最新美国发明专利第2011-03-01期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US07897389B2	Direct differentiation method for making cardiomyocytes from human embryonic stem cells This invention provides a new procedure for generating cardiomyocyte lineage cells from embryonic stem cells for use in regenerative medicine. Differentiating by way of embryoid body formation or in serum is no longer required. Instead, the stem cells are plated onto a solid substrate, and differentiated in the presence of select factors and morphogens. After enrichment for cells with the appropriate phenotype, the cells are allowed to cluster into Cardiac Bodies™, which are remarkably homogeneous and suitable for the treatment of heart disease.
US07897387B2	Fungal cell wall synthesis gene A reporter system reflecting the transport process that transports GPI-anchored proteins to the cell wall was constructed and compounds inhibiting this process were discovered. Further, genes conferring resistance to the above compounds were identified and methods of screening for compounds that inhibit the activity of the proteins encoded by these genes were developed. Therefore, through the novel compounds, the present invention showed that antifungal agents having a novel mechanism, i.e. inhibiting the process that transports GPI-anchored proteins to the cell wall, could be achieved.
US07897382B2	Transfection kinetics and structural promoters The invention features methods of analyzing the kinetics properties of transfection reactions. Also featured are methods for creating structural promoters which are effectively unregulated by enhancers and repressors. The structural promoters are significantly more active than the native promoter sequences upon which they are based.
US07897381B2	Uncoupling of DNA insert propagation and expression of protein for phage display The present invention provides an advance in phage display technology by permitting the uncoupling of the propagation of phages containing inserted sequences encoding heterologous polypeptides from the expression of said polypeptides. The invention provides phage constructs and methods for their use to permit phage coat protein expression, and thus phage propagation, in the absence of display of heterologous polypeptides, which may be expressed as a fusion with said coat protein in a regulated manner.
US07897380B2	Circular nucleic acid vectors, and methods for making and using the same Circular nucleic acid vectors that provide for persistently high levels of protein expression are provided. The circular vectors of the subject invention are characterized by being devoid of expression-silencing bacterial sequences, where in many embodiments the subject vectors include a unidirectional site-specific recombination product hybrid sequence in addition to an expression cassette. Also provided are methods of using the subject vectors for introduction of a nucleic acid, e.g., an expression cassette, into a target cell, as well as preparations for use in practicing such methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including both research and therapeutic applications. Also provided is a highly efficient and readily scalable method for producing the vectors employed in the subject methods, as well as reagents and kits/systems for practicing the same.
US07897372B2	I-CreI meganuclease variants with modified specificity, method of preparation and uses thereof Method of preparing 1-CreI meganuclease variants having a modified cleavage specificity, variants obtainable by said method and their applications either for cleaving new DNA target or for genetic engineering and genome engineering for non-therapeutic purposes. Nucleic acids encoding said variants, expression cassettes comprising said nucleic acids, vectors comprising said expression cassettes, cells or organisms, plants or animals except humans, transformed by said vectors.
US07897370B2	Process for producing HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor The present invention relates to a protein derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, which has an activity of hydroxylating a compound represented by the formula (I-a): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or an alkali metal, and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or a ring-closed lactone form thereof; a DNA encoding the protein; and a recombinant DNA comprising the DNA.
US07897368B2	Microfluidic system for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides in parallel The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.
US07897367B2	Lactobacillus acidophilus nucleic acid sequences encoding protease homologues and uses therefore Protease-like nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides and fragments and variants thereof are disclosed in the current invention. In addition, protease-like fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-protease-like antibodies are encompassed. The invention also provides vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention and cells into which the vectors have been introduced. Methods for producing the polypeptides and methods of use for the polypeptides of the invention are further disclosed.
US07897366B2	Method for simultaneous display of target protein and cofactor regenerating enzyme on cell surface The present invention relates to a method for simultaneously surface expressing a target protein using a cofactor and an enzyme regenerating the cofactor on the cell surface. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a microorganism capable of simultaneously surface expressing a target protein using a cofactor to transform a biochemical material at a high efficiency and an enzyme generating the cofactor without adding an expensive cofactor in a large amount.
US07897363B2	Methods of screening an agent for an activity in an isolated eye of a teleost The present invention provides methods of screening an agent for an activity in an isolated organ, e.g., eye, from a teleost, e.g., zebrafish. Methods of isolating eyes from zebrafish are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in the isolated eye are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in a model of ocular disease or disorder are provided. Methods of screening an agent for an ocular activity in the isolated eye and for screening the agent for cell death and/or toxic activity in the eye or other organ or tissue are provided. The invention further provides high throughput methods of screening agents for an activity in isolated eyes of zebrafish in multi-well plates.
US07897360B2	Enzyme detection techniques A lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor is provided. The lateral flow assay device utilizes a molecular substrate to facilitate the detection of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor via detection of the substrate and/or a product formed in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction of the substrate. In one embodiment, for example, upon contacting a molecular substrate, an enzyme catalyzes a reaction with the molecular substrate and forms a product. The lateral flow assay device also includes a detectable substance that may generate a detectable signal for determining the presence or amount of enzyme in a test sample. For example, the detectable substance may be directly or indirectly attached to a specific binding member that has affinity for the product. Following the enzyme catalyzed reaction, the product may bind the detectable substance which may, in turn, generate the detectable signal. The signal exhibited by the substance may then be used to indicate the presence or quantity of an enzyme or enzyme inhibitor within the test sample.
US07897357B2	Assay for detecting immune responses involving antigen specific cytokine and/or antigen specific cytokine secreting T-cells Here, we describe a sensitive and specific assay and kit for the detection of chemokines having activity that is upregulated by Th-1 cytokines (such IFN-γ) and chemokines that upregulate the activity of Th-1 cytokines (such as IFN-γ). In a typical embodiment, detection of the chemokine monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG) provides a measure of the biological effect of IFN-γ rather than direct quantitation of IFN-γ or IFN-γ secreting cells per se. Upregulation of MIG expression was observed following in vitro activation of PBMC with defined CD8+ T cell epitopes derived from influenza virus, CMV, or EBV, and in all cases this was antigen-specific, genetically restricted and dependent on both CD8+ T cells and IFN-γ. Responses as assessed by the MIG assay paralleled those detected by conventional IFN-γ ELISPOT, but the magnitude of response and sensitivity of the MIG assay were superior. Our data validate this novel method for the detection of high as well as low levels of antigen-specific and genetically restricted IFN-γ activity or MIG.
US07897349B2	Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as marker for urological inflammatory disease The present invention relates to the association between detecting and quantifying the presence of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in urine, bladder and prostate tissues for the purpose of diagnosis and prognosis of urological inflammatory. In addition, methods to inactivate MIF activity by use of antibodies or specific MIF inhibitors can be used to treat these diseases. For instance, such diseases as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, non-bacterial prostatitis, and interstitial cystitis may be mediated by MIF release. Periodic assays for MIF could be conducted for a patient to determine if the patient's MIF urine levels are high or increasing. In addition, intravesical MIF antibodies or other MIF-specific inhibitors would reduce or ameliorate these pelvic diseases.
US07897348B2	Detection of negatively charged polymers using water-soluble, cationic, polythiophene derivatives Novel methods allowing for the simple optical and electrochemical detection of double-stranded oligonucleotides are disclosed. The methods are rapid, selective and versatile. Advantageously, they do not require any chemical reaction on the probes or on the analytes since they are based on different electrostatic interactions between cationic poly(3-alkoxy-4-methylthiophene) derivatives and single-stranded or double-stranded (hybridized) oligonucleotides.
US07897346B2	Polyamide nucleic acid derivatives and agents, and processes for preparing them The present invention relates to PNA derivatives which carry, at the C terminus, or at both the C and N termini of the PNA backbone, one or more phosphoryl radicals. The phosphoryl radicals carry, where appropriate, one or more labeling groups, groups for crosslinking, groups which promote intracellular uptake, or groups which increase the binding affinity of the PNA derivative for nucleic acids. The invention furthermore relates to a process for preparing the above-mentioned PNA derivatives and to their use as pharmaceuticals or diagnostic agents.
US07897344B2	Methods and oligonucleotide designs for insertion of multiple adaptors into library constructs Aspects described and claimed herein provide methods to insert multiple DNA adaptors into a population of circular target DNAs at defined positions and orientations with respect to one another. The resulting multi-adaptor constructs are then used in massively-parallel nucleic acid sequencing techniques.
US07897343B2	Causative agent of the mystery swine disease, vaccine compositions and diagnostic kits Composition of matter comprising the causative agent of Mystery Swine Disease, Lelystad Agent, in a live, attenuated, dead, or recombinant form, or a part or component of it. Vaccine compositions and diagnostic kits based thereon. Recombinant nucleic acid comprising a Lelystad Agent-specific nucleotide sequence. Peptides comprising a Lelystad Agent-specific amino acid sequence. Lelystad Agent-specific antibodies.
US07897339B2	Methods of chromosome drying and spreading The present invention provides for a method of drying and spreading chromosomes from various biological samples to yield optimal chromosomal spreading. The method requires preparing a biological sample for treatment, providing a cytogenetic chamber capable of setting predetermined conditions, pre-testing a portion of the biological sample in the cytogenetic chamber, and finally treating the remaining biological sample. The method is useful to yield metaphase chromosomes that are small and rounded, with very few overlapping or scattered chromosomes. Furthermore, the method is uses restricted ranges of temperature and relative humidity to achieve consistent chromosomal spreading. The morphologies of the chromosomes are preserved in order to execute banding techniques at 550 bands and chromosomal analysis on high-resolution chromosomes.
US07897337B2	Method for performing multi-formatted assays An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.
US07897336B2	Molecular lymphatic mapping of sentinel lymph nodes The present invention describes a method for identification and labeling of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and the presence or absence of lymph node metastases as an important diagnostic and prognostic factor in early stage cancers of all types. The method, know as Molecular Lymphatic Mapping, uses traditional dye/radioactive tracer based techniques in conjunction with a nucleic acid marker to identify and label the SLN, not only for current diagnostic methods, but for archival purposes. In addition, MLM can be used to deliver a therapeutic gene or genes to the SLN to activate tumor immunity to tumor cells, and/or to inhibit tumor metastases. The methods may be combined with therapeutic intervention including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
US07897333B2	Reagent for measuring clotting time and method for manufacturing the reagent A reagent for measuring clotting time is described. The reagent comprises a complex of a phospholipid and a recombinant tissue factor obtained by using an insect or a cultured insect cell as a host; and a soluble component derived from the insect or the cultured insect cell.A method for manufacturing the reagent is also described.
US07897330B2	Methods for characterizing enzyme inhibitors Methods for characterizing a biochemical reaction and analysis of reaction products by establishing continuously variable concentration gradients of one or more reagents of the biochemical reaction are provided. Methods for determining mechanism of inhibition or activation, potency of inhibition or activation, or both of an enzyme inhibitor or activator, respectively, are also provided. The continuously variable concentration gradients can be established in a microfluidic chip.
US07897328B2	Blood group antigens of different types for diagnostic and therapeutic applications The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing antibody mediated graft rejection and blood typing.
US07897327B2	Method and apparatus for pressure control for maintaining viability of organs A method for controlling a pump for delivery of liquid to an organ over a series of fixed-length time intervals f, each interval f comprising a time t1 and a time t2 wherein t1+t2 equals the length of interval f. The method comprises allowing output pressure of the pump to decrease over time t1, increasing output pressure of the pump over time t2, comparing achieved pump output pressure to a predetermined pressure at about the end of interval f, and at least one of (i) adjusting t1 and t2 if necessary so the predetermined pressure is approximated by the output pressure at the end of the next interval f, and (ii) adjusting a rate of change of the output pressure during at least one of t1 and t2 if necessary so the predetermined pressure is approximated by the output pressure at the end of the next interval f.
US07897325B2	Lithographic rinse solution and method for forming patterned resist layer using the same The invention provides a novel rinse solution used in the step of rinse treatment of a patterned photoresist layer developed with an aqueous alkaline developer solution in a photolithographic process for the manufacture of semiconductor devices and liquid crystal display panels. The rinse solution provided by the invention is an aqueous solution of a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound such as imidazoline, pyridine and the like in a concentration up to 10% by mass. Optionally, the rinse solution of the invention further contains a water-miscible alcoholic or glycolic organic solvent and/or a water-soluble resin. The invention also provides a lithographic method for the formation of a patterned photoresist layer including a step of rinse treatment of an alkali-developed resist layer with the rinse solution defined above. The invention provides an improvement on the lithographic process in respect of the product quality and efficiency of the process.
US07897323B2	Lithographic method A method of achieving frequency doubled lithographic patterning is described. An optical pattern (16) having a first period (p1) is used to expose conventional acid-catalysed photoresist (18) on substrate (20), leaving regions of high exposure (24), regions of low exposure (26) and intermediate regions (22). Processing proceeds leaving regions (24) which received high exposure very polar, i.e. hydrophilic, regions (26) of low exposure very apolar, i.e. hydrophobic, and the intermediate regions having intermediate polarity. A developer of intermediate polarity such as propylene glycol methyl ether acetate is then used to dissolve only the intermediate regions (22) leaving photoresist patterned to have a pitch (p2) half that of the optical period (p1). Alternatively, the photoresist is removed from the apolar and polar regions leaving only the intermediate regions (22) again with the same pitch (p2) half that of the optical period (p1).
US07897320B2	Thermoplastic material comprising polychromic substances The present invention relates to thermoplastic material comprising polymer and at least one polychromic substance, wherein the polychromic substance is a functionalised diacetylene having the formula which has the general structure: X—C≡C—C≡C—Y—(CO)n-QZ wherein X is H or alkyl, Y is a divalent alkylene group, Q is O, S or NR, R is H or alkyl, and Z is alkyl, and n is 0 or 1. The present invention further relates to a method of processing thermoplastic material to form a plastic article, wherein the method comprises the step of processing the thermoplastic material at a temperature greater than the melt temperature of the thermoplastic, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises polymer and at least one polychromic substance as defined above; and further comprising the step of irradiating the plastic article to colour at least a region of the plastic article.
US07897319B2	Positive resist composition and method of forming resist pattern A positive resist composition including a base material for a pattern-forming material (A), which contains a protector (X1) of a polyhydric phenol compound (x) having two or more phenolic hydroxyl groups and a molecular weight of 300 to 2,500, in which a portion of the phenolic hydroxyl groups are protected with an acid-dissociable, dissolution-inhibiting group, and an acid generator component (B) that generates an acid upon exposure, wherein the component (B) contains an onium salt-based acid generator (B1) with an alkylsulfonate ion as an anion.
US07897317B2	Method for producing core material of electrophotographic ferrite carrier and resin-coated ferrite carrier The present invention provides a method for producing a core material of an electrophotographic ferrite carrier, by charging a raw powder with an average particle size of 20 to 50 μm obtained by preparing raw materials for ferrite into a combustion flame along with a carrier gas for the raw powder, thermal-spraying the powder in atmospheric air to ferritize the powder, subsequently rapidly solidifying the thermal-sprayed particle, and sampling and collecting the particle, wherein the method satisfies the conditions comprising the following (1) to (3): (1) a mixture gas of propane and oxygen is used for the combustion flame for the thermal spraying, and a volumetric ratio of the propane to the oxygen is 1:3.5 to 6.0; (2) the carrier gas for the raw powder is air, nitrogen, oxygen or a mixture gas thereof, and the ratio (a/b) of a charged amount (a) of a raw powder (kg/hr) to a charged amount (b) of the carrier gas (kg/hr) for the raw powder is 4.8 or less; and (3) a flame flow velocity of the combustion flame is 65 to 125 m/sec.
US07897308B2	Method for transferring a predetermined pattern reducing proximity effects A method for transferring a predetermined pattern onto a flat support performed by direct writing by means of a particle beam comprises at least: deposition of a photoresist layer on a free surface of the support, application of the beam on exposed areas of the photoresist layer, performing correction by modulation of exposure doses received by each exposed area, developing of the photoresist layer so as to form said pattern. Correction further comprises determination of a substitution pattern (11) comprising at least one subresolution feature and use of the substitution pattern (11) for determining the areas to be exposed when the electron beam is applied. In addition, modulation takes account of the density of the substitution pattern (11) near to each exposed area.
US07897298B2	Photomask, photomask fabrication method, pattern formation method using the photomask and mask data creation method A mask pattern including a light-shielding portion 101 and a semi-light-shielding portion 102 is provided on a transparent substrate 100 having a transparent property against exposing light so as to be surrounded with a transparent portion 104. The semi-light-shielding portion 102 is disposed in an outer region of the mask pattern and partially transmits the exposing light in an identical phase to the exposing light passing through the transparent portion 104.
US07897297B2	Method and system for optimizing intra-field critical dimension uniformity using a sacrificial twin mask Disclosed is a method and a system for optimizing intra-field critical dimension of an integrated circuit. A first mask for an integrated circuit is provided comprising at least one device region. A second mask is provided by copying the first mask and a lithography operation is provided to the integrated circuit using the first and second masks, wherein the critical dimension of the integrated circuit is optimized using the second mask. The second mask comprises a plurality of sacrificial patterns, which may be a plurality of flat patterns or a plurality of grating patterns.
US07897295B2	Surface engineering of bipolar plate materials for better water management A flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell, where a surface of the flow field plate is textured or roughened to change the surface morphology of the plate. A conductive coating is deposited on the roughened surface where the roughness of the surface of the plate increases the hydrophilic nature of the coating. Therefore, if the coating is naturally hydrophobic, the surface roughness makes the coating hydrophilic to wick water away. If the coating is a conductive hydrophilic coating, then the surface roughness makes the coating super-hydrophilic, and may counter the effects of surface contamination that would act to make the hydrophilic coating less hydrophilic.
US07897293B2	Platinum-impregnated hydrous tin oxide catalysts A chemical composition is provided having the formula: M—SnOx.yH2O M is a platinum group metal and x and y are positive numbers. The hydrous platinum tin oxide may be used in the cathode of a fuel cell as a catalyst for oxygen reduction.
US07897292B2	Fuel cell apparatus and methods Fuel cells having an efficient means of thermal insulation such that all of the components requiring high temperature operation are contained within a single housing and whereby such thermal insulation is disposed exterior to such housing.
US07897290B2	Device and method for determining the operating parameters of indiviudal cells or short stacks of fuel cells The invention relates to a device and a method for determining the operating parameters of individual cells (2) or short stacks (10) of fuel cells, preferably of medium-temperature or high-temperature fuel cells.
US07897284B2	Lithium secondary battery A lithium secondary battery is provided with a positive electrode, a negative electrode (1), a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, and an electrode assembly having the negative electrode (1), the positive electrode, and the separator. The negative electrode (1) has a negative electrode current collector (11) and negative electrode active material layers (12), (13) formed on respective surfaces of the negative electrode current collector (11). The negative electrode active material layers are composed of an alloy containing silicon, which intercalates and deintercalates lithium, and iron, which does not intercalate or deintercalate lithium. At least a portion of the electrode assembly has a curved portion in which the negative electrode active material layer (13) disposed inward relative to the negative electrode current collector contains a higher concentration of the iron than the negative electrode active material layer (12) disposed outward relative to the negative electrode current collector.
US07897282B2	AA alkaline battery An AA alkaline battery according to the present invention includes: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; a separator; an alkaline electrolyte; and a negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode contains zinc, indium, and bismuth. The weight of zinc is 4.0 g or more, and the total weight of indium and bismuth is 450 ppm or less with respect to the weight of zinc. The negative electrode current collector contains copper. Tin is provided on at least part of the surface of the negative electrode current collector.
US07897277B2	Reversible battery cartridge A lighting apparatus includes an electrical contact that receives power from an external power source, a battery receiving region, and a battery backed light source. A user interface receives an input indicative of a first desired operation of the lighting apparatus when power is available from the AC power source and a second desired operation of the battery backed light source in the absence of power from the AC power source. Electrical circuitry uses battery power to operate the battery backed light source in the absence of power from the AC power source based on the second desired operation.
US07897274B2	Magnetoresistive device, magnetoresistive head and magnetic recording-reproducing apparatus A magnetoresistive device includes a magnetization pinned layer, a magnetization free layer, a nonmagnetic intermediate layer formed between the magnetization pinned layer and the magnetization free layer, and electrodes allowing a sense current to flow in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the stack including the magnetization pinned layer, the nonmagnetic intermediate layer and the magnetization free layer. At least one of the magnetization pinned layer and the magnetization free layer is substantially formed of a binary or ternary alloy represented by the formula FeaCobNic (where a+b+c=100 at %, and a≦75 at %, b≦75 at %, and c≦63 at %), or formed of an alloy having a body-centered cubic crystal structure.
US07897272B2	Wear-resistant structure There is provided a surface-coated body equipped with a hard film that has high adherence and exerts excellent wear resistance. In a surface-coated body in which the surface of a base body is coated with at least one layer of a hard film constituted of one or more of nitride, nitrooxide, carbonitride and carbonitrooxide including at least Ti and Al, the hard film contains 0.01-1% by mass of one or more inert gas elements selected from He, Ne, Ar, Xe, Kr and Rn based on the total mass of the hard film, and, among peaks detected with the X-ray diffraction method for the hard film, the peak caused by the (111) plane of the crystal has the highest intensity.
US07897268B2	Composite structure According to the present invention, a structure made of yttrium oxide is formed on a surface of a substrate comprises yttrium oxide polycrystals as a main component, a boundary layer made of hyaline does not substantially exist on a boundary face between crystals which form the structure, and both a cubic system and a monoclinic system exist in the crystal system of the yttrium oxide polycrystals. With this, it is possible to adjust the hardness of the structure made of yttrium oxide formed on a surface of a substrate to be larger than that of an yttrium oxide sintered body.
US07897263B2	Wire-grid metal sheet and wire grid A wire-grid metal sheet includes a grid portion defined by a plurality of spaced strip-shaped longitudinal members extending longitudinally and cross members extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal members. A wire grid is made by attaching the wire-grid metal sheet to a frame. The cross members are arranged at intervals at least about five times greater than those of the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members and the cross members may define a lattice pattern. Alternatively, the longitudinal members or the cross members may be arranged in a staggered manner.
US07897260B2	Coated article with low-E coating including tin oxide interlayer A coated article is provided which may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered) in certain instances. In certain example embodiments, an interlayer of or including a metal oxide such as tin oxide is provided under an infrared (IR) reflecting layer so as to be located between respective layers comprising silicon nitride and zinc oxide. It has been found that the use of such a tin oxide inclusive interlayer results in significantly improved mechanical durability, thermal stability and/or haze characteristics.
US07897259B1	Compounds and compositions for coating glass with silicon oxide Silicon compounds useful as coating reactants for the chemical vapor deposition of silicon oxide are disclosed, along with compounds useful as accelerants to increase the deposition rate of silicon oxide. The silicon-containing precursor comprises the structural formula wherein R1 is an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aryl radical which may be substituted, and R2 is a functional group which increases the reactivity of the silicon compound by withdrawing electron density away from the silicon atom, such as hydrogen, halogen, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogenated alkyl and perhalogenated alkyl radicals. The accelerant is a compound selected to take advantage of the partial positive charge on the silicon atom. Such accelerant compounds include Lewis acids and bases; water; ozone; trivalent compounds of nitrogen, boron and phosphorus; tetravalent compounds of sulfur and selenium; pentavalent compounds of phosphorus and a variety of metal compounds. Also disclosed are compositions including an additional metal-containing coating precursor, such as an organotin compound, to deposit another metal oxide along with silicon oxide.
US07897253B2	Pigmented ceramic piece The invention relates to a piece comprised in part or in full of a pigmented ceramic in which the pigment is comprised of nanoparticles based on a metal from column IB of the periodic table of the elements or of an alkaline metal, or an alloy of both, coated with a layer of silica, the silica being crystalline silica, particularly cristobalite or tridymite. The ceramic is preferably zirconia or alumina. The nanoparticle silica is crystallized, for example, by a thermal treatment in air or under inert gas at temperatures of between 900° C. and 1400° C. The piece is made by sintering a nanoparticle/ceramic mixture in air or under inert gas at temperatures of between 900° C. and 1250° C.
US07897251B2	Method for cationic conversion of nano-milled calcium carbonate A method of forming a print medium comprising coating at least one side of a base substrate with anionically-charged nano-milled calcium carbonate that has been mixed with a cationic conversion agent to convert the coating to a cationically-charged coating, where a primary size of particles of the nano-milled calcium carbonate is 10-20 nm or smaller.
US07897250B2	Polishing pad The present invention provides a polishing pad whose unevenness in thickness hardly occurs and whose life can be improved. A polishing pad 1 is provided with a polyurethane sheet 2. Foams 3 having lengths of about ½ of the length of the polyurethane sheet 2 in its thickness direction and elongated foams 4 having lengths of at least 70% of the length of the polyurethane sheet 2 in the thickness direction are formed in the polyurethane sheet 2. The foams 3 and the elongated foams 4 are opened by buffing processing so that opened pores 5 and opened pores 6 are formed at a polishing face P, respectively. Regarding the opened pores 5, 6, the total number of opened pores having opened pore diameters falling in a range of from 30 to 50 μm occupies at least 50% of the number of all opened pores. The total number of the opened pores 5, 6 per 1 mm2 of the polishing face P is set in a range of from 50 to 100. An average value of ratio of an opened pore diameter D1 of the opened pore 6 of the elongated foam 4 to an opened pore diameter D2 of the opened pore 6 at a depth position of at least 200 μm from the polishing face P is set in a range of from 0.65 to 0.95.
US07897243B2	Structure having specific surface shape and properties and (meth)acrylic polymerizable composition for formation of the structure A surface shape and physical properties required for a structure having an antireflection performance of light and an improved performance of light permeability have been found, particularly the structure having surface scratch resistance is provided, a composition capable of forming the structure having such a particular structure and physical properties is provided, and further a composition which can easily form the structure which is excellent in antireflection performance of light and an improved performance of light permeability and has a large aspect ratio is provided. That is, the present invention is the structure having convex parts with an average height of 100 nm or more and 1000 nm or less or concave parts with an average depth of 100 nm or more and 1000 nm or less on its surface wherein the convex parts or the concave parts are present at an average cycle of 100 nm or more and 400 nm or less in at least one direction, characterized in that the structure is obtained by polymerizing a (meth)acrylic polymerizable composition by light irradiation, electron beam irradiation and/or heating and a storage elastic modulus at 180° C. or above is 0.5 GPa or more.
US07897242B2	Injection molded article A plurality of undulations are continuously formed on a front surface and a back surface of at least a beam portion in an injection molded article, and warpage generated by molding is prevented. Injection molding of the present invention is effective for, for example, prevention of the warpage of a beam generated by influences of light intercepting ridges formed on an inner surface of a lens barrel or the like.
US07897240B2	Nonwoven fabric A nonwoven fabric that is not easily damaged during use is provided. A fiber web supported by a predetermined supporting member from the lower face side is blown with fluid, mainly composed of gas, from the upper face side of the fiber web to move fibers that constitute the fiber web, thereby forming at least a plurality of open areas. The nonwoven fabric includes a plurality of open areas continuously formed along a predetermined direction with a predetermined interval and a plurality of joining portions, each of which are formed between the open areas adjacent to each other in a predetermined direction.
US07897238B2	Honeycomb structure and method for manufacturing honeycomb structure A honeycomb structure includes a plurality of pillar-shaped honeycomb fired bodies bound with one another by interposing a adhesive layer. Each of the honeycomb fired bodies has a large number of cells longitudinally placed in parallel with one another with a cell wall therebetween. An adhesive strength A between central portion honeycomb fired bodies out of the honeycomb fired bodies measured by a three-point bending strength test is at least about 0.02 and at most about 0.2 MPa. The central portion honeycomb fired bodies are positioned at a central portion of a cross-section formed by cutting the honeycomb structure perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. The adhesive strength A is lower than an adhesive strength B between peripheral portion honeycomb fired bodies out of the honeycomb fired bodies measured by the three-point bending strength test. The peripheral portion honeycomb fired bodies form a part of a periphery the honeycomb structure.
US07897237B2	Honeycomb structure and method of manufacturing the same A tubular honeycomb structure 1 comprising partition walls 2 which define and form a plurality of cells 3 each functioning as a fluid passage extending from one end face 4 of honeycomb structure to other end face 5, wherein the areas of the sections of the individual cells 3 (cell sections) normal to the flow direction A of fluid are so made as to be approximately equal to each other over a given range of the center of each cell and its vicinity in the fluid flow direction A and to gradually decrease or gradually increase at each cell end of at least one end face 4 of honeycomb structure in the fluid flow direction A. This honeycomb structure can reduce the incoming loss and outgoing loss of a fluid such as exhaust gas or the like and can show a lower pressure loss.
US07897230B2	One-way vision display panels with retention layer One or more types of ink retention layers for a one-way vision display panel and methods are provided. In one example, a one-way vision display panel assembly includes a perforated panel formed of a flexible material. The perforated panel having a front surface, a rear surface and a plurality of through holes extending from the front surface to the rear surface. An ink retention layer is located adjacent to the perforated panel. The ink retention layer includes material that retains or absorbs residual ink from an image applied to the front surface of the perforated panel. The one-way vision display panel may further include a releasing layer or a backing layer, or both.
US07897228B2	Articles and methods for applying color on surfaces Articles for applying color on a surface that includes a sheet of dry color component having a margin, a front sheet surface, and a rear sheet surface opposite the front sheet surface, and an adhesive on the rear sheet surface for bonding the sheet to the surface. Either the margin of the sheet or the entire sheet is adapted for reducing or eliminating the visual perceptibility of the seam created when the margin is positioned in an overlapping, abutting, or spaced apart relationship with a margin of a juxtaposed second article. The reduction or elimination of the visual perceptibility of the seam may be promoted by a physical mechanism, a chemical mechanism, an optical mechanism, or a combination of these mechanisms.
US07897227B2	Articles and methods for applying color on surfaces Articles for applying color on a surface comprise a sheet of dry color component and an adhesive on one surface of the sheet of dry color component. The article further includes a releasable liner, and the sheet of dry color component is arranged between the releasable liner and the adhesive. Methods for providing a substantially permanent color effect on an architectural surface comprise delivering such an article to the architectural surface.
US07897226B2	Adhesive sheet and a release liner The present invention provides an adhesive sheet comprising a resin film and an adhesive layer adhering to one side of said resin film, wherein the adhesive sheet does not cause significant shrinkage when it is stored together with a release liner thereon for a prolonged time. The adhesive sheet of the present invention is an adhesive sheet comprising a resin film and an adhesive layer adhering to one side of said resin film, characterized in that said adhesive layer has one or more grooves on a side opposite to a side on which said adhesive layer adheres to said resin film, and said groove or grooves exist only in an inner area of said opposite side of said adhesive layer and are not open at side surfaces of said adhesive layer. The present invention also provides a release liner for an adhesive sheet having embosses on its surface and being good in smoothness.
US07897225B2	Deformable sandwich panel A deformable sandwich panel is disclosed according to one embodiment. The deformable sandwich panel may include first and second face sheets. These face sheets may each comprise a first and second surface and be substantially flat. The deformable sandwich panel also includes a shape memory material sandwiched between the first face sheet and the second face sheet. The shape memory material may be in continuous contact with a substantial portion of the first surface of the first face sheet and with a substantial portion of the first surface of the second face sheet. The deformable sandwich panel may be fabricated with a first shape, deformed into a second shape and then deployed back to the first shape. The first and second shapes may be maintained without mechanical loads.
US07897224B2	Bioabsorbable polymeric composition for a medical device A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.
US07897223B2	Pallet container, and method for producing an electrostatically non-chargeable and/or electric charge-draining pallet container A pallet container includes a bottom pallet, a lattice frame, and a multilayer inner container made of thermoplastic material by a blow-molding technique and received in the lattice frame, for storing and transporting liquid fill material. The inner container has an exterior layer which is configured to be incapable of permanently retaining an electrostatic charge by allowing electric charges to be drained. The exterior layer contains an antistatic compound and has a layer thickness which does not or only insubstantially change a transparency or translucency of the exterior layer, allowing easy optical detection of a fill level of the liquid fill material in the container. The exterior layer includes a fusible, easily stretchable thermoplastic material (polymer). At least one of a center layer and an interior layer of the multilayer container includes a cold-impact-resistant HDPE material (High Density Polyethylene) with a high molecular weight.
US07897221B2	Production of blade for office appliances A mold for producing a blade for office appliances, wherein a resilient member made of a heat-curable material is adhered to a base plate. The mold includes a cavity corresponding to the resilient member of the blade, a space for placing the base plate adjacent to the cavity, a runner for passing the heat-curable material therethrough and injecting the heat-curable material into the cavity, and a heating means adjacent to the cavity, for causing curing of the heat-curable material in the cavity. At least a part of said runner, including an outlet thereof, is comprised of a cold runner for maintains the heat-curable material, which remains in the cold runner, at a temperature lower than its curing temperature.
US07897218B2	Recording element for aqueous inks The present invention is directed to an image-recording medium comprising a paper support and, coated on one side of the support, in order: a lower ink-receiving layer, an upper gloss layer and, coated on the opposite side of the support, an inner layer comprising at least 75% by weight of fine inorganic particles and a binder, and an outer layer substantially consisting of a polymeric material. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an inkjet printing process.
US07897213B2	Methods for contained chemical surface treatment An apparatus, system and method for preparing a surface of a substrate using a proximity head includes applying a non-Newtonian fluid between the surface of the substrate and a head surface of the proximity head. The non-Newtonian fluid defines a containment wall along one or more sides between the head surface and the surface of the substrate. The one or more sides provided with the non-Newtonian fluid define a treatment region on the substrate between the head surface and the surface of the substrate. A Newtonian fluid is applied to the surface of the substrate through the proximity head, such that the applied Newtonian fluid is substantially contained in the treatment region defined by the containment wall. The contained Newtonian fluid aids in the removal of one or more contaminants from the surface of the substrate. In one example, the non-Newtonian fluid can also be used to create ambient controlled isolated regions, which can assist in controlled processing of surfaces within the regions. In an alternate example, a second non-Newtonian fluid is applied to the treatment region instead of the Newtonian fluid. The second non-Newtonian fluid acts on one or more contaminants on the surface of the substrate substantially removing them from the surface of the substrate.
