which a spotter may stand. The spotter platform may be articulated to a vertical stowed position to clear an area on the base for other exercises. The spotter platforms also provide fixed receipt areas within which the weight bench is received to provide proper weightlifter positioning while minimizing any relative movement between the weight bench and the weight bar frame rack.
US07878956B2	Exercise apparatus An exercise apparatus comprising a base that can be oriented at any angle and that defines a plurality of connection interfaces, each of which can be designed to support one end of a resilient member in a cantilevered disposition. The connection interfaces can be positioned at or adjusted to a widely varying range of locations and angular orientations with respect to the base. Each resilient members can be configured to support one or more removable stiffening members that provide a resistance force when a force is exerted thereon so as to bend the resilient member.
US07878952B2	Balanced circular free weights Architectural parameters are provided for the dimensions of sets of balanced circular free weights so that the weights may maintain a consistent style in appearance over a range of weights while retaining their functionality.
US07878950B1	Support apparatus for an exercise machine A user support apparatus for an exercise machine. The user support apparatus is interconnected to a frame of the exercise machine and includes at least one handhold interconnected to a user support. The user support is generally a fixed length member such as a rope or cable that a user of the exercise machine may grasp for support while exercising. The length of the user support may be adjustable. The position of an anchor point for the user support relative to the user may be adjustable, thus allowing the user support to be anchored generally above the user for overhead support, generally in front of the user for pulling support, or at an intermediate position for a combination of overhead and pulling support.
US07878949B2	Stepper A stepper includes a base, two axle units, two pedals and a coordinating unit. The base includes a post formed thereon. Each of the axle units includes an axle extended downwards from the post. Each of the pedals includes a pedal pivotally connected to the axle of a related one of the axle units. The coordinating unit includes a lever pivotally connected to the post and formed with two ends each in contact with a related one of the pedals so that one of the pedals is moved upwards and outwards while the other pedal is moved downwards and inwards.
US07878946B1	Spinning bike power meter An exercise bicycle includes a flywheel, a drive train coupled to the flywheel, and pedals coupled to the drive train. A user of the exercise bicycle expends power by exerting force on the pedals to spin the flywheel. The exercise bicycle further includes a power meter. The power meter includes a friction pad comprising a flywheel contact surface in contact with the flywheel and a temperature sensor located within the friction pad. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the flywheel contact surface. The power meter further includes an output meter coupled to the temperature sensor, the output meter converting a temperature change of the flywheel contact surface as measured by the temperature sensor into a calculated power expended by the user.
US07878945B2	Adaptive training system with aerial mobility system A mobile unit configured to train an athlete is disclosed. The mobile unit includes multiple sensors, communication devices and a mobility system. The mobile unit executes one or more training paths to simulate chasing associated with various sports. The mobile unit is capable of determining its own location and the location of the athlete throughout a training session, as well as other information. The mobile unit is configured to adapt the training path to stress weaknesses of the athlete with respect to various types of athletic skills.
US07878939B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake.
US07878938B2	Power train of automatic transmission A power train of an automatic transmission realizes nine forward speeds and two reverse speeds. An output unit selectively receives reduced rotation speed from a speed reduction unit or selectively receives rotation speed of an input shaft and generates the nine forward speeds and two reverse speeds by operation of five clutches and three brakes.
US07878937B2	Dual-pilot axle assembly for an automotive vehicle driveline A differential and axle assembly for an automotive vehicle driveline is disclosed. The assembly includes a differential drive pinion and a drive pinion shaft, the drive pinion shaft being splined to a drive pinion shaft flange. Axial and radial dimensional runout is minimized by spaced, front and rear pilot surfaces at axially spaced ends of the splines for the drive pinion shaft and the drive pinion flange.
US07878932B2	Method and apparatus to monitor a valve adapted to control mode to gear transitions during operation of an electro-mechanical transmission Monitoring operation of an electro-mechanical transmission having a hydraulic circuit with flow management valves and pressure control solenoids to actuate clutches and pressure monitoring devices to monitor the hydraulic circuit is provided. The transmission operates in fixed gear and continuously variable operating range states. The method comprises controlling position of one of the flow management valves to control operation in one of the operating range states. A fault is detected in the one of the flow management valves based upon outputs of the pressure monitoring devices during steady state operation in one of the continuously variable operating range states. A fault is detected in the one of the flow management valves based upon the output of one of the pressure monitoring devices during a transition in the flow management valve.
US07878931B2	Drive mechanism for barrier operator An electric motor driven barrier operator includes spaced apart frame plates for supporting the motor, an intermediate drive shaft and an operator final output shaft. The motor output shaft, intermediate shaft and final output shaft are mounted on bearings at fixed centers on the frame plates and the motor and intermediate shaft are interconnected by a stretchable flexible drive belt reeved over respective drive pulleys mounted on the motor output shaft and the intermediate shaft. The drive belt may be mounted on the pulleys and replaced without adjusting the position of the motor output shaft, the intermediate shaft or the operator output shaft.
US07878929B2	Disc launching and catching device A device for use in launching and catching flying discs includes a frame having a handle section and an open forked section. The opened forked section includes a pair of opposing forks wherein each fork has a distal end and a proximal end with the distal end being free and the proximal end adjoining the proximal end of the opposing fork. Flexible material such as nylon netting is strung between the opposing forks in a manner which enables the formation of a relatively deep elongated channel having an open end so that a forceful swing of the device will cause a flying disc placed in the channel to roll in the channel and out through the open end of the channel at a high rate of speed. A method of using the device to launch a flying disc as well as a novel flying disc are also disclosed.
US07878919B2	Golf club head and golf club assembly with fastener A golf club head includes a face plate and a body member positioned rearwardly of the face plate and having at least two body components. Each of a plurality of apertures is formed in one of the face plate and the body components. At least one fastener extends through at least two of the apertures, the fasteners being configured to removably secure the face plate and the body components together upon being turned a portion of a revolution.
US07878918B2	Portable swing trainer A portable swing trainer has a wedge body of a triangular shape, and a stick sensor having a vertical adjustment and a horizontal adjustment. The stick sensor has a deployed position and a collapsed position. The stick sensor is mounted behind the wedge body. A restoring mechanism can be for restoring the stick sensor from the collapsed position to the deployed position. The restoring mechanism is mounted behind the wedge body. The stick sensor is pivotally mounted to the restoring mechanism. A catch mechanism is for catching the stick sensor in collapsed position. The catch mechanism is mounted behind the wedge body. A pair of electronic beam sensors can be mounted in a pair of depressions formed on a face of the wedge body.
US07878917B2	Golf club grip alignment using laser aligning device A laser aligning device is mounted on the flat side of a putter grip or other cylindrically asymmetric surface of a club grip and emits a fan shaped light sheet. The light sheet is perpendicular to the flat side of the putter grip. The light sheet projects a visible laser line on a plane such as the ground when the head is on the same plane. The alignment of the grip relative to the putter head's face can be inspected by visually inspecting the orientation of the projected line on the plane relative to the head's face. The grip can be adjusted and fixed so that it is properly oriented to the face.
US07878916B2	Golf club and ball performance monitor having an ultrasonic trigger An ultrasonic trigger for a golf equipment performance monitor is described. In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic trigger comprises at least one emitter and receiver. The emitters periodically generate sound waves at an ultrasonic frequency. The sound waves are targeted towards an object or objects within a target area. The sound waves are reflected by the objects within the target area, and are detected by at least one receiver. The receiver may be connected to a computational device to determine the position and/or velocity of the objects within the field of view.
US07878915B2	Child swing and jumper apparatus and methods of operating the same A child entertainment apparatus is convertible between a swing mode and a jumper mode. The apparatus includes a frame, and a support convertible between a swinging configuration and a bouncing configuration. In the jumper mode, the support suspends the seat from the frame by a substantially flexible section, and in the swing mode, the support suspends the seat from the frame by a substantially rigid section. A bypass section is movable between an engaged position wherein the bypass section provides a substantially rigid connection between the frame and the seat, and a disengaged position wherein the substantially flexible section of the first support provides a flexible connection between the frame and the seat. The seat may be convertible between a feet forward position for the swing mode and a feet down position for the jumper mode.
US07878913B2	Decoupling torsional disturbance in a vehicle powertrain A decoupler assembly for a motor vehicle driveline comprising a decoupler, an input driveably connected to a transmission output shaft and including a first connection that secures the input to the decoupler, and an output driveably connected to a final drive axle then to wheels of the vehicle, including a second connection that secures the output to the decoupler, and a support that provides bending continuity between the input and the output, the support permitting rotation of the input about an axis relative to the output, the decoupler, the first connection and the second connection providing resistance to such rotation.
US07878911B2	Fluid transfer tube A torque-transfer assembly includes a fluid transfer tube located within a bore of a shaft. The fluid transfer tube seals to the shaft and includes at least one fluid groove that communicates between a plurality of fluid ports located in the shaft. The fluid groove is defined by an outer surface of the fluid transfer tube.
US07878909B2	Products and processes for operations management of casino, leisure and hospitality industry In various embodiments of this invention, a suite of customized computer software applications, a linked or wireless computer network and accessory components cooperate to enhance and extend customer and employee resource management in the casino/gaming environment.
US07878907B2	Real-time HD TV/video IP streaming to a game console Program code enabling the streaming of HD content in real-time to a game console is stored on a storage medium remote from the game console. The game console executes software that facilitates transfer of the program code from the remote storage medium to the game console. The program code ensures that sufficient bandwidth exists on a network between the game console and a HD tuner, and enables the streaming of HD content in real-time to the game console.
US07878901B2	Methods and systems for facilitating play at a gaming device by means of third party offers In accordance with embodiments of the present invention an offer is presented to a player (e.g., at a gaming device or a table game in a casino). The offer defines a benefit to be provided in exchange for the player's commitment to an obligation defined by the offer. The offer may be provided once it is determined that a condition of a gaming device satisfies a predetermined criterion. The benefit defined by the offer may be provided to the player and/or to one or more associated persons designated by the player.
US07878900B2	Electronic sweepstakes system providing multiple game presentations for revealing results from a single sweepstakes game A reveal request is initiated through a result reveal station by a person (user) who has previously been assigned a number of sweepstakes entries in an assignment order from a set of available sweepstakes entries for a sweepstakes game. This reveal request represents a request to reveal one or more of the results associated with the assigned sweepstakes entries. The reveal station employs a game presentation including various graphics and audio effects to show sweepstakes results in an entertaining fashion. In response to the reveal request, or perhaps even prior to the reveal request, one or more sweepstakes entries are selected to be revealed for the reveal request. The sweepstakes entries are selected in an order different from the order in which the sweepstakes entries were assigned to the user based on a set of game characteristics associated with the game presentation provided at the reveal station.
US07878899B2	Method and system for providing a tournament handicap feature A tournament feature is herein disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of providing the tournament feature comprises receiving a tournament participation authorization for a player to participate in said tournament feature; assigning a handicap to a tournament participation in said tournament feature; providing said player on one game machine with said tournament participation comprising a tournament play sequence depending on which a tournament score is obtained; storing said score in storing means with a plurality of scores throughout conduct of said tournament feature; evaluating stored scores upon or after detection of the conduct of said tournament feature having ended to establish a winning score and a winning player who obtained said winning score; and awarding a prize to said winning player.