US07897212B2	Method of marking material, marked and verification of genuineness of a product The invention relates to the marking of a material (18) with identifier marks (16), the material thus marked, and verification of the genuineness of a product on the basis of the marks. In accordance with the invention, an optical brightener is incorporated in the material (18), and marking is performed by reducing the brightness of the material at a selected location by directing local heating to this location, the mark (16) thus produced appearing with a darker shade than its environment in ultraviolet light (20). The marking is based on partial or complete destruction of the brightening effect of the optical brightener under heating. The invention is suitable for providing e.g. coated paper and board containing an optical brightener with identifier marks for preventing falsifications.
US07897211B2	Method for forming film pattern and method for manufacturing an organic EL device, a color filter substrate and a liquid crystal display device A method for forming a film pattern made of a high-performance material by arranging a functional fluid on a base substrate and drying the functional fluid, the functional fluid being the high-performance material dissolved or dispersed in a solvent is provided. The method includes: forming liquid reception portions in an effective area and a non-effective area of the base substrate on which the film pattern is to be formed, the non-effective area surrounding the effective area; arranging the functional fluid in the liquid reception portions formed in the effective area; and arranging the functional fluid or the solvent in the liquid reception portions formed in the non-effective area, wherein, in the non-effective area, larger amounts of the solvent are arranged in the liquid reception portions in areas that are more distant from a center of the effective area.
US07897210B2	Device and method for organic vapor jet deposition A device and a method for facilitating the deposition and patterning of organic materials onto substrates utilizing the vapor transport mechanisms of organic vapor phase deposition is provided. The device includes one or more nozzles, and an apparatus integrally connected to the one or more nozzles, wherein the apparatus includes one or more source cells, a carrier gas inlet, a carrier gas outlet, and a first valve capable of controlling the flow of a carrier gas through the one or more source cells. The method includes moving a substrate relative to an apparatus, and controlling the composition of the organic material and/or the rate of the organic material ejected by the one or more nozzles while moving the substrate relative to the apparatus, such that a patterned organic layer is deposited over the substrate.
US07897206B2	Method of manufacturing an optical data storage medium, optical data storage medium and apparatus for performing said method A method of manufacturing an optical data storage medium, comprising at least one substrate (11) and a plurality of layers deposited on the substrate (11) is described. The medium includes at least one of a transparent spacer layer and transparent cover layer (12). The layer (12) is provided by applying a liquid onto the rotating substrate (11) and rotating the substrate (11) further in order to spread out the liquid into a layer substantially uniformly between an inner radius ri and an outer radius ro, and solidifying the liquid layer (12) by means of exposure to UV radiation. After applying the liquid onto the rotating substrate the liquid layer (12) is heated by heating means (14) in such a way that the temperature rise of the liquid layer (12) at ri has a value dTri, while the temperature rise of the liquid layer (12) between ri and ro gradually increases, and the temperature rise of the liquid layer (12) at ro has a value dTro>dTri. In this way the spacer layer or cover layer has a variation in thickness smaller than +/−1 μm, measured over the information storage area. Further a medium manufactured using said method and an apparatus for performing the method are described.
US07897205B2	Film forming method and film forming apparatus A film forming method is characterized in that the method is provided with a step of introducing a processing gas including inorganic silane gas into a processing chamber, in which a mounting table composed of ceramics including a metal oxide is arranged, and precoating an inner wall of the processing chamber including a surface of the mounting table with a silicon-containing nonmetal thin film; a step of mounting a substrate to be processed on the mounting table precoated with the nonmetal thin film; and a step of introducing a processing gas including organic silane gas into the processing chamber, and forming a silicon-containing nonmetal thin film on a surface of the substrate mounted on the mounting table.
US07897199B2	Method for plating flexible printed circuit board A method for plating a FPCB base board, comprising the steps of: providing a FPCB base board comprising a sprocket region; and placing an insulation shielding plate spatially opposite to the sprocket region of the FPCB base board to limit a thickness of a plating layer formed on the sprocket region of the FPCB base board.
US07897196B2	Error volume system and method for a pump A pumping system that accurately dispenses fluid using a pump, including reducing the error in the amount of a fluid a pump dispenses by correcting for the compliance of a dispense system.
US07897190B2	Flavour modulating substances The present invention in a first aspect relates to novel flavour modulating substances according to formula (I) and/or edible salts thereof: R< SUP> 1< /SUP> —CR< SUP> 2< /SUP> (OR< SUP> 3< /SUP>) —CO—NR< SUP> 4< /SUP> —Y—X (I). It was found that substances represented by formula (I) can advantageously be used to impart desirable flavour, especially taste attributes to foodstuffs, beverages, and pharmaceutics they are incorporated in. In addition said substances are capable of modulating and complementing the sensory impact of other, flavour imparting, substances. Thus, the present flavour modulating substances are advantageously applied in flavour compositions, foodstuffs, beverages and pharmaceutics. Typical examples of flavour modulating substances according to the present invention include N-lactoyl tyramine, Nqgluconyl tyramine, N-lactoyl 4-hydroxyben zylamine, N-lactoyl vanillylamine and N-lactoyl-dopamine.
US07897185B1	Cream cheese products and methods of making the same Technique for making a cream cheese product comprising steps of: providing a milkfat fluid comprising butterfat; pasteurizing the milkfat fluid; homogenizing the milkfat fluid; and culturing bacteria in the milkfat fluid; producing a cream cheese product comprising live probiotic bacteria cultures. Cream cheese product comprising: between about 10% by weight and about 55% by weight of total butterfat; and a live probiotic bacteria culture.
US07897182B2	Composition comprising bamboo extract and the compounds isolated therefrom showing treating and preventing activity for inflammatory and blood circulation disease The present invention relates to a composition comprising a bamboo plant extract for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory or blood circulation disease. The extracts of bamboo plant has potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NO production and blood circulation-improving activity by inhibiting elastase activity and healing the wound of vascular endothelial cell, activating u-PA expression and inhibiting PAI-1 expression, lowering cholesterol deposit and inhibiting neointima formation, therefore it can be used as a therapeutic or health care food for treating and preventing inflammatory or blood circulation diseases.
US07897181B2	Method for photothermal therapy using porous silicon and near infrared radiation The present invention relates to an agent for photodynamic therapy (PDT) containing porous silicon (PSi) and a method of quantitative measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced therefrom. Particularly, it is expected that the present invention will contribute to the development of cancer treatment without side effects by suggesting PSi, a safe and reliable new cancer drug that can destroy cancer cells through generating sufficient heat with little ROS produced if the PSi is used as nanobomb for a new PDT that kills cancer cells with heat or explosion. In addition, it is expected that the present invention will provide a reliable and reproducible method for quantitative measurement of a very small amount of ROS produced therefrom through an XRD analysis.
US07897179B2	Pharmaceutical composition containing water soluble drug The present invention is directed to a process of preparing beads coated with a water soluble drug for incorporation into a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) preparing a supersaturated drug solution containing a desired amount of drug, which is completely saturated at a first temperature but which is supersaturated at a second temperature which is below the first temperature; and (b) coating inert beads with the drug solution, said drug solution being maintained at or below the first temperature but above the second temperature, and said beads maintained at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is less than the first temperature and wherein the solution containing the drug is supersaturated at the second temperature, as well as to the pharmaceutical compositions containing same.
US07897173B2	Sustained-release, oral pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making and using same A sustained-release, oral pharmaceutical formulation of tramadol comprising a compound formed in situ of tramadol or a tramadol salt and a pharmaceutically acceptable acidic substance. The compound formed in situ has a desired water solubility. Also provided are methods of treatment using the pharmaceutical formulations. Method for preparing such formulations are also provided. The preparation method comprises repeatedly mixing tramadol or its salt with the acidic substance, and moistening the mixture and formulating the mixture under an energy input, such as heat or pressure. Optionally, drying, repeated granulating, extrudation and pelleting may also be included.
US07897172B2	Tablets exhibiting reduced drug release variability A compressible extended release tablet or tablet layer having a drug release profile that is not strongly dependent on tablet hardness may be prepared by dry blending a pharmaceutically active ingredient with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, wherein the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has a bimodal or multimodal number average molecular weight distribution that includes at least one mode over 20,000 Daltons and at least one mode under 10,000 Daltons. An additional advantage of the invention is that the tablet formulations may be prepared without resort to wet granulation.
US07897169B2	Ubiquinol-enriched fat-containing foods To provide a food which suitably supply ubiquinol, a substance indispensable to the living body but is liable to be decreased and fall short of the requirements, through ingestion in the same ways as the ordinary foods in daily living. A ubiquinol-enriched oil/fat-containing food.
US07897168B2	Degradable polymers incorporating gamma-butyrolactone Disclosed herein are implantable medical devices having controlled release biodegradable polymer coatings thereon wherein the polymer is formed from ring opening of γ-butyrolactone and at least one additional monomer selected from the group consisting of trimethylene carbonate, lactide, polyethylene glycol, glycolide, the monomers formed from ring opening of ε-caprolactone, 4-tert-butyl caprolactone, and N-acetyl caprolactone, and combinations thereof, and at least one drug releasable from the biodegradable polymer. Also disclosed are implantable medical devices form of the biodegradable polymers and processes for forming the polymers.
US07897167B2	Implantable graft to close a fistula An implantable graft, which may be inserted into a fistula tract to occlude the primary opening of the fistula, is provided. To prevent unintentional displacement of the graft or extrusion of the graft from the fistula of a patient, the graft may be provided with a cap that extends laterally from at least one end of the body of the graft, where the cap may be integral with the body of the graft, attachable to at least one end of the body of the graft, and/or moveable along the body of the graft. The graft may also have a tail that extends from one end of the body of the graft to assist in placement of the graft in a fistula tract. The graft may be an integral unit made of a single material, such as a heterograft material, or may include distinct components made of the same or different materials. Methods for closing a fistula tract are also provided.
US07897160B2	Conjugated fatty acid based emulsion and methods for preparing and using same Stable emulsions comprising as a base one or more diene conjugated fatty acids. Amino acids and other macromolecules can be used to stabilize the emulsion. The emulsion is also useful as a carrier and delivery vehicle of the macromolecules to humans or animals in need of the macromolecules. Plant oil extracts, such as conjugated linoleic acid and its acylated derivatives, are useful as the diene conjugated fatty acids that form the base of the stable emulsion. The emulsions formed are useful as nutritional or cosmetic adjuvant for oral based nutrition, skin diseases, cosmetic utility, enhancing oral nutrition, or pharmacological benefit. Methods of producing and using the emulsions are also provided.
US07897158B2	Recombinant toxin fragments A single polypeptide is provided which comprises first and second domains. The first domain enables the polypeptide to cleave one or more vesicle or plasma-membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis, and the second domain enables the polypeptide to be translocated into a target cell or increases the solubility of the polypeptide, or both. The polypeptide thus combines useful properties of a clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum or tetanus toxin, without the toxicity associated with the natural molecule. The polypeptide can also contain a third domain that targets it to a specific cell, rendering the polypeptide useful in inhibition of exocytosis in target cells. Fusion proteins comprising the polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptide and methods of making the polypeptide are also provided. Controlled activation of the polypeptide is possible and the polypeptide can be incorporated into vaccines and toxin assays.
US07897156B2	Modified vaccinia virus ankara for the vaccination of neonates The invention concerns the use of a virus to increase the number of dendritic cells or their precursor cells in an immunocompromised animal, including a human. The virus is preferably a Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara which is capable of infecting the cells of a neonatal or prenatal animal, including a human, but not capable of being replicated to infectious progeny virus in the neonatal or prenatal animal, including a human.
US07897151B2	Anti-IgE vaccines The present invention provides compositions and methods for the use of antigenic peptides derived from the Fc portion of the epsilon heavy chain of an IgE molecule as vaccines for the treatment and prevention of IgE-mediated allergic disorders. In particular, the invention provides compositions, methods for the treatment and prevention of IgE-mediated allergic disorders comprising an immunogenic amount of one or more antigenic peptides derived from the CH3 domain or junction of Ch-3/CH4 domain of an IgE molecule and methods for the evaluation of IgE mediated allergies in dogs.
US07897147B2	Treatment of premenstrual disorders Methods for preventing or treating a premenstrual disorder by peripheral administration of a botulinum toxin. The botulinum toxin can be administered to or to the vicinity of a trigeminal sensory nerve, thereby preventing or treating one or more of the symptoms of a premenstrual disorder.
US07897145B2	Methods for the treatment of renal failure The present invention relates to methods for treating renal failure. Particularly, the present invention relates to methods for treating renal failure by administering to a subject complexes that include a member of the IL-6 family linked to a soluble receptor of the member of the IL-6 family, or isolated polynucleotides encoding same, the complexes capable of activating a gp130 mediated signaling pathway, thereby treating acute or chronic renal failure.
US07897140B2	Multi DTPA conjugated tetrapyrollic compounds for phototherapeutic contrast agents Novel tetrapyrollic water soluble photosensitizing and imaging compounds and the methods of treating and imaging hyperproliferative tissue, e.g. tumors and hypervacularized tissue such as found in macular degeneration. Broadly, the compounds are tetrapyrollic photosensitizer compounds where the tetrapyrollic compound is a chlorin, bacteriochlorin, porphyrin, pyropheophorbide, purpurinimide, or bacteriopurpurinimide having 3 to 6 —CH2CONHphenylCH2CH(N(CH2COOH)2))(CH2N(CH2COOH)(CH2CH2N(CH2COOH)2)) groups or esters thereof or complexes thereof with gadolinium(III).
US07897138B2	Process for producing antimony pentaoxide The invention relates to a process for producing diantimony pentoxide having a high oxidation purity.A process for producing an aqueous sol of diantimony pentoxide, which comprises mixing diantimony trioxide (Sb2O3) and an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution in an aqueous medium, and after the temperature has reached from 50 to 80° C., reacting the diantimony trioxide with the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution while keeping the reaction temperature at a level not higher by at least 10° C. than a desired set temperature in the temperature range, to thereby obtain a sol having dispersed in the aqueous medium diantimony pentoxide particles which have a primary particle size of from 2 to 50 nm and which have a diantimony trioxide/diantimony pentoxide weight ratio of not higher than 5 wt %.
US07897133B1	Process for conversion of waste fluid streams from chemical processing plants to beneficiary agriculture products The present invention is directed to the conversion of gas streams comprising ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and water in the form of liquids or gases that are generated by petroleum refineries and coke ovens to beneficiary agriculture products, by forming ammonium sulfide and then converting the ammonium sulfide, using sulfuric acid, to pure ammonium sulfate.
US07897129B2	Process for synthesis of ammonia borane for bulk hydrogen storage The present invention discloses new methods for synthesizing ammonia borane (NH3BH3, or AB). Ammonium borohydride (NH4BH4) is formed from the reaction of borohydride salts and ammonium salts in liquid ammonia. Ammonium borohydride is decomposed in an ether-based solvent that yields AB at a near quantitative yield. The AB product shows promise as a chemical hydrogen storage material for fuel cell powered applications.
US07897128B2	Preparation of complex metal oxides The present invention provides a process for making a complex metal oxide comprising the formula AxByOz. The process comprises the steps of: (a) reacting in solution at a temperature of between about 75° C. to about 100° C. at least one water-soluble salt of A, at least one water-soluble salt of B and a stoichiometric amount of a carbonate salt or a bicarbonate salt required to form a mole of a carbonate precipitate represented by the formula AxBy(CO3)n, wherein the reacting is conducted in a substantial absence of carbon dioxide to form the carbonate precipitate and wherein the molar amount of carbonate salt or bicarbonate salt is at least three times the stoichiometric amount of carbonate or bicarbonate salt required to form a mole of the carbonate precipitate; and (b) reacting the carbonate precipitate with an oxygen containing fluid under conditions to form the complex metal oxide.
US07897125B1	Silicon tetrafluoride byproduct separation process Embodiments of the invention provide a system and process for recovering useful compounds from a byproduct composition produced in a silicon tetrafluoride production process.
US07897124B2	Continuous process and plant design for conversion of biogas to liquid fuel Biogases such as natural gas and other gases capable of being biologically derived by digestion of organic matter are converted to a clean-burning hydrocarbon liquid fuel in a continuous process wherein a biogas is fed to a reaction vessel where the biogas contacts a liquid petroleum fraction and a transition metal catalyst immersed in the liquid, vaporized product gas is drawn from a vapor space above the liquid level, condensed, and fed to a product vessel where condensate is separated from uncondensed gas and drawn off as the liquid product fuel as uncondensed gas is recycled to the reaction vessel.
US07897122B2	Hybrid adsorptive membrane reactor A hybrid adsorbent-membrane reactor in which the chemical reaction, membrane separation, and product adsorption are coupled. Also disclosed are a dual-reactor apparatus and a process using the reactor or the apparatus.
US07897120B2	Feeding device for bundled tube reactor A charging device for a tube reactor has a plurality of metering chambers which can be filled with filling material, for example a catalytically coated carrier material. Each metering chamber is adjoined by a drop tube or some other filling device via which a tube of the filling device can be filled in each case. The metering chambers can each be filled via antechambers which are combined into one replaceable antechamber unit.
US07897118B2	Air conditioner device with removable driver electrodes Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for moving air using an air-conditioning system therein, whereby the air-conditioning system preferably includes at least one emitter electrode, at least one collector electrode, at least one driver electrode disposed adjacent to the collector electrode, and/or at least one trailing electrode positioned downstream of the collector electrode. The collector electrode and the driver electrode are removable from the device. In one embodiment, the driver electrodes are removable from the device and/or the collector electrode. The ability of remove the collector electrode as well as driver electrode allow for easy cleaning of the electrodes. In one embodiment, the present device includes a removable exhaust grill upon which the driver electrode and/or the trailing electrode are coupled to. The removable grill allows the user to easily clean the driver electrode without having to remove the collector electrode.
US07897109B2	Oxygen monitoring apparatus Apparatus or systems which employ luminescence quenching to produce an oxygen concentration indicative signal. Components of such systems include: (1) an airway adapter, sampling cell, or the like having a sensor which is excited into luminescence with the luminescence decaying in a manner reflecting the concentration of oxygen in gases flowing through the airway adapter or other flow device; (2) a transducer which has a light source for exciting a luminescable composition in the sensor into luminescence and a light sensitive detector for converting energy emitted from the luminescing composition as that composition is quenched into an electrical-signal indicative of oxygen concentration in the gases being monitored; and (3) subsystems for maintaining the sensor temperature constant and for processing the signal generated by the light sensitive detector. Sensors for systems of the character just described, methods of fabricating those sensors, and methods for installing the sensors in the flow device.
US07897107B2	Analyte meter protectors and methods Analyte meter protectors, meters that include the same, and methods.
US07897105B2	pH indicator A pH indicator comprising a solid substrate coated at least partially by at least one layer of at least one substance, wherein said the and the substrate are having different colors and wherein the at least one substance is selected to dissolve or to decompose when exposed to predetermined pH values, thereby exposing said first color.
US07897103B2	Method for making and using a rod assembly An elongated rod assembly is made by preparing a plurality of rods. Each rod is prepared by the steps of furnishing at least one nonmetallic precursor compound, thereafter chemically reducing the precursor compounds to produce the metallic material, and thereafter consolidating the metallic material to form the rod, wherein the rod has a rod length equal to the assembly length. The rods are bundled together to form a bundled rod assembly. The rod assembly may be used as a consumable feedstock in a melting-and-casting operation.
US07897099B2	Method for producing honeycomb structure There is provided a honeycomb structure and a method for producing the honeycomb structure, capable of reducing variance in pore diameter depending on part and capable of increasing the mean pore diameter as a whole. There is provided a method for producing a cordierite honeycomb structure 1 including the step of firing a honeycomb formed body. In the firing step, a temperature rise rate from 1200° C. to 1250° C. is controlled to 40° C./hr or more, a temperature rise rate from 1250° C. to 1300° C. is controlled to 2 to 40° C./hr, and a temperature rise rate from 1300° C. to 1400° C. is controlled to 40° C./hr or more. There is further provided a honeycomb structure having a porosity of 50 to 70%, a mean pore diameter of 15 to 30 μm, a difference in a mean pore diameter of 5 μm or less between in the central portion and in the outer peripheral portion, a thermal expansion coefficient of 1.0×10−6/° C. or less in each of the central portion and the outer peripheral portion, and an A-axis compression strength of 1.5 MPa or more in each of the central portion and the outer peripheral portion.
US07897081B2	Method of extruding articles Methods for coextruding a predetermined initial melt stream through at least one profiled die having a nonlinear inlet opening and an outlet opening. The die insert is positioned so as to cause redistribution of at least a portion of the melt stream. The nonlinear melt stream formed at the nonlinear inlet opening converges within the die insert into a substantially more linear or rectangular melt stream at the die insert outlet opening. At the die insert outlet opening at least one or more regions of the melt stream vary in properties or material clue to the redistribution of the melt stream in the die insert. Articles extruded using the coextrusion methods are also described.
US07897077B2	Process for pelletizing polymer melts comprising low-boiling substances The invention relates to a process for pelletizing polymer melts, at above ambient pressure, in a pelletizing chamber into which a cutting apparatus has been inserted. In a first step, the pelletizing chamber is flooded with a gas which is inert toward the polymer melt and whose pressure is that at which the pelletizing process is carried out. The polymer melt is then injected into the pelletizing chamber. Finally, the gas is displaced from the pelletizing chamber via a liquid as soon as the polymer melt begins to flow through the cutting apparatus, this melt being cut into pellets.
US07897069B2	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 5 μm or more and less than 20 μm, a BET specific surface area of 40 to 80 m2/g and a tap density of 1.7 g/ml or more.
US07897068B2	Sputtering target, thin film for optical information recording medium and process for producing the same A sputtering target is provided that has a relative density of 80% or more and contains a compound having as its principal component zinc oxide satisfying AXBYO(KaX+KbY)/2(ZnO)m, 1
US07897062B1	High-solids lime slurry Novel hydrated-lime slurry compositions are disclosed, which include a heat-stable polymeric dispersant. The polymeric dispersant is capable to withstand temperatures in excess of 212° F. experienced by the slurry as a result of the hydrolysis of quicklime to produce hydrated lime, and accordingly can be added to the slurry composition prior to the addition of quicklime. Methods for making such slurry compositions are also disclosed.
US07897061B2	Compositions and methods for CMP of phase change alloys The present invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) composition suitable for polishing a substrate comprising a phase change alloy (PCA), such as a germanium-antimony-tellurium (GST) alloy. The composition comprises not more than about 6 percent by weight of a particulate abrasive material in combination with an optional oxidizing agent, at least one chelating agent, and an aqueous carrier therefor. The chelating agent comprises a compound or combination of compounds capable of chelating a phase change alloy or component thereof (e.g., germanium, indium, antimony and/or tellurium species) that is present in the substrate, or chelating a substance that is formed from the PCA during polishing of the substrate with the CMP composition. A CMP method for polishing a phase change alloy-containing substrate utilizing the composition is also disclosed.
US07897059B2	High tin solder etching solution A method is provided for the removal of tin or tin alloys from substrates such as the removal of residual tin solder from the molds used in the making of interconnect solder bumps on a wafer or other electronic device. The method is particularly useful for the well-known C4NP interconnect technology and uses an etchant composition comprising cupric ions and HCl. Cupric chloride and cupric sulfate are preferred. A preferred method regenerates cupric ions by bubbling air or oxygen through the etchant solution during the cleaning process.
US07897057B1	Sensor for detection of gas such as hydrogen and method of fabrication A gas sensor system and its method of fabrication is disclosed. The sensor system comprises an optrode, light source, and a light detector. In a sensor for hydrogen gas, the optrode is comprised of a porous substrate into which an intimate mixture of reagent and catalyst is incorporated. The mixture reacts with the hydrogen to produce a color/intensity change in relation to the concentration of gas. The optrode further includes a reversing agent, boron, to restore the benchmark conditions of the sensor system in real-time. The method of fabricating the optrode includes the steps of cleaning; etching to achieve the proper porosity; incorporating the reagent, catalyst, and reversing agent using capillary action; and removing excess reagent and catalyst.
US07897055B2	Method for manufacturing multilayer flexible printed circuit board The present inventions relates to a method for manufacturing a multilayer FPCB having different number of layers in different areas. The method includes the steps of: providing a binder layer; removing a portion of the binder layer thereby defining an opening in the binder layer; forming a multilayer FPCB which having a first copper clad laminate structure and a second copper clad laminate structure disposed on two opposite sides of the binder layer respectively using the binder layer; cutting the first copper clad laminate structure; cutting the multilayer FPCB in manner that a portion of first copper clad laminate structure that is exposed to the opening is separated from the first copper clad structure thereby obtain a multilayer FPCB having different number of layers in different areas.
US07897054B2	Centrifuge container and methods of use A flexible, disposable centrifuge bag for receiving and holding a fluid sample, comprising one or more tubes and upper and lower flexible sheets having doughnut shaped configurations. The upper and lower sheets are superimposed and completely sealed together at their outer perimeters to define an outer perimeter of the centrifuge bag. The inner perimeter of the bag defines a central core. The tubes are sandwiched between the upper and lower sheets and extend from the central core of the centrifuge bag. The upper and lower sheets are sealed together at their inner perimeters such that the tubes are sealed between said upper and lower sheets at the inner perimeter. The bag may be used to harvest platelet rich plasma from whole blood in either a batch method or while simultaneously infusing additional aliquots of whole blood into the bag during centrifugation.
US07897052B2	Method for removing arsenite and arsenate from water A method for removing arsenite and arsenate from water is provided. The method comprises reacting the water with cupric oxide (CuO) particles for a predetermined time and filtering the reacted water. A system for removing arsenite and arsenate from liquids is also provided.
US07897051B2	Method for separating proteins from liquid media The invention relates to a method for separating proteins from liquid media, comprising providing a liquid medium containing proteins, providing a clay material which has: a specific surface greater than 150 m2/g, a pore volume greater than 0.35 ml/g, an ion exchange capacity greater than 40 meq/100 g, and a sediment volume in water of less than 15 ml/2 g, equilibrating said clay material to a pH of from 3.5 to 9.0, treating said liquid medium with the equilibrated clay material, and separating the purified, protein-depleted liquid medium from the clay material.
US07897050B2	Dense gas means for extraction of a solute from solids The present invention provides methods and systems for the extraction of solutes from solid matter using dense gases in a mechanical auger separation system.
US07897047B2	Retention/detention pond and green roof passive nutrient removal material mixes Materials, compositions, substances and methods and systems for stormwater treatment in wet ponds, dry ponds and a green roof system. A first embodiment provides in-situ treatment unit within the retention pond by withdrawing the stored stormwater to circulate the stored stormwater into the in-situ treatment unit to sorb nitrogen from the stored stormwater. A second embodiment provides uses a riprap apron, a perforated riser located at the bottom of the riprap apron and a goetextile media encased in a sorption media jacket around the perforated riser. A third embodiment provides a green roof stormwater treatment system that includes protection for waterproofing and insulating the roof, a pollution control media layer for filtration and sorption of solids and dissolved materials found in stormwater, a growing media for growing vegetation, and a cistern to store the runoff stormwater between irrigation events. The green roof system includes recycling runoff stormwater by irrigating the green roof with the stored stormwater.
US07897039B2	Apparatus for collecting condensed water of air conditioner evaporator in heavy construction equipment An apparatus for collecting condensed water of an air conditioner evaporator in heavy construction equipment is disclosed, which is able to receive condensed water into a receiver from an evaporator and treats the same which comprises a body which is installed at one side of the evaporator and includes a plurality of support frames provided in the interior of the same, with its upper and lower sides being fixed with a vibration resistant member; a water collection pipe which allows the condensed water produced from the evaporator to be supplied to a water inlet valve; a storing tank which is connected with the water inlet valve and stores condensed water inputted via the water inlet valve; a water purification filter which filters dirt, heavy metallic substances and organic chemicals contained in the condensed water supplied from the storing tank; and a water purification tank which stores the filtered condensed water and has a pipe extended to the outside of the body.
US07897036B2	Systems and methods for producing a crude product Systems and methods for hydroprocessing a heavy oil feedstock with reduced heavy oil deposits, the system employs a plurality of contacting zones and separation zones zone under hydrocracking conditions to convert at least a portion of the heavy oil feedstock to lower boiling hydrocarbons, forming upgraded products, wherein water and/or steam being injected into first contacting zone in an amount of 1 to 25 weight % on the weight of the heavy oil feedstock. The contacting zones operate under hydrocracking conditions, employing a slurry catalyst for upgrading the heavy oil feedstock, forming upgraded products of lower boiling hydrocarbons. In the separation zones, upgraded products are removed overhead and optionally, further treated in an in-line hydrotreater. At least a portion of the non-volatile fractions recovered from at least one of the separation zones is recycled back to the first contacting zone in the system.
US07897033B2	Method and apparatus for measuring sample reaction results on biosensor Disclosed is a method of measuring sample reaction results on a biosensor having a working electrode and other electrodes, including: applying voltage between the working electrode and each of the other electrodes and detecting the amount of current flowing through the working electrode to determine whether or not a sample is injected; applying voltage between the working electrode and one of the other electrodes and re-detecting the amount of current flowing through the working electrode; and acquiring and displaying a concentration value as a sample reaction result corresponding to the amount of detected current.
US07897032B2	Method and apparatus for stripping voltammetric and potentiometric detection and measurement of contamination in liquids A sampling system for measuring the presence and concentration of inorganic ion species, including, metals, metalloids and non-metals, in a liquid solution including a first sampling unit. The first sampling unit includes a potentiometric subsystem configured to gather environmental metrics of the liquid sample, a preparation subsystem, coupled to the potentiometric module, the preparation subsystem being configured to prepare and isolate contaminants of concern in a flow of a liquid sample into metal, metalloid, or non-metal ionic forms; and a voltammetric subsystem selectively coupled to the preparation subsystem, potentiometric subsystem and a sample source, the voltammetric subsystem being configured to identify and determine a concentration of metal, metalloid, or non-metal ionic species through stripping voltammetry. The system is configured to compare a value of a stripping signal of the sample with a predetermined value to determine if dilution of the sample is required.
US07897023B2	Device for producing anodic oxidaton products of an alkali or alkali-earth metal chloride solution The invention relates to chemical engineering, in particular to devices for electrolyzing aqueous solutions of alkali or alkali-earth metal chlorides and for obtaining gaseous electrolytic products such as chlorine and oxygen. It can be used for water purifying and disinfecting processes and for electrochemically producing some chemical products. The inventive device includes at least one electrochemical reactor (1) comprising from 2 to 16 electrochemical cells. Lines for supplying and discharging cathode and anode chambers are embodied in the form of pipelines having an inner diameter equal to or less than 0.5 of the interelectrode distance and lengths which are equal to or greater than 2 Ld, wherein the interelectrode distance is an anode-to-cathode distance and Ld is the cathode length. A manifold for supplying an initial solution (10), a lower manifold of the cathode circulation circuit (15), a heat exchanger (18), an upper manifold of the cathode circulation circuit (14) and a manifold for collecting gaseous products of the anodic chamber cells (13) are arranged along the same vertical axis. The upper manifold of the cathode circulating circuit (14) is mounted at a height not less than then the distance equal to Ld from the cathode chamber output. The number of the inputs and outputs of the manifolds corresponds to the number of cells in the reactor, and said inputs and outputs are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis of symmetry of the manifold.
US07897019B2	Tower for the distillation of seawater Systems and methods for desalting seawater by distillation are disclosed. Warm air is fed into the bottom of a natural draft tower. The warm air passes through seawater in an exchange means to increase the water content of the air. The moisture-laden air then rises and is drawn through a condensing means. The condensing means is cooled by cold water drawn from deep ocean depths. Desalted seawater is collected from the condensing means.
US07897017B2	Microstructured monofilament and twined filaments An apparatus for the production of a fibrous web, in particular a paper web or paperboard web, having a belt formed from individual threads which are connected together, in particular woven together, whereby the surface of the threads is constructed to be structured in order to improve the paper quality and the production flow.
US07897012B2	Sheet containing fibrous or tubular moisture adsorbent metal oxide This invention is to provide a sheet product that is excellent in moisture absorption amount, moisture absorption speed and moisture release speed and is capable of keeping a powder from falling off and that can have a large content of a moisture adsorbent, and the sheet product of this invention contains (a) a moisture adsorbent formed of a tubular or fibrous metal oxide, (b) a cellulosic fibrillated fiber, and (c) an organic fiber having a fineness of 0.01 dtex to 0.45 dtex and is characteristically produced by a paper-making method.
US07896999B2	Method of forming open core web elements A continuous, fully automated and highly productive system for the production of open core elements utilizes a fluting method and related apparatus effective for providing large pitch flutes for the input webs used in forming the core elements. A wide variety of core elements can be produced for uses ranging from large light weight building panels to small light weight packing elements.
US07896998B2	System, method, and apparatus for pre-tensioned pipe for load-sharing with composite cover A pipe is wrapped with a composite to form a pre-stressed interface to facilitate load sharing between the materials. Prior to being wrapped, the pipe is placed in tension via hydraulic devices or the like. Alternatively, a combination of cured and uncured composite wraps is used in proximity to each other to apply compressive stress to the pipe. In addition, the pipe may be subjected to cold temperatures to change its dimensions prior to being wrapped with a composite material.
US07896995B2	Textile backed pile article and method for making same A pile article is provided having a band of textile material, and a plurality of fiber loops defining a pile having sides from ends extending longitudinally along the band. The band is ultrasonically welded to the ends and a portion of the sides of the pile, and is sufficiently wide to support the sides of the pile substantially upright. An interior textile strip may optionally extend longitudinally within the pile at the ends of the pile and within a portion of the pile sides.