US07878898B2	Gaming machine A gaming machine includes: a CPU 106 which determines whether or not the game state is to be switched to a special game state advantageous to the player; mechanical reels 30A through 30C formed of a translucent material and operative to display multiple kinds of indicating information variably and statically; a motor driving circuit 120 which controls the display operation of the mechanical reels 30A through 30C; a water tank 500 formed of a translucent material and provided behind a display screen 10 to retain liquid; an acid/base solution supply device 710 which injects a substance, which is capable of changing the color of the liquid stored in the water tank 500, into the liquid; and a drive control circuit 300 which controls the acid/base solution supply device 710 according to the determination made by the CPU 106.
US07878897B2	Gaming machine A gaming machine includes: a CPU 106 which determines whether or not a game state is to be switched to a special game state; mechanical reels 30A through 30C formed of a translucent material and operative to display multiple kinds of indicating information variably and statically; a motor driving circuit 120 which controls the display operation of the mechanical reels 30A through 30C; a water tank 500 formed of a translucent material to retain liquid, and provided behind a display screen 10; a gaming effects medium insertion device 600 which inserts units of a gaming effects medium 650 into the water tank 500; and a drive control circuit 300 which controls the gaming effects medium insertion device 600 to insert units of the gaming effects medium 650 into the water tank 500 according to a special determination made by the CPU 106.
US07878885B2	Deflection device for a rope saw assembly A deflection device for a rope saw assembly, includes a deflection roller (12; 52; 92); a stationary protective cover (13; 53, 93) surrounding art least some regions of the deflection roller (12; 52; 92); and at least one cover member (23; 63; 102, 103) pivotally arranged on the protective cover (13; 53, 93) surrounding at least some regions of the deflection roller, and displaceable along a path radially spaced from the axle (15; 55; 95) of the deflection roller (12; 52; 92).
US07878879B2	Game call assembly A game call assembly for attracting wild game comprises a game call configured for emitting a call when rotated to an inverted position. A motor when energized rotates a shaft. The game call is coupled to the shaft. A switch selectively electrically connects a power source to the motor. The game call assembly is configured for being mounted to a weapon, and also functions as a stabilizer.
US07878878B2	Life size halloween novelty item A Halloween novelty item used for entertainment consisting of a removable reservoir of fluid and a timed electromagnetic valve inside a head that is activated by a motion sensor whereby allowing fluid to expel intermittently out of orifices attached to a tongue when the Halloween novelty item is approached. The expelled fluid is caught by a bucket attached to a slide bracket which is attached to a body panel whereby allowing the bucket to be removable. An assembly attached to a bucket handle consisting of a pair of hooks attached to a pair of hands connected to a pair of flexible arms allows the assembly to detach from the bucket's handle. A stabilization board keeps the novelty item stable. Motion sensors facing different directions are attached to a voice recorder and a speaker allowing messages to play. A hinge and latches attached to the body allows the invention to condense.
US07878875B2	Plasma display panel with display electrodes containing glass frit and a method of manufacturing the same The PDP has a front panel, and a back panel with address electrodes formed thereon. The front panel has display electrodes including first electrodes and second electrodes formed on front glass substrate, and a dielectric layer covering the display electrodes. Further, first electrodes and the dielectric layer include glass frit containing bismuth oxide, with a softening point exceeding 550° C. The glass frit contained in the second electrodes has a softening point lower than that contained in the first electrodes. The above-described configuration reduces the number of firing steps for display electrodes and the dielectric layer, thereby providing a PDP with improved production efficiency and a method of manufacturing the PDP.
US07878873B1	Thrust adjustment apparatus for an underwater vehicle An apparatus for providing thrust adjustment on an underwater vehicle with a propeller shroud is disclosed. A portion of the vehicles body is provided with a compliant surface such that expansion and contraction of the compliant surface affects the flow of water through a channel formed by the vehicle body and the propeller shroud, resulting in variable thrust on the vehicle.
US07878870B2	Electrical contact having improved soldering section of high compliance An electrical contact (3) includes a body section (30), a contacting arm (31) extending upward from the body section (30), a soldering section (32) formed by cutting out from the body section and then extending outwardly. The soldering section (32) comprising a first extending arm (321) connected to the body section (30), a second extending arm (322) bent downwardly from the first extending arm (321), and a soldering pad (323) extending from the second extending arm (322) toward the body section (30). An opening (300) is defined after the soldering section (30) is cut out from the body section.
US07878868B2	Multipurpose cable connector A cable connector assembly comprising an insulating block defining a plurality of cable receiving channels therein. Each cable receiving channel has an entrance at a periphery of the insulating block. A plurality of ground connectors are coupled to the insulating block and positioned such that a ground connector is located proximate to the entrance of each cable receiving channel. Each ground connector comprises a U-shaped member for engaging a ground braid of a heating cable and a grounding screw for engaging a ground wire of a power cable. A ground linking structure electrically connects the plurality of ground connectors. A plurality of first and second wire connectors are adjustably coupled to the insulating block and positioned such that a first wire connector is selectively extendible into a first side of each cable receiving channel and a second wire connector is positioned to selectively extend into a second side of each cable receiving channel. First and second wire linking structures electrically connect the plurality of first wire connectors and the plurality of second wire connectors, respectively. The first and second wire linking structures may comprise leaf springs.
US07878867B2	Electrical contact having an upper contact with a thickened base portion An electrical contact (100) comprises an upper contact (1), a lower contact (3) and a spring (2) located between the upper contact (1) and the lower contact (3), the upper contact (1) comprises a base portion (11) and an additional portion (15) bending from the base portion (11) and overlapping each other, the base portion (11) has a first contact portion (111) at a top end thereof, the lower contact (3) comprises a body portion (32) and a pair of arms (33) extending from the body portion (32), the body portion (32) has a second contact portion (321) at a bottom end thereof, the arms (33) contact with the base portion (11) and the additional portion (15).
US07878866B1	Connector assembly for vehicle charging A connector assembly couples an electrical power supply to a vehicle charging circuit. The assembly includes an elongate handle and a plug coupled to each other. The handle forms an internal cavity for supporting an electrical harness. The plug includes a first end that is attached to the outlet of the handle, and a second end opposite the first end for engaging a vehicle charging receptacle. The plug includes a series of tabs that longitudinally extend from the first end to engage a series of slots formed in the outlet of the handle for attaching the plug to the handle. The series of tabs and the series of slots collectively form a structural weak point for failure by localizing deformation between the tabs and the slots when the assembly is subjected to a predetermined side load applied to an intermediate portion of the assembly.
US07878857B2	Elelctrical connector with notch for receiving mating componet An electrical connector includes an insulating housing. The insulating housing includes a base having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface and a plurality of sidewalls having a top surface high than the top surface of the base. The top surface of the base and the sidewalls commonly form a first receiving room. The base defines a second receiving room of a notch shape running through the top and bottom surface of the base and a first sidewall of said sidewalls. A row of passageways is located in the base and far away from the first sidewall. The first sidewall adjacent to the second receiving room is defined as two opposite stopping walls.
US07878856B2	Electric power outlet apparatus An electric power outlet apparatus for enabling electric machines containing a communication apparatus to be connected to indoor power wiring used for power-line carrier communications easily in an optimum state is provided. A tap part 3 connected to a power plug 1 through a power cord 2 includes an impedance adjustment unit 30 and power jacks 41, 42, 43, and 44 and is housed in a tap casing 100 schematically shown. The power jacks 41 and 42 are connected directly to the power cord 2 and the power jacks 43 and 44 are connected to the power cord 2 through the impedance adjustment unit 30. Color display parts 51, 52, 53, and 54 for indicating the connection state of the power jacks 41, 42, 43, and 44 to the impedance adjustment unit 30 are provided on the periphery of slots on the surface of the tap casing 100.
US07878851B2	Electrical device and plug for an electrical device Known pumping devices have a connection lid, a connection cap slipped over the connection lid, a hollow chamber formed between the connection lid and the connection cap, and electrical connections that extend through the connection cap into the hollow chamber. It is disadvantageous that when fuels containing water are being pumped, such as ethanol, corrosion can occur at the electrical connections and at the uninsulated cable segments that are exposed to fuel near the electrical connections, for instance at the electrical coils or flexible cables of the carbon brushes, and in the final analysis this leads to an interruption in the electrical contact and thus to failure of the pumping device. In the electrical device of the invention, corrosion of the electrical connections and of the electrical components adjoining them upstream and downstream is avoided entirely or at least greatly diminished. According to the invention, the electrical connections are each provided in separate chambers of the hollow chamber.
US07878850B2	Cable connector assembly with grounding device A cable connector (100) includes an insulative housing (30), a number of terminals (70) received in the insulative housing, a metal cover (10) shielding the insulative housing, a number of cables (50) and a grounding plate (90). The terminals include a number of signal pins (70B, 70D) and a number of grounding pins (70A, 70C, 70E). The cables correspondingly connect with the terminals. Each cable includes a central conductor (507) and a braiding layer (503). The grounding plate mechanically and electrically connecting with the braiding layers of the cables, the grounding pins and the metal cover.
US07878848B1	Board lock with a main plate with a pair of arms penetrating slits from top to bottom of a connector housing and battery connector using the same A battery connector mounted on a top surface of a printed circuit board defining a pair of penetrating holes, which has a housing, a plurality of contacts secured to the housing and a board lock fixing the battery connector to the printed circuit board. The housing has a pair of penetrating slits penetrating a top surface and a bottom surface thereof. The board lock is formed as one piece and has a main plate mounted on the top surface of the housing, a pair of holding arms bent downward from opposite ends of the main plate and respectively extending through the penetrating slits of the housing and the penetrating holes of the printed circuit board, and a pair of projections protruding outwardly from each of the holding arms and engaged to the periphery of each of the penetrating holes on a bottom surface of the printed circuit board.
US07878846B2	Stacked electrical connectors on opposite sides of a printed circuit board For reasonably using the space of a printed circuit board (PCB) an electrical connector assembly which is mounted on the PCB is provided and includes an upper an upper connector and a lower connector stacked together. The upper connector includes a plurality of first contacts each having a first horizontal soldering leg are soldered on a top surface of the PCB. The lower connector includes a plurality of second contacts each having a second vertical soldering leg soldered on a bottom surface of the PCB. The bottom surface of the PCB has a plurality of soldering holes which are not running through the top surface thereof for retaining said second vertical soldering legs therein so as to provide an available soldering area for said first horizontal soldering legs on the top surface thereof.
US07878844B2	Panel connector assembly A panel connector assembly includes a panel, a panel connector and a mounting bracket. The panel has opposing front and rear sides and includes a connector opening and a securing hole extending through the panel. The panel connector is disposed proximate to the panel and has a mating face aligned with the connector opening in the panel. The panel connector is positioned to couple with a peripheral connector that mates with the mating face through the front side of the panel. The mounting bracket is disposed proximate to the rear side of the panel. The mounting bracket receives a securing feature of the peripheral connector that extends through the securing hole in the panel to the mounting bracket when the peripheral connector and panel connector mate with one another. The mounting bracket receives the securing feature to secure the peripheral connector to the front, side of the panel.
US07878841B2	Pull through modular jack and method of use thereof The present invention relates to a pull-through modular jack and method of use thereof. The modular jack allows wires to be fed through the housing and pulled tight prior to terminating. This ensures that the wires terminate with the insulation displacement contact very close to the point at which the wires are still twisted. Termination is made by moving a pressing portion to a pressed position, which then pushes the wires into the insulation displacement contacts that displace the wire insulation to make contact.
US07878840B2	Universal serial bus plug and receptacle coupling arrangements A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.