US07896989B1	Cross-sectional functionally graded propellants and method of manufacture Methods of making cross sectional, functionally-graded munitions propellants exhibiting various distributions of particle concentrations and burn rate, including having a fast burning core and slower burning outer layer(s). Unlike prior art methods of preparing such munitions, propellants prepared according to our inventive method(s) may be performed substantially as a single extrusion step or as a few processing steps, without requiring the time, expense and/or difficulties that characterized familiar, laminating methods and methods which use multiple extruders. Our inventive method advantageously employs a demixing phenomenon that, prior to our inventive application and teaching, has been considered quite undesirable in the preparation of propellants where uniformity and well-mixedness have been propellant attributes widely sought after.
US07896988B2	Charge system for destroying chips on a circuit board and method for destroying chips on a circuit board A charge system for destroying chips on a circuit board is provided. The charge system has a first substrate having a number of recesses formed therein with each of the recesses having a housing disposed therein. A high density charge is disposed within the housing. A number of recesses are formed within the high density charge. A number of low density charges are disposed within each of the recesses formed within the high density charge. A second substrate is located proximate to the first substrate. The low density charge and the high density charge are structured to destroy the second substrate after ignition. A method of destroying chips is also provided.
US07896985B2	Seamless steel pipe for line pipe and a process for its manufacture A seamless steel pipe for line pipe having a high strength and good toughness and corrosion resistance even though having a thick wall has a chemical composition comprising, in mass percent, C: 0.02-0.08%, Si: at most 0.5%, Mn: 1.5-3.0%, Al: 0.001-0.10%, Mo: greater than 0.4% to 1.2%, N: 0.002-0.015%, Ca: 0.0002-0.007%, and a remainder of Fe and impurities, wherein the contents of the impurities are at most 0.03% for P, at most 0.005% for S, at most 0.005% for O and less than 0.0005% for B and wherein the value of Pcm calculated by the following Equation (1) is at least 0.185 and at most 0.250. The steel pipe has a microstructure which primarily comprises bainite and which has a length of cementite of at most 20 micrometers: Pcm=[C]+[Si]/30+([Mn]+[Cr]+[Cu])/20+[Mo]/15+[V]/10+5[B] (1) wherein [C], [Si], [Mn], [Cr], [Cu], [Mo], [V] and [B] are numbers respectively indicating the content in mass percent of C, Si, Mn, Cr, Cu, Mo, V and B.
US07896983B2	Hollow stabilizer and method of manufacturing the same In a method of manufacturing a hollow stabilizer, a pipe compressing step of compressing an electroseamed pipe in a temperature range of a hot state or a warm state so as to make a rate of a thickness with respect to an outer diameter between 18 and 35% is performed, and a forming step of forming the compressed electroseamed pipe in a stabilizer shape in a cold state is executed. Next, a step of applying a heat treatment to a half-finished stabilizer is performed, a shot peening step of impacting a shot on the half-finished stabilizer is performed, and a step of coating the half-finished stabilizer is performed.
US07896981B2	Nitriding stainless steel for consumer electronic products A cost effective system, method and apparatus adapted to provide a nitride layer on stainless steel used for the manufacture of consumer electronic products. In addition to providing a durable, hard surface that is both scratch and impact resistant, the nitride layer allows for the natural surface color and texture of the underlying stainless steel to remain visible to the user. It is this natural surface color and texture of the stainless steel that adds to the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the consumer electronic product thereby enhancing the user's overall experience.
US07896979B2	Activating flux for welding stainless steels An activating flux for welding stainless steel includes: from 25 to 40 weight percent of titanium dioxide (TiO2); from 25 to 30 weight percent of chromium oxide (Cr2O3); from 10 to 30 weight percent of silicon dioxide (SiO2); from 10 to 15 weight percent of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2); and from 5 to 15 weight percent of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3), which are active additive materials. A welding rod or wire includes a welding material and an activating flux. The activating flux layer is provided on or in the welding rod or wire and is formed as an outer layer or a core portion of the welding rod or wire.
US07896976B2	Ventilation device for the discharge pipe of a water supply household appliance A ventilation device for the discharge pipe for removing a flow medium pumped to a household appliance. A pipe ventilation valve is connected to the discharge pipe by a channel and comprises a valve body disposed in a float chamber filled with a working medium which is separated from the flow medium and actuates the valve body. The valve body is actuated by transmitting a pneumatic force between the flowing medium and the working medium of the float chamber or between the flowing medium and a sealing surface adjacent to the valve body by means of a pressure medium which is separated from the flowing medium and is enclosed in the channel. The inventive pipe ventilation device makes it possible to avoid a direct contact between the valve body of the pipe ventilation valve and the flowing medium, thereby preventing the valve body from being soiled.
US07896975B2	Sump assembly and dish washer using the same The present invention is to provide a sump assembly which enables leaked washing water therein to be circulated smoothly without remaining therein, and a dishwasher using the same cleanly and sanitarily. For this, the present invention includes a sump housing for holding washing water; an impeller housing secured to the sump housing for placing an impeller pumping the washing water therein; a filter housing provided on an upper portion of the impeller housing for placing a filter filtering the washing water therein; and a connection device for making a lower portion of the filter housing in communication with the sump housing. Owing to the above configuration, the dishwasher may be used cleanly and sanitarily, resulting in enhancing washing efficiency and endurance of a product.
US07896974B2	Chamber for wafer cleaning and method for making the same A wafer processing chamber “chamber” is provided. Broadly speaking, the chamber allows a fluid flow and a fluid pressure within the chamber to be controlled in a variable manner. More specifically, the chamber utilizes removable plates that can be configured to control the fluid flow and the fluid pressure in an inner volume within the chamber. Also, the removable plates can be used to separate the inner volume within the chamber from an outer volume within the chamber. In this manner, the removable plates can be used to create a pressure differential between the inner volume within the chamber and the outer volume within the chamber. A lower pressure in the outer volume within the chamber requires less outer chamber strength to withstand the lower pressure. A lower outer chamber strength requirement translates into an overall decrease in chamber size.
US07896973B2	Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method This substrate processing apparatus supplies wafers W accommodated in a closed processing container 10 with ozone gas and steam for processing the wafers W. The apparatus includes an ozone-gas generator 40 for supplying the ozone gas into the processing container 10, a steam generator 30 for supplying the steam into the processing container 10 and a steam nozzle 35 arranged in the processing container 10 and connected to the steam generator 30. The steam nozzle 35 is equipped with a nozzle body 35a having a plurality of steam ejecting orifices 35f formed at appropriate intervals and a heater 35h for preventing dewdrops of the steam from being produced in the nozzle body 35a. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the formation of dewdrops of solvent steam, which may produce origins of particles in the closed processing container, unevenness in cleaning (etching), etc., and also possible to improve the processing efficiency.
US07896968B2	Winding type plasma CVD apparatus The object of this invention is to provide a winding type plasma CVD apparatus in which quality of a layer can be made uniform by supplying a reaction gas uniformly to a deposition area of a film, and can perform a self-cleaning process of a deposition portion in the path of deposition onto the film.A film (22) is supported between a pair of movable rollers (33, 34) arranged on the upstream side and downstream side of the deposition portion (25) with regard to the traveling direction of the film, and then the film (22) is made to travel substantially linearly at the deposition position. Consequently, the distance between a shower plate (37) and the film (22) is kept constant, and the quality of the layer is made homogeneous. The film is heated by means of a metal belt (40) traveling simultaneously on the back side of the film. The moveable rollers (33, 34) ascend from the deposition position to the self-cleaning position, and the film (22) can be separated from the shower plate (37). Self-cleaning can be carried out in the path of the deposition onto the film by closing the aperture of a mask (51) with a shutter (65), thereby preventing leakage of cleaning gas.
US07896967B2	Gas supply system, substrate processing apparatus and gas supply method A gas supply system for supplying a gas into a processing chamber for processing a substrate to be processed includes: a processing gas supply unit; a processing gas supply line; a first and a second branch line; a branch flow control unit; an additional gas supply unit; an additional gas supply line; and a control unit. The control unit performs, before processing the substrate to be processed, a processing gas supply control and an additional gas supply control by using the processing gas supply unit and the additional gas supply unit, respectively, wherein the additional gas supply control includes a control that supplies the additional gas at an initial flow rate greater than a set flow rate and then at the set flow rate after a lapse of a period of time.
US07896966B2	Liquid applying apparatus and ink-jet printing apparatus An applying amount to an applying medium is controlled in a liquid applying apparatus. Specifically, before driving a pump, a circulation speed decision processing (S3) is carried out. According to this decided speed, a speed of the circulation flow generated in a liquid holding space is controlled in a pump operating process (S4). This controls a pressure in the liquid holding space. As a result, a state of flow of the applying liquid at a contact member of a liquid holding member in contact with the applying roller is changed, and an amount of the applying liquid adhering to an applying roller and going out of the contact portion is controlled. This can control the amount of the applying liquid to be applied to the applying medium.
US07896964B2	Cement retarder The invention provides a cementitious composition for oilfield application comprising an organic retarder having at least one carboxylate group and copper ions such that a complex is made between copper ion and carboxylate group. Also a method to retard cementitious composition for oilfield application is disclosed, the method comprising the unique double step of adding an organic retarder having at least one carboxylate group and adding copper ions such that a complex is made between copper ion and carboxylate group.
US07896959B1	Filtration apparatus A filtration apparatus for use in a system containing a gas or liquid to be decontaminated. The apparatus has at least one housing for a filter that removes contaminants from a gas or liquid which include biologics and chemicals. The housing contains an inlet portion and an outlet portion in association with valves for closing or regulating the flow of gas or liquid to be decontaminated by the filter. A differential pressure gauge is optionally provided to monitor the pressure in the housing and to indicate when the filter should be replaced. One or more housings can be used for the apparatus. The apparatus is useful for securing water systems, gas delivery systems, and vacuum systems.
US07896957B2	Air purifier An air purifier includes a shell with an air inlet and an air outlet. An electric field filter, an air passage and a blower are disposed inside the shell. The electric field filter includes a filter frame disposed at the air outlet and a grid base disposed under the filter frame. A filter is provided inside the filter frame. One end of the air passage connects with the grid base and the other end connects with the blower. The blower is disposed at the air inlet. The filter frame and the grid base are integrated as a hermetic whole. Due to the integrated configuration of the filter frame and the grid base, when removing out the electric field filter, the power is cut automatically. This effectively prevents an occurrence of the electroshock, and improves safety performance of the purifier. Furthermore, air leakage can be greatly reduced, for there is no gap between the filter frame and the grid base.
US07896952B2	Cartridge adsorber system for removing hydrogen sulfide from reformate A system for removal of H2S from sulfur-containing reformate comprising a permanent canister assembly having fittings for flow of reformate therethrough and a replaceable cartridge assembly containing an H2S adsorber element and fittings for convenient, simple, and reliable mating and sealing with the permanent canister assembly. The cartridge assembly comprises a housing that may be optionally a full cylinder or a semi-cylinder. The cartridge assembly may be easily reloaded off-line for re-use of the cartridge components with a fresh adsorber element. Preferably, the adsorber element is also renewable off-line for re-use.
US07896947B2	Air filtering apparatus An air filtering apparatus including an electrolytic bath for electrolyzing water to generate electrolytic water, a gas-liquid contact member in which the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic bath infiltrates and an air blowing fan for blowing air to the gas-liquid contact member is equipped with a water circulation passage through which the electrolytic water is supplied/circulated to the gas-liquid contact member, the electrolytic water passing through the gas-liquid contact member is received and stocked by a water receiving tray and the stocked electrolytic water is pumped up and supplied to the gas-liquid contact member, a drain pipe branched from the water circulation passage, a water stop valve for opening/closing the drain pipe, and a drain receiver for receiving and stocking the electrolytic water discharged from the drain pipe when the water stop valve is opened.
US07896946B1	Multistage multicontroller variable impactor An inertial gas-liquid impactor separator and method is provided, including multiple stages and multiple variable flow controllers.
US07896944B2	Method for extracting fulvic acid molecules Methods for extracting molecules of fulvic acid from a humus material such as oxidized lignite are disclosed. The humus material is mixed with water to solubilize at least some of the fulvic acid molecules. A first filtration apparatus (which may be an ultrafiltration apparatus) may be used to separate at least some of the solubilized fulvic acid molecules from the humin and at least some of the humic acid molecules. A second filtration apparatus (which may be an ultrafiltration apparatus or a nanfiltration apparatus) may be used to then separate the fulvic acid molecules from most of the water and any remaining impurities. A digestion step may also be carried out where microorganisms are brought into contact with the mixture in the presence of oxygen in order to oxidize any unoxidized organic compounds in the humus material. Iron and aluminum may be precipitated and removed by the addition of a phosphate to improve the purity of the end-product.
US07896943B2	Frustum-shaped insulation for a pollution control device A preformed insulation mat is provided for use between the inner and outer end cone housing of a pollution control device. The preformed insulation includes a frustum-shaped mat. The mat is formed of primarily heat moldable, silica based glass fibers containing Al2O3 and is molded at a selected temperature and for a selected time duration to heat set the fibers, whereby the frustum-shaped mat is seamless and self-supporting, requiring no shape no shape retaining elements or chemical binders.
US07896941B2	Product and method of forming a gradient density fibrous filter A filter media product and method of making the same wherein at least two filter media thicknesses of differing average coarse and fine fiber sizes are held in intertangled relationship forming a gradient density fibrous filter media with the fiber sizes having an overall average in successive thicknesses being either greater or less than the average fiber size of the intertangled fiber thickness(es).
US07896940B2	Self-supporting pleated filter media The present invention is a filter that includes a length of filter media and a continuous, substantially nonlinear adhesive strand. The filter media has a front face and a rear face. The filter media has a plurality of pleats defined by a plurality of fold lines, each fold line being intermediate oppositely sloping first and second wall surfaces. The plurality of fold lines comprise a first plurality of pleat tips and a second plurality of pleat valleys. The adhesive strand is provided on the front face of the filter media in discontinuous contact with the filter media. The adhesive strand contacts the filter media at a pleat tip and contacts the filter media at a portion of a first wall surface and contacts the filter media at a portion of a second wall surface.
US07896937B2	Hybrid separator A low-profile vapor-liquid separator, such as a steam-water separator is described having an inlet opening for receiving a flow of a vapor-liquid mixture and an outlet opening for exhausting the flow of a vapor-liquid mixture after removal of the liquid. A passageway that extending longitudinally between the inlet opening and the outlet opening has a plurality of spinner blades that rotate the liquid to a slot in the wall for removal. The separator has an unobstructed passageway with few slots that increases rotation and centrifugal separation. Due to its efficiency it may be made much smaller than predecessor separators.
US07896936B2	Filter cleaning apparatus A filter cleaning mechanism for a cylindrical filter within a filter box of a surface maintenance machine having a shaker plate engaging a top end of the filter and having vibrations induced via a motor and eccentric mass combination. In one example, the motor and eccentric mass are mounted to a hinged cover plate via a vibration isolating connection. A pair of slot structures may limit movement of the filter to a generally vertical direction relative to ground.
US07896934B2	Hydrogen generating fuel cell cartridges A gas-generating apparatus (10) includes a reaction chamber (18) containing a solid fuel component (24) and a liquid fuel component (22) that is introduced into the reaction chamber by a fluid path, such as a tube, nozzle, or valve. The flow of the liquid fuel to the solid fuel is self-regulated. Other embodiments of the gas-generating apparatus are also disclosed.
US07896933B2	Hydrogen supplying apparatus and method of manufacturing hydrogen supplying apparatus A hydrogen supplying apparatus equipped with a hydrogen separation membrane and a catalyst plate, which is made by forming a catalyst layer on a metal plate, wherein the metal material of the membrane is different in hardness from that of the catalyst plate.A method of producing the hydrogen supplying apparatus, which comprises: bonding a catalyst plate and a hydrogen separation membrane to each other, by friction-stir welding, wherein a welding tool is pressed towards only one of the membrane and catalyst plate, forming a reaction layer between the membrane and the catalyst plate by the frictional heat, and forming ripples in the welded interface.
US07896932B2	Non-oxidative hair dye composition A non-oxidative hair dye composition containing the components (a) and (b): (a) one or two or more kinds of a glycylglycine derivative represented by the following formula (1) and having two or three amino acid residues or salts thereof, and wherein Y represents an amino acid residue or a bivalent group represented by the formula (2); and (b) a direct dye; Wherein symbol * and R, X, n and m are defined in the claims and in the disclosure.
US07896915B2	Medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has at plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a first collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and a second expanded mode when it is implanted.
US07896912B2	Expandable medical device with S-shaped bridging elements An expandable medical device includes a plurality of cylindrical tubes each formed of a plurality of adjacent struts interconnected at alternating ends. The plurality of cylindrical tubes are expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter at which the adjacent struts form substantially V-shapes. The plurality of cylindrical tubes are arranged with the interconnected ends of the struts aligned facing each other in adjacent cylindrical tubes and a plurality of S-shaped bridging elements connected between the interconnected ends of the struts in adjacent cylindrical tubes. The bridging elements are connected entirely above a midline of the V-shapes on one cylindrical tube and entirely below the midline of the V-shapes on an adjacent cylindrical tube.
US07896911B2	Device and method for tacking plaque to blood vessel wall A plaque tack device for treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease is formed as a thin, annular band of durable, flexible material having a plurality of barbs or anchoring points on its outer periphery for preventing it from being dislodged. The plaque tack may be used with a balloon angioplasty procedure or as a de novo treatment for blood vessel blockage to reopen the vessel lumen for desired blood flow. It has a width that is small relative to its diameter, to minimize the amount of foreign structure placed in the blood vessel. One or more tacks may be applied in positions along a plaque accumulation site as needed to stabilize the site and/or hold pieces of plaque out of the way of blood flow. The barbs of the tack may be pressed into the plaque and/or blood vessel walls by balloon expansion. Related methods of deployment and delivery devices are provided for insertion of the plaque tack in a compressed state into the blood vessel and expanding it back to its annular shape for holding plaque against the blood vessel walls.
US07896909B2	Method for treating intervertebral discs A method of treating an annular fissure in an intervertebral disc includes providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis, the distal end having an intradiscal section with at least one functional element, applying a force longitudinally to the proximal end of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through the nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus fibrosus, but which force is insufficient for the intradiscal section to puncture the annulus fibrosus, positioning the functional element at the selected location of the disc by advancing or retracting the catheter and optionally twisting the proximal end of the catheter, and using the functional element to treat the annular fissure.
US07896907B2	System and method for attaching soft tissue to bone A system and method for attaching soft tissue to bone is provided. In general, the apparatus includes an expandable body that is configured to expand into bone, and an expander pin that is adapted to be driven into the expandable body. The device can also include a tissue attachment apparatus that can be used to secure tissue to the device, thereby providing a method for attaching tissue to bone.
US07896905B2	Bone fixation apparatus What is provided is a fixation system that offers a strong and stable construct for maximum fusion augmentation and yet is versatile enough for any patient and is easy to use. Disclosed is a connection assembly for connecting a spinal implant, the assembly comprising: a body, the body including a body opening for receiving at least a portion of a first connector; a swivel having first and second ends and being operatively connected to the body, the first end including a swivel opening for receiving at least a portion of a second connector; a locking plate having an arm at least partially extending into the body opening; a locking unit operatively connected to the body and contacting the second end of the swivel; and whereby activation of the locking unit causes the arm to engage the first connector and swivel opening to engage the second connector thereby preventing relative rotation between the first and second connectors.
US07896903B2	Facet joint prosthesis A prosthesis for facet joints of the spinal column includes a bearing piece and a guide rod. The bearing piece includes a pressure plate that is configured for resting on an articular surface of the vertebra and, on the opposite side, a bearing insert which has an articular surface configured for interacting with an articular surface of an adjacent vertebra. The guide rod is secured on the bearing piece by means of a pivot joint. The bearing forces are transmitted to the vertebra via the pressure plate. In this way, the guide rod can have a narrow configuration, such that a slit excavated in the vertebra for receiving the guide rod can also be made narrow to permit a simple and reliable implantation technique which at the same time is gentle on the bone substance.
US07896901B2	Tissue fixation device A tissue fixation device is provided that is preferably used to secure a ligament or graft within a prepared bone tunnel, for example in ACL replacement. The tissue fixation device generally includes an elongate member having a shaft portion that is adapted to be at least partially disposed within a bone tunnel, and a guide member that forms a portion of the proximal end of the elongate member. The guide member has a graft-seating surface that is effective to seat a graft and to position the graft toward one side of a bone tunnel when the device is disposed within the bone tunnel. The device also includes a graft-retaining member formed on at least a portion of the graft-seating surface.
US07896899B2	Metallic coils enlaced with biological or biodegradable or synthetic polymers or fibers for embolization of a body cavity The invention provides for vaso-occlusive coils comprising fibers.
US07896898B2	Self-centering blood clot filter Blood clot filters having self-centering capabilities when placed in a blood vessel are disclosed. A blood clot device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a number filter legs formed at least in part of a shape-memory material configured to transform from a centering configuration to a filtering when deployed in the body. An attachment section on the distal section of each filter leg is configured to pierce and secure the filter to the vessel wall at a first location. A bend region may be heat set into the shape-memory material to provide a second contact location along the vessel wall to aid in centering the filter within the vessel. The bend region can be formed by heating the shape-memory material above its final austenite temperature (Af), and then shaping the filter leg to form a pad that abuts the vessel wall during deployment.
US07896895B2	Surgical clip and applier device and method of use A surgical clip is provided for ligating or transecting tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like and a surgical clip applier device for delivering and applying the surgical clip to the tissue. The surgical clip can include a spine and opposed arms extending from the spine where the arms can define a clamping length. In a resting state, the clip can be biased to a closed position such that the ends of each opposed arm are disposed in proximity to each other. With such biasing, when applied to a tissue, such as with a surgical clip applier, the clip can exert a positive clamping pressure to the tissue along the clamping length to seal the tissue and limit passage of fluids, such as blood, from the tissue.
US07896893B2	Methods and devices for tissue reconfiguration Methods and devices are provided for reconfiguring a tissue within a hollow body organ using an entirely endoscopic approach in order to effectively reduce flow of fluid contents into a second hollow body organ in fluid communication with the first.
US07896888B2	Multiple wire guide introducer system An introducer system for introducing a plurality of wire guides into a vessel of a patient includes first and second wire guides, and a catheter. The first wire guide has a curved proximal end, and a distal end sufficiently flexible for passage through the vessel to a target site for the procedure. The catheter has proximal and distal open ends, and a lumen extending therebetween. At least the distal end of the catheter has sufficient flexibility for passage over the first wire guide to the target site, and has an inwardly curved portion between the proximal and distal open ends. The catheter further has a side port proximally positioned along the inwardly curved portion. The side port is sized and arranged such that the curve of the first wire guide proximal end is passable therethrough when the catheter is passed over the first wire guide. The second wire guide is sized for passage through the lumen when the first wire guide is positioned in the lumen. The second wire guide has a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the first wire guide.
US07896886B2	Nail plate and implantation jig therefor A humeral fracture fixation system is provided and includes a nail-plate fixation device having a plate-like head portion, an intramedullary nail portion, and a bent neck portion therebetween which creates an angle between the plate and nail portions. The upper surface of the nail portion is substantially straight for contact with the endosteum and the nail portion includes threaded holes for machine screws. The head portion includes locking holes for receiving fixed-angle bone support elements, and K-wire alignment holes. The front of the head portion includes suture holes while presenting a smooth profile. A specific implantation jig and screw guide cannula are also provided.
US07896884B2	Interbody distractor A surgical instrument for insertion of an interbody fusion implant between adjacent vertebral bodies. The surgical instrument comprises a frame member, and a first and a second arm coupled to the frame member. Each arm includes a distal end region and a proximal end region, whereby the proximal end region of at least one arm is pivotably coupled to the frame member, and the distal end region of each arm defines a distractor plate. The distractor plate of each arm is configured to be positioned in direct contact with a vertebral body. A wedge is positioned between the first and second arms, and is configured to translate the interbody fusion implant along an axis between the proximal end region and the distal end region of the arms while adjusting a distance between the distractor plates of the arms via a rack and pinion.
US07896880B2	Apparatus and method for tissue removal Percutaneous tissue removal apparatus comprises a flexible drill shaft, a cutting tip mounted on the shaft for placement adjacent a tissue mass for cutting the tissue, means for transmitting motion to the shaft to move the cutting tip against the tissue to cut tissue fragments from the tissue, and means for removing the tissue fragments along the shaft by suction to a location outside the tissue mass while cutting. The apparatus may include means for collecting one or more selected components of the harvested tissue fragments for implantation of the fragments preferably into the body of the patient from whom they were removed. Where the tissue to be cut is bone, a cutting tip is preferably made of a polymeric material which is softer than the cortical portion of the bone, although the cutting tip may be made of a ceramic or a composite material. A second flexible shaft may be provided either within or about the flexible drill shaft. The harvested tissue fragments may be implanted in the donor patient's body.
US07896879B2	Spinal ligament modification A method for treating stenosis in a spine comprises percutaneously accessing the epidural space in a stenotic region of interest, compressing the thecal sac in the region of interest to form a safety zone, inserting a tissue removal tool into tissue in the working zone, using the tool to percutaneously reduce the stenosis; and utilizing imaging to visualize the position of the tool during at least a part of the reduction step. A tissue excision system for performing percutaneous surgery, comprises a cannula comprising a tissue-penetrating member having a distal end defining an aperture on one side thereof, an occluding member slidably received on or in the cannula and closing the aperture when the occluding member is adjacent the cannula distal end, means for engaging adjacent tissue via the aperture, and cutting means for resecting a section of the engaged tissue.
US07896878B2	Vessel sealing instrument A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.
US07896873B2	Electrode catheter for the electrotherapy of cardiac tissue The present invention relates to an electrode catheter for defibrillation, mapping or ablation of cardiac tissue. Said catheter comprises a terminal (40) on the proximal end of the electrode catheter and one or more sensing and/or treatment electrodes (14, 16) that are situated on or in the vicinity of the distal end of the electrode catheter, in addition to at least one electric conductor (44, 62), which is used to electrically connect a respective sensing or treatment electrode to the terminal. The electric conductor (44, 62) is composed of carbon and the electrode catheter is configured to be suitable for us as part of magnetic resonance tomography and for connection to electrophysiotherapy equipment. Said catheter comprises at least one defibrillation electrode, or at least one sensing electrode (14, 16) for the recording and evaluation of cardiac tissue potentials, or at least one treatment electrode (14) for delivering high-frequency currents for ablation purposes.
US07896872B2	Apparatus for thermal treatment of an intervertebral disc An apparatus and method for treating an intervertebral disc having an inner nucleus pulposus and an outer annulus fibrosus includes a thermal probe defining proximal and distal ends and having a guidable region adjacent the distal end thereof. The guidable region is characterized by having sufficient rigidity to advance within the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc in response to an axial force exerted on the proximal end of the thermal probe while having sufficient flexibility to substantially follow and conform to an azimuthal course defined by the natural striata of the annulus fibrosus. The thermal probe is adapted for connection to a thermal energy source to provide thermal energy to the annulus fibrosus to alleviate pain associated with the intervertebral disc.
US07896870B2	Catheter with cryogenic and electrical heating ablation A catheter includes a cryoablation tip with an ablation assembly for heating tissue. The cryoablation tip may be implemented with a cooling chamber and have an RF electrode at its distal end. The electrode may be operated to warm cryogenically-cooled tissue, or the coolant may be controlled in combination with an RF treatment regimen to enhance the lesion size, speed or placement of multi-lesion or single lesion cycles. In one embodiment a microwave energy source operates to extend beyond the thermal conduction depth, or penetrate the ice ball and be absorbed in tissue beyond an ice boundary, thus extending a dimension of treatment. Also, the cooling and application of RF energy can be controlled to position the ablation region away from the surface contacted by the electrode thereby leaving surface tissue unharmed while ablating at depth or to provide an ablation band of greater uniformity with increasing depth.
US07896869B2	System and method for ensuring proper medical instrument use in an operating room A system for managing medical instrument use during a surgical procedure may comprise a number of medical instruments, a display device configured to display any of the number of medical instruments, a microphone for transmitting voice commands identifying different ones of the number of medical instruments, and a controller. The controller is responsive to the voice commands to control the display device to display corresponding ones of the number of medical instruments.
US07896864B2	Vented vacuum bandage with irrigation for wound healing and method A vacuum and irrigation wound bandage system is provided for use with a wound. The system includes a vacuum source, an irrigation source, and a bandage positioned adjacent the wound to create a sealed environment around the wound. The vacuum source of the system is in communication with the bandage to create negative pressure between the bandage and the wound.
US07896861B2	Catheter with a pre-shaped distal tip Catheters having a pre-shaped tip configuration are disclosed. A catheter in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include an elongated tubular shaft equipped with a distal tip section having a pre-shaped tip configuration that can be used to facilitate tracking of the device through particular locations of the vasculature. The catheter may include a number of features that transition the stiffness and flexibility characteristics of the device and provide a means to radiographically visualize the catheter within the body.
US07896858B2	Absorbent articles comprising graphics A pull-on disposable absorbent article may comprise multiple components creating multiple seams. The components may comprise multiple graphic objects that cooperate to form an appearance of a waistband around a viewable outer circumference of the pull-on disposable absorbent article. The components may further comprise multiple patterns of graphics in the form of multiple objects disposed immediately adjacent to one or more of the seams. Each of the graphic objects and patterns of graphics may be disposed on a viewable outer surface.
US07896856B2	Wound packing for preventing wound closure A wound insert or wound packing for preventing wound closure is provided. Such packing may be used alone or in regular bandages or in vacuum bandages or in irrigation bandages. Some illustrative wound inserts are configured for placement within an undermined portion or a tunneled portion of a wound.
US07896855B2	Method of treating wounds by creating a therapeutic combination with ultrasonic waves A method of treating infected wounds utilizing ultrasonic vibrations to mix different materials together as to create a therapeutic combination is disclosed. The materials are mixed by passing them through an ultrasound horn vibrating in resonance, having an internal chamber. As the materials pass through the internal chamber, ultrasonic vibrations emanating from and/or echoing off the various walls of the chamber mix the materials into a potentially therapeutic combination. Ultrasonic vibrations emanating from the radiation surface of the horn may be used to spray the created therapeutic combination onto the area of the body to be treated.
US07896851B2	Catheter with puncture sensor Disclosed is a catheter to be percutaneously inserted into a living body lumen, which includes a sheath portion having a lumen extending therein, an insertion member slidably disposed in the lumen of the sheath portion and having a distal end portion capable of protruding from a distal end portion of the sheath portion, an injection needle disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion member for injecting a therapeutic composition into a target tissue, and an electrode disposed at a distal end portion of the catheter for measuring a cardiac action potential.
US07896850B2	Device for delivering medicament The present invention relates to a device for the delivery of predetermined doses of liquid medicament to a patient, which medicament is intended to be inhaled by the patient or intended to be injected into the body of the patient. The device is adapted to be in a medicament delivery state and in a medicament non-delivery state. When the device is in a medicament delivery state, said device is adapted to drive a piston into a cartridge containing the liquid medicament to be delivered, with a predetermined force value. The device is designed and arranged to ensure that the predetermined dose of medicament expelled from the cartridge has a high degree of accuracy and to show the user in a simple manner how much medicament is remaining in the cartridge after a dose or several doses has/have been expelled and at the same time offering a shorter device, which is more convenient for the user when he/she has to carry it with him/her.
US07896846B2	Trocar seal system A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.
US07896837B2	Method and device for intradermally delivering a substance A device for delivering a substance into the skin of a patient includes a body and a skin penetrating device having at least one skin penetrating member, such as a microneedle. The body includes an internal cavity and a device for indicating the delivery of a sufficient amount of the substance to the patient and for producing a dispensing pressure to dispense and deliver the substance from the cavity. The indicating device is visible from the exterior of the delivery device. In some embodiments, the indicating device is an elastic expandable diaphragm which, when the cavity is filled with a substance, creates the dispensing pressure.
US07896835B2	Apparatus and method for measuring fluid flow to a suckling baby A system for measuring fluid intake by a sucking baby. The system includes: a feeding pathway for fluid flow from the fluid source to the baby's mouth, wherein the feeding pathway has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth; and an indicator pathway for indicating the amount of fluid provided to the baby's mouth through the feeding pathway, wherein the indicator pathway has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth. The amount of fluid drawn into the indicator pathway is indicative of the amount of fluid drawn into the feeding pathway.
US07896834B2	Alignment and attachment of a heat exchanger cartridge to a pump device A pump system selectably controls the temperature, flow rate, flow volume, and flow pressure of a fluid being infused into a patient's body. The pump system includes a cartridge and components that removably connect with a pump housing and corresponding components, providing simple attachment of the cartridge to the pump housing. The pump housing includes a pressure sensor, a bubble detector, and a temperature sensor on a first side of the pump housing, and an engaging actuator and a central controller. The cartridge includes on a first side a heat exchanger, a pressure receptor correspondingly aligned with the pressure sensor, and a detector interface correspondingly aligned with the bubble detector and temperature sensor. Upon aligning the cartridge with the pump housing and actuating the engaging actuator, the pressure receptor communicates with the pressure sensor and the detector interface aligns with the bubble detector and temperature sensor.
US07896831B2	Method and apparatus for calculating fluid flow rate A switch valve for use in an extracorporeal blood flow circuit comprises a valve housing having a chamber, four openings communicating with the chamber, and a valve member located in the valve chamber. A first opening is to be connected to a patient via an arterial cannula, a second opening is to be connected to a patient via an venous cannula, a third opening is to be connected to a first inlet/outlet of a blood treatment device, and a fourth opening is to be connected to a second inlet/outlet of a blood treatment device. The valve member is movable within the valve housing to fluidly connect the first opening to either the third or the fourth opening and to fluidly connect the second opening to either the third or the fourth opening. The width of the valve member is smaller than a peripheral dimension of the openings.