US07878837B2	Socket connector having improved actuating mechanism for driving moving plate A socket connector includes a socket body, a moving plate movably mounted upon the socket body, and an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism comprises a lid, a first operating lever, and a second operating lever. The first and second operating levers are disposed between the lid and moving plate with opposite tilted angles. The first operating lever has a cam section engaged with a bearing section formed on the moving plate so as to drive the moving plate to move in a substantially horizontal direction.
US07878835B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector (100) for electrically connecting a central processing unit to a printed circuit board, including a rectangular insulative housing (40) having a plurality of receiving channels; a number of contacts received in the receiving channels; a cover (10) rotatably covering on the insulative housing so as to press the central processing unit; a lever (50) comprising an operating portion (504) and two pressing portions (503) to lock the cover; and a stiffening frame positioned under the insulative housing. Wherein said stiffening frame is formed with a first and second stiffening plates (30,31) and two stiffening beams (20), each stiffening beam has two engaging portions (212) extending longitudinally, each stiffening plate comprises a first and a second fixing plates (301,311) on two sides thereof to fix the engaging portions transversely to form a frame structure. The stiffening frame is formed by joint to avoid wasting the material of the central as the stiffening frame is formed by punching an integrated metal plate.
US07878832B2	Underwater connector with a deformable insertion member and a sealing member squeezed by a clamping member Disclosed herein is an electrical connector for use with an underwater electrical device. The underwater electrical device is connected to a source, such as a power source, by electrical wiring. The connector is adapted for connecting the source and the underwater electrical device without compromising the integrity of the electrical connection despite expected movement and considerable torsional forces being exerted upon the connection so made. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical device includes internal screw threads. The connector includes an insertion member for retaining the electrical wiring. The insertion member is elastic and deformable. The connector further includes a clamping member having an external screw for compatible engagement of the electrical device internal screw threads. Finally, the connector includes a sealing member for creating a leak proof seal between the connector and the electrical device. The insertion, sealing and clamping members are sized and shaped for compression upon the full engagement of the screw threads of the respective elements, thereby providing a leak proof seal.
US07878831B2	Electrical connector having detachable guiding member An electrical connector (100) electrically connects a first IC package (800) having a first width and a second IC package (900) having a second width different from the first width. The electrical connector includes an insulative housing (2) defining a number of contact recesses (20), a number of contacts (3) inserted in the contact recesses, a connecting member (4) mounted on the insulative housing, and a number of guiding members (6) assembled to the connecting member for guiding the first IC package in the connecting member at a first state, and detachable from the connecting member for facilitating insertion of the second IC package in the connecting member at a second state.
US07878828B1	Safety socket with plug configuration sensitive switch An electrical socket with a safety feature that prevents accidental shock due to insertion of an object or objects other than a typical electrical plug configuration. The socket ‘hot’ side conductor is not energized if an object is inserted into any single plug tang location, or if multiple objects are inserted independently, in any combination, of the socket plug tang locations.
US07878827B2	Electrical connector with electrical device incorporated therein An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a number of electrical contacts and an IC (Integral Circuit). The insulative housing has a body and a contact insert received in the body. The electrical contacts are secured to the contact insert and each has a mating end, a solder end projecting out of the insulative housing and a connecting end located therebetween. The IC is bonded to contact insert for electrical connecting with the connecting ends of the electrical contacts, respectively.
US07878825B2	Lever-type connector In a lever-type connector, a lever 70 is pivotally mounted on a second connector housing 60, and by operating an operating portion 71 of the lever toward a fitting side, the second connector housing is fitted to a first connector housing 10. By operating the operating portion to a cancellation side opposite to the fitting side, the fitted condition is canceled. A detection member 50 is slidably mounted on the first connector housing. When the lever is pivotally moved to a completely-fitting operating position where the two connector housings are properly fitted together, the detection member can be slid, and the thus slid detection member tells a completely-operated condition of the lever, and also prevents the operating portion of the lever from being operated to be moved toward the cancellation side. When the lever is stopped in a half-fitting operating position before the completely-fitting operating position, the detection member interferes with the operating portion of the lever, and is prevented from sliding movement, and tells an incompletely-operated condition of the lever.
US07878816B2	Electrical connector transmitting high frequency signal An electrical connector includes an insulating housing (1) includes a base (11) and a mating portion (13) extending forwards from the base and a set of terminals (4). Each terminal includes a retaining portion (43) retained in the base, a contacting portion (41) located on the mating portion and a connecting portion (44) extending from the retaining portion and behind a rear face of the base. The base defines a recessing portion around the retaining portions of the set of terminals at the rear face of the base to partially expose said retaining portions in an atmosphere.
US07878811B2	Method and system for providing timely performance evaluations to medical students or trainees A method and system for providing performance evaluations, on a timely basis, to students or trainees, is provided. In one contemplated embodiment, the inventive method and system are used in health care training programs to form an information feedback loop whereby clinical and simulated clinical performance evaluations are inputted, or gathered and stored, and then made available to the health care practitioner and to his/her educator(s) throughout the health care training program thereby increasing the effectiveness of the training program by allowing the program to be continuously tailored to address the needs of the health care practitioner.
US07878810B2	Cognitive / non-cognitive ability analysis engine A method for evaluating at least one cognitive and/or non-cognitive ability of a user is disclosed herein The method comprises receiving performance data from at least one associated activity, transmitting said performance data to an analysis engine, receiving, from the analysis engine and based on the new and pre-existing performance, an evaluation and diagnostic feedback, wherein the evaluation and diagnostic feedback are the product of at least one mathematical model, and wherein the evaluation describes the at least one cognitive and/or non-cognitive ability, and transmitting to the user report text, wherein the report is based on both the evaluation and the diagnostic feedback.
US07878803B2	Method for correction of the form of dental alveolar arch A method for correction of the form of dental alveolar arch relates to medicine and can be used in orthodontics for correction of the form of dental alveolar arch in the lingual and vestibular directions. The method intensifies correction of the form of alveolar process and increases convenience of the device usage. The method may be realized through fitting of an orthodontic device in the cavity of the mouth, its periodic removal and activation and influence on teeth by forward and rotary forces. In intervals between periodic activations through repeated removal of forces developed by the device, teeth are influenced by forces of masticatory muscles.
US07878802B2	Orthodontic bracket with rotary ligating cover The present invention provides designs for a self-ligating orthodontic bracket. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket includes a mounting base for attachment to a tooth surface, an archwire slot, a rotary ligating cover permitting access to the archwire slot, and one or more locking features for holding the rotary ligating cover in a closed position. In one embodiment, the bracket includes one or more locking tabs on the rotary ligating cover aligned in coplanar relation to and cooperatively mating with cutout portions in the base. In one embodiment, the bracket includes at least one resilient retention mechanism which may include one or more relief channels permitting flexing of at least portions of the rotary ligating cover adjacent to the one or more locking tabs.
US07878797B1	Burner assembly with screen A burner assembly including a housing having an air inlet and a burner end, a motor, and an impeller mounted in the housing. The impeller is in fluid communication with the air inlet, in mechanical communication with the motor, and adapted to direct air from the air inlet towards the burner end of the housing. The burner assembly also includes at least one pre-mix gas injection nozzle mounted in the housing. Each of the at least one pre-mix gas injection nozzle has at least one orifice adapted to direct gaseous fuel into the housing. The burner assembly further includes a spin vane comprising at least one spin vane blade. The spin vane is mounted in the burner end of the housing and adapted to direct the flow of air in the burner end. The burner assembly still further includes a flattening screen located in the housing downstream from the impeller and an igniter mounted in the burner end of the housing. The igniter is adapted to ignite the air and fuel mixture in the burner end of the housing to produce a main flame.
US07878796B1	Colored flame candle A candle flame candle which is constructed of a center wick and a body of wax surrounding the center wick except a tip portion of wick wherein the wick is impregnated with at least one of a coloring agent and a color enhancer.
US07878795B2	Burner ignition controller A fuel burner controller and associated method is configured to establish fuel combustion in a fuel burner and to recycle a fuel combustion initiation process when a loss of combustion is detected and a call for heat is asserted. The controller is further configured to limit a number of recycles of the fuel combustion initiation process based on a time budget.
US07878794B2	Moulding device for the manufacture of thermoplastic containers by blow moulding or stretch-blow moulding Device for moulding thermoplastic containers by the blow moulding of preforms, comprising a mould (1) and a blowing assembly (2) with a nozzle (16) that can move axially between a raised position and a blowing position in fluid connection with a preform supported in the cavity of the mould. The half-moulds (3a, 3b) of the mould bear respective parts (Aa, Ab) together forming a male element (A) bordered by a wall (12) inclined towards the nozzle. The blowing assembly bears a female element (B) formed by a clamp (26) having an internal wall (30) complementary to the wall of the protuberance. In the blowing position, the cooperation between the male and female elements (A, B) locks the upper part of the closed mould.
US07878793B2	Apparatus and method for re-coloring, recovering, repairing and reformulating cosmetic lip products A lip product remixing kit contains tools that provide for recovering unused cosmetic lip material from applicator containers, and remixing and remolding the materials to form reconstituted cosmetic lip products. Using the kit, one may re-color their lip product by combining two or more lip products so as to customize the overall appearance (color and shape) and consistency of the product as desired by the user. The kit also provides tools needed to recover the unused lipstick material in the base of an applicator tube and to re-mold the material into a new stick that may be inserted into a new or used applicator tube. Other uses for the kit are to repair a broken lipstick and reformulate a lipstick into lip gloss. In a preferred embodiment, the kit includes spatulas, mixing/measuring containers, storage containers, lip product applicator tubes with stickers, instructions, a tube of clear gloss and a mold for forming reconstituted sticks of lipstick.
US07878792B2	Support arrangement for an extrusion tool and extrusion tool for moulding an object A support arrangement retains several calibration dies of a calibrating device disposed one after the other in the extrusion direction on a calibrating table of an extrusion plant. The support arrangement includes a support plate and a mounting plate separate from it. A joint arrangement is disposed between the support plate and the mounting plate and enables the support plate to be spatially displaced relative to the mounting plate.
US07878791B2	Imprint lithography A lithographic apparatus is disclosed that has a first substrate table arranged to hold a substrate and a second substrate table arranged to hold a substrate, an imprint template holder arranged to hold an imprint template, and an imprintable medium dispenser, wherein the first substrate table is moveable between a first position located at or adjacent to the imprintable medium dispenser, and a second position located at or adjacent to the imprint template holder, and the second substrate table is moveable between the first and second positions, such that the first and second substrate tables swap positions.
US07878788B2	Device for sheathing a strip of filaments, the device having symmetrical feed channels A technique for extruding a strip of rubber having filaments embedded therein. The rubber is channeled to an extrusion orifice for forming the strip. The outline of the extrusion orifice presents first and second orthogonal planes of symmetry that intersect at a straight line that is substantially parallel to a direction in which the strip is extruded through the extrusion orifice. The channeling of the rubber can be done with an upstream main channel having the first plane as a plane of symmetry, and extended by two downstream secondary channels that are substantially symmetrical to each other about the first plane. The main channel and the two downstream secondary channels also have the second plane as a plane of symmetry.
US07878787B2	Forming tool for making fibre objects The invention relates to a forming tool 1 for forming fiber products. The forming tool according to the invention comprises a permeable shell 3 with an internal cavity 5 that is filled with loose objects 6 such as spheres. The cavity 5 is enclosed by the shell 3 and a permeable cover 7.
US07878785B2	Vented mold and method for producing molded article The invention relates mold, particularly a mold for producing foam articles. In a preferred embodiment, the mold comprises a lid and a bowl releasingly engageable to define a mold cavity, the lid comprising: (i) a vent having a passageway for gas to escape from the mold cavity, and (ii) a plurality of grooves connected to the vent. The use of a plurality of grooves/slots in the mold cavity surface effectively acts as a siphon to draw gas away from the composition to be molded. The plurality of grooves/slots is connected to one or more vents which then allows for escape of the gas from the mold cavity to the exterior of the mold.
US07878780B2	Scroll compressor suction flow path and bearing arrangement features A scroll compressor includes an oil separation region generally formed between the motor housing and upper bearing member. A long labyrinth channel is provided with the suction refrigerant gas flow path being redirected to facilitate coalescing of oil mist droplets out of the gas stream. An integral deflector plate can be provided on the upper bearing member to interrupt flow and facilitate coalescing of oil. Additionally, offset arrangements between motor housing outlet ports and through ports through the bearing member are provided to facilitate redirection of the refrigerant flow that can further achieve oil separation.
US07878777B2	Scroll compressor having grooved thrust bearing A scroll compressor is disclosed. A plurality of grooves (85) communicating with each other are formed on a sliding surface of a thrust bearing (53) subjected to the axial force received by a movable scroll (32). The areas surrounded by the plurality of the grooves (85) make up a plurality of insular pressure receiving portions (83) independent of each other. The pressure receiving portions (83) represent at least one half of the area of the sliding surface.
US07878769B1	Automatic transmission pump-priming device A pump-priming device configured to fit within the pump inlet circuit formed in the valve body of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present pump priming device comprises a fluid-conducting structure having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, which is fabricated from sheet metal or flexible tubing and is designed to be installed within the original equipment manufacture valve body as a drop-in-place component. The present pump priming device diverts the flow of automatic transmission fluid (i.e. regulator exhaust fluid) released by the pressure regulator valve, which under normal operating conditions would flow from the pressure regulator valve back to the sump, and to redirect such flow of regulator exhaust fluid back to the pump inlet. Such redirection of regulator exhaust fluid pressurizes the pump inlet circuit and raises the output of the pump to provide adequate transmission fluid flow within the hydraulic system at low engine speeds.
US07878766B2	Pump and pump control circuit apparatus and method A method and apparatus for a pump and a pump control system. The apparatus includes pistons integrally formed in a diaphragm and coupled to the diaphragm by convolutes. The convolutes have a bottom surface angled with respect to a top surface of the pistons. The apparatus also includes an outlet port positioned tangentially with respect to the perimeter of an outlet chamber. The apparatus further includes a non-mechanical pressure sensor and a temperature sensor coupled to a pump control system. For the method of the invention, the microcontroller provides a pulse-width modulation control signal to an output power stage in order to selectively control the power provided to the pump. The control signal is based on the pressure within the pump, the current being provided to the pump, the voltage level of the battery, and the temperature of the pump.
US07878764B2	Adjustable fan and method An adjustable fan includes a hub having a receiving surface and a fan blade having a base abutting the receiving surface of the hub. A plurality of keyways may be positioned in at least one of the receiving surface and the base. A key may extend between the base and the receiving surface and into at least one of the plurality of keyways in order to retain the fan blade in a desired orientation relative to the hub.
US07878759B2	Mitigation of unsteady peak fan blade and disc stresses in turbofan engines through the use of flow control devices to stabilize boundary layer characteristics Method and apparatus for providing a turbofan blade 40 adapted to initiate and control a boundary layer transition at a side surface of the blade 40 during operation as a component in a turbofan assembly 35. The turbofan blade 40 includes a leading edge 55, a trailing edge 58, and two side surfaces including a high-pressure side surface 49 and a low-pressure side surface 52. At least one of the two side surfaces has an essentially smooth surface portion 61 located between the leading and trailing edges, and the essentially smooth surface portion is interrupted by a surface deviation 64. The surface deviation is configured to fix a positionally unstable laminar to turbulent boundary layer transition 24 at a location toward the trailing edge from the surface deviation during operation of the turbofan blade in the turbofan assembly. In this manner, fatigue inducing and/or structurally damaging unsteady aerodynamic forces experienced upon the blade and/or fan disc during operation are controlled, and the resultant fluctuating fan blade and disc peak stresses are mitigated.
US07878756B2	Systems and methods for controlling seal clearance in a turbine engine In one embodiment, a method for controlling seal clearance in a turbine engine includes positioning a seal ring within a turbine engine, the seal ring having an inner annular surface and an outer annular surface, the inner annular surface and the outer annular surface both being circular but non-concentric, rotating the seal ring within the engine until the seal ring is placed in an aligned orientation at which a center of a circle that defines the inner annular surface coincides with a centerline of the engine, and securing the seal ring while in the aligned orientation.
US07878754B2	Storage system for glass offcut The storage system is for use next to a glass processing line having a loading table, a glass cutting table and a breakout table. The storage system comprises a first tilt table and a second tilt table with an intermediary conveyor extending between them. A storage rack and a laterally-movable conveyor are positioned at either ends of the storage system. The storage rack comprises a plurality of parallel storage slots. The storage slots store the glass offcuts at a substantially vertical position of less than 90 degrees with reference to the horizontal. A method of storing a glass offcut and a method of recycling glass offcuts are also disclosed. The storage system and methods allow to easily store and retrieve glass offcuts.
US07878753B2	Vehicle body shell rotation apparatus A rotatable apparatus for repairing and restoring vehicle body shells including a pair of vertically positioned hoops placed in a parallel relation mounted to the body shell for rotation about a horizontal axis. A plurality of connecting members attached in a spoke-like manner to support the body shell. A pair of generally stationary roller-bases supports the hoop assembly and facilitates rotation. The roller-bases include foot-operated brakes to prevent rotation of the assembly. A jacking-arm device facilitates the transfer of the assembly from the roller-bases to the removably connected upright rolling supports for traversing an area.
US07878750B2	Rotatable and articulated material handling apparatus A material handling apparatus for mounting on a support structure. The material handling apparatus comprises a telescopic riser portion coupled to the support structure. A telescopic boom portion is coupled to the riser portion. A telescopic jib portion is coupled to the riser portion. A hook is coupled to the jib portion. A control apparatus is coupled to each of the riser, boom, and jib portions. Wherein, each of the telescopic portions can be independently, selectively moved in a push-pull mode to manipulate material.
US07878748B2	Threaded fasteners with ribbed shanks A metal bolt or cap screw fastener has a head, a shank of reduced cross section and a threaded portion, which fastener is configured to be manufactured using cold forming automatic bolt making machines of concurrent configuration. The reduced cross section shank provides additional elastic stretch and reduces stress throughout the fastener upon application of external joint parting loads, as compared to conventional fasteners with nominal diameter shanks. The inventive fastener has at least three straight longitudinal ribs along the length of the reduced cross section shank. The longitudinal ribs extend laterally outward from the surface of the shank a distance substantially corresponding to the fastener nominal diameter so as to center the fastener within round holes. During cold forming, the fastener shank diameter is made to the same or somewhat larger diameter than the not yet threaded part of the bolt.
US07878746B2	Functional element, assembling component consisting of the functional element combined with a metal sheet, method for producing the assembly component and method for producing the functional element The invention relates to a functional element (10) comprising a longitudinal axis (14), a body part (16), a hollow pressed part (18), an annular supporting surface (20) which is arranged on the body part, substantially extended in a perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal axis and is radially displaced away from the pressed part and an annular groove (21) which axially extends and is embodied in the body part radially inside the supporting surface. Locking ribs (26) are preferably provided and at least partly cross the annular groove and the free end (28) of the pressed part is provided with a annular cutting edge (30). The inventive functional element is characterised in that an annular bulge (32) is embodied on the pressed part between the annular supporting surface and the free end of the pressed part and an annular cavity (34) is embodied around said pressed part between the bulge and the front free end thereof. An assembling component consisting of the functional element combined with a metal sheet, a method for producing the assembling component and a method for producing the functional element are also disclosed.
US07878743B2	Vehicle article carrier having cooperative tie-down and load bar assemblies A vehicle article carrier system employing a pair of support rails adapted to be secured to the sidewalls of a bed of a pick-up truck. Attached to the sidewalls are a pair of tie-down assemblies that can be fixedly secured at various points along each of the support rails. A load bar assembly is also included that can be quickly and easily attached to and detached from the tie-down assemblies. When the load bar is not in use, the tie-down assemblies can be used in connection with external bungee cords, nylon straps or other fastening implements to help restrain articles within the bed of the vehicle.
US07878739B2	Cubic boron nitride radius end mill A cubic boron nitride radius end mill includes a sintered cubic boron nitride compact bonded to an end of a main body, and a cutting edge provided on the sintered cubic boron nitride compact. The wedge angle θt of the cutting edge is constant over the entire region of the cutting edge. A negative rake face is disposed on a face so as to extend over the entire region of the cutting edge, and the rake angle θn of the negative rake face satisfies the relationship −30°≦θn≦−50°. A joint cutting edge is disposed between an end cutting edge and a radius cutting edge in the cutting edge, the joint cutting edge having a concave angle γ0 which is smaller than the concave angle γ1 of the end cutting edge and which satisfies the relationship 0.5°≦γ0≦2°.
US07878736B2	Apparatus for transferring particles Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A container within the second zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and provides more consistent particle flows.
US07878735B2	Marine pipelay system and method The marine pipelaying system for vertical or near vertical laying of an offshore pipeline (20) includes a main supporting structure (5); a pipe connecting station (30), wherein a pipe section (21) is connected to an uppermost end (20a) of a previously launched pipeline; a static clamp (35) adapted for releasably securing the uppermost end of the previously launched pipeline, wherein the static clamp is adapted to support the weight of the<->previously launched pipeline; a mobile clamp (40) adapted for releasably securing the previously launched pipeline at a position below the static clamp, wherein the mobile clamp is adapted to support the weight of the offshore pipeline as the offshore pipeline is released from the static clamp; and a mobile clamp hoist (10) connected to the mobile clamp.
US07878733B2	Erosion protection device An erosion protection device is described which is made of two or more components. Each component has an edge, surfaces on respective sides of the edge and at least one joining portion (a joining portion of a component comprises a recess in the edge and receiving portions on respective sides of the edge). Each recess has a base which is indented relative to the edge, and sidewalls which diverge as they extend from the base out to the edge. The receiving portions diverge relative to each other with the same slope as the sidewalls as they extend from adjacent the base of the recess away from the edge towards the respective surfaces. When joining two components together, a bonding medium is applied to the joining portion on one or both components. The joining portions are then brought together such that the space between the sidewalls and receiving portions of one component and the receiving portions and sidewalls respectively of the other component diminishes thereby squeezing the bonding medium therebetween as the components come together.
US07878732B2	Systems and methods for providing a watercraft docking device Systems and methods for providing a docking device for watercrafts. An apparatus that is configured to receive a watercraft and includes a fold down anchor on one end of a frame for the purpose of anchoring the apparatus onto the shore, using the weight of the watercraft. Extendable arms on each side of the frame, opposite the anchor, fold out to stabilize the apparatus on the shore. The apparatus further includes a receiving system that includes one or more rollers. Where four rollers are used, a first set of two rollers sit above the anchor to guide the watercraft onto the apparatus while gliding onto the shore. A second set of two rollers are located on the top of the mounting device to hold the hull in place while docked.