US07896829B2	Wearable continuous renal replacement therapy device A continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) device adapted to be worn on a portion of the body of a patient. The CRRT device is worn by the patient and operates on rechargeable batteries for more than 5 hours. Dialysate is used to remove impurities from the blood. The dialysate is recycled and refreshed by a filter section. Less than one liter of dialysate is required to circulate through the wearable CRRT device.
US07896828B1	Orthosis An ankle support that is adapted to securely hold the lower leg, ankle and foot of a wearer so as to provide reparative support thereof and an associated method of fabrication thereof. The ankle support includes an outer shell formed of a rigid material that conforms substantially to the configuration of the wearer and including an upper portion for at least partially surrounding the lower leg, an intermediate portion about the ankle and a lower portion that at least partially supports the foot; an inner liner formed of a flexible and conformable material and including an upper portion for at least partially surrounding the lower leg, an intermediate portion about the ankle and a lower portion that at least partially supports the foot and an interlocking mechanism including cooperating and interlocking members of the respective outer shell and inner liner that assist in retaining the inner liner within the outer shell.
US07896824B2	Massage device having deformable and/or movable branches and massage method using same A massage device may include: at least two massage members; and at least two branches. Each branch may carry at least one massage member. The branches may be in a first configuration when the massage members are not engaged with a region to be treated, and may be configured to take up a second configuration when the massage members are engaged with the region to be treated. The branches may be displaced relative to each other while passing from the first configuration to the second configuration, and may be configured to return resiliently into the first configuration when the massage members are no longer engaged with the region to be treated.
US07896821B1	Low intensity directed ultrasound (LODUS) mediated blood brain barrier disruption A method and device selectively and reversibly disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in a selected volume of the brain without the need for exogenous agents. The method and device employ low intensity directed ultrasound (LODUS) that is safe, reduces the danger of cavitation and thermal tissue damage, and is able to expose small or large regions of the brain to achieve a desired therapeutic or prophylactic effect.
US07896820B2	Guide wire A guide wire includes a first wire disposed on the distal side and composed of a first material, and a second wire disposed on the proximal side of the first wire and composed of a second material. The first and second wires are connected to each other through an intermediate member which includes a core portion and an outer layer covering the outer periphery of the core portion. The core portion is wholly or partly composed of a material different from the material of the outer layer, and at least one of the core portion and the outer layer is composed of the first material or the second material. The proximal portion of the first wire and the distal portion of the intermediate member are joined to each other, and the distal portion of the second wire and the proximal portion of the intermediate member are joined to each other.
US07896818B2	Sampler cap A sampler cap includes a sampler connector, an analyzer connector and a liquid impermeable closure member, which may be a membrane or a filter. The sampler cap may be used to transfer a test sample to an analyzer without removing the sampler cap from the sampler.
US07896817B2	Biopsy device with manually rotated sample barrel A biopsy device and method may be used to obtain a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that is rotated by an integral motor and manually translated past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. A sample capturing structure (e.g., sample barrel) has a plurality of sample cavities (e.g., radially symmetric, revolver handgun orientation) that are manually aligned one at a time to capture one or more samples.
US07896812B2	System and method for diagnosis and treatment of a breathing pattern of a patient Described is a system including a sensor and a processing arrangement. The sensor measures data corresponding to a patient's breathing patterns. The processing arrangement analyzes the breathing patterns to determine whether the breathing patterns are indicative of a REM sleep state. In another embodiment, the processing arrangement analyzes the breathing patterns to determine whether the breathing patterns are indicative of one of the following states: (i) a wake state and (ii) a sleep state. In another embodiment, a neural network analyzes the data to determine whether the breathing patterns are indicative of one of the following states: (i) a REM sleep state, (ii) a wake state and (iii) a sleep state. In another embodiment, the processing arrangement analyzes the data to determine whether the breathing pattern is indicative of an arousal.
US07896808B1	System and method to suppress noise artifacts in mixed physiologic signals A system and method of sensing relatively low magnitude signals of interest in a sensing environment with at least intervals of relatively high magnitude noise of comparable or overlapping frequency spectra as the signals of interest. The systems and methods can be implemented in an efficient, low-power manner to facilitate long term monitoring of low magnitude physiologic signals, for example in an in vivo or implantable manner. An amplifier can be arranged with a threshold detector driving a normally closed switch such that the input to or output from the amplifier can be opened when the noise exceeds a threshold. A filter, such as a moving average filter, can be included to smooth the amplified output and compensate for the amplified signal lost when the threshold is exceeded. The systems and method facilitate implantable nerve sensing in high noise environments, such as from myopotentials.
US07896805B2	In-vivo imaging device and optical system thereof The present invention provides an in-vivo imaging device comprising at least one imager and an associated optical system, at least the optical system located in an optical dome of the imaging device, the optical dome having a tip, the optical system comprising an optical lens, the optical system having a given effective focal length f, the optical lens being located at a distance D′ from the tip; wherein D′/f≧6.
US07896803B2	Variable direction of view instrument with on-board actuators A viewing instrument with a variable direction of view is disclosed generally comprising an outer instrument shaft, such as endoscope shaft, with a viewing element at its distal end, and an inner drive shaft within the outer shaft for moving the viewing element in order to change the direction of the view vector. First and second on-board actuators, such as motors, are arranged in the proximal portion of the instrument for rotating the outer and inner shaft, respectively, in order to rotate the viewing element through two degrees of freedom. In certain embodiments, the axes of the shafts are coincident, and the viewing element rotates about a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to shaft axes. In some embodiments, the axes of the motors are substantially parallel.
US07896802B2	Endoscope insertion portion An endoscope insertion portion of the invention includes an outer surface formed between a plurality of observation windows oriented in a spouting direction of the air/water feeding portion, the outer surface being in the same plane as surfaces of the plurality of observation windows.
US07896801B2	Endoscope with rigidity variation section An endoscope is provided wherein a variable rigidity portion is not restricted by a physical mechanism, and which allows a surgeon, in performing a rigidity varying operation, to operate the rigidity varying operation along with other operations without releasing inputting sections. The endoscope of the invention includes an inserting section and an operating section. The inserting section has variable-rigidity actuators. The operating section has a rigidity-variation controlling section, a trackball, and scope switches.
US07896800B2	Endoscope for medical and non-medical purposes The invention relates to an endoscope for medical and non-medical purposes having a housing and a shaping element positioned in the housing containing a hygroscopic substance. To design a medical instrument of the aforementioned type in such a manner than the hygroscopic substance can be integrated into the housing simply and securely with the greatest possible drying effect, it is proposed in keeping with the invention that the binding agent is also a hygroscopically active substance.
US07896799B2	Penis development correction device The correction device mainly contains a main tube and a secondary tube for housing the penis, a belt for wearing around a user's waist, and a number of straps connecting the belt to the main and secondary tubes. The main and secondary tubes are attached in parallel together along their axial direction so that the secondary tube provides a buffer space for an erected penis and the penis will not be hurt by the main tube. The straps contains at least an abdomen strap running in front of the user's abdomen, and a perineum strap extending from the belt to run over the buttock and then between the legs of the user to the main tube.
US07896797B2	Electromagnetic field treatment apparatus and method for using same Larmor Precession makes specific predictions about bound ion dynamics, based upon specific combinations of AC and DC magnetic fields. Especially significant is the fact that the external magnetic field environment determines the overall qualities of resonances or particular changes in bio-effects. Given a target with a particular gyromagnetic ratio, Larmor Precession makes predictions that are determined solely by a magnetic field environment itself. An embodiment according to the present invention comprises specific combinations of AC and DC magnetic fields configured to produce specific bio-effects. Preferably an embodiment according to the present invention comprises using Larmor Precession to develop Electromagnetic Field environments targeted towards enhancing or diminishing specific biological processes, including tumor growth, bone and tissue repair, and biological processes and using Larmor Precession to generate magnetic field conditions that take advantage of specific behaviors, including resonances conditions.
US07896793B2	Folded boxes and methods of making the same The folded collapsed boxes containing substantially no open gaps are provided. A plurality of different size folded collapsed boxes can be bundled together to yield a display that has the maximum number of folded collapsed boxes displayed thus conserving space.
US07896791B2	Conductive roller and inspection method therefor To provide a conductive roller which does not cause defective images with, for example, black lines, which would otherwise be caused by current leakage due to aggregation of carbon black particles or a similar phenomenon, and a method for inspecting the roller.The conductive roller having a metallic core and at least one rubber elastic layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of the core, the rubber elastic layer being formed from a conductive rubber which has ion conductivity and which contains carbon black micropowder, characterized in that said rubber elastic layer satisfies the relationship represented by the following formula: \|θmax/θmin\|≦5, [F1] wherein θmax represents the maximum value of phase difference θ as measured upon application of an AC voltage of 1.0 V within a frequency range of 100 mHz to 10 kHz, and θmin represents the minimum value of phase difference θ as measured under the same conditions.
US07896790B1	Inversion table An inversion table has a mounting bracket, a backrest, an ankle clamp assembly and a holding device. The mounting bracket has a rear supporting frame and two front supporting legs. The backrest is connected pivotally to the rear supporting frame. The ankle clamp assembly is securely connected to the backrest to clamp a person's ankles. The holding device is mounted on the rear supporting frame of the mounting bracket at a position opposite to the ankle clamp assembly and has two holding bars. Each holding bar has two self-casings connected to each other around the rear supporting frame and each self-casing has a mounting segment and a holding segment. The mounting segment is mounted on the rear supporting frame and has a mounting recess and multiple supporting ribs. The holding segment is formed on the free ends of the mounting segment to provide a holding and gripping effect.
US07896787B2	Health and fitness device A health and fitness device is described, which may be operated hands-free without requiring the user to remain in a single position. The health and fitness device includes a casing with multiple openings, multiple cables where an end of a cable is configured to detachably couple with an end of another cable, and a tension mechanism unit housed within the casing is configured to retract the multiple cables into the tension mechanism unit through the multiple openings. When the one cable is coupled to the other cable, the health and fitness device may be secured onto an object or the positioned on the body of the user and used for various practical applications such as self-massage.
US07896782B2	Exercising machine The subject matter discloses an exercising device enabled to switch between elliptical course and circular course of footrests used by a user, comprising two main wheels, each connected to a different footrest; two connecting rods, the distal end of each connecting rod is connected to each main wheel and the proximal end of each connecting rod is connected to the body of the exercising device, said connecting rods are enabled to move the two main wheels on a horizontal axis.The subject matter also discloses a mechanism within an exercising device enabling both elliptical and circular movement of a footrest in the exercising device, the mechanism comprising: a main wheel connected to the footrest and rotated upon movement of the footrest; a connecting rod connected on its proximal end to the body of the exercising device and on its distal end to the main wheel; wherein the course of the footrest's movement is elliptical when the distal end is connected to a non-centric position on the main wheel and circular when the connecting rod is connected to a centric position on the main wheel or when the connecting rod is not connected to both the main wheel and the body of the exercising device.The footrests and handlebars of the exercising device fit the new motions enabled by the device. A stepper can also be embedded within the exercising device of the disclosed subject matter.
US07896778B1	Sliding exercise apparatus and recreational device A sliding exercise apparatus and recreational device which can be employed both wet and dry. A user can traverse the device which includes a surface which can be inclined as a durable low friction sheeting material. The user can be supported by a wide variety of vehicles including sports boards and clothing apparel which, in turn, have a durable low friction layer for contacting the sliding exercise apparatus and recreational device for entertainment and in order to enhance gymnastic and board skills.
US07896776B2	Gear change control device, straddle-type vehicle, and method of controlling gearbox Riding comfort of a vehicle is improved by reducing deceleration and acceleration exceeding the expectation of a rider due to gear changes. A gear change control device calculates current torque being transmitted from a drive-side member of a clutch to a driven-side member of the clutch, and calculates post-completion torque estimated to be transmitted from the drive-side member to the driven-side member after the completion of engagement of the clutch. The gear change control device then controls the degree of engagement of the clutch according to the difference between the current torque and the post-completion torque, and receives a next gear change command according to the difference between the current torque and the post-completion torque.
US07896774B2	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 are clutches and brakes. The transmission provides a plurality of speed ratios.
US07896773B2	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. The transmission provides a plurality of speed ratios.
US07896772B2	Multi-speed transmission with external drive gearsets A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, four external 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. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second gears. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
US07896771B2	Differential lock mechanism A differential lock mechanism is provided for use in an axle assembly having a differential, an input member and first and second axles. A lock sleeve is co-axially disposed about the first axle, with the lock sleeve being rotatable with the first axle and laterally movable relative to the first axle. A lock collar is co-axially disposed about the lock sleeve and is laterally movable between outboard and inboard positions. A biasing member biases the lock sleeve toward the rotatable carrier and a lock fork is engaged with the lock collar. The lock fork is operable for moving the lock collar between the outboard and inboard positions. The lock collar is disengaged with the rotatable carrier when the lock collar is in the outboard position and is engaged with both the rotatable carrier and the lock sleeve when the lock collar is in the inboard position.
US07896770B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.
US07896768B2	Drive assembly for an operating unit of an agricultural implement or an agricultural machine A drive assembly for an operating unit (9) of an agricultural implement or an agricultural machine has a clutch (4) with an input (34). The input (34) is mechanically and drivingly connected to a drive engine (1). A summarizing gear unit (8) has a first input (20), a second input (24) and an output (26). The first input (20) is mechanically and drivingly connected to an output (35) of the clutch (4). The output (26) acts to drive the operating unit (9). A hydraulic pump (10) is mechanically and drivingly connected to the output (35) of the clutch (4). A hydraulic motor (11) is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic pump (10). The motor (11) is mechanically and drivingly connected to the second input (24) of the summarizing gear unit (8).
US07896765B2	Belt tension adjustment mechanism The present invention relates to a belt tension adjustment mechanism for use with a device including a main body and a belt pulley set. The belt pulley set includes a belt. The belt tension adjustment mechanism includes a slab, at least two tension pulleys and a fixing element. A tight tension force and a slack tension force are exerted on the opposite sides of the belt to define a tight side and a slack side of the belt when the belt pulley set runs. A counterforce is generated from the tight side of the belt to exert on the tension pulley contacting with the tight side, the slab is moved in response to the counterforce. The slack side of the belt is suppressed by the tension pulley contacting with the slack side such that the slack tension force is adjustable.
US07896763B2	Ball bat exhibiting optimized performance via selective placement of interlaminar shear control zones A ball bat exhibits improved barrel performance in regions located away from the “sweet spot” of the bat barrel, as a result of strategic placement of interface shear control zones (“ISCZs”) in the barrel. The ball bat includes a barrel having a first region adjacent to the tapered section of the ball bat, a second region adjacent to the free end of the barrel, and a third region located between the first and second regions, that includes the sweet spot of the barrel. The first and second regions each include at least one interface shear control zone. The third region includes at least one fewer interface shear control zone than at least one of the first and second regions. ISCZs may also be strategically placed in the bat handle and/or the tapered section of the ball bat to improve the compliance and overall performance of the ball bat.
US07896762B2	Grip trainer for racquet sports A grip trainer for positioning a user's hand on a sports racquet includes a base configured to be removably attached to the sports racquet handle in a plurality of different positions that correspond to different grips related to the sport for which the racquet is designed for use, a finger positioning device that includes a generally cylindrical projection extending upwardly from the base and configured to position the user's hand on the racquet handle in one of the plurality of positions. A method of positioning a user's hand in any of the forehand, backhand, and service position on a tennis racquet also is disclosed.
US07896758B2	Soccer trainer The present invention is a soccer trainer [1000] which allows players to practice kicking a soccer ball toward a target and/or positioning themselves inside of the goal. It employs a flexible kick pad [1100] indicating where to kick a soccer ball from, and at least two guidelines [1370] from either side of the kick pad [1100] to the sides of the goal [10]. The guidelines [1370] are used to identify the maximum angle to kick the ball which will result in a goal. The guidelines [1370] can be retracted onto a reel [1350] inside base mechanism [1300] for storage. In order to practice kicking past players by curving the ball around defenders, simulated blockers [1320] are used. These simulate blockers [1320] attached to different attachment points [1410] on base mechanism [1300] represent various sized players at various distances.
US07896754B1	Club attachable golf practice pad A training aid is described for facilitating a user swinging a golf club having a golf club head over a ground surface. The training aid includes a resilient spacer having an upper side, a lower side, and at least one peripheral edge connecting the upper side to the lower side, and an attachment means fixed to the spacer and adapted to selectively hold the spacer to the golf club head. With the training aid mounted to a lower side of the golf club head with the attachment means, the user may swing the golf club over the ground surface, the spacer preventing the golf club head from contacting the surface. In some embodiments, a cushioning means may be fixed to the lower side of the spacer.
US07896753B2	Wrapping element for a golf club Wood-type golf club heads (e.g., drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid clubs, or the like) include: (a) a ball striking face; (b) a club head body engaged or integrally formed with the ball striking face, wherein the club head body includes a removable wrapping element proximal to the ball striking face.
US07896751B2	Encapsulated fastener and method and tooling for manufacturing same An encapsulated fastener includes a nut having a face with a concave gap adapted to receive a bolt. The nut is encapsulated by an encapsulation including an extension, which includes a tube adapted for receiving a portion of the bolt and a flange adapted for engaging a face of the nut. The encapsulation extension is placed on the nut in an overmolding tool, wherein an encapsulation base is injection molded over a portion of the encapsulation extension. The encapsulation base encapsulates the nut and extends into the nut concave gap forming a base foot and washer protrusion. The nut is encapsulated except for its bore which is sealed off during the overmolding process by a spring-mounted mandrel. Alternative embodiments of the invention include tubes with different configurations for contacting the bolt whereby the tube or cylinder is reinforced. A method and tooling for manufacturing the encapsulated fastener are also provided.
US07896750B2	Sealing arrangement between a constant velocity joint and a hub bearing unit of a motor vehicle wheel One end of a resilient sleeve is fitted on a tubular projection of the bell of a constant velocity joint. The sleeve covers a radial slot formed in the projections and the arms of a spring locking ring for axially removably securing the joint bell to a toothed driving ring fixed on a rotatable hub. The other end of the sleeve has a radially inwardly projecting flange which is sealingly axially clamped against a rigid annular part secured to or integral with the hub.
US07896746B2	Adjustable support stand for gaming device A gaming device support stand is height adjustable, permitting the position of a gaming device positioned thereon to be adjusted. In one embodiment, the support stand comprises a support platform for supporting a gaming device, the support platform movable relative to a base member. A lifting mechanism is used to move the support platform. The lifting mechanism may comprise one or more guide members and one or more force generating mechanisms. A controller may receive player input regarding a desired position of the gaming device. The controller may activate the lift mechanism, thus effectuating movement of the support stand.
US07896742B2	Apparatus and methods for providing interactive entertainment Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel.
US07896741B2	Progressive controller A method and system for configuring a progressive system that insures enhanced operative control and security of the progressive system. The progressive controller provides one or more security keys to access and verify modifications to the progressive configuration. The allocated number of gaming devices connected to the progressive system is authenticated by a dedicated security key. Gaming devices in excess of the allocation are disabled from the progressive system. The security keys are configured with an expiration parameter that requires gaming establishments to remain current with respect to progressive system agreements.
US07896740B2	Exchange of entries corresponding to participants in a sports competition Entries in one or more sports competitions are determined and distributed to a plurality of users. The one or more sports competitions have one or more stages. In some implementations relating to a first sports competition, the entries include entries in which each of the entries corresponds to a respective team of a set of teams participating in the first sports competition. In some implementations relating to a second sports competition, the entries include entries in which each of the entries corresponds to a respective individual of a set of individuals participating in the second sports competition.
US07896736B2	System and method for simulating the outcome of an electronic bingo game as a blackjack game A game system and method plays an electronic game and simulates the outcome as a blackjack game. The game system allows a player to place a wager. The outcome of the electronic game includes a payout according to a first pay table if a set of predetermined winning conditions has been achieved. The outcome of the bingo game is simulated as a blackjack game. The outcome of the blackjack game is equivalent to the outcome of the electronic game.
US07896735B2	Player gaming console, gaming machine, networked gaming system and method Games, networked gaming systems, gaming machines and methods are disclosed that provide various player-centric games and rewards to the casino patrons.
US07896732B2	Crop residue chopping and spreading system for an agricultural combine A system for chopping and spreading crop residue produced by an agricultural combine wherein the spreader is advantageously disposed directly rearwardly of a cleaning system of the combine for receiving chaff and other crop residue directly therefrom, without aid of a mechanism to convey the chaff to the spreader, and wherein the chopper is disposed just above and/or rearwardly of the spreader and is configured for discharging crop residue from the threshing system of the combine into the spreader for spreading thereby with the chaff.
US07896728B2	Machining methods using superabrasive tool A tool for use in an abrasive machining process has a body extending along a central longitudinal axis from a first end to a tip end. An abrasive material is located on the tip end. The body has a tip end protuberance. An abrasive material is located on the protuberance. A body lateral surface has, over a radial span of at least 20% of a radius of the protuberance, a continuously concave longitudinal profile diverging tipward.
US07896722B2	Display device and manufacturing method thereof A partitioning wall is formed on one surface of a substrate. The partitioning wall has a lattice-like shape and defines a plurality of surrounded-regions. Each of the surrounded-regions is surrounded by the partitioning wall and includes a plurality of pixel-regions on which pixels are to be formed. A first predetermined region of the substrate adjacent to a part of the partitioning wall is maintained at a higher temperature, and a second predetermined region other than the first predetermined region is maintained at a lower temperature. Liquid which contains a carrier transporting material is coated on the pixel-regions in the surrounded-regions while maintaining the temperatures of the substrate.
US07896710B2	Electrical contact device An electrical contact device for an arrangement includes two apparatuses, between which a relative movement takes place along a first movement path. In at least one embodiment, the electrical contact device includes a first contact, including a first contact surface, and includes a second contact including a first multiplicity of contact arms, each provided with a contact projection for making contact with the first contact surface. In at least one embodiment, in order to prevent excessive friction wear to the first contacts even when the contact projections of the associated second contacts are arranged successively in the same direction as the first movement path, at least one device is provided for controlling a relative movement between the two contacts along a second movement path, which runs parallel to the first contact surface of the first contact and obliquely with respect to the first movement path.
US07896709B2	Keyed mating connectors with latching mechanism An electric connecting device of the present invention includes: a first connector having a first housing 22; a second connector having a second housing 42; and a metal latch 5. The first housing 22 has a cylindrical fitting 23, and the second housing 42 has a fitting receiver. On an exterior surface 23s of the fitting 23 are formed four ribs 24 each projecting in a radial direction of a center portion 23c of the fitting 23. An interior surface of the fitting receiver on the other hand has four recesses for respectively fitting therein the four ribs 24, during the connected state. The four ribs 24 includes two ribs 24 which are disposed across from each other over the center portion 23c, along a single line extending through the center portion 23c, when viewed from the connecting direction.
US07896700B2	Socket connector A socket connector is disclosed that includes a housing, multiple contact modules fixed to the housing, and multiple shield members coupled and fixed to the corresponding contact modules. The contact modules and the shield members are alternately arranged in alignment in a longitudinal direction of the housing. The shield members are fixed to the housing.
US07896697B2	Screening device for reducing electromagnetic coupling A screen (60) for reducing the electromagnetic coupling between a first and a second adjacent pair (62, 64) of electrical connectors (52), which are arranged in a row of pairs of electrical connectors (52) in a connector block (10), contains a first electrically conducting surface (66) which is shaped for arrangement between the first and the second adjacent pair (62, 64) of electrical connectors (52); and two electrically conducting surfaces (68, 70) spaced apart, which are electrically coupled with corresponding sections of the first electrically conducting surface (66) and which stand up from these sections in the transverse direction, in a common direction, and form a three-sided screen for a pair of electrical connectors (52).
US07896696B2	Divided connector for regulating a terminal A divided connector, comprises a terminal having an electric contact part protruding from a main body front part and an electric wire attached under pressure to a main body rear part; an inner housing that allows the terminal inserted into an inner part to be engaged with a terminal engaging piece and attached and the main body front part to protrude from a front end; an outer housing that allows the inner housing inserted into an inner part from a rear part to be engaged with a flexible engaging piece and attached; a terminal positioning regulating wall provided in the outer housing and having a contact part inserting hole for inserting the electric contact part; and a front part positioning frame protruding in the rear surface of the terminal positioning regulating wall correspondingly to the contact part inserting hole to enclose and position the main body front part.
US07896692B2	Method of improving isolation between circuits on a printed circuit board A method of improving electrical isolation between a first circuit and a second circuit sharing a common substrate having an effective dielectric constant greater than that of air. The first and second circuits are spaced apart and separated from one another by an intermediate portion of the substrate. The method includes removing a portion of the intermediate portion to replace the portion removed with air thereby reducing the effective dielectric constant of the intermediate portion. By reducing the effective dielectric constant of the intermediate portion, electrical isolation between the first and second circuits is improved thereby reducing crosstalk between the first and second circuits. In particular implementations, the method may be used to reduce alien crosstalk between adjacent communication outlets in a patch panel.
US07896683B1	Connector assemblies configured to prevent damage to contacts during mating and demating A connector assembly that includes a plug connector and a receptacle connector configured to mate with each other. The plug connector has a connector body including shroud with socket contacts received therein. The shroud also includes ribs and wing guides that extend in directions that are generally perpendicular to each other. The receptacle connector has walls that define a cavity that has a complementary shape for receiving the connector body. The walls are configured to direct the connector body into the cavity such that socket contacts within the plug connector engage pin contacts within the receptacle connector. The wing guide and the rib are configured to prevent damage to the pin contacts when the connector body is erroneously inserted into the receptacle connector.
US07896681B2	RJ modular connector An RJ modular connector is provided that has wire channels that slope downward and end at openings in the bottom of the connector through which the stripped wires extend. In use, the outer jacket insulation is removed from an end portion of the cable, leaving lengths of exposed wires. The length of the exposed wire is unimportant. The wires are arranged in an essentially flat configuration and inserted longitudinally into the connector and then directed downward by the downward slope of the channels, so that the distal ends of the respective wires extend through the bottom of the connector. The protruding wire ends are then compared with a standard to confirm the correct color identification pattern for them and corresponding wire position. After the comparison is made, the protruding wire ends are crimped/secured and sheared off. Conductive contact blades are inserted, and pierce the wires.
US07896673B2	Lamp socket, backlight assembly including the lamp socket, and liquid crystal display including the backlight assembly A lamp socket includes a lamp connection unit which is electrically connected to a lamp, a power connection unit which is disposed below and adjacent to the lamp connection unit along a longitudinal axis and is electrically connected to an electric source which supplies power to the lamp, and a fastening member which is disposed on the power connection unit, wherein the power connection unit comprises at least one sub-component which has a surface area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis which is larger than the largest surface area of the lamp connection unit perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and wherein the sub-component of the power connection unit with the largest surface area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is located proximate to the lamp connection unit.
US07896664B1	Articulated lever mechanism for retractable thumb drive A mechanism for extending and retracting the electrical connector in a flash memory thumb drive is disclosed. The flash memory and USB connector are disposed on a printed circuit board. The board is slidably disposed within a housing so that the connector can be extended beyond and retracted within the housing. An arm on a pivot can be rotated in one direction so that another lever extends the board, and rotated in the opposite direction to retract it.
US07896661B2	Card edge connector with improved soldering portions of terminals A card edge connector includes an elongated insulative housing, a plurality of first terminals, a plurality of second terminals retained in the insulative housing. The insulative housing defining a central slot, a first side wall, and a second side wall opposite to the first side wall. The first terminals each defines a first level soldering portion extend out of the first side wall in a width direction of the insulative housing. The second terminals each defines a second level soldering portion merely under the insulative housing to closer to the first soldering portions for occupying less area of a mother board.
US07896659B1	Modular connector system A connector assembly includes a subsidiary circuit board, connectors, and an interposer assembly. The subsidiary circuit board includes opposite sides. The connectors are mounted to the opposite sides of the subsidiary circuit board and are electrically coupled with the subsidiary circuit board. The connectors are configured to mate with mating connectors. The interposer assembly is joined with the subsidiary circuit board. The interposer assembly includes a dielectric housing and elongated contacts that extend between opposite outer ends along a vertical axis and are held by the housing. The interposer assembly mates with the subsidiary circuit board and is configured to mate with a main circuit board such that the outer ends of the contacts electrically couple the connectors mounted to the subsidiary circuit board with the main circuit board.
US07896658B2	Apparatus and method for adjusting position of electronic component An apparatus, includes a plurality of pins which include a longitudinal axis, each of the pins to be respectively electronically contacted with each of a plurality of terminals of an electronic component by pressing each of the terminals onto each of the pins from a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis, and an adjusting unit which adjusts a position of the electronic component so that each of the terminals corresponds to each of the pins respectively.
US07896656B2	Modular interconnect apparatus The present application provides a modular interconnect apparatus. In one embodiment, the interconnect apparatus includes a frame; and a plurality of coaxial modules connected to the frame, wherein each of the plurality of coaxial modules comprises: a signal contact having a middle portion, a first end and a second end; a first ring shaped ground contact surrounding the first end of the signal contact, wherein the first end of the signal contact is coaxial with the first ring shaped ground contact; a second ring shaped ground contact surrounding the second end of the signal contact, wherein the second end of the signal contact is coaxial with the second ring shaped ground contact; and a housing that houses at least a portion of signal contact and ground contacts.
US07896654B2	Asymptotic head and socket electrical connection An electric connection structure includes a metal element (1) with an axle cavity and a metal element (2) with an axle head. The cross section edges of the hinge faces between the axle cavity and the axle head are in gradual spiral line type. As both the metal elements (1, 2) have larger corner, the hinge faces have larger space which will disappear when the metal elements rotate to be approximately horizontal, and the axle head and the axle cavity will attain compression force to be tightly combined in continuous rotation of the metal elements so as to have a large electric contact face, tight contact, non-loosen, and free maintenance.
US07896652B1	Child day planner and sub-task sequence planner One embodiment of a device that provides a means of displaying pictures that represent activities, or steps within an activity, for the purpose of teaching a sequence, displaying expectations, and encouraging participation in new or existing routines. The device is comprised of a board (FIG. 1) that is capable of displaying visual cues in the form of picture cards (FIG. 4A/B/C) in a plurality of interior channels. The pictures can be viewed from the front of the board (FIG. 1) and are moved from a ‘To Do’ column (9) to an ‘All Done’ column (7) as tasks or steps within a sequence are completed. The board (FIG. 1) is constructed in such a fashion as to create interior channels that allow the unimpeded passage of picture cards (FIG. 4A/B/C) through the entire interior of the board (FIG. 1). The picture cards (FIG. 4A/B/C) that pass through the channels are of a size that is slightly smaller than the interior dimensions to allow them to be inserted, slid across, and removed from the board (FIG. 1). The frontal area of the board (FIG. 1) incorporates ‘frame like’ openings that allow the picture cards (FIG. 4A/B/C) to be slid across by using a finger pressed upon the surface of the card and applying slight pressure to move it across. The device is designed to be vastly versatile and capable of being used by many age groups and in many situations.
US07896649B2	Heat system, heat method, and program The present invention provides a heating system, a heating method and a program, which can readily control processing temperature. A temperature calculating computer 4 of the heating system includes a device DB 42. The device DB 42 stores therein a temperature correcting table indicative of a relationship between an accumulated film thickness of extraneous matter attached to the interior of each heating apparatus and a temperature correcting amount, with respect to each heating apparatus, for each temperature (processing temperature) in the heating apparatus. Thus, the temperature correcting amount can be specified based on the temperature correcting table, the processing temperature and the accumulated film thickness, so that an optimized value can be calculated from the specified temperature correcting amount.
US07896648B2	Vertical heat processing apparatus and heat processing method using the vertical heat processing apparatus The present invention is a vertical heat processing apparatus comprising: a heat processing furnace having a furnace opening; a lid member for closing the furnace opening of the heat processing furnace; a first substrate holder and a second substrate holder, each of which is capable of holding a plurality of substrates in a tier-like manner and of being alternately placed on the lid member through a heat retention tube; an elevating mechanism that vertically moves the lid member to load one of the substrate holders into the heat processing furnace, and to unload the one of the substrate holders from the heat processing furnace; a holder table configured to be placed thereon the other of the substrate holders for transfer of the substrates, when the one of the substrate holders is in the heat processing furnace; and a holder conveying mechanism configured to convey the respective substrate holders between the holder table and the heat retention tube; wherein the holder table is provided with a holder gripping mechanism for gripping the substrate holder to prevent turnover thereof.
US07896647B2	Combustion with variable oxidant low NOx burner Heating provided by a burner that combusts hydrocarbon fuel can be provided at a sequence of different heat transfer rates by adjusting the total oxygen concentration of oxidant streams fed to the burner. A burner with which the method can be practiced is also disclosed.
US07896645B2	Three phased combustion system A system when installed in-line with a pollution source provides reduction and/or complete combustion of harmful emissions generated there from. Such emissions including (but not limited to) compounds such as oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, odors, organic and inorganic particulates. The pollution source can be of any type, such as smoke from a smokestack, engine exhaust, etc. The re-burner system is of very simple construction, is extremely energy efficient and does not require any moving parts or maintenance, respectively.
US07896642B2	Balloon folding device A balloon folding device comprises a first die having an external contacting surface and a second die having a cavity. A portion of the cavity comprises a contacting surface shaped complimentary to the external contacting surface of the first die. The second die is movable with respect to the first die. A balloon catheter having a primary balloon and a secondary balloon is oriented with the secondary balloon located between the first die and the second die. The secondary balloon is folded by moving the second die toward the first die until the contacting surfaces of the dies contact, fold and deflate the secondary balloon. In some embodiments, the dies are moved until at least a portion of the external contacting surface of the first die is oriented within the cavity of the second die.