US07878731B2	Method of stabilizing road beds A composition and method of use of said composition for soil stabilization is disclosed. The composition comprises a solution of soluble sodium silicate applied at the disclosed application rate to improve the load bearing capacity for a roadway. The method of the invention addresses the application of the disclosed composition to maximize stabilization of road beds.
US07878729B2	Intermediate connector for a ring binder mechanism A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages includes an elongate plate supporting two hinge plates for pivoting movement relative to the elongate plate. Ring members move with the pivoting movement of the hinge plates between a closed position for retaining loose-leaf pages on the mechanism and an open position for adding or removing pages from the mechanism. An actuating lever is mounted on the elongate plate for moving the ring members between their closed and open positions and for moving a travel bar in translation lengthwise of the elongate plate. A connector connects the lever to the travel bar so that the pivoting movement of the lever causes the translational movement of the travel bar. The connector is shaped to transfer force from the lever to the travel bar around a mounting post.
US07878727B2	Dispenser cap and dispenser A dispenser cap is threaded onto a container that may hold liquids of varying viscosity. The dispenser cap has a cover that can be flipped open and closed. Integral with this cover is a plurality of bristles that can be used to scrub various surfaces.
US07878723B2	Printing apparatus and method of controlling transport of print media for continuous printing A printing apparatus, including a first roller and a second roller, adapted to transport a plurality of print media on a tray in a transport direction, the second roller disposed at a downstream side, the first roller disposed at an upstream side, includes: a first calculator, operable to calculate a first transport amount for the first roller; a second calculator, operable to calculate, based on the first transport amount, a second transport amount for the second roller, the second transport amount being greater than the first transport amount; a first controller, operable to drive a first motor that drives the first roller and to stop the first motor such that the first roller stops with the first transport amount; and a second controller, operable to drive a second motor that drives the second roller when the first controller drives the first motor and to stop the second motor such that the second roller stops with the second transport amount.
US07878717B2	Optical waveguide plug part The invention relates to an optical waveguide plug part of an optical waveguide plug connector for an optical waveguide, which has a fiber and a sheath, with a contact carrier for receiving the optical waveguide and at least one clamping part for securing the optical waveguide in the contact carrier, wherein the clamping part as a first clamping section for clamping the sheath of the optical waveguide and a second clamping section for clamping the fiber of the optical waveguide.
US07878714B2	Clutch release bearing device Clutch release bearing device, including an operating element, a rolling bearing furnished with rolling elements, with a non-rotating ring provided with a radial portion facing inwards and having a central opening, and with a rotating ring, the said rolling bearing being mounted on the operating element with which it may move axially, and a self-alignment sleeve placed between the non-rotating ring and the operating element and provided with a plurality of elastic ribs facing inwards.
US07878712B2	Optical fiber, optical fiber ribbon, and optical interconnection system An optical fiber has a refractive index profile approximated by n(r)=n1[1-2(Δ1/100)(r/a)^α]1/2 when 0
US07878707B2	System and method for monitoring environmental conditions A system and method are disclosed for monitoring environmental conditions of a perishable product. The system includes an environmental sensor configured to sense one or more environmental conditions of the perishable product and an analog integrator in communication with the environmental sensor, the analog integrator being formed on a polymer substrate and including one or more tunable components. The system also includes a comparator in communication with the analog integrator and configured to change state when an output of the analog integrator reaches a selected threshold level, and a control module in communication with the comparator and the analog integrator. The control module is configured to control the operation of the analog integrator based on an output of the comparator.
US07878705B2	Static mixing element and method of mixing a drilling liquid Static mixer element for homogenizing media and methods of mixing a drilling liquid are disclosed. The static mixer includes a housing and a deflection surface arranged within the housing at a selected angle with respect to the flow direction.
US07878697B2	High power LED lamp with heat dissipation enhancement A high power LED lamp comprises a container having a cavity to fill with a liquid, a light source module for providing a high power LED source light to penetrate through the liquid, and an axial thermal conductor having a first portion nearby the light source module and a second portion extending in the liquid along an axial direction of the cavity to far away from the light source module to evenly transfer heat from the light source module through the liquid to the container.
US07878688B2	Lamp assembly The invention relates to a lamp assembly (1) for illuminating a surface (S) comprising a chamber (3) accommodating a plurality of light-emitting diodes (11R, 11G, 11B) capable of emitting visible light. The lamp assembly comprises diffusing means (12) capable of diffusing said visible light of said light-emitting diodes to produce diffuse light (D), and said chamber further accommodates collimation means (5) arranged to collimate at least a portion of said diffused light for illuminating said surface. The lamp assembly is especially suitable for ambiance and atmosphere lighting applications.
US07878685B2	Formed lighting fixtures An improved formed lighting fixture having a frame, a plurality of bulbs, and a refracting layer, in which the frame is formed by gathering a plurality of rods and profiled in a specific contour, the bulbs are installed on the frame to serve as lighting ornaments, and the rod frame is coated with a refracting layer of a transparent material. A formed lighting fixture so constructed can offer a dazzling effect to thereby reduce bulb amount and facilitate production.
US07878684B2	Retractable lighting system A lighting system includes a rod rotatably mounted between a first support and a second support, and a light cord attached to the rod, the light cord including a plurality of light strings having a first end attached to the light cord and a second end free from the light cord. Each light string includes a plurality of lights. Each of the plurality of light strings have a use position in which the second end dangles from the rod and a stowed position in which each of the plurality of light strings are substantially wrapped around the rod. The lighting system further includes an activating mechanism for rotating the rod to transfer the plurality of light strings between the use position and the stowed position.
US07878682B2	Mixed light apparatus A mixed light apparatus for mixing light emitted from a first light source and a second light source includes a body, a first light reflecting element, a second light reflecting element and a field lens. The body has a light emitting surface. A first reflecting element extends from the light emitting surface. The first light reflecting element has a first emanating point and a first focal point. The first light source is disposed at the first focal point. A second light reflecting element extends from the light emitting surface. The second light reflecting element has a second emanating point and a second focal point. The second light source is disposed at the second focal point. The first emanating point and the second emanating point overlap at the light emitting surface. The field lens is disposed on the light emitting surface and corresponds to the first and second emanating points.
US07878680B2	Light source module, light source apparatus and liquid crystal display A light source module includes a light emitting diode and a wiring board. The light emitting diode (LED) chip group includes LED chips for red, green and blue colors. A plurality of the LED chip groups are mounted on the wiring board. A surface on one side of the wiring board is a device forming surface including the plurality of the LED chip groups, an external connecting terminal for leading out electrodes, and a wiring pattern for electrical connection between the LED chip groups and the external connecting terminal. A surface on the other side of the wiring board is a heat radiating surface which is thermally connected to the device forming surface and operative to radiate heat generated at the device forming surface to the exterior.
US07878675B2	Fashion illumination system A fashion apparel accessory, such as a garment, having one or more concealed light sources positioned so as to illuminate the skin of the wearer, as opposed to focusing attention on the light sources themselves. A particular embodiment includes concealed light sources proximate to a low-cut neckline of a female's garment, such as brassiere, shirt, or item of lingerie, with the light sources being oriented so as direct illumination across the wearer's chest area in an alluring way, potentially offering multiple color, intensity, direction/control options as well as multiple deployment techniques/devices. A portable power supply is integrated with the garment or accessory and electrically connected to the light sources.
US07878673B2	Spa speaker light A spa speaker mounting and illumination receptacle includes a light transmitting circular flange and a circular light transmitting sidewall perpendicularly disposed to and supporting the flange, the sidewall including at least a first lamp receptacle and at least a first tapered portion, the first lamp receptacle being disposed to direct illumination from a lamp disposed therein into said first tapered portion, the first tapered portion being tapered to enhance the uniformity of distribution of illumination around the flange.
US07878666B2	Multi-function device with pivoting display An image recording apparatus includes an apparatus body, a recording section for forming an image, a display panel assuming upright and laying posture with respect to the apparatus body by pivoting on a predetermined axis, and a covering member having a first end and a second end. The first end is mounted pivotably on one of the apparatus body and the back surface of the display panel. The second end engages slidably with the other of the apparatus body and the back surface of the display panel. Accordingly, the covering member can be accommodated substantially in parallel with the back surface of the display panel. As a result, when the display panel is laid down, it is low in height, thereby making the image recording apparatus to be compact.
US07878662B2	X-prism for use in projector An x-prism provides four triangular prisms each of which includes a hypotenuse side, a first side surface adjoining the hypotenuse side surface, a second side surface perpendicular to the first side surface, a first end surface and an opposite second end surface, the first and second end surfaces being at opposite sides of each of the triangular prisms, the triangular prisms being attached to each other with the hypotenuse side surfaces thereof facing outward. The four triangular prisms includes at least two triangular prisms with the first end surfaces thereof being coplanar with each other, and at least one triangular prism with the first end surface thereof being non-coplanar with the first end surfaces of the other triangular prisms.
US07878658B2	Distortion and polarization alteration in MEMS based projectors or the like Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a prism capable of being utilized in a scanned beam projector comprises a first window disposed on a first surface through which the beam is capable of passing to impinge upon a scan engine at an angle of incidence off axis from an axis normal to a plane of the scan engine, and a second window disposed on a second surface through which the beam is capable of passing. The first surface of the prism is disposed at a non-parallel angle with respect to the second surface to reduce distortion of the scan pattern or image from the scan engine. The prism may further comprise one or more internal surfaces capable of reflecting the beam onto the scan engine off axis, where such reflecting may impart a desired polarization state to the beam reflected onto the scan engine.
US07878655B2	Systems and methods for implanting and examining intraocular lens Systems and methods for designing and implanting a customized intra-ocular lens (IOL) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes an eye analysis module that analyzes a patient's eye and generates biometric information relating to the eye. The system also includes eye modeling and optimization modules to generate an optimized IOL model based upon the biometric information and other inputted parameters representative of patient preferences. The system further includes a manufacturing module configured manufacture the customized IOL based on the optimized IOL model. In addition, the system can include an intra-operative real time analyzer configured to measure and display topography and aberrometry information related to a patient's eye for assisting in proper implantation of the IOL.
US07878653B2	Fundus camera A fundus camera capable of favorably photographing a fundus of an examinee's eye comprises a fundus photographing optical system comprising a visible light source which emits illumination light onto the fundus, a focusing lens movable in an optical axis direction thereof, and a fundus image pickup element, an optical system comprising a first photodetector, for detecting a focus state of the photographing optical system with respect to the fundus, a blink sensor which comprises a second photodetector and detects a blink of the eye based on a photo-receiving signal from the second photodetector, and a control unit arranged to suspend photographing upon input of a predetermined signal until the blink is detected by the sensor, and control the light source to emit the light when a predetermined period of time has passed since the blink is detected by the sensor in order to execute the photographing.
US07878635B2	Method of minimizing nozzle drooling during printhead priming A method of priming a printhead whilst minimizing nozzle drooling, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a printhead comprising: an ink distribution manifold having an ink inlet and an ink outlet; and one or more printhead integrated circuits mounted on the manifold, each printhead integrated circuit comprising a plurality of nozzles; (ii) providing an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet; and (iii) applying a positive pressure at the ink inlet whilst simultaneously applying a negative pressure at the ink outlet so as to draw ink through the manifold and prime the printhead whilst minimizing nozzle drooling.
US07878634B2	Waste ink collection system An ink collection system includes at least one target surface and a fluid supply system in communication with the at least one target surface. The fluid supply system is configured to create a film of fluid across at least a portion of the at least one target surface, and wherein the film of fluid flushes away ink that impinges on the at least one target surface.