US07896639B2	Rapid prototyping apparatus Apparatus for producing an object by sequentially forming thin layers of a construction material one on top of the other responsive to data defining the object, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of printing heads each having a surface formed with a plurality of output orifices and controllable to dispense the construction material through each orifice independently of the other orifices; a shuttle to which the printing heads are mounted; a support surface; and a controller adapted to control the shuttle to move back and forth over the support surface and as the shuttle moves to control the printing heads to dispense the construction material through each of their respective orifices responsive to the data to form a first layer on the support surface and thereafter, sequentially the other layers; wherein each printing head is dismountable from the shuttle and replaceable independently of the other printing heads.
US07896637B2	Injection molding machine When constructing an injection molding machine M that is equipped with hydraulic pumps 2, which control discharge flow rates by variably controlling the number of revolutions of a drive motor 3, and that drives hydraulic actuators 4a . . . by these hydraulic pumps 2; the injection molding machine M is equipped with a hydraulic drive member 6 having multiple hydraulic pumps 2p and 2q, and a hydraulic oil supply circuit 5 jointly or individually supplying hydraulic oil to be discharged from multiple hydraulic pumps 2p and 2q to a hydraulic actuator 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d or 4e selected from the multiple hydraulic actuators 4a . . . .
US07896622B2	Electric pump A rotary shaft is rotatable relative to a motor rotor. A first end face of the motor rotor is exposed to the outside of a stator. A hammer portion is provided at the first end face. The hammer portion is configured to be movable as the motor rotor rotates. A collision portion rotating integrally with the rotary shaft is configured to collide with the hammer portion. The allowance space between the collision portion and the hammer portion allows the hammer portion to be move relative to the collision portion. Therefore, the electric pump is capable of detaching a rotor from a pump chamber without increasing the size of the pump.
US07896619B2	Blades Compressor fan blades have an isotropic core and composite fiber layers in an epoxy matrix. The fibers on opposite broad surfaces of the blade extend at an angle of between 25° and 35° to the blade length. The fibers on opposites sides of the blade are inclined in opposite senses such that extension force applied to the blade as it rotates produces opposing forces in the composite layers that resist untwisting of the blade. The thickness of the fiber layers varies from the leading edge to the trailing edge, being thicker towards the leading edge.
US07896614B2	Wind turbine blade with integrated stall sensor and associated method of detecting stall of a wind turbine blade A wind turbine includes an electrical stall sensor configured on a pressure surface of at least one turbine blade at a location to detect backflow in a stall condition. The stall sensor includes a flap pivotally configured on the respective pressure surface so as to be moved from a first position towards a second position by backflow over the pressure surface during a stall condition. A sensor circuit responds to movement of the flap between the first and second positions and generates a corresponding electrical signal that indicates the stall condition.
US07896610B2	Three-dimensionally vibration-preventing buffering mechanism A three-dimensionally vibration-preventing buffering mechanism is proposed, which is designed for use in conjunction with a dynamic module for the purpose of buffering the three dimensional vibrations of the dynamic module during operation, and which is characterized by the use of a group of specially-designed chained elastic members, each being composed of at least three integrally-linked flexure hinges whose axes of concavity are oriented respectively in parallel with the three axes of a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system, so that the vibrations of the dynamic module in all three dimensional directions can be respectively buffered by these flexure hinges to provide a three-dimensional vibration-preventing buffering effect.
US07896606B2	Shear plate mounting system A crane mounting system to be used for mounting a crane onto a truck frame utilizes at least two shear plates with an L-shape profile. One part of each shear plate is interposed between a respective frame rail of the truck chassis and a respective end of a transverse mounting bar, while the orthogonal part of each shear plate is welded, at least partially, to the outer side of the respective frame rail. Interior holes on the transverse bars are threaded to accept inner tie down bolts while outer holes are drilled through to accept tie down studs. The shear plate acts as a wear plate/surface as the crane base sits on the transverse bars that in turn nests on the bent plate rather than directly on the chassis frame rail.
US07896602B2	Workpiece stocker with circular configuration An improved stocker configuration for storing workpieces in a fabrication facility is disclosed, employing workpiece compartments arranged stationarily around a robot handling assembly. The robot handler can be designed with three degrees of freedom, to improve speed, throughput and minimum minimum particle generation. In addition, the stocker storage area is stationary with the movable components are the robot assembly, thus further contributing to the cleanliness of the storage stocker. The stocker configuration can be open storage area for fast access, space saving and ease of clean air purging. The stocker configuration can provide highly dense workpiece storage, utilizing a circumferential edge gripper robot handling assembly.
US07896600B2	Fastener having controllably variable preload and method of forming same A method of forming a fastener that includes an axial centerline, a seating surface angled with respect to the axial centerline at an angle α and adapted to contact an angled seat of a bore, the smallest diameter of the seating surface being designated a seating diameter, and a threaded connecting portion for engaging a threaded portion of a bore, the threaded connecting portion including a point designated a proximal contact point, the distance from the seating diameter to the proximal contact point in the direction of the axial centerline being the clamped length of the fastener, the method including steps of determining a value for at least a first one of angle α, seating diameter D and clamped length L, solving the equation α=arctan(D/(2L)) to calculate at least a second one of angle α, seating diameter D and clamped length L, and forming a fastener based on the determined and calculated values. Also a fastener and fastener system based on the method.
US07896597B2	Fastener A fastener for fastening a heat sink to a printed circuit board via a back plate comprises a head and a shaft extending from the head. The shaft comprises a first and second engaging portions and a connecting portion therebetween. The first and second engaging portions have outer threads on exteriors thereof. Two cutouts are defined in the connecting portion. The back plate defines four thread holes machined with inner threads for engaging with the outer threads. In use of the fastener, an elastic force is produced to the fastener due to a deformation of the two cutouts during the threading. The elastic force helps the outer threads to have a secure engagement with the inner threads whereby the fastener can firmly engage with the back plate even when the fastener is subject to vibration or shock.
US07896596B2	U-shaped clamping piece The invention relates to a U-shaped clamping piece for attachment to a panel provided with an opening, having two flat legs, connected by a yoke, with a nut part axially movably disposed between the two legs for receiving a bolt, said bolt penetrating the opening and one leg, wherein said nut part is non-rotatably held on the clamping piece by a lateral arm. The nut part is secured by its end in axially resilient manner to the leg facing away from the panel by means of a plurality of straps extending from the end of the nut part to the leg.
US07896594B2	Self-drilling masonry bolt A self-drilling masonry bolt including a body portion having a bolt member and an outer sleeve portion, a head portion and a drilling tip whereby, the self-drilling masonry bolt provides a simple and effective means for securing an item to cement, wood or any other suitable material without the requirement of multiple tools.
US07896592B1	Adjustable motorcycle securing device A device for securing a motorcycle to a surface such as a trailer bed includes a base assembly attached to the surface and including a base plate and a pair of eccentric pivot support brackets, a pin assembly, an eccentric pivot rotatably mounted to each of the eccentric pivot support brackets and having an aperture formed therein such that the height of the aperture is adjustable by rotating the eccentric pivot, and a pin bracket attached to a motorcycle. The motorcycle is secured to the surface by positioning the motorcycle with the attached pin bracket over the base assembly attached to the surface and using the pin assembly to connect the pin bracket to the apertures in the eccentric pivots. The rotatable eccentric pivots allow the device to be adjusted for use with motorcycles having various ride heights. Locking structures are provided for locking the rotational position of the eccentric pivots with respect to the eccentric pivot support brackets after such an adjustment is made.
US07896588B2	Short-hole drill and a drill body therefor A short-hole drill, including a drill body being rotatable about a center axis and having a rotationally symmetrical envelope surface, one or more replaceable cutting inserts mounted in pockets in a front end of the drill body, one or more outwardly open flutes being countersunk in the envelope surface and extending rearwardly from the front end of the drill body to evacuate chips from the cutting inserts, and a number of replaceable first support pads being mounted in countersunk seats proximate the front end of the drill body to support and guide the drill against a hole wall generated by the cutting inserts. A number of second support pads are mounted in countersunk seats that are axially spaced apart from the first support pads by an envelope surface portion having a predetermined axial extension to support and guide the drill when the first support pads leave the hole wall.
US07896586B2	Indexable insert The invention relates to an indexable insert having a first and a second insert surfaces (10a, 10b), three side faces (11, 12, 13) and a cutting projection (2), wherein the cutting projection (2) comprises at least one first and one second cutting tooth (21, 22), cutting edges (31, 32) are formed on the cutting teeth (21, 22) at a transition region to the first second insert surface (10a, 10b) respectively, a first chip flow direction (A1) assigned to the first cutting edge (31) forms an angle with a second chip flow direction assigned to the second cutting edge (32), a first and a second chip breaker surface (41, 42) are assigned in the chip flow direction to the first and the second cutting edges (31, 32), respectively, the chip breaker surfaces (41, 42) comprise at least one first and one second groove, respectively, on the first and the second insert surfaces (10a, 10b) which extend essentially perpendicularly to the respective chip flow direction (A1). The invention also relates to a tool comprising an indexable insert and to a method of producing the same.
US07896585B2	Cutting tool and cutting insert therefor A cutting tool includes an insert holder and a cutting insert releasably retained between upper and lower jaws of the insert holder. The lower jaw is provided with forward and rear projections. The forward projection has forward projection front and back abutment surfaces inclined, respectively, at first and second angles to a feed direction, the first angle being greater than the second angle. The cutting insert has a cutting portion adjacent a longitudinally extending shaft portion and a recess in a lower insert surface. The recess has front and back recess abutment surfaces inclined, respectively, at the first and second angles to a lower edge of the shaft portion. The forward projection front abutment surface abuts the front recess abutment surface, and the forward projection back abutment surface abuts the back recess abutment surface.
US07896584B2	Method and apparatus for conveying material and ejector apparatus A method for conveying material by applying a pressure difference in a conveying conduit (4), in which method the material is fed into the conveying conduit (4) and in the conveying conduit further into a separating device (5), where the material being conveyed is separated from conveying air, in which method a negative pressure is created in the conveying conduit (4) by means of an ejector apparatus (6), whose suction side is connected to the separating device (5), said ejector apparatus being operated using an operating medium consisting of a liquid mist, especially an aqueous liquid mist, said medium being sprayed through at least one spraying nozzle (122) into an ejector tube (128) directed into a separating element (38). In the method, the generation of the negative pressure to be produced is intensified according to need by limiting the flow of gases, such as air, into the ejector tube (128) from the direction opposite to the spraying direction of its operating medium, i.e. from the outlet end (129) of the ejector tube. The invention also relates to an apparatus and an ejector device.
US07896583B2	Gabion deployment A gabion deployment system comprising: a container (30) for retaining a gabion (22) and a gabion (22) of the folding type comprising hingedly attached, connected side walls (16 & 18) and cross-members (12) such that it can be folded for storage and deployed for use; a retaining means (50) associated with the container (30) for retaining the gabion (20) in the container; and at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentive engaging means (66) for attaching, connecting or retentively engaging at least one part of the gabion (22) to the retaining means (50); wherein the at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentively engaging means (66) is adapted to attach, connect or retentively engage a part of the gabion (22) to the retaining means (50) when the gabion (22) is folded but to release the gabion (22) from the retaining means (50) when the gabion (22) is deployed.
US07896582B2	Retaining wall A retaining wall or a counterfort retaining wall incorporates a vertical stem wall section, a base section having a toe, a heel, and a number of shallow piles at the bottom of the base section to improve the sliding and overturning safety factor of the wall. To further improve the sliding and overturning safety factor of the wall, an edge of the heel is slanted with a bevel or a batter with an angle to pick up more resisting load.
US07896576B2	Enhanced wave power generators Systems are disclosed for generating electricity from sea waves, that include a float (12) that lies at the sea surface (14) and moves up and down with the waves. A motion resist element (30) moves horizontally with the float but resists vertical movement. Electricity-generating apparatus (52, 54) is coupled to the float and resist element for generating electricity as the float moves vertically relative to the resist element.
US07896575B2	Soil compactor having low profile muffler A ramming device for compacting soil includes an upper mass and a lower mass. The lower mass is driven linearly back and forth with respect to the upper mass to compact material therebelow. An engine drives the lower mass and is supported by the upper mass. A muffler is fluidly connected to the engine and is contoured such that a majority of the muffler is positioned inboard of a footprint of a side of the ramming device. Preferably, the muffler has a shape that substantially matches a shape of the upper mass adjacent to the muffler thereby further reducing the distance that the muffler extends beyond a footprint of a sidewall of the device.
US07896573B2	Clamping assembly for making connections to elongated members A connection assembly includes a base structure having a U-shaped piece with turned end walls at each end of a connecting portion with a cut out in each end wall, and a U-shaped cover piece having end walls each with a cut out, the cut outs, of each piece aligned to form an opening receiving an elongated member clamped therein by attachment of said cover pair to the u-shaped piece of the base structure. The base structure can include a second U-shaped piece having a pair of end walls each one end a connecting portion fixed to the first U-shaped piece turned 90° thereto so that the end walls of each lie between each other. A second cover piece with end walls having cut outs aligned with cut outs in the second U-shaped piece end walls may receive a second elongated member in a crossing relationship with the first elongate member. Alternatively, the second cover piece has a second elongated member fixedly projecting from the second cover piece. The second U-shaped piece could also be configured to provide a flat mounting structure for mounting various items to an elongated member.
US07896570B2	Linear travel, self aligning, rotating, retention clamp A retention clamp includes a shaft having a stop member and a first threaded portion, the first threaded portion including a left hand thread. A clamping member is threadably connected to the first threaded portion. A biasing member positioned between the stop member and the clamping member transfers a rotational force applied to the shaft to the clamping member to rotate the clamping member into an engagement position. An indexing member can be slidably received over the first threaded portion and positioned between the stop member and the clamping member. The indexing member is frictionally engageable with the clamping member so indexing member rotation rotates the clamping member. Both the indexing member and the clamping member can include meshable ratchet teeth to assist clamping member rotation. Legs extending transversely from the biasing member can positively engage the stop portion and the indexing member.
US07896567B2	Dispensing toothbrush An electrically driven dispensing device, particularly a toothbrush, utilizing replaceable pressurized cartridges, of the bag-in-can type. The toothbrush has a ‘top-loading’ structure in which the cartridge is housed in a recess at the brush end of the toothbrush handle, the recess being accessible by removing the brush head. Other features include an elastomeric valve outlet located on the brush head which can also function as a tooth wiping or polishing blade, and a non-linear drive shaft which enables the brush head to be driven from a motor located at the base end of the handle whilst keeping the handle slim in design.
US07896566B2	Printing apparatus and printing method A printing apparatus and method are capable of printing an image in a rear end area of a print medium. A sheet is transported by a transport roller and pinch rollers situated upstream of a print head with respect to the transport direction, and by a discharge roller and spurs situated downstream of the print head. After the sheet has left the transport roller and the pinch rollers, it is transported by the discharge roller and spurs. The sheet is printed with a test pattern for detecting a difference between a transport amount appearing before the sheet leaves the transport roller and pinch rollers and a transport amount appearing when the sheet leaves them. Based on a correction value set according to a printed result of the test pattern, the transport amount used when the sheet leaves the transport roller and pinch rollers is corrected.
US07896565B2	Printing apparatus, method for coping with stick-slip, program product, and printing system A print head is operable to perform printing with respect to a medium. A motor is operable to move the print head. A guide unit is operable to guide the print head along a predetermined direction. A determination unit is operable to determine whether or not the print head performs a stick-slip operation. A motor control unit is operable to generate a command value for controlling the motor when moving the print head. The motor control unit generates a command value for moving the print head at a predetermined target speed on the basis of determination of the determination unit that the print head does not perform the stick-slip operation and generates a command value for moving the print head at a target speed faster than the predetermined target speed on the basis of determination of the determination unit that the print head performs the stick-slip operation.
US07896560B2	Lens cover and portable electronic device using the same A lens cover is slidably mounted to a lens, the lens cover comprises a main body, two guiding plated. The two guiding plates respectively protrude outwardly from two opposite side of the main body. Each guiding plate has a plurality of contacting portions. Each guiding plate has a plurality of contacting portions protruding from an surface thereof facing the lens, and each contacting portion includes a rolling ball mounted thereon.
US07896558B2	Thrust roller bearing A thrust roller bearing comprises a plurality of rollers and a disk-shaped retainer having a plurality of pockets for holding the plurality of rollers and having an outer flange part bent in a rotation axis direction. The inner surface of the outer flange part forms the outer wall surface of the pocket and the outer wall surface of the pocket is processed by the ironing.
US07896552B2	Rotary encoder A rotary encoder includes a rotary shaft that may be manufactured easily and efficiently includes a rotating magnet with a mounting precision in which variance may not occur readily. A rotary shaft includes a rotary shaft main unit with a rotating magnet mounting part for mounting a rotating magnet and a ring-shaped rotating magnet that is formed integrally with this rotating magnet mounting part of the rotary shaft. In a method of manufacturing the rotary shaft, a ring-shaped rotating magnet is formed integrally with the rotary shaft mounting part of the rotary shaft main unit.
US07896550B1	Hydrodynamic liquid metal bearing A hydrodynamic liquid metal bearing capable of use in a high temperature environment. The hydrodynamic bearing includes a rotating shaft with a raised portion extending into an annular groove formed within a stationary sleeve, the space formed between the two forming the liquid bearing surface. The raised portion in the shaft includes an axial passage and a radial passage to pump the liquid into a high pressure cavity formed in the annular groove. A low pressure cavity forms a recirculating passage with the high pressure cavity and the axial and radial passages such that the liquid metal recirculates with the rotation of the shaft. A collecting space formed between a labyrinth seal and a wind back seal collects any fluid that leaks into the space from the bearing. The leaked fluid is collected in a reservoir, and a pump delivers makeup liquid from the reservoir into the low pressure reservoir of the bearing. The bearing is a radial bearing, and in another embodiment is both a radial and a thrust bearing.
US07896549B2	Parallel spacer for a linear guideway A parallel spacer for a linear guideway comprises a plurality of parting portions, connecting portions and a retaining portion. Each of the parting portions is a thin member disposed between each pair of neighboring rollers. The connecting portions are employed to connect the parting portions and the retaining portion, and the retaining portion is arranged at a side of the respective rollers and located in an axial direction thereof, the retaining portion is an integral structure for connection with the respective connecting portions.
US07896546B2	Method of incorporating an X-ray grid into a CR cassette A method of installing an x-ray grid into a CR cassette by opening the cassette, modifying parts of it, installing the grid and then re-closing the cassette with the grid inside. The preferred embodiment installs an x-ray grid into a Fuji 14×17 inch CR cassette by modifying parts that will interfere with the grid, removing a layer of protective material and placing the grid where the layer was, and then replacing the protective material by attaching it to the grid with adhesive.
US07896545B2	Apparatus and methods for temperature calibration and sensing Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a first switch, a second switch, and a circuit coupled to the first and second switches. The first switch may be configured to switch between an on-state and an off-state based on a value of a first current flowing through a number of resistors and a diode coupled in series with the resistors. The second switch may be configured to switch between the on-state and the off-state based on a value of a second current on a circuit path. The second current is a function of a voltage at a node between two of the resistors and a resistance of the circuit path. The circuit may be configured to provide a temperature reading based on the number of times the first switch or the second switch switches between the on-state and the off-state during a time interval.
US07896540B2	Automated clamping control mechanism and clamping method for fluid mixers Disclosed herein is a system and method for adequately securing the currently available metal and plastic containers for paint and other fluids as well as other foreseeable containers in an automated fashion without crushing or damaging the containers, without using any special adapters for particular container types and without operator intervention. To avoid crushing a plastic container, the disclosed system and method takes advantage of the compressibility of these less rigid plastic containers. It has been found that a plastic paint container can be safely clamped in place without structural damage if the clamp plate travel after engagement with the top of the container is limited to a certain value, for example, about 5/16″. When the compression amount if limited or controlled, the plastic container will not move or will move very little during a three minute violent shake cycle. Some conventional containers are not readily compressible, such a metal cans, drums or the larger (five gal.) plastic buckets or pails. To address the issue of these containers being used with the same machine as the new plastic containers, an increase in current or voltage drawn by the clamping motor is monitored after initial contact with the top(s) of the container(s), and if the increase reaches a threshold value, the motion of the upper clamping plate is stopped and an appropriate holding force is maintained.
US07896535B2	Display module A display module includes: a display unit having a display screen for displaying information; a display unit housing including a transparent front cover covering a display screen of the display unit, and a pair of side covers covering both sides of the display unit, wherein the display unit is attached to the display unit housing so as to be detachable; and shafts projecting outwards from the pair of side covers and supported so as to be freely rotatable when fitted in a pair of supporting holes made in a housing provided for an apparatus.
US07896534B2	Back light unit and manufacturing method thereof A back light unit and a manufacturing method thereof capable of improving efficiency of a manufacturing process are disclosed. The back light unit includes a light source, a light guiding plate which uniformly transmits a light beam generated by the light source, and a cover portion which forms an external appearance and fixes the light guiding plate, wherein a resin material is charged between the light guiding plate and the cover portion to couple the light guiding plate and the cover portion.
US07896533B2	Motor vehicle headlight A motor vehicle headlight is provided having a basic light source, a swiveling device which is equipped for swiveling the basic light source about a basic swiveling angle, and an infrared radiation source which is coupled with the swiveling device such that, when the basic light source is swiveled by the swiveling device about a basic swiveling angle, the infrared radiation source is swiveled by the swiveling device about an infrared swiveling angle deviating from the basic swiveling angle.
US07896525B2	Heat resistant color mixing flag for a multiparameter light A dichroic mixing flag for a multiparameter light is constructed that greatly improves the thermal shock tolerance of the flag and avoids having to use a more costly substrate material. The dichroic color mixing flag may be substantially circular in shape. The dichroic color mixing flag may be fixed to a mechanical component so that the flag cannot rotate with respect to the mechanical component. The dichroic color mixing flag may be fixed to the mechanical component so that the mechanical component can move the dichroic color mixing flag without moving any other dichroic color mixing flag.
US07896523B2	Target illuminator for night-vision devices The invention relates to a target illuminator (1) for night-vision technology, comprising a laser source (2), the radiation power of the laser source being at least 15 mW, in particular from 100 to 500 mW, and the laser source being formed for emission of radiation having a wavelength λ of from 700 nm to 1400 nm, and a second optical system (4) for the divergent emission of the radiation. Furthermore, the target illuminator (1) has a first optical system (3) arranged down-circuit of the laser source (2) and before the second optical system (4) and intended for increasing the beam cross-section before entry into the second optical system (4) to a diameter of at least 5 mm and for guiding the beam into the second optical system (4). The angle of divergence (10) of the emitted radiation can be varied in a defined manner, the variability being limited for ensuring a minimum divergence.
US07896519B2	Lighting device with variable length conductor An improved flashlight includes a barrel, a light source and a variable length conductor. The barrel contains a plurality of batteries which may be arranged end-to-end. The light source is held in a holder. The variable length conductor is interposed between the plurality of batteries and the light source. The variable length conductor is configured to selectively electrically couple or de-couple the light source and the batteries. The holder of the light source may further be configured to move the light source substantially laterally relative to an axis of the reflector.
US07896518B2	Multimode flashlight having light emitting diodes A flashlight with light emitting diode (LED) sources that produce at least three different colors. The colored LEDs cycle on and off using two separate switches. One switch cycles preferably white LEDs on and off. Another switch preferably cycles from red LEDs being on to green or blue LEDs being on to off and combinations thereof.
US07896512B2	Vehicle headlamp The vehicle headlamp is provided with a main lamp unit fixed and arranged inside a lamp chamber and sub-lamp units as an auxiliary lamp capable of changing and forming light distribution patterns by using semiconductor light emitting elements as light sources. The sub-lamp units are respectively equipped with a vertically changing mechanism for changing the illuminating direction in a vertical direction, a laterally changing mechanism for changing the illuminating direction in a lateral direction and a pattern changing mechanism for changing a light distribution pattern.
US07896511B2	Input device and mobile communication terminal having the same An input device and a mobile terminal including the same is provided. The input device includes a housing formed of a non-conductive material and having at least one transmissive region, a touch board spaced from the housing, a displaceable conductive member located between the housing and the touch board, and a plurality of light emitting units, each light emitting unit being located on the touch board.
US07896510B2	Polarized light illumination device A polarized light illumination device is described, which includes a light source, a polarizer, a reflector, and a polarized light converter. The light source generates light. The reflector is used for reflecting light generated by the light source towards the polarizer. The polarizer allows a first polarized light to pass through, and reflects a second polarized light. The polarized light converter reflects the light irradiated on the polarized light converter and performs a polarization conversion. A plane where the polarized light converter is located is substantially perpendicular to the polarizer.
US07896506B2	Image processing apparatus An image processing apparatus includes a first image pick-up unit, a projecting unit that projects imaging light, an optical unit that transmits part of light entering from a first image pick-up direction and guides the part of the light to the first image pick-up unit while reflecting part of the imaging light projected from the projecting unit and outputting the reflected light in the first image pick-up direction, and reflects part of light entering from a second image pick-up direction and guides the part of the light to the first image pick-up unit while transmitting part of the imaging light projected from the projecting unit and outputting the part of the imaging light in the second image pick-up direction, and an attenuating unit that is movably placed between two positions.
US07896502B2	Projection apparatus provided with a heat sink A projection apparatus includes an outer casing, a light source disposed within the casing for generating light beams, and an optical engine connected to the light source for receiving the light beams in order to project an image. A heat sink includes an air tunnel mounted within the casing, and having air inlet disposed above the light source, and an exhaust fan mounted within an opening unit in the casing such that the fan unit is disposed in alignment with an air outlet of the air tunnel to transmit the intensive heat generated from the light source.
US07896501B2	Projector and optical engine thereof An optical engine includes a light source system for providing an incident light beam, a reflective light valve, a first case, a projection lens and a second case. The reflective light valve is disposed in the first case for receiving the incident light beam, reflecting and outputting an image light beam or a dumped light beam. The first case provides a first opening located in the light path of the dumped light beam. The projection lens is connected to the first case for receiving and projecting the image light beam to form an image. The second case intercommunicates with the first case via the first opening. The dumped light beam enters the second case through the first opening, and is reflected twice or more inside the second case. Moreover, the inner wall of the second case applies to absorb the energy of the dumped light beam.
US07896499B2	Mobile phone An image projection mechanism of a mobile phone has a light source section for image projection, a light modulator and a projection lens. The light source section has an LED device including an LED element having a luminous wavelength in a red color region, an LED element having a luminous wavelength in a green color region, and an LED element having a luminous wavelength in a blue color region, which are provided in one package, and a lens that converts light emitted from the LED device into substantially parallel rays. The three LED elements of the LED device are turned on and off sequentially, and the light modulator is operated synchronously with the sequential turning on-off of the LED elements, thereby projecting an image displayed on the light modulator as a multicolor image through the projection lens.
US07896498B2	Apparatus and method for optical measurements Disclosed are an apparatus and method for separately detecting and measuring specularly reflected light and diffusely reflected light following illumination of an eye by light. The apparatus and method of the present invention facilitates substantial separation of the diffusely reflected light from light specularly reflected from the eye after passing through one or more elements of the eye, for example, the cornea, lens, retinal vasculature, the nerve fibre layer and/or the photoreceptors. The collection of these separate streams of independent optical signals to appropriate detection systems provides specificity and accuracy in determination of optical properties of one or more elements of the eye.
US07896497B2	Corneal measurement apparatus having a segmented aperture and a method of using the same An apparatus for measuring a subject's cornea having a mask subsystem disposed in a path of light from the light source, the mask subsystem configured to produce a segmented slits of the light.
US07896495B2	Reflection microscope apparatus An apparatus for operating an endothelium reflection microscope. The apparatus includes an optical head, which comprises: (i) an illuminating system, (ii) a frontal eye observation optical system along a central channel in which an alignment-use light spot is received and imaged by a camera having a digital optical sensor, and (iii) an enlarged-imaging optical system for enlarged observation or photographing of the subject part by the digital camera. The apparatus further comprises a motor for operating the optical head, and a CPU controller for automatically controlling the motor, the illuminating system and the frontal eye observation optical system.
US07896490B1	Eyeglass structure with adjustable temple member The eyeglass structure contains a frame, two hinge members, and two temple members. A chamber is configured in front of each temple member for joining with a hinge member. Each hinge member has a pivot section at one end for pin-joining to the frame and a connector section at the other end. The connector section has saw teeth along a back edge and a locking piece along an inner side. Each temple member has a front opening for receiving the connector section and a side opening for engaging the locking piece when the connector section is threaded into the chamber. Inside each chamber, there are saw teeth to engage the saw teeth of a hinge member so that each temple member could be individually tilted upward or downward.
US07896489B2	Image recording apparatus The image recording apparatus includes a regulating guide for regulating a position of a recording medium and a passage changing unit for changing a passage of the recording medium to the other passage thereof. The regulating guide includes a pair of outer guides arranged at outermost positions in a width direction and having in a perpendicular direction to a transport plane for the recording medium plural outer passage portions for regulating a position of the recording medium in the width direction and at least one inner guide arranged between the pair of outer guides and having on both sides in the width direction inner passage portions for regulating a position of the recording medium in the width direction at a position in the perpendicular direction corresponding to one outer passage portion of the pair of outer guides. The regulating guide forms plural passages in the perpendicular direction.
US07896488B2	Phase change ink imaging component having two-layer configuration Herein includes an offset printing apparatus for transferring and optionally fixing a phase change ink onto a print medium including a) a phase change ink application component for applying a phase change ink in a phase change ink image to an imaging member; b) an imaging member for accepting, transferring and optionally fixing the phase change ink image to the print medium, the imaging member having i) an imaging substrate, and thereover ii) an intermediate layer including a polyurethane, and iii) outer coating including a nitrile butadiene and a conductive filler; and c) a release agent management system for supplying a release agent to the imaging member, wherein an amount of release agent needed for transfer and optionally fixing the phase change ink image is reduced.
US07896483B2	Palladium complexes for printing circuits An ink-jettable composition including a palladium aliphatic amine complex solvated in a liquid vehicle can be used in formation of electronic devices. The ink-jettable composition containing a palladium aliphatic amine complex can be jetted onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern. A second composition can also be applied to the substrate using ink-jet printing or other printing techniques, wherein the second composition is applied onto at least a portion of the predetermined pattern. The second composition can include a reducing agent which is capable of reducing the palladium aliphatic amine complex to palladium metal, typically upon the application of heat. The described ink-jettable palladium complex compositions can be stable over a wide range of conditions and allow for the formation electronic devices on a variety of substrates.
US07896481B2	Ink jet printer An ink jet printer is provided with an ink jet head, an ink tank, and a carriage. The ink jet head has a passage unit, an actuator, and a control board. The passage unit has an ink passage and a nozzle communicated with the ink passage. The actuator is capable of applying energy to ink within the ink passage such that the ink is discharged from the nozzle. The control board controls the actuator. The ink tank is communicated with the ink passage of the passage unit. The ink jet head and the ink tank are mounted on the carriage. The carriage is capable of moving. In a plan view of the ink jet printer, the ink jet head and the ink tank offset. In a height direction of the ink jet printer, the ink jet head and the ink tank overlap.
US07896480B2	Liquid jet head and a piezoelectric element A liquid jet head includes a passage-forming substrate composed of a crystal substrate provided with pressure-generating chambers communicating with nozzle orifices and piezoelectric elements disposed on the passage-forming substrate and each composed of a lower electrode, a piezoelectric material layer, and an upper electrode to cause a change of pressure in the pressure-generating chamber. The piezoelectric material layer has a thickness of 5 μm or less and is made of a perovskite-type crystal and is configured such that the distance between an X-ray diffraction peak position derived from the (220) plane of the passage-forming substrate and an X-ray diffraction peak position derived from the (110) plane of the piezoelectric material layer is within a range of 2θ=16.262±0.1 degrees.
US07896476B2	Inkjet printhead board and inkjet printhead using same An inkjet printhead board and inkjet printhead is provided having a reliable storage element which allows for print without causing damages to an interlayer insulation film and protection film upon printing data unique to the printhead and is free from the restriction in arrangement position. For this purpose, a printing device board uses therein an information storage element formed common in material and process to electro-thermal converter element, the resistance value of which is changed to enable information storage so that information can be read out of the information storage element.
US07896466B2	Printing apparatus and printing method A smooth, uniform image is produced by minimizing the occurrence of satellites of secondary color and dispersing landing positions of the satellites as uniformly as possible. For this purpose, the printing operation performed so that satellites of the two inks (cyan and magenta ink, foe example) ejected toward the same pixel are separated and landed on opposite sides of the main dots on the same pixel. This makes the distribution of satellites uniform and makes individual satellites less noticeable, maintaining the uniformity of an image.
US07896465B2	Inkjet printhead with a printer controller for controlling nozzle firing sequence An inkjet printhead includes a number of printhead modules arranged end-to-end to span a width of a page, the printhead modules defining color channels also to span the width of the page. A plurality of inkjet nozzles is arranged on the modules such that rows of the nozzles span the width of the page, with at least one row of nozzles in fluid communication with respective channels, the nozzles capable of being fired to eject ink from their associated channels, the nozzles of each row on an associated module defining a segment of nozzles. A printer controller controls a firing sequence of the nozzles and is configured so that nozzles from segments associated with different color channels are fired sequentially during a predetermined time allocated for firing a line of nozzles.
US07896464B2	Printhead restraint system A system for restraining printhead movement in an imaging device includes an imaging device frame; a carriage operably coupled to the imaging device frame for movement between a print position and a retracted position; and a printhead array movably supported by the carriage for translation with respect to the carriage. The system includes a restraint system supported by the carriage. The restraint system has at least one carriage restraint pin and a printhead restraint pin. The at least one carriage restraint pin is configured for movement into and out of engagement with the imaging device frame and the printhead restraint pin being configured for movement into and out of engagement with the printhead array when the carriage is at the retracted position.
US07896462B2	Cleaning method and cleaning unit of ink ejection section, and image forming apparatus A method of cleaning an ink ejection section in an image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting an ink from the ink ejection section. The method includes the steps of: an ink wiping step for wiping off the ink on the surface of the ink ejection section; a first cleaning step for cleaning the surface of the ink ejection section with a water-soluble organic solvent; a second cleaning step for cleaning with water the surface of the ink ejection section cleaned with the water-soluble organic solvent; and a liquid wiping step for wiping off the liquid on the surface of the ink ejection section cleaned through the second cleaning step.
US07896459B2	Image recording device and method for correcting deformation of printed sheet An image recording device comprises a recording unit configured to eject ink onto a sheet of recording medium, a platen disposed opposite to the recording unit and configured to support the sheet, a pair of upstream rollers disposed upstream of the recording unit and the platen in a sheet conveying direction and configured to convey the sheet in the sheet conveying direction when rotating in a forward direction, and a controller. When the sheet is supported on the platen and pinched between the pair of upstream rollers, the controller causes the recording unit to eject the ink onto a particular portion of the sheet. The controller selectively rotates the pair of upstream rollers in a reverse direction to convey the sheet in a direction opposite the sheet conveying direction, and subsequently stops rotating the pair of upstream rollers in a reverse direction, such that the pair of upstream rollers pinch the sheet for a particular amount of time and hold the sheet in a predetermined shape during the particular amount of time to restrict deformation of the particular portion of the sheet.
US07896458B2	Image recording apparatus that controls medium feed timing according to drive data supply to printheads An image recording apparatus includes a sheet feeder, line-type printheads arranged in a sheet feed direction, a drive-data supplier and a feed controller. The feed controller has the sheet feeder initiate feeding a following sheet which is fed next to a preceding sheet, (i) at a first feed timing in order that a distance between the preceding sheet and the following sheet becomes smaller than a dimension of a recording area of the printheads in the sheet feed direction, when the drive-data supplier can supply the drive data to the printheads at a concurrent-recording enabling timing at which it is possible to concurrently record, at the recording area, an image on a trailing end portion of the preceding sheet and an image on a trailing end portion of the preceding sheet and an image on a front end portion of the following sheet, and (ii) at a second feed timing having a longer interval than that of the first feed timing, when the drive-data supplier can not supply the drive data at the concurrent-recording enabling timing.
US07896454B2	Remaining-liquid-amount display apparatus and remaining-liquid-amount display method A remaining-liquid-amount apparatus for displaying an amount of conductive liquid (ink) remaining in a container includes electrode units which are arranged along a direction in which the liquid level falls when the amount of liquid in the container decreases and which conduct current when the electrode units are in contact with the liquid, a voltage source (pulse generator) which applies a voltage to the electrode units, a liquid detector (DFFs) which detects the presence/absence of the liquid at positions of the electrode units on the basis of whether or not the electrode units conduct current when the voltage is applied by the voltage source, and a remaining-liquid-amount display unit (LEDs) which displays, in steps, the amount of liquid remaining in the container on the basis of the detection result of the presence/absence of the liquid at positions of the electrode units obtained by the liquid detector.
US07896452B2	Slide braking apparatus A slide braking apparatus installed on a slide in a cabinet, and the slide sequentially installs a bottom rail, a middle rail and an inner rail. The braking apparatus is disposed between the middle rail and the inner rail. A hook and a control handle for controlling the hook to turn are installed on a surface of the inner rail corresponding to the middle rail. A guide bump is disposed on a surface of the middle rail. The front end of the guide bump has a guide plane for guiding the hook to turn, so that when the hook is turned back to resume its original position, the hook presses precisely at the rear end of the guide bump to limit the inner rail from sliding into the middle rail.
US07896451B2	Beverage cooler with storage organizer A movable beverage cooler includes a storage organizer below an insulated cooler tub. The storage organizer has a plurality of adjustable horizontal racks for accommodating individual rows of various sized containers. The racks employ grip-in-place sidewall adjustment pads. The tub has a drop-in top, sliding door sub-assembly, with locking screws. The storage organizer may be enclosed with access through sliding doors. The structure is supported on legs with adjustable leveler extensions.
US07896449B2	Sprocket for coreless crawler track and structure for the same A sprocket used to transmit drive force to a coreless crawler track having rubber projections arranged at predetermined intervals on the inner peripheral surface of the crawler track. The sprocket has, on its circumferential edge, sprocket teeth arranged at the same pitch as the rubber projections. A cutout is formed at the outer circumferential tip of each sprocket tooth. Even if meshing between the rubber projections and the sprocket teeth has a trouble caused by the entry of soil and sands, the rubber projections are affected less, which greatly contributes to improvement of durability of the crawler track.
US07896448B2	Method for precharging a low-pressure accumulator of a motor vehicle braking system A method for pre-filling a low-pressure storage device of a motor vehicle braking system, having a changeover valve, a hydraulic pump, an outlet valve, and a low-pressure storage device situated in a suction line of the hydraulic pump. The low-pressure storage device can be pre-filled in a particularly simple and low-noise manner if the actuation of the foot brake pedal is monitored using a sensor mechanism and, when there is an actuation, the changeover valve is closed in order to lock in the braking pressure acting on the wheel brake, and at least one of the outlet valves is opened in order to release the braking pressure into the low-pressure storage device.
US07896441B2	Vehicle seat A vehicle seat having a seat frame that in its rear region is adapted to be releasably arrested on structural elements by a left arresting device and a right arresting device, which are releasable separately relative to one another, preferably via different displacement processes. A back rest frame is preferably releasably arrested on the seat frame via a freely pivotable device, such as an arresting control. An actuating device, especially an actuating handle, that is activatable by the user is preferably provided for releasing the freely pivotable device. A first one of the arresting devices can be releasable by the actuating device, whereby different displacement paths can be provided for the release of the freely pivotable device and of the first arresting device. One or more driver systems can be provided for forming idle paths or free play.
US07896435B2	Seat assembly for sensing an occupant A seat assembly is provided that can be sat upon by an occupant that detects the weight of the occupant. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion, a rotary sensor, and a linkage having a tip. The seat cushion deforms in response to the weight. The rotary sensor has a shaft that rotates about an axis and has an electrical output that is proportional to the angle of rotation of the shaft. The linkage underlies the seat surface and connects the seat surface to the shaft of the rotary sensor. As weight is placed on the seat the seat cushion deforms in response to the weight moving the tip and the linkage. The movement of the linkage rotates the shaft, which in turn, provides an electrical output that is proportional to the weight.
US07896434B2	Seat assembly for a vehicle A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seatback. The seatback includes a seatback frame and is selectively rotatable relative to the seat bottom from an upright position to a forward position. A seatbelt assembly includes a retractor coupled to the seatback frame and a belt selectively extendable from and retractable to the retractor. A first end of the belt is disposed in the retractor. A guide is coupled to the seatback frame and defines an orifice with the belt slideably extending through the orifice. The retractor and the guide are fixed relative to the seatback frame and the second end of the belt is fixed to the seatback frame. The retractor, the guide, and both ends of the belt rotate from the upright position to the forward position in response to a force exerted on the seatback frame during rapid deceleration of the seat assembly.
US07896431B2	Foldable frame with detachable infant carrier capable of reclining the infant carrier A foldable frame comprises a front leg frame and a rear leg frame, each having one or more leg units foldable or detachable with one another. The front leg frame and the rear leg frame are rotatable with each other such that the foldable frame can be folded to a small size. The foldable frame also utilizes a receiving frame pivotally or steadily configured on the frame body for receiving the detachable infant carrier. A recliner apparatus is further configured between the receiving frame and the frame body for adjusting the receiving frame together with the infant carrier to different reclining angle for convenient use.
US07896429B2	Construction equipment cab having protective structure Provided is a construction equipment cab having a protective structure capable of protecting an operator from injury due to deformation of a cab in the event of a rollover accident. The construction equipment cab is mounted on an upper swivel body, and the protective structure is mounted on the cab and the upper swivel body and protects an operator from the cab in a rollover accident. The construction equipment cab includes a lower panel provided at a rear lower portion of the cab to be sunk in a forward direction in order to secure a space in which the protective structure is held, and a unit for fixing the protective structure held in the space to the upper swivel body and the cab.
US07896428B2	Vehicle body structure A vehicle body structure that may be installed in a front part or in a rear part of a vehicle, includes a flexural portion disposed in respective side members extending in an anteroposterior direction of the vehicle and having a vertical bending strength smaller than that of other portions of the members. The vehicle body structure also includes a pendent portion hung on a lower part of the side member on an outer end side with respect to the flexural portion and having an anteroposterior bending strength larger than a bending strength of the flexural portion. The vehicle body structure enables the side members to absorb an impact with a simple configuration even in the event of a collision between vehicles with different bumper heights.
US07896426B2	Selectively removable side fairing for a vehicle A detachable side fairing for a vehicle in one form comprises a panel body that can include steps. An access opening is defined by the panel body and is opened and closed by a door, such as the riser of a step, to allow access to the rear of the panel. A latch actuator can be accessed through the access opening for use in operating a latch to allow movement of the panel body away from the vehicle. The latch actuator can comprise first and second actuators comprising respective first and second elongated handles that each actuates an associated latch to release the panel body. The handles can be configured to prevent closing of the door when the actuators have not been moved to a position that completes the latching of the panel body to the vehicle.
US07896425B2	Simultaneous movement system for a vehicle door II A simultaneous movement system for a vehicle door is provided. The system includes a simultaneous movement system comprising first and second primary hinge arms, first and second secondary hinge arms, primary and secondary rails and guide track. The second primary hinge arm and the second secondary hinge arm are pivotally mounted to a vehicle body structure on one end and are pivotally mounted to a primary slide and a secondary slide at the other ends respectively. The first primary hinge arm includes a guide track region and a rail region. The primary rail receives a primary slide. The secondary rail receives a secondary slide. The guide track receive the guide track region of the primary hinge arm thereby allowing the primary hinge arm to travel along both the guide track and the primary rail simultaneously through the guide track region and the rail region of the primary hinge arm.
US07896424B2	Folding top for a cabriolet vehicle A folding top for a cabriolet vehicle is provided, that includes a first roof part which is embodied as a rigid shell element, a second roof part which is embodied as a rigid shell element, and a forced control unit. The first roof part and the second roof part are pivotable relative to a body of the vehicle, are driven by a common force-introducing unit, and are movable by the forced control unit. The forced control unit includes a mechanical control device, by which movement of the second roof part can be delayed from movement of the first roof part.
US07896422B2	Convertible top with skylight A convertible top for a vehicle that is provided with a dynamic roll bar or dynamic occupant head protection system. The convertible top has a skylight that is retained in a skylight opening formed in the flexible cover of the convertible top. The skylight may be supported on one of the bows of the convertible top or may be supported on a skylight linkage that cooperates with the top stack linkage. In the event that a need for the roll bar is sensed by the vehicle resulting in the actuation of the roll bar assembly, the roll bar assembly may break the skylight in the course of deployment to assure fully deployment of the roll bar assembly.
US07896421B2	Floor structure of four wheeled utility vehicle A floor structure of a four wheeled utility vehicle by which a passenger can quickly and simply maintain a proper riding posture in the case of a swing and an inclination of the vehicle. A cabin housing an operating portion of a vehicle and a passenger seat is provided between front wheels and rear wheels, and a floor constituted by a floor plate is provided in a lower end portion of the cabin. The floor plate is provided with a foot pressing surface against which a passenger can press a bottom surface of the passenger's foot. Preferably, the foot pressing surface is inclined so as to ascend in a forward direction of the vehicle.
US07896420B2	Dual latch second row dump and tumble seat with offsetting free pivot seatback and floor latches An improved seat assembly in which the first and second pairs of seatback and floor mounted latches associated with first and second sides of prior dump and tumble assemblies are substituted by an improved design incorporating a single reinforced lock and release seatback latch and either a single or pair of floor latches arranged on opposite sides of the seat. Additional supports include a free pivoting and secondary seatback latch, as well as an optional floor supported riser assembly in lieu of the second floor latch and which are positioned at alternating inboard/outboard seatback and floor locations of the seat assembly. In cooperation with the redesigned fully functional latches, the free pivot seatback and optional floor riser latches provide a cost advantageous design exhibiting reduced part count.
US07896413B2	Two-section chopsticks with an improved structure A two-section chopstick with an improved structure has an upper section, a lower section, and a limiting element. The limiting element is mounted around the sidewall near the bottom end of the upper section. The limiting element has a bent fixing part going through a through hole on the sidewall near the bottom end of the upper section. The fixing part extends into an accommodating space inside the upper section. The fixing part holds a connecting section of the lower section to secure the connection between the upper section and the lower section. Alternatively, a holding section in the lower section can be inserted into the accommodating space, thereby storing the chopstick.
US07896409B2	Vehicle fascia and grille assembly Vehicle fascia assembly includes a plastic fascia panel and a grille frame. The fascia panel has a grille opening defined by a flange extending rearward from the show surface toward the back side of the fascia panel. The flange has a plurality of flexure fingers at spaced intervals along the flange. The grille frame has a forward facing show surface and has a C-shaped channel molded around the outer edge of the show surface. Upon the assembly of the grille frame onto the backside of the fascia panel, the spaced apart channel legs fit onto the flange and the flexure fingers are biased and then engage with an abutment face on the grille frame, thereby attaching the grille frame onto the back side of the fascia panel without exposing the show surface of the fascia panel to injury by the grille frame during the assembly operation.
US07896408B2	Bumper structure The bumper stay includes a cylindrical shaft member fit in to a hole of a bumper reinforce, a cylindrical reinforcing member fit in to the outer periphery of the shaft member in the rear side of the bumper reinforce, and a mounting flange member fit in to the outer periphery of the shaft member in its rear end. The shaft member is enlarged by electromagnetic forming and is tightly adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the hole formed in the bumper reinforce, the inner peripheral surface of the reinforcing member, and the inner peripheral surface of the hole flange formed in the mounting flange member, thereby these are joined with each other. Thin aluminum alloy extruded material can be used for the shaft member. With such configuration, when a bumper stay is fit in to the holes formed in the front and rear walls of the bumper reinforce and the bumper stay is enlarged by electromagnetic forming to join with the bumper reinforce, joining of the both can be firmly performed and sufficient strength and energy absorption quantity can be secured.
US07896401B2	Respiratory gas humidifier adapter with pressure relief valve and audible signal generator A pressurized respiratory gas humidifier adapter with a pressure relief valve having an audible signal generating device incorporated into a low-flow respiratory gas supply system at a position in the system wherein the pressure relief valve and an audible signal generating device are protected from inadvertent damage during use of the humidification system, especially during connection of the adapter into the respiratory gas supply system and when the adapter is connected to a humidifier container prior to coupling into the gas supply system. The pressure relief valve and audible signal generator are incorporated into a humidifier adapter for creating a hermetic seal with a standard medical humidifier container, and the pressure relief valve relieves and regulates the pressure in the humidified gas supply system when an obstruction in the gas flow path to the patient occurs, while generating an audible sound emitted at a predetermined pressure threshold level throughout a desired respiratory gas flow-rate range.
US07896400B2	System for pre-positioning a hose clamp on a hose end A system for pre-positioning a hose clamp (2) on a hose end (24) includes: a) a fixing part (1′) which is connected non-releasably to an annular segment of the hose clamp (2) and is fastened to the hose end (24), and b) one or more fixing parts (1, 1″) which each have a U-shaped element which, fastened to the hose end (24), is directed with its open side (3) to the hose surface. The web (6) connects the two U-legs (4, 5) and extends axially and parallel to the hose surface. The U-leg (4), which lies closest to the hose end (24), has a connecting element (7) for attaching the U-shaped element to the end face of the hose end (24). The U-shaped element is configured in such a way that the hose clamp (2), which is pulled on to the hose end (24), is fixed releasably in the intermediate space (8) of the U-shaped element by way of an annular segment of the hose clamp in such a way that the hose clamp (2) is released from the fixing when tightened. The fixing part (1) remains without function on the hose end (24) after the hose clamp (2) has been tightened.
US07896398B2	Pipe handle and cleaning device using the same Disclosed is a pipe handle including first and second pipes which are engaged together with a male coupling of the second pipe fitted into a female coupling of the first pipe. The first pipe has a larger inside diameter in the female coupling than in a main body adjacent to the female coupling. The second pipe has a continuous outer surface without any step between the male coupling and a main body adjacent to the male coupling. The main body of the first pipe and the main body of the second pipe has an equal or almost equal outside diameter.
US07896396B2	Automotive vehicle and also support arrangement An automotive vehicle includes a support arrangement for supporting the steering column, an air-conditioning unit, a head-up display (HUD) and/or pedals. The automotive vehicle has a window arch which extends below the windscreen in the region between the two A-columns of the automotive vehicle. In order to facilitate assembly, the window arch has, on the engine compartment-side, recesses in order to be able to fix the support arrangement or a corresponding instrument panel module from the engine compartment.
US07896393B2	Airbag module An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant.
US07896392B2	Airbag deployment controller and passenger protection device including the same An airbag deployment controller and a passenger protection device including the same are provided to prevent erroneous (false) operation of an airbag due to noises and quickly deploy the airbag. The passenger protection device determines whether or not to drive an airbag unit, upon determining a detected value of a front acceleration sensor as being over a first collision threshold. Then, when determining to drive the airbag unit, the passenger protection device determines whether or not a detected value of a central acceleration sensor exceeds a second collision threshold. With the detected value being over the second threshold, it generates a driving signal and outputs it to the airbag unit in a final deployment control process. Thereby, the airbag unit operates an inflator to drive an airbag.
US07896389B2	Automobile side airbag guide plate Provided is an automobile side airbag guide plate including support brackets disposed at both sides of a center pillar, fixed to an inner panel between a roof panel and a head liner, and supporting a lower part of an airbag module, wherein each of the support brackets includes a vertical part fixed to the inner panel between the roof panel and the head liner, and a horizontal support part extending from the vertical part to support the lower part of the airbag module fixed to the inner panel.
US07896386B2	Vehicle knee airbag device and method of deploying vehicle knee airbag In a knee airbag attached to a steering column, the knee airbag is inflated and deployed quickly to a small space between an instrument panel and the knees of a vehicle occupant in a collision.A knee airbag 36 of a knee airbag device 10 is formed of a first inflation portion 38 which extends in a vehicle lateral direction along an instrument panel 12 side, and a second inflation portion 46, which is deployed to a vehicle occupant knee side. A gas supply opening 42, to which gas ejected from an inflator 22 is supplied, is disposed at a first inflation portion 38 side. The gas supply opening 42, and the pair of protection portions 46 provided at left and right end portions of knee airbag 36, are provided on substantially the same line in a vehicle lateral direction, and the first inflation portion 36 communicates the two as a gas flow path. Therefore, in a frontal collision, even if a space 48 between the instrument panel 12 and the knees of the vehicle occupant is small, the pair of protection portions 46 can be quickly inflated and deployed to the small space 48.
US07896385B2	Foldable wheelchair A foldable wheelchair includes a frame having a seat bottom and a seat back movable relative to the seat bottom, wherein the seat back can be moved between a folded position such that the seat back extends generally parallel to a plane defined by the seat bottom and one or more unfolded positions to provide back support to a user. The foldable wheelchair can have a leg support movable relative to the seat bottom and can be moved between an unfolded position to support a user's legs and a folded position such that the leg support extends generally parallel to said plane defined by the seat bottom. In the folded position, the seat back, seat bottom and leg support define generally parallel planes.
US07896383B2	Fifth wheel hitch A fifth wheel hitch assembly is provided for use with a kingpin, the hitch assembly including a hitch frame including a throat for receiving the kingpin therein, a jaw member pivotally coupled to the hitch frame and moveable between an open orientation and a closed orientation, and a locking arm having a cooperative relationship with the jaw member. One of the jaw member and locking arm defines a guide surface and another of the jaw member and locking arm includes a follower configured to traverse the guide surface, traverse of the follower along a guide segment of the guide surface directing rotation of the jaw member between the open orientation and the closed orientation, and traverse of the follower along a lock segment directing releasable locking of the jaw member in the closed orientation.
US07896382B2	Pontoon boat trailer guide A pontoon boat trailer guide includes a structure inbetween pontoon bunks or cradles. The guide structure comprises an upper portion which is narrower than a lower portion. The upper portion provides a visual and gross centering guide. The lower structure provides a fine and automatic self-centering guide for alignment and trailering of the pontoon boat.
US07896381B2	Bicycle wheel assembly A wheel assembly, which is particularly applicable to bicycles, includes a hub, a pair of laterally spaced bearings, and is constructed to cooperate with a frame of a bicycle. The bearings include an outer race that is directly engaged with the hub. An inner race of each bearing is constructed to directly receive a portion of the bicycle frame such that the wheel is supported by direct interaction of the bicycle frame and the bearing members. Optionally, a hollow axle may extend between adjacent bearings to further enhance the lateral stiffness of the wheel assembly.
US07896380B2	Top cover for headset of bicycle A top cover for a headset of a bicycle includes a bottom ring, a side wall, a C-shaped clip and a fastening unit. The side wall extends upwards from the bottom ring. The C-shaped clip extends upwards from a top end of the side wall and has a through hole at each of two distal ends thereof. The fastening unit passes through the through holes of the C-shaped clip for tightening the C-shaped clip. Thus, the top cover of the present invention can enhance convenience of assembly and disassembly of the bicycle, and prevent components of the headset from getting lost during assembly and disassembly of the bicycle.
US07896379B2	Motorcycles having upper and lower arms coupled with fork and frame A motorcycle includes a frame, a fork, a from wheel, an upper arm, a lower arm, a handlebar, and a suspension element. The fork is pivotable with respect to the frame about a steering axis. The front wheel is rotatably coupled with the fork. The upper arm and the lower arm are each pivotally coupled with each of the fork and the frame. The handlebar is pivotally coupled with the frame and is configured to facilitate steering of the front wheel. The suspension element is coupled with each of the frame and the fork.
US07896373B2	Locking pin locating device A trailer-locking pin locating device comprising an elongated body having a first end, a second end, a crossbar located proximal the first end of the elongated body with the crossbar slidably supported by elongated body and positioned at an angle to the elongated body, a securing member connecting the elongated body to a portion of a semi-trailer, a signaling member comprising a rod having a first highly visible end and a second end, a resiliently flexible member connecting the second end of the rod to the elongated body with the highly visible end of the rod extending beyond the second end of the elongated body in a normal condition, a rod holder for supporting the signaling member in a loaded condition, and a trigger mechanism located on the elongated body with trigger mechanism displacing the signaling member from the loaded condition to the normal condition when triggered.
US07896372B2	Suspension device Since a vehicular width direction inside end and vehicular width direction outside end of a trailing arm 12 are pivotably supported on a vehicle body and a knuckle 11, respectively, and a vehicular width direction inside end of a lower arm 14 is pivotably supported on the vehicle body and a vehicular width direction outside end thereof is connected to the trailing arm 12 via a pair of rubber bush joints 22, 23, even though the lower arm 14 is made up of a rigid body which is difficult to deflect in a vehicular longitudinal direction, the rubber bush joints 22, 23 can be deformed when load FX in the vehicular longitudinal direction is inputted into a wheel W so as to enhance the longitudinal compliance of the wheel W to thereby improve the riding comfort.
US07896368B2	Dolly frame generator The present invention is directed to a generally L-shaped frame assembly or dolly for mechanical devices, such as generators. The assembly includes a first and second frame portions. The first frame portion includes intermediate segments which are substantially equal or greater than the length of the mechanical device so as to protect the device and provide a lifting point for hoisting.
US07896362B1	Snow bike incorporating a double pivot ski assembly The present invention is directed to a kit for converting a bicycle to a snow bike. The kit comprises an upper member, a lower member and a ski. The upper member is configured for attachment to the wheel dropouts of the bike. The upper and lower members are joined together by a first resilient pivot. The lower member and the ski are joined together by a second resilient pivot. Both the first and second resilient pivots rotate about axes parallel to the axis of the wheel dropouts.
US07896360B2	Vehicle stabilizer system A vehicle stabilizer system including: (a) a stabilizer bar (28) including (a-1) a torsion bar portion (90), and (a-2) an arm portion (92) that extends from the torsion bar portion in a direction not parallel to the torsion bar portion; (b) an actuator (32) configured to rotate the stabilizer bar about an axis of the torsion bar portion; and (c) a link rod (34) interconnecting the suspension arm (78) and one of opposite ends of the arm portion that is remote from the torsion bar portion. The stabilizer bar generates a stabilizing force which is dependent on a reaction that is generated as a result of torsion of the torsion bar portion, and which forces the wheel (12) and the body in a selected one of a direction toward each other and a direction away from each other. The actuator allows the stabilizer bar to generate the stabilizing force whose magnitude is changeable by operation of the actuator. The link rod is inclined with respect to the suspension arm to which the link rod is connected, such that an angle defined by the link rod and the suspension arm is not 90°.
US07896359B2	Method of producing divided tube stabilizers having a swivel motor The invention relates to a method of producing a divided tube stabilizer having a swivel motor (2) mutually coupling two tube stabilizer halves (3, 4), a first tube stabilizer half (3) being non-rotatably connected with a first connection part (5) of the swivel motor, and a second stabilizer half (4) being non-rotatably connected with a second connection part (6) of the swivel motor (2). In order to achieve that the tube stabilizer halves can be easily linked in a non-rotatable manner with the connection parts of the swivel motor, the following process steps are suggested: a. The tube ends to be connected with the connection parts (5, 6) of the swivel motor (2) are expanded and upset in one working step by means of a mandrel (20); b. the tube stabilizer halves (3, 4) with the expanded and upset ends are shaped to their final shape by bending; c. the finished bent tube stabilizer halves (3, 4) are subjected to a heat treatment; d. the expanded and upset tube ends of the heat-treated tube stabilizer halves (3, 4) are material-lockingly connected with the respective connection parts (5, 6) of the swivel motor (2).
US07896357B2	Universal tool bit shank A universal tool shank can include an elongate body having first and second portions. The first portion can include at least one flat thereon for engagement with a recess in a first tool. The second portion can include at least one protrusion extending radially outwardly therefrom for engagement with a recess in a second tool. The first and second portions can be disposed axially apart from one another.
US07896353B2	Large diameter seals A large diameter seal having a band of elastic material on its outer diameter to insure a complete and effective sealing in the counterbore and a method for manufacturing this large diameter seal having elastomeric material on its outer diameter.
US07896352B2	Seal with stacked sealing elements A hybrid seal for sealing the circumferential gap between a first machine component and a second machine component comprises at least one shoe extending along one of the machine components in a position to create a non-contact seal, at least one spring element connected between one of the machine components and the shoe(s) and a stack of sealing elements located within a slot formed in the shoe(s), wherein a primary seal and secondary seal of the circumferential gap is created by the shoe(s) in cooperation with the spring element(s) and sealing elements, respectively.
US07896341B2	Sheet conveying device, sheet finisher, sheet feeding device, image forming apparatus, and sheet conveying method A sheet conveying device includes entrance rollers and registration rollers. The entrance rollers convey a sheet received from delivery rollers to the registration rollers. The registration rollers correct skew of the sheet. A conveying path between the delivery rollers and the registration rollers is equal to or slightly longer than a length of a sheet in a maximum allowable size for skew correction in a conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed on the conveying path.
US07896337B2	Image forming apparatus and paper feeding method An image forming apparatus includes an external gear to which a rotating force of a resist gear is transmitted, a ratchet for transmitting a rotating force from the external gear to a paper feed roller or releasing the transmission, and a ratchet arm having a claw engaged with the ratchet to transmit a rotation of the external gear, thereby rotating the paper feed roller, and a claw engaged with a slit provided on a boss of the paper feed roller to turn the paper feed roller toward a rotation start position and removing the claw from the ratchet to stop the paper feed roller, and the boss is provided with an offset bottom peripheral surface to be moved with the claw entering to stop the rotation of the paper feed roller when a resist sensor detects a tip of a recording paper.
US07896332B2	Belt driving mechanism, image forming apparatus including the same, and method for driving belt A belt driving mechanism related to the present invention includes: a toothed drive pulley configure to rotate actively; a toothed driven pulley configured to rotate passively; a toothed belt configured to engage with the toothed drive pulley and the toothed driven pulley by tooth on an inner circumference thereof; and an elastic member configured to move the toothed belt in a returning direction by an elastic force accumulated while the toothed drive pulley moves the toothed belt in a going direction, wherein at least one of the toothed belt, the toothed drive pulley, and the toothed driven pulley is formed such that at least one of tooth bottoms is shallower than at least other one of the tooth bottoms.
US07896331B2	Method of tearing off staple and sheet post-processing apparatus A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a stacking tray on which sheets are stacked, an aligning unit that aligns the sheets stacked on the stacking tray, a stapler that staples the sheets aligned by the aligning unit using two members provided on one surface side and the other surface side in a thickness direction of the sheets, first conveying rollers arranged in a position on an upstream side along a conveying direction after stapling of the sheets and in contact with one end of the sheets and driven to rotate after the stapling by the stapler, and second conveying rollers arranged in a position on a downstream side along the conveying direction of the sheets and in contact with the other end of the sheets and driven to rotate at rotation speed different from that of the first conveying rollers after the stapling by the stapler.
US07896328B2	Postprocessing device and image forming device A postprocessing unit of a postprocessing device performs a postprocess including a preset folding process at a set folding position, with respect to recording sheets. A setting unit of the postprocessing device sets an adjustment amount of the folding position on the basis of a target value of the folding position, a measured value of the folding position after the folding process, and sheet quality information of the recording sheets. An adjusting unit of the postprocessing device adjusts the folding position of the postprocessing unit on the basis of the adjustment amount set by the setting unit. An adjustment control unit of the postprocessing device controls the adjustment by the adjusting unit on the basis of the adjustment amount set by the setting unit.
US07896325B2	Holding apparatus A holding apparatus for securing an object is disclosed. The holding apparatus secures the object allowing access to the object from different angles and positions. The holding apparatus can be rotated while the object is attached providing access to different areas of the object. The holding apparatus can easily and quickly secure the object.
US07896324B2	Transfer car having lifting and lowering function and turning function and automobile assembly line using the same The transfer car 1 includes: a pair of guide posts 3, 4 erected on diagonal corner portions of a base 2 formed nearly in a rectangular shape when viewed in a plan; a pair of lifting and lowering support bodies 5, 6 supported by these guide posts 3, 4 and lifted and lowered; a lateral bridging member 7 laterally bridging the pair of lifting and lowering support bodies 5, 6; a turn table 8 mounted on a lower side in a center in a longitudinal direction of the lateral bridging member 7 and having a turning part 8B turned around a vertical axis 8C with respect to a fixed portion 8A; and a hanger 9 having a top end portion coupled to the turning part 8B of the turn table 8 and hanging a vehicle body A placed on receiving parts 9B, 9B mounted on a bottom end portion.
US07896323B2	Methods and apparatus for clamping tools The present invention is directed generally to tools that are high quality, strong, and lightweight. For example, various tools such as clamps may be made using parts containing a compound or alloy including magnesium. Magnesium may be for cast or extruded parts. In one embodiment, an “F” style clamp may be made with one or both of the two cooperating jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In one variation, the “F” style clamp may include a shaft made from extruded magnesium. In another embodiment, a “C” style clamp may be made with the “C” shaped frame being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a further embodiment, a bar clamp having trigger indexing may me made with one or both of two jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a variation, the bar may be an extruded magnesium.
US07896320B2	Jounce bumper assembly and gas spring assembly including same A jounce bumper assembly includes a jounce bumper and a bumper retainer. The jounce bumper includes opposing end walls and a side wall extending therebetween. The bumper retainer includes a side wall for engaging the side wall of the jounce bumper and thereby restricting radially outward deflection of the jounce bumper. A gas spring assembly and a vehicle suspension system including a jounce bumper assembly are included. A method of utilizing a jounce bumper assembly is also included.
US07896319B2	Sauna apparatus A sauna apparatus includes a heating section for heating air to generate heated air, a heated-air-blowing section for sending the heated air, a humidifying section for humidifying air to generate humidified air, a humidified-air-blowing section for sending the humidified air, a merging chamber for mixing the sent heated air and the sent humidified air to generate heated and humidified air, and an outlet for blowing the heated and humidified air generated. This sauna apparatus provides air having uniform temperature distribution and uniform humidity distribution, and allows temperature and humidity to be controlled easily.
US07896318B1	Terrain-conforming barrier A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
US07896315B2	Control and regulation device for safeguarding a conveyor device, conveyor device and crane unit A control and regulation arrangement for protection of a conveyor or other hoisting or crane device that assures a safe reaction to overloading. A brake apparatus is provided that acts on the conveyor under control of an overload sensor. If the load approaches a predetermined threshold, a signal is emitted from the overload sensor and transmitted to a speed sensor that limits the conveyor speed. Simultaneously the control transmits a signal to the brake apparatus to actuate and stop the conveyor. Upon receipt of a subsequent signal that a load relief state is to be established, the control brakes the conveyor in accord with the speed signal such that the object in transport moves toward a safe position at a constant speed. A conveyor with multiple hoisting devices may include duplicate control and regulation arrangements for each hoisting device.
US07896314B2	Hand tool with an extendable plunger A hand tool having an elongated plunger assembly that is rotatably and movably disposed in a socket. The plunger assembly can be rotated between a first orientation and a second orientation as well as being moved between a first, withdrawn position and a second, extended position. The plunger assembly also has an upper notch and a lower notch on a front side and at least one generally flat lateral side. A fixed latch member extends across a portion of the socket and defines a narrow passage within the socket. The hand tool, preferably, includes a compression spring biasing the plunger assembly toward the extended position.
US07896313B2	Linear motion-type gate valve A gate valve includes a valve plate for opening and closing a gas passageway, and an air cylinder and a shaft for linearly moving the valve plate between a main housing portion and a storage housing portion of a housing, and the air cylinder is arranged on the first lateral surface side of the housing in parallel with a moving direction of the valve plate, and the shaft is arranged so as to overlap with the valve plate in parallel with the moving direction. A tip end of the shaft is coupled with the valve plate at a position situated near a front end portion in the moving direction thereof.