US07878632B2	Liquid ejection apparatus and liquid supply method The liquid ejection apparatus has: a head which ejects liquid; a carriage which conveys the head; a sub tank which is mounted on the carriage, accommodates the liquid to be supplied to the head, and has an elastic film deforming elastically in accordance with supply of the liquid to the head; a liquid flow channel opening and closing valve which opens and closes a first liquid flow channel between the head and the sub tank; a main tank which stores the liquid to be supplied to the sub tank; a liquid supply coupling section which couples a second liquid flow channel connected to the main tank, to the sub tank, in a state where the carriage is located in a predetermined home position; and an elastic film movement device which moves the elastic film in a direction which causes the elastic film to recover from elastic deformation to assist deformation recovery of the elastic film of the sub tank, in a state where the first liquid flow channel is closed by means of the liquid flow channel opening and closing valve and the second liquid flow channel is coupled to the sub tank by means of the liquid supply coupling section.
US07878630B2	Printhead assembly for inkjet printer A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer includes an elongate attachment member for attachment to a main body of the printer and defining a number of ink feed tubes extending through the attachment member to be in fluid communication with an ink supply from the main body. An elongate ink channel assembly is mounted longitudinally on the attachment member and defines a number of longitudinally extending ink channels in fluid communication with respective feed tubes. The ink channels include a central ink channel and at least one ink channel on each side of the central ink channel. A series of elongate printhead integrated circuits is mounted serially along the ink channel member and in substantial alignment with the central ink channel. The printhead integrated circuits define longitudinally extending rows of ink inlets and the ink channel assembly defines a plurality of ink openings in fluid communication with the ink inlets and the ink channels.
US07878628B2	Printer with reduced co-efficient of static friction nozzle plate An inkjet printer with a nozzle plate that has an exterior surface with formations for reducing its co-efficient of static friction. By reducing the co-efficient of static friction, there is less likelihood that paper dust or other contaminants will clog the nozzles in the nozzle plate. Static friction, or “stiction” as it has become known, allows dust particles to “stick” to nozzle plates and thereby clog nozzles. By patterning the exterior of the nozzle plate with raised formations, dust particles can only contact the outer extremities of each formation. This reduces friction between the particles and the nozzle plate so that any particles that contact the plate are less likely to attach, and if they do attach, they are more likely to be removed by printhead maintenance cleaning cycles.
US07878627B2	Printhead assembly having printhead recessed in channel body The present invention relates to a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly comprises an ink supply module for supplying at least one ink. There is also provided a body defining at least one ink channel. In use, the body interfaces with the ink supply module so that a respective ink is supplied from the ink supply module to a corresponding channel. The printhead assembly also comprises a printhead which, in turn, comprises at least one set of ink inlets. In use, the printhead interfaces with the body so that a respective ink is supplied from a respective channel to a corresponding set of ink inlets. A printing device comprising the printhead assembly is also provided.
US07878625B2	Double shuttle configuration for digital printers A printhead positioning system is provided wherein the shuttle assembly is split up in a printing shuttle, having a high accuracy positioning capability and a utility shuttle needing only a low accuracy positioning system. Due to this split-up the mass of components which have to be positioned accurately is greatly reduced and therefore making it easier to position the lighter load accurately and allowing for use of cheaper drive systems while maintaining the high accuracy in printing.
US07878623B2	Inkjet recording apparatus with multiple capping positions An inkjet recording apparatus includes a carriage on which first and second heads are mounted, a first cap configured to cap the first head, and a second cap configured to cap the second head. A distance from the first cap to the first head is shorter than a distance from the second cap to the second head. The carriage stops at a first capping position where capping is performed only with the first cap and a second capping position where capping is performed with both the first cap and the second cap.
US07878621B2	Ink-jet printer and method of sucking ink from air-discharge cap of ink-jet printer An ink-jet printer including a carriage carrying recording heads, air collecting chambers, and discharging passages communicating with the respective air collecting chambers; opening and closing valves provided in the respective discharging passages; opening and closing bars which open and close the respective valves; an air discharge cap which has a bottom wall, a side wall, and a suction hole, wherein an upper end surface of the side wall is closely contactable with a lower surface of the carriage to cover respective openings of the discharging passages; a suction device which sucks air through the suction hole; and an air-flow generating device which causes an air flow inlet to open at a position distant from the suction hole, so that when air is sucked through the suction hole, the air flows from the air flow inlet toward the suction hole. An ink sucking method is also provided.
US07878618B2	Protector for printhead capper A protector for a printhead capper is provided. The capper has a capping member configured to cap a printhead, a carrier carrying the capping member, and an actuator for moving the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is spaced from the printhead and a second position at which the capping member caps the printhead. The protector has a cover member arranged to be engaged by the capping member when the capping member is in the first position.
US07878617B2	Registration system for a web printer An apparatus prints on a continuous web moving in a process direction. A fiducial marker prints on a portion of the web a repeating pattern of fiducial marks at a predetermined spacing along the process direction. At least two printing stations are operatively disposed downstream of the fiducial marker, each printing station including a printhead for placing marking material suitable for a partial image on the web. A photosensor reads a fiducial mark on the web moving relative to the printing station.
US07878615B2	System and method for detecting defective ink jet nozzles A system for detecting failures in a sensitive region of an inkjet printhead is described. The system includes an inkjet printer that uses a printhead for printing an image on a substrate. The image has a sensitive portion that is more sensitive to printing failures than the rest of the image. The printhead includes a first portion that prints an area of the substrate corresponding to the sensitive portion of the image. A radiant energy source is used with a photodetector located downstream from the printhead to detect background florescence from the substrate in the area of the substrate corresponding to the sensitive portion of the image that should be quenched by printing of the image. If background fluorescence is detected, a failure is indicated.
US07878611B2	Drive device of liquid ejection head and liquid ejection apparatus A drive device drives a liquid ejection head that ejects recording liquid droplets from nozzles as a result of drive signal voltages being applied to drive elements. The drive device includes a transfer unit that transfers and outputs printing data and an output unit that outputs the result of a comparison where the plural printing data are compared. A liquid ejection apparatus is disclosed with the liquid ejection head drive device.
US07878609B2	Mounting structure, module, and liquid container The mounting structure for mounting the piezo-electric device (106) used to detect the consumption condition of the liquid in the liquid container (1) to the liquid container (1), having the receiving portion (363) to which the piezo-electric device (106) is to be mounted and the mount portion (363) to be mounted to the liquid container (1). The mounting structure can appropriately mount a piezo-electric device (106) for detecting the consumption condition of a liquid in a liquid container (1) to the liquid container (1).
US07878608B2	Liquid discharge apparatus and maintenance method for liquid discharge apparatus A liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge head which discharges a liquid from a discharge port onto a recording medium to form an image, a sub tank which is movable together with the discharge head and which stores the liquid to be supplied to the discharge head, a liquid supplement section which supplements the sub tank with the liquid, a purge section which performs a purge operation in which the liquid in the sub tank is pressurized to be fed to the discharge head, and the liquid in the discharge head is forcibly discharged from the discharge ports, a judging mechanism which judges whether or not an amount of the liquid in the sub tank is not more than a predetermined amount V1, and a controller which controls the liquid supplement section and the purge section.
US07878607B2	Ball bearing slide assembly A ball bearing slide assembly includes a first slide, a second slide, a slide-aiding member, and a positioning member. The first slide is slidably received in the second slide. The slide-aiding member is slidably received between the first and second slides, and comprises a plurality of ball bearings slidably sandwiched between the first and second slides. The slide-aiding member defines a locking hole. The positioning member is mounted to the second slide and forms a resilient cantilever. A positioning block is formed on the resilient cantilever and engages in the locking hole of the slide-aiding member for temporarily locking the slide-aiding member to the second slide, such that the first slide is slidable inward without pushing the slide-aiding member inward. The first slide deforms the cantilever to disengage the positioning block from the locking hole, such that the slide-aiding member is slidable relative to the first and second slides.
US07878605B2	Brake control apparatus for vehicle A brake apparatus for a vehicle generally sets an upper limit value of regenerative braking force to the maximum value of the regenerative braking force which can be generated at the present. In the case of a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the total braking force, the sum of front-wheel braking force (front-wheel hydraulic braking force+regenerative braking force) and rear-wheel braking force (rear-wheel hydraulic braking force), is rendered coincident with a target braking force corresponding to a brake pedal depressing force, and the regenerative braking force is set to a largest possible value equal to or less than the upper limit value. As a result, the regenerative braking force can be larger than front-wheel-side target distribution braking force. The upper limit value is decreased from the maximum value by an amount corresponding to the degree of easiness of occurrence of a locking tendency at the driven wheels (front wheels).
US07878601B2	Tire wheel set and vehicle having the same A tire wheel set comprising a front wheel to be attached to a front axle of a vehicle, and a rear wheel to be attached to a rear axle thereof. The front wheel is greater in rigidity than the rear wheel.
US07878598B2	Base plate for a chair A flexible base board for a chair, easily bends into a desirable shape. The base board fits more appropriately to the body of the person seated on the chair following the shape of the person's body without pressing the back, etc., thereby providing the person with good sitting comfort. The flexible base board is used for the backrest, etc. of a chair. The base board has an upper shell (4), an intermediate shell (5), and a lower shell (6). A large number of holes (14) having substantially the same size are substantially uniformly formed in the entire shell (6). Also, a large number of holes (15) are formed in the entire surface of the intermediate shell (5), and each hole (15) has a greater transverse width than a hole (14) in the upper shell (4) and the lower shell (6).
US07878594B2	Seat reclining device The object is to provide a reclining device for a seat such as an automotive seat including a differential transmission mechanism (Taumel mechanism) which makes it possible to eliminate precision machining of the inner surface of an external gear into which a slide bearing is pressed, in which the freedom of design of the reclining device is not restricted by the standards of a bearing bush, and which can be manufactured at a low cost. The reclining device includes a differential transmission mechanism for adjusting the opening angle of a hinge through which the seating portion and the backrest portion of the seat are coupled together. The differential transmission mechanism includes an internal gear and an external gear having a slightly smaller number of teeth than the internal gear and meshing with the internal gear. An arcuate gap is defined between a shaft hole of the external gear and a small-diameter portion of a cam integral with a shaft of the internal gear. A pair of wedge-shaped pieces and are received in the arcuate gap such that their narrow ends and face in opposite directions to each other. At least the outer surfaces and of the wedge-shaped pieces and, which serve as frictional contact surfaces when the wedge-shaped pieces and are pushed by the cam integral with the shaft of the internal gear and slide in the arcuate gap, are each made of a low-friction sliding material.
US07878593B2	Anti back drive device for a seat recliner An anti back drive device for releasably securing a seat back with respect to a seat cushion. This device includes an upper gear plate affixed to the seat back and defines gear teeth. A lower gear plate is secured to a seat bottom and defines gear teeth that cooperate with the upper plate gear teeth. The upper gear plate is able to rotate about an axis of rotation that is displaced from an axis associated with the lower gear plate. Wedges are mounted in relation to the upper gear plate. A clutch spring is located within the lower gear plate so that an outside surface of the clutch spring may engage the lower gear plate. A wedge spring engages the wedges that biases them to engage the clutch spring. A driver extends between the lower gear plate, the clutch spring, the wedge spring, and the upper gear plate. Upon rotation of the driver, the clutch spring and the one or more wedges are arcuately displaced and lock the seat back in position.
US07878590B1	Vertebral column support for mesh back chairs A chair includes a seat section, a back section and a spine support member. The back section includes a frame having an upper side, a lower side and lateral sides which form an opening, the lower side being in closer proximity to the seat section than the upper side. The back section further includes a material portion attached to the frame which extends across the opening. The back section has a front side and a back side with the front side in closer proximity to the seat section than the back side. The spine support member is attached to the back side of the back section and positioned against a rear of the material portion, the spine support member having an elongated shape with a major axis intersecting the upper and lower sides of the frame.
US07878580B2	Roof assembly for a vehicle The roof assembly includes guide rails extending parallel and at a distance from each other. The guide rails each include a guide groove being defined between an upper and lower flange of the guide rails. The guide grooves open in a direction towards each other, and further comprise at least one closure panel, in particular a sunshade panel, having two opposite sides substantially parallel to the guide rails and each including at least two laterally projecting tabs for engagement into the respective guide groove. At least one of said lower and upper flanges of each guide rail has at least one cut-out for allowing the tabs of the closure panel to enter the guide groove.
US07878579B2	Vehicle front end assembly and method A front end assembly of a vehicle can include a frame member, a headlight assembly, a fender panel, and a stay. The fender panel includes a nose extending along and above the headlight assembly. The stay is secured to the frame member and includes an abutment surface spaced from an inner surface of the fender nose by a gap. The stay transfers an external force applied to the fender nose to the frame member when the nose is deflected into contact with the stay to limit deflection of the fender nose.
US07878578B2	Vehicle body front part structure A vehicle body front part structure includes a hood having a hood outer panel and a hood inner panel, and an impact absorber. The hood is openably and closably provided on an upper portion of a vehicle body constituent member. The impact absorber is interposed between the hood and the vehicle body constituent member and abuts against the vehicle body constituent member when the hood is closed. The impact absorber is mounted on the hood inner panel such that an end of the impact absorber projects toward the hood outer panel. The impact absorber includes upper and lower elastic portions. An impact inputted from the hood outer panel is absorbed such that the hood outer panel secondarily collides against the upper elastic portion. An impact caused when the hood is closed is absorbed such that the lower elastic portion abuts against the vehicle body constituent member.
US07878577B2	Rear air guiding device for a motor vehicle A rear air guiding device is disposed in a region of a roof rear edge on a tailgate provided with a rear window. An upper approach flow surface of the air guiding device forms an extension of the roof upper side mounted in front thereof, and the air guiding device protrudes over an upper border region of the rear window. In order to reduce the outlay on components and installation and also the weight of the air guiding device, it is provided that the latter is composed of a front part which is integrated in the tailgate and of a rear part which adjoins the front part such that their outer skins are flush and is connected to the front part.
US07878575B1	Trailer with sliding safety door A livestock trailer with sliding safety door having a trailer with a two section sliding door mounted at the rear and hung from a slidable rail assembly at the top and retained by a guide at the bottom wherein the guides are steel reinforced. The sliding safety door, being secured at top and bottom, facilitates the loading and unloading of livestock by minimizing injuries sustained from kicking the door and eliminating injuries sustained when utilizing prior art swinging door type livestock trailers. The sliding door mechanism further eliminates the need to reposition the trailer while docking to a loading ramp so as to provide clearance to operate the door.
US07878572B2	Tonneau cover The invention belongs to the field of automobile parts, in particular, to a tonneau cover installed on the notchback (pickup) for covering and closing the rear truck bed. The tonneau covers of current vehicles are either too thick or heavy so it influences the flexibility of opening and closing and its requirements to the actuating mechanism are high; its thickness is large; and it occupies more of the already limited room of rear truck bed. This invention provides a truck bed back cover which occupies less rear truck bed room and is strong in strength, flexible in opening and closing and excellent in operating performance. It consists of the cover plate body which matches with the rear truck bed and is made of base materials. The base material is glass fiber reinforced polyurethane. The cover plate body is provided with an integral structure framework. The framework makes the cover plate body form protruding arises on the surface of the side facing to the truck bed. Taking the built-in integral structure framework as support, the tonneau cover is cast with glass fiber reinforced polyurethane. It has enough strength and is small in size and light in weight, thus it occupies a small room of the rear truck bed. Since it is light in weight, the opening and closing of cover plate is flexible and the operation is convenient.
US07878570B2	Passenger's weight measurement device for vehicle seat A passenger weight measurement device for a vehicle seat which can be assembled to prevent the occurrence of the initial deformation and the initial load. The passenger weight measurement device 1 comprising a pair of left and right fixed lower rails 3 fixed on the floor of a vehicle, a pair of movable upper rails 4 disposed to be movable in a front-and-rear direction on each of the fixed lower rails 3, load sensors 50 and 60 fixed on an upper surface of the left movable upper rail 4, load sensors 70 and 80 mounted on the movable upper rail 4 to be movable in a left-and-right direction with respect to the right movable upper rail 4, and a rectangular frame 110 mounted on the load sensors 50, 60, 70, and 80.
US07878566B2	Audio component mounting system A mounting system for motor vehicle audio components is described. The mounting system comprises a chassis and at least one vibration damping element. The vibration damping element is mounted within the chassis in a position to support and secure an audio component. The vibration damping element has a slot receiving a fastener that is connected to the audio component. The fastener secures the audio component in a first position and translates along the fastener slot under a predefined load.
US07878561B2	Seal device A seal device (20) with a seal body (21) and an attachment device (22) for the captive attachment of the seal body to an object to be sealed, wherein one end of the attachment device is connected in a single piece with the seal body while its other end comprises a joining device (26) for non-positive joining to a connection device (27) that is provided on the seal body, wherein the seal body comprises a data carrier that comprises a data transmission device (32), which data carrier is designed as a switching circuit (23), wherein the switching circuit comprises an external circuit bridge (25) which for the purpose of connecting two connection points (29) of the switching circuit leads through the attachment device.
US07878560B1	Electromechanical locking device intended for remote access control An electric lock for remote access control to a container wherein a U-shaped latch is mounted on a door in alignment with a slot in a housing mounted in the container. Upon closure, the latch enters the housing to engage a slotted keeper therein and causes rotation of the keeper. Rotation of the keeper causes a release lever to engage a stepped protrusion on the keeper and secures the keeper and latch. Activation of a solenoid or drive motor coupled to the release lever permits withdrawal of the latch from the housing. The axes of rotation of the keeper and release lever are located to greatly reduce the impact of pre-release forces to the door.
US07878554B2	Non-aggressive anchor washer An anchor washer for anchoring a first element and a second element in relative engagement, includes an annular portion from which there extends at least one tooth that is inclined relative to a central axis of the annular portion, the annular portion being designed for mounting on the first element, and the tooth having two side faces between which there extends a rubbing surface for being oriented substantially towards the second element, the surface being connected to the side faces via coupling portions, the tooth being shaped so that at least one of the coupling portions is set back from at least a portion of the surface so that the coupling portion is kept at a distance from the second element. A coupling device including such a washer is also disclosed.
US07878548B2	Pretensioner and seat belt apparatus A pretensioner for restraining an occupant with a seat belt by pulling the seat belt when an impact on a vehicle is generated. The pretensioner comprises a retaining ring having a ring to be in contact with an end of a seal member facing a protective member and a plurality of projections to be in press contact with the inner wall of a housing that project radially outwardly from the periphery of the ring, wherein the retaining ring is press fitted into the housing so that the seal member is fixed to the inner wall of the housing by the retaining ring.
US07878545B2	Travel trailer having improved turning radius A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.
US07878544B2	Seal for steering assemblies A seal used in a vehicle steering assembly. The seal comprising a first member carried by a steering component, and a second member carried by a vehicle panel. When installing the steering component in the steering assembly, the first member mates with the second member to form at least one seal. A method is also provided for installing the seal in the vehicle steering assembly.
US07878542B2	Airbag device An airbag device includes an airbag, an adjusting unit capable of adjusting an aperture efficiency of at least one vent hole, a tether belt whose one end is connected to the adjusting unit, and a holding unit for hooking another end of the tether belt. In case where the inflating airbag needs to exert a small reactive force, the adjusting unit is made in a full-opened state at a development early stage with the other end being held by the holding unit and then made in a half-opened until a development final stage with the other end being kept held by the holding unit. In case where the inflating airbag needs to exert a large reactive force, the adjusting unit is made in a full-closed state from a development start to the development final stage with the other end being released from the holding unit.
US07878541B2	Multi-adaptive airbag An airbag module to protect the automobile occupant, which includes an inflatable bag (11) from the gas that is produced by a generator when a dangerous situation to the occupant is detected, which includes a number of internal straps (15, 17 and 19) with different lengths and with each having a predetermined resistance to traction, which are joined at their ends to two areas (21 and 23) of the bag (11), limiting its deployment in the direction of the occupant. The length and resistance to traction of these straps are calibrated so that they break in succession during the deployment of the bag (11) until it reaches the occupant.
US07878537B2	Airbag cushion An airbag with a venting assembly. An airbag can include a panel with at least one vent opening and a valve sheet with at least one vent opening and at least one tear tab. The panel and valve sheet can be arranged so that the vent openings of the panel and the vent openings of the valve sheet are configured to align with one another for a period of time during deployment of the airbag. The tear tabs can be configured to break during deployment of the airbag.
US07878535B2	Airbag inflator with adaptive valve An adaptive valve for an airbag inflator having a manifold with an exhaust opening for fluid communication with an airbag. The adaptive valve is constructed for connection to a manifold so that it is in fluid communication therewith. The adaptive valve has an exhaust orifice and is constructed to selectively open the exhaust orifice to divert inflation gas away from an inflator manifold when it is connected thereto to lower the rate of inflation of an airbag in fluid communication with the exhaust opening of the manifold. The adaptive valve may have a valve member movably mounted therein for movement between a first position wherein it closes the exhaust orifice and a second position wherein it opens the exhaust orifice. An initiator is provided in the adaptive valve to generate sufficient gas pressure to move the valve member to the first or second position.
US07878529B2	Occupant protection device An occupant protection device is applied to a vehicle including a front seat and a rear seat, and includes a first protection device and a second protection device. The first protection device includes a first gas generator and a first side airbag, which is inflated and deployed between an occupant seated in the front seat and a side portion of the vehicle by gas generated by the first gas generator. The second protection device includes a second gas generator and a second side airbag, which is inflated and deployed between an occupant seated in the rear seat and a side portion of the vehicle by gas generated by the second gas generator. The thickness of the inflated second side airbag in the vehicle width direction is set greater than the thickness of the inflated first side airbag in the vehicle width direction.
US07878527B2	Collapsible frame for a pushchair The invention relates to a collapsible frame (1;31;51) for a pushchair, comprising a chassis (4; 34; 54) with several wheels (2, 3; 32, 33; 52, 53, 53′), a frame (5; 35; 55), supporting the body (6), in particular a seat, shell, pouch or similar for a child, and a folding mechanism (7; 37; 57), arranged between the same, to change the separation of the support frame (5; 35; 55) of the body (6) from the chassis 4; 34; 54), whereby the folding mechanism (7; 37; 57) comprises at least two parallel arms (18, 19; 40, 41; 66, 67), connected in the style of a parallelogram link to the chassis (4; 34; 54) at one side and the to the support frame (5; 35; 55) on the other side. According to the invention, the connecting line between the joints points (39: 65) of both arms (18, 19; 40, 41; 66, 67) of a pair on the chassis (4; 34; 54) include a greater angle with the horizontal contact plane of the wheels (2, 3; 32, 33; 52, 53, 53′) than with the verticals running perpendicular to that plane.