US07896307B2	Method of and system for stanchion-based advertising A system comprising a stanchion, the stanchion including a pole and a base supporting the pole. A cover adapted to display visible indicia, the cover defining an opening and a discontinuity extending from an exterior boundary of the cover to an interior boundary of the cover, the interior boundary bounding the opening. The discontinuity permits the pole to be positioned within the opening.
US07896303B2	Container holder A container holder includes a holder body, a supporting member, an actuator, and a switch. The supporting member is disposed movably to the holder body. The holder body demarcates an accommodation space for accommodating or holding a container therein partially. The actuator includes a first actuating unit, being made of a ferromagnet, and a second actuating unit, being made of an electromagnet. Moreover, one of the actuator's first actuating unit and second actuating unit is fixed to the holder body, and the other one of the actuator's first actuating unit and second actuating unit is fixed to the supporting member. The switch turns on and off the actuator's second actuating unit to have the electromagnet produce and lose an electromagnetic force. The resulting electromagnetic force moves the supporting member to come in and/or come out of the holder body's accommodation space.
US07896300B2	Supporting mount removably fixable to a generally vertical columnar structure A supporting mount mounts a device to a post and is removably fixed to the post without being fastened thereto by any penetrating fastener. A front panel is at the front post face and has the device fixed thereto. A pair of opposing side panels are at respective side post faces. Each side panel has a lower lateral edge connecting to the front panel, an upper lateral portion distal from the front panel, and a hook at about the upper lateral portion. A connecting element at the back post face engages the hooks at the upper lateral portions of the side panels. The mount pivots into frictional contact with the back post face at the top portion of the connecting element and with the front post face at a bottom portion of the front panel.
US07896299B2	Support stand A support stand includes a base 2 including a substantially rectangular base plate 3 and four support feet 5 provided on the base plate 3 to extend outward from corners of the base plate in diagonal directions, respectively, and a stay 15 built vertically on the base 2 and for supporting the support target 30. One support foot 5b out of the four support feet 5 is formed to be bent into an L shape in a plan view or formed into an inverted U shape in a side view, and the support feet 5a adjacent to the one foot 5b are formed to extend linearly.
US07896294B2	Cover skin for a variable-shape aerodynamic area A cover skin for a variable-shape aerodynamic area, such as a wing structure, tail unit structure, control surface structure or flap structure is described. A cover skin is deformable in one direction without exhibiting substantial deformation in a transverse direction. A deformable framework structure is embedded in a layer of an elastic material, such as rubber or polymer. The framework structure may be comprised of non-deformable elements joined pivotably in auxetic and non-auxetic assemblies of elements that are capable of substantially eliminating transversal contraction, when the cover skin is longitudinal stretched, and substantially eliminating transversal expansion, when the cover skin is longitudinally contracted.
US07896293B2	Procedure and device for improving the maneuverability of an aircraft during the approach to landing and flare-out phases The process improves the maneuverability of an aircraft during the approach to landing and then flare-out phases, the aircraft being equipped with air brakes. According to the process, the air brakes are put in a first deployed position during the approach phase, and as a function of a representative parameter of a given altitude and in case of a steep angle approach, they are actuated to transition to a second more retracted position than the first position so as to achieve a flare-out allowing to essentially maintain the same angle of incidence, corresponding in case of a steep angle approach to achieve a flare-out with habitual exterior piloting references during the flare-out phase.
US07896291B2	Aircraft door with oversizing An aircraft fuselage section is provided in which an outer skin construction provides at least one door opening having a width, such that it is divided by at least one rib of the fuselage skeleton of the aircraft fuselage section into multiple opening areas.
US07896286B2	Core for a roll of material A core (16) for a roll of material, which core (16) comprises a body portion (18), a first member which is removably secured to a first end (22) of the body portion (18), a first bore (24) through the first end member (20), a second end member (26) which is removably secured to a second end (28) of the body portion (18), a second bore through the second end member (26), a third bore (30) through the body portion (18), the first, second and third bores all having a common longitudinal axis, the first bore (24) having a smooth inner surface (32) whereby the first bore (24) is able to receive a chuck (34) such that centering of the chuck (34) is facilitated by the smooth inner surface of the first bore (24), the second bore having a smooth inner surface (32) whereby the second bore is able to receive a chuck (34) such that centering of the chuck (34) is facilitated by the smooth inner surface (32) of the second bore, the body portion being made of a metal, and the first and second end members (20, 26) each being made of a plastics material.
US07896285B2	Sheet product dispenser A dispenser for dispensing sheet product from a supply to a user is disclosed. The dispenser includes a feed device for dispensing a length of sheet product, an energy storage device in operable communication with the feed device, and a user interface in operable communication with the energy storage device. The user interface is biased in a first direction to a rest position by the energy storage device and is responsive to energy from the user to move in a second direction opposite the first direction and transfer energy to the energy storage device. The energy storage device is in operable connection with the feed device and applies the transferred energy to generate motion of the user interface in the first direction toward the rest position to actuate the feed device and dispense the sheet product.
US07896277B2	Fishing reel A fishing reel including a spool shaft extending through a reel frame with a handle crank attached thereto with a non-rotating spool collar and spool positioned about the spool shaft, and a rod mount connected to the reel frame pivotable 90 degrees from a first position with respect to the reel frame to a second position. When the rod mount is in the first position, and the handle crank is rotated, the spool oscillates in and out with respect to the reel frame and the spool rotates about the spool collar in a manner such that fishing line positioned on the line guide is spooled onto the spool when being reeled in, and when the rod mount is in the second position, the spool is generally parallel to the rod mount to allow line to be cast out from the spool.
US07896275B2	Comminution plant A comminution plant for comminuting material includes a set of fixed bottom knifes separated by parallel opening, two parallel shafts extending crosswise of the openings, a set of upper knifes attached on respective shafts and extending partly into the openings, and at least one drive assembly for rotating the shafts during operation. The upper knifes on one shaft include first and second knifes with the second one having a diameter which is smaller than the first. The upper knifes on the other shaft includes third and fourth knifes with the fourth one having a diameter which is smaller than the third. The diameters of the first and third knives are of a size which is larger than twice the distance between the axes of rotation of the at least two shafts. The comminution plant according to the invention can comminute a material effectively and to high degree of fineness.
US07896271B2	Medication disposal system Medication is disposed of by rending the medication, including medicaments stored in blister packs and transdermal patches, and aggregating the riven medication with a disposal medium that is suitable for burial or incineration. Burial or incineration of the aggregated disposal medium and the riven medication reduces the likelihood of water contamination.
US07896269B2	Apparatus and method for collecting and crushing seashells on a beach A seashell collecting and crushing apparatus includes a collection device having a hollow body and an inlet for introducing seashells into the hollow body. A fan assembly is operable to provide a suction airstream for drawing seashells into the hollow body. A crusher is positioned to receive seashells from an outlet of the collection device and pulverize the seashells received from the collection device into a fine particulate matter releasable through an outlet of the crusher. The fan assembly and the crusher are driven by a common driving arrangement. A method includes using the apparatus for removing seashells from the beach using the suction airstream to introduce seashells through the inlet into the hollow body, separating the seashells entering the hollow body from the suction airstream, pulverizing the seashells into a fine particulate matter using the crusher and exhausting the fine particulate matter through the outlet of the crusher.
US07896261B2	Water distribution system A Y-shaped plumbing fitting comprises three generally radially extending tubes connected together for transmission of fluid therebetween. The radially outward end of each tube is terminated by a pipe connector. The axes of the three tubes extend radially in a common plane and intersect at a single point, subtending angles of 120° with each other. A further connector is provided extending substantially perpendicularly to the common plane of the three tubes to connect a fitting to the three tubes. An irrigation system, using the Y-shaped plumbing fitting comprises a network of pipes connected by the “Y” shaped fittings. Each pipe in the network is connected at each end to a leg of a respective Y-shaped fitting such that the pipes each form one side in a hexagonal shaped pipe network formation. Alternate “Y” shaped plumbing fittings are fitted with watering outlets.
US07896258B2	Speed based fluid control for dust reduction in the mining industry having gui user-interface A system and apparatus for controlling the delivery of fluid from a reservoir, in relation to the ground speed of the vehicle delivering the fluid. Including a system where a hydraulic pump and motor are the components to drive the delivery of the fluid from the reservoir. The hydraulic motor is controlled to vary the output of the fluid pump based on a programmable logic controller (PLC) program. Where an operator selects the desired density of fluid to be pumped, the PLC controls fluid pump flow by controlling the hydraulic motor speed based on the vehicle ground speed.
US07896254B2	Temperature regulation method and system for low flow rate liquid A method and a system for controlling temperature of a liquid in small flow amount, for supplying a liquid whose temperature is highly accurately controlled, as a flow of a small flow amount or an intermittent flow. A liquid supplied from a supply path is pressurized and introduced into a circulation path, and is temperature-controlled by a temperature control device in the circulation path, while being circulated in the circulation path by a pump in the pressurized condition. The liquid is supplied to an exterior device through a discharge path caused to branch from the circulation path, as a consecutive flow in a small amount or an intermittent flow in a small amount in a flow amount less than at least ½ times the flow amount in the circulation path, by adjusting a discharge valve provided in the discharge path.
US07896249B2	Bar code reader or imager using controlled deformation of flexible optics A flexible optic or optical system is deformed using a non-overlapping iris or any of several deformable ring or polygon shapes. In some examples, the deformation of the flexible optic is controlled by one or more actuators comprising a shape memory material. The flexible optic may be used in, e.g. a bar code reader or imager.
US07896248B2	Card reader device and method of use A card reader device for reading a card having data stored on a magnetic stripe incorporated into the card is disclosed in which the card reader device comprises a read head for passing a magnetic stripe of a card by to read data stored on a magnetic stripe and for producing a signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe, a signal setting device for setting an amplitude of the signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe, and an output plug adapted to be inserted into a headset jack associated with a host device for providing the signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe to a host device.
US07896247B2	Secure use of externally stored data A smart card reader is adapted to extract and store authentication data from a response APDU received from a smart card before generating a filtered response APDU, wherein the filtered response APDU does not include the authentication data. Beneficially, when the smart card reader transmits the filtered response APDU toward a destination, the biometric template data is less susceptible to interception, thereby providing a more secure solution.
US07896246B2	Method and system for detecting potential coercion or vote buying in vote by mail systems Organized coercion or buying of votes can be detected based upon information associated with the return of vote by mail ballots, and more specifically an induction parameter related to the location where and time at which vote by mail ballots are inducted into a carrier system for return to the election officials. Upon receipt of the vote by mail ballots by election officials, at least one induction parameter is obtained from the envelope. The data that is collected can be analyzed to detect situations that indicate potential coercion or vote buying by comparing it with expected induction parameters. If a situation that indicates potential coercion or vote buying is detected, those voters whose ballots are involved can be contacted by the election officials, before the votes are tallied, to ensure that the specific voters have not been coerced or sold their vote.
US07896243B2	Self-service autonomous merchandising machine A solution for consumer self-service merchandise order placement, payment, and pick up, integrated with a merchant's Internet e-commerce site and with an effective merchant point-of-sale management system. The solution includes a system and apparatus and of a set of specific business methods. A self-service merchandising machine for un-attended, autonomous, and automatic dispensing of retail products includes an input/output subsystem; a control subsystem having and being based upon a computer; a specially configured storage subsystem; a unique pick-and-place robotic-based product retrieval subsystem with an adaptive material handling system; and a product extraction subsystem. A related method of using the machine includes the steps of enabling self-service retail sale; permitting Internet sale with local merchandise pick-up; managing the business operations of the system; replenishing inventory using Kanban methods; restocking inventory; operating and monitoring a security camera; handling Category I error; and handling Category II error.
US07896240B2	Methods, systems and computer program products for electronic identification card creation and transfer during real time communications Exemplary embodiments include a method for creating an electronic identification card during a real time communications session including: presenting a user with an option to enter personal information; receiving a command from the user to send the electronic identification card including the personal information during the real time communications session; recording the personal information for the electronic identification card with a data entry method; and sending the electronic identification card to a device involved in the real time communications session.
US07896238B2	Secured transaction using color coded account identifiers A method and system provides coded access to a transactional or other type of system by acquiring account identification data corresponding to a combination of a plurality of colors. The account identification data is transmitted to, for example, a remote server to correlate the account identification data against an account database to evaluate corresponding account information. Based on the account information, access to the transactional or other type of system may be controlled.
US07896237B2	Credit card offer and activation system and method A method and system for providing and activating a credit card and credit line to a consumer. In one embodiment, the system and method include providing the consumer with a choice of one credit card from a plurality of cards. In response to the consumer's selection of one of the plurality of credit cards, an immediate authorization request is made for the credit card from an authorization source, such as a mobile telephone, kiosk, cash register, or credit card transaction device. Upon transmission of the authorization request, a rapid approval or disapproval is made based upon the applicant's financial status. This status may include the existence of an open bank account, such as a checking or savings account, or other credit worthiness indicia, such as prior business history with the lender and prior credit history. Once activated, the credit card may be used to purchase goods and services.
US07896226B1	Secure mail box A mail box having a depository vault overlying a secure compartment. A mail deposit platform and a flag door are independently rotatable with respect to each other to open and close a mail deposit opening in the depository vault. The mail deposit platform receives mail in the depository vault. If the mail placed on the mail platform is incoming mail, the platform is rotated to transfer the incoming mail to the underlying secure compartment, as well as to close the mail deposit opening. If the mail placed on the platform is outgoing mail, the flag door is rotated to close the mail deposit opening and to provide an indication to the postman that the mail is to be picked up and delivered to the destination.
US07896225B2	Smoking article pack blank(s) A smoking article pack blank having a lid (2) and a base portion (3), the lid and the base portion being interconnected along a hinge line (27) and the base portion comprising first (24) and second (25) main panels. The main panels of the smoking article pack blank each having side panels (32, 33, 38, 39) depending therefrom and at least one of the side panels having a side flap (35) depending therefrom. When erected the smoking article pack blank may be hinged about a longitudinal axis (34) of a side wall thereof. The invention further provides a smoking article pack assembly, which pack assembly comprises the smoking article pack blank and a plurality of inner blanks. The smoking article pack assembly may be hinged into an open position thereof about a longitudinal hinge line in a side wall of the erected pack assembly.
US07896222B2	Manufacture of shape memory alloy cellular materials and structures by transient-liquid reactive joining This invention discloses a method, using pure niobium as a transient liquid reactive braze material, for fabrication of cellular or honeycomb structures, wire space-frames or other sparse builtup structures or discrete articles using Nitinol (near equiatomic titanium-nickel alloy) and related shape-memory and superelastic alloys. Nitinol shape memory alloys (SMAs), acquired in a form such as corrugated sheet, discrete tubes or wires, may be joined together using the newly discovered technique. Pure niobium when brought into contact with Nitinol at elevated temperature, liquefies at temperatures below the melting point and flows readily into capillary spaces between the elements to be joined, thus forming a strong joint. A series of diagrams of the interface at various stages of brazing is illustrated by FIG. 10.
US07896216B2	Sticking pad, friction stir welding machine and friction stir welding system A lightweight, mobile friction stir welding machine, a sticking pad for the friction stir welding machine, and a friction stir welding system are provided. The sticking pad has a flat base member facing an object, an annular sealing member protruding from one of major surfaces of the base member so as to surround a central area of the surface of the base member, a slippery member attached to the end surface of the annular sealing member facing the object, and one or some deformation-suppressing protrusions protruding from the surface facing the object of the base member. The slippery member is made of a material that can make the slippery member contact the object with a friction coefficient lower than that with which the sealing member can be in contact with the same object.
US07896213B2	Medical stapler with latching grip portion A medical stapler is provided with a stapler body having a head portion at one end thereof, which drives out medical staples S, and a manipulating lever that can be opened and closed by being turned in a state in which a part provided at the side of the head portion is housed in an accommodating portion of the stapler body. A grip portion opposed to the head portion of the manipulating lever is usually urged in an opening direction in which the grip portion protrudes from the accommodating portion. When a staple S is driven out, the manipulating lever is turned in a closing direction in which the manipulating lever is housed in the accommodating portion. Thus, the staple S is driven out of the head portion. Then, the staple S is put into skin “a” while both sides of a wound are brought toward each other. Thus, the wound is sutured while both tip end parts of the staple are inwardly bent. Upon completion of suturing the wound, the manipulating lever is latched in the stapler body in a state in which the staple S is bent.
US07896210B2	Fastener actuation system A fastener actuation system for driving fasteners into a work surface separated a significant distance from a user, the system comprising a fastener actuation tool coupled to a pole assembly, the assembly including a lockout mechanism. The tool may have a firing pin assembly configured such that depression of the barrel assembly against the work surface loads a firing pin into a ready-to-fire position. In addition, the tool may have a trigger sleeve slidable within the tool housing and having a ramp surface such that forward motion of the trigger sleeve may cause a trigger sear to move along the ramp surface until a point where the sear disengages and the firing pin fires. Moreover, the trigger sleeve may operationally engage an advance lever for automatically engaging cartridges. Additionally, the tool system may comprise a pole assembly having a secondary mechanism such as an external sleeve for firing the tool.
US07896199B2	Portable liquid-dispensing bag A portable, liquid-dispensing bag that has a bag within one or more bags. A fitment portal aligns openings in the one or more inner bags and outer the outer bag, which in at least one embodiment accommodates a tap. A variety of arrangements and variations are possible, including having a re-sealable opening in both the inner bag or bags and a re-sealable opening in the outer bag. A gas vent can be added to either the inner or outer bags. It is contemplated that a drinkable liquid is stored in an inner bag, and ice or cold water is stored in the outer bag to keep the drinking fluid cold.
US07896196B2	Fluid dispenser having infrared user sensor A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes a controller in conjunction with a photodetector in order to provide automatic dispensing to a user when an object enters a target area. A controller is programmed to pulse a light source that is mounted proximate the photodetector. The controller constantly monitors the voltage at the receiving signal of the photodetector, and evaluates the difference in voltage from the light pulsed on and off. The controller sums the differences, and constantly updates the differences over a designated period to create an average difference value. The average difference value is summed with a target offset value and compared to a momentary voltage difference. When the momentary difference exceeds the sum of the target offset value and average difference, the controller sends a signal to a dispense mechanism which dispenses a fluid or other product on the object.
US07896193B1	Bonus credit system for money-operated machines An electronic apparatus can be placed between the money acceptor and the operative components of a gaming or vending machine to award a bonus based on predetermined utilization rates of the machine. The apparatus may incorporate dip switches to permit the number of bonuses to be varied and to change the frequency at which the bonuses are awarded. In gaming machines the bonus can be in the form of additional credits or increased play, while in vending machines the bonus can be in the form of additional credits or the dispensing of bonus product with the product purchased from the machine. Alternatively, the bonus award system can be incorporated into the money acceptor. In vending machines, a sensor may be incorporated to sense the dispensing of product from the vending machine to ascertain the utilization rate of the machine for the awarding of bonuses.
US07896190B2	Composites having an improved resistance to fatigue Compositions including a base resin, a reinforcement and a modifier including a block copolymer for producing vesicles, spherical and/or cylindrical micelles and composites made therefrom.
US07896184B2	Crate with collapsible wall A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. The front wall includes an upper section pivotable relative to a lower section. At least one of the adjacent edges of the upper section and the lower section is contoured away from the other when the upper section is in the closed position. The contoured edge provides improved access to the interior of the container when the upper section is in the retracted position.
US07896177B1	Versatile support system and methods thereof A versatile support system, kit and methods of construction are disclosed. The support system comprises rail members, corner members and shelf brackets with each of the shelf brackets having an opening configured to selectively receive a fastener to couple a back portion of the shelf brackets to a surface of an outer portion of the rail members. The corner members have multiple arms selectively received and secured within an open inner region of a portion of each rail member. The versatile support system has improved load bearing capability and provides numerous load bearing structures with ease of construction.
US07896176B2	Convertible back bar A convertible back bar is provided. In one embodiment, a convertible back bar comprises a mirror, a body configured to support the mirror, a shelf, and a billiard ball storage tray. The shelf and the billiard ball storage tray are interchangibly attachable to upper and lower ends of the body. Other embodiments are disclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.
US07896168B2	Filters having improved permeability and virus removal capabilities A filter block may comprise activated carbon filter particles without metallic biocides. The activated carbon filter particles may have a median particle size of less than or equal to about 90 microns and having a particle span of less than or equal to about 1.7. The filter block may have a permeability of greater than about 3.0×10−9 cm2 and a Filter Viruses Log Removal of greater than about 2 logs. A portion of the activated carbon filter particles may be coated with a cationic polymer. Another filter block may comprise mesoporous activated carbon filter particles without metallic biocides, wherein the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles may have a median particle size of less than or equal to about 104 μm and a particle span of less than or equal to about 2.05, and wherein at least a portion of the filter particles may be coated with a cationic polymer. The filter block may have a permeability of greater than about 2.0×10−9 cm2 and a Filter Viruses Log Removal of greater than about 2 logs.
US07896167B2	Blood separator and method of separating a fluid fraction from whole blood A novel composite of glass fiber paper and reinforcing material that is useful for high speed manufacturing of devices comprising it is disclosed. The composite is formed by pressing into a glass fiber paper, having multimodal (at least bi-modal) composition, a hydrophilic reinforcing material. The composite has anisotropic separation properties that are particularly useful for preparing a fluid fraction from whole blood. The preferred glass fiber paper comprises glass fibers such that there are a plurality of short fibers (6) having large diameters and long fibers (2) with smaller diameters. The preferred glass fiber paper also exhibits partial ordering. There are many more of the long fibers (2) with smaller diameters than of the short fibers (6) having large diameters. Also disclosed are several blood separator device designs for efficiently separating the fluid fraction of blood from whole blood using the composite.
US07896165B2	Cyclone having a vibration mechanism A materials classifying cyclone with at least one vibrator for transmitting generated vibrations into the downwardly swirling slurry of materials to interrupt the flow pattern thereof so that some of the smaller particles trapped in the outer portions of the slurry are freed for movement into the vortex of the cyclone to increase the operating efficiency of the cyclone. In a first embodiment, the cyclone has a solid metallic conical housing with the vibrator attached to the periphery of the housing. In a second embodiment, a plurality of longitudinal struts in spaced apart relationship provide the conical housing with open sides with the vibrator mounted on one of the struts which transmit the vibrations to abrasion resistant liners mounted in the housing. In still another embodiment, the vibrator is coupled to an abrasion resistant liner which is exposed in one of the open spaces of the conical housing.
US07896163B2	Sifter A sifter comprising: a receiver having a supply chamber; a sieve assembly having a sieving chamber coupled to the supply chamber; a rotator having a rotating shaft laterally arranged to pass through the supply chamber and the sieving chamber; a drum having a circular cross-section and having a larger diameter than the diameter of the rotating shaft, the drum being extended in at least space of the sieving chamber and arranged coaxially with the sieve; a cylindrical sieve located inside the sieving chamber and arranged coaxially with the rotating shaft; a stirring rotor located in an inner area of the sieving chamber inside the sieve comprising a rotating blade attached to the rotating shaft; an extraction member; and an outlet for discharging powder passing through the sieve from the inner area to the outer area.
US07896162B2	Screening system The present invention provides a vibratory screening apparatus (1) for use in removing solids from a liquid feed, and a basket (4) therefore. The apparatus comprises a static outer housing (2), and a floating basket vibratable by a vibrator device (10). The basket mounts a stack (7) of screen assemblies (8) provided with respective flow directing trays (9) for receiving filtrates from the screen assemblies. A flow distributor (15) divides the feed into at least first and a second feed streams and directs them onto respective screen assemblies, and receives from the flow directing trays, filtrates from respective screen assemblies.
US07896159B2	Packaging container and method A packaging container includes a pallet, an enclosure box, an enclosure base, a sheet, and a set of fasteners. The pallet carries the article thereon. The enclosure box rests on the pallet to enclose the article therewithin, and includes a top wall, first and second pairs of opposite side walls, an open bottom, and a first set of through-holes. The enclosure base lies between the article and the pallet to hold the article. The sheet extends across at least a portion of the pallet and the first pair of opposite side walls to secure the pallet to the enclosure box when fastened to the enclosure box, and includes a flat center panel, a pair of side flaps, and a second set of through-holes. The set of fasteners are passed through the first and second sets of through-holes to fasten the sheet to the enclosure box from outside the enclosure box.
US07896158B2	Tool bit holder A tool bit holder for releasably supporting a plurality of tool bits in a supported position wherein each tool bit has an elongated bit body extending from a working end to a tool end. The tool end of the bit being shaped to be received by a tool and the working end being shaped to engage an object such as a fastener. The bit further including an elongated side wall extending between the working and tool ends. The holder includes a frame having a plurality of spaced bit receiving nests and each of these nests has a bit opening shaped to receive one tool bit. The nests further including a flexible member movable relative to the tool bit opening and movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position such that the nest engages the elongated wall of the tool bit when the flexible member is in the engaged position and the associated bit is in the supported position thereby preventing relative movement between the nest and the associated bit. Further, the nest allows the tool bit to move relative to the opening when in the disengaged position.
US07896157B1	Tool layout caddy A tool layout caddy has an upstanding vertical post with a handle at one end and a base member at the other end. A receptacle for the placement and storage of tools, chalk, and other necessary items for the layout operation is secured to the vertical post. A sheath member is provided for the placement and storage of a measuring square. The base member of the caddy houses the chalk line, a chalk line reservoir for replenishing the chalk line, and a chalk line retracting mechanism. A stop marker ensures that the end section of the chalk line always remains external to the base member and, during use, a hook at the end of the chalk line may be secured to the receptacle for ease of access during layout operations.
US07896155B2	Capsule closure The invention relates to a capsule closure, the cap of which comprises a receptacle (2) that is formed on the interior of the lid and that fits into the interior of a corresponding nipple part (3). An associated film-sealed container capsule (8) can be locked into the interior of the receptacle (2), with the film facing downwards (9), so that the sealing film (9) lies against the inner diameter of the cap (1). A circular shoulder that projects inwards (10) is configured in the interior of the nipple part (3) below the inserted container capsule (8). Several fixed and/or displaceable piercing and/or cutting elements (12) are formed on the inner edge (11) of said shoulder (10). A tamper-evident strip (15) is supported on a shoulder (17) that projects radially outwards below the lower cap edge of the attached cap (1). Once said strip has been removed, the cap (1) can be pushed down onto the nipple part (3), causing the piercing and/or cutting elements (12) to cut open the film (9). The section (14) of the nipple part (3) that lies below the shoulder (10) can be configured as a collar or flange.
US07896151B2	Method and apparatus for combining and aligning packing unit groups A method for combining and aligning packing unit groups, having the steps of supplying, on an allocating conveyor, individual packing units and/or packing unit groups in an abutting relationship, operating a transportation conveyor downstream of the allocating conveyor with a first transportation speed, forming batches of packing units and/or packing unit groups, wherein predefined gaps are created between the batches by controlling the speed of the allocating conveyor in a corresponding manner, and transferring the batches with the gap predefined between them onto a row or layer forming conveyor, wherein the row or layer forming conveyor is operated at a second speed.
US07896144B2	Ratchet one-way clutch with vibration dampening The present invention broadly comprises a stator and one-way clutch assembly including a segment of a stator, a one-way clutch engaged with the segment, and at least one elastically deformable element engaged with the segment and the clutch and arranged to dampen transfer of torque from the stator to the clutch. In some aspects, the clutch includes a first plate and the deformable element is engaged with the segment and the plate. The segment urges the deformable element against the first plate. The first plate is arranged to rotate in response to the urging. The segment and the first plate are arranged to rotationally lock. The first plate and a second plate, connected to a clutch hub, rotationally lock in response to the urging, and the segment and the first plate are arranged to rotationally lock following the locking of the first and second plates.
US07896142B2	Shock absorber dirt shield A shock absorber includes a dynamic vibration absorber which is designed to suppress the vibrations of the piston rod of the shock absorber. The dynamic vibration absorber includes a damping mass which is formed as a dirt shield to protect the shock absorber from contaminants.
US07896139B2	Guide-rail brake A guide-rail brake (1) of an elevator and a method for controlling the brake are provided. The brake comprises a frame part fixed to the elevator car, a prong part, which contains turning jaws (3,4) that correspond to the guide rail (2) via the braking surfaces when braking, a spring (10) loading the prong part to press the braking surfaces to the guide rail, and a controllable mover, which is an electromagnet (15), which contains two pulling core pieces (17,18). The force effect of the electromagnet (15) on the prong part is opposed to the spring. In the guide-rail brake an air gap (ag) is structurally arranged between the center parts (19,20) of the pulling core pieces (17, 18) of the electromagnet of the guide-rail brake when the brake is fully energized, and a damping circuit is arranged in the coil (16) of the electromagnet (15) of the guide-rail brake to speed up operation of the guide-rail brake.
US07896138B2	Elevator arrangement The invention concerns an arrangement and a method for controlling the power supply of the load of an elevator system. The arrangement has at least a monitoring unit and at least one controllable power source. The controllable power source is connected between the load of an elevator system and the monitoring unit such that the power supply of the load of the elevator system can be controlled by means of a control signal transmitted to the controllable power source by the monitoring unit. The monitoring unit according to the invention contains at least one input for determining the status of at least one safety switch of the elevator system. On the basis of the status of the safety switch a control signal either having pulses or being in a static state is sent with the monitoring unit to at least one controllable power source.
US07896137B2	Elevator power system having plural storage apparatuses A power supplying system for an elevator includes: a first electric storage apparatus for storing thereinto electric power derived from a commercial power supply; a charging apparatus for charging the electric power derived from the commercial power supply to the first electric storage apparatus and for controlling a current when the electric power is charged into the first electric storage apparatus; a second electric storage apparatus for storing thereinto electric power used to operate an appliance of an elevator; and a power supplying apparatus for supplying the electric power derived from the first electric storage apparatus to the second electric storage apparatus.
US07896130B2	Snap action valve with inertia damper Snap action valve assemblies for use in conduits of automotive exhaust systems have their operation controlled by use of inertia damper elements coupled to an axle of a rotatable valve plate of the valve assembly.
US07896126B1	Methods and apparatus for sound suppression Methods and apparatus for providing a sound suppressor device including a first plate, a second plate in opposition to the first plate, and a connector between the first and second plates such that the first plate, the second plate, and the connector define a sealed cavity containing a gas at a pressure, wherein the device has a resonant frequency selected to vibrate out-of-phase with respect to a noise source for suppressing noise from the noise source while the noise source and the device are immersed in a liquid.
US07896123B2	Hydraulic drive vehicle A vehicle includes a first transaxle incorporating a first hydraulic motor for driving a first axle, a pair of second transaxles incorporating respective second hydraulic motors for driving respective second axles, and a pump housing separated from the first transaxle and the pair of second transaxles. The pump housing incorporates a hydraulic pump. The first hydraulic motor and the pair of second hydraulic motors are fluidly connected in series to the hydraulic pump. The second hydraulic motors are fluidly connected in parallel to the hydraulic pump.
US07896122B2	Device for controlling the opening of the engine hood of a vehicle, particularly for protecting the head of a pedestrian in the event of a collision therewith The invention relates to a device for controlling the opening of the hood (1) of the engine compartment of a vehicle, connected to the vehicle body in a hinged manner for enabling it to partially open by rotating around the rear hinge toward the front of the vehicle from a position in which the hood (1) is latched to the vehicle body by means of at least one hook (18). This device comprises an impact detector mounted at the front of the vehicle and interacting with an actuator (19, 21) for controlling the unlatching of said hook (18) and comprises means for guiding the opening of the hood (1), these means for guiding the opening of the hood (1) comprising means for guiding the rear edge (1a) of the hood (1) in an essentially vertical direction.
US07896121B2	Automotive fuel storage system with in-tank fuel encapsulation system An automotive fuel tank storage system includes a fuel storage tank installed in a vehicle and a barrier fluid tank containing a supply of barrier fluid. A distribution system connected with the barrier fluid tank and with the fuel storage tank distributes barrier fluid about the outer periphery of the fuel contained within the storage tank in the event of a collision event, creating a boundary layer of more viscous fluid which inhibits exfiltration of the fuel from the fuel storage tank.
US07896116B2	Drive device of hybrid vehicle A drive device of a hybrid vehicle includes a motor generator and a motor generator arranged at the back of the motor generator, each rotor having a rotational center axis arranged on the same axis, a power split mechanism arranged on the same axis as a rotational center axis of a crankshaft and between the crankshaft and the motor generator, and a power control unit performing control of the motor generator. The power control unit includes a reactor arranged in a gap portion formed on one side with respect to the rotational center axis of the motor generator and between a lower side surface of the power element substrate, an outer circumferential side surface of the motor generator and an inner side surface of a case, and a capacitor arranged on the other side with respect to the rotational center axis of the motor generator.
US07896112B2	Supplementary support structure for robot A supplementary support structure, which supports the body of a robot (1), comprises a contact component (7) which is disposed in a part near a joint (2c) on the distal end, having a hand (3) disposed thereon, of an arm (2) of the robot (1) so as to come into contact with a surface on which the robot (1) is supported, such as a floor surface, and a member which lies between the part having the contact component (7) disposed therein and the proximal end of the arm (2). Thus, the supplementary support structure can avoid an increase in the weight of the hand resulting from the support structure, thus eliminate an extra load on a driving system for the hand or the arm, and thus achieve the simplification and size reduction of the driving system. Moreover, the support structure can increase the degree of freedom of the shape or functional design of the hand and thus improve the functioning of the robot.