US07878525B2	Fifth wheel hitch system A precision, light weight, high strength hitch for coupling a trailer or other vehicle to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes a mounting ball attached to a portion of the trailer or other vehicle and a ball socket attached to the towing vehicle. The mounting ball and the ball socket have compatible surfaces that permit seating of the two components regardless of the axial, transverse or longitudinal angular or rotational orientation of the two vehicles.
US07878521B2	Bicycle frame with device cavity A bicycle frame having a cavity constructed to receive a sensor device. The cavity has a shape and a contour that generally matches a shape and a contour of the sensor device. Such a configuration maintains the aerodynamic contour of the frame when the sensor device is positioned in the cavity. An optional plug occupies the cavity when the sensor device is not positioned therein. Preferably, the sensor device is constructed to wirelessly communicate bicycle operation information to a receiver that is remotely located relative to the sensor device. More preferably, the cavity is formed in a fork of the bicycle and the sensor device is configured to monitor operation of a front wheel and wirelessly communicate the operation information to the remote receiver.
US07878520B2	Overdrive system for four-wheel bicycle Disclosed is an overdrive system for a bicycle, which increases the speed through use of a combination of a plurality of sprockets and ratchet wheels, and which drives with less power where a user steps on a pedal of a drive lever using the principle of a lever as overdrive generating means.
US07878517B2	Vehicle axle apparatus A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.
US07878516B2	Continuous radius axle and fabricated spindle assembly Axles and spindle assemblies for wheeled vehicles. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, this invention relates to a substantially curvilinear axle for wheeled vehicles, alone or in combination with a spindle assembly, having a substantially continuous radius of curvature extending from one end of the axle to the other. In at least one additional embodiment, this invention relates to fabricated spindle assemblies having gusset arms for mechanical attachment to axle ends.
US07878510B2	Surface vehicle vertical trajectory planning An active suspension system for a vehicle including elements for developing and executing a trajectory plan responsive to the path on which the vehicle is traveling. The system may include a location system for locating the vehicle, and a system for retrieving a road profile corresponding to the vehicle location.
US07878505B2	Credential substrate rotator and processing module A credential substrate rotator includes a substrate support, a substrate feeder and a substrate sensor. The substrate support is configured to support a substrate in a substrate support plane and rotate about a central axis. The substrate feeder is configured to feed a substrate along the substrate support plane. The substrate sensor includes a substrate position indicator that is aligned with the central axis and has first and second positions. The first position indicates an absence of a substrate from a predetermined location of the substrate support. The second position indicates a presence of a substrate in the predetermined location of the substrate support. Also disclosed, is a credential substrate processing module that includes a credential substrate rotator, a first data encoder and a module controller. The credential substrate rotator includes a substrate support configured to support a substrate in a substrate support plane and rotate about a central axis, and a substrate feeder. The first data encoder is configured to encode data to a substrate presented by the substrate rotator.
US07878495B2	Image forming apparatus Timing information for use to determine the timing to discharge a sheet from an image forming apparatus is transmitted. The timing information is relayed, by being edited repeatedly, from a first sheet processing apparatus connected directly with the image forming apparatus to a second sheet processing apparatus which actually processes the sheet. The timing information is edited on each sheet processing apparatus by considering, for example, transit time of the sheet, processing time of the sheet, preparation time for the sheet to get ready to be processed, and the like. The second sheet processing apparatus transmits the timing information to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus determines the discharge timing of the sheet based on the received timing information and discharges the sheet with the determined discharge timing.
US07878490B2	Damping arrangement for lawn and garden care implement An implement for lawn and garden care includes a housing, a drive, and a handle attached to the housing with a vibration damping arrangement. The damping arrangement includes an at least partially elastic damping element. The stiffness of the damping element is determined by its cross section that includes at least one cavity or recess.
US07878488B1	Method and device for volatizing aromatic oils in response to wireless signals Volatization of oil to impart a scent into air in an environment includes sensing a wireless transmitted signal in the environment and selectively outputting a control signal in response to the sensed wireless signal. The control signal activates a heater. Oil is transferred to a target region proximate the heater. The oil is actively volatized by the heater. Optionally, further wireless signals can be ignored until a cycle is complete, such that volatization occurs in response to only a portion of wireless signals in the environment. An apparatus can be so constructed to volatize oil in response to wireless signal events in the environment.
US07878483B2	Winch Ship's winch including a frame which can be attached to a vessel and on which the cable drum and the motor driving the cable drum are provided. Adjacent to the cable drum, a slipping clutch is provided and between slipping clutch and the motor, a freewheel mechanism is provided which works towards the frame. The slipping clutch is embodied not to transmit further load to the freewheel mechanism or motor, respectively, in case of a certain overload caused by tension in the towing cable. In addition, by positioning the freewheel mechanism/clutch in this manner, the motor output for pulling in a certain load under greatly varying stresses can be reduced.
US07878479B2	Adjustment valve An adjustment valve includes a first diaphragm integrally formed from an attachment section engaged with and fixed to the bottom of a rod, a joining section to which a valve body is fixed, a thin film section radially extending from a shoulder section, a thick wall section continuous with the thin film section, and a seal section provided at the peripheral edge of the thick wall section. The second diaphragm has a central hole, and includes an integrally formed thin film section radially extending from a thick wall section at the center hole, and a seal section is provided at the peripheral edge thereof. A diaphragm hold-down member penetrates the central hole at the shoulder section of the rod, causing the second diaphragm to be sandwiched and fixed. The rod is disposed with play in the through-hole in the bottom of the cylinder, and is supported by a spring engaged between a step section of the cylinder and the bottom surface of the shoulder in a state such that radial movement is prevented.
US07878474B1	Instrument tilt stand with pre-load and detents A stand for propping up an instrument is provided, the stand having an open and a close position. The stand includes a body having a support end for resting on a surface and a coupling end for attaching to the instrument casing. The stand further includes at least one coupling arm at the coupling end, the coupling arm having contours about multiple axis. The contours undergo elastic deformation when the stand is coupled with the instrument casing, such that the elastic deformation causes the stand to match contours of the instrument casing when the stand is in the close position with respect to the instrument casing. The elastic deformation further supplies a force that assists the stand in movement of the stand between the open position and the close position. The contours also allow the stand to non-destructibly detach from the instrument casing during a hyper-extended open stand operation.
US07878470B2	Motorized mount system for repositioning a monitor A motorized mount attaches a monitor to a wall and is able is able to reposition the angle of a monitor through motorized action. The motorized mount can extend the and then swivel and/or tilt the monitor.
US07878465B2	Tripod head Tripod head for pivotably receiving a device, in particular a film or television camera, comprising a housing (10), a shaft (15) which is rotatably mounted in the housing (10), a receptacle (16, 17), which is connected to the shaft (15), for the device, at least two separate energy accumulators (21-25) which are respectively disposed between the shaft (15) and the housing (10), and a compensating comprising a respective interlocking (31-35) for the energy accumulators in order to switch the energy accumulators (21-25), in each case in operative connection between the housing (10) and shaft (15), so that a restoring moment is exerted on the receptacle (16, 17) via the shaft (15) in accordance with the torque of the device, and a common actuating element (46) in order to switch the energy accumulators (21-25) via the interlocking (31-35) individually or in combination, as desired, characterised in that the actuating element (46) is configured as a rotary disc and comprises on the side facing the housing a cam controller (50, 51) which acts on the interlocking means (31-35) in such a way that the energy accumulators (21-25) can be switched via the interlocking means (31-35) individually or in combination, as desired.
US07878464B2	Mounting structure of coupler for sprinkler Disclosed herein is a mounting structure of a coupler for a sprinkler. The mounting structure is constructed so that a coupler to which a sprinkler head and a water supply line are connected is fitted into a clamp in a lateral direction and is secured at a predetermined position by a snap part, and a support structure having a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the coupler is provided so as to prevent the coupler from rotating in the clamp.
US07878461B2	System and method for an integrated backup control system Embodiments of the invention relate to a flight control system for controlling an aircraft in flight having a backup control system integrated into an active control stick. The actuated control stick may include a processing unit that includes independent and separate hardware and/or software dedicated to the primary control system and the backup control system. For the primary control system, the processing unit may receive a sensed primary control stick signal and communicate with a primary processor, which may be configured to generate a primary control signal. For the backup control system, the processing unit may receive a sensed backup control stick signal and generate a backup control signal. The processing unit may also generate tactile signal for use by the actuated control stick to adjust the feel of a pilot's control stick.
US07878452B2	Aircraft ejection seat with moveable headrest An ejection seat includes a headrest that, upon initiation of the ejection seat, moves forward to support the pilot's head in a tilted-forward position. By holding the crewmember's head in a tilted-forward position, windblast forces are controlled to prevent the helmet from pulling upward and backward on the crewmember's head. The headrest may include a pair of struts that extend forward around the sides of the crewmember's helmet to support the crewmember's head against flailing from the windblast. A flexible panel extending between the struts and the headrest panel may also be included to further support the crewmember's head against windblast flailing.
US07878450B2	Float pack assembly and method of use An emergency floatation system for attachment to a helicopter that includes a support frame, a float pack assembly and an inflation system. The float pack assembly includes a float in a packed configuration, a sleeve integrated into the float and a rigid support that at least partially extends through the sleeve. The float pack assembly is configured so that it may be installed and/or removed from the support frame separate from the inflation system.
US07878448B2	Aircraft auxiliary power unit suspension system for isolating an aircraft auxiliary power unit The invention provides an aircraft with an auxiliary power unit isolated from the aircraft. An auxiliary power unit suspension system includes at least one suspension linkage. The suspension linkage terminates with a first low stiffness elastomeric rod end. The low stiffness elastomeric rod end has a low spring rate with the aircraft auxiliary power unit suspension system providing the aircraft auxiliary power unit with a suspended auxiliary power unit natural frequency, the suspended auxiliary power unit natural frequency below the aircraft auxiliary power unit operation frequency.
US07878447B2	Unwind and feed system for elastomeric thread An overend unwind system for unwinding tacky elastomeric fiber threads such as uncoated spandex thread, capturing the ballooning affect of the thread as the thread leaves the spool, applying a first-stage tension control on the thread adjacent where the thread leaves the spool, feeding the unwound thread to a nip in a downstream process, and applying a final tension increment to the thread adjacent where the thread enters the downstream process. All thread guide surfaces encountered by the thread after leaving the spool, and while the thread is under designed operating tension, are moving surfaces, such that the tensioned thread thereby experiences a reduced level of drag as the thread traverses its path of travel from the spool to the downstream process.
US07878446B2	Dispenser housing with motorized roller transport An electrically powered dispenser for paper towels uses a special roller bracket to provide not only proper positioning and support for the drive and pinch roller shafts, but also tension and grounding between the drive and pinch rollers, thereby producing a dispenser that is both reliable to operate and simple to assemble. The mounting bracket is integrally formed from a single sheet of conductive material and preferably includes a pair of side plates connected by a mounting bar which includes an integrally formed tear bar portion for cutting the material after it has been transported past the rollers. Each side plate incorporates a flexible bridge (arm) portion for biasing each of the two shafts against a respective bearing portion to thereby complete a static discharge path from the rollers to the mounting bar without requiring any separate springs, contacts or wires. In a preferred embodiment, a door mounted projection blade assists in proper paper loading, a removable top cover functions as a universal mounting bracket, and flexible paper protection fingers discourage unwanted contact between the paper and the tear bar.

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