US07896102B2	Pneumatic drive system A pneumatic drive system (1) in which the movement of an output drive unit (7) of a pneumatic drive (2) is controlled by a control valve (25 and 26) which is connected with the working chambers (12 and 13) of the pneumatic drive (2). The control valve (25 and 26) comprises least one air economy setting (30) setting a choke cross section and a high power setting (29) defining a flow cross section larger than it. An actuator serves to ensure that the control valve is switched over, in a fashion dependent on the air pressure obtaining in the at least one working chamber (12 and 13) from the normally assumed air economy setting (30) into the high power setting (29), when the output drive unit (7) meets with an increased resistance to motion.
US07896099B2	Upper beam for a telescopic feeder, telescopic feeder and drilling device for rock drilling The object of the invention is to provide a drilling device which is compact and has good sliding properties. The object is achieved by an upper beam for use with a lower beam in a telescopic feeder for a drilling device for rock drilling. The upper beam extends along a longitudinal axis and has a generally U-shaped cross section comprising a bottom wall and a first and a second side wall. Each side wall has an inward surface and an outward surface. The upper beam comprises a cooperating member intended for sliding cooperation with the lower beam. The cooperating member comprises an attachment structure extending outwardly from each outward surface of each side wall. Each attachment structure is intended for fixed mounting of a crank block bracket, which crank block bracket faces the outward surface of each side wall.
US07896098B2	Power tools Power tools are taught that may include, for example, means for detecting impact sounds generated, e.g. by a hammer strikes an anvil or by oil pulse from an oil unit. The detecting means may include a receiver (30) adapted to selectively convert sound within a narrow frequency range into electric signals. Preferably, the impact sounds fall within the narrow frequency range of the receiver (30). A processor 38 may be utilized to control the motor (22) in order to stop the rotation of the hammer when a pre-determined number of impact sounds has been detected by the detecting means. In addition or in the alternative, various means for setting various operating conditions are taught, including dials 34, sound sensors 30, keypads and remote control devices 250. Further, means for performing maintenance condition status checks are taught.
US07896097B2	Electric power tool An electric power tool includes a planetary gear reduction mechanism, a switch mechanism, an impact mechanism, a hammer mechanism, a torque fixing mechanism, and a torque adjusting mechanism. The switch mechanism includes a driving member, a first driven member, and a second driven member. A switching member is provided on the electric power tool and connected to the driving member to move it, and the driving member may drive the first driven member and the second driven member respectively to start or shut the impact mechanism and the hammer mechanism.
US07896094B2	Beach cleaner A beach cleaner which scrapes up the litter along with sand and captures and deposits the churned up litter and sand in the mesh member. The beach cleaner 50 includes a frame; keel members, a scraper, and a tow portion that are disposed in a front portion of the frame; a mesh member disposed in a rear portion of the frame. The keel members and the scraper churn up litter scattered on sand ground, along with sand, while the beach cleaner travels on a surface of the sand ground by being towed by a towing vehicle. The churned up litter is deposited in the mesh member. Mesh of the mesh member is relatively rough at a front portion thereof in the traveling direction and finer at a rear portion thereof.
US07896077B2	Providing dynamic transient pressure conditions to improve perforation characteristics A transient overbalance condition is created in a wellbore interval such that a pressure of the wellbore interval is greater than a reservoir pressure in surrounding formation. Creating the transient overbalance condition causes a near-wellbore region of the formation to increase in pressure. The pressure in the wellbore interval is reduced at a rate that produces a relative underbalance condition in which the pressure in the wellbore interval is less than the pressure of the near-wellbore region of the formation, but the pressure in the wellbore interval is greater than the reservoir pressure.
US07896076B2	Rheology modifier for cement slurries Low-density cement slurries for cementing subterranean wells are described that comprise alkali swellable polymers as thickening agents that provide slurry stability. The polymers are preferably added as liquid latex dispersions, and may also comprise a surfactant that is present at a concentration below its critical micelle concentration. Particular utility is observed when the solid-volume fraction (SVF) of the slurry is less than about 40 percent. Also described are a method for increasing the viscosity of a cement slurry and methods for cementing a subterranean well.
US07896075B2	Subterranean treatment fluids with enhanced particulate transport or suspension capabilities and associated methods Subterranean treatment fluids that exhibit enhanced particulate transport or suspension capabilities, and associated methods of use in certain subterranean treatments are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a linear gelled fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a plurality of particulates, and a linear particulate transport enhancing additive, the linear gelled fluid having a certain yield stress, crossover frequency, and/or particulate settling time; introducing the linear gelled fluid into the subterranean formation; and using the linear gelled fluid to create or enhance at least one fracture in at least a portion of the subterranean formation.
US07896073B2	Apparatus for formation resistivity imaging in wells with oil-based drilling fluids Sequential measurements are made using a two terminal resistivity imaging device wherein the measure electrodes are activated sequentially with the remaining electrodes in a floating mode. This eliminates the hardware requirements for focusing electrodes, prevents galvanic leakage between proximal electrodes and the effects of mutual coupling between circuits including proximal electrodes.
US07896068B2	Activation mechanism applicable for oilfield chemicals products A product suitable for use in an oilfield environment is described, the product comprising: a first component; a first layer surrounding the first component, wherein the first layer is made of a protective material able to protect the first component from surrounding oilfield environment; a first susceptor, wherein the first susceptor is able to interacts with a magnetic field to generate heat.
US07896064B2	Plate-type heat exchanger A heat exchanger includes a housing and a core having a shell. The shell may have an upper wall, a lower wall, and a pair of opposed side walls interconnecting the upper and lower walls to define at least part of an enclosure in which a fluid may be received. The housing may have an upper plate adjacent to the upper wall, a lower plate adjacent to the lower wall and a pair of side plates each adjacent to a separate one of the side walls. The upper plate may be connected to the lower plate and the side plates may be connected together to support the upper wall, lower wall and side walls of the shell. The support provided by the housing may, in at least some applications, permit use of a lower strength and less expensive shell.
US07896063B2	Heat exchanger structure for battery module A fan blows air across a battery package, which includes battery modules in a holder. The holder includes fins, configured such that air contact areas of battery modules at an upstream part are smaller than those at a downstream part. The fins at the upstream part may be longer than those at the downstream part. Alternatively, fins at a first side of the battery modules may be longest at the upstream part. Fins at a second side may be shortest at the upstream part. An air channel between the fins and the battery modules narrows from the upstream part to the downstream part. The fins at the upstream part may be closer to corresponding battery modules than those at the downstream part. Each fin may define a substantially rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, each fin may have an inclined surface on an upstream side and/or a declined surface on a downstream side.
US07896062B2	Tractor cooling system A cooling system for a work vehicle is disclosed that includes first and second heat exchangers disposed one above the other to create two discrete flow paths. The upper heat exchanger is an engine water cooler and the lower heat exchanger may be an intercooler, an oil cooler or a refrigerant condenser. The lower heat exchanger is disposed forward of the upper heat exchanger. Additional heat exchangers may be positioned in front of the first and second heat exchangers to provide additional cooling. The first and second heat exchanger may be cross-flow heat exchangers conducting the fluid to be cooled laterally through the core of the heat exchanger.
US07896061B2	Product having improved zinc erosion resistance The objective of the present invention is to provide a product that is superior in barrier properties (for example, zinc erosion resistance and anti-adhesive property), abrasion resistant property, surface hardening property, thermal stability and life-time prolonging property. The product, which is made in direct contact with molten metal containing zinc in a molten state, is characterized by including an iron-tungsten alloy coating that is applied to a part or the whole of the surface of the product that comes directly in contact with the molten metal.
US07896056B2	Manually operated venetian blind In one embodiment, a manually operated internal Venetian blind for raising/lowering a plurality of slats is disclosed, and comprises a stationary bearing housing, a longitudinally displaceable bifurcated bearing block, a counterweight interconnected to the bearing block and housing at least one internal magnet, and a first linearly displaceable actuator disposed outwardly to one of two glass sheets and provided with at least one external magnet at a fixed distance from the internal magnet. The displacement of the first actuator is significantly less than the displacement of the longitudinally lowest slat due to the winding of central cords around a ball bearing housed within the bearing block. In another embodiment, a device for tilting the slats to which two outer cords are affixed is provided with two laterally oriented sides and an annular protrusion rotatably supported by a suitable assembly secured to a support surface and transversally extending outwardly from each laterally oriented side, such that the tilting device is rotatable about a transversal axis coincident with the axis of the annular protrusions. An external blind is also disclosed.
US07896054B2	Machine for fitting and removing wheel tires for vehicles A machine for fitting and removing wheel tires for vehicles includes a supporting structure of a clamping and rotating device for clamping and rotating the wheel rim and an operating head for fitting/removing a tire onto/from the rim. The operating head has a removal tool associated with a first actuator and turnable between a first clamping position in which the tool is tilted towards the rotation axis of the rim, and a second entrainment position in which the tool extends along a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rim. The operating unit includes an arrangement for transforming the movement generated by a second actuator into the sideways movement of the operating head along a curved direction and near and away to a section of the annular flange of the rim.
US07896052B2	Bonding apparatus and bonding method The present invention is a bonding apparatus which bonds a first object to be bonded and a second object to be bonded by bringing a bonding member into contact with an upper surface of the second object to be bonded placed on an upper surface of the first object to be bonded and ultrasonically vibrating the second object to be bonded by the bonding member, and the bonding member includes: a contact portion brought into contact with the second object to be bonded; and a holding portion holding the second object to bonded. With this structure, it is possible to prevent the object to bonded from sliding sideways to thereby properly bond the objects to be bonded to each other, even with a low pressing force.
US07896048B2	Chucks and use in processing toroidal structures A chuck and a chuck system, and a method for processing a toroidal structure such as a tire carcass. The carcass includes an internal circumference and tapered ends. The chuck system comprises a plurality of chucks wherein each chuck includes a circumferential or substantially circumferential external surface and a plurality of friction reducing members positioned on the external surface. The friction reducing members are positioned to engage the internal circumference of the toroidal structure such as a tire. The method of processing a tire carcass includes positioning the tire carcass on fixed diameter chucks having friction reducing members on the external surface.
US07896045B2	Apparatus for delivering air through powered axle assemblies An apparatus for delivering air through a powered axle assembly and an improved powered axle assembly which incorporates the apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a base attachable to a non-rotating structure within the axle assembly and a rotor mountable in the axle assembly for rotating with the drive axle and for forming an air chamber between the rotor and the base. The base includes at least one air inlet for delivering air to the air chamber and the rotor includes at least one air outlet for air flow out of the chamber.
US07896043B2	Vehicle wheel with sub air chamber and pressure sensor A wheel body includes a wheel body including a disk and a rim fixed to an outer circumference of the disk for supporting a tire for the vehicle; an air pressure sensor unit for detecting a pressure in an air chamber in the tire with transmitter; a sub air chamber member on the rim for reducing a magnitude of a resonance sound generated by an air column defined by the air chamber defined by the rim and the tire. The air pressure sensor unit and the sub air chamber member are disposed in a circumferential direction of the wheel so as to cancel out one unbalance mass distribution of the vehicle wheel in the circumferential direction of the wheel caused by disposing the air pressure sensor by another unbalance mass distribution of the wheel in the circumferential direction caused by disposing sub air chamber member.
US07896042B2	Hinge and strike plate mortise kit A kit for forming mortises in door edges and door frames for flush-mounting door hinges, strike plates and latch plates is provided. The kit generally includes a template holder and a plurality of templates mountable to the template holder. The templates provide guides for various size hinges, strike plates or latch plates. The template holder includes an adjustment mechanism for easily adapting the template holder from doors having a first thickness to doors having a second thickness. The adjustment mechanisms include a rotatable cam and knob. The kit may optionally include an alignment schedule providing distances for locating the templates relative to a door end or a frame. Further, the templates may include tab engagement slots for engaging a tape measure.
US07896041B2	Dust collection attachment A dust collection attachment is disclosed that is adapted to be coupled to a base. A barrier coupled to the pan includes a plurality of bristles that create an opening to the pan between the base and the barrier in order to prevent debris generated by a tool from passing through the barrier, yet allowing passage of the tool through the barrier.
US07896040B2	Clamp type mortising jig A clamp type mortising jig is described that allows the user to create a slot mortise in a workpiece clamped in the jig, using a plunge router. The jig includes a clamp that includes a movable jaw assembly and a fixed jaw with a template carriage slidably mounted between them. Router guide templates can be replaceably mounted in the template carriage.
US07896037B2	Water cooler caddy A water cooler caddy device for use in conjunction with a water cooler or other beverage dispenser. The water cooler caddy has an arcuate inner surface as an interface with the water bottle and is sized such that it may be placed over the water bottle and slid down so that it either rests on an upper surface of the water cooler, or is supported by the side of the water bottle. The water cooler caddy may have a gap in the circumference so that the radius of the inner surface may be temporarily increased to facilitate installation. Partitions are used to form compartments to contain service items.
US07896032B2	Method and device for lining pipe The present invention is a new liner assembly for use in pipes constructed from a flexible liner formed from a resin absorbent material. A compressible material, such as stitch-bond or foam, is attached to one or more sides of the liner for forming a taper along the compressible material when the liner is cured in place in the pipe using a curable resin and an expandable bladder to shape the liner to match the inside shape of the pipe. A taper is formed along the compressible material from the inside of the liner down to the inside of the pipe in which the liner is placed. As a result, a taper prevents accumulation of solid materials at the location of the pipe repair and thus prevents future clogging of the pipe at the repair.
US07896029B2	Four-way valve In a four-way valve having a simple structure, even if a high-temperature refrigerant and a low-temperature refrigerant flow close to each other, heat loss between both refrigerants is suppressed. The valve comprises a housing member including a valve chamber, a valve seat including a bearing surface portion located in the valve chamber, a first channel through which a high-temperature fluid flows and a second channel through which a low-temperature fluid flows at a predetermined time, including openings adjacent to each other at a bearing surface portion of the valve seat, passing through the valve seat and extending outside of the valve chamber, and a valve element moving to the bearing surface portion of the valve seat. A thermal resistor portion suppressing heat transfer between these channels is located near the openings, between the first and second channels.
US07896025B2	Valve body A valve assembly for controlling water flow to a water delivery device. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a valve cartridge sealingly received within the valve body.
US07896016B2	Hub assembly A hub assembly for use in collapsible structures, said assembly having: a hub body (20) having a centre opening and a plurality of slots extending from the centre opening to a periphery of the hub body (20), a cover (22) disposable in the centre opening, a plurality of flexible members (24) having a plurality of first portions and a plurality of second portions, the first portion being disposed in the slots and a plurality of poles (26) coupled to the second portions of the flexible members (24) by a plurality of hinges (28), wherein the flexible members (24) are operable to move about a plurality of interface points (36) between the first portions and the second portions to rotate each of the poles having a constant rotating centre between a close position and an open position.
US07896004B2	Trachael intubation tube fixing device with suction tube insertion opening Disclosed is a tracheal intubation tube fixing device for securing an airway in the patient's respiratory tract and inducing the artificial respiration of a patient in the intensive care unit or under a general anesthesia operation. The device includes a body to surround the patient's face and mouth and including an airway securing block, a suction tube insertion opening, an intubation tube insertion hole and band fixing holes, a pivotal fixing member to fix an inserted intubation tube, a coupling structure to assure free entrance and exit of the pivotal fixing member into and out of the intubation insertion hole, a padding member attached to Velcro tapes of the body, and a holding member configured to closely surround the patient's rear neck and coupled to the body via the band fixing holes to prevent the body from being moved from a wearing position thereof.
US07896001B2	Pressure-responsive device and associated method of manufacture There is provided a pressure-responsive device (40) suitable for use in an inhaler, the pressure-responsive device (40) comprising a closed frame (42) over which is fixed a membrane (44), a tongue (46) being supported on the membrane (44). Two upstanding wings (50) are integrally moulded with the tongue (46) and incorporate square apertures (52). A method of manufacturing the pressure-responsive device (40) is also provided.
US07895999B2	Cooking appliance In one aspect the invention discloses a gas cooktop which is relatively easy to clean and which is not visually complex. The gas cooktop surface is provided with a trivet having two operating conditions. In a first condition the trivet is retracted and is substantially flush with the cooktop surface. In a second condition the trivet is extended to support a cooking vessel above a gas burner. In another aspect the invention discloses an improved gas burner with a high turn-down ratio. The improved burner includes first and second gas flow passages, a flame front locator, in one of the passages and a burner head. Fuel gas is injected into an end of one of said passages and is ignited to establish a flame at the flame front locator. Secondary combustion air is provided through the other of the passages which on a high setting enables secondary combustion and on a low setting may mix with the hot gases and cool them resulting in a lower temperature at the cooking vessel.
US07895996B2	Illuminating rear bow sight with self contained power and light source An illuminating rear bow sight with a self contained illumination means and power source is disclosed. The sight hereby satisfies the need of archers and hunters for a less cumbersome, quieter and more efficient rear bow sight that will provide a clear view of the target and sighting pins and enable a more accurate shot downrange. This sight is mounted directly within the strings of a multi-string bowstring. The power source contained internally in the structure of the disclosed rear bow sight is a stick-type battery with an LED light mounted to the end of said battery. The target is sighted over a V-shaped portion of the sight, which is illuminated via internal LED light to allow the shooter a clearer view of the target and sighting pins.
US07895986B2	Diesel engine and fuel injection nozzle therefor A fuel injection nozzle for a diesel engine. The fuel injection nozzle may include a plurality of injection hole groups, each having two injection holes respectively. A distance between the two injection holes, an angle between longitudinal axes of the two injection holes and an angle between horizontal axes of said two injection holes of each injection hole group are each set such that fuel sprays injected from said two injection holes will form a single fuel spray cloud after the fuel sprays collide with a side wall of a combustion chamber formed in a top surface of a piston of the engine, and such that the distance between collision points of the fuel sprays will be in a predetermined range in which a penetration force of said fuel spray cloud along a longitudinal direction of said combustion chamber received after collision with said wall of said combustion chamber is at or near a predetermined maximum value.
US07895984B2	Intake device of internal combustion engine An intake passage is formed by connecting upper and lower cases 10, 20 of an intake manifold. The lower case 10 has a recessed portion 50 on an inner surface 17a. The recessed portion 50 has a deep surface 53 to which a negative pressure outlet port 42 opens, and an opening 51 is provided in an upper portion of the recessed portion 50. The upper case 20 has a projecting portion 60 extending further downwards towards the negative pressure outlet port 42 than mating surfaces 10a, 20a and projects into the recessed portion 50 through an opening 52. The projecting portion 60 is positioned above the negative pressure outlet port 42 and between the negative pressure outlet port 42 and the inner surface 17a. A lower end portion 63 of the projecting portion 60 is formed into an arc-like shape of which central portion 65 projects downwards.
US07895980B2	Valve timing adjusting device A valve timing adjusting device includes a housing, a first vane rotor, a second vane rotor, a biasing device, and a limiting device. The second vane rotor is coaxial with the first vane rotor. The biasing device has a first end engaged with the first vane rotor and a second end engaged with the second vane rotor. The biasing device biases one of the first and second vane rotors in the advance direction, and biases the other one in the retard direction. The limiting device allows the first vane rotor to rotate relative to the second vane rotor when pressure of working fluid is lower than a preset level, and limits the first vane rotor from rotating relatively when the pressure is not lower than the preset level.
US07895977B2	Device for the safe handling of nonhuman primates A device for the safe handling of nonhuman primates includes a transparent elongated body having a top end and a bottom end. A ventilated lid is attached to the top end of the body by means of a hinge and includes a positive locking arrangement. The bottom end of the body is removably connected to a base which has first and second springs attached thereto. The body includes a plurality of apertures into which are positioned a plurality of inserts. Inserts proximate the bottom of the body include projections which are positioned under the first and second springs to maintain the body on the base.
US07895975B2	Pet food bowl with integral protrusion for preventing aspiration of food A pet food bowl is provided with an integral protrusion that helps to prevent inadvertent aspiration of food by the animal. Particularly for dogs, some feeding behaviors are characterized by swallowing large amounts of food. The protrusion in the bowl separates the food into a peripheral channel within the bowl, and the dog therefore cannot simultaneously secure large amounts of food into its mouth. The protrusion is centrally oriented and extends from the base of the bowl, thereby causing the food to be uniformly distributed within the channel.
US07895974B2	Livestock feeder A livestock feeder is provided having a receptacle, a grate, a platform and an elevator mechanism. The receptacle has a chamber and an open mouth portion communicating with the chamber. The grate encompasses the open mouth portion. The platform is provided in the chamber for supporting livestock feed. The elevator mechanism is provided between the receptacle and the platform to urge the platform within the receptacle toward the grate to press the livestock feed against the grate.
US07895971B2	Microwave plasma processing apparatus A microwave plasma processing apparatus which easily ensures uniformity and stability of plasma in response to changes of process conditions and the like. The microwave plasma processing apparatus generates plasma of a process gas in a chamber by microwave and performs plasma processing to a work to be processed by using the plasma. On a plate composed of a conductor covering the outer circumference of a microwave transmitting board, two or more holes for propagating microwave from an edge part of the microwave transmitting board to an inner part of the plate are formed. Volume adjusting mechanisms and adjust the volume of the holes to adjust impedance of each unit when the microwave transmitting board is divided into individual units to which each of the holes belongs, and electric field distribution of the microwave transmitting board is controlled.
US07895961B2	Anchor protector An anchor protector attaches to a protruding stock of a boat anchor and minimizes damage from impact with the protruding stock. The anchor protector is buoyant and can accommodate the protruding stock of various diameters.
US07895959B1	Differential tiller arms for marine vessels Advanced steering system designs for marine vessels which incorporate non-linear tiller arms for rudder control, designed for creating different turning radii for discrete rudders. Differential tiller anus are utilized to create distinct angular displacement of the separate rudders in turning maneuvers, which enhance control and maneuverability of the marine vessels.
US07895954B2	Portable, nesting voting booth A voting booth that is easily transported between a polling-facility and a storage facility, easy to set up, and efficiently stored with other voting booths when not in use. The voting booth comprises an inclined private semi-enclosure and a leg assembly in a nesting configuration. The leg assembly optionally includes a plurality of casters. The voting booth components are configured to allow modular grouping and nesting with voting booths of like construction. The voting booth is light-weight and has a high degree of mobility. The nesting ability provides for efficient storage by minimizing the space needed to store multiple voting booths.
US07895950B2	Long rail pick-up and delivery system A long rail pick-up and delivery system providing increased efficiency and safety. The long rail pick-up and delivery system can include a power car, a rail train, a loading car, an unloading car, a transition car and two independent gantries. The dual gantry design allows for simultaneous and independent loading and unloading of long rail on both sides of the long rail pick-up and delivery system. The gantries are operably mounted on a elevated track whereby the gantries are capable to traversing the length of the rail train. The gantries can include booms having multiple degrees of freedom allowing a gripping head to grasp and pull long rail regardless of the resting attitude of the long rail. The long rail pick-up and delivery system can also include additional power cars, an integrated work station and additional gantries.
US07895947B1	Weapon fuse method A warhead fuse mechanism is used to prevent an accidental explosive event of a warhead by positioning a booster lead carrier, having a booster lead segment, positioned between the warhead detonator and warhead explosive. In a safe position the booster lead segment is off-set from alignment with the warhead detonator and warhead explosive. The warhead fuse is armed by rotating either the warhead detonator or booster lead carrier to align the warhead detonator and booster lead segment to form a detonation chain between the warhead detonator and warhead explosive.
US07895943B2	Rotary fan press A system for extracting liquid from a mass comprising a portable platform having an upper surface, a system mass input, a polymer feeding and blending system on the upper surface, a liquid extraction assembly on the upper surface, and piping having a first section between the system mass input and the polymer feeding and blending system, and a second section between the polymer feeding and blending system and the liquid extraction assembly. The system is configured to have mass inputted into the system mass input, transport the mass to the polymer feeding and blending system through the first section of the piping, inject polymer into the mass in the polymer feeding and blending system, and transport the mass from the polymer feeding and blending system to the liquid extraction assembly. Pressure from mass forced into the liquid extraction assembly forces liquid in the mass to exit the mass.
US07895942B2	Barbecue firebox and method of operation A barbecue cooking apparatus is provided. The barbecue cooking apparatus includes a firebox comprising a housing having solid walls. A charcoal tray is disposed within the housing, and one or more vents are disposed in the housing above the charcoal tray. One or more vents are disposed in the charcoal tray. An upper interior chamber within the housing above the charcoal tray is configured to hold wood and charcoal. A lower interior chamber within the housing below the charcoal tray is configured to provide a volume for the collection of wood ash. A duct is attached to the housing and forms a passageway from the lower interior chamber for heated air and wood smoke.
US07895940B2	Edible container apparatus and method of manufacture A method and apparatus are provided for forming and baking an edible cone-shaped container, the container being of a bread dough provided with a light, flaky texture by the inclusion of solid flaked fat pieces in the dough mixture and the cone formed by an initial forming and cooking step followed by multiple baking steps.
US07895939B2	Dual mode tea flask A tea flask has a body, a sleeve, a strainer and a lid. The sleeve of the tea flask is mounted sealably on the body, the strainer is mounted in the sleeve, and the lid is mounted sealably on the sleeve to cover the strainer. When using the tea flask, the lid is removed from the sleeve, tealeaves are added to the strainer, and hot water is poured into the body. The lid is mounted on the sleeve of the tea flask. Then, the tea flask is inverted to let the tealeaves steep in the hot water. Seals on the sleeve and lid of the tea flask prevent hot water from leaking out the body. When ready, lid attached to the strainer is removed and tea is poured. This is more hygienic, ensures better taste since the tealeaves do not become stewed and prevent the strainer scalding or burning people.
US07895931B2	Electro magnetic countermeasure launcher A system for launching a countermeasure device is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system uses an electromagnetic catapult to throw a countermeasure payload, wherein the azimuth, elevation, and propulsive force of the electromagnetic catapult are controllable.
US07895930B2	Weapon mount A mobile remotely controlled robot includes a robot platform and a robot arm maneuverable with respect to the robot platform. A housing is configured to be removably mounted to the robot arm. A sleeve is translatable with respect to the housing for receiving a weapon therein. There is a gear rack on the sleeve and a pinion gear, rotatably disposed in the housing, is engaged with the gear rack. A braking subsystem resists rotation of the pinion gear when the gear rack translates upon firing of the weapon.
US07895926B2	Die cutting under vacuum through rollers In a process and apparatus for cutting a sheet material, one or more sheets of the material are placed over a die attached to a die board. A cutting pad is placed over the sheet material. Seals are placed around or between the die board and cutting pad to create an enclosure. A vacuum is created in the enclosure or between the die board and cutting pad so as to draw the die board and cutting pad together and compress the sheets of material. The resulting assembly is passed through a roller press to cut the sheets of material. A process or apparatus for mounting dies to a die board or stripping scrap from between dies and a quick release fastener are also described.
US07895920B2	Open end ratchet wrench A ratchet wrench devised for torquing axially placed hexagonal nut fasteners on hydraulic or similar lines. The wrench is formed of two main components: The first component consists mainly of a straight elongated handle with a semi-circular collar head attached thereto opening to one side. The collar houses three identical metal inserts which when assembled therein form half a peripherally ratcheting wheel with half an axial inner hexagonally shaped socket of predetermined dimensions. The second main component comprises a second mirror-image semi-circular collar housing identical metal inserts, with a tangentially protruding pin member which slides into a slot disposed in the first component. The two components assembled together form a ratcheting wrench with a wheel having an axial hexagonal slot which circumscribes the fastener to be torqued. A spring-biased pawl disposed in the main component engages the ratchet wheel. Spring-biased latches and other mechanisms disposed within the wrench head provide smooth and fast engagement and disengagement of the two head components.
US07895916B2	Operating device having retained operating lever A vehicular operating device includes a lever movably attachable at one end to a housing such as a steering column such that the lever is pivotable relative to the housing between different positions. A connector connectable to the housing is adjacent to the first end of the lever and is in communication with the hollow body of the lever. A catch line having first and second ends runs through the hollow body of the lever with the first end of the catch line being connected to the connector and the second end of the catch line being connected to the second end of the lever. Upon the lever breaking, the catch line secures the lever to the connector as the catch line is connected to both of the second end of the lever and the connector to thereby prevent the lever from breaking away from the housing.
US07895915B2	Organ type accelerator pedal assembly An organ type accelerator pedal assembly may include a pedal arm, one end of which is connected to a pedal housing fixed to a dash panel below the driver's seat to pivot around the central axis of the one end thereof, a pedal, one end of which is pivotably hinged to a pedal bracket fixed to a floor panel under the driver's seat, a pedal connection module that connects the other end of the pedal arm with the other end of the pedal by using a ball joint connection.
US07895914B2	Command device for a bicycle gear change A command device for a bicycle gear change, comprising: a rotating drum (2) provided with a rotation axis (x) and being predisposed to rotate in opposite directions in order to wind at least a portion of a change-activating cable (3) on a lateral surface of the rotating drum (2); means for rotating, predisposed on command to rotate the rotating drum (2) in opposite directions according to predetermined angular steps; means for retaining predisposed to hold the rotating drum (2) in a position in absence of commands made to the means for rotating. The rotation axis (x) of the rotating drum (2) is perpendicular with respect to an advancement direction of the bicycle, that is, parallel to the rotation axis of the front wheel of the bicycle.
US07895913B2	Spiral cam clutch actuation system A power transmission device for a motor vehicle includes a clutch for transferring torque between first and second shafts. A clutch actuation system includes a drive member and a cam member in cooperation with one another. The drive member is driven by an electric motor and includes first and second rollers rotatably mounted thereon. The cam member includes first and second circumferentially extending channels, each having a continually reducing radius. The first and second channels are separate from and overlap one another. The first roller is positioned within the first channel to engage the drive member and the cam member. The second roller is positioned within the second channel to engage the drive member and the cam member such that relative rotation between the drive member and the cam member translates the cam member along an axis of relative rotation to vary the force applied to the clutch.
US07895912B2	Power transmission controlling apparatus A power transmission controlling apparatus for controlling a power transmission mechanism provided with a main transmission 2 and an auxiliary transmission 2 to be operated in any one of the changeable high and low speed output states. The auxiliary transmission 20 is operative to perform a changing operation to change one of the high and low speed output states into the other thereof when outputting a drive power and constructed to return its starting position when the changing operation is brought out of an allowable condition preliminarily set based on the operation states of the main transmission 20 in the time period from the time the changing operation starts to the time the changing operation is finished so that the changing operation can be smoothly and stably performed with no unpleasant gear noises.
US07895911B2	Shift control device for a vehicle A shift control device in which a number of times that an angle change amount per a defined time period is successively equal to or less than a determined value is calculated, when a rotation angle of a shift shaft is equal to or more than a threshold value. In addition, an abutting state determination is performed that determines whether the number of times is equal to or above a threshold value, and if it is determined that there is an abutting state (namely, the shift shaft has reached an actual mechanical maximum rotation angle), processing shifts to an engagement process of a shift clutch.
US07895908B2	Load detecting device The present invention related to a load detecting apparatus which comprises a hollow cylindrical strain body (11) provided with, on an outer peripheral surface or an inner peripheral surface thereof, at least one strain detecting element (16, 18, 19, 20); a first member (21) fixed to an one axial end of the strain body to close an opening, and a second member (24) fixed to an other axial end of the strain body. One of the second member and the first member receives a load in a direction orthogonal to an axis of the strain body, so that a shearing force is applied to the strain body.
US07895907B2	Method of measuring the tensile stressing of a moving web In a method for measuring the tensile stress of a running web, force sensors (7) are connected in the form of a Wheatstone bridge (11). An amplifier (18) amplifies a diagonal voltage (17) of the Wheatstone bridge (11). In order to be able to detect whether at least one of the force sensors (7) is defective, the Wheatstone bridge (11) can be loaded using at least one resistor (26) by means of at least one switch (24, 25). Comparing the measured values, with loading, with the measured values, without loading, determines whether the force sensors (7) of the Wheatstone bridge (11) are functional. Otherwise, an active error signal (28) is output.
US07895906B2	Sensor system including a magnetized shaft A sensor includes a shaft and a magnetic sensor. The shaft may have at least one magnetized active region. The magnetic sensor may be configured to sense a magnetic field about the shaft, and may provide an output representative of torque applied to the shaft, shaft rotational speed and shaft rotational position.
US07895903B2	Method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of a fluid flowing within a pipe A method and apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided and includes at least one sensing device. The at least one sensing device includes a first sensor segment having a first segment polarity and being associated with a first outer portion of the pipe and a second sensor segment having a second segment polarity and being associated with a second outer portion of the pipe, wherein the first sensor segment and the second sensor segment generate sensor data responsive to the fluid flowing within the pipe. The apparatus further includes a processing device communicated with the at least one sensing device, wherein the processing device receives the sensor data and processes the sensor data to determine the at least one characteristic of the fluid.
US07895898B2	Negative pressure gauge with a multi-stage positioning means A negative pressure gauge includes a body and a multi-stage positioning means. The body is provided with an airflow passage. The multi-stage positioning means includes a rotary piece and a cover plate. The rotary piece is pivotally connected to the body and is provided with positioning recesses and venting troughs. The cover plate covers the rotary piece and is fixedly connected to the body. The cover plate extends to form a positioning protrusion corresponding to the positioning recesses. When the rotary piece rotates with respect to the cover plate, the positioning recesses allow the positioning protrusion to be selectively positioned therein and control the communication or obstruction between the venting troughs and the airflow passage.
US07895897B2	Sensor assembly and use of a sensor assembly A sensor assembly consists of a metallic pressure sensor cap welded to a tubular gland, which integrally forms a sealing edge on its one end opposing the pressure sensor cap side, a housing part, which has an opening formed therein such that the gland can penetrate the same, and a gland nut being turnably supported on a projecting portion of the gland for attaching the sealing edge to a process port. A stepped portion of the sensor cap is welded to a stepped portion of the gland, and the housing part is fixed to the outside surface of the gland in a position between the sensor cap and the sealing edge. Here, the sensor cap has an outer diameter, which is smaller than or equal to an outer diameter of the gland, so that the sensor cap being welded to the gland beforehand can be fitted into the opening of the housing part.

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